Because it's Friday

I've been in a really superb mood all day. My friend Julie wrote about being in a similar mood today. I'm just happy today. I started my day by saying that nothing was going to get me down and damnit I was going to have a good day. Much to my surprise it's working. I don't know if it's because it's Friday or what, but I'm taking it and running with it.

I've written a few times today, but this particular thing deserved it's own post. I subscribe to this daily newsletter called Outblush. They send you daily finds they find on the internet. Some are great, some are amusing, some are hilarious, some are just plain weird and some are useless. It's really an eclectic mix of crap. But I like it.

Well this afternoon, while going through my inbox, I see one post in Outblush that catches my eye...

Thanks Urban Outfitters

Seriously only the greatest friggin thing I've ever seen! If you're a commuter like me, it's unbelievable the stuff you see while driving or how moronic people can really be. OR how.freaking.rude.people.can.really.truly.be. But now? Now I have Cure For Road Rage Shticks. Seriously check out their blurb on the shticks...

Traffic is frustrating at the best of times, mania-inducing at the worst. OB staffers have seen people doing everything at the wheel: eating, texting, smoking a joint, having sex (we shudder to think about the flexibility needed for the dismount). Don’t get us started on tailgaters and the like… Oh dear, there goes the blood pressure again. As a health & safety measure, we’ve bought Cure for Road Rage Schticks for each OB staffer. Each set includes 10 double-sided signs with 18 pre-printed expressions like “Jackass” and “Are you DRUNK?”, plus a DIY wipe-clean sign for those moments when you need to say something extra-special. [Thanks, Margaux!]

Thank you Outblush for posting the best thing I've seen today besides this.

These totally make my day and I wish I had a set of my own although I don't think I'd have the guts to use them and I don't have tinted windows. Probably not the best idea. I'll just continue to think the words instead of giving drivers that tick me off a visual representation of what I'm thinking. :)

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It's like crack

When I really like something or if I'm really in to something lately I've been saying "it's like crack!" I'm not sure where I got it from, but it could have been from my old (please note the old part not as in age but as in I no longer see) internist. I went in for a major sinus infection and he prescribed me a nasal spray. As I sat there on the paper covered little bed, him on his swivel stool, glasses on the end of his nose...he asks: "Have you ever used a nasal spray?" Me: "No." Doc: "Well it's easy. You just place it up your nose, squirt and snort it. You snort it just like crack." he pauses... "Surely you've had crack before - you're young. It's just like crack - you've done crack before right?" my response "Umm no. That I have not." I'm thinking I need a new doctor. He proceeds... "Well that's probably a good thing. It's not that great and it's addicting." Umm you think??!!

Needless to say I did not go back to that doctor again. Crack. Really?

So on to my real point...I, for some reason, have been referring the yummy goodness of things to the likeness of crack. Purely just a figure of speech of course, but yes like crack.

Take for instance on Wednesday night Hubby and I went to get some Mexican food. The waiter if we wanted more chips and salsa and I replied, "Yes, please!! That stuff is like crack!" He looked at me and laughed.

Want to know something else that is like "crack"? Kettle Corn. I am in love with Kettle Corn thanks to A&M basketball games. They make the best Kettle Corn I've ever had in my life...until now. I have found something comparable if not even better...

Last weekend while shopping at HEB with Hubby I saw on an end cap a red bag with the words "Kettle Corn" and "No Trans Fat" - my heart skipped a beat and I begged Hubby to let me put it in the basket. Well I decided to bring some to work this week as my afternoon snack.

I proceed to open up my snack baggie of popcorn, reach in, grab a few kernels and pop them in my mouth. Sweet and salty goodness treats my taste buds and all the sudden I'm grabbing popcorn by the fistfuls and seeing just how much I can fit in my mouth at once. I decide I'd rather savor the flavor and I begin popping kernels in a few at a time but in record time. I'm all but licking the bag clean when my boss comes in, cocks her head, and asks what I'm doing.

Well since my cheeks are stuffed like a hamster storing his food for the winter it takes me a minute to respond. I take a quick swig of water and reply "OH.My.God. This stuff is seriously like crack!" I do tell her it's Kettle Corn and not crack flavored popcorn. She tells me what she needs to and leaves with a strange look on her face. Whatever. This is the best popcorn I've ever had.

If it tastes this great, it surely can't be good for you. Right? I went home yesterday intent on looking at how many pop ups of cellulite this would give me and how many ass cheeks I was adding by eating this stuff by the handful. Surprisingly enough it's not all that bad for you? I. Know. One serving is 2 cups and for that it's 130 calories, 5 g of fat, no trans fat, no saturated fat and only 6g of sugar. I was elated and proceeded to shove another handful in my mouth.

Finally a snack that really tastes great and won't add poundage to my already muffinish waist.

So in an eager attempt to get all of you to try my "crack" popcorn here's the info: It's by Popcorn Indiana and is actually made in Popcorn, Indiana! Who knew? So check our your local grocery store to see if you have it and definitely give it a try. That is if you like Kettle Korn. And if not...find something else to be your "crack".

I think I should find a new way of expressing my new found addictions for things or my taste bud love before someone really thinks I'm some type of junkie.

**Ha! Did you know you can have this stuff delivered to your door? Holy.Crap.

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My Husband Rocks

I read Type A Mommy's post on MHR and she talked about how her husband cleans the litter box. Well that got me to thinking about my hubby and our animal's poop, so .....

My husband rocks this week (well every week) because he picks up ALL of Boudreaux's poop every week and puts it into the trash on trash day. Our backyard would not look so awesome and be free of "land mines" without him.

He furminates Bou often to keep down on shedding too.

He's also really good about feeding Bou every morning, not that I wouldn't be, but he just takes care of it. That and vacuuming every week.

Thanks for all your help honey!

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I'm ridiculous

I'm crazy you know that? This morning...OK scratch that, back up...Yesterday one of my co-workers had on this really pretty necklace. Well I eyed it yesterday and figured I could make something comparable. It wouldn't be perfect or just like hers, but I was sure I could get it close. So I changed up what I was wearing today just so I could make the necklace before work this morning.

I started it at 6 am and was finished and back to getting ready by 6:30. I even ironed Hubby's clothes, did my hair and got ready to leave by 6:50. I'm on a freakish roll today :)

So here you are...my latest "morning" invention.

Invisible necklace and hoop earrings

Hoop earrings

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Writer's Workshop

It's Writer's Workshop time over at Mama's Losin' It again. Last week I was feeling down in the dumps so I wrote about 10 things I was sick of. So today, in hopes of putting my self in a really good mood for the rest of the day, I'm going to choose a prompt that's much brighter.

Today's prompt: List 10 things that make you HAPPY!

1. My husband - he's the best. I couldn't have asked for a better one. No matter how he may irk me, I love him so very much. He makes me extremely happy. (I'm so excited we're coming up on our 1 year wedding anniversary next weekend!!)

2. My big German Shepherd - almost 2 years old - puppy - rambunctious as he may be, you just can't be mad at a face as cute as that-or at least not for long.

3. Listening to music. There's something about it that just uplifts me and makes me so happy. I like to put in my headphones and have a mini rock concert in my head. A little Bon Jovi It's My Life comes to mind :) or put on some Jason Mraz to feel light and content.

4. My friends. It's great to have those girlfriends to lean on and share things with.

5. My family. They are awesome and I love them so very much.

6. Reading. I always loved to read. I lost that love in college as an English minor when in my last few semesters I had 22 books to read in 4 months or so...per semester. I've recently found my love for reading again by reading Nine Months in August, A Page Out of Life and the Twilight series.

7. Working out. As much as I will drag my feet that I don't want to go, the feeling I get afterwards is so rewarding. I feel energized and good about my body.

8. The outdoors. I find it so relaxing and invigorating. Whether it be the beach, fishing, walks, sitting under the stars...I love being outside.

9. Thinking. I love to think about the great things I've experienced in life. Reliving those great memories. Thinking of things in the future. Thinking of all I'm grateful for. That brings a smile to my face. I love to daydream.

10. Life. Life right now makes me happy. I'm at a really good place in my life right now and I feel the happiest I've ever been. I've been through a lot and to be where I am right now makes me pretty darn proud of myself. I've accomplished a lot and I still have a lot to do. Some may not like my overly positive attitude, but that is me. I am positive. Life is good right now, it makes me happy and I'm enjoying every minute of it as well as taking it all in. I don't wanna miss a thing!

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Wordless Wednesday

Courtesy of Kraft

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Menu Plan Monday - 25th

I'm late again this week on posting. With the holiday Monday and getting back into the swing of things at work, pulling my nose out of twilight...I've just been busy :) so without further ado...

Menu Plan for the week of May 25th

Monday: Holiday - Memorial Day Party
Tuesday: Taco Bake
Wednesday: Taco Bake leftovers
Thursday: Spaghetti with meat sauce and garlic ciabatta bread
Friday: Chicken fried chicken, corn, and mashed potatoes with gravy

Have a great week!

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You sure it was only 3 days?

WOW! You look forward to a 3 day weekend for days and weeks and it flies by faster than you know what!! I did really, really, really enjoy my 3 day weekend!! It was so nice...

Friday I got myself some pei wei, poured a glass of wine and caught up on all my dvr'd shows: the hills, gossip girl, so you think you can dance...I fell asleep on the sofa at 9:30. Is that sad or what!? So I decided to go to bed. Then for some reason I was afraid. Every noise, every creak, my dog was acting strange...needless to say it took me awhile to fall asleep.

Saturday morning I awoke (by alarm) at 7:15 to make sure the trash and recycling was at the curb. Hubby was adamant that I make sure that was done while he was gone. I figured he's been so kind to me that I would oblige. Well I couldn't go back to sleep so I ate breakfast and cracked open Twilight....and never put it back down!!!! Hubby got home around noon and I was glued to my book. We ran a few errands, but spent the majority of the afternoon with him laying on the couch watching the boob tube and me furiously flipping pages of the Twilight book. I finished it that night by the way :) Can we say addicting? I did however get ALL the laundry done inbetween chapters! Yea...go me!

Sunday Hubby, me, his dad, his brother, one of his co-workers & his wife went fishing in Galveston Bay. Do you think I took any pictures?? NO! I even made sure to bring my camera, but never took it out of dry storage for some reason. Anyways, we had a great time! I caught the largest speckled trout out of the whole group!! It was 18 inches I think!! I also caught a black drum and some Spanish mackerel. The rest of the group caught about the same except Hubby's co-worker caught a pompano. I had never seen one before, but it was a really cool looking fish. It's apparently out of the dolphin family. I caught a crab which got loose in the boat, so that was pretty funny!! The weather couldn't make up its mind though...one minute it was hot and steamy then the next it was black and storming. I did however wear some of my Neutrogena sunscreen - remember the one I gave away? - and it worked awesome!! I did not burn one bit! That's the first sunscreen I've ever used fishing that did not fail me! I highly HIGHLY recommend it! Overall I'd say we caught about 12-14 fish!

Monday hubby and I slept in and I made some very yummy french toast. We watched TV most of the morning and then went to his friend's house for their Memorial Day party. It was fun to relax and chit chat with some people. We also ran to the grocery store and to a few book stores to nab the next two books of the Twilight series so I can continue reading :) I definitely succumbed to the saga.

I had a very enjoyable three day weekend and I owe it completely to our troops. Without them we would not have the things we have today, the freedoms we have or the country we have. God bless the troops and all the men and women who have ever served. To you I am eternally grateful. Thank you for all that you do and have done.

I hope everyone else had a fabulous weekend. Anyone do anything exciting?? Please feel free to share.

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What's in my head

Ever feel like you just have a lot going on upstairs? Well I figured I would share with you all of it on this Friday that just so happens to be a holiday weekend! Hooray for no work on Monday!

~ I'm really really really wanting it to be 5 pm so I can head home.

~ What am I going to have for dinner tonight? Hubby's out of town so I really, technically could eat cereal for dinner, but I was really wanting a glass of wine tonight and I'm not sure that milk, quaker oatmeal squares and wine really go together. Sooooo do I splurge and go for take-out? I have a feeling tonight will be indecisive and will result in wine and a smorgasbord of other items.

~ I have the "newlywed" syndrome...the one that's Never Ever Want to Leave You...I'm ridiculous. You would figure after 9 years of being together that I would just be OK. No when he's gone I still miss him and when I can spend time with him that's all I want to do. I do enjoy the time I have by myself, but everything is just so much better with him. I know I need to get over this and not be like this. Football helps with it a lot because come July, I won't be seeing much of him and I have A LOT of spare time.

~ I'm planning on starting Twilight tonight. I've succumbed to it. All my friends have read it and I feel as though I need to read it too. I always love a good book so here it goes...to a probable addiction.

~ My boss told me today that he really didn't think my toe was broken. That is was merely dislocated. really? Wow that's interesting. My response to him? Well you know, I'm just going by what the x-rays said. I mean really? Who says something like that?

~ I am secretly looking forward to all my alone time tonight and tomorrow.

~ I really want to make nicer jewelry and use all real components, but I don't think I can afford that right now so I guess it's still silver plated...after all, it's really only me wearing the stuff.

~ I wish I had more time for all my crafts. I have great ideas, just never enough time to see them through.

~ I wore my hair curly today and it's funny to see people's reactions. They can't believe I really do have curly hair and then that I straighten it everyday. I should embrace it more often, because it is pretty and it's OH.So.Easy. and I like easy.

~ I feel as though I've had nothing worthwhile to write to you this week. I didn't want to do another questionnaire, even though I was dying to. So instead I'm boring you with all the thoughts rolling around in my head...don't really know what is worse...no post or rambling?

~ The human body is amazing to me. I really wish I could watch my toe heal. I kept asking Hubby questions: How does the bone know to automatically start healing? Does it start healing right away? Why does it only take 4 weeks?

~ My house is a wreck. I really should use the "free" time to straighten and organize as well as a few loads of laundry. But then I really want to just lay on the sofa, read my book, maybe do a little crafting...but then again I do get sick pleasure out of cleaning and organizing sometimes.

~ I have no motivation for some things. I hate that right now.

~ I had a total of 2 cupcakes this week. That is so not good for me losing weight. Well not even weight - just inches off my love handles and tummy. I'm afraid I'm going to be the chubby girl on vacation with my friends. ugh.

I guess that's it for now. Have a great Memorial Day weekend if I don't write again!

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My Husband Rocks

The Great Adventure typically hosts this, but I didn't see it on her blog today. I did see it over at Type A Mommy though. So here we go...

My husband has been majorly rockin' this week because of my broken toe. Sunday, he took me to the ER and gave me piggy back rides all day if I needed to get anywhere. He brought me anything I needed and made sure my foot was elevated and iced. He's also been splinting/wrapping my toes everyday.

He was funny after I broke my toe...I was thanking him for all he was doing and letting him know that I appreciated his efforts. His reply? "Well honey, didn't our vows include something like for better or worse or sickness and health? Well this is a worse and sickness." Thanks baby. I love you and you never cease to make me smile.

My husband has been very kind to me this week. He's going out of town today on a "guy's trip" and will return tomorrow. I told him last night that since he was out having fun that I was too. I was going to sit around the house and do whatever I wanted and that probably meant I wasn't going to clean. I told him I'd be waiting for him to help me Saturday evening and Sunday. His response: "Absolutely baby. You deserve it. You should totally just relax and enjoy the quiet time." Honey you really do rock.

I mean isn't that awesome? My hubby said I didn't have to clean and that I could sit around and he would help me upon his return.

My husband Rocks.

Is your husband rockin' this week? Tell me about it.

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Writer's Workshop

Mama's Losin' It hosts a Writer's Workshop every week. It's a lot of fun so go check it out if you have a chance.

I didn't get to participate last week, so I definitely wanted to this week.

Today's chosen prompt: List ten things you are currently sick of...

I am sick of:

1. traffic and my crazy commute home

2. people thinking I have a bad dog because he broke my toe

3. being made feel like I'm not good enough

4. not being used to my potential

5. worrying about what people think

6. my toe being broken and having to limp at a snail's pace

7. my house looking crazy - broken toes don't lend to cleaning too well

8. not seeing results from working out and eating decent

9. gas going up to astronomical rates

10. of hearing about the swine flu - stay healthy people and wash your hands!

Sorry today's Writer's Workshop is a rant!! But hey if you need to vent a little, today's prompt is perfect! :)

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One baby...

Do you remember me talking about MckMama or Stellan? Here's an old post from when he was in the hospital. There's also a button down my right side that says "Praying for Stellan." Go check out her blog if you haven't, it's absolutely fabulous.

Well Stellan was a very sick baby in utero with a rare heart condition. He was born perfectly fine and healthy but when he reached 4 months old, his heart condition returned. He was in the hospital for something like 5 weeks and had surgery as well. His mom, MckMama, blogged & tweeted about their journey along the way. Their story reached millions of people. Pictures flooded in of Stellan's name from all over the globe - the great wall of china, from Jerusalem, Africa, Haitian orphanages, Paris, Italy...when I say all over, I really mean all over.

It was amazing...that a little baby boy and his blogging mama could bring that many people together from all different continents to focus and pray for a little boy. That's amazing to me and I can't even begin to imagine how his mama feels. I know I would share their story with friends and people looked at me like I was crazy! That I was talking about and praying for a little boy and a family that I had never even met. I think it's pretty profound the impact this little boy has had on the world.

His mom made a comment about how it was once a baby boy who brought the world together - baby Jesus. I think her son, in his own way, has done the same. In a world where prayers are needed all the time, war is raging, politics are everywhere, economies are falling, natural disasters are occurring, race issues are still raging, poverty is growing...that people all over can put their own needs aside and pray for a little boy is amazing to me. There's so much bad in the world today - so to see something genuinely good gives me hope and makes me feel good.

Well their local news station did a story on Stellan and his family. If you would like to see it, please go here. It's very sweet.

Do you read Mckmama? What do you think about all of this? What do you think about the blog world and the opportunities and friends it creates? Please share your thoughts.

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Wordless Wednesday

Courtesy of the computer in my ER room

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Freaking Hilarious

If you have a sense of humor at all I think you will find this funny...either that or I'm WAY too easily amused!!

I found this today while checking an e-mail from Hallmark. It features those two crazy characters Hoops & Yoyo. My husband and I love their cards.

This video is so true!! Etiquette people. Etiquette!



Enjoy! :)

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Menu Plan - May 18th

I know I'm a bit late posting MPM this week, but because of my toe we never made it to the store until tonight. So I just figured out what we were having...better late than never!

Monday: Pesto sauce on fettuccine and garlic bread
Tuesday: Tuna salad sandwiches
Wednesday: BBQ chicken and fresh corn on the cob
Thursday: Taco bake
Friday: Taco bake leftovers (hubby out-of-town)
Saturday: Chicken fried chicken, mashed potatoes & gravy, corn

Please be sure to visit OrgJunkie if you have a chance - hey you may find a new recipe! Have a great week!

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yep, I've got nothing

Nothing worthwhile to write to you that is. I'm working on a few posts, but not sure when I will get them up. Basically I'm tired, my toe is throbbing and I would much rather be at home with hubby soaking up some of these beautiful rays of sunshine we're getting down here in the Lone Star state. BUT that's most definitely not the case as I'm in my office here on the 23rd floor surrounded by papers screaming at me to file them and my to do list nagging at me. Soooo in the meantime....here's a little something for you...

A big thanks to Remember Moments for posting this awhile back. She's saving my blog one questionnaire at a time :)

1. World Cup final, Olympic Games, Superbowl, World Series, NBA finals, Stanley Cup... which one would you like to attend?
Olympic Games for sure!

2. If you had boy/girl twins today, what would you name them?
Cameron Anthony & Brenna Elizabeth

3. 5 Biggest Purchases of 2008:
house, wedding, dog, furniture, honeymoon

4. What 3 words do you think of when I say Italy?
can.I.go

5. How fond of vegetables are you? Which ones are your favorite?
I'm a new lover of veggies as I didn't like nor eat them much as a kid. Now I l.o.v.e. squash, zucchini, broccoli, carrots, corn, black beans... I've newly discovered spinach and find that I like it at times.

6. If I were a character on "Friends" I'd be:
Ooo I like Rachel.

7. 5 of your pet peeves.
People cutting me off, people consistently breaking the rules, mean people, people who take up the whole aisle at the grocery store, people being rude for no reason

8. What was the last thing you regret buying?
Hmm lately I've been trying to make sure I buy things that are either useful or that I need. That and no regrets right?? But I regret buying that ciabatta bread and not eating it sooner because it grew mold :(

9. What three things come to your mind when I say the word “Fresh”?
fruit, baked bread, soap

10. Cheers, Mash, or Seinfeld?
Well...I never watched any of them as I'm too young for two of them. If I had to choose I choose Cheers.

11. I should be:
Umm working...

12. What is something that you really should get rid of, but haven’t:
Stuffed animals from childhood and other miscellaneous crap I have in a few boxes in my guest bedroom closet.

13. Do you think that a person can really change?
I think a person is who they are and you'll never change that, but I do believe everyone can make a conscious effort to "change" whether it be for themselves or for another. It depends on how much they want it and how much it means to them.

14. In your opinion, what is the best tv show that isn’t on the air anymore?
Hmm off the top of my head I can't for the life of me come up with anything. Any ideas??

15. Is it easier to forgive or forget?
I think sometimes forget. I'm like an elephant.

16. What do you order when you eat Chinese food?
If we go to Pei Wei I get the kids terriyaki bowl with brown rice. If we go to an actual Chinese place Hubby and I usually split sweet and sour chicken.

17. Is your blog a dirty little secret, or do you tell everyone you meet about it?
I tell my friends and family and I occasionally shamelessly post a link on facebook. It's not a secret :)

18. Your personal candy heart would say:
fairytale

19. You're having a bowl of soup. Your choice.
Mmmm potato no taco! definitely taco.

20. What can’t you miss?
I'm ridiculous with my tv shows sometimes...thank goodness for dvr. But really I don't like missing family gatherings!

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Beef and Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups

Here's another recipe I tried last week that Hubby and I really liked. It was fairly easy and the leftovers were great! I found this recipe here at Pillsbury Cooking for Two. As always, I altered this recipe a bit. Hubby and I like to have leftovers for lunch so I made a lot more than the actual recipe calls for. If you prefer to only make enough for two, click on the link above. Otherwise, you can follow my version of the recipe...

Beef and Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups

Prep Time: 35 min Total Time: 1 hr 15 min Makes: 5 servings

Ingredients

1 lb. lean ground beef
1 large jar of spaghetti sauce (I used Prego - 1lb 10oz jar)
3 egg whites
1 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (I used low fat)
6 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
3 teaspoons dried oregano leaves
1 package mozzarella cheese
10 lasagna noodles, boiled and pat dry
1 cup fresh baby spinach leaves, washed and stems removed

Heat oven to 350°. Boil lasagna noodles in large pot with some olive oil. When finished, drain water and pat noodles dry. Meanwhile, in large skillet brown beef until cooked thorough, drain. Stir in half of the pasta sauce. Remove from heat.

In bottom of ungreased 2 quart glass baking dish, spread 3 tablespoon of remaining pasta sauce on bottom of dish. In medium bowl, beat egg whites, stir in ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, oregano, and 3/4 of the package of mozzarella cheese. Tear washed and de-stemed spinach up into small bits and place in separate bowl or measuring cup.


Spread some of cheese mixture on noodle, followed by spinach and then some of the meat mixture. Gently roll each noodle into a roll and place seam side down in the baking dish.



Top roll-ups with remaining sauce and cover with foil.



Bake 30-40 minutes or until bubbly and thoroughly heated. Remove foil and top with remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake additional 2-4 minutes or until cheese is melted. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Enjoy!

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graduation and a broken toe

Friday hubby and I didn't do much other than make some awesome quesadillas and watch Australia. Saturday was his sister's college graduation. We had a really good time visiting with family and seeing his sister complete this great milestone!

The Cesari Family

Hubby and I

Well what was supposed to be a semi-uneventful weekend turned into much more of an ordeal than originally planned.

We got home late Saturday night and my brother-in-law ended up staying with us. We woke Sunday morning, I made muffins and we played with our dog...that's when the shit-teth hit-teth the fan. Our puppy has started this thing where he likes to play chicken...literally. He will run at you and instead of moving at the last minute he just runs straight into you. With a small dog this would not be a problem, but I have a 93.5 lb dog. He did this to Hubby 2 weeks ago and he hurt his shoulder.

So yesterday we were playing with Bou and he ran at my brother-in-law and me from down the hallway and before I even had time to think he knocked my feet out from under me, I flipped mid-air and my foot smacked the wall. This resulted in excruciating pain in my foot. My husband and my brother-in-law found in incredibly funny and were rolling around laughing. They saw I was not getting up and said "Valerie...are you laughing or crying?" Seriously what do you think I'm doing!! Ha - they are know for this response. I responded of course with crying.

They got me off the floor and I couldn't walk. We got to the sofa and my soon to be EMT brother-in-law states that my toe doesn't "look right." Great diagnosis buddy. So hubby gets our things and we head to the emergency room. 3.5 hours later and a few xrays doc tells me a I have a broken toe. He was like...your toe had a bad break - you must have hit it really hard. It completely broke in half. It was still lined up though so he didn't have to set it thankfully. So he gave me a roll of tape, a stack of paperwork and instructions to stay off my foot and no shoes. 30 minutes later we were finally free and had to walk back through the now jam-packed waiting room full of people in masks. I held my breath.

So my Sunday that was supposed to be filled with cleaning and organizing was filled with sofa lounging and piggy back rides from Hubby.

My poor chubby toe

Hubby and I in the exam room - I look like crap...I know.

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A Deer Thank You

On of my new favorite blogs Red Red Whine tagged me with the Deer Cupcake Award. I'm so excited and so honored to accept another award! This thrills me beyond belief! Thank you so much Red Red Whine.

The Rules: Respond and rework. Answer the questions on your blog, replace one question you dislike with a question of your own invention, and add one additional question.

What is your current obsession? Besides blogging?...making jewelry

Do you nap a lot?: Ugh! I would love to nap a lot, it just doesn't happen often.

Where are you right now? Work...I know, shame on me!

What's one of your favorite movies? National Treasure

What's one thing you're looking forward to? Vacation in 51 days to the Dominica Republic

Who was your childhood crush? I was never "into" boys at a young young age and then when boys were "cute" I met my husband so I guess I could say my husband is my childhood crush

What is your current favorite Song? I have a lot - alternative I like that Kings of Leon Song "Somebody" hip hop stuff I like the Lady Gaga "Poker Face" song and country I like the new Darius Rucker song "It won't be like this for long".

What would you like to get rid of? Junk in my house.

What is your favorite thing to do on a weekend night? Cuddle up with hubby and watch a movie.

If you had nothing planned to do today and no work, what would you do? I would first get rid of my broken toe so I could clean the house, get all the laundry done, get groceries then sit outside with a good book and enjoy the nice weather.

If money was not an issue, what is one thing you would purchase for yourself? I would pay off my house so we could save money and be able to buy other things like new cars :)

What's your favorite drink? Dos Equis with Lime.

Now it's your turn... I tag:

Remember Moments - she needs a cute little award - so this is for you my new deer blogging buddy

Fidgeting Gidget - because I'm just in love with her blog :)

Iva Messy - a new blogging friend. Go show her some love.

The Housewife Diaries - she's my new big sister so I have to tag her.

Julie - my real life friend who lives around the corner!

Class and Coffee - a newly discovered blog that's just too cute for words.

oh yes and Living life to the pinkest - her blog is as cute as cupcakes

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Best Friends are Forever

I recently wrote a post about one of my best friends Kelley and how great of a friend she is. I thought I would do a post for all of the friends I'm so thankful to have. Each one can have their own post of course, but it's mostly to highlight how much they mean to me and to let them know I'm so grateful for our wonderful friendship. Friends, good friends at that, are hard to find and hard to stay in touch with today's fast paced life. I want to make sure I take the time to nourish each friendship, show my gratitude and hopefully be half the friend they are to me...

My friend Bailey is truly one of the best friends a girl could ask for. She's one that you know will always be there for you.

I met B in 2006 during all the festivities for Julie's wedding, as B was the Maiden of Honor. B and I went to the same high school, but she was 2 years older than me and we never met. She was however friends with my husband and he always told me about her and how we should meet because we would be great friends. (Little did they know we would become the crafty-crackbooking friends we are!)

Julie's Bachelorette Party

2006 was the year of weddings. We had 3 weddings in common so we were able to get to know one another and spend some time together. After Julie's was another friend of ours in May. Then hers was in the fall of that year.

Another Bachelorette Party

B's Bachelorette Party

The next year I got engaged and she was there to celebrate with me! I asked her to be in my wedding.

At Tony's Ring Dunking Ceremony (the day after I got engaged)

Later that year Hubby and I moved to P-land, so we were really close to B and her husband. That summer, while planning the wedding, Hubby went to China and a few other places to do some work with his Dad so I was left home alone a lot. She really got me into scrapbooking and helped me find my love for paper, adhesive, stickers and scissors (much to Hubby's dismay I'm sure). We became really close and realized we had a lot in common. There were a lot of delirious Diet Coke filled afternoons, which led to 8+ hours of us scrapbooking, which her husband has deemed "Crackbooking."

I went through some drama with a girl in the wedding party and she ended up dropping out. B stepped up to the plate and became the best Matron of Honor there seriously is on the planet (no kidding she's been the MOH like 5 or 6 times). She helped me keep my head on straight, helped me organize and get everything done. She was my right hand. I don't know how I would have done it without her.

My Bachelorette Party

I have found a true friend. We have a friendship like no other - where we can tell each other the truth and not worry about judgment and know no matter what we'll be there for each other. I love how we can sit on the sofa with our laptops and surf the internet (play on VistaPrint) together for hours while our hubby's play Wii or scrapbook for 8 or more hours, or shop till we drop hitting up every sale or how our children will be BFFs and playing out scenarios in our head or just sitting at the kitchen table talking about everything and anything. We are crafty in every way and fuel each others ideas. I love how much we have in common.

Or sometimes when we don't and I pull you completly out of your comfort zone to ride a crazy roller coaster with me in the dark after drinks and dinner...but hey that's what friends are for right??

B and I in Kemah

B you are a great friend and I'm so lucky to have you as my friend. You mean the world to me and I cherish our friendship more than you know.

B and I after I got married

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Take 5 and Make 5

Recently, I was the lucky recipient of a homemade "mystery item" that will be made especially for me by Sherri at Matter of Fact.

She offered to make something (with her own hands) for the first 5 people that emailed her with with their mailing address. She says she's not that crafty (I don't believe it), but she is burning copies of a CD of her singing and sending it to us. Her son is practically a star - he was in Rolling Stone!

How sweet is that?

THE CATCH?

The recipients had to vow to do the same.

I had to jump on this immediately one because I'd love to hear how talented Sherri is but also to be a part of something really cool. I'm trying to decide what I will make...cards or scrapped magnets? Regardless, I will make 5 things (by hand), and send it to the first five people (continental US only, please!) who request it.

But ONLY if you follow the rules!

1. Be one of the first five to email me at: v.cesari (at) hotmail (dot) com with your shipping address.

2. Promise to do the same with something you've "made" to the first five people who email you.

3. Post about it and hopefully, when this is all said and done, we will all have a little something from the hands/hearts of those we are connecting to in this blog world that we all know and love so much!

I think this is a brilliant idea.

It could be the gift that keeps on giving!
Or the song that never ends....

Please participate- this could really be awesome!

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Taco Biscuit Bowls

If you read my Menu Plan for the week, then you know I was trying some new recipes this week! I love trying new recipes! So here's an update on the first one.

Taco Biscuit Bowls

Prep time: 45 min Total Time: 45 min Makes: 8 taco bowls

Ingredients:

1 lb lean ground beef
1 (15oz.) can chili beans, undrained (I used Santa Fe Flavored)
1 package taco seasoning (I get less-sodium)
1/2 cup water
1 can (16.3oz) can of jumbo refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Lettuce, if desired
Tomato, if desired
Sour Cream, if desired
Salsa, if desired

Directions:

Heat oven to 375. Brown ground beef in large skillet over medium high heat, until cooked through. Drain.

Add chili beans, taco seasoning and water to meat. Mix well. Reduce heat to medium and simmer 10 minutes until mixture is slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.

**Ok the next step I personally screwed up on (well technically) so I will tell you what it says to do, what I did and what I plan to do next time.

(their version) Meanwhile spray bottom and outside sides of 8 (6 oz.) custard cups lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Separate dough into 8 biscuits. Roll or pat each biscuit into a 4 1/2 in. round. Place rounds over outside of sprayed cups. Press to fit over bottom and down the sides of cups. Place cups upside down in ungreased cookie sheet

(my version) I noticed that I did not have custard cups once I was making this so I used a regular sized muffin pan. I flattened out the biscuits and fit them into the greased muffin spots and there was a small lip at the top. They bake into like a flower and I just pulled them apart a bit.

(next time) I have fiesta dishes that are oven safe so I'm going to try my little fruit dishes next time for a substitute of the custard cups.

Bake at 375 for 14 to 16 minutes or until golden brown. Remove pan from oven. Carefully remove biscuits. Spoon beef mixture into each cup and top with desired toppings.

Hubby topped his with everything and I just left off the tomatoes. I will definitely be making these again. They tasted great and even reheated well. If you want to see the original recipe, please go here at Pillsbury cooking for two.

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My Husband Rocks

Another week has gone and it's time for My Husband Rocks again. Thanks to The Great Adventure for hosting.

So Hubby...why are you so rockin' this week?

My husband rocks this week because he knows I'm frustrated with some things and he sends me encouraging and sweet text messages.

My husband rocks because he'll argue with me about something until he's blue in the face and all I can do is laugh and continue to say "I don't know honey I don't think those are the pants." Haha curious? This morning he was looking for his "wedding pants" to wear to his sister's graduation tomorrow. He said they may not match his new shirt because the pants are green. green? NO, you're wedding pants are most certainly NOT green honey. His response...yes they are. We actually had the pants out comparing them to the wedding picture on the wall. I seriously don't think those pants are his wedding pants. We bought a dark khaki pant - not green. (Come on do you think I would pick out green pants for a wedding?) I think they are the other ones. I was laughing so incredibly hard this morning as he was really trying to convince me. So thanks honey for putting up with my stubbornness. You put up with mine and I'll put up with yours right?

My husband rocks again for cleaning the kitchen while I catch up on Gossip Girl and The Hills. AND he rocks for sitting through a 2-hour Grey's last night - and he didn't even fall asleep!

My husband rocks because he always pushes me to make sure I put myself first and that I speak my mind. He's my number one fan and me his.

My husband rocks because he puts up with me being a brat about him falling asleep on the sofa when I wanted "tv cuddling time."

Does your husband rock? Tell me about it and write a post for My Husband Rocks.

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Crazy Eights

Fidgeting Gidget had this up yesterday for anyone who didn't have anything interesting to say. I was going to post this yesterday, but ran out of time. I have a few posts lined up, but I need to tweak them a bit before posting. So here is something for you today since I didn't post all day yesterday.

8 Things I look forward to:
1. Fridays!
2. (same as FG) My dog being excited to see me when I come home
3. Spending time with Hubby
4. Vacations! Dominican in 54 days
5. Dinner with Hubby
6. Cuddling on the couch with Hubby
7. (sams as FG) Our first wedding anniversary (24 days!)
8. Time with friends

8 Things I did yesterday:
1. Worked all day
2. Went to work out class
3. Watched TV with Hubby (grey's QTF?)
4. Went out for some cheap Mexican food
5. Went to Michael's
6. Ate some 3 musketeers mint mini bars
7. Tried to make some earrings unsuccessfully
8. Showered

8 Things I wish I could do:
1. Make really high quality jewelry
2. Be able to do the splits again
3. Eat whatever I want and never gain weight (I'm with you, Jaime & FG)
4. Have summers off with my Hubby
5. Loose weight easily
6. Speak in public without being scared
7. Speak to people of authority without anxiety
8. Keep my house immaculately clean during the week

8 Shows I watch:
1. Grey's Anatomy
2. The Hills/The City
3. Gossip Girl
4. Deadliest Catch
5. Dirty Jobs
6. Mad Men
7. Rescue Me
8. American Idol

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Wordless Wednesday Recipe

I had a dire request for the recipe of the cupcake goodness I posted in Wordless Wednesday today...



So I ventured back over to Team Sugar to see if in fact a recipe accompanied this yummy creation and lo and behold it did!!

So here you are my friends. Let me know if you make it!! I would have to alter it because I don't like coffee.

Mocha Ice Cream Cupcakes

Makes 6 cupcakes
Prep Time: 30 min (plus 1 hour for chilling)

One 12-count box sugar ice cream cones
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3/4 cup almonds, toasted and chopped
One 3-ounce bar semisweet chocolate, plus more for shavings
3 cups coffee ice cream, softened
1/2 cup chocolate-covered espresso beans, finely chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar

1. Using a food processor, grind the ice cream cones into fine crumbs. Transfer to a medium bowl and stir in the butter. Divide the crumb mixture among the cups of a 6-cup jumbo muffin pan and press about three-quarters of the way up the sides of each cup. Spoon 1 tablespoon almonds into each cup.

2. In a small, microwaveable bowl, melt 3 ounces chocolate at medium power in intervals, stirring occasionally. Top the almonds with the melted chocolate to cover. Freeze for 10 minutes.

3. Spoon about 2 tablespoons ice cream into each muffin cup. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon chopped espresso beans onto the ice cream and flatten with the back of a spoon. Add another 2 tablespoons ice cream and the remaining almonds and flatten again. Add the remaining ice cream and espresso beans, and flatten. Freeze for at least 1 hour.

4. Whip the cream and confectioners' sugar until soft peaks form.

5. Run a knife around the edges of the muffin cups to remove from the pan. Top the cakes with the whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

Per the original post on Team Sugar I believe this is from Every Day with Rachael Ray.

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Tagged again with Awe-summmm-ness

I just got tagged by The Novelista Barista for the Seven Degrees of Awe-summmm Award!! I've now been tagged twice. I feel so honored. So in order to not look conceited bore you and post another 7 things about my awe-summmm-ness (listing 7 was hard the first time) I will just link back to my original 7 degrees award post.

Thanks Novelista Barista!

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Keep thy friends near

I had lunch with my wonderful friend and former college roommate. After all these years, OK 2, we have managed to stay in touch and have lunch every other week to catch up.

Here's us back in the day...





She is truly one of my best friends. She's my person. Ha, that's what we call one another.

We met in college our Junior year because we had the exact same schedule. After I saw her in all my classes I went up and mentioned this to her...and from there we've been friends ever since. Our Senior year we lived together and it was soo much fun. We have lots of good memories together including bottles of wine before Spanish tests, Astros (Los Astros Ganan) Ha!, ChiliFest, 80's rock, the infamous "Kelley Dance", and she was a bridesmaid in my wedding.

At my wedding

She's a wonderful friend and I'm so glad we've been able to keep in touch and remain such good friends.

These days, they are hard to come by.

She completely believes in me and Oohs and Ahhs all my crafty obsessions. Every time I have to get a gift for her I'm required to give her jewelry! Ha! I have many good memories of her and I and I know I'll have many more.

So keep your friends close and make sure they know how much you appreciate them.

Love you Kelley!

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Wordless Wednesday

Courtesy of Team Sugar

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Thank you

I just received my second blog award this morning! What a sweet surprise! Thank you so very much Iva Messy. If you have a moment, please go check out her blog! She awarded me with The Lovely Blog Award! I graciously accept. I'm new to blogging as well so I'm happy to pass along some blogs I've recently discovered and that I l.o.v.e.

The Rules:
1) Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link.
2) Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.}

15 blogs that I think are really great...

Figeting Gidget * Looking Forward and Back * Type A Mommy * The Housewife Diaries * Someday I'll Get There * A Day in the Life * From Forensic to Fine Art * Children of the Nineties * Matter of Fact * Mama's Losin' It * The Novelista Barista * Chicpea Studio * The Newsome Family * The Bored Housewife * The Beaver Family Blog

If you get a chance, check out these blogs too! They are all awesome and I seriously read them everyday!

Thanks again Iva Messy for the award. You made my day!!

**UPDATE: Patty Ann at Living Life to the Pinkest also tagged me for this award so please go check out her blog too if you have a chance! Thanks for all the love today y'all! <3

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