Random me, emily

Swim meet

2012-01-29T08:06:00.001-08:00

This am we are at a swim meet, can you smell the chlorine from this photo? We are watching a friend compete. Thank goodness she is awesome and just won lol.

This is how I feel about the waiting around at swim meets....

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

NY Wedding

2012-01-29T07:06:00.000-08:00

Brian & Michelle from ELECTRIC TWEED Productions on Vimeo.

50 Date Ideas!

2012-01-29T06:32:00.001-08:00

These are super cute date ideas.... I might use these for Valentines day this year.

A Sweet Hubs on SMP today

2012-01-27T16:48:00.000-08:00

You can read more about this here. This story was so sweet... a husband who was really nervous to perform for his wife finally took the plunge... wrote a song...and performed it live for her for their anniversary.... and he's actually good!

Yum

2012-01-27T11:04:00.001-08:00

Valentines day is on its way an Edible Art in Charlotte has these treats in their windows!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Barefoot's Yummy Soup

2012-01-26T08:17:00.000-08:00

You can't go wrong with Ina.... doesn't this look yummy? I'm considering making it tonight....Potato Leak Soup. Here's the recipe.

*So I made this but I think I went too much on arugula and less on potato.... the color came out a big greenish haha. So maybe less on the arugula next go around. I didn't do the onions for the top only because I ran out of time BUT it didn't matter because the soup was delicious. I have not been doing dairy so I had to make another batch for myself but it still was as tasty as Dave's batch because of course I tried it!!! Haha.

Chalkboard Paint!

2012-01-24T07:18:00.000-08:00

I have kept several pewter trays of my mom's and I would love to make these chalk boards out of them as they are a bit scratched up and never used. I bought chalkboard paint last night at Lowe's and sponge brush so I hope to post pics of my beauties by the end of the week! I still need to get chalk! LOL.

One snoozing lil pup

2012-01-23T09:10:00.001-08:00

YouTube Video

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Good to know

2012-01-23T08:37:00.001-08:00

So apparently sitting at your desk can lead to breast or colon cancer.
http://www.completelyyou.com/diet/blog/experts/cancer_sitting_office_exercise/index.html#.Tx2EC29rOx4

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

More Movies (are you really surprised?)

2012-01-22T09:47:00.001-08:00

This weekend we watched quite a few movies. When it's so wintery and cold outside...we watch movies!

Like Crazy - total artsy film but entertaining

In Time - Justin Timberlake bomb

The Usual Suspects - Oldie that I had never seen! It was SO good!

The Source Code - Really good!

Holes in my leggings

2012-01-17T11:22:00.001-08:00

Every time I put my leggings on, a hole appears! Why? Because I'be been drying them in the dryer!!! I first blamed our dog but then another hole appeared today and well, let's just say that it's not the dog's fault ha!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

War Horse

2012-01-16T05:54:00.000-08:00

As you can imagine, this movie was great. I think I cried three times during the movie. The horse has quite a story but I won't mention all of it because I think that it will give everything away. He ends up with different owners throughout his life and so many people get attached to him - hence the tears. And I just read that Spielberg actually had huge horse puppets that he used in the movie - I would have never known had I not read it online! Amazing!

Hits of the Golden Globes

2012-01-15T17:10:00.000-08:00

This is a last minute addition. Just saw this dress up close on Claire Danes as she and the cast of Homeland went up on stage. The back really makes the dress, so sparkly! Love it. Her show Homeland was filmed in Charlotte.
Natalie looking pretty in pink!
Loved Kate's black and white number
George Clooney's girlfriend looks fabulous in red
Zooey as cute as can be in her Prada.

I realize its very odd and snake looking but I do like the top part of the dress and I think she wears it really well.

Girrrrl you rock it. Flattering dress for her body.
Love the details of this black dress.
Same with this.

Misses of the Golden Globes

2012-01-15T17:00:00.000-08:00

Madonna, really?
Jessica... did you pull this from your grandmother's attic?
Reese, the dress isn't that that bad but your hair is needing something more than an air dry and the dress really leaves something more to desire.
Kyle Richards... wrong fabric, wrong color, bad hair, terrible choker... just all wrong.
Kelly Osbourn... are you feeling blue?
Katherine McFee.... I didn't know that naked was an accepted look on the red carpet. Get a spray tan.
Amanda Peet.... this reminds me of the movie, The Little Mermaid, you know, the Disney one.... The part where Ariel ties together ship sails to wear when she "gets legs" haha.
Tie-dye? Really? Sarah Jessica Parker - are you trying different? Did you make this yourself?
no words.

House on Revenge...

2012-01-15T09:35:00.000-08:00

I love this show called Revenge on ABC Wednesday nights. I'm not sure why I am hooked but I am. I especially love the scenery and the attire of the socialites.

Check out this gorgeous house that the Grayson family lives in. The whole show takes place in the Hamptons. Not bad right?

The inside isn't too shabby either. The rug looks like something from pottery barn. I adore the mirror and the light fixtures.

Again with the light fixtures and although I am not fond of the glass table, I do like the shabby chic chairs.
Obviously a huge home. I love the lamps, the light fixtures and the accent chairs in the living room.

TGIF

2012-01-13T05:56:00.000-08:00

I have felt like this all week so I am glad today is FRIDAY! YIPEE! Have a great weekend, especially for those of you (me included) that have Monday off! :)

Love this County Living Room

2012-01-12T06:05:00.000-08:00

Love the walls, the chair, the built ins, the floor and the silver side table.

Moneyball

2012-01-12T05:24:00.000-08:00

GOOD MOVIE and true story! If you have DISH Network then you can buy this movie! :) I was not so certain that I would like this movie because, well, it's about baseball. BUT it was really interesting and I loved the dynamic between Pitt and Hill.

The Bachelor

2012-01-11T06:06:00.000-08:00

Who doesn't love Ben F.??! I loved him on the Bachelorette and he was my top pick of the guys. Not necessarily for Ashley but just the best of the bunch in general. So far this season has been crazy but I hope he gets rid of the crazies before they ruin the show. It is so sad that these girls are so insecure and drink so much wine that they over analyse, judge and cry on the show! Poor Ben. It's a good thing he has a sister.

Do you have a favorite Bachelor contestant? Dave and I picked the same girl - she seems the most normal.

Isn't she a cutie? Looooove her hair which is naturally curly. I wish my hair looked like this. Plus she wore the cutest outfit on their date!!

Clean Eating

2012-01-10T05:49:00.000-08:00

Have any of you tried clean eating? You know, no processed foods... no sugar substitutes.... etc etc. For breakfast I had a banana and a few Quaker rice mini cakes (the carmel kind). I'm not supposed to eat several things right now but rice is something that I can have... but then I looked at the ingredients...

QUAKER, CARAMEL CORN CAKES
INGREDIENTS: Whole Grain Brown Rice, Corn (With Germ Removed), Sugar, Fructose, Maltodextrin, Natural Flavors, Caramel (Color), Salt, Soy Lecithin.

Corn, Fructose, Soy and Carmel coloring - all things that I am not supposed to be eating right now because they are difficult for your body to digest. Awesome. But that got me to thinking, carmel coloring can't be good? Fructose can't be good either?

Our friend just did a clease where he cut out processed foods and he posted his success on FB yesterday. I thought I'd share because it really gave me some inspiration! On the left are the before shots and on the right is the after. Here is what he said about his diet:

"Check out my 3 week fitness progress. Before 204 pounds and now 187. Was 25% body fat now 19%. How? No processed foods and no refined sugar."It seems like on the left his body is really bloated. This is one thing that the Dr. is trying to help me with. Certain foods (like refined sugars and processed foods) are harder to digest so your body becomes bloated. Just some "food" for thought :)

Click here for the Clean Eating magazine for a little more inspiration....

Must see moooovies

2012-01-08T17:06:00.000-08:00

Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - read the book, but if you didn't read the book, you may find the beginning of the movie (which is almost 3 hrs long) a bit long and confusing. They told the stories of Lisbeth and Michael separately so Dave was confused by how they were connecting.Coming from the book side, the movie was AWESOME. But I must warn you, it is totally graphic. Rooney Mara completely showed it all and played the part of Lisbeth so well. It's a definite must see but if you havent read the book, you can wait for the netflix version.
We saw My Day with Marilyn today and it was SO GOOD. Michelle Williams has really come a long way since the slutty dangerous girl Dawson's Creek. She is such a talented actress! She played the role so well and they did a good job giving her some curves as she actually has quite a boyish figure in real life. Also, the guy in the movie (Colin), who is telling the story (which is actually a real story) played his role really well. And oddly enough, the Harry Potter girl (I dont know her name, is it Emma?) makes an appearance as one of the characters in the movie too - not a huge role but a role!
This movie was really good and tugs at your heart strings! I thought it was neat seeing George play a role as a father. Not a good one at first but the movie is about him becoming a better and more attentive and loving father in the lives of his two girls. Great scenery too as it takes place in Hawaii.

Restoration Hardware Obsessed

2012-01-05T09:17:00.000-08:00

Source: restorationhardware.com via Debi on Pinterest

Saw my first ever Restoration Hardware LUXE (deep deep) sofa at our friends house yesterday. Theirs is leather and completely gorgeous and HUGE. You could sleep three people side by side on it!

Real Housewives Realization

2012-01-04T14:51:00.000-08:00

Did you all know that Brandi from Real Housewives of Beverly Hills is Eddie Cibrian's ex wife? Yea, the guy who just married LeAnn Rimes... only after they caused tons of commotion with their meeting on set and cheating on their spouses...I cannot stand Brandi - I hope he got a good one with LeAnn

So sleepy

2012-01-04T09:43:00.001-08:00

Any tips on how to get your dog to stop doing this so u can sleep at night?

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

No more cupcakes or macaroons... NOW it's mini cakes!

2012-01-04T08:58:00.000-08:00

Source: prettystuff.tumblr.com via Anna on Pinterest

Source: theglitterguide.tumblr.com via Misha on Pinterest

The how to -

Source: picasaweb.google.com via Lindsey on Pinterest

Dembabies.com

2012-01-03T08:55:00.000-08:00

Did you know that Mariah and Nick have a website just for their gorgeous babies? Check it out at www.dembabies.com

New Year!

2012-01-02T07:43:00.000-08:00

Less wine more gym time.... right?! This year I want to do more yoga classes and am still aiming to do the Get your Rear in GEAR 5k in mid March. The Holidays put a stop to my Couch to 5k work out plan but hey, what are you gonna do? I was mostly focused on the diet plan for the dr. where I was to avoid almost everything fun - I totally crashed on nye but that's expected I guess, back to the grind today. I definitely felt the crash and realized the absolute value in my focus to get my body back to digesting things normally.

Final book of the Hunger Games!

2012-01-01T17:26:00.001-08:00

Done done And DONE!
I have to say that third book took me longer to get through because it just wasn't as good as the first two but the ending is totally worth it!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Taylor Swift's new song for Hunger Games Movie

2011-12-31T10:13:00.000-08:00

I'm not really a fan but I am sure in the movie it will really make a big impression ;)

It's New Years Eve...

2011-12-31T10:03:00.000-08:00

How are you spending your New Years Eve?

(pics)

Thanks Santa!

2011-12-25T11:29:00.001-08:00

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Merry merry from key largo!

2011-12-25T11:28:00.001-08:00

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

The art of racing in the rain

2011-12-24T05:43:00.001-08:00

While waiting for Santa to deliver my next Hunger Games book, I am reading The Art of Racing in the Rain. I had heard it was a good read. It is told from a dog's perspective so I'd you have a dog, you will love this book. The owner is a race car driver, not a big timer but does it for fun and is also a mechanic. He is married and has a little girl. So far it is about their journey as a family from the dogs perspective. And they have some terrible things happen that they have to get through which the dog describes very well. It's a great read, another fast one.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Update

2011-12-23T14:00:00.001-08:00

So right now things are going ok with the whole health thing. I am not to eat things like dairy, soy, wheat, sodas, eggs, fruit juices, and a few other things. I've been taking a probiotic drink daily along w another supplement. I think the diet has had the biggest effect. I've been eating lots of fish and veggies. This more my naturopathic dr called me to check in which I thought was so so nice! I guess it's all a part of their practice-such an improvement from the calls I'm usually making to get in touch w my physician or even her nurse-we play telephone tag for days. Anyway, all is well here in key west.... We have been at the pool all day and I have seen loads of big boats.......the boys are going deep sea fishing tomorrow to get snapper... I think beth and I are going to go shopping haha or maybe go into key largo and see a movie. We have heard that Girl with a Dragon Tattoo is great but scary but hey, so was the book!

Here is one of the big boats

We ride a golf cart everywhere!

These are the lil golf cart paths lol a mini road!

Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Hello from paradise.....

2011-12-23T11:18:00.001-08:00

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Anchor Dr,Key Largo,United States

Dr. Visit

2011-12-19T10:12:00.000-08:00

Although the Naturopathic Dr. was a bit pricey, it was totally worth it because apparently I have a blockage in my intestine that needed to be addressed right away! They are also testing me for a food allergy and have adjusted my diet and sent me when a few suppliments to take. I go back in two weeks so hopefully things will start "moving" but right now they say that my body is toxic and is causing all these other things to happen (headaches, body aches, itchy skin, low blood flow in feet, constant indigestion, weight gain, etc.) Yay for getting some answers.

Last night's SNL

2011-12-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

Jimmy Fallon was back on and my personal favorite was the Hoda and Kathy Lee skit - Kristen Wig cracks me up!

Silly video

2011-12-17T17:03:00.001-08:00

Now this is a flash mob! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xP5B1Oq_mFk&feature=player_embedded#!

Public restrooms

2011-12-17T16:53:00.001-08:00

Just because it's Christmas time does not mean you can go all tribal in the target bathroom stalls ladies!!! Yuck! This is not walmart!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Hunger games, book 1

2011-12-17T15:52:00.001-08:00

Done!!! Finished book one in a day.... I couldn't stop!!! I totally recommend it, especially if you read the twilight books!!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Bomb

2011-12-17T09:33:00.001-08:00

Well this week really blew diet wise. Right now I'm sitting in the car on the way to get lunch with Dave. My crotch is painfully being harassed by my super tight and barely zipped jeans. The last thing that I want to do is eat lunch, at a bar, where everything is fries and covered in ranch!!!

My boobs are pouring out of my bra, ew. Thank god for designers making ginormous belts that can cover your muffin top.... Even better, huge necklaces that can distract from the cleavage.

The week started out great, gym etc but then we had 4 events on the week night agenda, one leaving me hung over and eating Wendy's at midnight! Then the 3 donuts and cup of ice cream I had during the week at some point in time.....

Do u think it would b weird to buy one of those bands that preggo women wear over their jeans? No, really....

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Going to a

2011-12-15T15:59:00.001-08:00

Holiday par Tay tonight

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

2011-12-12T11:04:00.001-08:00

Made appt for next week!
Naturopathologist, here I come!

And got the book I ordered from amazon! They filmed the movie, which comes out this month, in Charlotte! Can't wait to dive in!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Hey hey it's monday!

2011-12-12T05:25:00.001-08:00

These are Delish. Got them to see if I notice any changes by altering my diet.... Ugh woke up with indigestion still...

And I went to a new place to get my hair cut on Friday. I wanted to find somewhere close to home and really liked this girl. We actually kind of already knew eachother! She was an old neighbor of mine. She kind of went to town on my hair but that's ok cause I won't have to go back for a while and it only cost me $35!

Gluten Free?

2011-12-11T08:14:00.000-08:00

So we went out to eat last night with my friends Erin and Chad. Erin is my sorority sister from WCU and I had just spent time with her over our girls weekend in early November. We had a great time and filled each other in on our lives. She told me about her gluten allergy that she discovered last year and how finding out about it really made her life a whole lot easier. She also has a hypo active thyroid. She told me about how her physician could not find anything wrong with her but the naturopathic doctor did. I have been talking to Erin a lot about what she has been going through and think that I am going to go see a naturopathic doctor next week. I have been having a really hard time with indigestion - sleepy, lack of concentration, bloated, acid reflux, chest pains, stomach pains, gas, weight gain, etc. So I am now wondering if it would be better for my to try a gluten free diet as these are signs that your body is having trouble digesting gluten products.

This morning I woke up with a stomach ache, ate cereal and the ache got worse with lots of burping too and my chest hurts- lovely. So yay for making an appt. first thing tomorrow!

2011-12-10T10:55:00.001-08:00

Made enchiladas Thursday night and so we had left overs for lunch today....

This is Daves. I knew the meal world not be healthy for my diet so I took the chicken out of the giant enchilada and put that over beans. So.... No bad rice or flour tortilla! And a pellegrino instead of diet soda....

It was Delish and I only ate half! Right now I'm looking up recipes in my cooking light cook book to figure out a good recipe to modify that Dave would live and I could make even healthier for my own purposes.

Inside chicken mixture of giant enchiladas?

HT roasted chicken shredded
1/2 cup sautéd peppers and onion
1/2 can of rotel chili flavored
Sprinkle low fat Mexican cheeses
2 huge helpings fat free sour cream -about 1/2 cup
Huge sprinkle salt
Dash pepper

Mix together put 2 T in large flour tortillas

Cover in enchilada sauce and cheese

Bake 350 for 30 min

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

News Flash

2011-12-10T09:54:00.000-08:00

Ok so I get on the scale today and I almost threw it through the window.

It's official, I have gained 5 more pounds since I last got on that #$%^*@!, so here is the honest truth for me (and you) to see in full force -

In March (after 3 mos. of phentramine) I weighed 132. 132 and I have been friends for a very long time, this is the weight I have been for most of my 28 years. Today, and now December, I weight 150. WTH.

132

150

How did this happen? I asked my Physician this and she said there was nothing wrong with me (I was so hoping for a hypo active thyroid) and she said I was depressed. What?

I mean yea, it's depressing to have absolutely nothing fit you and have a husband who doesn't want you to spend a penny. Thus wearing leggings daily and ignoring the fact that my long dresses are inching up shorter and shorter thanks to my growing boobs. So yea I guess I am depressed because I don't feel good about myself and yea, I only make it to the gym about 2 days a week. So here we go. Things are going to have to change.

I'm taking a random hit to my blog. Random goes weight loss until I get back down to my 132. Sorry guys. Who knows, I may find a way to sneak other things into my daily news but the focus, the focus has got to be bettering myself.

So, here we go...

Tonight!

2011-12-08T18:37:00.001-08:00

Finally it is cold here in Charlotte! Tonight I wrote Christmas cards and listened to Christmas music and even wrapped my first gift! We watched Friends with Benefits, very cute movie!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Yummy new hummus

2011-12-08T09:12:00.001-08:00

This stuff is amazing!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Snuggle bug!

2011-12-07T08:12:00.001-08:00

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

2011-12-04T19:47:00.001-08:00

We got our tree! It is b I g!!!!

It's December and 70's is it really Christmas?!

Well it could use some more lights but not bad.....

Daves did the lights and I did the ornaments! :) still have more to do but not a bad start!

Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

New Thanksgiving Recipes that you MUST try!

2011-11-30T01:10:00.000-08:00

This is SUCH a fantastic recipe for Sweet Potatoes!! Truly a hit at work and completely delicious AND healthy! Get the recipe here. Instead od doing the topping like this I made chunky stripes with the marsh mellows and the pecans :)

Another big hit was the spinach artichoke dip! It is super simple to make if you have an emersion blender or a food processor :) The recipe is my sorority sister's and she is known for THIS dip. I brought it to our family Thanksgiving in VA and it was gone with in minutes! FAR faster than my usual cheese ball so I guess this is the "new" go to recipe for future get togethers!

Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe: Preheat oven 350

1 frozen block of spinach - thawed and drained completely

1 block cream cheese - room temperature and cut into cubes

1 bag shredded parmesan cheese (2 cups)

2 bags of shredded mozzarella cheese (4 cups)

1 packet ranch dressing mix

12-16 oz (2 small jars) marinated artichoke hearts - drained

Put everything into a food processor or everything into a big bowl if using an emersion blender

Blend together

Scoop mixture into sprayed pyrex dish

Spread evenly

Bake for 35 minutes until edges are bubbling

Good read

2011-11-29T01:06:00.000-08:00

I just finished this latest from Jennifer Weiner, Fly Away Home. It's about two sisters their parents. Their dad is a senator the mother is of course, the senator's wife. The sisters, Lizzie and Diana could not be more opposite. Basically their family falls apart and they all have to put their lives back together. It's a great book - a quick read - but I must say, I was a little disappointed by the ending. Sooo I just made up my own ending my head instead of what JW actually had written lol. Anyway, if you are looking for something to read over the holidays, I definitely recommend this.

Cute Stockin Stuffer

2011-11-28T01:01:00.000-08:00

Check out these cute stocking stuffers for your iPhone friends and family members! They are only $25 at Swoozie and they are by Jonathan Adler! Check them out here.

More on the Christmas List...

2011-11-27T10:49:00.000-08:00

The Chloe Throw from West Elm in this gorgeous bright color of Dandelion :)

2 West Elm Solid Silk Hand Loomed Pillow Covers in stone white.

Mary McDonald's Book

2011-11-27T06:09:00.000-08:00

Another Christmas Wish List item. Love me some Mary McDonald! You can get her book at Target!

Banana has got it going on....

2011-11-26T06:46:00.000-08:00

Adding to the Christmas list, thank YOU Banana Republic! LOL.

o.m.g. l.o.v.e.

2011-11-25T06:31:00.000-08:00

Metallic sequin blouse

love, wish I could spend $264 on it lol

Jcrew now has a baby line

2011-11-24T06:05:00.000-08:00

Ellen's little reporters! SO funny!

2011-11-23T05:53:00.000-08:00

Published on Nov 22, 2011 by TheEllenShow
You couldn't find two bigger music fans than the adorable girls from Essex, England: Sophia Grace and Rosie. With their American Music Awards red carpet tutus, these girls turned the heads of some of the biggest stars on the carpet, including one of their favorite singers, Katy Perry! Watch their adventure right here.

Two dogs dining

2011-11-22T16:48:00.000-08:00

This is too funny not to watch!

Christmas Wish List Item

2011-11-21T07:03:00.000-08:00

Love these "smoke" dimpled glasses here at West Elm!!! They come in sets of 4 and in juice, small tumbler and large tumbler sizes. They are gorgeous and defintely a Christmas must have!

Shark Steam Vac

2011-11-15T09:51:00.000-08:00

Totally want this! Saving all my pennies for it right now! It vacuums and then steeeaaams your hard wood floors. My friends tell me that it makes your floor shine!

Winter White Jeans?

2011-11-14T06:55:00.000-08:00

Rachel Zoe's team says white jeans are in along with the rest of these items...

Yummy in my tummy

2011-11-13T15:54:00.001-08:00

Super easy crockpot meal!

Ingredients:
2 cans broccoli cheddar soup
1/2 c milk
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts

Put everything in a well sprayed non stick crockpot. High for 4 hrs, stirring throughout. Serve w no yokes egg noodles.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Expresso and Cream Blogger

2011-11-13T05:53:00.000-08:00

This is Madison over at Expresso and Cream - love her blog! And.... she makes me think I want her hair cut and color!

Autumn Chopped Salad

2011-11-12T08:35:00.000-08:00

This looks SO yummy and with the chicken it can be a dinner one night this week! :) Recipe is here.

Source: espressoandcream.com via Zina on Pinterest

Making for Books n Cooks....

2011-11-12T01:46:00.000-08:00

I am going to try out these Chicken Bacon Bites for our Books n Cooks next week - I am hosting! It is a paula dean recipe that I found on Pinterest! We have one girl who is lactose intolerant so I try to do one cheese app and one no cheese app. Don't these look yummy?

Sweet Chicken Bacon Wraps

Sweet Chicken Bacon Wraps1 1/4 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 4 breasts)1 pound sliced bacon2/3 cup brown sugar2 TBSP chili powder1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Cut each bacon slice into thirds. Wrap each chicken cube with bacon and secure with a wooden pick. Stir together brown sugar, chili powder and cayenne pepper, if using. Dredge wrapped chicken in mixture. Coat a rack and broiler pan with nonstick cooking spray. Place chicken wrap on rack in broiler pan. Bake 350 for 30 to 35 minutes or until bacon is crisp.

TIPS: Do yourself a favor and line your pan with aluminum foil. It makes for much easier cleanup. Also, spray the baking rack thoroughly with cooking spray to help with the cleanup as well.

CMA Awards - best dressed! (in my opinion)

2011-11-11T08:30:00.000-08:00

Carrie Underwood definitely won best dressed of the night in her many outfits at the CMA's... Red Carpet Dress - love the glitz

Hot ruffled number with amazing stilletos

Shoes - awesome. Dress, sparkly :)

Totally a change in look but gorgeous dress.

My personal favorite

Work Thang!

2011-11-10T08:41:00.000-08:00

So, not to throw my work stuff at you BUT I am in charge of a fundraiser for MedAssist (the non profit that I work for) and am selling Checkers Hockey Tickets. SO if you live in Charlotte and want to the Nov. 18 game that benefits NC MedAssist, please follow the link above or reply to this message and I can mail you tickets! If you aren't in Charlotte, please spread the word to your friends that are! THANK YOU :)

Good Movie

2011-11-10T06:18:00.000-08:00

Dave and I watched "The Change Up" last night. Funny Ryan Reynolds and Jason Bateman swap lives. One is a career family guy and the other is a bachelor that can't get his life straight. It was cute and entertaining. There were definitely some laugh out loud moments.

Fav Tv Shows

2011-11-10T03:45:00.000-08:00

Love love love me some Hart of Dixie on CW Monday nights. Rachel Bilson has always been a favorite of mine and she is great in this show. She plays a Dr that moved to Blue Bell Alabama and the show is all about her adjusting. As a side note - She has a great wardrobe!
Dave and I BOTH like this show! It's about these guys and their fantasy football league! Oh and a wife. On FX, funny show.
New girl is on Monday nights on Fox - love me some Zoe D and she plays this quirky girl that moves in with a bunch of boys. They love her and her quirks. It's truly adorable.

2011-11-08T14:43:00.001-08:00

Did u know that 45 min spinning is 7 weight watchers activity pts??? Elliptical machine for 30 min is just 2 points! I think I need to check this out again.... One class two years ago may not have done it justice!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Spinning points

Cute sammys!

2011-11-08T05:41:00.000-08:00

These would be adorable at a bridal or baby shower! Baked Ham and Cheese sammys -

Source: the-girl-who-ate-everything.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Hello.

2011-11-08T05:35:00.000-08:00

Sorry I have been MIA lately. Dave and I hosted two friends at our home in Charlotte on Thursday night and then I left for a girls weekend in the mountains that I hosted at our mountain house. It was so much fun as there were 12 of us under one roof! Haha. We talked for hours, laughed, ate a ton of great food, played Just Dance on the Wii, drank beverages, shopped, played catch phrase, and talked about fun times from the past. My friend Lea brought her great cannon rebel camera for the weekend and we used it for all of the pics. I will have to post them once she shared on snapfish :) I hope everyone is having a good week! I cannot believe that we are in November - what happened to October?!

Start thinkin' Christmas!

2011-11-03T06:17:00.000-07:00

Source: jennasjourneyblog.blogspot.com via Eleanor on Pinterest

New additions to the house!

2011-11-02T07:12:00.001-07:00

Our new additions are .......cute leather chair with a rustic feel and a monogrammed pottery barn (cozy!) throw!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Once Upon a Time

2011-11-02T05:31:00.000-07:00

Have you guys seen this new show on ABC? I am not sure what I think about it but it has been entertaining so far....if you'd like to take a sneak peek at it online, you can watch it here!

Great costumes of 2011!

2011-11-01T08:06:00.000-07:00

The cupcake girl. I want to be this next year. $20 at Walmart!

The jellyfish! I saw this in person but the girl had an all white outfit on and added christmas lights to the tenticles!

Saw this one in person as well, the Sooki Stackhouse from True Blood. The girl has blond hair up in ponytail and of course had sneakers and a bite mark on her neck!

Haha! 3 blind mice. Adorable.

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T07:22:00.000-07:00

Speaking of lunches....

2011-10-27T05:48:00.000-07:00

Cooking Light magazine posted healthy work week lunches on their site today! Check them out!

Halloween Cupcakes!

2011-10-26T05:43:00.000-07:00

These owl cupcakes look super easy! I'm sure you'd need to save some of that icing to stick the reeses on the oreos! Just a thought! Owls are the hot thing this year aren't they?

Obviously this little girl is a mini emily with her amazing hair cut. Love the witch cupcakes although they would be a tad more time consuming with the chocolate diped cones and the dyed green icing.

Lunch time!

2011-10-25T09:14:00.001-07:00

What do you eat for lunch Mon thru Fri?

I'm not a big sandwich meat fan so I do veggie wraps with hummus, cucumber, spinach, sprouts and peppers. I pair that with a handful of pirates booty and a pc of dark chocolate!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

SHAPE Magazine Subscription for just $2.50/year!

2011-10-25T06:14:00.000-07:00

Head over to Maven of Savin's blog and get the details!

Health Tip!

2011-10-24T07:22:00.000-07:00

Start your week off the right way! Forgot to pack a lunch? Follow this suggestion -

Super sizing a fast food order gives a lot more food for a little extra money, but costs more in the long run as excess body fat. Save money with healthy choices from the “extra value” menu, such as a small chili and a side salad with nonfat or low fat dressing, etc.

Boots made for walkin

2011-10-22T05:51:00.001-07:00

$50, DSW, Steve Madden... Sassy!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

World market

2011-10-21T08:10:00.001-07:00

Did you that they sell Zapps chips from New Orleans there? A Dave favorite! I had only been to W Market one other time and I found so many neat things there on this second trip!

Dave needs this lol

Pickle picker! Awesome... Both great sticking stuffers!

Adorable spoons for $3.99! They'd look great on a shower gift!

Cute!

$these chairs were a steal.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Rockin the new boots!

2011-10-20T06:05:00.001-07:00

Put this little number together this morning!!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Nordstrom Rack-love!!!

2011-10-20T05:15:00.001-07:00

New thing to Charlotte...Nordstrom Rack! A nordstrom outlet that's set up like a TJ Maxx. Saturday was my first time there and it was heavenly!

LeSport bag (mine from 2 yrs ago included) for $30 instead of $60!

Kate Spade skirt, $119

OPI polishes discounted!

I nabbed this top to wear with new riding boots and my brown blazer.

Love this dress. Got Both these items for $20-25 each!

I seriously couldn't get over the Nanette lepore and the Trina Turks! It was awesome and yes awesomely priced! I got a maxi and a great cow neck sweater too!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Riding boots!

2011-10-19T05:23:00.001-07:00

Off broadway, $80

Love!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Sneak peeks of new house!

2011-10-18T05:02:00.001-07:00

Living room! We are getting a leather chair to put in the corner at the end of the month!

Kitchen and dining! Still need to do something w light fixtures!

Office area-still needs work but love all the light and our lighter sofa in there! Looking for coffee table and rug.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

It's getting cold outside!

2011-10-17T17:02:00.001-07:00

Chili for dinner tonight! Im not sure I could survive without the 2 alarm chili kits in the winter!!! So easy.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Sunroom Re-do

2011-10-14T07:52:00.000-07:00

The Before The After

LOVE IT. It's by Emily Clark - click here for more information.

"I Die!" - Rachel Zoe

2011-10-13T07:21:00.000-07:00

I seriously love some Rachel Zoe and her hubby Rodger! If you don't watch her show it is on Bravo on Tuesday nights at 9 (I think). She is a celebrity stylist for people like Ann Hathaway, Demi Moore, Molly Sims, Kim Kardashian, Liv Tyler, etc. etc... She is pregnant with their first child this season - a boy - she admits that it took her awhile to really come to grips with having a boy at first but then figured that she would style her hubs and baby "peanut" to be twinnies in matching leather jackets etc etc. Haha. Her hubs was not too excited about that but I mean come on, completely adorable. She did not have to buy one maternity outfit. These dresses she already had and of course they are all completely gorgeous and couture expensive.

Yet they all fit perfectly!

Their home in hollywood that they are renting due to baby boy is just fantastic and of course the shoot was taken there. My favorite shot is of her in this vintage dress, possibly a Chanel as she has a lot of that, out by their pool.

I found this story with a picture of their baby, Skyler Morrison, for you guys to check out! :)

Noms

2011-10-12T20:13:00.001-07:00

Dave's dinner tonight! Secret to cheese bread.... Non stick skillet, hot hot temp, butter and cheese!!! Like an inside out grilled cheese.

Peanuts Fun!

2011-10-11T11:11:00.000-07:00

Weekend fun

2011-10-10T10:11:00.001-07:00

Friday we went to see one of our favorite country singers, Eric Church! He is from nc so has a huge following around here! It was such nice weather- I wore a jacket and leggings-hello fall!

The next day Dave and I grabbed lunch at a local salad joint called crisp. Dave got his usual, a chicken Caesar. His mouth was full here and he made a funny face :)

I however didn't get my usual! The special was blackened tilapia w a mango avocado salsa..... D-lish!!!

Then we went to the pottery barn outlet!!!! It's in gaffney sc, 45 minute drive from Charlotte. I found a rug for our bedroom for a steal! It's an 8x10 ... Purchased for the awesome price of $200!

Obviously Brees approved.

I snagged this guy for a cool $14!

And this guy for $30!

Here is a better pic of the rug once in our bedroom...

Then on Sunday we went to the Saints Panthers football game! It was chilly that morning!

And here we are! And this win for the saints concluded our super busy and super fast weekend!

New red beans recipe!

2011-10-05T18:11:00.001-07:00

Rachel Ray had this new Orleans red beans and rice recipe in her magazine.... That yes I already confessed to buying.... Lol.... Anyway I was amazed at how few ingredients it called for-it was so easy, so fast, and so yummy! Or as she says yum o!

Cook the sausage, onion, celery, olive oil and thyme in a deep pan for 12 minutes, add garlic for 2 minutes. Smash a half cup of the beans, add this and rest of beans along w chicken broth.... Boil then reduce to low for 20 mins. Serve over rice.

I would up broth to 2 cups next time as we like our red beans a little more juicy. I didn't have a bay lead but don't think it made a big difference! Oh and I didn't do cayenne, we each did our own topping of hot sauce.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Our first Anniversary weekend!

2011-10-03T05:53:00.001-07:00

Here is our defrosted wedding cake topper haha! The icing stuck to the tin foil so I had to gloop it on to the cake.

But we ate it anyway and had champagne too

Dave went with me to Lowes to pick out some mums and little spruce trees for our front door!

He also got the fire place up and running!

Daves parents gave us this cute Print from local Nola artist

My lovely husband washed windows and put in screens! The weather was nice and cool so we had the air off all weekend. It was so nice!

I grabbed a few baskets from target for the guest bath.

We got a fire screen to keep one lab out of one fire place

We got these cute modern lamps for our bedroom to give it a younger look!

Brees girl got a bowl upgrade

I took this picture bc I couldn't believe that people would but this

Our new rocking chairs

Mmmmm blue moon weather

Our new desk... To be delivered soon!

Because the weather was so cool I broke out an apple cinnamon candle :) Hope everyone had a nice weekend too!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Anniversary!

2011-10-02T10:29:00.001-07:00

Happy first wedding anniversary to me!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone