Thursday Ramblings

Thursday Ramblings is just what this post will be about.....

It's just some random stuff that's been bothering me lately.

You will see me question a lot of stupid "celebrity" stuff, and I swear I just don't sit around my house all day and night and watch TV   After work we've been running errands every night and I've been working out of the treadmill every other day {started the Couch to 5k program up again, go me!}

~Why does EVERY radio station have to play a Taylor Swift song at least every 15-30 minutes?  I use to love her songs, but radio has KILLED them for me.  I was never the type to change the radio station if I heard a song I didn't like, but I cannot stand her songs anymore.  Especially, "I Knew You Were Trouble".  That song drives me crazy, and my husband knows it.  He sings is even more annoying than her just to crawl under my skin. Oh, there it is, the song just came on again.....and the radio gets turned off.

~Why do I like the show "Dance Mom's" on Lifetime?  I don't like Abby the owner of the Abby Lee Dance Company, she is rude and completely out of line when it comes to talking to those little girls.  If I were one of those mom's, my kid would be pulled out of her dance studio so fast! I realize some of these girls are older and really love to dance but when your kid has been there since they were 2, and you've seen the way Abby has been talking to your daughter for 8+ years, then why have you stayed for so long?  My husband always shakes his head when I watch that show, but it's addicting to watch how stupid Abby is, that I cannot turn it off.

~Here's another TV show annoyance: Kim Kardashian....good god I cannot stand that girl and yet I am watching Kourtney and Kim Take Miami, why?  Probably because on Sunday nights, there is NOTHING to watch!!  Ok here is my annoyance with her, Kanye get's her a kitten named Mercy.  Kim magically has to get rid of this kitten because she was "allergic" to it, but yet its been on the show for weeks now and she carries this kitten everywhere and even sleeps with it, but yet she magically becomes allergic to it....I think its called, lets show the kitten on TV and when filming is done, let's get rid of the kitten because we don't want to take care of it anymore.  Good luck with a kid honey...

~Why did I make the banana bread last night when I had no desire to eat it.  I have never really liked banana bread so why make it?  It smelled really good while baking, but eating it is a different story.  

~Why does the weather have to be so screwy?  Monday is was so so beautiful out, 70 degrees.  Today it's 30 degrees, the low tonight, 9!  I don't care if it's cold, but just stay cold.  Don't jump from warm to cold, so not fair.  Like taking candy from a baby...

~Why are khaki's and jean's never the right length? I know I'm not tall, 5'4" is not tall at all, but yet my regular length khaki's rise up so far when I'm sitting and jeans are the same way!  Get them in long and they are too long and never shrink up enough...

First world problems....LOL

Life in Photos

I know I haven't been posting many photo's lately, so I thought I would unload them here today:  Enjoy!  :) 

Smokey came up and cuddled with me while I was eating dinner

A storm was a brewin' here in good ol Saint Louie!

Aww look, the babies lying on the bed at the same time!

Keeley all cuddled up on the couch on Andy, so cute!  

Smokey heard birds on the TV and went crazy!

Smokey was "helping" me sew....sooo helpful NOT

 I love how Keeley's arms are crossed, so adorable!

Smokey was keeping an eye on me while I was working out on the treadmill

 Andy in the Audi car he would like to have.

The James Bond car, so cool!

The new Viper, Andy was in love!

 Photo one, please take a photo with me!

 Photo two, will you please look normal...

Photo three, came out so cute!  Perfect!  :) 

 

5 for Five, #4

Good Monday Morning!!

OK, time to link up for my 5 for Five!

Thanks to Jenn and Jessica for this fabulous link up as always!!

Here's how I did last week at my goals:

{Green=goal reached, Red=goal not reached}

 January 20-26th

1. Workout at least 2 times this week, need to get this booty in gear!
2. Stop biting nails!
3. Walk at lunch at least 3 times this week
4. Start painting the master bathroom
5. Get the "extra" laundry accomplished (guest room sheets, towels, blankets...)

The workout's did happen this week and I am so proud of me and Ali!  We both really motived each other to get our butt's off the couch and get to the gym and WE DID IT!!  The biting nails didn't stop happening....driving makes it hard to stop, but I can do it since I've stopped several times before.  Walking at lunch did not happen this week.  Between having an unexpected snow day on Tuesday, to it being in the 20's on Wednesday and Thursday, and doing interviews straight threw lunch on Friday at another location, walking at lunch was not a priority this week.  The master bathroom was painted, but not by myself.  Andy did it all, I painted a tiny spot on the wall...so he GETS ALL THE CREDIT!!  :)  The "extra" laundry was not done.  Having an extra day off in the week really throws you off.

So 2/5, eh not so good, but I can handle it.

Let's get to goals for:

January 27-February 2

1. Stop biting nails!!!
2. Get the "extra" laundry cleaned, folded and put away
3. Workout at least 3 times this week
4. No SODA!!
5. Drink more water, eat healthier

Sunday Social, Week 3

Welcome to another weekend edition of Sunday Social!

Sunday Social

Today I'm linking up with Ashley and Neely for Sunday Social!  

  

1. What is your ideal way to relax?

My favorite way to relax is to be in comfy clothes (right now: sweatpants, a t-shirt, and my heated blanket for the couch), watch TV, and just relax my mind.   

2. Where is your favorite place to be?

At home with Andy and my fur-babies

3. Who do you consider your biggest role model?

My mom is my biggest rose model.  She raised me the way I am today and I love her so so much!

4. What does your life look like in 3 years?

With kids and lots of happiness shared with family and friends!

5. If you could go back and change one decision, what would it be?

My money decisions when I was in college.  I wouldn't have moved out of my mom's house so fast and would have saved my money rather than spending it and getting my self in a lot of credit card debt, which is now gone.

6. What is your biggest accomplishment in life so far?

Graduation college, by far the biggest accomplishment.  I was working a full time job, a part time job, and going to school full time and graduated.  While I wish my grades were better then, I realized I had a LOT on my plate.

TGIF

Thank god it's Friday!!

Here's a throwback photo of:

TGIF on ABC

Still to this day, if I see Full House on TV, I will watch it.  :) 

I can tell you what EVERY episode it is within watching 5 seconds of the intro....sad but true.

Update on Wednesday night:  Yes, I did get my butt on the treadmill.  {Huge thanks to my friend Ali for motivating me to get moving!}  I completed 1.5 miles in 30 minutes.  Pathetic but you know I accomplished working out rather than sitting on my butt all night! 

I had an audience while working out.  Thanks Mokes!  :)  

Update on Thursday night:  COMPLETELY EXHAUSTED!  I can't believe I didn't fall asleep on my desk, that is how tired I was.  Ali and I took the night off.  I'm OK with that because I watched Grey's Anatomy and fell asleep around 9:15.

My weekend is going to include:

The Saint Louis Auto Show (Saturday)

Lunch with Ali and her boys (Sunday)

The usual cleaning (need to start this Friday night)

Possibly starting to paint the master bathroom??

Working out on Friday night and one other time this weekend

Relax and try not to be stressed

Happy Weekend Ya'll!  :) 

WIAW #12, Wednesday Walkabout #3

Happy WIAW and Walkabout Wednesday!!

This week on What I Ate Wednesday, I am going to feature my Sunday and Tuesday dinners.  Why you ask?  Because Sunday is featuring a favorite crockpot meal in our house and Tuesday represents my favorite dinner in the winter.


Thanks as always to Jenn for such a great link up!
Disclaimer: I realize I am not like everyone else who links up to WIAW!  I am not a vegan, major healthy eater, or big workout person.  I am who I am, and I like who I am.  So please forgive me if you don't see a lot of healthy stuff on my blog.  I try, but am still happy with who I am!  :) 
Sunday dinner: (A Pinterest Find)
Crockpot Chicken and Rice

Ingredients:

2-4 frozen boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese 

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 pkg. italian dressing seasoning (the dried kind in the packet)

2 tsp. of pepper (an addition my husband and I love to this meal)

rice (I used minute rice)

Stir the cream cheese, cream of chicken, and seasoning together in the crock-pot   Put the frozen chicken in and cover with the mix. cook on high 4-6 hours or until the chicken is cooked and fall-apart-tender.  The chicken will get very tender and shred in the crock-pot just from you stirring it every so often.  Once the meal is fully cooked, make your rice.  Place rice on a place and scoop delicious chicken mixture on top of it.  Eat and be in heaven!  :)  

I have had this meal as a left over also.  It heats up really well and I think tastes just as good as the day you made it. 

 As you can see, I made some crossaints to go with the meal and some peas (GREEN) for me to eat!

You can always follow me on pinterest: 

www.pinterest.com/BTandForever



Tuesday dinner: 

Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

In Saint Louis, we had an unexpected snow come through the area.  About an 1" fell.  Not a lot, I know but when you don't know snow is coming, it catches you and all of St. Louis off guard!  I wanted something "warm" for dinner.  Tomato soup was CALLING MY NAME!

Tips on a very delicious grilled cheese and tomato soup:

-Use french or sesame seed bread from a bakery (grocery store bakery)
-Use milk in your soup instead of water
-Mix the soup and milk together with a whisk or hand mixer or even a food processor
-You want the soup to be "frothy" Mmmmm, soooo good!
-Dip your grilled cheese in the soup!  :)
-Enjoy the warmness you will receive from the meal


I'm also linking up today with:


It's a great way to find some new blog friends!  :) 

Don't forget, if you like what you read,
MAKE SURE YOU FOLLOW ME!  

January Funk

I've been in a real funk lately.  I was all gung-ho on working out in October, did well in November until Thanksgiving.  Took a week off and got back into it until Christmas and that is where I fell off the wagon.  Yes, I still complete my walks on my lunch at work, but in all honesty, I'd rather walk all 5 days a week rather than a couple a week.  It's the January funk  that's got me all worked up.  It's cold and the sun goes down to early so I can't take Keeley on walks and some days the temperature is in the 20's or even lower.  I've walked when the weather is in the 20's and it's miserable!  

I've had a hard time getting motivated to do much of anything lately.  Dinner has been pathetic lately, and to be honest it's not even going out to fast food places.  I'm talking easy peasy not so healthy stuff.  Pizza, chicken patty sandwiches, left overs, no green.  Just stuff that sits on my stomach, waist and hips and makes me gain weight.  No bueno! :( 

I really really need to break out of the January funk and get back into the active Jessica!

Tonight, I will get on that treadmill!
You can hold me accountable (I know Andy will...)

5 for Five #3

Happy Monday !!

So this is a happy Monday because I had the day off, thank you MLK Day!  :) 

I got a lot done around the house:  vacuuming, laundry, dishes, and a sewing project.  I also met Andy for lunch, Buffalo Wild Wings.  I'm a good wife!  :) 

OK, time to link up for my 5 for Five!

Thanks to Jenn and Jessica for this fabulous link up as always!!

Here's how I did last week at my goals:

{Green=goal reached, Red=goal not reached}

January 13-19th

1. Make dinner 4 out of 5 nights!
2. Try one workout on the PS3, Get Fit with Mel B
3. Walk at lunch at least 3 times this week
4. Get to JoAnn's Fabrics to start a new sewing project {I need some fabric}
5. Stop biting my nails {yup, I started biting again.  Bad Jessica...}

1/5

Can you hear the failure music, cause I can (whomp, whomp...)

Last week was a rough week for me, I was tired and crabby and dealing with crabby people. I will say that dinner was made 3 out of 5 nights, but they were in no way well balanced meals....easy stuff like chicken patty's, left over Pizza Hut from the night before, etc...Working out was not in the cards for me either, I had no desire to do anything after work.  I did manage to get my walks in at work, it's a necessity because I can get some fresh air instead of sitting in doors for 9 hours straight.  Even lunch is eaten at my desk... I did get to JoAnn's on Friday and found some fabric, $1.50 a yard, SCORE!!  Tried my hand tonight at the project and it was a no go...I am not happy with it.  :(  The biting of the nails is still happening....yeah it needs to go away.

Let's get to goals for:

 January 20-26th

1. Workout at least 2 times this week, need to get this booty in gear!
2. Stop biting nails!
3. Walk at lunch at least 3 times this week
4. Start painting the master bathroom
5. Get the "extra" laundry accomplished (guest room sheets, towels, blankets...)

Nothing too exciting, but they are goals and I CAN DO IT!!

Sunday Social, Week 2

Welcome to another weekend edition of Sunday Social!

Sunday Social

Today I'm linking up with Ashley and Neely for Sunday Social!  

This week's questions:

All About 3s!

1. Top 3 favorite kinds of food

Italian

 Mexican

American

Those are the 3 most favorite types of food I eat on a weekly basis.  

2. First 3 things you do in the morning

Go to the bathroom, wash hands (LOL)

Start shower water

Put in contacts

3. Last 3 things you do at night

Take out contacts

Brush teeth

Put on jammies

4. 3 TV shows you NEVER miss

Big Band Theory

Top Chef

Mike and Molly

5. 3 places you want to visit

Hawaii

England

Australia

6. 3 people you can always count on

Andy

My Mom

My cousins, Jennifer and Julia

Check out some other new blogs and be sure to 

follow me through Google Friend Connect or by e-mail!  :) 

BBQ Beer Chicken

Oh Pinterest, you have yet to fail me on recipes

(maybe I haven't failed because I am picky about what recipe I choose)

But anyways, you chose good again for me:

BBQ Beer Chicken, in the Crockpot

The words that drew me in, "IN THE CROCKPOT"

The less I have to "Cook", the BETTER!!!  Haha!

Okay question, does anyone else not like to leave the crock pot running all day while you're at work?!?  I just have this fear that if I leave it running all day while no one is home, that something could happen to the house and then the animals and I just couldn't live with myself.  So the crock pot only gets used if Andy is home all day, working from home or if we are home on the weekend.  I know, I know, I'm weird.  It's ok, I can handle it.  

Here's the chicken cooking in the crockpot

Here is the finished product on my plate.  YUMMO!!

Happy Friday

Happy Friday!!

I had to post this photo, cause it's so true about me!  :) 

I do think my dog AND cat are awesome!

Reversible Bag

Lately my sewing machine has been calling my name!  I had been itching to try to sew something new and found this:
Making reversible bag
My sister's birthday was coming up (January 15th) and I had remembered on her Christmas list that she wanted a purse, "LIGHTBULB".  
{Haha, reference to Despicable Me!  LOVE that movie!}

I got out my trusty sewing machine and began the tedious project.  I cut out my pattern and began to read the instructions.  While I had done one other pattern project, a dog hoodie which I completely forgot to post for you all to see, I had a hard time understand the directions.  Is it just me, or is it hard to read those instructions!?!  I am the type of person that has to be physically shown and physically do the task at hand, otherwise it goes in one ear and out the other.  Thank god for YouTube!  It was really helpful to see how to sew darts or else I would have never gotten it!  I will also have to admit that my husband is awesome when it comes to helping me with the directions.  He can help me out with any problems I have and doesn't know too much about the sewing machine.  Thanks Husband!  :) 

While this purse was suppose to take 1 hour to make, it took me in total about 3 hours to complete.  1 hour of that I would put towards using my seam ripper, I messed up big time on the purse at first.  I had sewn it shut, duh Jess!  Don't sew all 4 sides together or else it will not open!  

Normally, if I had made a big mistake like that I would have given up, and thrown it away.  Not even tried to fix it, but man was I determined to fix my mistake and get this cute purse made for my sister.

In the end, it turned out great and she was excited {that's all that matters anyways :) }

WIAW #11 - Walkabout Wednesday #2

Hello Wednesday Morning!

I hope you all are enjoying your week, I was until yesterday as I was leaving work, but I will not get into that right now or ever.  I did however, get to meet the new neighbors who are building next door to us!  Funny thing, Andy graduated high school with the guy moving in, SMALL WORLD!

This week on What I Ate Wednesday, I am going to feature my Sunday meals.
I woke up Sunday morning with the urge to cook, and that I did!

On Pinterest I found a recipe for a:

Sticky Bun Breakfast Ring

Super easy, and SUPER delicious!!
You can read more about it here or click on the link above!

While enjoying our breakfast, I scoured the internet for a dinner recipe to try.  I had no desire to go to the grocery store, since a big cold front had come through St. Louis the night before.  I'm talking, the temperature was around 20 degrees all day, NO THANK YOU!

So another Pinterest recipe was found:

BBQ Beer Chicken, in the Crockpot

This is a photo of the chicken cooking in the crockpot

Here was my dinner for the night, turned out soooo good!

I will post the recipe and a blog post more in depth tomorrow about this.

Tip: So you always read those pinterest tips and such and wonder, "Does that really work?!?"  Well I had always read the easiest way to shred chicken is using your Kitchen Aid Mixer.  Place hot chicken in the mixer and let it "mix" together on low until the chicken is all shredded.  Seriously, it works and it works REALLY WELL!  I highly recommend that step with your BBQ Chicken!  :) 

You can always follow me on pinterest: 

www.pinterest.com/BTandForever



I'm also linking up today with:



It's a great way to find some new blog friends!  :)