Last week I worked in San Antonio, which is always nice because I have the chance to stay with my family instead of a hotel. Thursday night I made dinner at my parent’s house. My grandparents, sister, and brother-in-law joined us. I really like to cook but I seldom cook for myself.



After dinner my sister modeled some dresses I want to sell on eBay. Now that I have the photos, I just have to post the details on eBay… not fun. Cleaning out my closet is a never ending project.

Last weekend I picked up this adorable doormat from Swoozies. It was on sale for 70% off. I love Swoozies and cutie doormats!!!

Friday John McCain announced Sarah Palin as his running mate. I watched Sarah’s speech and I was so impressed. Sarah thanked Hilary Clinton and Geraldine Ferraro for paving the way for women in politics! She didn’t say anything bad about them; she thanked them. Classy!!! In addition to being the governor of Alaska and numerous professional and personal accomplishments, she was a beauty queen. That’s fabulous.

I hope y’all have a wonderful Labor Day weekend. I don’t have anything specific planned. However, I’m looking forward to relaxing, reading, working out, catching up on sleep and shopping with Lindsay for her house.

My Bubble

Last week I was on a 3 hour flight from Houston to Orange County. I was so happy because I had been upgraded to first class. I was looking forward to a good dinner, a movie, and possibly a nice nap. The dinner was good, the movie was dumb, and so I decided to take a nap. My nap was interrupted several times by “man noises.” I have defined “man noises” as snoring, loud coughing, clearing the throat, groaning, mumbling, loud yawns followed by a long sigh… I think you get the idea.

There was an attractive, young (married) guy sitting next to me. After my lovely dinner I dozed off. I suddenly woke up to a loud “man noise.” I actually jumped because it scared me. I wondered if he noticed that it scared me. The guy next to me was clearing his throat combined with moaning. I fell asleep again and again and again but it never lasted long… “man noises” from my neighbor. Y’all I just don’t get it…. What's the point in being so loud?

On another business trip this year, I was sound asleep in my hotel room. I woke up in the middle of the night to another “man noise.” This time it scared me to death! I jumped out of the bed and turned on the lights; my heart was racing. I could hear a man snoring. It was so loud that for a second I thought he was in my room. Thank goodness he wasn’t in my room but he was in the room next door!!! I’m a heavy sleeper, so for anything to wake me in the middle of the night~ that’s some loud snoring.

I’m starting to realize that I live in a “Girly-Girl Bubble.” I have been living by myself for a long time. During that time, I have created my own little Girly-Girl world. Here are some examples…

I had a room in my apartment painted pink and transformed it into a closet.

My DVR is set to record Days of Our Lives, Oprah, The Hills, Home Cooking with Paula Deen, The Girls Next Door, Lipstick Jungle, The Bachelor, Desperate Housewives… you get the picture.
I only watch Girly movies. I'm not entertained by anything scary, violent, graphic, or gross...I’ll have nightmares. I’m extreme on this one. For instance, I had heard from several girlfriends that the movie Chronicles of Narnia was good and not boyish or gross. Well, I tried to watch it on a flight to CA a couple of weeks ago, I just couldn’t do it. As soon as I saw a yucky creature, I took off my headphones and read my book, sTori Telling by T*ri Spelling.

If I’m about to have a car wreck or I stub my toe I yell, “Mommy!” It’s a much nicer thing to say than a bad word. Another nice thing to yell is, “Nelly” or “Oh my Lanta.”

I have the Hello Kitty toaster and waffle iron. I really, really want the HK sandwich maker but I can’t seem to find it. Note: my house is not decorated in HK, just 2 appliances and an apron.

I don’t like to sweat, play sports, or watch sports. When I was in school my least favorite class was gym class. The gym teacher thought it would be fun to have a volleyball week. Oh~ great idea! When the volleyball would come to my way, I would dodge it. Hmm… wrong game. The gym teacher would yell, “What’s wrong are you scared of the ball?” Yes, I actually am scared of the ball, thankyouverymuch. I was embarrassed so the next time the ball came my way I hit it… OUCH! Why would anyone do that to their poor hands?

I take the vacations that I want to take~ working with babies and children in a China orphanage, girly Broadway shows and shopping NYC, San Diego for a "Girl Weekend," Savannah, GA to meet P*ula Deen. Note: Didn't get to meet P*ula but I did meet B*bby.

If I see a bug I will scream extremely loud, dance around, and whine like a baby. I learned this from my mom.

My dream home is a pink Victorian house with a white wrap around porch and white trim.

I really, really want to get married someday and adopt from China. I know I might have to compromise on some of my girly ways. I'm not sure if a man wants to live in a pink house, watch Days of Our Lives, while eating a Hello Kitty sandwhich???? So until I'm married, I’m just going to enjoy my Girly-Girl Bubble.

An Award... How Exciting!

Kate from Nautical by Nature gave me the Diamond Blogger Award. Thank you so much Kate! I’ve been blogging for less than a year and I’ve “met” some of the sweetest, most inspirational people.



These are some of my favorite blogs and I would like to pass along the Diamond Blogger Award to…

La Di Dah~ Danielle and I met Laura a few weeks ago in L.A. for dinner. Laura is the all-American girl. She’s super sweet and super cute.

My Amazeing Journey~ I love Amy’s blog for many reasons… she is SO real, she is a wonderful Christian, and she’s adopting a baby from China as a single mother. I admire her strength and courage.

Pearls and Grace~ my mom found this blog and immediately called me and told me I had to save it as a favorite. Oh my… if you need encouragement check out Pearls and Grace. It is beautiful~ the words, the photos, everything.

Little Bits of Lindy~ God gave Lisa the gift of encouraging words. Lisa always knows exactly what to say and how to say it. She is such an inspiration!

And Bai-Li Make 3~ my dream is to adopt from China someday. I have learned so much about adoption through bloggers~ the terminology, the process, the attachment. One of my favorite adoption blogs is And Bai-Li Makes 3. Sharon is such a sweet, nurturing mother and Bailey is precious. It’s been so fun, interesting, and inspiring watching their journey to sweet Bailey.

Weekend Update

Our “Girl’s Nights” are so tame; you might get bored reading this. :0) I’m SO glad I have friends who don’t like to party. Saturday night was our monthly “Girl’s Night,” Amy and I went accessory shopping for her home. We picked up some great deals at Home Goods. After 3 hours in Home Goods we had dinner! Wow… we’re fun. It really was fun!

My sister and her husband are taking a week vacation to Hawaii at the end of September. I’m so excited, while they’re gone I get to baby sit my niece, Daisy. She’s such a love bug!!! I had to buy her a new dress for our fun week together, check it out.

Shopping!!! I love Home Goods.

Dinner

Daisy's New Dress~ She love Hello Kitty

The Love Bug and Me

Poor Daisy~ This is what she does when Jenn and Ryan take out their suitcases. She wants to go too!

Miscellaneous Happenings

I just spent another week in CA, this time Orange County. I’m flying back to O.C. on Tuesday. I’m definitely tired and my sleep schedule is messed up. However, these trips have been great for my frequent flyer miles, Marriott points, and my home electric bill.

Last week I was staying on the 10th floor of my hotel. I was listening to my ipod and my neighbor slammed their room door. It caused my room to shake a bit. Oh my~ for about 2 seconds I thought it was another earthquake. I’ve heard from the locals that if an earthquake occurs it’s NOT good to be on the top floor of a building. Scary!

This week I saw Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. It was cute but I probably won’t see it again (unless it’s on an airplane). I am SO excited about seeing House Bunny, which opens on August 22. It looks soooo funny.

A friend of mine got a letter in the mail this week from Le*nard* DiCapri*. Leo was asking for money for environmental causes. He also urged her to stop global warming. Here’s an idea to stop global warming~ Don’t send us junk mail. What about all the trees that were destroyed for these mailers and the fuel used to get the mailers in our mailbox? We all know where the mailers will end up~ in the trash can with the rest of the junk mail.

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for an answered prayer. Last Thursday night I prayed for something very specific and kinda small (but not really small to me). It seemed impossible but I thought I’d give it a try. I really, really didn’t think a certain situation would change. However, Friday morning I turned on my computer and my prayer had been answered! I couldn’t believe it, in hours God had answered my “small” prayer.

I’m so thankful that my prayer was answered and answered so quickly. It reminds me that He still hears me and He has not forgotten me. I really needed a reminder! I have prayed about a situation in my life for 10+ years and my prayer has not been answered yet. I know I should wait patiently but I get frustrated and weary. Sometimes I feel God just forgot about me or maybe I slipped just through the cracks. I know it’s not true but it feels that way at times.

Thank you God for reminding me you ARE listening and miracles DO still happen.

Frozen Hot Chocolate Recipe

John sent me his recipe for Frozen Hot Chocolate. You have to try this, you won't be disappointed. I'm calling it "John's Frozen Hot Chocolate" because he really created his own version of this recipe. Seriously, y'all... forget about the powder mixes, this recipe is SO much better.

John's Frozen Hot Chocolate

Ingredients: The biggest secret here is to NOT go for the girly, diet stuff. Get rich, heavy whipped cream and don't even think about buying the light condensed milk.

3 oz. assorted chocolate bars - 1 oz. dark, 1 oz. semi-sweet, and 1 oz. milk chocolate (I like Symphony for milk, and then pick out some of the better dark and semi-sweet. Don't skimp here!)

1 can sweetened condensed milk

3 cups ice

Whipped cream

Chocolate shavings

Preparation: Chop the chocolate into small pieces and place it in the top of a double boiler over simmering water, stirring occasionally until melted. Add half of the condensed milk, stirring constantly until thoroughly blended. Remove from heat and slowly add the remaining half of the condensed milk and stir until smooth. Cool about 5 minutes.

In a blender place the chocolate mixture and the ice. Blend on high speed until smooth and the consistency of a frozen daiquiri. If it is too thick (think milkshake) add a splash of milk and blend again. Pour into a giant goblet (a large red wine glass works well). Fill the glass to 2/3 and then pile on as much whipped cream as you can possibly fit. Sprinkle with the chocolate shavings. A soft-mint peppermint stick makes a great garnish as well.

Enjoy!

Makeover Time???

Does your blog need a makeover? Maybe a fall look? My incredibly talented friend, Danielle, is having a HUGE anniversary sale on her blog designs. Danielle is so fun to work with and she donates a portion of her earnings to our favorite charity, Half the Sky. Check out Blogs by Danielle, you won't be disappointed. Hurry so you don't miss the big sale!

P.S. Isn't her new logo fabulous?

Weekend Update

Lindsay and I are hosting a lingerie shower for our friend, Jana, at the end of September. Lindsay’s husband, John, has volunteered to cook dinner for all the girls the night of the shower. How sweet… he always spoils us! Saturday night John wanted to have a “trial run” with the dinner menu and wine parings. John is the BEST chef! He made a really great dinner... gourment salad with a shrimp skewer, almond crusted chicken, grilled asparagus, and wild rice pilaf. John even “plated” the food like a real restaurant but better!

Top Chef

Yumm... and so Pretty

Me, Caroline, and Lindsay (Linds and I are not sisters...he he)

Lindsay is one lucky girl. John also makes the BEST Frozen Hot Chocolate. You may have heard about the Frozen Hot Chocolate at Serendip*ty in NYC. Well, my friends and I waited 2 hours to have lunch at Serendip*ty and order the famous Frozen Hot Chocolate for dessert. I was completely disappointed; I had already had John’s version of Frozen Hot Chocolate. Serendip*ty’s tasted like melted chocolate ice cream. John’s Frozen Hot Chocolate is a million times better!!! Maybe he’ll give me his recipe and I’ll post it.

Serendip*ty-NYC

Another Week in L.A.

Last week I worked in the L.A. area for the third week in a row. I really love California. I met up with Danielle and we did some shopping. I bought these really cute flats. Danielle has a pair and loves them and she has me hooked! I love my new flats. However, I wore them yesterday and they kinda hurt my feet. It’s probably because they’re new and I just need to break them in. At least, that is what I’m hoping. Danielle and I met Laura for dinner at one of their favorite L.A. restaurants. It was so much fun and Laura absolutely sweet and adorable.

My friend, Lindsay, and I just ordered T*ri Spelling's new book, sTori Telling. I'm looking forward to reading it and discussing it with Lindsay. I know what you might be thinking, "Surely, you have better things to do." He He. You're right, but this will be my guilty pleasure for the time being.

Tagged

I have been tagged by Danielle to name 5 songs that I am embarrassed to admit I like. I like millions of embarrassing songs. In fact, I think the majority of songs on my ipod would be considered “embarrassing.” It’s a little hard to pick just five…. He He!

Here are the rules:

1. Link to the person who tagged you and post the rules on your blog.

2. Share 5 songs you are embarrassed to admit to others that you like and tell why.

3. Tag 5 people at the end of post and include links to their blogs.

4. Let each person know they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

1. Stars are Blind by Paris Hilton- I had this song on my ipod when I was in China and I let my sweet, little friend Yu Mei listen to it. She didn’t know English and didn’t understand the words but she bopped her head. It was so cute. Every time I hear it, I think of her. Note~ if Yu Mei had known English, I would’ve picked another song for her to listen to.

2. Stronger by Britney Spears- I must admit I like Britney’s music and I have all her CD’s. I love the song Stronger! If you have it on your ipod, it will make you run faster.

3. What Dreams Are Made Of by Hilary Duff from the movie Lizzie McGuire- In the movie, Lizzie goes to Rome for a class trip. Lizzie throws a coin over her shoulder into the Trevi Fountian and makes a wish. Right before my trip to Rome, a friend ask me if I knew about the Trevi Fountian and making a wish. He said, “Have you seen Roman Holiday?” I said with a straight face, “No, but I’ve seen Lizzie McGuire. It was kinda funny~ guess you had to be there.

4. Wannabe by Spice Girls- This song was popular for about a week in 1997 but I SO love it. It reminds me of my senior year of college. My favorite Spice Girl was Baby Spice. :)

5. Escape (The Pina Colada Song) by Rupert Holmes- My sister and I love this song. You can’t help but sing along every time you hear it. I used to think The Pina Colada song was by Jimmy Buffet and my ex-boyfriend rudely and abruptly corrected me. Sorry, Rupert!

I'm going to tag...(I'm cheating and only tagging 3 people)

My Amazeing Journey

A Different Kind of Southern Girl

The Stanleys

Hollywood and Santa Barbara

Greystone Mansion

My trip to L.A. was so fabulous. I got to see and do a variety of things. Sunday afternoon Danielle and Jessica gave me a city tour. They showed me many beautiful homes, including a couple celebrity homes. We walked around the Greystone Mansion, where many television shows and movies are filmed. The X-men and National Treasure (I didn't see either movie) were filmed at Greystone and it was the school in the Gilmore Girls. Danielle and Jess went to summer camp at the Greystone Mansion. For all the C of C readers, I wonder what they would think of Camp Bandina. Bandina is far cry from a beautiful mansion in Beverly Hills. After our city tour Danielle and I had manicures and pedicures and dinner at her favorite Chinese place.

Monday we drove up the coast to Santa Barbara. SB is such a cute, charming town. We met Danielle’s long time friend, Jess. Jess is pregnant with her first baby and she is so sweet. We had a great lunch, shopping, visiting, and dinner. Danielle, thank you so much for showing me around L.A., Disney, and SB. You are fabulous hostess.

Friday at the airport I saw J*mie Lee Curt*s. I love seeing celebs. :) I didn't say anything and I never would! Also, I will never post a celebs name on my blog again without putting a * in their name. Danielle and I were called "stalkers" on a J*sh Gr*ban fan site. Why??? We just saw him, didn't say anything to him, and wrote about it on our blogs.

Jill, Danielle, and Jess