reba wear

Well we all know that Reba is my girl and I would like to announce that she now has a clothing line! (Well to be honest, last year I knew she had a clothing line but it was just jeans then, now it's so much more!) You can find her things at Dillard's.


love the embellishment




love this sweater, how warm and cozy!


love the wild print!


this paired with some cowgirl boots, yes please





love


love


love

delish!

I am usually not the biggest soup fan, especially really "soupy soup" but this stuff is great! Highly recommend.

easy A

I was able to watch this little gem of a movie this past weekend with some friends and I must say that it was quite hilarious! It was very witty and cute. Plus Emma Stone (the lead) was awesome! She's funny, sarcastic and very pretty. Also, Lisa Kudrow was is in it and let's be honest anytime that a Friends star is in something it always makes it better. I highly recommend the movie for those of you that have a dry sense of humor and you're looking for a laugh. 3.5 out of 5

committed

I recently finished Committed by Elizabeth Gilbert. As some of you may remember I loved Eat, Pray, Love; the first book of hers I read, however I will have to say that this one is only ok. It is no Eat, Pray, Love that's for sure. She takes on more of a sociologist role in this book and examines every stinkin little crevice of the entire institution of marriage. At some points during the book she was so negative that I found myself thinking "now why did I get married?". I did push past those points and knew full well that I have a wonderful husband so it was definitely her writing that was getting to me. Not to bash Ms. Gilbert but I would only recommend reading this book "just to say you've read it". I give it umm a 2 out of 5 stars (just because she did so much research for the book). Sorry Liz.

things that are awesome:

1. Weight Watchers mint chocolate ice cream sandwiches--oh my goooooness these things are freaking incredible and by far one of my new favorite things EVER!
2. Glee--season 2 premiere, awesome--nuff said. (hee hee)
   
3. Indian (Bollywood) dancing workouts--these things are no joke and oh so much fun
4. Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin scented Wallflowers by Bath and Body Works--even though it was 90 degrees here today (no exaggeration) I can still pretend that its fall when I walk upstairs and smell this wonderful wallflower
5. Prison Break--our new fave TV show to follow. Although I'm pretty sure that it's no longer on TV, we're just streamlining it from the internet, nonetheless, awesome show!

date night

Let's just say that if it were not for Tina Fey and Steve Carrell starring in this I would've been a little ticked. They were cute and there were a couple of cute moments but for the most part it was just ehh. That's really all I can say. 1 out of 5 stars.

haaaaaaaaaaave you met abby?

My sweet cousin ABby started her own little blog, yippee! She is definitely funny and has great taste in....everything, actually. I hope you enjoy her thoughts:

messin' with my good life

phantom of the opera

As some of you may know, last week I was able to go see Phantom of the Opera with my dear friend Taylor. We decided to take this opportunity to go all out and get dressed up because let's be honest, how many occasions can you get that dressed up and not stick out? Ok, exactly. We went to dinner before the show at Olive or Twist, a swank and tasty martini bar/restaurant right near the theater. After dinner we strolled on over to the Benedum to see the show. The actors/actresses' voices were absolutely incredible! I mean it just doesn't seem possible for people to have such wonderful voices (maybe I'm a tad jealous). I really enjoyed the show and it was extra wonderful because I went with Tay! Although I think I prefer lighthearted, funny musicals (Hairspray) I'm still very happy that I was able to see Phantom. :)




prom pic--we thought it was necessary :)

aunt liz's chicken spaghetti casserole

Aunt Liz's Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chopped cooked chicken breast
• 2 cups uncooked spaghetti noodles, broken into 2-inch pieces (about 7 ounces)
• 1 cup (1/4-inch-thick) slices celery
• 1 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 (10.75-ounce) cans condensed 30% reduced-sodium 98% fat-free cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
• Cooking spray
• 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°.

2. Combine first 5 ingredients in a large bowl. Combine broth, salt, pepper, and soup in a medium bowl, stirring with a whisk. Add soup mixture to chicken mixture; toss. Divide mixture evenly between 2 (8-inch) square or (2-quart) baking dishes coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle 1/2 cup cheese over each casserole. Cover with foil coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 35 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes.

Nutrition:
Calories: 261
Fat: 7.8 g
Protein: 19g

Jessi's note: We had this for dinner tonight and it was sooooo good! So easy! Also, the directions indicate making it in two dishes so that you can freeze one and bake it later. I chose to make mine in one large dish and baked for the same amount of time. This is also a good basic casserole recipe, like if you don't like chicken then substitute it with another veggie or if you don't like peppers sub in some mushrooms, etc. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did! :)

(much thanks to cookinglight.com for the recipe and pic!)

annie's people by beverly lewis

This series is freaking awesome! First of all I am especially critical of Christian literature, since it has a tendency to be cheesy. Second of all I never thought I would be into reading about the Amish. Third of all, I was desperate for a new book and I saw The Preacher's Daughter at the library and thought "what the heck". Then I was obsessed. This was a series where I could not wait to get back into my car to listen to the story, I was hooked! And as soon as I finished a book I had to get to the library to get the next one! I LOVED it! And I learned so much about the Amish and Mennonite culture, I want to visit Lancaster, PA so much more now!! You may think I'm crazy for loving Amish lit, but whatever, it's awesome and you can only judge me once you've finished the series. 5 out of 5 stars, hands down!

fur ball

I came home to this mess after running errands today.

Yes, that's right, that's Dixie's hair. John brushed her while I was gone and that's how much extra hair she was carrying on her body. She looks like a fresh new pup now.

front porch

One of our summer projects was to paint the front porch. In the before pictures try to look past the cute puppy and pay attention to corroding paint and nastiness.

before

after

(by the way, did you like the model for the 'after' pics? she never misses a chance to walk around the front porch)

kids say the darndest things

All I have to say is that it's 1:20 a.m. and clearly insomnia has attacked me tonight, I came across this gem and thought it was so cute and kinda hilarious!

The Funniest Kids' Notes

sugarbabe

Awhile ago I read this article in Marie Claire and thought the author of the book was absolutely ridiculous (still do).

But here's a funny criticism of the same article.

Happy reading and let me know what you think...

the times (read: seasons) are a changin

Its beginning to feel a lot like fall here! There is a little chill in the air and I'm starting to see some trees change colors and leaves falling. I do enjoy fall. And I will really enjoy not sweating like a pig just sitting in my house. Mmmm bring on the apple cider, pumpkin spice lattes, beautiful colors and blankets to keep me warm. Next thing you know Christmas will be here YIPPEE!!

bucket list item #14

14. Become fluent in sign language.

Tonight I met two deaf women at the dog park and had a great time communicating with them. It was definitely a humbling experience since they had to slow down very much and I got confused quite a bit. However, when I got home I was pretty happy with my ability to communicate with them. I have a strong desire (and I'm not sure why) to become fluent in sign. I'm starting classes in October so I'm sure that will help, yay!

short and sweet

I went for a trim today and got talked into this...

I love my new short hair :)

oh martha

This is not a new revelation but I would just like to state that Martha Stewart is a creative genius. I am by no means an organized, color coated person but when I see pictures of her storage areas on her website I yearn to be that person. I also have these desires deep within me (to be expressed in years to come) to have a large garden, fruit bearing trees and maybe even, dare I say it...a chicken coop and when I see pictures of Martha's home and garden I just want all of that so much more and right now! Oh Martha, I'm going to have to limit how much I look at your website because I have a feeling I'm going to want to change my house every time I see a new idea.