Friday Fives: Favorite Gifts

Y'all know I love a list, and I haven't done a Friday Fives in a while. (You can see others here, here and here.) Today's topic is favorite gifts you've given or received. Let's get to it!

Probably my all-time favorite gift, which I still have today is...

...Crickett Marie! Isn't she so cute?! I received a 2-lb. dog as my "big" gift six years ago. Until then I wasn't a dog person; I casually mentioned to my parents that IF I ever got a dog, I'd want a miniature dachshund. My mom's best friend was at WalMart just before Christmas and saw mini dachshunds for sale. Somehow, she thought that I really wanted a dog and chose Crickett out of the litter. I was shocked when I received her, but I'm so glad that she's mine. Well, now she's ours. It took her about a year of dating to warm up to Husby, but now she's crazy about him.

I've already received a gift this year, and I'm so excited to use it. Husby came on Monday night and announced he needed to give me an early Christmas present. Since I'm not one to squelch the enthusiasm of others, I agreed to receive the present early. And do you know what it was? Tickets to a concert to see...

That's right! Willie Nelson! Don't judge me. I've liked him for years. And I'm super excited to see him in concert. I would have put this concert on my Bucket List, but considering he could be more likely to kick the bucket first, I didn't think it was a good idea. It'd just be setting myself up for disappointment.

Okay, now one of my favorite gifts I've given was to Husby a couple of years ago. We had a ski trip planned, and I wanted to do something a little out of the ordinary. Husby loves experiences more than things, so I knew that I could hit it big in the mountains of Colorado. We went dog sledding!

It was so much fun! The picture above is Husby driving the sled with me in the passenger seat. These dogs were so amazing! We both had so much fun. I'd highly recommend it!

Okay, this wasn't a Christmas present, but I just checked the rules (that don't really exist), and so I feel fine posting it. The first birthday present Husby gifted me with was a hot air balloon ride. (He really is all about fun experiences!)

Although I'm terrified of heights, this was so much fun. The balloon doesn't move very fast; it doesn't have jerky movements. It's very serene. Just a side note: don't wear a dress or skirt when hot air ballooning. There is no way to modestly climb into the basket wearing such an outfit. But I looked cute. Which is important.

Oh, my goodness. I have the best husband ever! He's such a good gift giver. (I'm breaking the non-existent rules again.) Last year for my birthday, he gifted me with tickets to see:

This is my all-time favorite musical. (Sorry, Les Miserables.) It was playing in San Antonio, which is quite a drive for us. He found a wonderful bed & breakfast and booked two rooms since we were still engaged. We walked the Riverwalk, toured the San Antonio missions--including the Alamo, ate amazing food, drank fantastic margaritas, bought way to much chocolate to eat in one night, and saw Wicked. It was such a good weekend, and most importantly, he liked Wicked, too.

Okay, I could go on and on with the boom box/CD player I received in 7th grade, my American Girl doll, Kirsten, the super cute wool hat Husby gave me last Christmas. I think I should stop. And as much as I love telling you about the gifts I've received, I do love giving gifts even more!

What about you? What's a favorite gift? Do you hand-pick presents for people?

Friday Fives: Question Time

1. What is your favorite comfort food?

Ooh...I don't really have a go to comfort food. I love soup, so that could be it. Even in the summer, I eat--and make--soups. Soup with some good, buttered bread. Mmm! You can check out a few of my soup recipes here.  

2. What's one thing that's on your mind right now?

It's only 2.5 months until Christmas break! And less than two until Thanksgiving Break. Praise the Lord.

3. What's the best advice you've ever received?

When one of my BFFs, Devon, advised me to just talk to the boy. Then, I married him.

4. If you found $10 today, what would you do with it?

Since I NEVER have cash, I'd stick it in my wallet and hold onto it until I need $10 in cash. Seriously, I never have cash unless Husby gives it to me. I prefer cards. But then again, I'm not really a saver. (Husby LOVES that!) It'd be fun to do this project that I blogged about here. I'd just need a few embroidery hoops and a little cute fabric on clearance.

Picture via Apartment Therapy

5. What is your least favorite thing to clean in your house?

I HATE TO VACUUM. Seriously, I'll do anything before vacuuming. I'd rather sweep and mop than vacuum. Husby is so good to do that part of house cleaning. Although I'm convinced that if I had the Dyson Ball Vacuum, that I'd change my tune. Ha!

What about you? What's your favorite comfort food?

Have any great advice? What's your least favorite thing to clean?

Leave a comment; then play along at Just Me and My Life.

Friday Fives: I Want It!

I just discovered CSN Stores this summer. I've found tons of stuff that I'd love to have. And they have such good prices! Here are five things that I have my eye on. Maybe, just maybe, I'll win the gift card over at Just Me and My Life. Here's hoping!

I've had my eye on this rug, and finally decided that it's a must buy. I just love the colors in it!

Oh, and this French oven! I received a set of Le Cruset bowls as a wedding gift. I LOVE them! I do wish I had a fabulous French oven. This red one is my favorite color today. Tomorrow, that will most certainly change. It could be turquoise or yellow. Or even the purple French oven.

Okay. I AM NOT PREGNANT. But I am a planner. Just like I contacted a photographer before we were even engaged, I've also LOOKED at baby furniture. I just know what I want. And I super love this crib. It's not the typical, traditional cherry tone wood. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but it's not me. I intend to spend a little cash on a crib, and then I really want to do everything else (dresser as a changing table, other baby things that I don't know about, etc) DIY. I'm not a matchy-match person, so I surely don't want a full set of furniture. Again, it's pretty; just not me.



I really wanted the Cuisinart Griddler when we registered for our showers, but we didn't receive it. That's okay. But I am thinking that since I STILL WANT IT, it'd be a good buy. Right? I totally agree. Since we don't have a grill outside, it's a grill to use inside. Then you can flip the plates and use it as a griddle.

Grill + griddle = Griddler. Those Cuisinart peeps are so clever!

Okay. I do love Christmas. I always said that I wanted Christmas dishes and not China. I'll take these, please. Spode-like, but not Spode prices. 

Friday Fives: Question Time

What's something you're OCD about?

Bahahaha! If you know me well, you know that there are occasions when you wish I took medicine for OCD! I'd say one of my biggest things is symmetry. Which is ironic because I wound up having an uneven number of bridesmaids and groomsmen in the wedding. Thanks to pregnant friends, swine flu, and friends returning from far, far away, my bridesmaid count was anywhere from 5-7. I'm just glad I had 7 great friends standing beside me. I'm also glad that our videographer filmed on guys side of the stage.

It evened things out just a bit! Ha!

Other things could be: bleaching the sink regularly (I know, bleach is toxic, but it makes me happy to have a white sink.), having things IN THEIR PLACE, documents being as error-free as possible (I about have a conniption when I post a blog and there's a formatting/spelling/incorrect info mistake.). We'll just leave it at those few things. No need to get into the correct your/you're difference/annoyance when the wrong one is used. Or that I feel compelled to reload the dishwasher after Husby puts the dishes in.

What's your favorite quote?

"Comparison is the thief of joy." ~Dwight Edwards

What is the furthest you've been from home?

Targu-Mures, Romania. I worked in an orphanage every summer during college, so I've been to this city several times. It has a special place in my heart!

Do you do a real or fake Christmas tree?

Oooh, if there's one thing I love to talk about, it's our Christmas tree! I love it more than I should. We do a fake tree. It's flocked and has colored lights AND clear lights. AND IT HAS A REMOTE. And that's how I bought it without Husby seeing it. Which guy doesn't love a remote?! I'd also like for it to be known that my husband is a excellent tree-decorator! It helps with my OCD. You can see our Christmas tree here.

What's the first blog you ever read?

Dreams of Simple Life by my friend, Christine. She's an amazing woman who loves the Lord, her husband and her sweet new baby, Luci Belle, and she writes so incredibly well!

Wanna play along or read other blogs? Visit Just Me and My Life.

Friday Fives: My Dream House

My dream house isn't huge or fancy. I loathe cleaning house, so I don't want more to clean! I want the house we buy to be livable; I want it to feel cozy and inviting, like you can kick off your shoes, grab a blanket, and take a nap on the couch. A few things that I would love to have?

1. A cute, functional kitchen.

I love, love, love green with black and white. The black counter tops are a nice contrast to the white cabinets. I love that some of the cabinets have glass fronts. I have lots of serving ware and love to show it off. It looks like the backs of those cabinets are a couple of shades darker than the walls. Love that! And those wood floors are gorgeous.

2. Cute kids rooms.

Although the offspring are not on their way, I have big plans to have cute rooms for those little ones! But I don't want to spend a fortune on making them cute. I may or may not have already bought some items to go in kids rooms. I love rooms for kids that aren't too childish. Fun colors and patterns make for a great kids room. I love the idea of matching twin beds or bunk beds.

3. On the lake.

Although I'd rather eat my own toenails than swim in a lake where the bottom can't be seen, I'd love to live on the lake. It's so calming and peaceful. And we'd have a swimming pool for swimming. We're just pretending, anyway.

4. A craft room.

I'd love to have enough space that Husby and I each get our own room for down time. I'm guessing he'd want some type of a man-cave with a big TV (which I'd totally use!). I'd love a craft room that could house all sorts of supplies. Best of all, I wouldn't have to clear it off of the dining room table when I'm done for the day.

5. A screened porch.

My grandparents had a porch, and I loved it. It wasn't all screened, but I guess that makes it more use able in the winter. I'd take it either way. But I'd love it with a few chairs and a daybed.

What about you? Anything that's a must have in your dream house? Do you need your very own library? Do you dream of a home theatre? Head on over to Just Me and My Life to play along!

Friday Fives: Question Time!

We're back with Just Me and My Life to answer a few random questions! Just a heads-up, although I am a low-discloser when it comes to my life, I am a good question-answerer. Ask Husby, he caught on during the first date. Let's get to the questions!

If you could be on a show, which one would you pick?

For sure a cooking show. Sometimes when I'm cooking at home, and I know that know one is around, I have a cooking show in my kitchen. I pretend that there's a camera and talk to it. We go over step-by-step instructions for a recipe. I even take commercial breaks and give directions before we go to "break." Ha! I'm silly. I know.

What was your first job?

As a child of a business owner, I was forced into child labor at 10. I waited tables at our restaurant. I'm sure I was fabulous! My first paying job was babysitting two sweet kids during the summer in high school. I loved it!

What's one of your guilty pleasures?

Staying in my pajamas, doing nothing on a day off. 

Would you ever vacation alone?

No. Let me give you two reasons.

1. I like sharing experiences with people.

2. I don't even like sleeping at my house alone. I'm way too paranoid to go off by myself.

What's your political affilation?

Democrat, republican, independent?

My beliefs probably most line up with the Republican party, but I'm not happy with the way anyone is running things in Washington. I say we start to vote in lots of new people who support the Constitution.

Friday Fives: Wishlist

Okay, seriously...every time I visit Just Me and My Life, I want to copy her whole blog layout. Colors, fonts, everything. And sometimes I want to copy her blog posts. Although imitation is the best form of flattery, I think the line is drawn so where imitation doesn't become ripping someone off entirely. :) Believe you me, I really wanted to repost this right here. Go ahead, click on the link, you won't be disappointed. It involves Lady Gaga and ridiculously high platform shoes. There might be a fall involved. (For the record, if I see someone fall, it's instinctive to laugh; then help them up.)

I've decided that instead of blatantly copying Beth's entire blog, I'll play along with Friday Fives. I love making a wish list! Here goes:

1. A terrific camera.

2. A Dash & Albert striped rug for my living room.

3. This DIY headboard with Otomi fabric.

4. A mega gift card to:

for back to school clothes. :)

5. A ring for my right hand. I feel awfully off balance, you know.

Psst, Husby...you should save this link for future reference. :)

Friday Fives: 4th of July

Because I had so much fun last week with Friday Fives at Just Me and My Life, I decided to play along this week. And, really, what better topic than...

I love this holiday. Here's why...

I've celebrated Independence Day in several ways. Growing up, we celebrated the day at my grandparent's lake house. There were tons of people: family, friends, and neighbors who were in for the weekend. Of course, we had wonderful food, homemade ice cream (peach was my favorite!) and fireworks (more on those later). When I started high school, I seemed to have camp every year over the 4th. Sure, we'd celebrate with hamburgers and sparklers, but it just wasn't the same. And then in college, I was always in Romania for the summer, which meant celebrating there.

Every year, it was a little different, but one of my favorites was the time we had two British girls on our team, Emma and Rosie. After our meal of hamburgers, we had a trivia session where we proudly announced the significance of the day (because they REALLY DIDN'T KNOW). By the end of the game, these girls knew WE WERE NO LONGER PART OF THE MOTHERLAND. And really, they could have cared less. Actually, they were probably glad because we were so obnoxious that night. Ha!

My last summer in Romania, we ate at McDonald's on the 4th of July. What's more American than that? The kicker, though, was the dessert. They have the same fried apple pies that we have in the States. (Although, I've NEVER eaten one here.) That summer, they had heaven in a bowl. The pies were placed in a bowl, and then topped with soft-serve ice cream and caramel. OH. MY. GOODNESS. They were so good.

The past couple of years, we've celebrated in my in-laws backyard. We enjoy burgers off the grill and yummy desserts. Husby brings his bows and arrows with the massive target, all of which are stored in our house. Last year, I have vivid memories of hiding behind solid objects when certain people took turns at shooting those things.

Patriotic music has a very special place in my heart. After learning and performing "This Land is Your Land" in Mrs. Lindamood's 5th grade music class, hearing patriotic music just makes me smile. One of my most favorite things is the church service the weekend before Independence Day, where they play the medley of songs from all branches of the Armed Forces, and each member stands when the appropriate song is played. I get goosebumps every year!

I just love fireworks! It's pretty much a requirement to see them. The least fun 4th of July celebration are those without fireworks. I love to say, "Oh, those are my favorites. Never mind, those are my favorites," for the entire fireworks show.

Typically, I'm not your girl who dresses for the holiday. I don't wear Christmas sweaters or have Halloween socks. BUT I usually color-coordinate for this special holiday. This year, I plan to wear my denim skirt with a [still to be bought] red shirt. Last year, I wore a navy blue dress with a rope belt, but the wedge heels were a little more than uncomfortable on the 1/2 mile we had to walk to the fireworks show. This year, I'll be a tad more practical. I think.

If you haven't noticed, I do like the food on the 4th. I so enjoy grilling out. Since we don't have a grill at our house, this is like a freebie grill-out session. Hamburgers and brats are on the menu. I'll contribute the apple pie. (What's more American than that?!) Although it'll be for dinner, I think I might start a new tradition and have apple pie for 4th of July breakfast.

What about you, what are your favorites for the 4th? Play along!

Friday Faves

Okay, if I link up with other blogs, it has to be because I really want to write about the topic given. It's a way to have a topic without having to accidentally call adult hot lines for a story. (I promise it really was an accident that just turned into a great story!)

So, I found this blog at some point this week. (We'll talk about my addiction to blog jumping a little later.) It spoke to me because the blog design is red and turquoise, which happens to be one of my love languages. If you can believe it--I barely can--one of my BFF's once told me that red and turquoise "don't go together." What?! I had to pray through that friendship, and once she confessed to me that they do actually compliment each other, the friendship was saved.

The topic is a just a series of five questions created by Beth at Just Me and My Life. And I can answer some questions! Let's get started...

1. If given a chance to skip work for a day, how would you spend the entire day?

Actually, our school is closed next week, so I'm forced to stay home the entire week. Since it's approximately the temperature of the sun with the humidity of the entire ocean, it'll be tough to convince myself to leave the air conditioning. Although on the docket: blueberry picking, fig picking, tending to our little garden, possibly making a headboard, finish watching season 2 of Gilmore Girls, borrowing a friend's Dyson vacuum cleaner to give our house a go-over, and spray-painting something.

2. If you could start fresh, what profession would you choose?

I do love my current profession as a college advisor, and I never could have dreamed of being a college advisor. But I think I would love to do something artsy. Likely graphic design.

3. What is your favorite candy or candy bar?

4. Have you ever ordered anything from an infomercial or bought an "As Seen on TV" item?

Target has a special "As Seen on TV" section. Although I haven't ever bought anything off of an infomercial, I did purchase the Ped Egg at Target. And I still love it today as much as I did back then.

5. What's the movie you ALWAYS cry at?

Okay, I have to finish getting ready for work. I hope you all have a fabulous weekend! Husby announced before he left for work that he doesn't want to do anything this weekend. That sounds like a plan!