September Desktop Wallpaper Calendar

You all know that I change my computer desktop wallpaper every month (maybe twice a month). I get bored with looking at the same thing all the time especially when I am on my computer all the time.

I am sure you can find a variety of free desktop wallpaper calendars all over the 

internet but I like to choose from one over at Smashing Magazine because you can 

download the wallpaper with or without the calendar.

There were 23 options to choose from this month and I picked

Colorful Trees

I am a sucker for the beautiful colors of changing trees. I am also a sucker for the fall!

Does anyone else change their desktop wallpaper as often as me? Or am I just crazy?

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Don't forget, next week is the beginning of the 20 Day Polish Challenge. 

Go here to read about it. I challenge you all to it. 

Join in for one day, one week, or the whole 20 days. Either way I want to read all 

about it so be sure to link up on one of the three days.

While you're at it, grab a button to show off.

<div align="center"><a href="http://www.atravelingwife.blogspot.com" title="a traveling Wife"><img src="http://i45.tinypic.com/11t1rq1.jpg" alt="a traveling Wife" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Regular Programming?

Happy Thursday Everyone.

I do not usually have regular programming on my little blog but I do kind of 

stick to the same routine each week. For the remainder of this week, next week, and 

the week after my routine will be mixed around a bit.

I am working on a few posts for the second week of September since the 

Hubby and I will be on vacation celebrating our anniversary.

I would hate to bore you all with some sappy posts about how great my Hubby is, how much 

in love we are, how we plan to show our love for each other, and blah blah blah.

With that said, I decided to take you all with me down memory lane.

The week will start with 7 years of photos (we have been together for 7 

years but celebrating our one year wedding anniversary). 

Then I want to share our engagement. Finally, rounding out the week with our wedding festivities. 

These will include our first look and pre-ceremony photos, ceremony, and reception.

I hope you all will enjoy those posts while we are away on a beach enjoying ourselves. 

--

I just realized that Monday Sept. 3rd is the holiday and that was the day I was planning on doing the first linkup for the 20 Day Polish Challenge.  I will still get my first post up for the Challenge that day but if you decide to wait until Tuesday, I completely understand.

Girl Behind The Blog [number 2]

First I want to start out by thanking everyone for welcoming me last time to the series.

I had such a blast and was able to learn a lot more about individuals behind each blog.

I am pleased to be joining in for my second time.

I may or may not have gotten carried away with this one... 

I had fun!

 

Linking up with 5ohWifey for Girl Behind The Blog Vlog

Also linking up with Little Petrie for Wonderful Wednesday.

 

August Week Five Meals

This week is very exciting because MSU is playing their first football game on Friday. 

That also means that I only have to plan four meals this week.

Sometimes, meal planning can be a headache. It can be challenging to come up with new ideas.

Without further ado, here is what we will be eating this week.

Beef Burritos

Stovetop Chicken with Crockpot Dressing and Steamed Asparagus

 

Grilled Chicken with Baked Beans and Couscous

Chicken Stirfry with Rice

Interested in any of my recipes? Leave a comment below.

 Linking up with The Life of a Not So Ordinary Wife's GFC Blog Hop

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Have you checked out my September Challenge? 

Weekend Recap

This weekend was an absolute delight. But, can you say exhausting? Jam packed?

Friday ended with a relaxing evening of eating in and bumming out on the couch.
At around 7:30p our doorbell rings. Usually when the doorbell rings in the evening it is the security guard of our complex telling us we left our garage open (not sure why one cannot have their garage open but they feel like it cannot happen). Anyway, we go check and it is a huge box from Bed, Bath and Beyond. I immediately said to Hubby,
"Is that ours? He didn't deliver it to the wrong house?".
A portion of our registry items, a year ago, were sent to our house which was no longer our house since BB&B did not update our registry properly. 
So whoever moved into our old address was graciously handed free presents.
 Sure enough it was for us. We opened it quickly and found beautiful martini glasses.

They came from my parents for our anniversary present. So every sweet of them.
But where is the alcohol??

Saturday was a impromptu drive to Oakland, Ca to watch the Detroit Lions
play the Oakland Raiders for a preseason game.

For those who are wondering, we were cheering for Detroit but did not dare wear any
of our Lions gear. Oakland is a scary place and that was our first time there.

Warm up was my favorite part of the game. And talk about amazing seats.

Sunday was an amazing day at the park/river and for those with puppies, it was National Dog Day.
Of course we took the puppy with us, packed a lunch (with a couple of beers), and heading on our way.
We drove a 30 minute scenic drive and found ourselves in nature.

Hubby and I with a little glimpse of the puppy sitting on the edge overlooking the river.
It was our first break to take in the surrounding.

This is where we were heading next upon crossing this creepy, rickety bridge.
That is an old flour mill in the distance - very cool.

She looks happy, doesn't she?

A few things I did not like about this bridge.
1. "Stay on Pathway" signs. What would happen if I did not?
2. It was a super long bridge across the river with quite a fall drop.
3. The sign once entering says something about 'minimal structural issues'. Umm.. minimal? I would like to cross a wooden bridge with NO structural issues.
But we made it across the bridge. However, directly in the middle the puppy realized she
was above water and got into an army crawl and refused to move any further!

Roxi really enjoys being outside and off roading and climbing. She made it up the hill
without any issues while, I on the other hand, was feeling the burn.

I mean, look at that view. You can see the wooden bridge (left) and old flour mill (right).
We had no idea we would be walking through history. If you consider the 50's history.

Finally we were able to enjoy lunch. Look at Hubby representing San Fran and Detroit.

Once we made it back home, all three of us crashed hard. Maybe it was the exciting
weekend or maybe just the fresh air. But we were exhausted.

How was your weekend?

--

Have your check out the #20DayPolishChallenge?

Are We In The 21st Century?

If we are, then I would like to welcome myself to it.

It may have taken me a while to jump on the train that may have left the station many years ago.

What am I talking about? I finally created a twitter account!!

Oh no, you all better watch yourself because today may be the end of the world...

Any-who, if you all want to welcome me to the 21st century then hop on over and follow me on twitter.

You might as well say hi while you're at it too. 

 

I may or may not respond as I have no idea what I am doing!

I am so thankful that they had @atravelingWife available - thank goodness.

--

That's all I have for you today. That was enough excitement for me for one day. 

Tomorrow will be another exciting one for sure because I am going to be starting a whole new 

challenge for September and I am excited to see who will join me!

Retail Therapy [Haul]

I have been dying, needing, wanting to buy some sweaters for this coming fall and winter season.

Am I jumping in too soon before summer is even over?

Well, I did just that plus more.

I did a little bit of shopping at Forever 21, Victoria's Secret, and H&M. 

I ended up only purchasing two sweaters and a cardigan for the fall/winter.

 Last winter I was all about cardigans and I just can't seem to move past it.

I lucked out too because I had $10 credit at Victoria's Secret. I was debating between getting a new bra or panties, undies, underwear or t-shirts. I am a sucker for a good solid t-shirt so I bought two!

A while back, I had been looking for a sports bra with a little padding.

I mean who wants to show their THO?

 So I bought one from F21. I liked it so much I just had 

to go get another one (I was in the store anyway).

Have you been doing any fall/winter shopping?

Linking up with Caitlyn @ Little Petrie for Wonderful Wednesday.

August Week Four Meals

We love trying new recipes in my house but sometimes the problem I have is finding a recipe I want to try. So if you have a recipe you love or something new that you want someone 

else to try first, send the recipe over my way so I can try it out.

As for this week, this is what we are eating.

Cajun Chicken Pasta

Recipe found here

Grilled Chicken with Asparagus Risotto

Beef Sliders with Sweet Potato Fries

Stuffed Baked Chicken with Hasselback Potatoes and Steamed Green Beans

 Mac 'n' Cheese with Fruit Salad

Linking up with The Life of a Not So Ordinary Wife's GFC blog hop.

Weekend Adventures

I hope everyone had an enjoyable weekend. 

We definitely had a great Saturday, other than that it was pretty normal.

Saturday morning started with a delicious homemade breakfast. Whenever we buy a big french bread or baguette or sourdough bread, I make french toast once it starts to go stale. Then I freeze that french toast for easy weekday breakfasts or weekend treats. We had cream cheese in the fridge and fresh blueberries, so I decided to make stuffed french toast with a blueberry sauce.

It was delicious and was a great start to the day. 

Then we went with Hubby's coworker and did some local wine tasting in Lodi. 

Many of you have heard me talk about Lodi, Ca before and I cannot say enough good things about it.

I have been to Napa, but I cannot justify the drive or cost to go there again once finding the gem of Lodi. You are able to walk to 6 or so tasting rooms (plus 40 more to drive to) and most of the times 

the wine maker is the one pouring. It is such a great experience. 

Anyway, we started at Delicato. Tasted several wines and walked out with three bottles. 

2010 Fog Head Pinot Nior Reserve [red]

Charonge (very unique white wine) [white]

2010 Irony Napa Valley Merlot [red]

Then we headed to downtown Lodi and ate lunch at Lodi Beer Company. I do not know why we have never have food from there before because it is absolutely delicious and such a good atmosphere.

After our first tasting at Delicato, we were in dire need of some food. 

Especially since we were going to stop at more tasting rooms.

Our next stop was Cellar Door. This is a tasting room specific to Bokisch Vineyards, Van Ruiten, and Michael-David. Again, we tried several wines and left with one bottle.

2009 Michael-David Seven Deadly Zins [red]

We walked two more blocks and found ourselves at the Toasted Toad (clever name, isn't it?). The wine maker was pouring our tastings and she was fabulous. She taught us a lot about where she gets her grapes and the process for the different types of wine as well as being good company for us. Another tasting room recommended we stop at the Toasted Toad because they had amazing Zinfandel. And let me tell you, we were not disappointed, for that was the bottle we bought.

2009 Toasted Toad Zinfandel [red]

Finally, we went to our favorite tasting room, Jeremy Wine Company. The wine maker and owner, Jeremy, is always there pouring along with his wife. They are the cutest couple and so knowledgeable about their wines. That was my Husband and my third time in there but they recognized us like we were best friends (really very sweet). This time they had a few different wines than we have had there before as well as new vintages. Of course we left with two bottles.

 

2011 Jeremy Wine Co. Moscato [white]

2009 Jeremy Wine Co. Tempranillo  [red]

As you can tell, we tasted a lot of wine but also went home with more to enjoy. 

It really was a great day!

---

Now I would like to announce the winner from my scarf and nail polish giveaway. 

I want to thank everyone who entered. I really enjoyed reading each of your comments and

 to see the positivity that has been shared to the people you care about.

I used Random.org to select a winner...

That means Kristin you are the winner. 

Kristin has left a new comment on your post "Don't Talk Behind My Back [Giveaway]":

What a lovely idea! I am all about spreading positivity and love as we walk through our days. - I'm a new GFC follower, and just told my hubby that I really love traveling with him - he makes every trip an adventure (we just returned from vacation yesterday)! Fingers crossed! That is SUCH a cute scarf for fall :-) 

Go ahead and email me [atravelingwife(at)gmail(dot)com] or click here, 

and send me your mailing information.

Darn Flies

Don't you just hate when that pesky fly finds his way in your house and buzzes around your head for hours? Well we had two flies in our house the other day. Let me tell you that eating a taco and 

swatting around your head is a little difficult but I mastered it. 

We used to have a cat at my parents house growing up and she was so fun to watch when a fly was in the house. 

Now my dog has taken over that task and tries her best to listen and eye the fly. 

Then she waits and waits for the right moment for the attack. 

It usually consists of her trying to snatch the sucker in her mouth.

However, I am not sure exactly what happened. All I heard was a 

CLUNK against the door wall and a sad little puppy face.

I definitely think she ran into the glass trying to catch one of the flies.

Next thing I knew, I had a hurt puppy needing mommies attention. 

She curled up in my lap wanting me to soothe her.

And people say that dogs are just dogs - they are not part of the family.

I am happy to say that Roxi is my child and I care for her as such. She comes to me whenever she is hurt or scared or if her daddy scolds her. What else can I say, I baby her. I hold her like a baby, snuggle her up in blankets (whether she likes it or not), I give her treats (blueberries, strawberries, peaches, lettuce, carrots, bread, rice and on and on), and I take her on vacation. 

 So do not tell me that my puppy is not part of my family because when she is hurt, 

she comes sulking over to me for some sympathy (I swear it's true).

*Don't forget to enter my giveaway here*

It ends Friday evening.

You Spend What On Your Face?

Not too long ago I saw a post by Laura from A Brunette Duet about
the cost of her daily makeup routine.

The original post may have started here.

I thought it was such a great idea to actually have an understanding of how

 much money we put on our face. It is very easy to get carried away with products and brands. 

Sometimes we need a reality check so we can really see how much we are spending.

I decided to lay my daily makeup out and total up the cost. Now I want to share that with you.

This is what I use daily, numbered in the order I apply it.

• Bag Balm $8.79
• Maybelline Mineral Power Concealer - Color Ivory MRSP $8.03
• e.l.f. Studio Duo Concealer/Highlighter - Color Medium Glow $3
• Boots No7 Radiant Glow Concealer - Shade II $12.99
• Aloe Setting Powder  $4.99
• Clinique Superbalance Powder - Shade 3 $34.50
• e.l.f. Studio Golden Bronzer $3
• Maybelline Mineral Power Illuminator Blush - Color Peach MSRP $9.35
• Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeline - Color Onyx $4.50
• e.l.f. Powder Brush $3
• bareMinerals Brush $0
• Eyelash Curler $7
• Clinique Lash Doubling Mascara - Black $16
• Maybelline Max Volume Flash Waterproof Mascara I cannot find it anymore $5?

 Total =  $120.15

That is really not as bad as I thought. I mean, don't get me wrong, the total is for all the makeup and not broken up into the portion that I wear per day. I try and use a variety of 'designer' makeup as well as drugstore makeup and I think my total reflects that.

I am interested to see what your 'face' costs.

*Don't forget to enter my giveaway here*

There are few entries so your odds are good.

Linking up with Caitlyn @ Little Petrie for Wonderful Wednesday.

Uneventful Weekend

I hope your weekend was not filled with errands and housework because mine was. 

However, we did have a chance to snack out and get some margaritas. Yay!

Since I have nothing exciting to share with you all story wise, I wanted to show you the 

lovely roses that fill my house. They were picked from the side of our house.

Nothing is prettier than to look at fresh flowers. I put a vase on the main floor in the living room and also upstairs in the bathroom. The one thing I do not like are the little bugs that the roses brought in our house. 

I am sure they will die very soon (the bugs not the roses).

*Don't forget to enter my giveaway here*

Bottoms Up

I love scrapbooking and I have for several years now. 

I started my first scrapbook for my senior year in high school and I can tell how my style has changed.

Style, as in, the way I scrapbook and not just the way I dressed. 

I now am working on 4 other books after finishing my high school scrapbook. I have one book for the years I was engaged, I have an anniversary book, a puppy book, and a traveling book. 

The hardest part I have when it comes to scrapbooking is making a template. I have come to learn that it is easiest to find a template either in a book or by looking at other people's scrapbook pages online. 

The key to scrapbooking is using different textures, shapes and colors. 

Of course, no matter what you do it is your piece of art so you are never wrong.

So, if you are a struggling scrapbooker or want to join in on the scrapbook fun, 

here is one of my pages and the template I used.

Template

Sketches by Jana Eubank

  My Page

My album is 8x8

 I love two page spreads because it allows me to use more photos.

Are you a scrapbooker? If not, are you going to start now?

Yes, I allow my dog to drink from a beer bottle - shame on me!

Weekend Adventures

This weekend was full of food, drinks, sunshine, laughter, relaxation, cleaning, and much more.

Let's start here, shall we?

Friday

The Hubby and I enjoyed some delicious beer, pizza, burgers, and fries from BJ's. 

Oh, we love happy hour because that means we can over eat.

Saturday

We had a work function to attend and when I first though about the idea of going to my Hubby's work function I thought, "oh my, this is going to be a blast" - said with a ton of sarcasm. 

To my surprise, we actually had a blast. Was it the filet mignon on a charcoal grill, the perfect temperature outside, rafting 8.4 miles down the river, or just spending time with good conversation? 

I am telling you, we really enjoyed ourselves and were glad we went.

The function was held at Stanislaus River in Knights Ferry, CA. We all shuttled over to the start on a classic school bus (it has been a long time since I have been on a bus). Then we grabbed out life jackets did we really need them? and paddles then waited for the safety speech. They told us that the 8.4 mile trip would take us approximately 4-6 hours (holy cow!!). After the speech, we separated into two groups and hopped on our raft ready to conquer the river.

About 15 minutes into our trip we hit our first russian rapid. Okay, it was only a class II rapid but it was enough to get our heart pumping with excitement. Also, at this time we were able to get a photo.

Looks fun, right?

Well apparently I look pissed off, or frightened, or whatever.

I swear I was having a good time!

The remainder of the raft trip was pretty mellow letting us enjoy the wonderful sights and goats (yes there were goats, weird). It ended up taking about 3.5 hours, which was tiring but not too bad. 

Sunday

This was our day to relax. 8.4 miles paddling down a river kind of makes you tired and maybe sore the next day.  So, we went grocery shopping, cleaned the garage, worked on one of our cars, played with the puppy, enjoyed grilled food, and watched loads of the Olympics.

How was your weekend?

It's Friday Party People

For an average week, I think it is always good if you can still muster up five good things that happened.

It definitely took me a while to think up what was so great about the week. 

But I guess as long as my Husband and I are healthy and happy, then it is always a good week, right?

First - We had Cajun Chicken Pasta for dinner this week. 

We are addicted to this meal for many reasons (it is easy to make, it is delicious...)!

recipe found here

Second - It is so great when Hubby checks in and reads a blog post of mine then 

leaves a comment. He is adorable!

Third - I get to spend the entire weekend with the Hubby because he does not have to work. 

We do however have a work rafting trip on Saturday, but I will still be able to spend time with him. 

He usually works both Saturday and Sunday for at least a few hours in the morning. 

There is nothing better than to wake up together!!

Fourth - We placed an order on a piece of furniture for our bedroom. The item is on back order but hopefully, we will be able to get it sometime this month. Here is a sneak peak.

It's kind of obvious what it is, isn't it?

Fifth - I have received three items about pregnancy and baby planning in the mail this week. Okay, I have not even been nagged by my family or in-laws yet about having a baby.  

The mail needs to lay off and leave us alone. No baby's are in the making yet so mail them to someone else.

I do find it pretty funny though.

Let's all have a great weekend!

Linking up with Lauren for H54F. 

August Desktop Wallpaper Calendar

Yay, for August! The summer has been nice but I am a sucker for fall.

So if August would just fly by and bring me fall...

• I love scarves.
• I loves trees changing color (not so much here in Cali but back in the Mitten).
• I love cooler weather (not cold weather).
• I love back to school shopping (but I am no longer in school).
• September is our wedding anniversary.
• September holds two vacations.
• And, the closer to fall the closer to Thanksgiving (my absolute favorite holiday).

Since it is only August 1st and I have a ways to wait for fall, why not take a look at my 

computer desktop wallpaper calendar for the month?

I am loving the fall-like colors!

Childhood Memories

via Smashing Magazine

  Smashing Magazine's wallpapers are free and can be set with either a calendar or without. 

They have 26 options this month.

Does anyone else change their desktop wallpaper each month?