We are moving to... Go Vote

You all have throughout the weekend to vote.

I cannot wait to share with you all where we will be moving.

Where are we moving to?
Florida New York Indiana Alabama Michigan
	Results

Look for the announcement on Monday!!

Then I had a cup of coffee...

I was having a block when it came to today's post. 

That is when I normally turn to alcohol. Give me that glass of wine, martini or delicious beer.

Or I could just join Santa there in that bar.

Then it started raining outside and I started imagining snow. 

I don't want to think about snow.

This is when I went to other blogs for ideas. 

Idea number one, make a gift guide.

Or idea number two, write a post sharing holiday decorating tips.

In the end, I came up with no great ideas but I hope you all got a chuckle.

Then I had a cup of coffee and called it a day.

--

Ready for some fun? Can you guess where we are moving?

Here are your clues from Tuesday:

This place is 35 hours and roughly 2,200 miles away from where we are now.

If you were to drive, you would pass through 9 states.

This state has two time zones.

Yesterday's clues - fun facts:
The Pan American Games were played here on my birth year.
12 different stagecoach lines ran through this state at one particular time.
From 1900 - 1920, 200 different makes of cars were produced here.
The rapid fire machine gun was invented here.

Today is your day to guess. 

Where are we moving to?
Florida New York Indiana Alabama Michigan
	Results

*Don't forget, I am looking for bloggers to guest post while I am busy moving.

Let me know if you are interested via email, twitter or leave a comment below.

Repurchase or Not

I originally thought I would review each item I received in my Beauty VoxBox but then decided that could get a bit boring. So I am going to share with you whether I would repurchase the item or not.

Sometimes a review can be biased or impartial for many different reasons. However, if someone myself  is willing to go out and repurchase an item then it must be worthy.

Catching my drift?!

 Not Your Mother's Kinky Moves Curl Defining Hair Cream

I would not repurchase. I like the texture and volume it gives my hair before I curl it but I do not naturally have curly hair. Also, I cannot stand the scent of grape seed. 

EBOOST - orange

I would not repurchase as well. The price is ridiculous and I did not like the taste. 

I had Hubby try it and he thought it was pretty good but I did not like it.

 NYC IndividualEyes Custom Compact

I still have yet to use the entire palette so I am not sure if I would repurchase or not. The colors looked pretty in the swatches but a little chalky.

Bath & Body Works Mini Candle - Mahogany Teakwood

This may be a surprise to some of you but I already repurchased this item, along with many other scents. This is one of my favorite flavors because it just smells like sexy man.

Doesn't get better than a sexy many!

Vitabath Fragrance Mist - Scrumptious Vanilla Sugar

This spray is pretty typical for a body spray. The scent is a little too sweet for my liking 

but I would repurchase if I came across it in the store somewhere. 

I still prefer Victoria's Secret body mists over this one.

 
Kiss Ever Pro Lashes Starter Kit

I have not yet tried these either. I probably would not repurchase these only for the fact that I have no reason to wear false lashes. I didn't even wear false lashes on my wedding day. They will be fun to play around with one day though.

Goody Simple Styles Spin Pin

I would not repurchase this item. Maybe my hair is too short, too thin, or too clean 

whenever I try these. They do not hold my hair at all.

Did you receive a Beauty VoxBox many moons ago? What did you think?

Ready for some fun? Can you guess where we are moving?

Here are your clues from yesterday:

This place is 35 hours and roughly 2,200 miles away from where we are now.

If you were to drive, you would pass through 9 states.

This state has two time zones.

Today's clues - fun facts:
The Pan American Games were played here on my birth year.
12 different stagecoach lines ran through this state at one particular time.
From 1900 - 1920, 200 different makes of cars were produced here.
The rapid fire machine gun was invented here.

Where are we moving?

The above items were free from Influenster.

*Linking up with Shanna @ Because Shanna Said So for Random Wednesdays .

Let's Get Hungry - November Week Four Meals

It's Tuesday and that means let's all get hungry. 

Time for another round of weekly meals.

Side note - before you stop following me, let me know what you don't like about my blog or why you might be leaving. It's not always a delightful sight when I log into my page and see less followers than the day before!

Chicken Kabobs

via google images

 Steak with Fried Red Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts

via google images

 Baked Chicken

Source: bestlife4moms.weebly.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Grilled Pizza

via google images

 *I want to apologize for the lack of my own personal photos. After changing over my phone, I lost most of my pictures.

What are you making this week?

Second side note - I am looking for some guest bloggers while I am away looking for a new home and moving.If you have moving tips you want to share, or packing tips while moving, or house hunting tips for moving, or anything to do with moving or searching for an apartment, condo or house let me know. I would love to share your information on my blog!

Ready for some fun? Can you guess where we are moving?

This place is 35 hours and roughly 2,200 miles away from where we are now.

If you were to drive, you would pass through 9 states.

This state has two time zones.

Do you know yet?

*Linking up with Melissa @ The Life of a Not So Ordinary Wife for GFC Blog Hop.  

We cannot be Friends if...

Monday. Monday. Monday.

How was your weekend? Was it an extended weekend?

Did you go shopping on Black Friday? Are you shopping on Cyber Monday?

I think that is all with the questions! 

We had a great weekend and are almost done with all our Christmas shopping. 

Now I just need to wrap up the gifts and mail them out. Also, I need to get stamps and then my 

Christmas cards are ready to go out in the mail.

via google images

With that said, we are trying to get all of our Christmas tasks done so that we can start thinking about a big change that is happening in our life very soon.

We officially told our family on Thanksgiving that...

...we are moving out of California come the end of December!!

Most of you knew that I was moving soon but we now have a location and time frame.

So I hope everyone is ready for some riddles, games and polls to come this week.

Now back to the weekend. We did not go shopping on Black Friday. However, we did take advantage of the many deals that were available online. Plus free shipping doesn't get any better!

Saturday, we hung around the house to watch some college football and then ran out for some shopping and lunch. I have been telling Hubby that I would love to get a new phone soon. He jumped on that bandwagon and took me to the AT&T and we upgraded my poor 3G iPhone to the iPhone 5. 

What a difference new technology makes!   

I absolutely love how quick it is and the features that it offers are really nice. 

But why am I telling you when that is old news to people of the real world.

On a side note, if there is an app that you think I must download, please let me know!

Also, I have learned that Siri has offered to be my best friend, she does not like talking about herself, and she will not be my designated driver if I have been drinking.

If Siri will not be my designated driver then I don't want to be friends.

The rest of the weekend was filled with two trips to the dog park.

 

 Then of course we had grocery shopping.

And Sunday ended with free movie channel recordings and Pumpkin Pie Martinis. 

Have a gread day, Friends!

*Linking up with Carissa @ Lowercase Letters for Miscellany Monday

and Sami @ Sami's Shenanigans for Weekend Update. 

Window Shopping - Holiday Style

I hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving!

Today I will be relaxing in my stretchy pants giving my large belly a break.

I can say I ate way too much yesterday. You would think I would learn from my 20-something years of overeating. Either way, I enjoyed myself and now I am in the mood for Christmas.

Since today is Black Friday I will be shopping from the comfort of my home. 

When it comes to decorating or last minute presents, I like to look on Etsy.

 There are some really great items on there and for the most part great prices.

I have shown you all many times my Window Shopping finds but I am now going to make it a linkup.

 From here on out, every 3rd Friday will be a Window Shopping Linkup.

So get browsing and prepare to linkup next month!

Here are some of my favorite holiday finds on Etsy.

I have had my eye on wreathes like this for a while.

from MyCraftyMomma shop

I really like this cardholder as well.

from LadybugWireworks shop

 I don't own any stocking holders. These are super cute.

from PartyDreams shop

I could totally make these chalkboard stocking holders.

from PaperJackStudio shop

I am totally diggin' this holder. Gorgeous!

from SoPurdyCreations shop

 I love the look of burlap stockings.

from Pink Slip Inspiration's shop

This stocking is pretty cool too.

from cleanwaterchristmas shop

 How cool is this platter?

from rosieposiedesigns shop

I know I have some cat lovers here. 

from SweetBohemianLife shop

Have a great weekend!!

*I am looking for beautiful new sponsors on my side bar! Go put your face there because it's free!

*Linking up with Friday Chaos Linkup.

Turkey Day

Happy Thanksgiving to you, my friends!!

May your day be filled with family, friends, happiness, and full bellies.

Yesterday I shared with you my meals for this week and that included our Thanksgiving meal.

I have several requests for the recipe I use for Garlic Parmesan Crunchy Green Beans.

So I am here today with the recipe for you, just in case you are in need of another side dish!

Garlic Parmesan Crunchy Green Beans

Adapted from In Good Taste's Recipe

(Serves 10)

Ingredients:

• 1 Garlic Clove
• 5 ounces cubed French Baguette
• 5 Tbs Unsalted Butter
• 2 Tbs grated Parmesan Cheese
• 3/4 tsp Salt
• 2 1/2 lbs Fresh Trimmed Green Beans
• 1/2 tsp Ground Pepper

Directions:

• Steam green beans for about 5 min or until crisp-tender over medium-high heat in a large saucepan filled with water.
• Drain green beans and add 2 1/2 Tbs butter, 1/2 tsp salt and pepper then set aside.
• Add garlic and bread cubes into food processor and pulse until coarse.
• In large skillet melt 2 1/2 Tbs butter and add breadcrumb mixture. 
• Cook 12-14 minutes or until crisp golden brown then remove from skillet and let cool for 5 min
• Add Parmesan cheese and 1/4 tsp salt.
• Add breadcrumb mixture to green bean mixture, toss then serve

I hope everyone has a great day!!

November Week Three Meals

Yay for the week of Thanksgiving! I love being able to eat any and everything this week just because I can. There are no rules this week except to enjoy oneself. 

I wanted to still share with you all our meal plans for this week as well as what we will be eating come the big day - Turkey Day!

recipe found here

Leftover Turkey Shephard's Pie Casserole

recipe found here

Tomato-Basil Stuffed Chicken Rollups

recipe found here

And now for Thanksgiving Day!

Turkey

my recipe - image via google images

Sweet Potato Casserole

image via google images

 Garlic Parmesan Crunchy Green Beans

image via google images

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

recipe found here

What do you eat on Thanksgiving?

*Linking up with Shanna @ Because Shanna Said So for Random Wednesdays

and Sherry @ I Am Pisces Followers to Friends. 

Oh, How I love You

Well Happy Tuesday everyone!

Tomorrow I will be posting my weekly meals, don't fret.

As for today, I wanted to join in on a cute linkup. I am all for letting you all into my personal life every now and again. So let me jump right into the questions!

 

What are your top 5 favorite movies to watch during the Holidays?

• Elf
• How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
• Home Alone
• National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
• Fred Claus   

It’s the month of giving thanks, what are you most thankful for?

  

I am thankful for where my life has brought me. The last 1.5 years has been a little crazy and unpredictable. Since marrying my Husband and moving out to California, things are starting to settle down just in time to move again. I am thankful that I have someone to confide in and someone that will be there to support me. This holiday season will be filled with packing, moving, finding a new job making new friends. When the day is done I will have my Husband there - that's all that matters.  

If there was a quote or verse to describe your life, what would it be?

 

"Life is not a spectator sport, you've got to participate." - Bill Rancic

 

Who in your family are you most alike?  

 

That is definitely a tough one!

I am a lot like my Mom - very independent, bossy and likes to be in control

But I am also a lot like my Dad - not taking things too seriously and always has to have the last word.

 

What is your favorite drink order at Starbucks?      

 

Oh Starbucks, how I love you.

My favorite drink of all time is a White Peppermint Mocha with Soy no whip.

via

 But I also like a Caramel Macchiato with Soy.

via

 Or if it is the holiday's, I will order a Pumpkin Spice Latte with Soy no whip. 

via

  

*Linking up with the Me, Myself, & I Party

and Melissa @ The Life of a Not So Ordinary Wife for GFC Blog Hop.

Give Thanks

This week is very, very exciting to me because Thursday is Thanksgiving.

And those of you who really know me, know that Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.

To me, holidays are not for gift giving and dressing up. They are meant to be around people you love and eat a ton of delicious food. Food that is not just limited to appetizers, or entrees, or simply desserts. 

Thanksgiving is a day to eat all types of foods and I plan on doing just that.

Last year I overcooked by about 10 people since I was only hosting Thanksgiving for three people. 

This year there will only be the two of us so I am downsizing by a lot.

Tomorrow I will share with you my weekly meals and what we plan on eating for Thanksgiving.

But Thanksgiving is not just about the food. It is sharing time with the people you love. It is also a time to reflect about your life, your surroundings, and what you are thankful for.

 

Source: keephomesimple.blogspot.com via Diana on Pinterest

 

This year I have a lot to be thankful for because I am in a really 

great place physically and emotionally!

*For those who saw my post about my Dad having open heart surgery on Friday. He is doing fantastic and had minimal complications. He is heading home sometime today.

Thank you for those who gave our family thoughts and payers!

*Linking up with Carissa @ Lowercase Letters for Miscellany Monday

and  Sami @ Sami's Shenanigans for Weekend Update .

Spare Time - Scrapbook Layout

I love when I am able to have some spare time to sit down and craft. 

Of course, I have to have an inspiration to work off of. Most times my brain cannot think of anything.

That is when I found this scrapbook layout on pinterest.

Source: maryannjenkins.com via scrappymo! on Pinterest

I thought it would make a super cute layout for one of the puppy pictures I took when we were in Yosemite. Of course I changed the layout a little but the sketch gave me some ideas!

Where do you get scrapbook or card layouts from?

*Also, while I am 2,200 miles away, I am keeping my Dad and family in my thoughts. My Dad just had open heart surgery this morning and the doctors found more than they were anticipating.*

Embarrassed Arse Escapes

Last week while my Mom was in town, we did a little wine tasting.

Okay, maybe a lot of wine tasting!

We both enjoy a glass of wine or two or three and my Mom has never been to California wine country. So, immediately after she got off of the plane I took her to one of our favorite tasting rooms.

It just so happens that I had my bimonthly wine club to pickup as well. 

What more of a reason to stop in there.

After our sixth tasting plus a few extras in there, I informed our sommelier  that I needed to pick up my wine club as well. He asked my name and looked it up in the system to pull the correct wines from the shelf. 

Let me remind you that my Mom was in town for a week and wanted to purchase some wines to enjoy at home. It made the most sense to ship a half case rather than her trying to fly with them. 

I started filling out the mailing sheet with first Purchaser - Me and then Receiver - my Mom.

I handed the form back to the sommelier to complete the order. 

He looks at me with a questionable look and I look back at him. 

He says, "I thought you said your last name was Anderson but you wrote Kroll?".

Oh Ehm Gee as I start to blush.

My maiden name is Kroll while my married name is Anderson - I have been married for over a year.

It could have either been the wine or that I was writing my Mom's name and mistakenly wrote my maiden name as well. Either way I was mortified by so thankful that the Hubs was not there.

We got that whole story straight with my new friend that probably thought I was trying to pull a fast one on him. Thankfully he completed the transaction quickly so I could get my embarrassed arse out of there.

*Linking up with Kaitlyn @ Wifessionals for That Just Happened.

Always Be Overly Prepared

If you knew me well you would know that I like to be overly prepared for everything.

I over pack whenever going anywhere.

I always plan out my weekly meals before going grocery shopping so I have all ingredients.

I always have backup toilet paper in the closet as well as two extra rolls in each bathroom.

I have a backup bag of dog food for the puppy.

I also have backup poop bags for the puppy's leash.

I like to plan out itineraries before traveling anywhere.

I plan out my blogging posts in a calendar to keep on track with about a month worth of posts.

Lastly, I order my Christmas cards earlier than necessary.

Okay - this post is starting to head in a different direction than I anticipated.

What I was trying to get at is that I have already ordered my Christmas cards and addressed them.

Seriously, all they need are stamps!

 I thought it would be fun to give you all a little sneak peek before anyone else sees my lovely holiday cards. 

But first, let me show you what we did last year.

Hubby and I got married Sept. 2011 and thought it would be fun to include one of our wedding photos since not all of our families were able to attend our big day.

I also moved out to Cali after the wedding and thought it would be nice to let 

family know that they are not forgotten, even on the holidays.

We like to stick with postcards because VistaPrint offers great deals on them and they are 

cheaper to mail out. Call me a cheap-ass, because I might just be!

 Are you ready for a sneak peek for this year's holiday card?

But wait, that's not it!

What do you think? Ha - I am so, so cruel!

You will all have to wait until December sometime if you want to see the full thing.

When do you start ordering and addressing your holiday cards?

*Linking up with Sherry @ I Am Pisces Followers to Friends
and Shanna @ Because Shanna Said So for Random Wednesdays. 

Creatures of Habit

This week I may have no surprises for you when it comes to our meal plans. 

Can we eat Cajun Chicken Pasta enough? We are just creatures of habit.

It has been extremely cold here and I have just been snuggling up on the couch with my puppy. That means, our meals are nothing spectacular.  Nothing is better than making a delicious, one skillet meal.

recipe via

recipe via

Do you have any meals that are a must try? You should definitely share that with me!

*Linking up with Melissa @ The Life of a Not So Ordinary Wife for GFC Blog Hop.