Something Sweet / Blog Every Day in June #24

Something Sweet?

Well, I just ate one of the leftover brownies that I made the other night...You can get the recipe HERE

So, that's fairly sweet.

But I'm assuming that the prompt for this blog might not be referring to food, just a guess.

 

Here is something kinda sweet that happened today.

My husband subscribes to my blog and sometimes the emails are a bit delayed, he received last night's post earlier today. After reading it he called my work phone line and started singing .... 

Just an old-fashioned love song

Comin' down in 3-part harmony
Just an old-fashioned love song
One I'm sure they wrote for you and me!


Freakin adorbs and super sweet.

Sunday Social / Blog Every Day in June #23

I'm killin two birds with one stone today y'all!


Sunday Social Time!

What is your favorite clothing store to shop?
Old Navy or Ann Taylor Loft

If you could afford anything and everything, which designer brand would you covet?
Ellie Saab

What is your must have closet staple?
Cardigans and Running Leggings

What is your favorite kind of shoes? (brand or type)
Running Shoes - Brooks
Casual - Converse
Super Casual - Flippy Floppies

What is the best clothing deal you've ever gotten? (sale or amazing find)
Banana Republic Outlet sleeveless top - originally $54 - $2.97 with sales and discounts

What is a style you'd love to try?
I wish I had the guts to try the layered look - button down shirt, cardigan, with a belt a the empire waist level...I've tried on and I feel like I look like a sausage.


Blog Every Day in June

Today is Three Songs that always make me smile...

Happy Together - The Turtles

Old Fashioned Love Song - Three Dog Night

Quiet Your Mind - Zac Brown Band

A Book I Love and Recommend / Blog Every Day in June #22

In the early 2000's I found a set of CS Lewis books on sale at the local Borders store in Tulsa. They always had the greatest things on their clearance racks, maybe that's why they are no longer? I do thank them for filling my shelves with some great reads.

I'm not a huge reader. I have to really, really read to understand. Math problems are my forte, reading something and understanding what the writer is saying is not. I really enjoying writing myself and reading short stories, novels are a bit more difficult. 

The set of CS Lewis books didn't seem to daunting, they were all quite small in size and I seemed to just fall into all of them. Thinking about it now really makes me want to go reread one of these great books.

Now, my favorite? I used to say it was The Great Divorce, then it was Screwtape Letters, but at this point in my life it has to be The Four Loves. 

A few of my favorite parts of the book ...

“All that is not eternal is eternally out of date.” 

“It is easy to acknowledge, but almost impossible to realize for long, that we are mirrors whose brightness, if we are bright, is wholly derived from the sun that shines upon us.”

 

“To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly be broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one, not even to an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements; lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket - safe, dark, motionless, airless - it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable.”  

My Favorite Recipe / Blog Every Day in June #21

This recipe isn't going to help on the weight loss front, but it's great to take to parties! I was in need of a really great Brownie recipe and knew that my Mama would be able to help. She got this recipe from Carol at work and it is so good! 

Don't these just look delicious?!

 Set the oven to 350°F.

Meet my super basic oven.

 Grease your Baking Dish.

Hello Pyrex!

Gather your ingredients, this is a quick and easy recipe...

 

Flour, Oil, Sugar, Baking Powder, Vanilla, Cocoa, Salt and Eggs

 

Start this off with 4 Eggs in the mixer, may God bless the Kitchen Aid...

They lined up perfectly!

 

Wisk them up, if you don't have a Kitchen Aid it can be done with a hand mixer or with an old fashioned wisk.

Add in the Sugar...

 And Wisk...

Next measure out 3/4 a cup of Oil and mix it in with everything else.

Next is the Cocoa - you can use regular, but please please use the dark! It's SO YUMMY!

When you finish mixing it should look like this, ohhh....how beautiful!

 

Then add in the Vanilla, Salt, and Baking Powder

 

And now the last ingredient - Flour!

Mix it all up - it's gonna be a really thick mixture, but it will settle in the pan nicely without any help at all. 

Set the timer for around 20 minutes

Hi Conrad!

When the timer went off I had to bake mine for about 4 minute longer since the toothpick I put into the center didn't come out clean. After the additional 4 minutes it was perfect!

Here is the full recipe

Really Good Brownies

Ingredients
4 Eggs
2 Cups Sugar
3/4 Cups Oil
3/4 Cups Hershey's Special Dark Cocoa

2 teaspoons Vanilla
1/2 teaspoons Salt
1 1/2 teaspoons Baking Powder
1 1/3 Cups Flour

Preheat Oven to 350°F.
Grease a 9x13 (ish) pan.
Wisk Eggs and Sugar together.
Add Oil and Cocoa and mix well.
Stir in Vanilla, Salt, Baking Powder, and Flour and mix well.
Pour all into the greased pan and bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
Make sure a toothpick placed in the center will come out clean and it's done!

Random Act of Kindness / Blog Every Day in June #20

Random Acts of Kindness are awesome. I appreciate them when they happen to me and I hope others are appreciative when they are on the receiving end of mine.

This is going to be a quick story - I'm not feeling very well tonight, hopefully I'm still able to make it to work tomorrow!

On Wednesday I ran to the local grocery store to pick up a couple of things, my beloved hummus snack pack and some paper towels. This is how I usually spend my lunch hour...I am a very exciting person.

Anyway, I was in the express lane checkout and the folks in front of me had exactly 12 items, well played. They bagged everything and paid the bill, but as they gathered everything to head for the door the woman dropped TWO $20 bills!!

Since my Mama raised me right, I picked them both up quickly and ran toward the woman and her husband to return her missing cash. At first she looked slightly offended, maybe because I called her Ma'am? Sorry, that's just me. But then she quickly looked relieved that I had returned it.

I could have easily pocketed the cash and used it to buy something fun, or pay of some bills, but I wouldn't want that to happen to me. Spread the love people, lets treat each other how we want to be treated.

Fun side note to this is that I hadn't noticed that the man behind me in line was a priest. Okay God, I get it! You're always watching! 

My Goal / Blog Every Day in June #19

Route 66 Marathon
Tulsa, Oklahoma
November 24, 2013

 
I have 157 days to prepare for my 1^st Marathon! My Dad and I will line up on the starting line and run 26.2 miles ... maybe 26.5 if we think we can handle the detour, are we crazy?! Maybe!

I have wanted to complete a marathon for a long time. I’m obviously not going to win one any time soon, I can’t even win a 5k! Just finishing this will be such a huge accomplishment.

I have crossed the finish line of 4 Half Marathons, so far, and I think that this one will feel twice as good and my feet will hurt at least three times as much.

I know that we will have to stop and walk from time to time, but we will finish. I just know it.

So, I pray that both of our bodies hold up during the training process, that the weather is good on race day, and that we cross the finish line safely.

Something I Am Embarrassed to Love / Blog Every Day in June #18

It is very ironic that the blogging assignment of the day is to confess what I am embarrassed to love...

In a matter of moments, after the finale of The Voice, I will scroll through my DVR list and push play on this magic...

 

YES, I admit it. I love Dance Mom's. 

I know it's probably very unhealthy since the dance teacher, Abby, often calls the young dancers names, yells at them, etc. If I had a child and some bully talked to my child like that I'd slap the hairspray right out of her head.

The Mom's aren't much better, straight cray.

Ahhh....Guilty Pleasures...

Three Random Things That Make My Day / Blog Every Day in June #17

It's been a long day folks, so three things that make me smile really needed to happen for me and they totally did.

Let me bring you up to speed. I departed my driveway this morning and headed North on our street to go to work...about 1/4 of a mile down the road. BAM! A car accident is such a wonderful way to begin the work week, isn't it?!

Trying to pull a U-Turn in the middle of a very narrow road shortly after 8am is not the best decision you can make, thanks neighbor for yelling at me and attempting to tell me it's my fault. I'm letting the insurance take it from here and I'm just happy that no one was hurt...except my car Raymond! Poor guy! 

Raymond Alan Vaughn - the Toyota RAV4

So, now...the three random things that make me happy..they are all in this photo.

Scratch off tickets, any flavor of hummus and any kind of pretzel.

In case you were wondering, I did not win $20,000. That would have been random and would have for sure made my day. 

Sunday Social / Something That Makes Me Awesome / Blog Every Day in June #16

Today I'm supposed to tell you what makes me awesome. I asked the mister to help me with this one and his answer was my work ethic. Rather fitting that this was his answer on Father's Day, because I get this trait from my Dad. So, there you go! Everyone has something that is awesome about them...own your awesomeness today!

And now onto some Sunday Social action...

What is your biggest driving pet peeve?
Holy heavens, don't get my started. Driving in Jersey is WAY different than Oklahoma and I have so many pet peeves. My biggest has to be double parking. People do it all the time here and it really holds up traffic. Don't do it folks, don't do it. I may just take off your side mirror next time!

What is your biggest blogging pet peeve? 
 So, blogging is all about actually writing. I cannot stand it when bloggers don't spell out words completely. Don't use u instead of you, stop it, it's two more letters and you cannot be saving that much time! 

What is your biggest general pet peeve? 
I have a few, my biggest has to be when people say the year incorrectly. 2013 should be said...two thousand thirteen. NOT two thousand AND thirteen. I'll accept twenty thirteen.

What is your most irrational fear?
 It's a tie - dolphins and tents. Don't make me explain, it creeps me out. 

Name 3 Celebrities you'd want to invite to dinner.  
Dolly Parton, Jimmy Fallon, and Betty White. Hilarious. 

Top Three Photos I've Taken / Blog Every Day in June #15

Here are my three favorite photos I have ever taken...in no particular order.

After my grandmother passed away we took a road trip to see the family farm she called home. It's abandoned and slowing falling down now. My Dad vividly remembers holidays and lazy afternoons on the land. This is a photo of the road, still made of dirt and gravel. The house is to the left and, as you can see, there isn't much else around. 

My Mama and I made the 2 hour drive to Oklahoma City one weekend to do some touristy stuff, we never had and we were so close! We visited the Cowboy Hall of Fame, the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum, the great restaurants of Bricktown, and this place, the Capitol Building. As a member of OIL, Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature, I spent many days and nights in the Senate Chambers. I love this building and I love Oklahoma.

Okay, so this is obviously two pictures...but I the interesting part is that they were taken less than 24 hours apart. It was March 2009, my sorority sister and bestie Adrienne was in town to be a bridesmaid for another KD Lady. I picked her up at Gilcrease on Friday afternoon, while I was waiting I snapped the photo on the left. Oddly enough, this statue had just been promoted to being featured on the Oklahoma License Plates! When we woke up on Saturday the snow was thick and still falling. The wedding had been moved to the hotel, but the bridesmaids dresses were still at the museum. Adrienne and I knew we could make it and we did...dresses were saved and I was able to snap nearly the same photo to show the crazy snowfall.

That's Oklahoma weather.

Something I Am Looking Forward To / Blog Every Day in June #14

Dailey / Marrs Family Reunion 2013

Every year my paternal Granpa’s family has a reunion. I think we are pushing around 30ish years on this thing, kind of amazing really.

Personal Photo - Circa 2007

When I was little we made a few trips to Roman Nose State Park in Watonga, OK, not too far from where my Granpa spent his youth. For many years we had them at my grandparents house on Grand Lake, those hold some of my most treasured memories. We have many pictures too, I just don't have them here with my in Jersey.

Since my grandparents moved in the late 90’s we have been having the reunion at many different locations, we even made it back to Roman Nose a few years ago!

Personal Photo - Most of the family in 2007

 

 In 2011, I introduced my then soon-to-be husband to the clan on a ranch in Western Oklahoma. I don’t know what overwhelmed him more, the flat lands or the massive group!

It’s kind of crazy to me that when I join in this part of my family it’s mostly made up of cousins. My father was an only child, so I don’t have any 1^st cousins in this group, but only my Great Aunt Alma and Great Uncle Ward aren’t called Cuz by me.

So, on July 12^th I will be boarding a plane at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) bound for Eppley Airfield in Omaha, Nebraska! Once I land I will have a bit of a drive to get to Beaver Lake and I’m sure the return flight on Sunday will come way too quickly, but I am sure looking forward to seeing all these folks again!

I haven’t hugged some of them since the reunion in 2011, but many did attend my wedding in November of that year. 

What's in My Purse & Wallet / Blog Every Day in June #13

Getting a little personal aren’t we?

Let’s start with what is in my purse. Tons of stuff, it’s heavy and most likely the source of my back problems.

I purchased this purse about a year and half ago, I have tried other purses and I just keep coming back to this one. I really do need to get something bright and fun for the summer months. 

This is everything that I carry on a daily basis. Why? I honestly don't know because I don't use most of it!

So, here we go...
8 pens, coupon envelope, notebook, wallet, work security card, store loyalty cards, keys, glasses, 5 lip balms, Advil, headphones, makeup bag, checkbook, kleenex, 16 hair ties, 2 combs, and 1 hair brush

I actually just downsized my wallet. I have a Coach wallet that is probably 8 years old and it's HUGE! So, I got the blue wallet and so far I like the smaller one better. It still holds quite a bit! 

Yep -
Business Cards - Brother, Robert (Hair Stylist), Darlene (Massage Therapist in OK), and Mom

Punch Cards - Car Wash and Bottle & Bottega
Gift Cards - Lord & Taylor and Dunkin Donuts
2 Metro Cards
AAA Card (thanks Mom and Dad!)
NJ Drivers License, Oklahoma Conceal Carry License, Debit Cards (3), Credit Cards (4), Oklahoma State Student ID, University of Tulsa Student ID, Sam's Club Card

$11.00

Favorite Color with a Photo / Blog Every Day in June #12

My favorite color has changed quite a few times over the years. I went through a purple phase and then stuck with blue for a long time. I hardcore fell in love with green in high school. It’s strange since I once scratched out the green eyes of my cabbage patch doll. I have blue eyes and apparently I would rather her be blind than have a different eye color than me. Why didn’t they make one with red hair AND blue eyes? Did this action not raise some red flags with my parents? I may have anger management issues.

But that is not the subject at hand. My favorite color...oh what is my favorite color?  

To be honest, I’m going to have to just narrow it down to two. The first is easy, green. I prefer an Olive or Kelly green, Emerald is fine as well, but I say no to Hunter.  It was lucky for me that my Sorority’s colors are Olive Green and Pearl White, beautiful and classy.

My other favorite color is a cross between green and blue. Teal, not that light beachy teal, but a dark rich teal.

It’s probably why I made my bridesmaids wear these! 

 Okay, so that was two colors and four pictures. Consider it a bonus.

A Photo of My Handwriting / Blog Every Day in June #11

Today I am supposed to show a sample of my handwriting. I could have picked the barley legible note that I have on my desk about a client of mine, but I think there might be some confidentiality violations in that. So, here is my planned workout. Yes, I have to remind myself to stretch and I wonder if I really will be able to walk tomorrow with that leg workout. Thanks Pinterest.



10 on 10 / Blog Every Day in June #10

10 pictures on the 10th day of June 

Me, Granpa and Nate

Miranda, Me, and Layna - Cousins!

Engagement picture

Dad walking me down the aisle

Hey! We're married!

Bro, Grandpa, Grandma, Dad, Mom, Me, Husband, Mother-in-Law, Father-in Law, Sister-in-Law, Garz-in-law, Pop Pop-in-law - quite the group!

First Dance

Christmas in Kansas!

Showin off my sweet shooting skills

Our lovely church - Grace Episcopal in Rutherford, NJ