So...what's the story?!

Reading engagement stories make me feel all warm and fuzzy! I love hearing how couples met and their "love story".  I could go on and on about how amazing my honey is as a husband. (the word "awesome" doesn't even begin to describe what kind of man The Mr. is)  I thought I would (briefly) share the night The Mr. got on one knee!
We have usually always taken a "date night" for each other every weekend since we have been together.  Nights just made for us.  I would plan a Friday and he would plan the next Friday and so on.  It was his night to plan our date and we hopped in the car and drove to downtown in the Fall of 2009.  We went to the spot of our first "official" dinner date, Fedora.

Had a "cheers" and appetizer.  We got back in the car and went to our favorite restaurant for dinner, Sambuca.  We had more "cheers", listened to the jazzy band, and chowed down on salmon and steak.

We were outside waiting for our car and a horse and carriage comes through the valet.  (I am leaving out a major part.  I made many "carriage" comments as I saw it coming down the street.  blah blah it was cruel to the horses blah blah...  oh, did I feel bad!)   Tyler grabbed a blanket, champagne and toasting glasses.  We sipped and strolled through downtown.  It was so sweet.  The Mr. later told me that he had the ring and it was burning a hole in his sport jacket the entire ride but decided not to pop the question at that time.

He finally dropped to one knee after the drive back.  (gotta take out all the mushy talk and keep it for myself!)

Had to make the "Mom...I'm engaged!" phone call... but of course, months earlier (5 months earlier to be exact!) they went to the ring store together to make the perfect band!
 I remember going to the state fair wearing my new ring and just starring at it while we waited in line of our Fletcher's Corn dog!  (weird memory..  but true!)

Now we are just a few months away from celebrating our 1st wedding anniversary and we are loving our "life road".  I have a hubby that accepts me and all my flaws, makes me laugh more than any other human being, stays strong and positive when life throws us a few punches, and I know he adores me.  This post was sappy and gooey...but we are just in loooove.   I think that should be praised!

    

3 Lucky Ladies...

Let's just get to the names!!!!!!!
Winner A- One plug in and 3 bars
Brooke and Freeland

Winner B- One full size warmer and 3 bars
Clara-Dirt and Sunshine

Winner C- plug in and full size warmer and 3 bars
Angela Loria

Yippee!  Congrats! Alright girls- leave your email address as a comment and we will get all the goodies sent to you!!!!   Your houses will be so yummy! 

Almost 5:00!

Last chance to sign up for the SCENTSY GIVEAWAY!   Come back at 5:00 to see the lucky 3 winners!!

Tick tock/Trip family

The time is almost here!   I will be drawing 3 names tomorrow evening to win the fabulous Scentsy prizes!!!  You know you want those delicious smells floating through your house!! 
Winner A- One plug in and 3 bars
Winner B- One full size warmer and 3 bars
Winner C- plug in and full size warmer and 3 bars
You can have up to 3 entries!
Contest Rules
1. Leave a comment on my blog with your favorite Scentsy scent! (Make sure you are a follower or leave your email address if you don't have a blog!) 1 entry
2. "Like" Kim's facebook page-  Kim Holloway's Facebook Page
 and let her know your favorite Scentsy product! 1 entry
3. Share this GIVEAWAY on your blog or your facebook page.  Send me the link of where you posted the info! 1 entry

I have to do a shout out to our "trip family"!  (Aren't people you meet on vacation the best?!) We met a father and son on our honeymoon in Europe.  We spent 2 weeks traveling, eating, exploring, and making memories with these amazing guys! (did I mention eating our way through the Mediterranean?!)   After our dream vacation came to an end...we all vowed to stay in touch and meet up whenever possible.  We drove to their house shortly after returning home to meet their whole family and we were just as impressed!   They are all so special and loving!   After meeting up several times we decided to plan Trip #2 for this summer!   We are beach bound and I just can't wait to make more memories with such a passionate family. 

Trip Dad- although all of our eyes were closed most of the time...our trip to the Euro-beach was unforgettable!  Trip Bro- thank you for saving my life on the busy roads in Barcelona! 

Counting down to the Beach Bash: Round 2!

Do you have a Trip Family?!

Summer Tribute

Yesterday's weather was a taste of summer!   I reminded me of my "daily summer routine" and how much I love being at our home.  Now, the "daily summer routine" is what an ideal summer day looks like to me.  It doesn't happen daily...but it does happen more often than not since we are newly married with no kiddos.  We really want to enjoy being just the two of us (and sleeping in, relaxing, creating our own flexible schedule) before we decide to start a family.   The routine goes something like this:
Make brunch (I love trying out new breakfast recipes in the summer.)
Put on a bathing suit and summer dress (summer dresses are the best...so comfy!)
Grab-a towel, summer reading, bottle of water
Flip on the outside radio
Sunscreen
Turn on the water hose and water all our plant babies surrounding the pool. (yes,  I've calculated it and it takes about 45 min!  this is my favorite "summer job" at the house!)
Lay and read...swim when you need to cool off!
Then I hit up the grocery store and get all the goods for dinner.(the Mr. will usually grill and I make some sides.)

Our backyard (well, we don't have a yard really....just a pool and entertaining area.) is one of the reasons we fell in love with our house.  These pictures are of the 1st summer in the backyard.

Any summer routines you love?

On another note-----The Mr. is painting the guest bedroom!  Thanks for all the suggestions for a paint color!   I also decided to use "plum" as an accent color...  I found a few goodies to put in the room. (on sale, of course!)

I think this picture will look great against the wall color...so glad I found it!

Don't forget to sign up for the SCENTSY GIVEAWAY!   See the post below this for contest rules!!!!

If you give a girl a cookie and Scentsy GIVEAWAY

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie is a favorite in my classroom!  I know that if you give this girl a cookie she will just want another one .... and another one... you get the idea.  I have a hard time saying no to baked deliciousness.  So naturally I decided to hit up the grocery store with a mouth watering list of ingredients.

Can you go wrong with any of this yummy stuff?!! Well....I didn't use one marshmallow in this recipe but they were much needed as mid-baking snacks!

I actually used the whole bag of chocolate chips.... who doesn't?

Impossible to eat just one!

The Mr. has approved!

Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 1/2 sticks butter (12 tablespoons)
1 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
1/2 cup white granulated sugar

1 tsp. brown sugar
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 1/4 cups sifted flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 cup semi-sweet morsels (I used 1 whole bag instead of 1 cup!  Oooopps!)

Preheat oven to 375°F.

In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugars. Add eggs.

Sift flour and measure out 2 1/4 cups. After measuring the sifted flour, sift again with remaining dry ingredients. Add the flour mixture to the creamed butter and sugar mixture.

Stir in vanilla and semi-sweet morsels.

Drop the cookie batter by tablespoonfuls onto a parchment or silicone lined baking sheet.

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cookies are set and firm and only lightly colored. Do not allow cookies to brown.

I had to throw this picture in the mix!  It was the first time the Mr. ordered sushi and attempted to eat it.  He doesn't understand the sushi love!  Good try!

Our sleepy babies.

Don't forget about the SCENTSY GIVEAWAY!  Three names will be picked on Tuesday!

Winner A- One plug in and 3 bars
Winner B- One full size warmer and 3 bars
Winner C- plug in and full size warmer and 3 bars
You can have up to 3 entries!
Contest Rules
1. Leave a comment on my blog with your favorite Scentsy scent! (Make sure you are a follower or leave your email address if you don't have a blog!) 1 entry
2. "Like" Kim's facebook page-  Kim Holloway's Facebook Page
 and let her know your favorite Scentsy product! 1 entry
3. Share this GIVEAWAY on your blog or your facebook page.  Send me the link of where you posted the info! 1 entry

Scentsy GIVEAWAY!

I know..I know!!   What did we all do before Scentsy was created?! I can't rave enough about how well they cover up the "kids at recess" smell!  (all you teachers know too well what this is!)  I gave warmers and scent bars as Christmas gifts last year!   I loved getting the big packages and checking out the loot I had ordered.  Then I would make another order to get myself the warmers and scents that I had just bought all of my sweet family!  And that's where Kim Hollaway came to be my "go-to girl"!  Kim is an awesome Scentsy Consultant! She always has crazy deals running!  Check out her Top 5 Lists!!

Top 5 Warmers

Charity

Arthur

Piece by Piece Autism Speaks Charity

Rustic Star

Dotty

 Top 5 Scents

Sugar
Sugar Cookie (This is also my favorite!)
Clean Breeze
Cinnamon Bear
Sweet Pea & Vanilla

Are you ready to see what Kim wants to give you?!!!

Winner A- One plug in and 3 bars
Winner B- One full size warmer and 3 bars
Winner C- plug in and full size warmer and 3 bars

It's true...We will have 3 great gifts to win!!
You can pick any warmer/plug-in/scent if you are the winner!
You can have up to 3 entries!
Contest Rules
1. Leave a comment on my blog with your favorite Scentsy scent! (Make sure you are a follower or leave your email address if you don't have a blog!) 1 entry
2. "Like" Kim's facebook page-  Kim Holloway's Facebook Page
 and let her know your favorite Scentsy product! 1 entry
3. Share this GIVEAWAY on your blog or your facebook page.  Send me the link of where you posted the info! 1 entry

The drawing will be on Tuesday! (March 29th)
You can check out her website at anytime to order your favorite items! https://kimhollaway.scentsy.us/Home
Here is another link to her fb page! 
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/KimHollawayIndependentScentsyConsultant

Good luck!   I only wish I could enter the contest!!!!

Stay tuned! Another GIVEAWAY!

I will be posting another GIVEAWAY tonight!!   (Hint: I own many of these products!  I am currently using Black Raspberry Vanilla in my classroom and Berry Tart in our home!)

The WINNER is....

The lucky winner of the beautiful Stella and Dot earrings is...

Tiffany Choate

choate-family.blogspot.com

Congrats!  I will be emailing you info!!   Enjoy the earrings!

One Hour left!

It's your last chance to enter for a chance to win the Stella and Dot earrings!  We are drawing a name in one hour!!!

One Lucky Winner will Receive a Pair of popular

Large Fringe Hoop Earrings

in Your Choice of Gold or Silver. A $49 Value!!!!

Contest rules:

1. Blog Buddies must leave one comment on this blog post with their email address or blog address if they have one. (and become a follower of the-sweet-pea-life!!!) 

2.Check out the Stella and Dot online magazine.( http://www.stelladot.com/rachelbigham  click on "Find Your Hostess" and type in "Amy Burleson" 

3. Then email Amy and leave a comment about their favorite Stella and Dot item!    

The contest will continue to run until Monday evening.  After a random drawing..we would choose one lucky person to win the Stella and Dot giveaway piece!

Shopping Spree and GIVEAWAY!

Let the shopping spree begin!   That is what my thought was yesterday as I formulated my shopping route around town!  I was determined to find the perfect items for my guest bedroom project!  Here's what I got:

I bought 3 lamps, a white throw blankie, 3 small white vases, a curtain rod and white curtains. 

This is the fabric I found for the comforter set.  It comes with a few striped pillows as well!

I want to have a splash of color somewhere in the room.  Maybe these plum colored flowers in the small white vases.   We are a little stumped finding a paint color for the room....ideas?

We will be drawing a name to win the Stella and Dot earrings TOMORROW!  Sign up today! See previous posts for contest rules and to enter the drawing!  Remember these:

Who doesn't love freebies?!!!!!!!!!

Guest Bedroom Inspiration and S&D Giveaway still open!

    The Mr. and I bought our house the summer of 2009.  The first time we saw the house we were in looove.  Neighborhood kids were riding bikes, people were watering their lawn, the oversized trees were perfectly grown all the way down the street...you get the idea....   It reminded me of a movie!  We knew this was our house!  Since that time we have picked one room at a time to "make into our own".  The list is never ending but we have crossed off many of the "to do's".  (Does the list ever end?)
   We are now starting on one of the guest bedrooms that is upstairs.  I have found a few pictures for inspiration.  They look "hotel style"....but I love the comfy crisp beds.  So think simple, relaxing, and elegant.

We have a desk and mirror like this already.

I would love to find a chair like this to make a sitting area.

Obviously this room is extremely large...but I can see myself flopping on that bed for a nap!

I like the touch of color in the pillows and with the throw blankie.

Simple and to the point.

   When an idea gets in my brain..it's stuck there!  I couldn't wait to get up this morning and hit up a few stores to find the perfect comforter/lamps/decor.  I will take before pictures of the room and continue to update you as we "perfect" the guest bedroom!

Don't forget to enter the Stella and Dot GIVEAWAY!  We are drawing a name on Monday evening!  See contest rules and picture of the lovely earrings below!

Contest rules:

1. Blog Buddies must leave one comment on this blog post with their email address or blog address if they have one. (and become a follower of the-sweet-pea-life!!!) 

2.Check out the Stella and Dot online magazine.( http://www.stelladot.com/rachelbigham  click on "Find Your Hostess" and type in "Amy Burleson" 

3. Then email Amy and leave a comment about their favorite Stella and Dot item!    

The contest will continue to run until Monday evening.  After a random drawing..we would choose one lucky person to win the Stella and Dot giveaway piece!

Stella and Dot Giveaway!

I'm so excited to share my first GIVEAWAY! 
Spotlighting an amazing lady
I just want to "shout out" to all those hard working sista's that are selling, connecting with ladies, and believe in their products.  With that said..I'm so proud to introduce one of the most loyal friends I know, Amy Burleson!  Amy is the friend that drops all her weekend plans to listen to you cry, still uses "snail mail" to send cards for every holiday, and sits with you while you eat bowls of ice cream when "that" boy in college dumps you!   Amy is a gem.  Check out this great girl and see what "freebie" she has to offer!

"I love Stella and Dot because they make beautiful jewelry that is versatilve and fun!  There is such a wide range of type of jewelry as well as price.  I have an ongoing wish list and love coming up with ideas for outfits and places I can wear it all!  They even have a little girls line for all the moms out there.  I highly recommend purchasing something you love and seeing how much you will wear it - you will definitely want to start your own wishlist. :)"

Amy's Wishlist Favorites

Bamboelo necklace - I love the statement this bold necklace makes!  The colors make it a fun piece to kick an outfit up a notch or two.  The diamond strand also adds that glamour that I love.  This is a great piece to wear when you are wanting to turn heads. :)

Stackable Deco rings - These rings are fun and so very versatile.  You can wear them all together or separately!  I purchased these as a Christmas gift this year - one for my mom, one for my sister, and the last for myself!

Sun Disc earrings - These earrings come in silver and gold.  They are dainty and bold at the same time!  These are your go-to earrings for every outfit!

Revival Tassel necklace - This piece is unexpected because of the white beads.  You can wear this with anything to give the outfit a bit of glamour!  The sparkly beads on the tassel allow you to wear any color metal earrings, watches, rings, etc.

Okay...Enough drooling!  Let's see what you could take home...drumroll please.....

One Lucky Winner will Receive a Pair of popular

Large Fringe Hoop Earrings

in Your Choice of Gold or Silver.   A $49 Value!!!!

How cute are those earrings?!!  Now...let's get on with the contest rules!

Contest Rules

1. Blog buddies must leave one comment on my blog with their email address or blog address if they have one. (become a follower of the-sweet-pea-life!) 

2. Check out the Stella and Dot online magazine. http://www.stelladot.com/rachelbigham click on "Find your Hostess" and type in "Amy Burleson".

3. Email Amy at ames7313@aol.com and leave a comment about your favorite Stella and Dot item!  

The contest will continue to run until Monday evening.  After a random drawing....we will choose one lucky person to win the Stella and Dot giveaway piece!  Good luck!
**Thank you Rachel for helping out as the Stella and Dot Stylist!**

1st Giveaway!

Stay tuned!   It's my first Giveaway!   Information will be posted today!

PINCH! POKE!

Some words of advice-  don't sneak into the kitchen and PINCH your hubby for not wearing GREEN while he is fixing the garbage disposal!  Yikes!  Hope everyone has a great day...I'm hoping the sun comes out so we can have some patio time! 

A few years ago we went on a swamp tour in Florida on St. Patrick's day! 

Creamy Beef Stroganoff

I must start this recipe by saying that I have only had chicken noodle soup for multiple days because of strep throat.  Icky...I can't even imagine having a sip of chicken broth now.   Maybe chicken broth mentally triggers my body into thinking it is sick?!   With all that said...This is the most creamy recipe for Beef Stroganoff I have ever tried.    Another debate that the Mr. and I have-  What is the best drink to have with dinner? (besides the obvious vino!)  I say water.  He says milk.  So yes,  that is a picture of his oversized portion of food (thanks to me!) and his big ole cold glass of milk. 

What you need:
1-1 1/2 lbs. Top round steak
salt
pepper
flour
1 (10.5 oz.) can beef broth
8 oz. sour cream
1 jar sliced mushrooms, drained
1 lb. No Yolk noodles

Directions:

- Cook noodles according to the directions on the package.

- Cut beef into bite-size pieces. Salt and pepper meat.

- Lightly coat meat with flour.

- In a large skillet cook meat in a tablespoon of oil until meat is browned all the way through.

- Add beef broth, sour cream and mushrooms to the meat and stir to combine.

- Simmer until the sauce begins to thicken. How thick or thin the sauce is is up to you. If it gets to thick you can add a little bit of water to thin it out.

Put noodles on the plate and pile on the mountain of creamy beefy goodness!

I know it is "Spring" and this meal is just perfect for Fall and Winter...but when our tummy growls for something...we listen.   We have little to no self control.  :)Enjoy and let me know how it goes!

Type it and they will come..

Just a warm-up to the "blog'n world"!  I saw these Q's on one of my favorite blogs! 
How old are you today? 28
What is you favorite color crayon? purple

Last meal you ate?  A much too large helping of homemade mac'n'cheese, coca cola roast (no judging..it was tasty), twice baked potatoes (again...no judging..we eat in this house) and carrots.  Did I mention that I am making my first batch of chocolate chip cookies from scratch tonight?! My first time...I'm 28...  this should have been done much earlier!
Favorite drink?  unsweet iced tea with a splash of lemonade or diet cherry coke (although I would love to drink these every day...I mostly chug water)
Favorite season?  I'm slightly obsessed with all seasons and I fully decorate for every holiday.  I love the leaves in the fall, snow in the winter, patios in the spring and soaking up the summer sun. 

Our annual picture in front of the Galleria tree!

Vice?  Reality t.v can keep me on the couch for hours...and maybe days.  
What are you most thankful for?  First- I love my Lord Jesus and the forgiveness He offers me every minute of every day.  I am a work in progress and He is patient.  I'm also thankful fror Mr. Hubby.  He is the most loving, attentive,(rambling on and on and on with flattering words) witty man I have ever met.  I've never met a soul like him.  He makes me a proud wifey!  I'm also very thankful for the little bitties that I teach every day.  Their hugs brighten cloudy days and their excitment is contagious. 

Favorite dessert?  C-h-e-e-s-e-c-a-k-e, brownies and chocolate chip cookies. 

Hobbies?  I am a bookworm.  Pretty sure a mini book nightlight is on my Christmas list every year!  Cooking.  My dream would be to stay at home every day with stacks of cookbooks and cook myself into oblivion.  I love food in every form.  I love recipe blogs and foodie websites! 

The Valentine's Pizza cook-off!

Decorating our home with an obscene amount of decorations for every single holiday.  It somehow... in some weird way ..makes my soul all warm and fuzzy.

We love to vacation and we are so blessed to have the schedule to "check out" of the busy life every once in a while.  Most of our friends know that I can't say no to a trip.  Last but not least...dare I say it...   I heart junkie reality t.v.(the "junkier" the better).  Can I also add in this "favorite's" spot....the Mr. and I are weird cat people.  We love our kitty babies Chewy and Ollie.  Please don't stop reading when you see an oddly large amount of pictures...

Baby Ollie and the infamous Chewy louie

Special memories? Knowing I wanted to get baptized in 3rd grade.  Graduating from college and seeing my parents so very proud of me as I started my dream!  Listening to the Mr. sweetly say his wedding vows to me.  Two dreamy weeks in Europe with my love. 

Traveling through Toledo, Spain on our honeymoon.

Plotting how to be the best Griswold's on the block each Christmas. The Mr. and I have amazing families and such a close supportive group of friends.  These people are treasures to us.  

Florida swamp boat tour with our travel buddies.

Sharing some food and lots of laughs at "dinner dates".

 The most supportive friends a girls could have:)

Beautiful girls with wonderful hearts!

FIL, MIL Bec, nieces and my parents

 My sweet Aunt Judy, Uncle Dave and Cuz Tommi from NJ.

My cousin Jimmy, from NJ, is so handsome on his wedding day!

My SIL and MIL, Momma Kelley.

Newlyweds in la la land!

Was that boring for you?!   Golly...Enough about ME!    I really enjoyed reading these on the blogs I stalk...but it seems a little overboard now that I'm actually doing the survey.

Mr.'s Fav- Arti Chicken 

Ingredients:

3 c. instant white rice, uncooked
3 c. warm water
6 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 (13.75 oz.) can artichoke hearts, drained, quartered
2 large tomatoes, chopped (I halved cherry tomatoes)
1/2 c. Kraft zesty Italian dressing
1/4 c. pesto

Directions:

- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Mix rice and water in a bowl.
- Spoon rice into the center of 6 large sheets of heavy-duty foil.
- Top with chicken, artichokes and tomatoes.
- In a small bowl mix the dressing and pesto and drizzle over chicken.
- Double fold the top and sides of the foil to create a packet, leaving room for heat to circulate inside.
- Place in a baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until chicken is done.
- Remove packets from oven and cut slits in foil to release steam before opening.
This makes enough for leftover lunches!  We add mushrooms and broccoli sometimes! 
Go make this right now...it's AMAZING!