Friday, November 29, 2013

Thankful in All

Simple Moments Stick

Thankfulness.

It's a big thing this time of year.  When Susannah e-mailed me about this month's link-up, I knew that I wanted to reflect on this topic a bit more.  Yesterday, I posted some things I am thankful for...this year and every year.  But what it comes down to is WHO should we be giving thanks to??

For me, the answer to this question is my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  I know that I fail over and over at even taking time to pray some days, but when I do, I try to remember to give thanks for all of my blessings.  Does that mean that I list EVERY single thing that I'm thankful for?  No.  He knows.  It's just important to take the time to express that gratitude to Him.

"Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind..."
Psalm 107:15 (NIV)

"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name." Psalm 100:4 (NIV)

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights..." James 1:17 (NIV)  Does this mean that our lives will be perfect and God will only allow great and wonderful things to happen to us?   Unfortunately, it doesn't.  We're not promised that life will be easy.  Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world." John 16:33 NIV 

That, my friends, is why we should be thanking Him, and NOT just when things are good, but in ALL things.  "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV) Emphasis added

It's not easy to give thanks when things aren't going the way you want.  It's not easy to give thanks when you are hurting.  It's not easy to give thanks when things around you are falling apart.  But it is God's will that we do.  There is always something good in our lives.  When times get tough, we need to think of those things and give God thanks for them.  He will bring us through the difficult times.  As stated above from John 16, He has already overcome the world!  We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us!  (Philippians 4:13)

There is a beautiful song by Casting Crowns that really hits on giving thanks in difficult circumstances, and I leave you with the video.  Take a few moments to listen.



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Thursday, November 28, 2013

Thankful Thanksgiving Thursday

Thanksgiving is such a wonderful time to remember and reflect on the things we are thankful for.  Today, I'm sharing the things that I am thankful for, and tomorrow, I'll be linking up with Susannah from Simple Moments Stick to talk more about thankfulness. 

I am thankful for...

...my husband.

Scott works so hard.  He makes me laugh.  We have so much fun together, and I am so glad that I married him!

...my family.


I am so blessed to have a family that is so close.  My cousins have always been like my brothers and sisters.  Their kids are like MY kids!  We genuinely love (AND LIKE!) each other.  We have had a difficult year this year, but it has just brought us closer and reminded us how special our family is. 


...my furbabies.
Left: Abbie // Right: Allie
I promise, I'm not a crazy cat lady, but these are my babies.  :)  They are sweet and cuddly, and they make me smile.  I often tell Abbie she's my best buddy.  You can often find her curled up on my lap, or sleeping right next to me in bed at night. 
 
...my job.
 
While it can be difficult at times, I ultimately do love teaching.  I am so thankful to have a job in a world where it's not always guaranteed that you'll get a job in the field that you studied in college.
 


...my friends.
 
I may not get to see my friends as often as I would like, as some of them live far away, but I am so blessed to have them in my life.  It's great to know that even after a lot of time goes by without talking or seeing each other that we can pick up right where we left off.  :)
 


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Wednesday, November 27, 2013

What's New Wednesday?

Did you notice that my "Sponsor" page is back? 

Thanks to a post that Ashley from Being Ashley wrote, I was inspired to recreate my options and open my Ad Shop back up! 

In case you don't feel like clicking the link to my sponsor page, here's what it looks like:

After a hiatus from offering sponsorships (thanks to Passionfruit), I have finally found an option that will work for me.  I looked into a couple of different options, and the best one for me will be to accept payments directly through PayPal.

Your options are listed below:

Ice Cream Sundae
2 spots available/month
 
Size: 250 x 250
 
4 social media shout-outs/week
2 posts pinned to Pinterest
Guest post
 
Baker's Dozen
3 spots available/month
 
Size: 200 x 200
 
3 social media shout-outs/week
1 post pinned to Pinterest
Guest post
 
Cupcake
4 spots available/month
 
Size: 200 x 150
 
2 social media shout-outs/week
1 in-post feature
 
Please note: In order to place your ad on my blog, you will need to e-mail me after you make your purchase with the HTML code with the appropriate sizing for your ad.

Ad Options


 
So there you have it!  I would love to feature YOU on my sidebar! :) Feel free to contact me with any questions (rebeck.ann@gmail.com).

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Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Rose VoxBox: Part 3 {Dr. Scholl's For Her Cozy Cushions}

As you all know by now, I received another VoxBox from Influenster!  This one is the Rose VoxBox.

 
Here's what's inside:
 
Rimmel Retro Mania Glam Mascara
Dr. Scholl's for Her Cozy Cushions
belVita Crunchy Breakfast Biscuits
 
Today, let's talk about Dr. Scholl's for Her Cozy Cushions.
 
 
These are fuzzy, cushiony, and thick.  They can be cut to match your shoe size.  I actually cut between the lines for 7 and 8 since I wear a 7.5.  They are NOT meant for these shoes:
 
 
 
Gorgeous as these babies are, they can be a tad uncomfortable by the end of a workday.  So I thought I'd tried my Cozy Cushions to make it through the day. 
 
BAD idea. 
 
Because the Cozy Cushions are thick, they take up room in the shoe that there isn't room for.  My toes were numb all day, and my feet hurt worse by the end of the day than normal!!  I suppose you're wondering why I didn't take them out.  I kept hoping that the shoes would stretch a bit.  They didn't. 
 
I'm not one to give up, though.  So I gave the Cozy Cushions a shot in a pair of already pretty comfortable boots.
 
 
Because these have a little extra room in them, the Cozy Cushions were wonderful.  They helped to keep my feet warm, as the product packaging claims.  They also made a pair of flat, comfortable boots even more comfortable. 
 
Have any of you tried Dr. Scholl's for Her Cozy Cushions?  Did you like them?  What shoes did you put yours in??

 
I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.
These are my opinions only. I am not compensated by Influenster or Dr. Scholl's for Her for my thoughts on this product.


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Monday, November 25, 2013

Music Monday: TV Theme Songs, Part III

I am having way too much fun with these TV Theme Songs!  It's really taking me back to so many shows that I loved watching!

Just in case you missed them, here's Part I and Part II!

Saved by the Bell (1989-1993)

 
This doesn't SHOW the actual theme song, but it does play it. 
 
Words cannot express to you how in love I was with Mark-Paul Gosselaar (Zack Morris).  Mario Lopez (Slater) wasn't bad either.  I learned to appreciate him long after Saved by the Bell was off the air.  :)
 
The Brady Bunch (1969-1974)
  
 
I seriously loved this show so much?  Cheesy?  Sure.  But it was SUPPOSED to be.  It was a show that demonstrated good family values.  :)
 
The Partridge Family (1970-1974)
 

I had a hard time finding the actual video for this one, too.  But this theme song is great! :)  Who doesn't love a family that travels around singing and playing instruments!?
 
The Facts of Life (1979-1988)
   
 
This is another one of my all time favorite shows AND theme songs.  It's another one that my cousin, Jaime, and I used to love watching...and quoting! :)
 
This concludes my TV Theme Songs series!  Next Monday, I will be featuring my READERS' favorite Christmas songs!  Thank you to everyone who shared your favorite Christmas songs so far.  If you haven't yet, there is still time.  Just fill out the form below!
 



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Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Rose VoxBox: Part 3 {Lindt Lindor Truffles}

Getting a VoxBox from Influenster is so fun!  If you're not a member of Influenster, and you'd like to be, let me know!  I do have invitations I can send to you!

Here's my Rose VoxBox:

 
What's inside?
 
Rimmel Retro Mania Glam Mascara
Lindt Lindor Truffle
Dr. Scholl's for Her Cozy Cushions
belVita Crunchy Breakfast Biscuits
 
Today, let's talk chocolate.  More specifically, let's talk Lindt Lindor Truffles.  Ok?
 
 
This was the most amazing and delicious minute of my life.  Haha!  I took this delightful treat to work with my lunch last week.  It was a good thing, too, because I only had soup for lunch, and this was the little something extra I needed to make it through the day.
 
 
This little truffle was a milk chocolate one.  It was smooth, creamy, and oh so very good! 
 
 
I am so glad this was a part of my VoxBox.  It was a small treat, but it was worth it! 
 
P.S.  Did you know that Elizabeth from The Young Retiree is an advisor with Lindt Chocolate RSVP?  You should check out her shop!
 
P.S.S.  Thanks to Chantal from Scattered Seashells for posting this tutorial about how to watermark your photos.  :)
 
 
I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.
These are my opinions only. I am not compensated by Influenster or Lindt LINDOR Truffles for my thoughts on this product.
 
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Monday, November 18, 2013

Music Monday: TV Theme Songs, Part II

Last week, I started writing about some of my favorite TV theme songs.  Since I am a self-diagnosed TV addict, the post kept getting longer and longer.  I figured it was best to write another installment, and so, here we are!

Cheers (1982-1993)
Honestly, I never really watched Cheers.  I was really too young for the content of the show, but I remember that my parents watched it, and it's got a great theme song!


Three's Company (1976-1984)
Please note that I watched this show in reruns.  It was seriously so funny! 


 
Greatest American Hero (1981-1983)
Ok, I'm including this for Scott.  As I was writing this post, he asked what I was doing.  I told him what I was writing about, and he was like, "You better include Greatest American Hero."  I never saw this show, but I do know the theme song because he likes it so much, and it IS a good one.
 
 
Laverne & Shirley (1976-1983)
Last week, I shared the Happy Days theme song, and I can't believe that I didn't think of Laverne & Shirley right away.  For starters, this show was a spinoff of Happy Days.  My cousin, Jaime, and I LOVED watching this show.  We always said that she was like Laverne and I was like Shirley.  :)  This theme song is great!
 
 
The Flintstones (1960-1966)
  
 
The Jetsons (1962-1988)
 
 
I hope you're enjoying these posts as much as I am!  I have more to come next week!  There's still so many more good theme songs out there.  They just don't make them like this any more!
 
In case you haven't done it yet, I'm going to be writing a Music Monday post in December featuring my readers' favorite Christmas songs!  Fill out the form below to share yours!  (You don't have to have a blog to participate!)
  


 
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Friday, November 15, 2013

I Got the Sun in the Morning...

This title is true, thanks to the time change.  I was getting super annoyed that my drive to work was basically in the dark.  Setting the clock back an hour truly has an impact on my mood in the morning, though, I still prefer to not have to get up until the sun is actually out and shining brightly.

ANYWAY....

Not long ago, Sarah from Life As Always, found my blog through a mutual blog friend, Susannah from Simple Moments Stick.  We've hit it off in the blogging world, but I was still surprised and flattered that she nominated me for the Sunshine Award! 

 
The idea of the award is to nominate bloggers whose posts brighten your day.

The Rules
 
1. Include the award logo in your post.
2. Link to the person who nominated you.
3. Answer 10 questions about yourself.
4. Nominate 10 bloggers to receive the award. Link the nominees to your post and notify them!
 
Now, since Susannah nominated me for a different Sunshine Award not too long ago, I'm going to skip #4 this time, but I'm still super excited to answer Sarah's questions! 
 
Sarah's Questions
 
1. What's the nicest thing someone else has done for you? About 7 years ago, I was in a car accident on my way to work.  It was the day after Christmas break, and we had a two-hour delay because of snow.  I was heading up the mountain, and I hit an icy spot.  I lost control of the vehicle (Scott's Chevy Blazer) went up an embankment and rolled.  I don't remember anyone being on the road behind me, but when I crawled out of the Blazer, a man was there and asked if I was ok.  He offered to let me use his cell phone (mine was clearly tossed around and stuck in an upside down vehicle) to call my parents and Scott.  I didn't know the number of the school because it was my first year teaching there, but he happened to know Lisa, the school secretary, and called her for me.  I was so thankful for this total stranger staying with me and helping me until my family arrived.
 
2. What is one thing you always wanted as a kid, but never got? A piano.  My nana plays, and I always wanted to play.  Eventually, in high school, I did take lessons from her, but I didn't have anything decent to practice on (I had a very small keyboard). 
 
3. What is your most impressive skill? Singing. 
 
 
 
This is also the first YouTube video I have ever made.
 
4. What would you refuse to do for one million dollars?  I don't have anything specific for this question, but the first thing that came to mind is, "eat gross things."  I just couldn't manage to eat nasty foods or creepy bugs or something like that...not even for a million bucks.  YUCK.  :-p
 
5. If you were home on a rainy Sunday afternoon, what movie would you like to watch on TV? Oooh, this is a good one!  Right now, I'm all about Christmas movies.  So I would say White Christmas or It's a Wonderful LifeLove, Actually would be pretty good, too! :)
 
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6. If fat, calories, cholesterol, etc. were not an issue, what two foods would you feast on?  Really, Sarah, only TWO??  Gosh, what WOULDN'T I feast on???  Ok, I'm just going to share the first two I thought of....pecan pie and pizza.  I could always go for pizza, and since the only pie I really truly like is the most fattening of pies, I would totally pick it.  :)
 
7. Who is the most famous person you have ever met?  Davy Jones from the Monkees; The amusement park where I'm from has free summer concerts.  When I was 16 and working at the park, Davy Jones came for one of these concerts.  He even kissed me on the cheek!  It was the happiest moment ever in my 16-year-old life.  I was so sad when he passed away last year.  :(
 
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8. What is the greatest pain you have ever suffered?  I've been pretty fortunate in my life, and I haven't experienced much physical pain.  I would say anything involving my braces from 9th-11th grades or possibly the pain I was in after being tossed around in my car accident (see #1).  It hurt to move everything just a couple of hours after that accident.  Oh, and I had a sinus infection once that felt like my head was going to split open.  Yeah, not fun.
 
9. If you could be a member of any TV-sitcom family, which would it be?  Is it weird that the first show I thought of when I read this question was "The Brady Bunch"?
 
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Because it was.
 
And even though it's technically not a family, I would love to be on "Glee."  And I don't mean that in a "what if Glee were real life" way.  I mean it as in, please, let me really be an actor on Glee.  lol
 
10. How do you like to relax? PJs or lounge clothes, TV on, iPad in hand, blanket to cover up
 
Thanks again for nominating me, Sarah!  :) 
 
Feel free to share your answers to these questions with me!  Also, if you want to be featured in my upcoming post about readers' favorite Christmas songs, please fill out this form

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Thursday, November 14, 2013

Rose VoxBox: Part 2 {Kiss Gradation Polishes}

As you know, I was lucky enough to get the Rose VoxBox from Influenster


Here's what's inside:
 
Rimmel Retro Mania Glam Mascara
Lindt Lindor Truffle
Kiss Gradation Polishes
Dr. Scholl's for Her Cozy Cushions
belVita Crunchy Breakfast Biscuits
 
When I got my first VoxBox, I won a brand challenge with Kiss, and I received the Gradation Polishes in  gold.  For whatever reason, I've procrastinated trying it, and therefore, blogging about it.  (I also got false eyelashes and lash glue as part of my prize.  I don't wear them, so we'll see if I ever actually try those....)
 
Anyway, since I now had two different colors, I figured I'd better give this one a try!  (Especially since it's part of the VoxBox and brand challenges to do so.)  Now that I did, I'm excited to try the other one, too!
 
The color in the VoxBox is called Film Noir. 
 
 
I was worried that doing something like this would take forever.  It actually took me less time than it usually takes to paint my nails.  For starters, I didn't need a base coat since the step one polish is a light color.  It essentially serves as the base coat.  This polish also dries pretty quickly, which is good for someone as impatient as I am. 
 
It is recommended that you finish one hand at a time.  This recommendation is not necessary for step one, but it is essential for steps two and three.
 
Step 1: Paint all nails with the step one polish.  You need two coats.
 

 
Step 2: Use the step two polish and paint 1/3 of your nail.
 
Step 3: Immediately (aka before the step two polish dries) take the step three polish and paint 1/2 of your nail to blend the colors.
 
 
I did steps two and three one nail at a time.  I did my first two nails with step two and then step three, but I didn't think that worked quite as well.
 
I did use a top coat once the polish was completely dry. 
 
The only complaint I have about this polish was that the lids were difficult to open.  The step one polish was almost impossible.  Luckily the other two polishes weren't as difficult, but still! 
 
If you're looking to get in on the ombre nail trend, I would definitely recommend trying Kiss Gradation Polishes.  :)
 
 
I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.
These are my opinions only. I am not compensated by Influenster or Kiss for my thoughts on this product.
 

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Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Veteran's Day

I do realize that this post is a couple of days past Veteran's Day.  But I couldn't post about what happened on Veteran's Day before it happened, could I?  :)

Every year, the local community holds both Memorial Day and Veteran's Day parades.  Two Memorial Days ago, my grandfather was the Commander of the local American Legion.  He asked me to sing "The Star Spangled Banner" and another patriotic song of my choice at the Memorial Day parade, and I even got to ride in the Commander's car with him and my Nana during the parade!  It was so special, and I'm so glad I did it.  He was not able to attend the other parades since then.  I, however, have been asked to come back and sing in two Veteran's Day and one more Memorial Day parades since. 



This Veteran's Day was a bittersweet one for my family. My grandfather, who passed away in July, was a Sergeant in the United States Army.  He served during the Korean War.  2013 marks the 60th anniversary of the end of the war in Korea. 

Because of this, and because of his passing, they chose to honor him at this year's parade.  They raised a flag, and it will fly in his honor until Memorial Day 2014 when the honor will be bestowed on another deserving veteran. 


We were so blessed to have Pappy in our lives.  I am so blessed to have such a close, loving family.  We all love you, Pap, and we are so proud of your service. 


This picture includes my cousins, my 2nd cousins (the little ones!), my aunts, parents, brother, one of our "adopted" family members, and an even a "cousin-in-law's" parent!  (My uncle was taking the picture.)  My Nana is in the center with the framed proclamation about Korean War Veteran's Day in her hands.

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Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Rose VoxBox: Courtesy of Influenster

I am so excited that I got another VoxBox from Influenster!  This one is the Rose VoxBox.


Here's what's inside:
 
Rimmel Retro Mania Glam Mascara
Lindt Lindor Truffle
Kiss Gradation Polishes
Dr. Scholl's for Her Cozy Cushions
belVita Crunchy Breakfast Biscuits
Vitabath Hydrating Lotion
 
For this first post, I'm going to share my thoughts on the Vitabath Hydrating Lotion. 
 
 
I really enjoyed using this lotion.  It's the first Voxbox product I tried!  It has a nice, light rose scent.  Normally, I'm not a big fan of flowery scents.  Even though I love actual roses, rose scents sometimes smell...weird, for lack of a better word.  This is light enough that I enjoyed it.
 
It left my skin feeling soft, and it felt very luxurious.
 
Stay tuned for more of my Rose Voxbox product reviews!
 
 
I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.
These are my opinions only. I am not compensated by Influenster or Vitabath for my thoughts on this product.



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Monday, November 11, 2013

Music Monday: TV Theme Songs

I wrote a music post a couple of weeks ago on a Monday, and so did Julie!  Great minds think alike, I guess.  I have some more music themed posts in mind, so I'm going to keep up with my own little Music Monday for a bit.  :)

Scott and I downloaded some TV theme songs a couple of years ago.  I was listening through the songs on my iPod in ABC order, and I had quite a few come on in a row.  It got me thinking about some of my all-time favorite TV theme songs, and what better place to share them than right here on my blog??

Happy Days (1974-1984)

For you "young-ins" out there, the show Happy Days took place in Milwaukee in the 1950s and 1960s.  It focused on the Cunningham family.  Ron Howard...yes, the movie director, had a starring role as Richie Cunningham.  And Henry Winkler starred as Arthur Fonzarelli, aka "The Fonz".  I would also like to clarify that I watched this show in reruns since I was born two years before it's final season.  :-p


Full House (1987-1995)
 
I don't care how young you are, I shouldn't have to give you the details on this one, right?  Right?
 


 
Family Ties (1982-1989)
 
*sigh* I'll explain this one, too.  ;)  Or rather, I'll let you read the words from Wikipedia.
 
Set in suburban Columbus, Ohio during the early years of the Reagan administration, Elyse and Steven Keaton (Meredith Baxter-Birney and Michael Gross) are baby boomers, liberals and former Hippies, raising their three children: Alex (Michael J. Fox), Mallory (Justine Bateman) and Jennifer (Tina Yothers). Married in 1964, Elyse is an independent architect and Steven, a native of Buffalo, New York, is the station manager of WKS, a local public television station. The couple later has a fourth child, Andrew (Brian Bonsall).

Much of the humor of the series focuses on the cultural divide during the 1980s when younger generations rejected the counterculture of the 1960s and embraced the conservative politics which came to define the 1980s. Both Alex and Mallory embrace Reaganomics and exhibit conservative attitudes: Alex is a Young Republican and Mallory is a more materialistic young woman in contrast to her feminist mother. Mallory was also presented as a vacuous airhead, who was fodder for jokes and teasing from her brother Alex. Jennifer, an athletic tomboy and the youngest child, shares the values of her parents and just wants to be a normal kid. Elyse and Steven have a fourth child, Andrew, born in 1984 whom Alex doted on and quickly molded in his conservative image.
 
I will also share with you that Michael J. Fox was my first Celebrity Crush. 
 
I was 5.
 
 
Perfect Strangers (1986-1993)
 
Again, the words of Wikipedia:
 The series chronicles the relationship of Larry Appleton (Mark Linn-Baker) and his distant cousin Balki Bartokomous (Bronson Pinchot). Larry, a Wisconsin native from a large family, has just moved into his first apartment in Chicago, Illinois, and is savoring his first taste of privacy when Balki, a hitherto-unknown cousin from a Mediterranean island, Mypos, arrives intending to move in with him. Balki, who was a shepherd on Mypos, interprets what little he knows about the United States by relying on his own (often out-of-context) recollections of American pop culture.  After initially gently rebuffing his cousin's request to stay at his apartment, aspiring-photographer Larry decides to take Balki under his wing and teach him about American life. However, the neurotic Larry frequently proves to be as inept as Balki, if not more so, and often gets the pair into situations that only Balki can set right.

 
Family Matters (1989-1998)
 
Please tell me you've heard of Steve Urkel!!
 
 
Step by Step (1991-1998)
 
Wikipedia states: Set in a substantially fictionalized version of the city of Port Washington, Wisconsin, Frank Lambert, a divorced contractor with three children, sons J.T. and Brendan and daughter Al, impulsively marries Carol Foster, a widowed beautician who also has three children, daughters Dana and Karen and son Mark. Both were residents of Port Washington, but met while vacationing separately in Jamaica. Their children are surprised and angered when they learn of the marriage. Stories depicted typical situations of a new blended family, their differences causing arguments and resentments between them, but the family eventually growing to tolerate and develop loyalty to one another.
 
 
Full House, Family Matters, Step by Step, and Perfect Strangers made up my Friday nights for a short period of time.  ABC used to have TGIF, which was an evening of family friendly TV shows.  I honestly just don't think they make shows like these any more! 
 
I think I may have to share some more TV theme songs.  As I was writing this, I thought of so many more! 
 
Do any of your favorite shows have good theme songs??
 
***Last year, I wrote a daily blog post with my favorite Christmas songs.  This year, I am going to be writing a music post about my readers' favorite Christmas songs!  If you'd like to help me out, please fill out the form below!!  :)***
 
 



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Thursday, November 7, 2013

Pork & Sauerkraut

One of my family's New Year's Day traditions is having pork, hotdogs, and sauerkraut.  My grandparents were always the ones who cooked and brought it to my mom and dad's house for dinner until a few years ago. 

Now let me tell you.  I hate sauerkraut.  I really do.  But, oddly enough, I like the flavoring that it gives to the pork.

I'm a complicated person.

So anyway, Scott does like sauerkraut, and he had about half a jar left it the fridge.  Last Monday, I had a Celebrating Home party to do.  I knew that I needed to get home, eat, and head out for a 45 minute trip to the party location.  Scott was working nights, so the only way this could really happen was to let something cook all day.

Along with that sauerkraut, we had some porkchops in the freezer.  I was struck with the brilliant idea to make pork, hotdogs, and sauerkraut.

Cue my Bean Pot(Just so you know, if you click on that link, it will take you to this cute Christmasy Bean Pot that's on sale right now for $23...orignally $46....that's HALF OFF!!!)

This was so easy, it's almost embarrassing to post.

Bean Pot Pork & Sauerkraut
Ingredients:
  • 2-4 boneless pork chops (I used 3.)
  • sauerkraut
  • hotdogs
  • salt & pepper (to taste)
1. Place porkchops in the bean pot and empty the sauerkraut on top.  (P.S. My porkchops were frozen.)  Put hot dogs on top.

2. Bake in oven on 170* for 8 hours.

 
3. Serve with mashed potatoes and bread. 
 
No, I didn't eat any of the hot dogs.  While I like pork cooked in sauerkraut, I don't like my hot dogs cooked in it.  I told you.  I'm complex.  ;) 

This was so good, but there were a couple of things that would have made it better: eating it with my family on New Year's Day and the bread that my Pappy always would bring to go with it.  It's store bought, but oh so much better than this stupid stuff on my plate.  :)

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Wednesday, November 6, 2013

My Harry Potter Fix: Final Post

I have been so busy lately.  I feel like I just run, run, run, and well, I just like sleeping a normal amount of sleep every night.  I have concluded that there are just not enough hours in a day, and this whole working thing really interferes with my blogging life.

Anyway.

Today is my very last post for My Harry Potter Fix.
And as is extremely fitting, my last post will be about the last Harry Potter book: The Deathly Hallows.

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Likes:
~I enjoy the continued hunt for the Horcruxes.  There's something very special about Hermione, Harry, and Ron off on their own.

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~Though it's evident in all of the stories, I do love Hermione's brilliance.  I love that she was prepared to leave in a flash.  The spell she put on her small beaded bag so that she has pretty much everything possible inside of it is just amazing.


~I LOVE Ron & Hermione's first kiss!  It's so perfect, too.  They just finish destroying another Horcrux, and bam!  And for goodness sakes, it was about time! :)

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~The battle scenes are so amazing, exciting, and awful.  Perfect story telling.  One of my favorite parts is when Professor McGonagall sends the statues out to protect the school.  She's pretty much giddy with excitement about using the spell.

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I also love when Molly kills Bellatrix.

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~I am so glad that we find out more about Snape, and what was actually going on with him all of those years.

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Dislikes:
~It drives me nuts that in the movie version, Harry attends Bill and Fleur's wedding as himself.  Does that annoy anyone else??  It makes NO SENSE for Harry Potter to be at this wedding in such troubling times.  Hence, why J.K. Rowling writes that they make a Polyjuice potion of a muggle kid with red hair so he can pass for a Weasley cousin.  End rant.

~Dobby's death makes me cry every time.  I honestly don't think it was necessary for him to die. 

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~I hate that so many characters we love die in this book.


~It is so sad that it is the end of the series.

I could probably go on for days about all of the things I love and don't love about this book.  BUT I'll end there.  If anyone wants to, feel free to write your own Deathly Hallows post, and share it in the links!

With that, I bid the My Harry Potter Fix link-up adieu.

Before I go, my friend, Jane from Poppiness and some other bloggers are having a  Snowflake Swap.  You should totally go over and sign up!  I did! :)

Snowflake Swap


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