Stuff & Things 7/9

• Clearly, I have not been around here much lately.  With an uneventful summer taking place, it has occurred to me that blogging is just no longer one of my priorities.  But every now and then, I feel like sharing something.  So I'll pop up from time to time....especially to share the books I'm reading. #booknerd
• I have decided that I hate cooking.  This is kind of sad because I really like food.  The problem is that in order to eat food, I have to cook it.  I find this to be an interesting turn of events because I used to like sharing my experiences with cooking here in this space.  You can still see the recipes I've tried in my ABC order Recipe Index or the Category Index.  

• It will  not quit raining here in Pennsylvania.  I think I should build an ark.... 

• I have decided that I will be teaching a reading unit on Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone this year.  I know so many kids love it, and even if they've read it/heard it/seen the movie before, studying it will be different and fun!  One of the things I plan to do is have a Class Cup competition during the unit!  Students will earn points for getting 100% on tests and quizzes, turning in assignments on time, being prepared for class, etc.  

What kinds of stuff and things are happening with you lately?

A Little Blog Tour...

Last week, the lovely Ashley from A Party of Four sent me an e-mail and asked me to participate in a blog tour with her!  Sure, I haven't been the best blogger since school started up again, but how could a girl say no to an opportunity like that!  (Plus, since I haven't been blogging much, I've got ideas lined up....)  The topic of this particular tour is My Writing Process.

1) What am I working on?
Well, I'm actually working on how to find time to blog, work, go to the gym, and take care of house hold chores.  So far, I've got the work and gym thing down.  In other words, I have a long way to go.  BUT I do have some posts in mind for this week (which I plan to write after this post).  I finished two books recently that I want to review.  I want to write about my most recent Stitch Fix, Seasons in PA, and a few other ideas.

2) How does my work differ from others of its type/genre?
It's different because it's me writing it and not someone else.  I certainly don't claim to be great at blogging/writing, and I don't think I'm better than anyone.  This is just my little corner of the internet, and I like interacting with the friends I've made here. :)

3) Why do I write what I do?
I started this blog to share recipes I've tried in my kitchen.  My ultimate goal is to document how I make things so I can look them up here later.  I often need to tweak recipes to suit what I have on hand or to make it work for me.  So why keep looking up the recipe when I've documented how I do it on my blog.  I share book reviews because I love reading, and I might as well share my thoughts about books I've read.  Anything else that I share is simply because I want to.

4) How does your writing process work?
I would use the term "writing process" VERY loosely about what I do here on this blog.  I'm going to say the only part of my "process" is that I have a list on my Reminders app on my iPhone.  If I have an idea for something I want to share with all of you, I make sure I write it down.  Then I just open up blogger, and get to work.

Now for the tour...

I asked 3 other ladies to join me on this blog tour.  Even if they don't write a tour post, I highly recommend that you check out their blogs!  They are three blogs that I always look forward to reading!  (And I chose to list them alphabetically by blog name so there's no favoritism here.  If you've been around here for awhile, you know how much I love ABC order...)

First up is Kristin from Kristin's kNook.  Kristin is an Army Wife, and she and her husband (who is also named Scott!) currently live in Colorado.  I actually know Kristin in real life because she used to be a substitute teacher in the school where I teach.  Kristin is a lifestyle blogger who shares yummy dessert recipes, book reviews, and posts about life in general.  She also has a fun link-up on Thursdays called "Stuff & Things".  It's a great link up because it can be totally random thoughts on your mind or a themed post about random stuff on your mind.  It's all up to you! :)  I love reading Kristin's blog for her fun posts and sarcasm.

Next is Sarah from Life as Always.  Sarah is a new mom to a beautiful baby boy.  She and her husband live near Seattle and are HUGE Seattle Seahawks fans.  Sarah is also a lifestyle blogger who writes about life as a mom, book reviews, the Seahawks, and the fun adventures she has with her family.  (Seriously, they went to Hawaii this summer!!).  Like me, she's figuring out how to balance blogging with the changes in her life, but I love reading all of her posts!

Last, but certainly not least, is Elizabeth from The Young Retiree.  Elizabeth is also a military wife.  Her husband, Gene, is in the Navy, and they are currently stationed in Okinawa!  Like Kristin and Sarah, I would consider Elizabeth to be a life style blogger.  With their recent move, she has been sharing LOTS of fun adventures in Okinawa.  From foods and drinks they've tried to places that they're discovering, there's never a shortage of excitement on her blog.  I'm also a huge fan of the Vlogs she posts.  Usually, these videos include her and Gene trying something new.  I always find myself laughing out loud at their interactions and *sometimes* facial expressions when they try something new!

February Review

Today is the last day of February!  This month has been crazy with all the winter weather we had here in Pennsylvania.  We had all kinds of two-hour delays and snow days.  Then we had a bit of a warm up (in the mid 40's and maybe low 50's in some places), and then plunged back down to the 20's.  March doesn't seem like it will be off to a great start, BUT at least we're one step closer to spring!!

  Followers:  via GFC 195 via Bloglovin 66 Twitter 145 Facebook 54 Instagram 73 Pinterest 165
Page Views this Month:  4,027 (My blog is really growing!  Thanks, everyone!!)

Popular Posts:

1. Live & Learn Thursday: Buffalo Chicken Dip  (Lasagna is still my number one post of all time, BUT this one is #3!) 2. Sweetheart Swap Reveal 3. What I'm Loving Wednesday 4. Lasagna! 5. Chivalry is Not Dead

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(Couldn't they have at least spelled "Hermione" correctly??)

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3. march 2104 "nerd" rafflecopter giveaway

4. barilla changed lasagna recipe

5. creamy potato bacon soup

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If you are interested in sponsoring Rebeckann's Random Thoughts, please visit my Sponsor page to check out my ad options!  I currently have Baker's Dozen ad spots (just $2!) and an Ice Cream Sundae Spot ($4!).  I would also love to swap blog buttons with you!  Just shoot me an email!  rebeck.ann@gmail.com

I Love Blogging! {A Giveaway}

Happy Wednesday, everyone!! 

I know I've been sharing a lot of giveaways lately, but so many amazing bloggers have been offering great opportunities, and I just had to jump on board!  I just love all the ladies that I've been working with on these giveaways, and who doesn't like winning stuff??

Today, I'm teaming up with Jane from Pursuit of Poppiness and her other sponsors for an amazing PayPal Giveaway!

Also, before I let you check out all of that awesomeness, there's still a little time left to enter MY giveaway to win a set of mini casseroles from Celebrating Home!  (Plus, if you haven't seen the recipe for my buffalo chicken dip, you need to check it out!)

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$110 PayPal Cash Giveaway | Kara Ramblings of a Marine Wife | Alex Radiating Sunshine

Becky Rebeckann's Random Thoughts | Katie Going Coastal | Elizabeth The Young Retiree

Jen Beebeebelly | Rhea Rhea Et Cetera | Kari This, Too

Stephanie Army Crafter | Sue As It Seems | Jane Poppiness

a Rafflecopter giveaway

So what would you do with $110?? 

 

January Review

Can you believe it's the last day of January??  2014 is already flying by!  I thought I would start a monthly post with my blog details for the month.

  Page Views: 3, 057  

Popular Posts:

1. What I've Learned This Week  (Post about what I learned about offering sponsorships.) 2. Lasagna (This is still my #1 all time post.)

3. Happies & Crappies (from 1/10)

4. Happies & Crappies (from 1/24)

5. Book Review: The White Princess

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1. glee funny

2. glee funny pictures

3. 1000 steps Pennsylvania historical...

4. rebeckann.blogspot.com

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So Let's Get to Know Each Other Better

On Sunday, Sarah from Life As Always posted a reintroduction post for the new year!  I was inspired to do the same since I have some new followers around these parts!  :)

1. What is the name of your blog?  How long have you been blogging?

My blog is Rebeckann's Random Thoughts.  I recently shortened it from Rebeckann's Random Thoughts and Recipes for two reasons: 1) The first name was too long. 2) I don't always share as many recipes as I would like.  If you want to know more about where the name "Rebeckann" came from, you can read it here.

I've been blogging for 10 years.  Wow.  I started blogging on LiveJournal during my senior year of college (2004-2005).  Then I moved to WordPress when I wanted to start sharing recipes I tried in my kitchen.  Last January, I changed to Blogger because I wanted the opportunity to have sponsors for my blog.  If YOU'D like to be on my sidebar, visit my Sponsor page!  :)

2. Why do you blog?

I blog because I enjoy writing.  It's a creative outlet for me.  But what I love most is connecting with other bloggers from all over the world!  I have "met" some amazing people through reading blogs and writing my own!

3. What is the first blog you ever followed?

The first blog I ever followed was Txting Mr. Darcy, written by my friend, Brooke. 

4. What is your favorite post you wrote in 2013?

Ok, nothing jumped out to me here.  So I had to go back and look.  One that stood out to me is from back in March called "On Being a Teacher."  It's always a good reminder.  I also really like my post about Scott and I visiting a local attraction and climbing the 1,000 Steps.  My banana muffins are pretty yummy.    In September, I wrote 31 things about me for my 31st birthday.  I had SO MUCH fun writing my Music Monday post with my readers' favorite Christmas songs.  (I think that would be my most favorite post.)  Lastly, I'll go with the recipe for my grandma's cut out cookies. 

5. What are your blogging goals for 2014?

~I want to post at least 4-5 times a week.
~I'd also like to have sponsors for my blog to help promote other blogs that I love!
~I want to share at least two recipes a month.  (HA! The tricky thing here is that I want to do this but don't feel like cooking....)

6. Top 3 favorite blogs to follow?
In no particular order:

Kristin's kNook
Simple Moments Stick
Life as Always

These ladies always have something that makes me laugh, exclaim in agreement, say "awww", or inspires me!  If you don't know Kristin, Susannah, or Sarah, stop by and pay them a visit!

Is there anything else you'd like to know??  Ask away in the comments!

One Lovely Blog

Guess what!?  This is my 200th post since I moved to Blogger almost one year ago!  Woo hoo! :)

Have you ever "met" someone in blogland and just instantly connected?  That's what happened when Sarah (from Life as Always) and I found each other!  She is just awesome, and I am so flattered that she nominated me for the One Lovely Blog Award!  Thank you so much, Sarah! :)

The Rules

 

Thank the one that nominated you.

Put up the picture for the lovely blog award.  (Above and on my sidebar) 

Tell everyone 7 things about yourself.

Nominate 7 other people and tell them that you've nominated them.

 

Seven Things about Me

 

1. Since I know that I have some new readers around here, I think I'll start by sharing a little bit about my blog name.  I got "Rebeckann" from a nickname my cousin and brother gave me.  My given name is Rebecca, but I go by Becky.  They would call me Rebeck (an endearing form of "reject"...so sweet :-p).  ANYWAY, I actually liked it, so I decided to use it online.  Ann is my middle name, hence, Rebeckann.

 

Here's me with my brother (Left) and cousin (Right) on Veteran's Day

 

2. I am a terrible housekeeper.  It's not that I can't or don't know how to clean.  I just hate it that much....and I'm lazy.  It's not gross or hoarder-like in anyway.  I will always break down and do something about it before it gets that far.  lol

 

3. I made quite a few cookies over the past few days.  Now I have a difficult time choosing which ones I feel like eating.  #firstworldproblems

 

 4. I have two best friends who are also named Rebecca.  We met in college.  We don't live near each other, but when we do get together.  It is as if no time has passed. 

 

This is us when we met up in Gettysburg this summer.

5. I am addicted to the game Hay Day.  Seriously.  If we're Facebook friends, you should download it and start playing.  I'm glued to my iPad a lot.

 

6. I was working on a unit for one of my reading classes at school today, and I forgot to save it to my folder.  I was almost in tears because I thought I lost it.  Luckily, I found it, and all is well.

 

7.  I can't wait for Christmas and New Year's Eve!  :)

 

My Seven Nominees

 

Kristin from Kristin's kNook

Kristin from Life's an Adventure

Ashley from A Party of Four

Rachel from The Ross Family

Jane from Poppiness

Elizabeth from The Young Retiree

Casey from Everyday Adventures

 

Feel free to play along, but don't feel pressured!  lol :)

 

HONORABLE MENTIONS: (aka, I couldn't nominate you because you were already nominated: Sarah from Life As Always & Susanna from Simple Moments Stick)

 

New Blog Design!!

It's here!  It's here!  My new blog design is here!!!! 

Can you feel my excitement!??!!

I'm in love with this new design created by Jane from Poppiness Designs! 

She was so amazing to work with!  Everything was started and completed within the same week!  :)  I'm so glad I finally decided to purchase a blog design.  If you're looking for a blog overhaul, stop by her design page.  If you're not in need of a new design right now, go visit her blog.  She's an absolute sweetheart! :)

Century Gothic (this font I'm using) is my absolute favorite.  Great minds think alike!

Thanks, Jane!

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 Life.  Love, 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! 

Here Comes the Sun...

Last week, Susannah from Simple Moments Stick nominated me for the Sunshine Award!  :)  The award is for bloggers who bring sunshine to the blogging world.  I'm so honored that she thought of me!

Here are the rules for the award:
1. Acknowledge the nominating blogger
2. Answer 11 questions the nominating blogger has created for you
3. List 11 bloggers that deserve the recognition and love
4. Post 11 questions for the nominated bloggers to answer. (They cannot nominate the blogger who nominated them)

These are my questions from Susannah:
1.  What's your most embarrassing story (yep, starting out with a hard one!)  When I was in 8th grade, our class got to do a lip sync contest.  Being totally above such things as a singer, I agreed to host the show along with my friend, Anissa.  We were totally the worst MC's ever.  I still cringe when I think about it.  We kept saying the same things, and we were totally boring.  I was so awkward at that age, too.  Ugh.  It may not be my MOST embarrassing story, but it still bugs me.

2.  Who (living or dead) do you admire most and why? My stepdaughter, Amber.  For those of you who don't know, she passed away 3 years ago from complications due to a severe form of epilepsy.  Amber was a fighter.  She was a happy, loving girl who loved shopping, Scooby Doo, jewelry, and purple.  I was and still am amazed how she managed to fight so hard and be so happy despite all of her hospital stays, surgeries, and difficulties.  I could only hope to fight with as much grace as she did. 

3.  If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why? Teleportation.  I hate being in the car.  I think I'm too impatient.  I just want to get where I'm going and be done with it.  At the very least, if I could fly like Superman, that would do.

4.  What is one quote that speaks to your heart?
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord,  "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

5.  What is your favorite and least favorite chore?  My favorite chore is laundry.  I can do other things while I'm doing that chore.  My least favorite chore is dusting.....well, basically cleaning in general. :-P

6.  Where do you get blogging inspiration?  Sometimes it's from the types of posts others share, but it's often just random things that come to mind.  Hence, the "Random Thoughts" part of my blog title. 

7.  What is your dream job (that's AWESOME if it's the one you've got!)?  I would love to sing professionally as a recording artist or on Broadway.  Teaching is ok, but anyone can get a degree to do that! lol

8.  If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?  I desperately want to go to Europe: Ireland, England, Italy, Greece.....I've never been off of the continent of North America.  I want to see all of the things I've learned about and seen pictures of.

9.  What's your favorite TV show?  Oh heavens, there are so many.  Please see this post from Tuesday.  :)

10.  When and where do you blog?  I like to try to most of my posts written on the weekend.  Sometimes I sit at my dining room table, but most of the time, I grab the laptop and sit on my comfy reclining couch like I'm doing right now.

11.  What do you like most about my blog?  Haha.  Just kidding.  The real question is: What's your favorite thing about blogging?  Even though she was kidding, what I like most about Susannah's blog is that she is uplifting.  I admire her faith and that she shares it on her blog.  She genuinely cares about and encourages others.  For the "real" question, I do like writing.  So I like the chance to do that through blogging, but my favorite thing is reading others' blogs and interacting with them!  I've met people from all over the country through blogging.  It's great to have "friends" all over the place!

Here are the 11 bloggers I'm nominating for the Sunshine Award:

 

Ashley from Being Ashley

Amber from Brunch with Amber

Elizabeth from The Young Retiree

Casey from Everyday Adventures

Kristin from K. @ Life's an Adventure

Kristin from Kristin's kNook

Julie from Love, Julie Bug

Suzanne from Not Enough Chocolate

Tarole from One Haole Girl

Jane from The Pursuit of Poppiness

Chantal from Scattered Seashells

 



Now, the hard part.  Your 11 questions!

 

1. Why did you start blogging?

2. If you could relive any moment in your life, what would it be, and why?

3. What is your favorite movie?

4. What do you like best about fall?

5. What holiday do you like best?  Why?

6. If you could only have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

7. What is your favorite book?  OR Who is your favorite author?

8. What kind of music do you most enjoy?

9. Where is the most interesting place you've visited? 

10. What is your guilty pleasure?

11. Name three things you can't live without.  (I know that's technically not a question, but I got tired of questions starting with "what".)