Top Two Tuesday!

Top Two Things You Collect

1.  Stuffed Animals -- Yes, I frequently ask myself if I have been replaced with an 8 year old girl because I LOVE stuffed animals.  Every time I go on a trip, I HAVE to buy a souviner stuffed animal.  My beau has even caught on to my addiction (even though I'm sure he thinks it's silly) becuase he has started buying me stuffed animals when HE goes on trips...for instance, I have an elephant from Mardi Gras and a lamb from New Zealand.  Love it!  What are my favorites?  Well that would have to be either the ET stuffed animal that I got at Universal Studios or the Clydesdale that Patrick bought me when we visited St. Louis.  

2.  Pencils from the Target $1 Spot -- I always use pencils at work, and a few years ago, I decided to start buying the fun, cute ones in the Dollar Spot at Target.  I love having a little personality in my writing untensils.

What do you collect?  Head over to The Undomestic Momma and let us know!

Top Two Tuesday!

Top 2 Things You've Learned About Money

1.  Credit Card Debt = BAD!!!!! -- Yes, I realize to most people this is simply common sense...however, to those of us who were plagued with credit card debt for wayyyyy more years than we care to admit, this is something that needs to be engrained in us!  I spent so many years just trying to get ahead, and once I finally paid off that nasty debt, I was like a new person.  I suddenly was able to go on trips and buy things without feeling guilty for not putting every last nickel to getting out of debt! 

2.  Money is the Only Good Thing About Getting Older!  -- A friend of mine shared a quote with me a few weeks ago that said, "Being in your Thirties is like being in your twenties, but with money."  That really made me chuckle...not that I feel like I "have money" now, because believe me, I DON'T!  I still worry about money just like everyone.  However, I do feel like I make smarter choices with my money now, which in turn causes me less financial stress.  Perhaps a lot of it has to do with #1 above, but no matter what it is, all you 20-something ladies out there have at least one thing to look forward to as you are nearing the be 3-0!  =)

What have you learned about money?  I would love to know, so head on over to The Undomestic Momma and tell me what you think!

Top Two Tuesday!

Top 2 Things You've Learned from Your Parents or Grandparents

I am super excited about this week's Top 2 Tuesday!  Such a great topic!  

1.  Be Open-Minded and Always Help those in Need! -- Both of my parents have done many great things for their children.  However, one of the best things they instilled in my siblings and I was the necessity of being open-minded to all people and all situations.  They never allowed us to make fun of kids growing up, and they also taught us to be nice to those that a lot of people weren't nice to.  I have seen both my mom and dad do many things to help the needy whether it is giving a homeless person something to eat, helping someone out with their bills, or helping build a habitat for humanity home.  I won't claim to be the most generous person in the world.  There is so much more I could do to be more like my parents.  However, I am so thankful they taught me the importance of doing unto others as I would have them do unto me!

2.  How to Shop! -- This may seem silly, but my grandmother, mother, sister, and I used to always go shopping together.  Those are some of my fondest memories of being a child and spending time with my grandmother!  She always had the prettiest clothes and she definitely enjoyed picking them out!  As you can tell from my post last night, some things never change.  =)

Head on over to Taylor's blog and participate!

Top Two Tuesday!

Top 2 Things I've Learned About Blogging

1.  That if you find something you are passionate about you will stick to it!

I've never really been the sort of person who sticks with things I start long enough to see them through.  However, I've discovered over the last 8 months that I really have a passion for blogging.  Not really sure why...I was never one to keep a diary, and I've never enjoyed writing...however, I LOVE blogging!  I think it's because it gives me an opportunity to voice my views on various topics all while documenting my life for many years to come.  Therefore, I have finally found something I enjoy enough to keep it up.  It has also helped me in other areas of my life, too.  For instance, I finally ran a 5K (a goal of mine for many years) and I also am training for another half marathon!  A year ago, I didn't even have a goal to complete 1 half marathon, much less train for my second! 

2.  Leave as many comments as possible!  

Some of the best blog friends I have made have been because I had been reading their page for months and finally left a comment on their page.  That was all it took for us to become "blog friends."  I try to always leave a comment on the pages I read the most, but if I read a random page that peaks my interest, I will definitely let the person know!

You should head on over to Taylor's blog and tell us what you have learned!  

Top Two Tuesday!

It's time for Top Two Tuesday again!  This Tuesday starts the beginning of a new series about what each of us has learned in life...this week, it's...

Top 2 things you've learned about friendship

1.  Friends come in all age groups, backgrounds, and walks of life
I have so many different types of friends, and to me, that's the best way to live life!  Each one of them offers something different to me, and I hope they feel the same way!  Even though my close friends range in age from 24-60, every one of them are VERY special to me!

2.  A true friend will drop EVERYTHING for you!Don't we all know someone who would drop everything, and I mean everything to come to your aide in a time of need.  To me, THAT is true friendship.  I am very lucky to have some friends like this, and I think they have showed me A LOT about what friendship means.  I hope their compassion rubs off on me, and I can be half as good a friend to them as they are to me!
 

What have you learned about friendship?  Head over to The Undomestic Momma and link up!

Top Two Tuesday!

I am so excited about this week's Top Two Tuesday!  Since I'm trying to eat healthier (like a lot of people this time of year), I can't wait to see what everyone has suggested!

Top 2 Healthy Recipes and Snacks!

1.  Angel Food Cupcakes

Ingredients:

1 box Angel Food Cake Mix

1 20-oz. can crushed pineapple in pineapple juice (NOT Syrup!!!!!)

Mix ingredients together and fill cupcake pans 2/3 full.  Bake according to directions on Angel Food box.  Some people like to top with Cool Whip, but I think they are so good, they don't need anything!

These cupcakes are delicious!  AND, they are only 1 point on Weight Watchers PointPlus!  That's my kinda dessert!

2.  Italian Chicken Pasta Toss

Ingredients:
6-oz. uncooked bow tie pasta (about 3 cups)
2 plum tomatoes, seeded and diced
1 small onion, chopped
1 medium zucchini, sliced
1 small yellow or red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
1/2 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut int 1-inch strips
2 teaspoons olive oil
2 large garlic cloves, pressed
1/2 cup frozen peas
1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1-oz. (1/4 cup) grated fresh Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and keep warm. 

Meanwhile, dice tomatoes and chop onion.  Slice zucchni.  Cut bell pepper into thin strips and chicken crosswise into 1-in. strips.

Heat oil over medium-high heat until hot.  Press garlic into skillet.  Add chicken.  Stir-fry 5 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink.  Reduce heat to medium.  Add onion, zucchini, bell pepper, peas, seasoning mix and salt; stir-fry 2 minutes.  Add tomatoes; heat 1-2 minutes, stirring gently until heated through.  Remove from heat.

Stir in warm pasta.  Grate Parmesan cheese; sprinkle over pasta.  Serve immediately.

I found this recipe in one of my Pampered Chef cookbooks, and it is delicious!  You would never believe that it's healthy!

What are some of your favorite healthy snacks/recipes?  Head over to The Undomestic Momma and let us know!

Top Two Tuesday!

Oh, I feel like I haven't blogged in forever!  I wasn't sure I'd have time to blog my Top Two Tuesday this week, but I am soooo glad I did because I am so excited about this week's topic:

Top 2 Outfits You're Loving for Spring

1.  Trench Coat from The Limited

I have always wanted a trench coat, but we just don't get enough rain here in Middle TN to justify it.  Oh, well, at least I can dream, right?

2.  Dress from The Limited

Since The Limited is my absolute favorite store, I thought I definitely had to include this adorable dress!  Doesn't it make you want to head to a warmer climate right this minute?

Head over to Taylor's blog and tell me what your favorite spring outfits are!

Top Two Tuesday!

Top Two Strange Addictions

1.  Double Checking my Oven -- When I go on a trip (it doesn't matter if I will be gone 2 days or 2 weeks...it also doesn't matter if I used my oven last night or last week), I have to check every single eye on my stove and the inside of my oven to make sure everything is turned off...I know, I know...it's ridiculous!  Keeps me sane, though.  =)

2.  Baths -- I take a bath every single day!  It's a little bit ridiculous!  When I stay in a hotel or am somewhere that doesn't have a bathtub, I really miss that relaxing time.  In fact, the first thing I did last night after getting home from Louisville was head to the bathtub!  =)

What are your strange addictions?  Come on...you know you have them.  =)

Top Two Tuesday!

Top 2 Favorite Items from 2010 

Well, I have to be honest...I don't think either of my Top 2 were NEW in 2010...however, they were definitely "new to me" in 2010 because that's when I discovered them.

1.  Market Totes

I got one of these right before Thanksgiving and I absolutely ADORE it!  It doesn't matter if I am going to a tailgate, a party, or to my parent's house for Thanksgiving and Christmas, this thing goes with me everywhere!  If you haven't invested in one, or two, or three, you definitely should!

2.  Thirty-One Gifts 

A girl I work with started selling Thirty-One about 6 months ago and I am officially addicted!  I have now purchased for myself a thermal tote, a picnic blanket, a purse, and a zipper pouch...and that doesn't count the endless number of baby gifts and Christmas gifts I purchased for friends and family during 2010!

What are your favorite products from 2010?  Head over to Taylor's blog and link up!

Top Two Tuesday!

It's Tuesday...which can only mean that it's time to head on over to Taylor's and share your weekly Top 2!

 

Top 2 Favorite Christmas Memories

1.  Daily Advent Devotional  

I've mentioned this before, so I won't go into a lot of detail, but pretty much my family used to do a daily devotional as a family during the Advent (or Christmas) season...at the time, there's a good chance I didn't always love it that much, but looking back on it, it's one of my favorite Christmas memories.

 

2.  Decorating the Family Christmas Tree  

Every year on the Friday after Christmas, we would decorate the family Christmas tree.  This was always so fun because we had a TON of Christmas ornaments, and I loved getting to look at each one every year.  My mom always kept 3 ornament boxes (one for me and each of my siblings) and we got to hang our own Christmas ornaments.

Top Two Tuesday!

Top Two Games

 Games are one of my favorite passtimes.  Having a brother 5 years older and a sister 6 years younger, there weren't many things we could do as a family for fun.  However, we played LOTS (and I mean LOTS) of games...in fact, we still do every Thanksgiving and Christmas!  My favorite games are...

1.  Mexican Train Dominos

We used to play this game all the time in college, but I forgot how much I loved it until we played it at the cabin last weekend.  Sooooooo glad I own it, so I can teach all of my friends in Nashville to play!  =)

2.  Phase 10

I discovered this game a few years ago, and I love it!  It's definitely a family favorite and can keep you busy for hours.

Since I love games so much, I can't wait to see what your favs are so I can add more to my collection.  Head on over to The Undomestic Momma and let me know!

Top Two Tuesday!

Top 2 Favorite Christmas Ornaments

I soooooo wish that I could take a quick 3 hour drive to Strawberry Plains for this post.  The reason is that my mom has kept up with every Christmas ornament that my siblings and I have EVER received, and she decorates her Christmas tree with them every year.  I love looking at her tree because it brings back so many memories.  Those are DEFINITELY my favs.  However, I have some very pretty ornaments on my tree, too, so these would be MY favorites:

1.  This is the ornament that I bought this year and I absolutely love it!  It's cute and trendy, but also gets the message across.  =)

2.  This is the first manger scene I ever bought for my very first Christmas tree.  I think it's so pretty and fragile!  Every year when I open my Christmas ornament box, I have a small fear that it broke during the year, but thank goodness, it survived to see another Christmas!  =)

Those are my favorite Christmas ornaments; head on over to Taylor's blog and show me yours. 

Top Two Tuesday!

Top 2 Cleaning and Organization tips or tricks!

1.  Placing the expiration on refridgerated items -- Because I live alone, and usually only make dinner for 1-2 meals at a time, I always keep a Sharpie in the drawer next to my fridge.  Whenever, I open a package of chicken, ground beef, etc. and I am only using a portion of it, I always put the remaining meat in a ziplock bag and write the expiration date on it with a Sharpie.  This keeps food from going to waste because I can see when I need to use it.

2.  Kaboom Foam-Tastic

This stuff is AH-MAZING!!!!!  I first discovered it last year when I had to sub-lease my apartment and needed to get my bathroom it's absolute cleaniest, ever!  It is really so great!  All you do is spray it on the surface, let the "foam" turn white, and then you just wipe it off.  You are left with a perfectly clean surface!

Head over to The Undomestic Momma and tell us your cleaning tips!

Top Two Tuesday!

It's Tuesday and you know what that means...It's time for Taylor's Top Two Tuesday...and it also means that there's only 4 days left of my vacation, but we won't focus on the negative, now will we?  =)

Top 2 Things on Your Christmas Wish List

1.  Pandora Bracelet

A lot of my friends have been getting bracelets like this, and I think they are soooo neat.  Therefore, I thought this would be the perfect gift from my parents for Christmas.  Since I actually got to pick it out, I'm pretty sure Santa is going ot have it under the tree!

2.  eBook Reader
Like this one...

or this one...

I'm not really picky...I know there are many different prices and types, so I've left the choosing up to Patrick.  He's usually pretty good with gifts, so whatever he gets, I'm sure I'll like it.

What's on your Christmas list?  Head on over to The Undomestic Momma and let us know!

Top Two Tuesday!

Top 2 Jobs I've Had

1.  My current job

Yes, I know it sounds very cliche, but I have wanted to be an Accountant since I was a little girl and realized that's what my dad does.  Well, that's when I first announced that I wanted to be an accountant.  I would say that I didn't decide for sure that is what I wanted to do until I took an Accounting class in high school and LOVED it!  No, my job isn't perfect, and sometimes I get frustrated like everyone.  However, I feel pretty fortunate to be doing what I always wanted to do!

2.  Graduate School Student

No, I didn't actually get PAID for this job, but the year that I was in grad school is the only time in my adult life that I didn't have to get a PAYING job and was able to just focus on school.  That was definitely my most fun year of college for that reason alone.  Therefore, I would have to say that this was definitely my 2nd favorite "job" of all time!  =)

If you'd like to participate in Top 2 Tuesday, head on over to The Undomestic Momma and link up!

Top Two Tuesday!

Top 2 things you're thankful for

So, today's Top 2 Tuesday will be a little bit of a cliche...however, I truly believe these are the people I am the most thankful for!  =)

1.  My family

This is the latest picture (and quite possibly, the ONLY picture) of my entire family.  I am thankful for each of them for different reasons, so I thought I would mention one reason that I am currently feeling thankful for each of them:

 

Daniel, my brother -- Because any time I have a sports-related question, I just call the walking football encylcopedia that he is and I have the answer in no time.  =)

 

Laura, my sister -- Because I know that even though she is super busy with grad school, she still managed to put together TONS of stuff (including the slideshow DVD) for our mom's birthday party.

 

Patrick, my beau -- Because he gave up what I assumed was going to be a day of constant football watching to run all over Nashville doing fun stuff with me yesterday!

 

My Dad -- Because he is helping me plant Day Lilies in my yard this weekend even though he'll only be in town a couple of days.

 

My Mom -- Because she guilted me into doing what it takes to FINALLY get in enough shape to walk a half marathon this weekend.

 

Carole, my aunt -- Because she practically remodeled the house I bought in Knoxville...then, when I decided to pack up and move to Nashville just a year later, she was right there helping me pack (yeah, it may not have been the most unselfish moment of my life)...also, she makes a mean cherry yum-yum.  =)

 

Kelley (my cousin), Tim (her husband), and Stephanie (her daughter) -- Because they (especially Kelley) did soooooooo much to help me get ready for my mom's birthday party.  It was such a great day and it definitely wouldn't have been possible without their help!

 

Rhonda, my other cousin -- Because even though she had just gotten back from the beach, she still managed to come to my mom's birthday party...and she even brought cookies!!!!!  =)

 

2.  My friends

 

Again, I am thankful for each of these people for different and many reasons, so here are a few of my favorite pics: 

Kathleen, friend from grad school

Andi, friend from my first job

Anna Catherine, friend from grad school

Jennifer and Zac, friends from Nashville

Alysia, friend from formerly working together and Kevana, friend through Alysia

Stacy, friend from the Junior Chamber

Chase, friend from the Junior Chamber

Stacy, friend from kickball

Lindy, friend from Nashville

Mickey, friend from kickball and Kat's fiance

Casey, friend from Junior Chamber

Adam, Alacia, and Baby Hannah, friends I met through Patrick

Amber and Clay, former co-worker with her and played kickball with both of them

Sandy, friend from work

Geez louise!  I hope I haven't forgotten anyone!  All of these people mean sooooooo much to me!  I am so lucky to be blessed with so many wonderful friends!

Okay, so I just realized that one of the pictures I tried to upload last night didn't make it for some reason...stupid Blogger picture issues!  Then, when I tried to upload it today from work, I couldn't get it to work...stupid work computer isses!  Therefore, I'll just tell you about them and then I'll try to upload the picture tonight from home.  Elaine is a friend of mine from an internship I did in college and Ken is her husband!  They are great friends, and we always have such a wonderful time hanging out!  If only they lived closer to Nashville.  =)

Top Two Tuesday!

Top 2 Halloween or Fall crafts/decor/party ideas

1.  Mums

Mums are my favorite fall plant.  I had the great idea to buy 2 of them to put on my front porch this year.  I have seen every time I have gone to the grocerty store and have just passed them up for one reason or another.  However, tonight I decided to head out to finally buy my mums.  It was such a sad sight when I drove around to every grocery store or home improvement store near my house only to find that the only mums left were the ugly, sick looking ones...oh, well, maybe next year!

2.  Corn Stalk and Hay Bale Decorations

A lot of people love decorating pumpkins for Halloween.  While I enjoy that, I like fall decorations that can carry on in to Thanksgiving better.  I love set-ups similar to the one above.  I don't think there is anything nicer than hay bales, corn stalks, a few pumpkins and maybe a scarecrow.  These also make a great set-up for the perfect picture!  =)

Head on over the The Undomestic Momma and tell us what your favorite fall decorations are!