Till Then Smile Often

April 11, 2014

Friday Happenings

Happy Friday! Can I just say the forecast for today and this weekend is 70 degrees!! I am going Hiking without a doubt on Saturday and Sunday I have a baby shower so it will be busy again but I will have some time to relax so it will be a good weekend for sure. So let’s get to it, my 5 things for this week.

One. I am going on day 5 of being Vegetarian. No, I am not giving up meat 100% but I just want to try it and see how it works for my body. I have always had issues with how my body processes carbs (like I gain 3 pounds from having a slice of pizza) so this doesn’t mean have a bunch of pasta and bread in place of meat. For me it is about learning to love more veggies and making dishes surrounding them. The result so far I lost 5 pounds in 5 days. Most of it is probably bloat and just my body adjusting but I’ll be interested to see how it goes over time. So far not feeling deprived at all, though I had to add a little extra protein since I was getting headaches.

Two. This weeks Virtual Mug goes to Emily from Osbourne – My Life In Words. I have been reading her blog for awhile and girl is a firecracker. She says what she wants, does what she wants, and couldn’t care a flying fig if you don’t like what she has to say. Her son Dreyden says the funniest things. Her Mom is also a badass in the military and was over in Afghanistan. If you like sassy, classy, and a little smart-assy head on over there and show her some love.

Cup of Shut the Hell Up Mug

Three. For those of you who missed it on Instagram Seamus has been “twerking” longer than Miley Cyrus and he does it on command. Is there anything cuter?!

Four. I seriously cannot say enough about NetGalley. I am totally addicted and have read over 12 books since I joined a little over a month ago. Can’t beat free books and finding new authors to read. My most recent read:

Source

My review: As a favor to the Senator private security agent Royce Walker looks into threats made against the Senator and his daughter the Assistant District Attorney Lauren. Royce feels fiercely protective of Lauren and tries to keep his distance but with each threat against her his instincts to hold her tighter gets stronger. Nothing better than an Alpha male protecting his own, and his brothers who circle around them to help. So glad this is a series!!

Five. As I was driving home yesterday the sunnies were on, the window was down, the hair was blowing and then I look over to see a construction dude straight up staring me down. It was a nice boost to the ego.

Don’t forget the Group Giveaway is still open!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What do you have planned this weekend?

April 10, 2014

Rub A Dub Dub

I am glad to be back with another Random Act of Kindness. This one is simple enough for anyone to do no matter where you live. It is also really inexpensive and I know it will make a difference to the person who finds it.

My sophomore year college I had to walk a couple of blocks in order to do my laundry. Wait a few hours for it to finish and lug it back home. It was not fun by any means. I know how much of the day it takes up and it isn’t cheap either. This Laundromat is right around the corner from my house. I was shocked it was $3.25 per load of laundry. It used to be $1.25 when I was in college. Yes I’m old, yes I just did a “When I was younger….”

Are you considering doing your own Act of Kindness? If not, what is stopping you? Grab a button if you would like to spread the word. The change that we seek in others has to first come from within. This year I hope you decide to Be the Change You Seek.

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An InLinkz Link-up

April 9, 2014

TMI Anyone?

Happy Hump Day. The fabulous Em from My Favorite Day tagged me in this post that has been circling youtube and since there are a few new faces I figured this was a great way to learn a little bit more about me. Plus who doesn’t love random facts.

1: What are you wearing?

I am wearing a maxi dress that I got from Target. I love it! Get it here.

2: Ever been in love?

Yes but not currently. 😉

3: Ever had a terrible breakup?

Yes, more than I would care for. Why do guys try and argue with you when you break up with them? That is not going to make me change my mind, only solidify it.

4: How tall are you?

I am 5’6″ but always wished I was taller, oh well.

5: How much do you weigh?

Don’t they know it’s rude to ask a woman this question?

6: Any tattoos?

Nope. Not a fan of pain and too indecisive.

7: Any piercings?

I have 7 in my ears though I don’t wear earrings most days. I had my tongue pierced when I was younger.

8: OTP?

Is this supposed to be one true pairing? If so peanut butter and jelly?

9: Favorite show?

The Following

10: Favorite bands?

Recently – Devour the Day, Asking Alexandria, Breaking Benjamin, Citizen Cope, In This Moment (Rocker at Heart)

11: Something you miss?

Having the Summer’s off. Oh to be in college again.

12: Favorite song?

So many to count but Are We Really Through by Ray LaMontagne – though love anything by him.

13: How old are you?

35 – yup i’m old-er.

14: Zodiac sign?

Virgo – Fit it to a T with a little Leo mixed in.

15: Quality you look for in a partner?

I love a guy who is active but can chill on the couch too. Someone who doesn’t take themselves too seriously and isn’t materialistic. Is always seeking to learn new things, can make me laugh, and judge me. Someone who will call me on my bullshit but never in a rude way. Physically I love a tall guy with broad shoulders. A rugged outdoorsy guy gets me every time. Picky much?! Haha.

16: Favorite Quote?

“To the world you may be just one person, but to one person you may be the world.” – Brandi Snyder

17: Favorite actor?

For style and skill – Giovanni Ribisi. He just transforms so much for each role.

Source

Hotness factor – Ryan Reynolds

18: Favorite color?

Yellow, Yellow and Yellow

19: Loud music or soft?

Loud for working out, soft for stressful days

20: Where do you go when you’re sad?

Home or Hiking. I feel the most calm in nature and the silence gives me space to think, plus a workout.

21: How long does it take you to shower?

No more than 10 minutes and that is only if I am shaving.

22: How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?

Seamus always wakes me up earlier than I would ever want so I am usually up for 1:30 to 2 hours before I leave for work but only 30-45 minutes to get ready including making my lunch, showering, hair and makeup. I usually read too to help wake-up.

23: Ever been in a physical fight?

Yes, I was a scrappy kid when I was younger especially after my parents divorced. I was usually defending myself or someone else though.

24: Turn on?

Jeans and a plain tee with work boots is pretty hot but its all about attitude.

25: Turn off?

Smoking, selfish, or rude to others.

Any that surprised you to learn?

Since these are possibly things you don’t know about me I am considering them confessions because I want to linkup with one of my bloggy besties Kathy from Vodka and Soda for Humpday Confessions and with Liz from Fitness Blondie for the Hump Day Blog Hop.

April 8, 2014

Fresh and Fruity Sangria

Happy Tuesday! I came up with this recipe as a fun and fruit drink to ring in the warm weather. We have yet to have a 60 degree day but it has been warm enough to enjoy a nice Sangria. I mean do you really need an excuse? Thought not. Enjoy!

Ingredients: 1 can Pineapple chunks ~ 1 Orange ~ 1 Green Apple ~ 1 cup Parrot Bay Strawberry Rum ~ 1 (750ml) White Wine ~ 1/4 cup Truvia (Optional) ~ Sprite

Directions: Cut all fruit into chunk size pieces and add to a large pitcher. Add in the rum and white wine and let sit for 2 hours. If needed add in the sugar to taste. When ready to serve top each glass with a splash of Sprite.

Note: The quality of the wine determines how much sugar will be needed so add to taste.

Sit back relax and enjoy the warm weather. Feel free to jump over here to enter the Giveaway for $50 to Paypal or Target.

April 8, 2014

Gumption and a Giveaway {Guest Post}

Let me introduce you to Heather who blogs over at My Little HEA. She grew up in Kansas, can never get enough water and she’s really good at singing. Her glass slipper would be found by Remington Tate or Four and she’d give anything to pay off her student loans in the next six months!

You may recognize me from my sidebar image on Kerry’s blog where we’re sporting each other’s buttons. I remember waaaaay back when Kerry tagged me in a Rainbow post that I still haven’t done, fail. Yet, here I am. 🙂

I’m usually all about my single life and books on my blog but today I’m going to focus on the girl life; aka gumption.

I first remember hearing the word gumption in one of my absolute favorite movies of all time The Holiday. When Kate’s character Iris is finally dumping her sleazebag of a man he asks her what’s gotten into her and she responds with “I don’t know, but I think what I’ve got is something slightly resembling gumption.” More power to you Iris!

There’s also this fab music score piece included in the sound track for The Holiday. I love listening to this whole thing, especially when I need to zone out and it’s nowhere near quiet.

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