Random Survey & Then Some

Hi there!

Hopefully you are enjoying a beautiful Labor Day filled with relaxation! I've been dinking around in my sketchbook while blasting some Michelle Branch tunes over on Pandora.com. However, I did promise myself that by 10am, I'd start unpacking and organizing our stuff that is in boxes all over the place. I've got 9 minutes of freedom left...

I woke up this morning craving some iced coffee, when I realized I forgot to brew some yesterday. Never fear--I popped out my new French Press that I received at my bridal shower from my friend Krystine and whipped up a fresh glass of cold press.

Not too shabby; complete with heart ice cubes to show my appreciation for the brew.

It was freezing!

Last night I headed over to a friend's house for a girl's night cookout! These girls were in my small group from church this past year and over the course of the summer, we all ended up moving to the same area. It was great to reconnect with them and plan our progressive dinner for this week, along with setting up a Bible study to kick off this Fall.

On another note, we also got the hard files of our engagement pictures! I can't wait to get some of these printed and up on the walls!

Completely Random Survey


Lots of surveys have been popping up in the blog world lately, and you know I can't resist a good survey. Here we go! 

1. What’s a nickname only your family calls you?
Deenie

2. What’s a weird habit of yours?
I don't spend time painting my nails--I do it quickly and then touch it up with nail polish removed on Q-tips.

3. Do you have any weird phobias?
Frogs. I used to live right next to a preserve, meaning lots of animals and water. Every night in the summer, there would be tons of frogs around my front step--I almost always used the garage entrance just to avoid these little guys! I think it's something about the fact that they "jump"....ew!

4. What’s a song you secretly love to blast and belt out when you’re alone?
Super Bass // Nikki Minaj. Embarrassing, I know.

5. What’s one of your biggest pet peeves?
When people talk to other people in the room while I'm on the phone with them

6. What’s one of your nervous habits?
Playing with my jewelry (i.e. ring, necklace, etc.)

7. What side of the bed do you sleep on?
I've got a twin right now, but when our new bed comes on Monday, I'll probably choose the side away from the door.

8. What was your first stuffed animal and its name?
I was more of a doll fan. I had a Cabbage Patch doll that my aunt gave me and I loved it so much. Her name was Jenny (the doll, not my aunt...)

9. What’s the drink you always order at Starbucks?
Triple grande soy latte unless it is September - December, then a pumpkin spice latte

10. What’s a beauty rule you preach, but never actually practice?
Sunscreen application, I guess

11. Which way do you face in the shower?
Away from the nozzle

12. Do you have any ‘weird’ body ‘skills’?
I can lick my nose, and my thumbs and pinkies are double jointed.

13. What’s your favorite comfort food that’s ‘bad’ but you love to eat it anyways?
Eh, I don't know...?

14. What’s a phrase or exclamation you always say?
"Frick Stick"

15. Time to sleep, what are you actually wearing?
Shorts and a tank usually

16. What did you used to wear that you thought was cool but now you realize it wasn’t that hot?
Really matchy-matchy outfits.

Okay, it's 10am! Time to get down to business! Catch ya tomorrow!

What's an embarrassing outfit that you used to wear?
Do you always apply sunscreen?
Ever had cold press?

Caramel Apple Concoction

Hello!

It's really Saturday today since tomorrow is another day off! Hooray! I've spent this morning sipping coffee while cleaning off my hard drive of old blogging photos. Later today I'll be hitting up the grocery store (hopefully) and then I'm headed over to my friend's house for a girl's night grill out! I'm really looking forward to catching up with some of my favorite ladies!

Possibly sneaking in a sweat session in there as well. Last night I went to the gym around 6pm and it was almost empty. Seriously--best thing ever. There were no lines for weights, no one was crowding the locker rooms or the card equipment! I loved it!

Wedding News

Um, 'scuse me, why are vendors sending me emails about choosing them for "my perfect wedding reception" when they know I'm getting married in 40 days? Isn't it a little late for choosing a reception site?

Ahh...I'm starting to get so excited! We're just a little over a month away! We bought a bed yesterday, so next up on our to-do list is to work on our reception slideshow!

Caramel Apples

For me, there is something about the chilly air that always sparks a craving for caramel apples! This is a fun twist on the classic fall treat that my mom used to always make for us as kids. It's much easier and less messy to eat than a caramel apple, but still tastes just as good.

Ingredients to serve 1

• 1 Apple (I like using Braeburn or Gala)
• 6 caramels
• Splash of cream, milk, or water
• Nuts of your choice (optional)

First, dice up your apple into tiny bite-size chunks and toss them into a bowl. 

Next, take your caramels and cut them up into 4's. This will allow for a faster melting time. Place your caramel bits into a microwave-safe bowl and then add a splash (i.e. a few drops...nothing major) of cream, milk, or water. 

This helps to create a creamier consistency and allows the caramel to be poured over the apples instead of melted into a gooey-glob. Microwave your caramel in increments of 7 seconds, stirring each time until reaching the desired consistency. Be careful not to overcook your caramel as it will burn pretty quickly! When it is done, pour the caramel sauce over your diced apples.

I like to add some chopped nuts on top of mine for an extra crutch before digging in with my spoon.

Enjoy! For another twist on a classic recipe, click here for ooey-gooey Rice Krispie bowls. 

I'm off to start my day--beginning with some breakfast!

Best caramel apple you ever had?

What are you doing today?

Have you ever been to the gym when it is almost empty?

Five Four Three Two One, Go!

Good morning bloggers!

Life lately

Aren't you so happy to be on holiday weekend?! Last weekend we picked up keys to our new place, went to the State Fair, went furniture shopping, and moved! Yikes. 

Luckily this weekend is going to be a little more low-key. We've got painters coming this evening to patch up a few nail holes in the walls, and other than that, we're just going to fly by the seat of our pants in terms of plans. It felt so good this morning to wake up on my own and not have to rush out the door.

Recent Eats

Seriously, carrots with Swiss Laughing Cow cheese is my latest snack obsession. It's so good! I've had it every day in my lunch this week and sometimes another round with dinner, too. Andy's Clif Bar was also consumed when I found it in my state fair bag--finder's keepers!

A true sign of Fall? Caramel apples...and caramels all on their own. I'd like to try making my own this year--it's pretty easy, right? 

Okay, so I know you're not supposed to use your wedding gifts until after the wedding, but we were hungry last night and couldn't find the pizza pan so we took advantage of our new pizza stone set. It worked like a charm! 

Survey Time
Laura @ Meet Virginia posted this fun survey last week and I wanted to give it a spin. These random surveys always remind me of my highschool days and the endless MySpace survey bulletins--anyone remember those?

Here we go!

Five Words To Describe Myself:
1. Particular (Very black and white on things)
2. Creative
3. Organized
4. Determined
5. YoungAtHeart (Can this count as a word?)

Four Favorite Foods:
1. Ice Cream / Froyo
2. Fruit
3. Popcorn
4. Candy. I'm not a huge chocolate person, but I'm all over anything sour and fruity.

Three Things I Am Proud Of Accomplishing:
1. Starting this blog and posting regularly
2. Running a half marathon
3. Graduating with my 4 year degree in Graphic Design + Advertising in 2.5 years

Two Favorite Workouts:
1. Rollerblading
2. Strength training

One Thing To Expect From My Blog:
1. Eventually a new layout will be coming when I jump ship and head onboard with WordPress. I'd like to keep my illustrations as the driving force, but present something a little more sophisticated as well. Also, things might be crazy this month and the month of October due to our wedding, but after November, things should be much back to normal--I promise! Okay, that was two things…oh well.

Off to start the coffee maker! Enjoy your Saturday--it looks like the sun is coming out over here!

What's something you'd like to accomplish on your blog in the next few months?
Five words to describe yourself?
What's something that you are proud of accomplishing? 
Labor day plans?

Let's Make this Snappy

Happy September!

I am blogging from my kitchen table of our new house! There has been an insane amount of packing and unpacking in the last few days, and we still aren't done! Tonight we're headed back to my old place to pack up half of my clothes, my desk, and an arm chair. However, the worst is over and I LOVE our new place so much.

I'm going to make this quick, because I just hooked up the internet last night and I have to pay some bills before I leave for work.

New Eats
This past weekend while we were moving, I suggested going to McDonald's to grab something to eat quick in between moving. Normally I wouldn't suggest fast food, but I was craving one of these:

Remember my obsession with them earlier in the summer? So good...I hope these are not just a seasonal menu item! 

Another reason that I really wanted to head here was because I recently saw a commercial for these Premium Chicken sandwiches at McDonald's. I ordered the grilled version, while Andy opted for the crispy chicken. They are a simple sandwich that you can upgrade with other toppings. We decided to keep things plain with just the classic sandwiches and a small side of barbecue sauce.

The verdict? They were actually really good for a fast food joint! I'd definitely get one again--as long as I can have a delicious frozen strawberry lemonade as my side!

Exhausted

A couple of nights ago, I finished unpacking around 8:15pm and found myself with nothing to do since we didn't have internet yet. I hopped in bed, popped in a movie, and within 15 minutes was out like a light. All that moving really wears you out!

My goal for this week? To see how many days I can wear my hair in a ponytail. We're going on day 4 now! Now that I live really close to work, I have extra time in the morning and rather than spending it on my hair, I've been unpacking and organizing instead! Priorities, people! 

Have you guys seen the new Blogger interface? I like it much better than the old version, but seriously, why is the blogging box so tiny? Don't they know we have pictures to upload? Okay, I guess it grows as you type...but still. I like wide open spaces, thank you. By the way, I still plan on switching to WordPress after the wedding craziness settles down a bit! It's much more customizable! 

Off to finish getting ready! Oh, and paying those bills...

Have a great first day of September! 

How do you usually wear your hair? 

Favorite month?

What's a new fast food that you've tried recently?