FMM: Current Favorites

It's been awhile since I participated in FMM, but alas, I am taking on today's topic of Current Favorites.  Stop on by <a href="http://www.alltheweigh.com/2012/03/friend-makin-mondays-current-favorites/" target="_blank">All the Weigh</a> and see what FMM is all about!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.alltheweigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/FMM1-1024x7501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://www.alltheweigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/FMM1-1024x7501.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><ol><li><b>Song </b>- <i>Woman Like You by Lee Brice</i>.  {Fun Fact: Lee Brice just hosted the 4th hour of the Today show last week with Hoda Kotb!!} I first heard this song on the way to church the very first morning after the Terrible Awful.  It reminded me so much of Joel and I just felt like it was another one of God's little hints to me to stay in faith, and trust that He would bring Joel back to me in due time.<br /></li><li><b>Drink </b>– Skim Earl Grey Lattes {preferably from Starbucks...but I make them myself too}<br /></li><li><b>Physical feature of the opposite sex (or the sex that you find attractive) –</b> I like his big blue eyes and lips.<br /></li><li><b>TV Show(s) –</b> Army Wives, Mike & Molly, and Bethenny Ever After.<br /></li><li><b>Actor/Actress</b> – </li><li><b>Book –</b> Right now I'm reading a boat load of books but I really love Joel Osteen and his latest, Everyday a Friday.  Another wonderfully, inspiring book brought to you by J.O.!<br /></li><li><b>Form of communication</b> – I have a love/hate relationship with Facebook.  I love that because I live so far away from home, it allows me to keep in touch with friends/family I don't get to see regularly.  However, I'm not a fan of those "forwards" that seem to be all the rage right now.  This means people reposting pictures of quotes/optical illusions/whatever else.  It reminds me of email forwards, which I strongly disliked.  Still, I love when people post personal pics on Facebook!<br /></li><li><b>Exercise</b> – Currently I'm really liking <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2012/03/refocusing-winning-outcomes.html" target="_blank">The Wave</a>!<br /></li><li><b>Food</b> – A <i>huge </i>part of my recent downfall.... Thai Basil Fried Rice! Ahhh!!!! It's going to be the death of me!  I simply cannot get enough!<br /></li><li><b>Quote</b> – "The harder the challenge, the sweeter the victory."</li></ol><br />Feel free to participate in this friend making affair... just be sure to go back to <a href="http://www.alltheweigh.com/2012/03/friend-makin-mondays-current-favorites/" target="_blank">Kenlie's page</a> and link up with the others in the comments section. <br /><br />Happy Monday!

Friend Making Mondays FMM: Current Favorites

It's been awhile since I participated in FMM, but alas, I am taking on today's topic of Current Favorites.  Stop on by All the Weigh...

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Friend Making Monday: Have You Ever

I really should participate in this fun little blogger social activity more often.  <a href="http://www.alltheweigh.com/2011/12/fmm-have-you-ever-and-some-other-things/">Kenlie @ All the Weigh</a> hosts this weekly event.  Go check her out if you haven't already - she's already lost more than 100 lbs and is still going strong.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.alltheweigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/FMM1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.alltheweigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/FMM1.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>FMM: Have You Ever?</b></div><br /><b>1. …traveled outside of your home country?  If so, where?</b>  I've been to Canada. haha.. .I'm not a brave flyer.. but I have big dreams of going to Europe some day.  I'd also love to go to Japan as well.<br /><br /><b>2. …performed on stage in front of at least 1,000 people? If so, share some details!</b>  Never. <br /><br /><b>3. …watched an episode of Jersey Shore?</b>  I have, but no by choice.  I was at a friend's house and they were watching it.  I'm not a fan.<br /><br /><b>4. …baked a cake from scratch?</b>  <b>If so, what’s your specialty?</b>  I have many times.  I've done carrot cake and this pumpkin layer cake that I make every year for Thaksgiving for Joel's family.  This year I'm going to try my hand at a <a href="http://m.bhg.com/recipe/layer-cakes/red-waldorf-cake/">Red Waldorf Cake</a> (like red velvet) for our Christmas Eve dinner at Joel's grandparents.  So excited to try it out!<br /><br /><b>5. …worked in a grocery store?</b>  No.  Does a drug store count?<br /><br /><b>6. …dated someone who was your best friend first? </b> No - Joel and I were perfect strangers.<br /><br /><b>7. …made a difference in someone’s life during Christmas?</b> I hope I have by providing donations of gifts/money or just by bringing a smile to someone's face when they open a gift I've given them.  But this is all speculation on my part :).<br /><br /><b>8. …been on TV?</b>  Yes, as a child.  It was the local news.<br /><br /><b>9. …had cosmetic surgery?</b> No and I don't ever plan on it.<br /><br /><b>10. …learned a second language?  If so, what else do you speak?</b> I did learn French in both high school and college.  While that proved useful in Canada, in the U.S., particularly in Washington, DC, it would be much more advantageous to know Spanish.  Someday.. once I get done w/ these nursing classes!<br /><br />Now you try out these questions and post your link at Kenlie's page!  Happy Monday!

Friend Making Mondays Friend Making Monday: Have You Ever

I really should participate in this fun little blogger social activity more often.  Kenlie @ All the Weigh hosts this weekly event.  Go che...

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Friend Making Mondays: Favorite Holidays

I'm actually participating in <a href="http://www.alltheweigh.com/2011/09/friend-makin-mondays-holidays/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=friend-makin-mondays-holidays">FMM today</a> :).<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.alltheweigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/FMM1111111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.alltheweigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/FMM1111111.jpg" /></a></div><br />Kenlie asked: What is your favorite holiday and why?<br /><br />Ironic that she asked this because I just posted this on Facebook this morning... my favorite holiday is Halloween!<br /><br />I like that Halloween sort of kicks off the fall/winter holidays.  After not having a real major holiday since Easter, I like how Halloween is the introduction back into the months of holiday celebrations.  Plus, to me, Halloween = fall.  I love the colors associated with the holiday: orange, black, brown, deep reds, purples, yellows, etc.  I love when the leaves change colors, and when driving back to the Motherland the mountainsides are ensconced in all of the vibrant fall colors.  So pretty - especially on a sunny, fall day.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7BfZ-lB9qgAxKIIoLxuhCGKIbsKhde5WkzMmq569e2rn7279-yX-3a6jH_5T_HtuZARMijAn49HJ-pwPaoZ6NoX-dPK8cZc_4OI84XcTnBjjNN32n7NBAsIC_feFyaS5D-UZMFoBCwo/s1600/DSCN3946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7BfZ-lB9qgAxKIIoLxuhCGKIbsKhde5WkzMmq569e2rn7279-yX-3a6jH_5T_HtuZARMijAn49HJ-pwPaoZ6NoX-dPK8cZc_4OI84XcTnBjjNN32n7NBAsIC_feFyaS5D-UZMFoBCwo/s400/DSCN3946.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />I love the activities associated with Halloween like: going to haunted houses, carving pumpkins, jumping in piles of leaves with my niece (and nephew someday!), Pumpkin Spice Lattes, how well Charles fits in to this holiday, the chill in the air, sweaters, full moons, spookyness, dressing up, etc.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUtz239Mqudbw9hWGPMI8se4wjh_Ol08bM3axSwJIgeCdp5t253uf5G3ciwe4WHD1P2H13L31x3SiJYACGfOpExBDx1WwPZm0ozVMKt6SQyto4LEa5Fg-zXPZ88qXBrWZfmOHF_622R8s/s1600/DSCN3872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUtz239Mqudbw9hWGPMI8se4wjh_Ol08bM3axSwJIgeCdp5t253uf5G3ciwe4WHD1P2H13L31x3SiJYACGfOpExBDx1WwPZm0ozVMKt6SQyto4LEa5Fg-zXPZ88qXBrWZfmOHF_622R8s/s400/DSCN3872.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Of course the other holidays come in very close to Halloween, but there is just something about this spooky holiday that I enjoy so much.<br /><br />As an adult, I've only dressed up one time.  Joel and I were Dorothy and the Scarecrow.  We were still riding the Wizard of Oz high after I had just returned from 3 months of living in Kansas City, MO.  :)  I also really enjoy Halloween parties!.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh05-2qXZLN1kvMmrPom6Ar_D2tYC_Cioel6IkJ3yP7EzDOZfhNlPMVoN9Zd9_CYP3m29DFgxaB9ix4UlSy90GrMjFibdK_iiBqnyOF-4q0LFK8rE1NUNPQqY-GJCffmLJFCugitpVbzu8/s1600/Halloween+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh05-2qXZLN1kvMmrPom6Ar_D2tYC_Cioel6IkJ3yP7EzDOZfhNlPMVoN9Zd9_CYP3m29DFgxaB9ix4UlSy90GrMjFibdK_iiBqnyOF-4q0LFK8rE1NUNPQqY-GJCffmLJFCugitpVbzu8/s400/Halloween+012.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /> What is your favorite holiday?

Friend Making Mondays Friend Making Mondays: Favorite Holidays

I'm actually participating in FMM today :). Kenlie asked: What is your favorite holiday and why? Ironic that she asked this because I j...

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Friend Making Monday: The Driving Force

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.alltheweigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/FMM1111.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.alltheweigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/FMM1111.jpeg" /></a></div><i>If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section at: <a href="http://www.alltheweigh.com/"><b>www.alltheweigh.com</b></a> so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links over there too so everyone has the opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!</i><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>FMM: The Driving Force</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><strong>What is the driving force behind your weight-loss?</strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">I really liked today's topic from All the Weigh.  I think it's important to remind myself why I am doing this whole weight loss thing in the first place.  </span> </strong><br /><strong><br /></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">The overall driving force behind me trying to lose weight is so that I can truly feel like I am living life to it's fullest with confidence.  There are kind of 2 parts to that answer.  </span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">First I'll address the confidence part.  I believe that if I was thinner, I would have more confidence to take a stand for things in my day to day life.  For example, I don't often put myself out there at work because I just don't feel confident in myself.  However, I'm not talking about waving a magic wand and suddenly I'm thin and instilled with all of this confidence.  No.  I'm saying that I know once I lose this weight, I will <i>know </i>that I can achieve anything I set my mind to because of the sheer challenge that this weight loss has been for me.   </span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">The next thing to address is living life to it's fullest.  There are a lot of things I haven't done in the past because of my weight.  This is because I just didn't feel adequate enough as a person to participate in those things, or because I didn't want to embarrass myself in front of many other people I know if, for example, I couldn't fit in a seat or something like that.  This issue even goes down to the more superficial things - like the desire to wear clothes that are more age appropriate for me, as well as stylish.  By avoiding social opportunities or not having the ability to dress how I really want to - I'm not living life to it's fullest.</span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">So, what is your driving force behind your weight loss mission? </span></strong>

Friend Making Mondays Friend Making Monday: The Driving Force

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog t...

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Friend Making Mondays: If You Lived in a Movie, Which One Would It Be?

Good Monday Morning Friends!<br /><br />Today is <a href="http://kenlietiggeman.com/2011/06/13/friend-makin-monday-which-character-would-you-be/">Friend Making Monday sponsored by Kenlie at All the Weigh</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://kenlietiggeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/FMM1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://kenlietiggeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/FMM1.jpg" /></a></div><br />The question, as you may have already guessed, is which movie would you be if you lived in a movie?  And what character?<br /><br />I would be Kathleen Kelly in <a href="http://youvegotmail.warnerbros.com/">You've Got Mail</a>.  This is one of my favorite movies ever, AND <a href="http://prittygoodbooks.blogspot.com/">I LOVE LOVE reading</a>!  I love the romantic storyline and I also just love Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks.  Plus, I also met my boyfriend online and I like that aspect of it too.  It is one of my dreams to own a book store, but I don't feel like I could ever compete with online and giant commercial retailers. Anyway, that's who I would be!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.dvdtown.com/images/displayimage.php?id=7867" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media.dvdtown.com/images/displayimage.php?id=7867" /></a></div><br />Tell me your favorite movie and character! 

Friend Making Mondays Friend Making Mondays: If You Lived in a Movie, Which One Would It Be?

Good Monday Morning Friends! Today is Friend Making Monday sponsored by Kenlie at All the Weigh . The question, as you may have already gues...

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Friend Making Mondays: Are You A Bookworm?

<i>I just recently started following <a href="http://alltheweigh2009.blogspot.com/">All the Weigh</a>, a weight loss blog written by a woman from NYC. I love her idea regarding "Friend Making Mondays".  You simply answer the questions below and <a href="http://alltheweigh2009.blogspot.com/2011/05/friend-makin-mondays-are-you-bookworm.html">go back to her blog</a></i> <i>and post a link to your answers.... read a few of the participants blogs and comment on theirs and then hopefully you've made a few friends!  </i><br /><br />Today's Friend Making Mondays post is: Are You a Bookworm? <br /><br />This FMM was written just for me!  Boy do I love reading - I actually have a whole different blog, titled <a href="http://prittygoodbooks.blogspot.com/">Pritt-y Story To Tell,</a> devoted to just that!  <br /><br /><blockquote>1) <b>How often do you read?</b>  I read everyday Mon-Thurs on my commute to/from work.  I wish I read more though!  <br /><br />2) <b>What's the last book you read and loved?</b> The last book(s) I read <i>and </i>loved was the the entire Twilight series.  I especially loved "Twilight" itself - what a great book!  <br /><br />3) <b>What book(s) are you currently reading?</b>  I'm currently reading "The Shack" by Wm. Paul Young.<br /><br />4) <b>Share a few of your favorite authors.</b>  James Patterson, Jennifer Weiner, Jodi Picoult, Joel Osteen<br /><br />5) <b>What's next on your list of must-reads?</b>   That has yet to be determined because I ask my friends on Facebook and await their votes.  However, it will be between <i>Angels & Demons, The Kite Runner</i>, and <i>Snow Flower and the Secret Fan</i>. What do you think?</blockquote><br />Thanks for stopping by my blog and I hope you come back!

Friend Making Mondays Pritty Story to Tell Friend Making Mondays: Are You A Bookworm?

I just recently started following All the Weigh , a weight loss blog written by a woman from NYC. I love her idea regarding "Friend Ma...

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Friend Making Mondays: The Grocery Store

I just recently started following <a href="http://alltheweigh2009.blogspot.com/">All the Weigh</a>, a weight loss blog written by a woman from NYC. I love her stories and I also love her idea regarding "Friend Making Mondays".  You simply answer the questions below and <a href="http://alltheweigh2009.blogspot.com/2011/04/friend-makin-mondays-grocery-store.html">go back to her blog</a> and post a link to your answers.... read a few of the participants blogs and comment on theirs and then hopefully you've made a few friends!  Here's my first shot at it, and it's about our habits when going to the grocery store:<br /><br />1. <b>Do you make a list when you go grocery shopping? Do you stick to it?</b>  I agree with Kenlie on this one!  I do make lists but I hardly ever stick to them.  I always buy what's on my list, sure, but then I buy more!  I especially make lists when I'm making a recipe.<br /><br />2.<b> Do you buy more groceries when you're hungry?</b>   I cannot recall going grocery shopping while hungry, so I would say no to this.<br /><br />3. <b>Coupons. Use 'em? </b> Do I use coupons?! Heck yes!  Joel calls me the "Coupon Queen".  I have 3 coupon organizers, divided into food and non-food coupons.. and categorized within each one!<br /><br />4. <b>Have you ever complained to the manager of your grocery store?</b>  I have not, but have thought about it on MORE than one occasion!<br /><br />5. <b>Do you like to buy groceries at huge chain stores like Wal-Mart and Target?</b> <b>Or do you shop exclusively at food stores?</b>  I prefer Wal-Mart/Target for grocery shopping.  The food prices there are almost always cheaper.  Though because I live in a place where my Wal-Mart is not a SuperCenter, I get what I can at Wal-Mart/Target and hit up Giant/Bloom/Safeway for the remainder. Our Target recently got a makeover and now carries some produce though - score!  <br /><br />6. <b>How much time do you spend reading labels in the grocery store?</b>  I do not spend a lot of time reading labels because I do buy a lot of the same things over and over.  The only time I read labels are when I don't know the PointsPlus value of something because I've never had it before.<br /><br />7. <b>Do you push your own grocery cart to the car and return it?</b> Yes I do and I ALWAYS return it.  I intentionally park my car very far from the store so people don't ignorantly hit it with their car doors and so a cart-return is never close by.  However, I return it because it's a way to add more steps into your day and also, most importantly, it's the right thing to do!<br /><br />8. <b>What is the one food item you always buy at the grocery store that you must have in the kitchen?</b> Milk<br /><br />9. <b>Do you enjoy grocery shopping?</b> I do when I'm back home in the Motherland and can go to the far less crowded grocery stores there.  I also enjoy it back home because I can typically go to one place and will be able to find everything I need (my hometown Walmart SC) instead of having to run to 3, seriously 3!, grocery stores until I can get everything I need.<br /><br />10. <b>How often do you shop for groceries?</b> I try to limit it to once a week but sometimes it ends up being more..

Friend Making Mondays Friend Making Mondays: The Grocery Store

I just recently started following All the Weigh , a weight loss blog written by a woman from NYC. I love her stories and I also love her ide...

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