Top Two Tuesday: Strange Addictions

1. I am ADDICTED to the Gems game on my Blackberry!

The only problem is that hubs is addicted too! We take turns playing levels and we are both pretty good at it. If one of us is every bored, you will find us playing this game.

2. Multi-tasking the computer and television

I'm doing this right now! My attention span has become so short that sometimes I will get antsy if I'm watching TV without being on my laptop at the same time.  Its so bad. I play on the computer (mostly blog reading) and listen to the TV. I can watch a whole episode of a show without even looking at it too much. This is just proof that our society is too "wired." We depend on technology so much that we can't focus on one thing, which is, I believe, the cause of my strange addiction.

Share your strange addictions over at Taylor's blog!

Top Two Tuesday: New Year's Resolutions

These resolutions have been something I've been giving a lot of thought to. Its the same every year for me (and I'm sure I'm not alone); you have these great ideas and plans that sound so wonderful but are just downright hard to pull off and stick to. This year I'm hoping to complete a few goals that are on a bigger scale and more of a "whole year" goal, rather than a "right now" goal.


1. Find something I'm passionate about

For years I've always struggled with never really having a hobby. There are things I like to do of course, but I've always put more of my time and energy into my friends, school, work, whatever; and less time on something that I enjoy just for me. I'm thinking it maybe could be photography (I've been eying all of the DSLR cameras out there) or who knows what else. I've always been so jealous of my husband -his "thing" is fishing. He goes to the lake whenever he can and he will tell you he isn't the best at it but it just makes him happy. Its my goal to try some new things this year and find something that I can do every once and awhile that will bring me joy.

2. Making a point of remembering birthdays

This past year was a doozie in this department for me. I've got 8 new nieces and nephews, and countless new in-laws whose birthdays passed without me having any clue. Its not such a big deal for the adults, but I would really like to remember to send a card or small gift anytime one of the kids has a birthday.

What are your resolutions this year? Go on over to Taylor's blog to share your top two!

Top Two Tuesday: Cleaning Tips

Hmmm.... I'm nowhere near qualified to be telling anyone else how to clean (not being so great at it myself) but I have picked up a few tidbits of info, especially after living on my own for the first time in college.


1. Baking Soda

Not Hub's Tub. Just an example. The style of the tub looks the exact same though, must have been the norm for houses built around the 40's.

Its non-toxic and scrubs like a dream. When I first started dating hubs, I came to his house and immediately noticed his bathtub made me want to gag was gross. So naturally I got down on my knees and began scrubbing. Bleach, Kaboom, some "As Seen on TV" product...

Nothing. Would. Clean. This. Tub.

But then (cue angel chorus)..... I discovered baking soda. I got the tub wet, sprinkled it on, let it soak a little while, and then with a scrub brush, the tub came clean! I've since learned that baking soda is great for all kinds of things. My great-grandparents even brushed their teeth with it. Who knew!

2. Microwave De-Gunker

Mom showed me this trick. In a microwave safe container, mix water with a teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves (or your favorite spice), and heat for 2-3 minutes or until water boils. It will help loosen all the gunky stuff that always gets all up in your microwave, and as a bonus, it makes your kitchen smell fab!


Go on over to Taylor's to see all the great cleaning tips!

Top Two Tuesday: Favorite Jobs

 

Over at Taylor's blog this week is top two favorite jobs you've ever had. The problem for me is that I've worked for the same company since I started working at age 14. So I guess I will choose my two by telling about my two favorite positions I've been given at work.

Well, my husband and I work for Sonic Drive-In. That's where we met about 8 years ago and hubs is now a successful partner in his store here in our hometown. So I will go on to describe my two favorite things I've done for Sonic and try as hard as possible to make this not sound like my resume :)

1. Assistant Manager

I was promoted to assistant manager when I was 16, the youngest manager I've ever heard of at that time and since then. I was a carhop before then. Basically I ran shifts, counted money, and sent upset customers home happy. Anyone who has worked in the food industry can attest to the fact that to work in any kind of restaurant is a different world from retail or any other environment and no two days are the same. Its crazy, stressful, but mostly fun and I can honestly say I have loved almost every minute of my time with Sonic.

2. Local Store Marketing

I've been promoted very recently to the area of marketing for my husband's store. I will go door to door to businesses, talk to people about Sonic, and foster relationships with schools' academic and athletic programs. Its very exciting because I get to take all the things I know and use them to build relationships with the community to help grow their programs while growing our family business.

Go to Taylor's blog to take part in the fun!

Top Two Tuesday: Favorite Gifts

I have a lot of great gifts that I've been given, such as my salvation and my husband. But like Taylor said, I'll make this list a little bit more materialistic :)

1. MacBook Pro

I LOVE my MacBook Pro. It was a gift from hubs for my last birthday. I did need a new computer. My one from college was about to die and hubs knew I wanted a Mac so bad so we went to Atlanta to the Apple store and picked one out! He is the best!

2.  2010 Mustang GT

Hubs got this for me last year and it was the most fun I ever had driving a car. Sadly, we no longer have it. The boys barely fit in the back and we couldn't tow hub's boat with it so we traded it in for an SUV. Hubs says that everyone should own or drive a mustang at least once in their life and now that I had the opportunity I'm glad that I did. I got to learn to drive a manual with this car too and thats a good thing to know how to do. She sure is pretty.

Go join in the fun:

Top Two Tuesday: Favorite Fall Decorating Ideas

Have I mentioned that I loooooove fall yet? This week's topic is so fun. These are my two favorite fall ideas that I've seen recently.

1. Fall Wreaths

I love this wreath from DIY Show Off. Such a cute summer wreath, and without the starfish, it would transition perfectly for fall! I've seen this wreath also made with different colored fabrics and it could be made specially for any season or holiday.

DIY Show Off

And how cute is this fall wreath made of magnolia leaves?

Centsational Girl

2. Halloween Decorated Staircase

If I had a staircase, I would love to do this. Thrifty Decor Chick's stairs are so spooky and fun :)

Thrifty Decor Chick

What are your favorite fall decor ideas?

Top Two Tuesday: Dream Kitchens

Can I just first say how excited I got when I saw this week's topic. I am always dreaming about what my dream kitchen will look like and its something that I've been thinking about a lot recently since we've been on the search for another home.

1. Kitchen from "Something's Got to Give"






I know this must be on some other's list also. This kitchen is gorgeous! I am in love with the white cabinets and dark countertops. Another favorite from this kitchen is the square island. I love big islands that are truly functional, like the shelves for cookbooks on this one, as well as space for pretty decor and plenty of storage space.


2. Kraftmaid Kitchen



I love this kitchen from the Kraftmaid cabinetry catalog. I love the ceiling to floor pantry cabinets as well as the bar on the back of the kitchen island. I can't get away from white cabinet kitchens and I'm sure whatever home we choose, there will be white cabinets in my future.

Go join in the fun on Taylor's blog.

Top Two Tuesday: Things I Would Like to Accomplish

1. Balance

Being a new wife, I am daily struggling to figure things out. How do I juggle keeping the house clean, as well as spending quality time with my husband? Or how do I find time to relax and work out to keep myself healthy? I am ashamed to say that many night we go out to eat because I'm tired from work, or the kitchen isn't clean, or any other variety of excuses. Whew, this wife thing is tough!  I'm doing my best to learn from my mistakes and find ways to balance things that I enjoy with the things that are not so enjoyable (vacuuming, scrubbing, and the like). I know I will never be perfect at this, and certainly by the end of the year, but I'm hoping that with time I will be able to learn to balance all the loves, pleasures, chores, and events in my life with ease and poise.

2.  Daily Quiet Time

This is something that would be easy to accomplish. I would love to set aside 15-30 minutes a day for some reflection. In Bible class in school (I went to a private school my whole life) the teacher would point us to a story, verse, or passage from the Bible and ask us to write a reflection on it. Our response could be anything at all. Similar to a daily devotion. I would love to take the time to do this everyday. At the beginning of the day would be the best, but I'm the worst morning person. But really anytime would be beneficial. Anyone have a good daily devotional they would recommend? I have gotten away from spending time with the Lord daily, and its the one thing that I should really be focused on getting back to.

What would you like to accomplish? Go on over to Taylor's blog to join in!

Top Two Tuesday: Favorite Things About Fall

I LOVE all things fall but these two things are my favorite.

1. The Weather

Fall is my favorite season, hands down! The past few nights in fact have been in the 50's and 60's and it is amazing to open the windows and turn the AC off. I'm over the days in the 90's and can't wait until it cools down during the day as well. It makes my number two pick of fall much more bearable.


2. Football!

Me and Sir Big Spur, the USC mascot

As I mentioned last week, I am a big football fan! My teams of choice are the University of South Carolina Gamecocks (my alma mater) and the Minnesota Vikings (love Brett Favre!). I only started watching pro football as of last year and I'm not always so into it, but you will always find me in Columbia when the Gamecocks play.

What are your favorite things about fall? Go to Taylor's blog to join in the fun!

Top Two Tuesday: Cities

This week's top two is favorite US cities. This one was EASY PEASY.

1. New York City

Just looking at this pic makes me want to be there!

There is no other city I would rather be in at any given time. I love everything about it. From the subway, to the security guards who take their jobs too seriously, to the sights and smells, everything. There is of course great shopping and lots of great attractions to see, but the feeling that NYC gives you I've never experienced anywhere else.

2. Columbia, SC

This city has been weighing on my mind constantly for the past few days. Why? Because football season is almost here!!! Columbia (Cola) is the home of the USC Gamecocks and I'm so ready to see them play. Hubs and I got all of our game day gear today and I'm so pumped. I also love Cola because its where I went to school, so it will always be a special place to me. But mostly because of football :)

Williams Brice and I have a date this Thursday :)

Go join in the fun:

Top Two Tuesday: Biggest Indulgences

Its that time again! This weeks choices were pretty easy for me to come up with.

1. Coach Bags

For the past two years, hubs and I have taken a beach trip and we always come home with a beautiful new coach bag.  Hubs says I'm S. A. R. (spoiled ass rotten) and I guess it must be true.

2. Electronics

I like keeping up with new technology where I can. My old Gateway from college was getting a little dated (aka slow and full of viruses). My birthday is on Sunday and hubs got me my present a little bit early. I LOVE LOVE LOVE my new MacBook Pro. It was definitely a big splurge for us, but hubs is the best and wanted to get me something I would actually use and love, and I do!

Go join in the fun!

Top Two Tuesday: Characters

This week's Top Two is Characters you would want to play. This was pretty easy. I just thought of my two favorite characters from literature or film and two immediately popped into my head.

1. Elizabeth Bennet from "Pride and Prejudice"

Whether Keira Knightly in the most recent film adaptation or Jennifer Ehle in the classic BBC version, either Mr. Darcy would be quite alright with me, wouldn't you agree? :)
Elizabeth Bennet is such a strong female character and wasn't afraid to go against society's thoughts of what a lady should be. I think it would be a very fun role to play!

2. Bella from the "Twilight" series

Who wouldn't want to star opposite those hunks from the Twilight series? I love these books and wish that someone different had been cast as Bella in the movies. Not to say that I could do better than Kristen Stewart (I definitely couldn't), but I never felt like she was quite right for this role. It would be a fun role to be in because of the fantasy aspect of the series.


A close third was any of the ladies from Sex and the City. It was my favorite TV series of all time and I would LOVE LOVE LOVE all of the clothes, shoes, and accessories that they get to wear!

Can't wait to read your picks of the week!

Top Two Tuesday: Simple Pleasures

When I think "simple pleasures" the first things that pop into my mind are food and sleep. So I will have to try to widen my horizons for this post.

1. Reading

There is nothing I love more than to curl up in my favorite chair, or in bed, with a good book and let my mind escape the world for a few minutes. I always have, and always will love to read.

2. Double Dark Chocolate Ice cream from Marble Slab

Ok so I just had to have a food item on the list, and right now I have ice cream on the brain. This is one of my most favorite ice creams ever. And I love it so much more now that hubs and I can go enjoy ice cream together. He never used to be an ice cream lover but I've converted him :)

Go join in the fun:

Top Two Tuesday: Favorite Scents

These scents are both for men but men's colognes are my favorite!

1. CK Free

This is what I got hubs for Christmas and I love it. Hubs always tells me when he has his "smell good" on and i just got to hug him and get a whiff.

2. Abercrombie Fierce

This has been one of my favorite scents for years. I'm even guilty of wearing it on occaision because it smells so amazing. If you've walked into an A&F, you have smelled Fierce and I don't know anyone who doesn't like it.

Go on over to Undomestic Momma to join in the fun!

Only a few days left in July to take advantage of my Scentsy Special. Buy a warmer, get a scent bar FREE! You might just find your own new favorite scent! Read about the special here.

Top Two Tuesday: Favorite Summer Recipes

I was so excited about this week's top two. I love summer recipes because of all the great fruits and veggies that are harvested at this time of year.

1. Tomato Sandwich

You will need:

Your favorite sliced bread (texas toast works great!)

Tomato slices-as many as you would like

Mayonnaise

Salt and Pepper to taste

This has to be the summer sandwich of the south. Nothing is better than using a fresh tomato from the garden to make my favorite summer time sandwich. Hubs thinks these sandwiches are disgusting- but then again, he doesn't like sweet tea, so what does he know anyway :)
Some don't like tomatoes, but for those who do, try one of these if you haven't before! You may have just found your new favorite sandwich!

2.  Peach Cobbler

Living in South Carolina, we never have a shortage of fresh peaches during the summer. There is no better fruit for making all of your favorite summer baked goods. Check out Paula Deen's recipe here. I've never made Paula's cobbler before, but you can never go wrong with Paula. I can't wait to try it!

Join in the fun here!

Also be sure to check out the Scentsy special that I'm offering for the month of July here!

Top Two Tuesday: Favorite Purchases This Year

1. Our Wedding

A wedding is definitely not a "purchase" per-say, but anyone who has been married knows that it takes quite a few purchases to pull the day off (too many it seems like). Aside from the obvious "it was the best day of my life" thing (which it truly was) there were a ton of special things from the day that make it the most special day and the best money spent ever.

 

 It was the beautiful location

The dress. (From J-Crew)

The food!

Our fun favors.

The cake. So delicious!

The flowers.

The rings. Hub's ring is from an etsy shop- here.

 

First Kiss: Priceless.

2. Our Fur Babies

I don't necessarily like to think of them as a purchase either (although, lets face it, puppies can be expensive), but more of an adoption. It was one "purchase" we are so happy we made. You can read more about our miniature dachshunds here.

Join in the Top Two Tuesday fun here!