What I'm Loving Wednesday!

I'm loving...

That I was able to attend Dallas Fan Days last weekend. I wasn't going to go until they added Bruce Boxleitner to the guest list. When I was six, I would watch Scarecrow and Mrs. King with my sister Mary, so I HAD to meet him. He was so nice. I even got a hug. And yes, I even bought Scarecrow and Mrs. King off of Amazon Prime instant streaming so I could reminisce. :) I also met Ruth Connell from the show Supernatural. Her character Rowena is so horrible but she's really super sweet in person. She's also very soft spoken (her character is very loud). 

Ran into my friend Matt while I was there!

Mandy and I met at my first Comic Con back in 2014- we were so excited that we got to see each other again!

I'm loving...

That I don't have to have shoulder surgery (at least the orthopedic doctor doesn't believe I will have to have it). Last month I started having a pain in my shoulder and when it didn't go away after a few days, my primary doctor recommended that I see an orthopedic surgeon. Two office visits and one $500 MRI later, it was discovered that I have subacromial bursitis. I got two cortisone shots in my shoulder and have been doing at-home physical therapy to see if that fixes the issue. So far the pain has gotten better, so I'm hoping it's a good sign. I have one ugly looking bruise from the shots though (see photo below. If bruises gross you out, keep scrolling). 

Before my MRI. I couldn't wear any clothing with metal on it, so I wore this

This is 10 days after receiving my shots. I assume this is normal?

I'm loving...

That some friends and I got to go to the Lone Survivor Foundation celebrity softball game a few weeks ago. It was a lot of fun and we got to meet several celebrities, including former NFL player Jermichael Finley, former MLB pitcher Roger Clemens, and country super star Toby Keith. Matthew McConaughey was also there, but he didn't come over to take photos or sign autographs (so we tooks pics from afar).

Fun times with friends!

More celebrities who have had the honor of meeting me

I'm loving...

That some of my siblings and I were able to work on our folks house a few weekends ago. Their house is over 100 years old and was in need of some work, including painting the front door and window panes. Guess which youngest, tall sibling got to stand on the ramp railings and paint the window panes? And this is all WITH a shoulder injury. You can't say that I'm not a trooper. Lol.

My sister Martha added this decal to their front door windows, which makes it look so much better!

Window before

Windows after

I'm loving...

That I got to see my BFF Brandy last Saturday. We sadly don't see each other too often (despite living only an hour apart). We spent the morning and early afternoon in downtown historic Grapevine. We just walked around and shopped, it was fun to just hang out together.

I'm loving...

That my church's Trunk or Treat is this Sunday evening. I was nominated again by my class to work on the decorations for our trunk. I chose a Dr. Seuss theme and have been busy the last two weeks trying to finish it all up. Here are some of my craft creations.

I'm loving...

That I got my James Avery Whataburger charm a few weeks ago. It was only available for a limited time and I think I ordered it within the first hour. Lol. 

I'm loving...

That I'm finally trying to cook more at home. Part of my 40 by 40 challenge is to learn one new recipe a month. I guess as long as I learn 12 new recipes by May, that will work. I've decided to catch up on the past months, so I've learned two so far this month (so we will count that as June and July). It's my challenge- I make the rules. :)

Teriyaki stir fry

 I didn't get an after photo of my food, so I took a photo of the seasonings (I took a before photo but I decided y'all probably didn't want to see raw chicken). I tried a new baked chicken recipe. It called for a garlic seasoning but I decided to try four different seasonings out instead: Lawry's Seasoned Salt, lemon and pepper (I forgot to take a photo of the lemon), Sesame ginger teriyaki sauce (THIS STUFF IS AMAZING), and Roasted Peach Whiskey sauce. I didn't like this one as much, I don't think I liked the roasted peach flavor, but it was still okay.

I'm loving...

That I was able to attend the State Fair of Texas before it closed last weekend. I went last Thursday and had a blast meeting up with friends. And I caused WWIII on social media by putting ketchup on my corny dog. Lol. Haters gonna hate.

What are YOU loving today??

XOXO!!

What I'm Loving Wednesday

I'm loving...

That my Rangers are AL West Champions for the second year in a row. They (finally) clinched the division on Friday night. And yes, I went out and bought a shirt the next day. One can never have too many Rangers shirts. I will not confirm or deny that I changed in the parking lot. 

I'm loving...

That I was able to give Santa my wish list a little early this year, I ran into him at a Rangers game last week.

He laughed when I told him I had been a good girl this year- I wonder if I should be worried?

I'm loving...

That I discovered a new place to eat- Sweet Tomatoes. A few coworkers and I went there last week (and then again yesterday). The food is good and actually pretty healthy. If you know me, you know I'm not a big soup person, BUT I discovered two soups that I actually enjoyed- potato and broccoli and a 7 vegetable soup. My friends were shocked that I branched out of my food comfort zone. Lol.

Proof that I tried the soup. :)

I'm loving...

That I'm trying out new recipes at home. With the exception of eating out for lunch yesterday, I've been bringing my lunch and cooking supper at home. I tried out a recipe for cauliflower rice and it's a new favorite of mine. I've made it twice this week. I use a cheese grater (that I just bought) against the cauliflower and then cook it in a frying pan (with some olive oil). It is so good (I'm a big fan of cauliflower). 

The cauliflower rice (before I cooked it)

I'm loving...

THAT I GOT MY PASSPORT!! FINALLY! I'm free to move about the world!

I'm loving...

That I'm making time to read again. I FINALLY finished The Girl on The Train. It was good (I'll review it soon), I just didn't have time didn't make time to read over the past few months. I started a paperback mystery this week. I'm almost done with it. 

Reading Murder Ties the Knot during my lunch break

What are YOU loving today?

XOXO!

Fabulous Holiday Blog Challenge: Day 5 and 6

Day 5: The ideal outfit for Christmas/NYE festivities 

I'm not sure I would wear this dress ON Christmas Day (it's not really "church appropriate"), BUT, I would totally wear it to a Christmas party! :)

Source: modcloth.com via Rachel on Pinterest

This year on New Year's Eve I will be at the Dallas Stars hockey game with some friends, so I will probably be wearing something like this. Well, minus those boots. I more of a tennis shoes kind of girl when it comes to attending sporting events, but the rest of the outfit looks comfy (and warm) for a hockey game! :)

Source: polyvore.com via Catrina on Pinterest

Day 6: Holiday Dessert/Treat Recipe

Okay, if you have been following my blog for any amount of time, you know that I don't cook or bake. I really don't have any recipes, but here are some cute ideas I found on Pinterest! :)

Click here for the recipe:

Source: bakedperfection.com via Heather on Pinterest

Click here for the recipe:

Source: blogs.glam.com via Kristen on Pinterest

Click here for the recipe:

Source: creativeholidaygiftideas.blogspot.com via Kristen on Pinterest

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

XOXO!!

Fabulous Fall Blog Challenge- Day 7 & Tasty Tuesday

Day 7: Fall Recipes

Okay, y'all are out of luck since I don't really cook or bake. BUT, I do have a recipe to share. It's not necessarily a "fall" dish, but it's one I made a while back. Yes, I actually cooked. I know, I was shocked too (so was my family!) And yes, I had to buy a casserole dish because I didn't own one! ;) I'd like to think that I'm officially a Baptist now that I've made a casserole! ;)

Tuna Casserole 

(this is my mom's recipe, which she got from her sister). It's the only time I'll eat tuna OR green peas! ;)

-1 box macaroni and cheese dinner

-1/2 cup milk

-1 six oz can of tuna 

-1 can of green peas

-1 can cream of mushroom soup*
-several slices of cheese

*optional- I didn't use the cream of mushroom soup and it turned out fine

Prepare macaroni and cheese as directed on the box. 

Stir in milk and soup*. Gently stir in peas and tuna. 

*again, cream of mushroom soup is optional

Heat and pour into casserole dish. Put cheese slices on top. 

Heat in 350 degree oven until cheese is melted. Serves 4-6.

Linking up this recipe for the gals over at For the Love of Blogs and Tasty Tuesday! Check them out for other great recipes! :)

Hope everyone has a great day!

XOXO!

Ramblings of an Angry Bird addict

My name is Rachel, and I have an addiction. It's an addiction I never thought I would have because I've never had a problem with anything like it before. But over the past few months I have found myself unable to stop. My addiction: Angry Birds.

Back story: I follow a lot of great people on Twitter (shameless plug- feel free to follow me on Twitter here.) One of those great people is named Michael Schlact (click on his name to follow him- he is awesome). He is a wonderful professional baseball player- he played with the Rangers minor league team in Frisco. For the longest time I would see him tweet about this game he was playing on his smart phone called Angry Birds. I've never really been that into video games (phone or non phone related), so I didn't pay too much attention. Then one day my curiosity got the better of me, and I downloaded it on my iPhone (it was free). Yeah, since then I have found myself unable to stop playing it.

The object of the game is to use a slingshot to shoot birds at pigs. These pigs are usually "protected" by some sort of structure which you have to knock down in order to kill them (they can be made of stone, ice or boards). Depending on the round, you only get so many birds to shoot. You have to figure out how far back to pull the slingshot so you don't overshoot the structure. Also you have to figure out where to aim the bird so it hits the target. I know it sounds silly, but really, I'm addicted. I might have a problem....I have a good friend at work I just told about this game. She's about to download it on her phone right now. Welcome to the dark side Linds! ;)

For those with iPhones, iPads or iPod touches and are interested in the game, go here to download it. I believe it's 99 cents now to download, but you can search for the Angry Birds Lite version, that is free.

Now, this is my first attempt to do a Tasty Tuesday. Since I've made it clear in past posts that I'm not much of a cook, I want everyone to know this was my Aunt Patsy's recipe (so you can all breathe a sigh of relief!) ;) My mom has been making this my whole life. It's the only time I will eat tuna! It's also the only time I eat green peas. It's really good too!! :)

 

Tuna Casserole:
1 box macaroni and cheese dinner
1/2 cup milk
1- 6 oz can of tuna
1 can green peas
1 can cream of mushroom soup
Several slices of processed cheese

Prepare macaroni and cheese dinner as directed on box. Stir in milk and soup. Gently stir in tuna and peas. Heat and pour into a casserole bowl. Put cheese slices on top. Heat in 350 degree oven until cheese is melted.
Serves 4-6.

I hope you enjoy! This recipe is very simple, even I can make it!! :)

101 in 1001 update!

Part of my 101 in 1001 challenge is to blog at least once a month about my progress. I really need to step it up. :)

Completed challenges: 

-I volunteered to work at my company's annual seminar (it's held in July).
-I became an organ donor for the state of Texas. Here is my donor card as proof!

-I bought a new outfit. (yes, I got it at Kohl's). I got this cute cardigan (okay, I actually got two. One white and one brown- see below for a picture of the white one). I also bought a cute top to go under it. AND I bought a new pair of jeans.* I meant to take a picture of me wearing the outfit and forgot, so for now you can see the picture of the cardigan from the Kohl's website. I'll try and take a picture of me wearing the outfit soon.

I also have a few challenges that are "in process". One of those is to finish Jillian's 30 Day Shred workout video. I've started three times and haven't made it past Day 5. I started it again last night. Here's hoping I can make it to Day 30 without hurting myself giving up getting lazy. A reminder you can check out my progress on the 101 in 1001 list here.

*Okay, a side note about me shopping for jeans at Kohl's last weekend. I recently (okay, 6 months ago), went up a size in my jeans (and all you females out there know this can be a traumatic thing for a woman). I accepted it and am comfortable with my size. I have moved on- I am beautiful no matter what size jeans I wear. I was in the dressing room trying on my clothes when I overheard a girl in the dressing room talking to her friend. She was like, "I'm going to have to get a smaller jeans size. This size **insert jeans size here** is way too big, they practically fall off of me. They are made for someone much bigger than me." Friends, it took every fiber of my being not to jump over the wall to cause bodily harm to that girl. I am that "someone" who wears the size that was "swallowing" this girl, I didn't want to hear about it. Umph! 

Hope everyone is have a fabulous week so far!

Blog Awards and Blog Journal Day 21

Wow guys, y'all are too sweet! :) I got two blog awards this past week. Deanna at Musings and Bri over at Just a Day in the Life of Brittany and Murray both gave me the following award:

I'm supposed to pass this along to 5 newly discovered blogs, but there are so many I like, I can't pick just 5! :) Check out my favorite blogs on the sidebar (yes, I have a lot). Discover a new blog- make a new friend! :)

So, as my longtime followers know, I was a huge fan of the show LOST. For all of you going through LOST withdrawals, I think there is a new show out there for us: The Event on NBC. I honestly think it's like LOST meets 24. It stars Jason Ritter (son of the late John Ritter). I watched the premiere last night and I really hope it catches on. Now, if you aren't a fan of shows that leave cliffhangers at the end of each episode, this might not be for you. But, I think you should give it a chance! If you want to check it out, NBC has uploaded the premiere episode here.

I can't go into a great review of the episode without ruining anything. If you watched it and want to talk about it (or wanna know more about it), email me here! :)

Day 21: A recipe

Now, if you know me (or have read my blog at all), you know I'm not the world's best cook. If it can't go in the microwave, I pretty much avoid it. If there are more than three steps after "boil a pot of water", I just don't try it! ;) I'm getting better though. I think I am now up to 7 meals I can make (not using the microwave). So anyways, I had to steal this recipe from my mom. If you know me, you know my mother is a "mad woman" when it comes to baking. She loves to bake. And she just can't make one or two dozen cookies. Oh no. I went home one weekend and she said she had made cookies for me to share with my friends at work (it's like elementary school all over again. "Wanna be my friend? Here's a cookie?" It's amazing how many people you meet when you have free cookies at your desk). Anyways, a "normal" person would think, oh, she made a dozen, maybe two dozen cookies. Oh no. She made EIGHT dozen cookies. Yes, EIGHT. And she doesn't just make the cookies. She individually wraps them in Saran Wrap (they stay fresher that way). Here is picture proof!

She usually makes chocolate chip cookies and peanut butter cookies. After a suggestion from my BFF Brandy, she now also makes peanut butter cookies with chocolate chips mixed in them. Anyways, my favorite of the cookies are the peanut butter ones (I have no clue where I would be without peanut butter!) So, here it is. Georgeanne's Secret Recipe for Peanut Butter Cookies (actually, I think she took it off a Crisco wrapper so it's not so secret!!) ;)

FYI, the temperature is set for an electric oven. If you have a gas oven, you'll have to adjust the setting (and no, I don't know how to do that!) ;)

3/4 cup creamy peanut butter (my mom prefers Jif but you can use whatever brand you like)

1/2 cup (or 1/2 stock) butter flavored Crisco shortening

1 1/4 cups firmly packed light brown sugar

3 tablespoons milk

1 tablespoon vanilla

1 egg

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

Heat oven to 350 F. Place sheets of foil on countertop for cooling cookies. Combine peanut butter, Crisco, light brown sugar, milk, and vanilla in large bowl. Beat at medium speed of electric mixer until well blended. Add egg. Beat just until blended. Combine flour, salt, and baking soda. Add to creamed mixture at low speed.. Mix until just blended.  Drop by heaping teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart onto sprayed cookie sheet. Flatten slightly in crisscross pattern with tines of fork. Bake at 350 degrees for 7 to 8 minutes, or until set and just beginning to brown. Cool 2 minutes on cookie sheet.

If you so choose, after they are completely cooled, you can wrap them in Saran Wrap, but that is not required! :)

Happy baking my friends!

:)