Chewy & His Santa Photo

I am officially a crazy dog owner.

I've finally accepted it - and I'm okay with it. ;)
Until I have kids, I think it's acceptable.

Our local Petsmart had Santa come this past weekend so naturally, crazy dog owner and all, we just HAD to go.

I LOVE that both Chewy & Santa are smiling in the photo - I think it came out super cute. Chewy didn't hold back with the kisses, either!

 

Do you take your pup to meet Santa?

$25 Gift Card to Smoothie King GIVEAWAY!

Remember when I swooned at how great Smoothie King is?

Well Merry (early) Christmas to you! I'm giving you the opportunity to snag a $25 gift card to Smoothie King! I hope there is one close by to you - otherwise, this will make a fantastic gift!

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Gift Ideas from First Day of My Life...

1: For the coffee/tea lover - set of 6 super cute ceramic 14 oz mugs!! I am a fan of bigger-than-normal mugs for some reason. I think they're just precious. Find them here. 

2: For the lady with beautiful locks - Wen conditioner. I have this in pomegranate and it smells amazing and makes your hair feel so super smooth and wonderful. I'm a huge fan and the Mrs. or little Miss in your life will, too. Find it here.

 3: For the cook or health-conscious in your life - a food dehydrater. You can make some delicious treats from it and a number of those treats being healthy. It's quite a unique gift as well. Find it here.

4: For the lady who gets her nails done - a UV light (with some gel nail polish, of course!). This will save your lady money in he long run! The cost of this gift will basically pay for 2 manicure sessions at the salon - AKA a gift that just keeps giving. Find it here.

5: For the art lover - art, of course! This beautiful peacock print is just one of the many options. As you can see, even though it is digital, it prints beautifully. If you're able to find a piece of painted art that won't break the bank, I'd suggest that instead. However, digital prints are just as beautiful. Find it here.

This is my first year of online shopping for gifts. So far, I'm a HUGE fan. I will only buy things that I can get free shipping on. Otherwise, it doesn't make any sense.

No matter what you decide to get your loved ones, as long as the motive is love - that is all that matters! Happy gifting!

Don't forget to sign up for our Cookie Recipe Swap - tonight's the last night! It will be great fun!

Linking up with Five on Friday!

So...How's Married Life?

I get that question asked A LOT. Which is expected since we haven't hit the one year mark yet. (We're getting there!)

My answer is (possibly) going to come off cliche. I'm okay with that since it's the truth.

So, here's it goes...

"How's married life? You know, the first year is the hardest."
Wonderful. Exceptional. Nothing better. Life is absolutely grand - I can't even properly put into words how amazing it is.

I'm not sure why people have problems within the first year. I would think people would still be in the "honeymoon stage."

For us, as Christ followers, a huge part is that we are equally yolked. That is the main ingredient that binds us as one.

Not a day goes by where I am not reminded how much I am loved, how beautiful I am, how much thanks and praise I am given.

The past couple of weeks have been a little tough for me, and once again, I am reminded why I married the man I did. In my times of weakness, he gave me hugs, kisses, encouragement...and most of all, he prayed with me.

Our marriage makes me feel safe...it makes me feel whole...it makes me feel special...it makes me feel loved and honored...it makes me feel respected.

I am thankful for a marriage like ours. And I pray that yours is as anointed as ours.


Joining Meg for Mingle Monday and Kristen's Tell All Tuesday today!

Turkey Recovery with Smoothie King

I don't know about you but this past week has got me feeling pretty unhealthy with all of the sweet treats, double portions, and then add turkey on top of that...talk about food coma!!

We have (almost) a month until even more (bad but delicious) food! In the midst of Christmas shopping, I suggest you stop by Smoothie King!

These are three healthy options that will help you get back on track! I'm thankful that Smoothie King is fairly health conscious.

Healthy Smoothie One: Lean 1

• 27 vitamins and minerals
• Over 20 grams of protein
• Under 300 calories

 
Healthy Smoothie Two: Pure Recharge

• Infused with natural energy
• Enhances focus
• Healthy weight management
• 250 calories

Healthy Smoothie Three: The Shredder

• Shreds fat cells with Gladiator protein
• Boosts metabolism
• 39 grams of protein
• 311 calories 

If you're looking for a particular smoothie based on your health goals, you can see what they have available here.


Some of those smoothies are a little "heavy" due to the protein in it. (It seems that way to me, at least.) Smoothie King now has a new line out called the Veggie Power Line.

Being a juicing fan, I am LOVING this new line. The line consists of:

Apple Kiwi Kale Smoothie
Defends your immune system with vitamin c and free-radical fighting antioxidants

Berry Carrot Dream Smoothie
Packed with vitamin a for strong eyes and skin, along with heart-healthy fiber for a lean digestive system

Carrot Kale Crush Smoothie
A huge serving of vegetables, along with a Slim and Trim Vanilla Protein Blend for a strong body with fearless immunity 


As you can see, no matter what your taste buds like or what your food restrictions might be, you will be able to find the perfect smoothie for you!

Let me know which one you try and what you think!  



Disclaimer: I was provided a gift card to test this product to review and not compensated in any other way. All opinions are 100% my own and I stand behind my review.

Chewy's Birthday Cupcakes Recipe

Chewy certainly enjoyed his birthday cupcakes! At first, he didn't know what to do so he licked the icing off and then grabbed the cupcake in his mouth and walked away with it! Then he spit it back out and I broke it up for him so he understood what was going on. He was surely one happy camper!

Chewy's Birthday Cupcakes Recipe:

Ingredients:

For Cupcake:

• 1 egg
• 1 cup of wheat flour
• 1/4 cup of coconut oil
• 1 cup of shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup of peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda  

For Icing:  

• 1 mashed banana
• 1/3 cup of peanut butter
• 1/3 cup of apple sauce

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Put 6 liners in a muffin pan.
3. Combine the egg, peanut butter, and coconut oil.
4. Stir in the shredded carrots and mix.
5. Whisk the flour and baking soda in a separate bowl.
6. Fold the flour mixture into the carrot mixture.
7. Spoon the batter into the muffin liners.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes.
9. Once cool, add the icing. For the icing: combine the banana, peanut butter, and apple sauce.
10. Let your pup enjoy himself!
    

Chewy certainly enjoyed himself and thought they were yummy!

Happy 1st Birthday, Chewy!!

According to the papers we got from the rescue Chewy was from - his birthday is today! My (fur)baby is 1...wow! We haven't had him quite a year yet - we've had him 9 months but I still thought his REAL birthday should be celebrated.

Happy birthday to the pup who loves us unconditional, who makes us laugh on a daily basis - and even sometimes tries our patience ;) - who has made our little family feel whole - who is the best pup for us.

Tonight, we are celebrating! Yes - call me a crazy fur-mommy but I invite our closest family members over to celebrate this little pup!

I made the humans Reese's peanut butter cupcakes with peanut butter icing and I made the pups, carrot peanut butter cupcakes with peanut butter banana icing. I couldn't wait for the celebration tonight, so I already spoiled him with a cupcake. He deserves it!


So, happy birthday our darling Chewy! Mommy & Daddy love you so much! We hope you have a great time at your party. ;)

Cookie Recipe Swap

Anna & I have some fun for you!

We both love the holidays (remember our Get Lucky Swap last year?) and we want to celebrate the holidays with YOU! Yeah, you!

Introducing...the Cookie Recipe Swap....

Get creative with what gift you send! Please only send store-bought treats - nothing homemade.

Get to know your partner! That is the fun part of the swap.

If you have any questions, please let Anna or I know!

Thankful Thursday, 11.21.13

Well. It's officially been a rough and trying week.

Thanks to God, a lot of praying, and a wonderful and supportive husband - I'm making it through.

In the moments and times I have a tough patch, there is only one thing to do besides pray - remember what you are thankful for.


A whole lot has made my list the past couple of weeks...

I am thankful for... Stetson Alumni Weekend - what a great excuse to see everyone. And in my case - hang out with my very best friends for a while! <3

I am thankful for...date day! V & I hung out in St. Augustine and just had a great time. It was a "no cell phone/no work" kind of day - those are my absolute favorites! We enjoyed a delicious lunch at O.C. Whites, browsed some shops, bought some fun stuff, and ended it with a wine and calamari!

I am thankful for...hanging out with a friend of mine that is practically a sister (known her since I was 3!) every other Tuesday. Last Tuesday we made wine cork picture frames and spinach pizza! YUM!

 

I am thankful for...being surrounded by family and the ability to celebrate my (second) cousin's 1st birthday!

I am thankful for...my goofy and beautiful god-daugther. I told her to "strike a pose..."

 

I am thankful for...snuggle time with Chewy! Who, by the way, is finally feeling better after his surgery. YIPPEE!

Isn't he handsome? ;)

I am thankful for...how much love I get when I come home from work! I went on the floor to pet Chewy and this is what I get...he knows just how to melt my heart...

Don't judge - I put slippers on as soon as I get home and take my shoes off ;)

 

I am thankful for...my beautiful walks...

 

I am thankful for...celebrating my parent's anniversary with them!


What are a few things you're thankful for this week?

Confession & Ipsy November 2013

Confession: I've been thinking about unsubscribing from ipsy for a couple of months now. Not because I am unsatisfied but because I HAVE SO MUCH MAKEUP! Realistically, you can only use so many different types of products on a daily basis. I've become the kind of person who is trying to get rid of clutter - but, it is tough! (Especially when you gain six new products and a new makeup bag every month!)

So, I've been going through my stash and giving it away to friends and family who I know will get use of it. The rest? I try to use more frequently...or I just have an idea in my head that I might use it one day - which might be unrealistic.

What do you do with all of your makeup??

  
As soon as I get a nail polish that is full size - I realize it is definitely worth the ten bucks...especially because I do not allow myself to purchase any nail polish anymore.


Be a Bombshell lip crayon: the color is "shameless" - it glides on very smoothly - very nicely. It's a little too pink for me - AKA I LOOK LIKE A CLOWN.

Nailtini in "Caviar Cocktail": PRETTY!! Perfect for the upcoming holiday season.

EM Michelle Phan lipstick in "Miss Moneybag": I guess this is a somewhat new product. I love it. It does not make me look like a clown - woohoo! I did a selfie picture with me wearing the product and holding the lipstick, however, I looked like a fool and refuse to embarrass myself. Sorry gals, I know you would have had a good laugh! 

HSI Professional Aragan Oil: I am a HUGE fan lately of aragan oil. Not just for my hair, but also for my body. When I wear my hair straight, this is a great addition. It mights my hair look so silky and pretty.

Pixi Beauty Bronzer: I still do not fully understand bronzer. Just use it like blush? That's what I've understood at least. So. Yeah. Not sure if I will wind up using this or not...it kind of scares me.

Starlooks Eye Pencil in "Amethyst": How am I going to pull this off?! When you figure it out - let me know.


Thoughts: Totally awesome bag. 3 of these products I will most definitely be using - one of them is a possibility (the bronzer) the other two - who wants them?! No, but seriously...I do not want to look like a clown and purple eye liner? I'm not a diva.