[Gurlee]Girrl Friday

This weeks - or shall I say the color for this weekend - is:

Essie Polish - Allure

I chose  this color for one reason - I figure with as active as I'll be this weekend camping, if I get a chip - it won't be as noticeable, therefore, it won't drive me insane the entire time!  Come Tuesday, this color is history and will probably never be seen again!

Thanks to Vicki and Tara for their awesome link-up each week - I love seeing what everyone is wearing!

Now on to some Friday randomness:

• Like I mentioned above, I am heading out for a 4 night camping adventure!  There will be Camp Fire Cones being eaten and adult beverages being drank!
• I'm praying the weather remains nice for the weekend.  After checking and rechecking the weather all week - it's not looking too promising.  Oh well - a little rain never hurt anyone right?
• So I ordered a new Coach (outlet) purse this week.  After narrowing my selection down to 3 - I had to choose 1.  Once I made my decision, when I went to order it - it was Sold Out!!!! I was beyond pissed.  Later in the afternoon, while complaining on the  phone that it was sold out, I tried to add it to my cart and I was able too!! I was $2 short of free shipping so I had to look around for some "filler" items.  Luckily I found a make-up bag and some flip flops that more than pushed me over the limit...  Damn, shopping can be stressful - but no worries friends, I'm willing to deal with it!
• My daughter is having a concert at school in 2 weeks.  They have been instructed to wear GREEN and Black.  She of course wants a green dress.  Well I have been to every online  store imaginable looking for a Kelly Green dress (Girls Size 12) and have had ZERO luck.  If anybody has any ideas, links, etc., I'd be in your debt forever.  The  girl is driving me bananas.  Oh, and let's just say making one is not even an option.  This momma is not handy with a needle and thread! SHOCKING right? 
• And for my final though - let's not forget the reason we all get a long weekend:
  
  Memorial Day - U.S. holiday: a public holiday to commemorate soldiers who died in war. Last Monday in May, formerly May 30.
  
  Don't forget to thank and honor those who serve to protect us each and every day - as they are not getting a long 3-day weekend!

I hope everyone has a safe and fun weekend!!

Yard Work Ugh!

It may have taken me 10 Years to get to it but -

After 8 Hours of Digging, Planting & Spreading and $500 Later -

It's Home Sweet Home!

When Mom's In Charge of Dinner

It means it's taco night!!

It's no secret that I do not know how to cook - and rarely ever do!  However, last night I was in charge of feeding the babes and they requested tacos.  Not just ordinary tacos, but "spicy" tacos. So being the good mama that I am, I did my best to accommodate them.

First, I got all my ingredients together:

Next I browned the hamburger, and made the rice.  Now the rice can be tricky.  You have to bring it to a boil, then turn it down and simmer for 25 minutes covered.  Then you need to uncover it and let it thicken for about 10 minutes.  I of course can never wait the 10 minutes for it to thicken, so my rice is always watery - but still tasty.

Getting Rice Ready to Cook

In the meantime, I got all the fixings ready - which means pulling out jars and containers from the fridge.  Ash loves black olives, cheese and tomatoes, while Cole only likes tomatoes, shredded lettuce and "spicy" sauce.

Colton was beyond excited with the red "spicy" shells.  FYI - the shells are NOT spicy at all - just RED.  However, try convincing a 7-year old of that - doesn't work.

He assembled his masterpieces and she hers (which was dripping with Spicy Ranch Sauce).

I made my plate with the "broken" shells that the kids would not take!

Cole proceeded to eat 4 tacos and Ash had 3!!!  I would say from the thumbs up I received - dinner was a success!! Words like "best tacos ever mom" and "I wish there were more!" were nice to hear!  Hey - it might not be hard for some - but for this mom who can barely boil water - I was excited they were happy!



Love how Malibu is perched waiting for something to fall!

 Do you have a go-to dinner for you and your family? 

Say Hello to My Little Friends

I've told you before how much I love living in Michigan and what a beautiful State it is.  I have a Metro Park and State Park within 20 minutes of my home.  I have lived in Michigan my entire life, and am ashamed to say that up until last year, I had never visited either one. 

Last week we decided to head to Kensington Metro Park for some hiking.  We had hiked this trail earlier this year, and it was beautiful.  

I will not lie, I was in heaven.  The weather was perfect, the trail was nearly empty with the exception of some new friends we met along our way:

We encountered this momma and baby bird as we entered the trail.  We could reach out and touch them if we wanted (we didn't!). 

We happened upon this red beauty!  Apparently the birds are very friendly here and are hand-fed by many of the visitors.  Therefore, they follow you around, buzz around your head, etc., with hopes of you feeding them.  I was a little scared - because they were everywhere, but I settled down after I figured they weren't going to attack!

This big boy wanted to by my friend, but he scared me too.  He was very courteous and shared the trail with me.

Next we happened upon some deer.  There were 3 of them.  They were a distance off, but kept watching us - while we were watching them.  It was awesome.

Along the same part of the trail, we happened upon two turkeys.  As much as I tried to get their picture, they just were too far away and blended in with the trees and foilage. 

  

Lastly, we came upon these tiny babies!! They were the cutest babies ever!  They were very scared, huddled together smack dab in the middle of the trail.  I was a little worried for them since it was about 7ish in the evening and I'm sure they should not have been out and about.  We looked around for the momma, thinking she may be close, but we didn't see her.  I just pray these babies found their way back home.

After our hiking trip, we ate some food and watched the sun set over the lake.  It was the perfect ending to a perfect evening!

Now that I am aware of the hidden gems in my own backyard, I plan on spending lots of time exploring and enjoying all these parks have to offer! 

You Didn't Know That?

I was recently tagged by Cindy to reveal 25 Things You Don't Know About Me.

So here we go:

 1. I have worked in the same job for over 18 years.



2. I am the middle child – I have an older brother and younger sister.


3. I own over 20 pairs of flip flops, but really only wear 3 pairs.


4. I have over 72,000 unread emails in my Gmail account.


5. I have had the same hairstyle (except when I was bald) for the last 6 years.


6. I drink my coffee black (although I prefer a flavored coffee).


7. I wear the same two pair of earrings every day.


8. I hate having chips in my finger nail polish.


9. Always wanted to be a “hat” wearing person until I was one.


10. Have boxes still packed in my basement from when we moved in almost 11 years ago.


11. Has an extremely close relationship with my mom – we talk on the phone at least 4 times a day.


12. I have a crazy addiction to everything Ska print (black & white checkered).


13. I still have close in my closet from when I was in 8th grade – I don’t wear them – but I still haven’t gotten rid of them either.


14. Love to read books, preferably romance novels – but get depressed sometimes because then real life seems boring. LOL


15. Hate to use coupons – but I do because I love saving money.


16. That after 38 years, I finally discovered that I love Squash – butternut and spaghetti!


17. I am the most unorganized person I know. Seriously it’s bad.


18. I insisted my Jeep have a sunroof when I bought it, but I never have it open. Hate how loud it is.


19. That I love having dessert – but normally a bite or two of something is enough for me.


20. No matter where I go, even the gym, I wear lipstick.


21. I’m rather strict when it comes to what my kids wear to school. I’m trying to become a little more lenient with this – and let them “express” themselves - but it’s tough for me to see them in clothes that do not match. My mother constantly reminds me of my “Boy George” phase in 5th grade – so I’m really trying to break this.


22. I have a pool – but I hate swimming.


23. I wear a size 10 shoe. Yeah – clown feet over here.


24. Although my hairstyle has been the same – I tend to change my hair color a lot. However, I always go back to blonde.


25. I wish Walmart still carried Key Lime Cake in their bakery. I crave it – a lot.



Thanks for making it through that list!

It's No Secret That ...

I admit it, I watch way too much TV.  I have a tendency to get really wrapped up in a show and sometimes have marathons where I watch a season in a day or two.  Might not be healthy - but I love it.

So come this time of year, I start to get nervous.  See, this is when the networks make their final decisions of which shows get renewed and which shows get axed.  Sad to say, this year a few of my favorites have been CANCELLED!!! I will be shedding tears for you "The Finder" and my daughter will certainly be missing you Horatio (CSI Miami).  In case you are interested, here is a list of shows by network:

ABC

• "The Bachelor": Renewed


• "The Bachelorette": Renewed


• "Body of Proof": Renewed


• "Castle": Renewed


• "Cougar Town": Renewed and headed to TBS


• "Dancing With the Stars": Renewed


• "Desperate Housewives": Series finale aired this past Sunday


• "GCB": Canceled


• "Grey's Anatomy": Renewed


• "Happy Endings": Renewed


• "Last Man Standing": Renewed


• "Man Up": Canceled


• "The Middle": Renewed


• "Missing": Canceled


• "Modern Family": Renewed


• "Once Upon a Time": Renewed


• "Pan Am": Canceled


• "Private Practice": Renewed


• "Revenge": Renewed


• "The River": Canceled


• "Suburgatory": Renewed


• "Work It": Canceled


CBS


• "2 Broke Girls": Renewed


• "The Amazing Race": Renewed


• "The Big Bang Theory": Renewed


• "Blue Bloods": Renewed


• "Criminal Minds": Renewed


• "CSI": Renewed


• "CSI: Miami": Canceled


• "CSI: NY": Renewed


• "A Gifted Man": Canceled


• "The Good Wife": Renewed


• "Hawaii Five-0": Renewed


• "How I Met Your Mother": Renewed


• "How to Be a Gentleman": Canceled


• "The Mentalist": Renewed


• "Mike & Molly": Renewed NCIS: Renewed


• "NCIS: Los Angeles": Renewed


• "Person of Interest": Renewed


• "Rob": Canceled


• "Rules of Engagement": TBD


• "Survivor": Renewed


• "Two and a Half Men": Renewed


• "Undercover Boss": Renewed


• "Unforgettable": Canceled


Fox


• "Alcatraz": Canceled


• "American Idol": Renewed


• "Bones": Renewed


• "Breaking In": Canceled


• "Family Guy": Renewed


• "The Finder": Canceled


• "Fringe": Renewed


• "Glee": Renewed


• "House": Series finale airs May 21


• "I Hate My Teenage Daughter": Canceled


• "New Girl": Renewed


• "Raising Hope" Renewed


• "The Simpsons": Renewed


• "Terra Nova": Canceled


• "Touch": Renewed


• "The X Factor": Renewed


NBC


• "30 Rock": Renewed


• "Are You There, Chelsea?": Canceled


• "Awake": Canceled


• "Bent": Canceled


• "Best Friends Forever": Canceled


• "The Biggest Loser": TBD


• "Celebrity Apprentice": TBD


• "Community": Renewed


• "Grimm": Renewed


• "Harry's Law": Canceled


• "Law & Order: SVU": Renewed


• "The Office": TBD


• "Parenthood": Renewed


• "Parks and Recreation": Renewed


• "Smash": Renewed


• "The Firm": Canceled


• "Up All Night": Renewed


• "The Voice": Renewed


• "Whitney": Renewed


THE CW


• "90210": Renewed


• "America's Next Top Model": Renewed


• "Gossip Girl": Renewed


• "Hart of Dixie": Renewed


• "Nikita": Renewed


• "Remodeled": Canceled


• "Ringer": Canceled


• "The Secret Circle": Canceled


• "Supernatural": Renewed


• "The Vampire Diaries": Renewed

Happy to say that most of my must-see shows are returning.  I really am not surprised by many on the canceled list. 
 
Did any of your favorites get canceled?  Any get renewed that you think should have gotten canceled?

[Gurlee]Girrl Friday

TGIF!!!! This week was a long one!  Being Friday, I'm linking up with Tara and Vicki for another edition of:

This week I pampered myself and went and got a mani/pedi done, so I was really happy with the results.  My short stubby nails looked great for the week.  The color I chose was:


Wocka Wocka



Now on to some Friday randomness:

• This weeks movie choice was The Avengers, and although I did not write a review of it, it was AWESOME!  See it.

• I've been listening to the same Playlist on my phone for the last three or so weeks, all day, every day, and I still love it. Weird.
• Looking forward to celebrating Mother's Day with my momma.  This past year was rough on her, as she was going through treatments for her breast cancer.  It's a blessing that we both can say we are healthy and cancer-free.  I love her and cannot imagine my life without her.  She is such a major part of my every day and is the most generous person I know. I hope she knows that I appreciate her for all the things she does for me and my family. 
• While blog reading, I stumbled upon a "spoiler" of the 3rd book of the Fifty Shades series.  I was so mad!! I'm trying to make this book last forever and certainly don't want spoilers!  Come on people, not every one has FINISHED them so knock it off.
• Since my Biggest Loser Competition, I've been slacking and pretty much eating anything and everything I want.  THIS MUST STOP NOW! Luckily I haven't gained any weight, but I have not lost one more pound either!  I'm ready to get back on track - so I'm challenging Jenny Jenny and GTuck to another competition.  The competitive girl in me won't let me fail!
• On the other side, I've kicked up my working out to include some weight lifting exercises.  I've always loved just my Jazzercise, which incorporates some light weights in their workouts.  However, at the gym, I was bench pressing 45 lbs. - which may not be much - but 10 reps / 3 times - my arms felt like jelly.  And don't laugh at me, but I already see my muscle is bigger only after a few times - or maybe it's just my overactive imagination.
• I have been tagged to share 25 Randoms about myself.  So I asked a few friends yesterday to help me out and give me one random fact about me.  All four of their responses were the same - "You are very outgoing / friendly".  People I already knew that!  and just for laughs Jenny Jenny added "Plus you like to wear lipstick and have spikey hair".  Thanks Jenny Jenny - those are both shocking revelations!
• Lastly, I'd like to leave you with this funny SNL skit regarding Mother's Day and the Fifty Shades Trilogy!  HYSTERICAL

Finally - Momma's Fun Vacation

After spending two fabulous days catering to my spoiled baby dolls, Saturday was upon us and this was the entire reason we headed north - my cousin's wedding.

The wedding was at 3:00pm, so we had a couple of hours in the morning to kill.  We started at the breakfast buffet at the hotel.  BIG NO NO for momma.  After eating scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, fried potatoes, blueberry pancakes, chocolate chip pancakes and lots of fruit - I barely made it back to my room before my shocked system was cursing at me.  Let me tell you, the next couple of hours were not fun and I thought I was going to die.  I was so worried the few days leading up to the wedding that my dress was going to be too tight, well let's just say, I lost enough weight Saturday morning, I didn't worry about the dress being tight anymore!  Lesson learned - no breakfast buffet on important days.

I was able to sneak a few shots of the kids in the lobby of the hotel.  It has a very "lodgey" decor including stuffed dead animals hiding in all four corners of the room!  A little much - but hey - I expected it.

 Photos Courtesy of Ashely (Budding Photog)



We made a plan to meet everyone down in the lobby at 2:30pm to head over to the church.  Aren't these two just precious?!??!  Love my babies!

The service was short, sweet and beautiful.  I since I'm on some crazy hormone pill for 4 more years, I seem to cry over EVERYTHING!  Nothing worse than having a runny nose and you can't blow it! 

From there we headed over to the Grand Traverse Resort were the reception was being held on the 17th floor.  The views were gorgeous, the food was tasty and the drinks were flowing (maybe a little too much).  It was a nice way to sample some local wines and I was even pleasantly surprised when I requested a glass of Merlot it was semi-chilled and when I requested ice - the bartender didn't look at me like I was insane - he filled my glass up with ice and smiled.  It was good!

Here are a few shots from the scene:



Awesome Candy Bar





The Wedding Cake



 

View / Room

 

My Perfectly Cooked Fillet Mignon!!!

 

My Beautiful Sister & I



The Happy Couple

The dinner wrapped up around 9:00am.  We talked the daddies and grandparents in to taking the kids back to the hotel and then my sister, my cousin, another family friend and I headed over to the casino to continue on with our good time.    



On Our Way to the Casino



I played Black Jack for the first time - and actually won a few times!  I then went and parked myself at the Let It Ride table for the next few hours and walked away with a LITTLE more than I arrived with.  My lucky sister walked away with MORE THAN ME and my cousin actually walked away with an extra $5! 



The Winner's Riding Home



I wouldn't have changed anything about my extended weekend trip.  I got in lots of family fun time, exercise time (the dunes), ate some delicious meals, was able to spend some girl time with my sister and my cousin, which is a rarity, won some money and enjoyed EVERY SINGLE MINUTE!

My Mini Vacation - Part 1

Oh what a weekend I had!  It started on Thursday, when my family, my parents and my sister and her family headed out to the Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City.  We decided to make a lunch stop in Frankenmuth on our way.  I haven't been there in probably close to 10 years.  We chose to dine at the Bavarian Inn.  We all, of course, got the family style chicken dinner.  It was as I remembered.

After lunch we were back on the road and reached the lodge around 4:00pm.  Within minutes we were checked in and made it to our room.  The "standard" room is spacious enough, but not super fancy or anything.

After we settled in the room, the kids and I suited up and headed down to the water park.  To say it was awesome is an understatement!  We had a ball.

The water park has 3 large slides which require tubes and two smaller slides that are just regular water slides.  I loved them.  There is also a floating river, a small pool, a basketball pool, a children's water scape area, the main "jungle gym" water scape area and two Jacuzzis.  I was extremely impressed with the amount of life guards on duty and the overall cleanliness of the facility.  I'm looking forward to a return visit.


Thursday evening, after the park closed, the kids wanted to head over to the arcade.  Again, we spent some quality family fun time playing games and winning tickets for prizes.

On Friday, we spend the morning and early part of the afternoon at the water park.  We decided to take a quick trip over to the Sleeping Bear Dunes.  I love the dunes, but I do not love the hike up the dunes!  However, the kids were crazy quick and it was a real challenge for this momma to keep up!  But I did it and LOVED it.

I'm totally in love with my beautiful State!


Check back tomorrow for Part 2 of my mini-vacation.