TBB Asks: Shopping ~ March 2019

It is a cold, cold Monday today and I am linking up with the Hello Monday ladies and The Blended Blog for their TBB asks series.  This month's topic is shopping.

1.  Top 3 Shops?

(I am going with 4 and have a 5th one to recommend later).

Kohls

Loft

Old Navy

Nordstrom - I added this as a 4th one because I usually shop here mainly during their anniversary sale

2.  Where is the majority of your shopping done - in store or online?

I do most of my shopping online, but from time to time, will shop in a store.

3.  What's your favorite thing to shop for?

I find myself usually buying shirts for work.

4.  What do you just hate shopping for?

Swimsuits!

5.  What's your most favorite thing you've ever bought?

Right now, my Elfa closet organizers are a favorite, but referring to fashion, it would be my Ugg boots.

6.  Do you prefer shopping alone or with others?

If I have several stores to go to while shopping for clothes, I would say alone.  If I am only going to one store, I don't really have a preference.  

7.  Best bargain?

I feel like now is a great time to buy off season clothes.  I also feel like Kohls is a great place to go where you can use multiple coupons, earn reward points and often get Kohls cash back as well.

8. Thrift store shopping?  Yes or No

I am not a big thrift store shopper for clothes, unless it is for a themed event.

9.  Best cities for shopping?

  Wherever I am :).  Actually, I do like the stores mentioned above in question one, which are in most cities.  But, I also feel like there is cute, unique fashion in smaller boutiques in smaller cities as well.

10. Who's your style of fashion icon?

I don't have a fashion icon, but I do have an online boutique I want to recommend to you: 

Holly and Co Shop

They have fashion, home and accessories...all cute, great prices, and free shipping.  Go check them out!

In the meantime, stay warm and spring is coming this month!!

TBB Asks ~ February 2019 Relationships edition

So thankful it is February!  Today, I am linking up with The Blended Blog on their monthly TBB Asks.  Today it is all about relationships.

1.  I am Facebook friends with some friends from elementary school, but we don't see each other anymore.  That goes for a lot of high school and college friends too.  That sounds really sad to write, but friendships do have seasons of spending time together and then growing apart as life goes different directions.  My closest current friend that I have known the longest is about an 18 year old friendship.

2.  I have a few friends who are long distance and are who I call upon to pray for me.  I have some good friends through my Sunday School class who are more my week-to-week people.

3.  I met my spouse through a mutual friend who went to my church at the time.

4.  For Valentine's Day, I usually just make dinner at home.  I do like decorating as well, and will share that later this week.

5.   My love language is acts of service and words of affirmation.

6.  I do like flowers, but I would probably say some dark chocolate!

7.  The first thing that I thought of when reading this question is my new wedding ring my husband bought for me at our 15 year anniversary.  It was a surprise for me and I do love it.  I also thought about my 2017 birthday when my girls for the first time were able to drive to the store, pick out gifts and pay for it with their own money.  That meant a lot to me.  I love giving gifts at Christmas and hope they are meaningful to those who receive them.

Thanks for the link up and Happy Monday!

TBB Asks ~ January 2019 Entertainment Edition

Happy Monday and Lord be with me as I go back to a full work week.  Amen.

Today is the monthly link up with The Blended Blog questionnaire.  This month's topic is all about entertainment.

Book you have read multiple times

Praying the scripture for your teens

If you have teenagers, I recommend this book by Jodie Berndt.  It covers 5 broad topics, with many subtopics under each one:  character, relationships, health/safety, victory over temptation and future.  The same author has similar books for your children and adult children.

Favorite book/author of all time

Unglued devotion by Lysa Terkeurst

Priscilla Shirer

Favorite TV show to binge

If I just sit down and really want to binge, my go to is The Office or Parks and Recreation.  I do still enjoy many old Seinfeld and Friends episodes too.  

Favorite new-ish TV show

When Calls the Heart

Married at First Sight

Blackish

This is Us

Favorite movie of all time

Sweet Home Alabama

The Proposal

The Holiday

Movie you are looking forward to watching

Instant Family

I keep a list of movies on my phone that I want to see and this is one I have not seen yet.

First concert you attended

Elvis

This was July 1976 and one of my earliest memories.

Ultimate concert (even if it can't happen)

Huey Lewis and the News

I have seen Huey many times, but this would still be my choice.  I love his music and hearing him play the harmonica and interaction with his band.  He has lost his hearing, so has not been able to perform the last year and there is no sign of it coming back at this point.

Favorite music artist/band

Huey Lewis and the News

How do you listen?  

Spotify and most recently,  a vinyl record player

We got a vinyl record player for Christmas and just hooked it up last week.  My girls had seen one, but had never heard an album play until we set it up last week.  It was so fun to pull out some old albums!

TBB Asks ~ December Holiday Edition

Happy December!  December is upon us and it is the monthly link up of questions with The Blended Blog.

1.  Candy Canes?  

I enjoy the soft peppermints for my candy cane taste :).  I do like seeing the varieties of them at this time of year and they can sure be cute for decorating.

2.  Christmas morning early riser or sleep in?

I am always an early riser, but on Christmas morning, we are now a little later as a family since the girls are teenagers.   We will have them up around 8:30, so not too late, but certainly not as early as we were 10 years ago!

3.  Did you shop on Black Friday?

Why yes I did!  And I shopped all that week online getting lots of gifts.  This is what my front door looked like most days last week.... 

4.  Christmas Tree up in November?

Why yes again!  Especially with Thanksgiving coming early this year and because we traveled, we put up our tree before Thanksgiving this year.  Typically, we put it up the weekend after Thanksgiving.

5.  Do you get Holiday ideas from Pinterest?

I certainly like to look at ideas on Pinterest, but most that I find are recipes.

6.  Christmas Glam or Ugly Sweater?

I could go for either of these, but probably would lean more towards the Christmas glam.

7.  Stocking Stuffers:  Wrapped or Unwrapped?

99% are unwrapped, however usually one or two small things will be wrapped.

8.  Traditional or Modern Christmas Songs?

I like both.  Some of my favorite Christmas albums from childhood were these:

I also like these from the last 30 years too:

A southern classic!

Josh Groban is one of my favorites and his version of "O Holy Night" is so good.  That is one of my favorite Christmas songs by one of my favorite singers. 

My most recent favorite Christmas album is this one.  If you haven't heard it, go listen!

9.  Fruitcake?

No thank you.  There are so many other good Christmas treats I prefer.

10.  Is your Christmas shopping finished?

Yes, it is!  I started in July with the Nordstrom Anniversary sale and then picked back up shopping the week of Thanksgiving and ended this past weekend.  

11.  Is there snow in December where you live?

It is rare to have snow in December, but it has happened.  Most of our snow comes in January, February, or even sometimes March.  We did actually see snow in November though!

12.  Classic show:  A Charlie Brown Christmas or Rudolph?

I love all the classic shows.  If I had to pick one, I would go with Charlie Brown because it focuses on the real reason of Christmas, the birth of Christ, our hope in life.

These are always fun link ups and hope you have a good Monday!

TBB Asks ~ November 2018: Giving Thanks Edition

Welcome and here is this month's link up with The Blended Blog for the TBB Asks Giving Thanks Edition.

1.  Have you ever kept a gratitude journal?

No, I haven't it, but this year I want to make it a goal.

2.  Hosting Thanksgiving at your house?

Not this year.  We will be with family.

3.  Favorite food from the Thanksgiving meal?

Turkey and dressing would have to be my favorite because I don't have it very often.

4.  What one thing in nature are you most grateful for?

I love the beautiful fall colors of leaves.

5.  Pumpkin pie? 

I like pumpkin flavored cookies and breads, but not so much pie.

6.  Traditional cookbook?

I do enjoy a traditional cookbook and have some I plan on keeping forever, but for most day-to-day recipes, I do look at pinterest for convenience.

7.  Oven baked or deep fried turkey?

I am old fashioned and prefer an oven baked turkey, but I would not turn down deep fried either.

8.  Thanksgiving leftovers?

Yes, please!  Honestly, I feel like what we normally have is at most enough for 1 or 2 meals, so it's not too much to keep around the house.

9.  What is one household product you are most grateful for?

I am thankful for my appliances!

10.  Are you most grateful for home cooked meals or restaurant meals?

I am grateful for both and enjoy both, but it does mean a lot when someone takes the time to cook a home cooked meal.

Have a great Monday!

TBB Asks ~ October Edition

I am two days behind on this link up, but these are always fun!

1.  Favorite Fall Color?

I love all the fall colors...orange, yellow, red, and green.

2.  Apple Cider Hot or Cold?

Honestly, this is not my favorite fall drink, so I would have to answer neither :(.

3. Caramel Apple:  Yes or No?

I like apples dipped in caramel!

4.  Pumpkin Doughnut or Apple Cider Doughnut?

I would have to vote on pumpkin!  I just pinned this recipe this week and hope to try it sometime:

2 ingredient Pumpkin Doughnut

5. Long or Short Cardigan?

Long cardigans are definitely a favorite fall accessory.

6.  Favorite Football or Fall Party Food?

So many dips come to mind, but this is the main thing that immediately came to mind....

Bacon Brown Sugar Crackers

7.  Orange or White Pumpkins?

I like them both mixed together, but if I had to choose one, I would choose the classic orange.

8. Hayride or Bonfire?

These are both fun, but I would like a bonfire on a cool night.

9. Favorite Fall Baked Good?

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

10.  Most anticipated Fall activity?

Evening walks in cooler weather and comfort foods

TBB Asks ~ September Edition: How Do You Cozy?

Happy September and Happy Labor Day!

I am starting this month's blog posts with a link up to The Blended Blog all about being cozy.

1.  Slippers:  Yes or No?

Yes!  I just received my UGG slippers for a Christmas gift and have them on as I type this.  They are so comfortable and I think will last a long time.

2.  What is your favorite blanket? 

 I am good for any cozy, soft blanket really.  

3.  Thin or thick pillow? 

 I would say a thicker pillow.  We just bought these new pillows at the beginning of summer and like them so far.  We bought these when we bought a mattress, so they were discounted on top of a sale they had for Memorial Day weekend.

4.  Favorite warm beverage?

 hot chocolate for sure

5. Robe:  Yes or No?

  I have a cozy robe that I like, but rarely wear it because you can usually find my in my blardigan.  I recommend looking for these on sale at the Nordstrom yearly anniversary sale every July or on black Friday.

6.  Favorite comfort snack foods?

A warm dip and chips come to mind.  Check out some of my favorites on my Pinterest page.

7.  Movies or TV series binge?

In this category, I would say Hallmark or Christmas movies. Regarding tv, we binge watch The Office a lot.

8.  Actual PJ's or leggings?

I do like my pajama pants but they are for sleeping and lounging.  I do like my leggings too, but I wear those outside the house all the time in the fall and winter.

9.  Do you cozy up on the couch or a chair?

I don't have a strong preference, but I do usually end up in our chair.

10.  Hoodie, t-shirt or sweater?

If I am thinking of being cozy, I would say a sweatshirt or long sleeve t-shirt.  I have a few sweaters that I like and are comfortable, I just don't think of wearing these when I want to be cozy!

Enjoy your holiday!  We are off to do something fun, which I will blog about later this week.

The Blended Blog ~ August Party Edition

Happy Monday!  This months questionnaire is all about parties.

1. Favorite birthday party as a child?

Most of my birthday parties as a child were at home and I have fun memories from them and can remember things basically from pictures.  I remember I did have one party at the local pizza parlor (it was actually called a pizza parlor :)) and that was special to go somewhere with my friends.  My mom always made my cakes and my parties were just fun and simple.

I do have many favorites of own children's parties, although, I enjoyed planning each of them.  Click here to see a snapshot of past birthday parties we have hosted.

2.  Do you like to entertain?  Yes or No?

Why yes I do!  However, since I returned to work full time this year, I have not done so as much.  We actually did have a friend over for dinner last week and my niece and her fiance came a few weeks ago.  As the weather gets cooler, it is nice to entertain on our back porch.

3.  What kind of parties are your favorites?

I love a theme party!  I don't necessarily love a costume party, but I do like a good themed party with decorations and food that correspond to the theme.  I guess this comes from my love of throwing birthday parties for my girls.

4.  Big or small parties?

I think smaller is better so you can really visit with people.  For my girls birthday parties, we usually had a 8-10 person limit.  I do remember one birthday party for Isabella where we had 12 though, but hey....the theme was Princess Kate, so we it was all good!

5. Favorite thing to do at parties?

Visit with friends, eat good food, good music in the background and good lighting are all some of my favorite things at a party.

6.  Party food favorites?

My first thought when it comes to party food are dips!  I guess that is the southerner in me.  I think of dips with chips or crackers and finger foods.

7.  Favorite flavor of birthday cake?

I love all things chocolate, but I like a good strawberry cake too. As much as I like yogurt, I think I would like to try a yogurt cake for my birthday this fall.

8.  Balloons?  Yes or No?

I had some balloons at birthday parties for our girls, so my answer might be 50/50 on this one.  I am certainly one to not overdo it on balloons.  I have bought a few single themed balloons for events, but not too often.

9.  Best party song?

When I read this question, the first song that came into my mind was "Party in the USA".  It is a fun song!  I think for an adult social, a good background music playlist is one from the 60's, 70's and 80's because it includes such a variety of music that we are familiar with, even if we weren't born or have many memories from the 60's.

10.  Do you like to dance?  Yes or No?

Why yes!  However, do I dance at many parties? No.  We did hire a salsa dance teacher for our daughter's 16th birthday party, which was so fun.  If my husband and I are at a wedding together, we do enjoy dancing at the reception.

Around here, it's the first day of school, so more on that later, but prayers appreciated for my youngest and all the other kids and teachers today.

TBB ~ July Edition

This month's TBB link up is all about vacations!

1.  Will you go on a summer vacation this year?

Yes, we went to Montana last month.  You can read about my favorite day in Glacier National Park here.

2.  Do nothing but relax or pack it all in vacation?

I would like to think I do a little a both.  I will admit, trips to NYC or Disney give me adrenaline, so I am more of a pack it all in at those destinations.  But in my last 2 trips to these destinations, I did more relaxing in these places.  

3. What month do you like to vacation?

Any time works for me!  I would say in January or February, I would probably prefer a warmer destination though!

4. Cruise?  Yes or No

Yes, of course! I have been on 5 cruises, and I would go one tomorrow.  They are an affordable way to travel and see many places at once.

5. Favorite vacation tradition?

Lots of photos, souvenir momentos, local drive and see something new

6. Most memorable vacation?

Oh my goodness, there are so many! Our trip to Paris, London, Macchu Pichu, Los Angeles, Disney, Cartagena, Colombia and of course Montana!  

7. Pack light or pack it all?

I am pretty good at packing light, but not too light :).

8. Hotel, condo or house?

I am good with either place, depending on who is traveling and how much space we need.  If the trip is more than a few nights, a condo or house is nice to save on meals.

9. Favorite things to eat on vacation?

I like to find local places to eat for the most part.  It is nice every once and a while to find a comfort place from home though if you need a quick meal.  If the place has a local specialty, that is always fun to try new things.  For instance, I got a little obsessed with the huckleberry in Montana.

10.  Warm or cold destinations? 

I would take either destination.  :)

June Questionnaire ~ Summer Lovin'

Happy Monday!  Today I am linking up TBB with monthly questions. 

1. Walk or bike ride?  If it isn't too hot, I would say a bike ride.  Otherwise, a walk please.

2. Favorite picnic food?  Cheese and crackers is the first thing that comes mind, but that would accompanied by fruit and maybe some chicken salad too.

3.  Pool or lake?  Pool!  We have a neighborhood lake where people do swim.  That is just not my thing.  I will get on a boat on a lake, but for swimming, I prefer a pool.

4. Favorite flavor of ice cream?  Sea salt caramel, or something caramel or chocolate is my usual go to flavor.  However, most of the time I would be eating yogurt instead.

5.  Ice cream cone or dish?  A dish, but let's be honest...I prefer my frozen yogurt.

6. Flip flop or slides?  Flip flops are what I would wear outside of the house.  I do have a pair of slides I wear around the house though.

7. Jean shorts or jean capris?  Actually, I will just stick to my every day jeans.  I don't own a pair of jean shorts or capris.  Now that I am working full time, I do wear my jeans a few days during the week.  Thankfully, our dress code is pretty casual.

8. Favorite summer fruit?  Fresh picked strawberries are so good!

9.  Corn on the cob or cut of the cob?  Corn on the cob is a good summertime food and is so easy to prepare.

10.  Favorite summertime song?  Cruisin' by Huey Lewis was the first song that came to mind. Once upon a time I had a summertime playlist, but not sure what happened to it.  It was basically beach music.

11.  Favorite summeritme activity?  Hanging out by sister's pool, which I don't do enough, but it is always fun.  We enjoy eating on our screened in back porch more during the summer and I enjoy seeing the flowers in our yard and others yards as well.

12. Favorite berry?  Again, strawberries.

13. Swimsuit type?  Tankini

14.  Dresser or skirts? Skirts, although I am dress shopping since I have a wedding to attend this summer. 

15. One word to describe summer?  Hot! We live in the South :).

TBB Asks: April Spring Edition

Good morning!  This was a link up from yesterday, but I am a day behind with the holiday and so many activities the last few days.  Here is the monthly TBB Asks Questionnaire in honor of Spring.

1. What 3 colors remind you most of Spring?

Pink, yellow, mint green

2. What is the first thing you add to your wardrobe in Spring?

open toed shoes

3. What is the first wardrobe item you ditch in Spring?

sweaters

I do admit I had a bit of a grieving time last spring putting my boots away for the season. My boots I wear are my favorite winter item and I still miss wearing them year round like I did in Bogota. 

4. Who mows the grass where you live?

I have always strangely enjoyed mowing the grass for the most part.  I hope to keep that up this summer on the weekends.

5. What's Spring like where you live?

Spring is cool mornings and evenings, and mild afternoons here in the South and no complaints from me!

6. What's your favorite thing about Spring?

watching flowers bloom and the longer daylight

7. Are you a Spring cleaner?

I am not really a spring cleaner, but always have places in my house I could organize and/or clean!

8. Are you a Baseball Fan?

Yes, but particularly my husband is,so baseball is on almost every day in our home spring through fall. 

9. Tulips or Daffodils?

Tulips

I hope to plant some this fall so I can have some in our yard next Spring.

10. Favorite Outdoor Spring Activity?

Eating outside on our porch and walking to our neighborhood lake

11. Flowers in the Ground or in Pots?

ground or in vases inside

12. Favorite Bird?

a pretty one on a fence from a distance....I do no like birds up close nor do I like having bird feeders.

13. Car Wash or Wash Vehicles at Home?

I appreciate it when someone else washes my car, but it is not something I would spend the time doing normally.  I would go through a car wash instead.

14. When do you pull out your sandals?

Easter Sunday!

TBB March ~ Beauty Edition

Happy Monday!

It was a beautiful weekend of sunshine and I am off for a new week at work. Today, I am linking up with The Blended Blog and their monthly questions.

1.  Eyelash curler - I did use one in the past, but not so much anymore.  I use my Rodan and Fields Lash boost.  Message me if you're interested!  As a Rodan and Fields consultant and customer, I can honestly say this is one of my favorite products.

2. Favorite nail shade - I tend to gravitate to grays and whites. Most recently, I really liked OPI's Strong Coal-ition.

3. Favorite lipstick shade - My go to is Burt Bee's tinted lip balm in caramel color.

4. Blow dry or air dry your hair - I do a little of both on this. If I have time, I like to let my hair air dry, then use a hair dryer.  I do use this product to help with using heat on my hair.

5. Artificial nails - No.   I try to work with what I have!

6. Foundation - Yes!  I have used Cover Girl, but have a new one to use for summer.

7.  Hair up or down - 99% of the time, my hair is down.  

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8. Bar soap or body wash - Bath and Body Works body wash are my favorites.

9. Bath or shower - Shower.  One of these days, we want to remodel our bathtub and make it a shower.  

10. Favorite body lotion - Bath and Body Works body lotion are my favorite too. I am not too picky on scents, but this is my current one.

11.  Do you wear perfume - Most of the time, no.  I have several samples I will use on weekends, but I don't wear it to work.

12. Do you shave your legs every day- Every time I shower, so mostly yes.

13. Favorite lip balm - Rose Salve.  I use this most every night.

14. How old were you when you first started wearing makeup - My guess is 13 or 14, but I honestly don't remember for sure.  I do remember around that age going to the Clinique counter to learn about skin care and received products to help take care of my face.

In honor of the Oscars......

Even though I only saw a little of the red carpet last night, here is a throwback of when we held a real Oscar when we were in Hollywood last fall!