I'm still here and all over the place with this post.

Hello lovelies! I'm sorry I've been away for so long. I do apologize for the absence, but I just can't seem to get it together and blog lately. I do so appreciate my readers, and I've missed your wonderful comments. Thank you to a special few of you who have sent "miss you" notes!

So, let's see - it's September and in North Texas that = dove season. Want to see what we've been up to for the last month?

Riley is such a proud bird dog!

"Uh, hey guys? I think you missed a spot right there on the tailgate!" - Riley

On another dog note, Roxy has been missing for two weeks now, and that has had me pretty down. As her "rescuer" and foster mama, I still feel responsible for her. I think that not knowing what has happened to her is the worst part. Did someone see her and take her? Was she hit by a car? Did she just run away? There's just no closure, so we hold out hope that maybe she will still turn up. The unknown is killer.

Speaking of the unknown - I've got to keep it vague, but my husband and I are struggling with a difficult decision. It would be a huge leap of faith, and that scares the hell out of me. I find myself trying to strike a balance between supportive and cautious, between trust and security. I want to be supportive of him and his aspirations, but I find myself thinking selfishly of myself. Has anyone else been caught in this situation?

That's all I'm able to muster at this point without pictures from my home computer. But hey, it's something right?

Oh, and calling all Anthropologie lovers: I have a new blog crush. Kim @ Anthroholic is absolutely fabulous!! I love the outfits she puts together, and it's awesome to see Anthro pieces (that I wouldn't know what to do with) in action. Check her out!

I don't know that I deserve them, but...

I was given the Honest Scrap award by Amber @ The Morrisons and Danielle @ Well, That's Just Fabulous! Both of these bloggers are amazing ladies, and I am so happy to have found them in blogland. For this award, I am supposed to tell you 10 honest things about me that you may not know.

1. I am incredibly scared to have children. Like, I think something is wrong with me.

2. I am pretty much the opposite of a germaphobe. I don't wash my hands that often, and I will drink after just about anyone. I also hardly ever get sick. Coincidence?

3. Estrangement is easy for me. Maybe I'll elaborate sometime.

4. Nightscapes creep me out. You know, the people who put lights in their trees to light up the branches at night? Creeptastic.

5. No matter how many times I go over my knees with a razor, in however many different directions, I can't ever get the majority of the little hairs.

6. I check and balance my bank account every day. Anal much? Wait. Nope, there's just no possible way to make that sound any better.

7. My dream car is an early 70s model El Camino SS. But I wouldn't complain if you got me a Mercedes SLR McLaren. Whatev.

8. I have been known to fall asleep on the toilet after getting up in the middle of the night to pee. I suppose I rationalize that it would take too long to crawl back in bed.

9. My Myers-Briggs personality is ISFJ: Introversion, Sensing, Feeling, Judgement.

10. I have become THAT person that gives wedding gifts about nine months after the wedding.

I was also given the Sexy Blogger Award by Amy @ The Un-Wife Housewife Life. Thanks foxy lady!

Ok, I cheated a little on this one. I don't consider myself a sexy person. Cute, yes. Sexy, no. So I had my husband jump-start this one with a few G rated things he finds sexy about me. He said:

1. "Your amazing smile." I don't know that I would call it amazing, but when I'm not cheesing, it's ok.

2. "Your crooked toes." What a weirdo, that man.

3. "The way you prance around the house when you're in a good mood." Yes, in the privacy of my own home, I am a prancer!

So after a little help from him, I was able to think up a few on my own.

4. I happen to think it's sexy that I'm a good mix of tomboy and girly. I'll camo it up, grab my shotgun and go hunt and drink with the boys. But, I come home, clean up and rock a frilly dress with heels.

5. My hair. It's long and blonde (see above pic), and since I've become very lazy about blowing it out embraced my natural wave, it's usually big and slightly unkempt in a sexy bed-head kind of way.

There ya go! Thanks again gals! And, I know this is a cop-out, but with my absence lately, I really don't know who has these awards and who doesn't. If you want them, take them!

The greatest presents make their way to my mailbox!

So, there are a slew of reasons that I have not been able to post this post until now. I promise it has very little to do with laziness or Sookie Stackhouse and much to do with technology. After major camera/computer issues (GRRRR - if you hadn't noticed lately, I have been posting cell phone pics, pics on my work comp and scans from the office), I am FINALLY able to blog the much-anticipated package I received through Kate's blog swap from Amber!!!

But first, let me say how awesome Amber was to have as a partner. She was so much fun to shop for, and although we only know each other by what we read, I had to stop myself from buying more and more great things that I knew she would love! Check here to see all the neat stuff she got in her package.

Ok, on to the goodies...I didn't get a picture of the before wrapping because I was too excited, but Amber fit everything into a boot box with cute wrapping and tags. After ripping open my package five year old on Christmas Day style, I found all of this great stuff!!

Goodies for Riley and Gidget, a polka-dotted "J" koozie, a hat, Chapstick, nail polish, candle, OREOS! (my all time fave), great tote, magnetic shopping list and a yellow box.

What is that fabulous yellow box? Yellow Box flops!! Anyone who knows me knows that I am addicted to these flip flops. I have at least ten pair in different colors and styles, and Amber got me the cutest pair in blue that happen to match at least three different outfits in my closet!

Here's a close up of some more of the goods.

I have been wanting a pink Dallas Cowboys hat to wear with my jersey for so long, and Amber actually included this at the suggestion of her husband. It's so perfect, and it made its debut last Thursday during the preseason game! I wish I had a picture of that!

The Chapstick, which is a cant live without item for me, is tropical scented and has shimmer. I don't typically venture outside of the plain jane kind, but this stuff rocks! I got a new OPI shade, and that great koozie is residing at the lake. You can never have enough koozies at the lake!

Then, there's the Circle E candle. You ladies outside of certain areas in Texas probably aren't privileged enough to know of Circle E Candles. They are the best! And the best fragrance?? Bird of Paradise! Seriously, this single fragrance outsells all of their other fragrances combined. I've never met a woman who didn't love Bird of Paradise!

And, it always makes me happy when someone remembers my babies. Amber was awesome enough to include some spa wipes and yummy cookies for Gidget & Riley.

A HUGE thank you to a new friend, Amber, and a gracious swap hostess, Kate!! Please forgive me for the tardiness of the post. Amber, I need to ask you about your new camera. I'm not sure if mine is going to make it. I sure hope I didn't forget anything. I feel like I remember taking more pictures, but these are all I was able to salvage off a corrupt memory card. Let me know if I did!

On another fun note...I won a giveaway!! I never win anything, but last week, I got a little email from The Beauty File letting me know that I had won her 100th post giveaway. I picked out my prize from The Inglenook Decor, and it was on my doorstep when I came home from the lake this weekend. Isn't this candle holder precious?

It does not yet have a place in my home. I am working up a complete re-design of my living/kitchen area, and I am saving this baby for my new look! Please check out both The Beauty File and The Inglenook Decor for lots of lovely ideas and decor!

Wow, that was long. Watch out - she's back!

Mutt Monday!

This week's Mutt Monday features pictures of absolutely worthless mutts. The picture of Gidget was taken last Sunday during a rare treat of sleeping in the bed. She was so worn out from the lake that she slept wedged between me and Riley, like this, all night.

This picture was taken of Riley last night after another fun-filled weekend at the lake. He slept like this until I moved from the couch. Worthless, huh??

I probably should've edited out his weenis, but I just posted twice in one morning. What more do you people want from me?!?!____________________________________________________________

Mutt Monday was spawned, in part, by you - my fellow bloggers! In my blogstalking, I have come across so many of you who, like me, have adorable hounds that you love to show off! And what better way to brighten a dreary Monday than man's (and woman's!) best friend???

So all you dog lovers out there, I want to see your mutts and your purebreds, your tiny Chihuahuas and your huge Great Danes, your brand spankin' new puppies and your lazy, graying flea bags! Do you want to join the Mutt Monday fun? Link to your Mutt Monday post (not just your blog) through Mr. Linky below so we can all melt over your precious mutt(s)!!

I'm not a fan of Mr. Linky anymore, but there it is. You can also just leave a link to your post in the comment section if you choose to participate!

Boot Centerpieces!

As promised, I am going to be working today on blogs that don't involve my dogs - but I do have a Mutt Monday post. I mentioned doing boot centerpieces for my in-laws 30th anniversary party last month. We finally got the CD back with all the photos so here are a few pictures of my centerpieces. I think I will post some more later because I was so happy with the way they turned out! But for now, here are a few...

I used both yellow and red sunflowers, safflower, white Gerber daisies, green millet sprays, statice, and a few others with names that escape my memory at the moment.

A stolen survey.

I stole this from Adventures in Newlywed.

• What is your salad dressing of choice? Oil & vinegar.
• What is your favorite sit-down restaurant? I don't have a frontrunner.
• What food could you eat for 2 weeks straight and not get sick of it? Pasta, pasta, pasta!
• What are your pizza toppings of choice? None. I'm an Alfredo gal.
• What do you like to put on your toast? Buttah.
• How many televisions are in your house? Tres.
• What color cell phone do you have? Black with a pink protector.
• Are you right-handed or left-handed? Right.
• Have you ever had anything removed from your body? Wisdom teeth.
• What is the last heavy item you lifted? A block of insulation.
• Have you ever been knocked unconscious? No.
• If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die? No way Jose.
• If you could change your name, what would you change it to? Buzz Lightyear.
• Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000? This truly depends on the amount of time lapsed since my last online visit to Anthropologie. Today, it is a no since I placed an order yesterday. ;)
• Last run-in with a cop? Speeding ticket last year. Boo.
• Last person you talked to? Co-worker. We were discussing True Blood very important work matters.
• Last person you hugged? Tone Loc.
• Favorite Season? Fall.
• Holiday? 4th of July.
• Day of the week? Sunday.
• Month? I don't guess I have one.
• First place you went this morning? Bathroom. What? It's true.
• What's the last movie you saw? Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.
• Do you smile often? Yep.
• Do you always answer your phone? I hardly ever answer unless it's a select friend or family member.
• It's four in the morning and you get a text message who is it? Josh.
• If you could change your eye color what would it be? Eh, I like my green.
• What flavor drink do you get at Sonic? Sweet tea or iced latte. I don't drink sodas.
• Do you own a digital camera? Yes, but you wouldn't know it because I never seem to use it or remember it.
• Have you ever had a pet fish? Yes.
• Favorite Christmas song? "Carol of the Bells."
• What's on your wish list for your birthday? That's too far away.
• Can you do push ups? Yes.
• Can you do a chin up? I haven't tried in forever, so I am guessing no.
• Does the future make you more nervous or excited? Both.
• Do you have any saved texts? No.
• Ever been in a car wreck? Yes, nothing serious.
• Do you have an accent? Definitely.
• What is the last song to make you cry? "Stay" by Sugarland. It's just so raw.
• Plans tonight? Start reading From Dead to Worse!
• Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom? Nah.
• Name 3 things you bought yesterday? Only two - iced mocha latte from Sonic and gas.
• Have you ever been given roses? Yes.
• Current worry? Oh gosh, that's too hard to narrow down.
• Current hate right now? None, thankfully.
• Met someone who changed your life? Yep.
• How did you bring in the New Year? With friends and alcohol at home.
• What were you doing 12 AM last night? Sleeping.
• What was the first thing you thought when you woke up? Can I call in sick?

My apologies, dear readers.

I've gotten some complaints about my absence, and I am deeply sorry. I have been too caught up in reading to write. I've been devouring the Sookie Stackhouse novels over the last two weeks. I am starting book 8 tonight, and I should finish the series (what's published anyway) by Monday.

I have lots of things I want to blog - my swap package, Gidget's new collar, my boot centerpieces, awards, griping about my knee problems, a can't/can/shouldn't/should/won't/will post, how elated I have been to reconcile with my BIL & SIL (and meeting my niece for the first time) - but I just can't make myself sit down and do it when these delicious books are calling my name once I get home.

It's all coming...

Coming soon to a blog near you...

Mutt Monday tonight! Gidget has a fun new collar from Etsy to sport!

Amber's blog swap package for me - I made out like a bandit!! :)

Mutt Monday

This picture was taken in 2005 during our first "family" photo shoot. Riley was just two here. He looks so long and lean! Riley's a bird dog, and as we were sitting next to the duck pond, he was so excited here that he forgot to put the lid on his lipstick. Ah, the joy of boys!

I promise, I promise that I am good for more than just MM. I've been having some personal issues, and I don't think anyone wants to read my "woe is me" posts. Have mercy on lame-o me!

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Mutt Monday was spawned, in part, by you - my fellow bloggers! In my blogstalking, I have come across so many of you who, like me, have adorable hounds that you love to show off! And what better way to brighten a dreary Monday than man's (and woman's!) best friend???

So all you dog lovers out there, I want to see your mutts and your purebreds, your tiny Chihuahuas and your huge Great Danes, your brand spankin' new puppies and your lazy, graying flea bags! Do you want to join the Mutt Monday fun? Link to your Mutt Monday post (not just your blog) through Mr. Linky below so we can all melt over your precious mutt(s)!!

A Late Mutt Monday!

Tony's aunt says that our dogs are more photogenic than most people. I'm inclined to agree - they give good face!

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Mutt Monday was spawned, in part, by you - my fellow bloggers! In my blogstalking, I have come across so many of you who, like me, have adorable hounds that you love to show off! And what better way to brighten a dreary Monday than man's (and woman's!) best friend???

So all you dog lovers out there, I want to see your mutts and your purebreds, your tiny Chihuahuas and your huge Great Danes, your brand spankin' new puppies and your lazy, graying flea bags! Do you want to join the Mutt Monday fun? Link to your Mutt Monday post (not just your blog) through Mr. Linky below so we can all melt over your precious mutt(s)!!

I know I'm late, but please add your link if you played along. I don't want to miss anybody's mutts!

These boots were made for walkin'!

I know that I said I was going to get back in the blogging habit, but I've just been super busy. My in-laws 30th anniversary party is Saturday night, and there have been so many last minute errands to run. I've got a house guest coming tomorrow, so I need to scour my dirty house and then finish up my centerpieces. These are the bases:


Aren't they cute?! I should be back in full blogging force with lots of pictures next week. Take care lovelies!

Mutt Monday

I apologize for the absence of Mutt Monday last week. I have been in a blogging funk lately, but I am trying to pull myself out! Today's MM post is a few pictures that I found last week in an old Photobucket account.

I used this as a signature several years ago.

This is probably four years ago at Tony's grandparents' pine tree farm. Gidget looks so big compared to Riley in this pic!

Don't be fooled by their cute faces. They can turn cutthroat in no time!

______________________________________________________________

Mutt Monday was spawned, in part, by you - my fellow bloggers! In my blogstalking, I have come across so many of you who, like me, have adorable hounds that you love to show off! And what better way to brighten a dreary Monday than man's (and woman's!) best friend???

So all you dog lovers out there, I want to see your mutts and your purebreds, your tiny Chihuahuas and your huge Great Danes, your brand spankin' new puppies and your lazy, graying flea bags! Do you want to join the Mutt Monday fun? Link to your Mutt Monday post (not just your blog) through Mr. Linky below so we can all melt over your precious mutt(s)!!

As a side note, thank you sincerely for your sweet comments about this post. I was a little nervous to be that vulnerable, but y'all squashed that pretty quickly! :)

A Letter to My Husband.

A letter to my husband, on this our fifth anniversary.

I’ve said hurtful things that I regret. You forgave.
I’ve sweated so many small things. You obliged.
I’ve despaired when things got rough. You encouraged.
I’ve wished for more than I should have. You granted.
I’ve cried buckets of tears. You mopped.
I’ve felt unattractive and inadequate. You desired.
I’ve dug my heels in stubbornness. You caved.
I’ve needed more than you had to give. You endured.
I’ve questioned you. You tolerated.
I’ve shared my deepest secrets. You listened.
I’ve lusted for your touch. You consumed.
I’ve trusted when it didn’t feel natural. You committed.
I’ve laughed until my stomach ached. You tickled.
I’ve given myself to you unlike any other. You welcomed.
I’ve loved more intensely than my heart thought possible. You requited.
I’ve grown as a woman, as a person, as a wife. You inspired.

You are truly my better half. I love you more than yesterday but less than tomorrow!

Mutt Monday!

Today's edition of Mutt Monday comes to you courtesy of Amy at The Un-wife Housewife Life. Amy was my Summer Swap partner, and she was so sweet to include some Bil-Jac liver treats for my furry kiddos. I took some video of the kids enjoying her gift, and I can't believe that I am even posting something that features my voice, but here it is - puppy talk, Texas drawl and all...

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Mutt Monday was spawned, in part, by you - my fellow bloggers! In my blogstalking, I have come across so many of you who, like me, have adorable hounds that you love to show off! And what better way to brighten a dreary Monday than man's (and woman's!) best friend???

So all you dog lovers out there, I want to see your mutts and your purebreds, your tiny Chihuahuas and your huge Great Danes, your brand spankin' new puppies and your lazy, graying flea bags! Do you want to join the Mutt Monday fun? Link to your Mutt Monday post (not just your blog) through Mr. Linky below so we can all melt over your precious mutt(s)!!

My Summer Swap Package Arrived!

I recently participated in Miss Sweet Tea's at the Sweet Tea Diaries Summer Swap. It was such a fun experience! Thanks so much for hosting this Angela! Before I get to the goods, can I just say that I had an awfully crummy day yesterday?? I got some disheartening news about a co-worker, and it is going to make the next several weeks strange and difficult. But when I came home to my summer swap package, all that faded away!

I got the best partner in Amy at The Un-wife Housewife Life! We have tons in common, and I'm sure if we lived closer, we would be great IRL friends. For now, we will have to settle for bloggy friends, BUT Tony did ask me if we needed to take a trip to FL when I went on and on about how much I enjoyed this process with Amy!

I opened up my package to find this awesome tote bag on the top!

Inside the tote bag were all my goodies. Everything was wrapped super cute, and she even played into my blog theme with this "A Girl's gotta SHINE" label!

Some other items of note were gifts for Riley & Gidget and Tony! She is so thoughtful!

Here's all my loot:

• the tote bag
• koozies for me & Tony
• liver treats for Riley & Gidget
• a book light - sure to get lots of use while I work on my Sookie Stackhouse books
• a floatie for the lake
• Orbit gum in the best flavor - Bubblemint!
• a super cute nail polish color & clearcoat that I will definitely be taking to my next pedicure
• Maybelline Shine Seduction gloss. It's spooky how in tune we seem to be. Amy got me the EXACT same lip product that I use, without telling her, ONE shade off from the current color I am using. That's so great!
• and probably my favorite of all - a great chip & dip bowl for the lake with Amy's personal guacamole recipe! Tony is really intrigued to try this, so I will definitely be whipping it up for the 4th!

Here is a better shot of just the tote bag and koozies. These were all HANDMADE by Amy's mom Angie over at TLC by Angie! How cool is that?? Thanks ladies!!

Here's a close up of some of my other goodies. The lip gloss was already stashed in my purse, and Tony and I were drooling over the guacamole!

Gidget waited for her treats like a good little girl. Riley was impossible to capture as he was bouncing all over the room. I made a video of them, but I didn't have time to load it, so I think it might make a good Mutt Monday post!

This swap was so much fun! Thanks again to Angela, Amy and Angie!

Inside the Actor's Studio with Jordan

I love watching Inside the Actor's Studio with James Lipton! Do you? I like hearing the behind the scenes stories, seeing a side of a celeb that makes them more relatable, and learning more about the people who captivate my attention with great screen works.

In each episode, Lipton asks the guest to answer the Bernard Pivot questionnaire. Since being recognized on a blog is the closest I will ever come to celebrity, I'll give you my answers here!

1. What is your favorite word? Couture. It's such a pretty word.

2. What is your least favorite word? Cee U Next Tuesday. That word just rubs me all kinds of wrong.

3. What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally? Wit, chivalry and a great butt.

4. What turns you off creatively, spiritually or emotionally? Infidelity, disloyalty and irresponsibility.

5. What sound do you love? A thunderstorm.

6. What sound do you hate? Nails on a chalkboard...and the alarm clock.

7. What is your favorite curse word? The F bomb. It's so versatile.

8. What profession other than yours would you like to attempt? Foley artistry. I've wanted to do that since I was a kid.

9. What profession would you not like to do? Anything involving needles in any capacity. Count me out.

10. If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates? Welcome to the party! All your friends are here, and there's free beer inside!

Play along if you want. I'd love to see your answers!

Mutt Monday!

Today's Mutt Monday picture features my two preshies on the night we had picked them up from the vet after a long week of boarding while we were in Tahoe. We gave them new babies, but you can tell by their expressions that they are still mad at us!

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Mutt Monday was spawned, in part, by you - my fellow bloggers! In my blogstalking, I have come across so many of you who, like me, have adorable hounds that you love to show off! And what better way to brighten a dreary Monday than man's (and woman's!) best friend???

So all you dog lovers out there, I want to see your mutts and your purebreds, your tiny Chihuahuas and your huge Great Danes, your brand spankin' new puppies and your lazy, graying flea bags! Do you want to join the Mutt Monday fun? Link to your Mutt Monday post (not just your blog) through Mr. Linky below so we can all melt over your precious mutt(s)!!

Wordful Wednesday: Oh Deer!

Wordful Wednesday is hosted by Seven Clown Circus.

This past weekend, we took a break from Fort Smith to head to Possum Kingdom Lake with friends. We started to see quite a few deer as the sun went down, and Mark mentioned that they would come closer if I threw some corn out. So, I did, and the next several pictures show you what happened next.

OMG, it's eating out of my hand!! (I couldn't fix the red eyes on this one. Please resist the urge to draw horns on me.)

Tony got in on the action for a few minutes. I think he was resisting the urge to wrestle the deer to the ground.

Here come some more...

They ate out of my hand like this for a long time. Their little noses are so soft. I loved it!

I had just told this one that he needed to lay off and let someone else have a turn. He wasn't amused.

At this point, there were 15 or so in my little area. There were several more approaching on the other side of the fence.

The next day, these ladies were feeding on a brush pile in front of the house.

And, look what was hiding in between our fence and the neighbors...


A baby deer!! This little thing was almost as cute as a puppy. Sorry baby deer, nothing beats puppies in my book. It let me get pretty close before it hightailed it for its mama.

I found it with its mama a little later. Reunited and it feels so good...

I hope you enjoyed!

Acceptance Speech

I've got a few awards that I've received that I need to distribute. First up, I was awarded...

Neno's Award!

For this award, I would like to thank Lindsay! Lindsay @ Goodbye Martha is one of my many Linds(e/a)y followers, but this particular Lindsay sets herself apart. She is a lovely, Christian woman who writes about her faith, food, fitness and other fun stuff! Her posts reflect both her honest nature and genuine personality.

Neno's Award - Rules & Regulations:

1.As a dedication for those who love blogging and love to encourage friendships through blogging.
2.To seek the reasons why we all love blogging.
3.Put the award in one post as soon as you receive it.
4.Don't forget to mention the person who gives you the award.
5.Answer the award's question by writing the reason why you love blogging.
6.Tag and distribute the award to as many people as you like.
7.Don't forget to notify the award receivers and put their links in your post.

Q: Why do I love blogging? A: Well, I love blogging for a few reasons, but the main reason is...YOU! I love coming across a blog that makes me laugh, finding a blogger with whom I have something in common, discovering fabulous new products based on blogger recommendations, gaining inspiration from bloggers dealing with life's difficulties and gathering ideas from bloggers about anything and everything. I love sharing in your stories, your pictures and your lives. And I also love your comments!

I would like to present this award to:

1. My dearly missed friend Rachel @ The Kersting Klan. She and I were inseparable through my last few teen years/early twenties, and as BFFs, we have shared so many ups and downs. She's in Missouri now with her darling daughter Ava and firefighter husband, and we are long overdue for a reunion!

2. Happiness Is... She really knows how to capture life's simple pleasures from Peanut M & Ms (my fave!), fresh flowers and dog love to Mac & Cheese for dinner, beautiful vacay spots and shopping. You name it, she nails it! I always leave her blog with a smile.

3. Lindsey @ Learning to be a Wife. Lindsey is one of my best commenters! She is one of the newlywed bloggers that I have been drawn to because her stories of wedded bliss/blahs remind me of my first years as a wife. She also turned me onto the 30 Day Shred, and my flatter stomach thanks her!

Then, I was given...

the Friends Award!

I'd like to thank Iva for this award! Iva is an amazing blogger! She has managed to garner a large following in a short amount of time, and it's not hard to see why. She loves to meet other bloggers, and she is fantastic about featuring and crediting other bloggers. In one post, she tagged 40+ blogs (including mine!)...just because! Her posts always make me smile or laugh.

Then, I need to thank Lil' Woman! Lil' Woman is a list maker deluxe (shoutout), and my favorite list of hers has to be her 101 things she wants to do in 1001 days. I've seen these before from other bloggers, but Lil' Woman is blazing through it with lightning speed. She deserves major kudos for trying new things and achieving goals! She's inspired me to compile my own...whenever I get around to it. ;)

Lastly, thank you to Mel! Mel has a little one, Aidan, who is cute as a button! Her daily dose of his baby blues are enough to make any one melt. In addition to her little boy, she blogs great recipes and fun fashion/beauty finds. I am also just a tad jealous of her life in Scotland and all the awesome trips around Europe (which she details in great pictures!) that she gets to experience.

"This award is bestowed on to blogs that are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."

I would like to bestow this award upon:

1. Chelsea @ From My Front Porch. I have recently found Chelsea, who has bravely chronicled her journey to be a mother, and she's preggers right now! She is a fellow Texan who lives a charming country life with her husband and three gorgeous dogs!

2. Trina @ Fabulously Frugalicious. I adore Trina's blog because she shares my love of peacocks. She comes up with some amazingly frugal finds, and I love her DIY eye. She has a beautiful family with two charming kiddos!

3. LiLu @ Live It, Love It. Charming is the perfect word to describe LiLu! She is one of the most candid, brutally honest bloggers I've encountered. Her content is often gross and borderline offensive (yet somehow it still endears her readers to her), and she is always good for a laugh!

4. Danielle @ Well, That's Just Fabulous. Danielle is fabulously charming! She was so excited to have won my first giveaway. In addition to just being all-around fabulous, she shares my obsession with the tv. She designs blogs that are always clean and classy, and she's surprisingly grounded for a blogger living in LaLa Land. ;)

5. Amy Lynn @ The Un-wife Housewife Life. Amy is the charming partner that I was graced with in Miss Sweet Tea's summer swap, and I believe it was blog destiny that we were paired together. Amy and I share so much in common that it saddens me she is so far away in Florida.

6. Jessica @ This, That & My Blog. And when I say this and that, I mean it! Jessica blogs about everything under the sun (just check out her labels!), and I'm always sucked in to her posts. She designs charming blogs, and bonus - she is another Lone Star State blogger!

7. Lindsey @ The Wynn's World. Lindsey is another charming blogger I think I was destined to stumble upon. She is a fellow Texan (yeehaw!)/firefighter's wife/mom to two precious Boxer fur babies. I enjoy reading about her daily life, especially because it seems so similar to mine.

8. Amanda @ My Life as a Wife. Amanda was my very first blog to stalk, and she lured me into blogging with her cute stories about her life as a new wife. She's always got adorable puppy pics to share (two beautiful Chocolate Labs), great recipes to demonstrate, tv shows to review and funny newlywed stories that make you giggle. And shoutout - another Texas girl! Can you tell I love my Texas bloggers?? :)

Thanks again! Please check all these lovely ladies out!

Mutt Monday!

Riley is a great sport when it comes to hats!

Gidget on the other hand...

...NOT so much. ______________________________________________________________

Mutt Monday was spawned, in part, by you - my fellow bloggers! In my blogstalking, I have come across so many of you who, like me, have adorable hounds that you love to show off! And what better way to brighten a dreary Monday than man's (and woman's!) best friend???

So all you dog lovers out there, I want to see your mutts and your purebreds, your tiny Chihuahuas and your huge Great Danes, your brand spankin' new puppies and your lazy, graying flea bags! Do you want to join the Mutt Monday fun? Link to your Mutt Monday post (not just your blog) through Mr. Linky below so we can all melt over your precious mutt(s)!!