Florida, Aruba and One Year of Wedded Bliss

I’m not even going to address why I haven’t blogged in a MONTH AND A HALF – because it’s just pathetic.

We’ve definitely been on the go and doing a lot this summer…first up, Florida. We spent an entire week in Panama City Beach –the first few days just me, Shane and Jason and the last half with more friends – Mike, Mandy, Danielle, Branden, Chris and Lindsay. Key takeaways:

• Panama City Beach hasn’t changed since the year 2000.
• I accomplished my three book goal, finishing The Help, Still Missing and Are You There Vodka? – It’s Me Chelsea. Nothing better than reading on the beach. 
• After the trip, I had my first bout with serious indigestion – like I’ve never had before. I guess that’s what you get after a week of eating like crap and drinking like a fish.

A few photos for your viewing pleasure:

The beach...der.  

 This is my 'I don't want my stomach in this picture!' pose

 Besties!
This next series of pictures is quite curious...but hilarious!




 The only pic of me and Shane.

The next trip was to ARUBA! Danielle, Mandy and I went to celebrate Danielle’s 30th birthday and it was A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. The water was the bluest, clearest water I’ve ever seen…unlike any other Caribbean island I’ve ever been to. Danielle did a good job recapping our trip – check it out here, here, here, here and here.

Next up, and I can’t even believe how fast time has flown, was mine and Shane’s one year wedding anniversary! We began the day with a special shopping trip (pics to come of my gift!), a delicious steak dinner at Ruth’s Chris Steak House (including a Robert Mondavi Merlot bottle of wine – new fave), an improv show at Dad’s Garage and a night at the Melia Hotel downtown! Such a special night and I’m so proud of Shane for putting so much effort and thought into it…I’ve trained him well.:)

 At dinner...check that dessert.

Cheeseballs who apparently are fascinated with our hotel balcony and the fact that you could see a skyline. Total suburbanites.

 And, surprisingly, we have done a crap load of stuff around the house too! I promise to blog again and share said stuff before October. Swears.

Some Friday Randomness

I've had the most random thoughts/experiences this week. Here are a few appropriate ones that I've chosen to share:

I was at Chateau Elan for most of the week at a meeting. Their wine is disgusting. They actually only make 5% of their wine and the rest comes from California...yet, they have a vineyard at their entrance. Stoopy.

I ordered some more Stella and Dot jewelry (joo-ri)...check it:

I got the purple one because it was on sale. Regular $40 and I got it for $19. Score.

I was on my way home last night and pulled up next to this:

When is it ever OK for your children to put stickers on your windows? I would love to know exactly how that went down...mom is having a bad day, kids are screaming in the backseat, so, you throw a pack of stickers at them to calm them down? And then let them destroy your car? And then you get home and don't even pull them off and use some acetone to get the sticky off? Instead, you drive around, looking like a complete moron and let everyone judge you? Well, consider yourself judged. Now go get that mess off of there and spank your child for destroying property.

We are on vacation at the beach all next week and I. Cannot. Wait. I plan to read at least three books (and will be disappointed in myself if I don't accomplish that goal), not wake up to an alarm clock (AT.ALL.) and am considering taking at least one day to not shower. Or talk.

We recently attended our dear friend, Mike's, 30th birthday party. Everyone dressed as a character from one of Mike's favorite movies. It was hilarious.

 The hosts - Mike (birthday boy)(Super Troopers Bullet Proof Cup) and Mandy (Receptionist from Beetlejuice)

 Shane (A Clockwork Orange) and I (Something About Mary)

The boys (L to R) - Jose (Shake Weight Guy), Nick (The Hangover), Jason (Ace Ventura - Mental Institution scene), Mike (Super Troopers), Brandon (Big Brother from the Goonies), Shane (A Clockwork Orange)

And notice Jason's tutu - I made it. It was the first thing I've made in a while that I didn't fail and that I was really proud of! I watched this tutorial. Here's a better picture with a very enthusiastic model:

And, that is all. Have a great weekend!

Into the Woods

Fourth of July weekend was spent in the North Georgia mountains with lots of friends, lots of food and lots of drinks. I should also include that it was spent with some wildlife...

Including this snakeskin that met us at the entrance:

Then a scorpion fell out of the blinds on the window and then we spent the next hour or so talking about scorpions, if they are poisonous, what would happen if we got stung, etc. No photos to accompany the scorpion.

Next was an actual snake...it was a baby but still gross.

Here is a video of our reaction (warning: foul language - we clearly crack under pressure):

And then we did some grilling...watch the Grill Master perform a really cool trick:

I know it's about a week late (that's how we roll) but I hope you all had great 4ths!

New Joo-Ri - Loving Stella and Dot!

How did I not know about Stella and Dot? A co-worker's sister sells it and yesterday she told me about a sample sale...at which I promptly bought three items at a serious discount!

I got them today and I'm in love!

Got these bracelets in black and brown - regular $59 each; I paid $30 each:

Love this necklace - regular $70; I paid $25:

I'm totally digging the Stella and Dot!

You Like Meatloaf?

I do...especially when it's a Paula Dean recipe - yum! I'd highly recommend this easy, yet delicious version! (I made some slight changes to the recipe - you can get the original version here.)

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef 
• 10 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled 
• 6-ounces of Cabot 75% fat free sharp cheddar, grated 
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten 
• 1/4 cup bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup fat free mayonnaise 
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 
• 1/3 cup ketchup 
• 2 tablespoons mustard

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground chuck and next 8 ingredients, mixing well.
3. In a small bowl, combine the ketchup and mustard. Stir 1/4 cup ketchup mixture into meat mixture, reserving remaining ketchup mixture.
4. Press meat mixture into a 9 by 5 by 3-inch loaf pan. Spread remaining ketchup mixture over loaf. Bake 55 minutes.

That Bong, Ba-Bong, Bong, Bong!

Monday night...actual conversation:

Shane: Looks like we didn't clean this house out as well as we thought we did when we moved in.
Stacy: What are you talking about?
Shane: I was putting up some stuff in the hall closet and found something tucked in a corner.
Stacy: What did you find?
Shane: Walk around the corner and look.
Stacy: What did you find?!
Shane: Just go look!
Stacy walks down the hallway, turns the corner and sees this:

Stacy: Is that a flashlight? What is that?...Oh my...
Shane: I'm pretty sure it's a bong.
Stacy: Oh - that is a bong! Why did you just leave it on the floor?! What are we going to do with it?!
Shane: Um, throw it away.

And scene.

The bong is still sitting on our kitchen counter.

Timberrrrrrr!

As part of our 'Grow Grass Now' initiative, we've not only enlisted Scott's Lawn Care Service (and yes, I expect Turner Field-esque grass any minute now) but we also decided to prune and even take down some trees. Here was the scene at the Wilson home today:

We cut down two trees (one oak and one crooked pine) and 'limbed up' (that's tree cutting terminology) three others. Before and afters:

 Through the office window...safety first. Always.

 And now a few shots from the street...no before and afters, sorry. (Damn, that grass is struggling.)

We are really pleased with the end results. We'd definitely recommend our vendor - Tree Monster in Atlanta!

And now that we've rid the yard of sunlight obstructors, stay tuned for photos of beautiful green grass. And possibly 'Yard of the Month' signage.

Proofread! Proofread! Proofread!

Because I have nothing exciting to share or update on, I leave you with this sign that I saw while on Mandy's Bachelorette Trip in Orlando.

This reaffirms my idea for a business - proofreading and writing for business owners who speak English as a second language. These people would be first on my list of prospects, with the remainder being the owners of every single Chinese buffet in the world.

Celebrity Sighting!

Last week, Shane and I (and some friends) were at our regular spot, Hottie Hawgs, playing trivia. Long story short, we didn't win, but got a call from someone saying Zac Brown was at Dixie Tavern (a local bar where the Zac Brown band got their start). We jump in the car and head over and sure enough...Zac Brown was there. Proof below (sorry for the bad quality...damn camera phone):

And some videos:

We never approached him or tried to talk to him...he was just trying to have a drink and chill. So, instead we sat three feet away from him and just stared. Way less creepy.

Sh*t My Dad Says

As we approach Father's Day on Sunday, I thought it only fitting to share some of the wisdom that my dad has shared with me over the years. Some legit, some non-legit...some relevant, some irrevelant.

1. Chew with your mouth closed. OR Don't smack your food. (This turned into an OCD disorder...I know notice EVERYONE who smacks their food. And once I notice it, it sounds like they are doing it into a microphone.)
2. Take your time and do it right the first time.
3. Take initiative - don't wait for someone to ask you do something.
4. Always keep your car clean - you never know who will need a ride. (He actually used to say 'What if you saw the President stranded on the side of the road? Would you let him ride in a nasty car?' Well, first, the President would never be hitchhiking, and second, if it is our current President that we are talking about...then, yes, he could ride in a nasty car.)
5. Keep your elbows off the table.
6. Being on time means you are late. (This one NEVER sunk in because I'm habitually late.)
7. Always make your bed. (This one didn't quite take either...)
8. Always keep your things 'squared away.' There is no excuse to not take care of your stuff.
9. Always tell your brothers you love them. Family is the most important thing.
10. Never argue with an idiot. They'll bring you down to their level and beat you with experience.

Happy Father's Day!

Summer Cold - Recommended Remedies

I officially have a cold...in the summer...and it sucks. Yesterday was spent laying in my bed, then on the couch, eating soup and feeling sorry for myself.

Below are my go to items for a cold - all highly recommended:

The Neti Pot...this thing is AMAZING.

No better sleep than the NyQuil sleep...

Mmmmm.

Stay hydrated with the Camelbak...the second best invention on this list.

Tomato soup and grilled cheese...mmmm.

Feel sorry for me.

Random Thoughts this Week

I only have one picture for this post – boring. But something that ISN’T boring are some of the completely random things that I’ve thought about/done this week.

1. Who invented the 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. work week? And why? And who decided that Saturday and Sunday should be your days off? 

2. I got home the other night to the HUGEST bug sitting on the door handle to my house. I walk up, put my keys in the lock and then see the bug…I jumped down three stairs, ran over to the other side of my car and immediately opened my phone to call Shane. (Whenever I get scared or confused, I call Shane. He can fix problems telepathically.) He was playing tennis, though, so I knew I was in this one alone. I was frantic. I immediately had to pee…like pee my pants pee. Then I look around because I think maybe this is a joke…someone drove all the way to my house to put this fake bug on my door handle and then sit and wait for me to get home and find it. Or maybe it’s a stalker. (Too much Law and Order). So, long story short, I do what any mature adult would do – I begin picking up sticks and branches and throwing them at the door from across the driveway…hoping to scare the bug off. After about 10 sticks, I finally hit it and it falls off onto the steps. It was dead. I take another stick and flick it under the deck stairs. Look around again…proceed inside.

3. I’ve decided I like Justin Bieber. It’s not Bieber-fever status but I enjoy some of his songs…and I recently watched the CMT awards (or some award show that was on CMT) and saw that he collaborated with Rascal Flatts. Done and done.

4. Guys who grunt at the gym are ridiculous. Besides the point that you are being disrespectful of those who are trying to enjoy a nice novel while walking on the treadmill, you just look stupid. And if you wear earbuds and possibly can’t hear yourself doing it…just watch for my over-exxagerated huffs and puffs and my laser focused death stare.

5. Nicki Minaj is a cheap, tacky rip off of Lady Gaga, in my personal opinion. Yeah, I know they do two different types of music…but still.

6. Moo Moo and Dragon are dead. Moo Moo was malled and gutted while Dragon was simply tortured…Beau slowly removed his squeaker by busting the side stitching of his chest. Although he may be a sadist, I consider him a genius dog…I think I’ve said before that I plan on using him as our first born’s nanny. I was only half way kidding.

You have any random thoughts to share?

Have a great weekend!

Recipe Sharing: White Sangria

I’m not normally a sangria fan…I prefer vodka. With a Sugar Free Redbull, or Crystal Light, Or Sprite, Or Straight. Whatever.

However, a few weeks ago, I stopped by my mom’s house and she had just made white sangria. It. Was. Fantastic. And STRONG. And very pretty too (all the colors, you know…)


So, here is my mom’s recipe for white sangria that you should make TODAY. (Or you could perhaps wait for the holiday weekend…I guess that would be more appropriate.):
Makes a pitcher of sangria

• 3 Bottles of dry white wine such as Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardanay (Just use cheap wine – Trader Joe’s)
• Simple Syrup (add to taste, the recipe below requires less to get sweetness)
• Fruit ( Strawberries, Pineapple, orange slices, apple slices, Star Fruit, Kiwi)
• Fresh Mint Leaves

Making your own simple syrup is also more economical than buying it at the store. You can make as small or as large a batch as you wish and store it in the refrigerator in a well sealed bottle for around 6 months.


Rich Simple Syrup - With this variation you can use less syrup than a cocktail calls for.


Cook Time: 5 minutes; Total Time: 5 minutes


Ingredients:
2 parts sugar
1 part water
Crushed Mint Leaves

Preparation:

1. Bring the water to a boil.
2. Dissolve the sugar into the boiling water then add Mint, stirring constantly.
3. Once the sugar is dissolved completely, remove the pan from the heat. (Note: Do not allow the syrup to boil for too long or the syrup will be too thick.)
4. Strain Mint off.
5. Allow to cool completely and thicken, then pour into your wine/fruit mixture.

ENJOY! (Responsibly, that is...:))

Doggie Birthday!

Monday marked our dogs', Beauregard and Brother's, 3rd birthday! Can't believe how quickly they are growing up...:)

Funny part is - their birthday was Monday but Shane and I forgot. We talked about it Friday, Saturday and Sunday - BUT forgot about it on Monday. So we decided to celebrate on Tuesday...

They got these new toys...also known as Moo-Moo and Dragon:

Our dogs don't typically get stuffed animals because they will promptly destroy them. However, these toys are Go Dog toys and have something called Chew Guard Technology...I wasn't sure about these until the sales person said that her two Pit Bulls had these same toys and had had them for over a year. I purchased them and am proud to report that almost 24 hours later - these toys are still intact. With all of their limbs, wings, eyes, etc. I think we may be fans!

 Brother, Shane and Beau...look at Beau - he is so obsessed with his dad.

 This was 20 minutes after the stuffed animal presentation...he was bored. I think he knew that we really missed his big day.

 But this guy was thoroughly entertained. He prefers to see the brighter side of the situation.  

 And we finished the night off with some Frosty Paws! And, yes, we I did sing Happy Birthday as we put down their bowls.

And, in case you are indeed still  reading, I figured I'd share some birthday stuffed animal video footage...is it clear how much we love our dogs?

Aaaannnnd....

We're back. I've been gone a month and I know you missed me.

So, what's been going on? Here is an update on our life over the past month...in no particicular order:

Our friends, Mike and Mandy, got married! It was so beautiful, so fun, so emotional...but only for me apparently. Mandy was cool as a cucumber but I couldn't get myself together...I cried with pretty much everyone who spoke to me. I hate when I do that.

Check out the beautiful bride:

And here are all the bridesmaids...and the bride. She's the one in shorts.

We also hosted another bachelorette party for Mandy the weekend before...it was fun. And crazy. Per usual. We started the night off with pole dancing - and you are for sure high if you think I'm posting pictures of that. But after that we put back on our suburban girl clothes and went to a bar that typically targets the 40-50 crowd...it was awesome.

 Stobbe, Mandy (she's the one in the wig.) and me

 The group...apparently I thought that I needed to squeeze in.

 This guy bought champagne. Perfect.

 And the last picture of the night - HA!

In non-Mandy and Mike related news, here are some highlights:

• I have dyhidrodic eczema on my hands. It has been there since college and I thought that it was warts. Thanks a lot Web MD.
• We bought a deck box for the deck. Clever name. And then got the deck stained. We always do things backwards.
• Our dryer broke. AGAIN. Would I recommend that you purchase a Frigidaire? Um, check this out.

And that pretty much sums it up! Hope that everyone has a great weekend!