Fashion Friday: Easter Sunday

I don't know if it's a "southern thing" or if everyone does this but around Easter time my mom always took my sister and I shopping for our Easter dresses. You always bought a dress for Easter, and you pretty much only wore it once. I still buy an Easter outfit to wear on Sunday morning but now I actually make sure I can wear it for more than just that one occasion.

                           
I LOVE this yellow maxi skirt! It's so flowy and colorful! I did have a hard time deciding what to do for a top. Since the bottom is SO colorful I thought it best to keep the top very simple and clean and add some more pop with jewelry and shoes. I think the turquoise color looks really nice with the yellow. The bag... I actually just got that bag today! It was 30% off and was already REALLY cheap! WOOT!

Well, that's my Southern Soapbox. Enjoy your Easter and remember to thank God for sending His son to give the ultimate sacrifice and grant us eternal life. What a wonderful gift He has given us!

Wonky and Woot-tastic

It's hump day!

Wonky:
   - My bed gets small FAST. Sleeping with 2, sometimes 3, dogs, and a cat gets really crowded really fast.
   - I absolutely love my hedgehog and she really is very sweet, but the other day she was VERY cranky! She bit me twice in less than 30 minutes! And she bit me HARD! She chomped down once while I was giving her a bath, which wasn't too terrible, but then a little later I had her under my shirt to keep her warm after her bath and she latched on to my stomach. Literally, latched. I looked down my shirt and she was holding on! I guess she was not happy with bath time.
   - I just took an embarrassingly long nap and am still REALLY tired. I think I'm getting sick.
   - A guy in my English class started yelling and cussing at me in front of the entire class. We were peer editing each others papers and had to fill out a rubric, well he didn't do his so I asked the professor what she wanted me to do with my rubric. Apparently he didn't like that I told her that he didn't do it. Tough luck buddy, try doing your homework next time.
   - Ryan is in Pennsylvania. He only left this past Friday but I haven't seen him in over a week. I miss him, although there is a perk to him being out of town....

Woot-tastic:
   - Since Ryan is out of town, me being the loving girlfriend that I am, I offered to drive his car for him. I know. I'm so sweet and selfless. We all have to make sacrifices for those we love, my sacrifice just happens to be driving his 2012 Honda Civic Si. Life's rough.
   - I LOVE the Food Network! Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives and Bar Rescue are probably two of my favorite shows right now.
   - The people at our church are AWESOME! They have been bringing us meals since mom's surgery and they're all really good! There's always a fear when someone else cooks for your family, especially if they don't know you really well. Like a fear that you're going to get some sort of tuna, spam, arugula and kale salad. Thankfully we have had no tuna, spam, or kale and everything everyone has made has been TO DIE for! AND we didn't have to make it! Mom should have surgery more often. Thank you so very much TPC ladies!
   - So, I'm not sure if this is wonky, or woot-tastic. You can decide but I'll put it under woot-tastic simply because I'm very proud of myself. My friend, Meagan (not to be confused with my sister, Maegan), had her birthday dinner at a restaurant called Tei Tei Robata Bar. After I accepted the invitation I decided it might be wise to look at the menu online before I head over there. When I saw it, I'm pretty sure I turned 5 different shades of green. It's sushi. I don't do fish, or sushi. At all. I looked for some nonfish item but all I found was a $40 steak. So, I went and decided that if nothing else I could eat some steamed rice and then drive through Taco Bell afterwards. We got there and Meagan's mother and I looked over the menu together. She was also a little nervous about the sushi thing. We were both resigned to get quail or lamb chops, since we at least knew what that was. The waitress comes by and explains to us that it's a family style dinner, so everyone shares. Well, that's cool. Now we can get our quail and lamb BUT if we feel brave we can still try other stuff! Needless to say, by the end of the night I had tried: quail (which tastes like chicken), lamb chops (yum), octopus (it wasn't bad), a sushimi thingy that was flounder wrapped in sea urchin (eh.. not so much), squid (ew), and my personal favorite.... cornflake crusted shrimp (YUM!). Oh, and for dessert I had green tea ice cream.

   - Since this weeks Wonky and Woot-tastic is rather boring, here's a picture of Prim after she had bitten me the first time but before the second time. She had just finished her bath and I was about to clip her nails.

Alright, that's it for this weeks Southern Soapbox. Sorry it was kind of lame.

Green Smoothie Recipe

I have tried and tried to like the green smoothie recipes that I've found online but they were either too peanut butter-y, too banana-y or too spinach-y but I've finally got it! Here's the recipe I used!

Ingredients:

1 sliced, frozen banana
1 heaping tablespoon of peanut butter (it was probably more like a tablespoon and a half)
1 cup of milk
1 1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon (optional)
2 cups of spinach
**You can also add some flax seed :)

Make sure you slice your banana BEFORE you freeze it! Sounds obvious I know, and I did know to do this, but for some reason I stuck the whole banana in there anyways. I know the whole drinking spinach thing totally grossed me out too but my sister told me that it could be done so now I am telling you: Try it!!!! If you don't like the amounts I put in, play with it a little. Like I said, I didn't like any of the recipes I found so I made my own!

Well, that's my Southern Soapbox! Let me know how you like it!

Just Add Vinegar

Ok, you know how duct tape can fix anything? Well, vinegar can CLEAN anything. I mean ANYTHING. It's cheap, it's easy, and it WORKS!

When you think "domestic, cleaning goddess" you may think of many names, but my name is not one of them, nor do I think it ever will be. I love to cook and I do clean, but I wouldn't say I'm "good" at it (although I really don't know how one is "good" at cleaning. Clean is clean, right?). So, it probably won't surprise you to know that I had NO IDEA how many uses vinegar had to it. I knew it was used in cooking, although I was never really sure for what specifically, and I did know you could clean with it, but seriously people, you can clean everything with this stuff! I use it on counters, bathtubs, appliances, floors, my face(!!) and my new favorite.... laundry!

I actually got the idea from my hedgehog forum to use it in my laundry. People were trying to figure out how to get the urine and poop smell out of their hedgies fleece bedding and a lot of breeders suggested using vinegar. Since I already use vinegar to clean her cage and wheel I figured, why not give it a try on her bedding too! So, today I shook out her fleece blankets, put them in the washer, added my Homemade Laundry Detergent, and added some vinegar. No, I didn't measure it. I just splashed some in there and hoped I wouldn't ruin anything in the process (not a domestic goddess, remember?). I would estimate that I used somewhere between half a cup and a full cup, maybe a little more. When I got her blankets out of the dryer they smelled SO CLEAN! They didn't even smell like vinegar! I was AMAZED! I am now waiting for some towels to finish drying so I can smell them (well, that's a sentence you don't hear very often).

I also use regular distilled vinegar to clean counters, appliances, bathrooms, floors etc. I have never used it on mirrors or glass and haven't researched that either, so if you have used it for that let me know how it worked! I got a Rubbermaid spray bottle from Target, but it was expensive so I suggest going to the Dollar Store or something and I mix 1 parts vinegar to 3 parts water. I started out with a 1:1 ratio but the vinegar smell was SO intense that I could barely stand to clean with it so I watered it down a little more. I used the 1:1 ratio on our stainless steel refrigerator. The water dispenser had created gross white streaks down the front of the fridge, along with having crusted in the little drip pan thingy (technical lingo, I know, try to keep up). I had tried EVERYTHING to get it off but nothing even dented it, until I used the vinegar. I had to scrub a little bit but it DID work!

Another crazy use for vinegar is using it on your face! I've read to use apple cider vinegar after you wash your face to balance out the pH. Wearing make up and washing your face can either lower the acidity or increase the acidity (making it oily or dry) and the ACV helps balance everything out. I use 1 teaspoon of ACV and 3 teaspoons of water after I scrub my face with baking soda and water (great for removing black heads by the way). If you use straight ACV, without watering it down, it burns like the dickins and will probably make your face all red, so make sure you water it down. I've also read that ACV helps even out your complexion over time and reduce dark spots!

Here's a picture of my sweet little Prim that I took today. We were waiting for her bedding to finish drying!

Well that's it for this Southern Soapbox! What do y'all clean with your vinegar? Comment below!

Fashion Friday: Green and brown

I really wish our weather would make up its mind. Hot cold hot cold hot cold. PICK ONE! Last week I was wearing shorts and tank tops, this week I'm trying not to freeze while I'm wearing a Parka. Ok, maybe I'm being a tad bit dramatic with the whole Parka thing but you get my point. This outfit is perfect for fall or spring. It gives just enough warmth for those 50-60 degree days (or in my case 60-70 degree days because I'm a total wiener when it comes to the cold) but not so much that you'll cook inside.

                                    

I LOVE this green vest! It's so cute! The bag is a tad bit on the small side, or at least for me it is, but I love all the pockets and I actually own those boots so, of course, I think they're FAB! As my sisters would say (and believe me, it pains me that she says this), this outfit is totes adorbs. Thank you Maegan, now you are corrupting the integrity of my blog with your horribly disgusting slang.

Well, that's it for this fashionable Southern Soapbox! Leave a comment, share it on Facebook, pin it on Pinterest, tweet it on Twitter, tumble it on Tumbler and whatever else there is left to do with it (could you gram it on Instagram or is that taking this a little too far?).

Wonky and Woot-tastic Wednesday

It's FINALLY Wednesday. I thought this day would never arrive!

Wonky:

   - Oh where to begin.... Mom had surgery on her hand, which would be why I haven't been posting this week (last week was spring break so that explains that). She had a bone removed from her thumb and a ligament taken from her forearm and grafted into her thumb. It sounds super painful because it is. Don't worry though, it has it's entertaining moments. 

   - To go along with the whole surgery thing... Mom is pretty much completely helpless. She can't really use her left hand at all, which means she requires assistance with EVERYTHING. She went to the potty and dropped the toilet paper, so Dad had to go pick it up. She can't dress herself so Dad and I have to do that, and the really exciting part... she needs help getting in and out of the shower (thankfully she can semi-sort-of-not-really bathe herself). I have managed to help with ALL of these things without any unfortunate glances at anything that might require counseling for the next few years rest of my life. I consider this to be a pretty awesome victory but it's also really sad that I'm genuinely excited by this feat. Sorry for over sharing but y'all are just going to have to get used to that for the next few weeks.

   - So, synthetic division.. not actually that hard. Although if you're really bad at math AND your professor is from Belarus AND she starts explaining it in the middle of the "method"... it is REALLY confusing! I've basically stopped listening to her and just teach myself everything now. If I get stuck my awesome friend, Brett, or his mom (she's a math teacher and always makes things make sense... who woulda thunk it.. math making sense!) help me out. I love them.

   - Ryan is SUPPOSEDLY going to Pennsylvania. Or so his bosses keep saying, although he was supposed to go like 2 weeks ago... then last week... then Friday, then Saturday. Now he's going next Saturday morning and I will be taking care of Jixer. And my mom. And going to school. Fun times.

   - People keep using "irregardless" and actually think they're correct. IT'S NOT A WORD! Yes, it's in the dictionary but then again so is "ain't". Also, the dictionary will tell you that the correct word is "regardless". Stop saying "irregardless". Thank you.

   - So, try to follow me on this one. If you jump down and read the first "woot-tastic" point... ok.. so, when that happens and then you have some annoying old grandma, or idiot on their cell phone, that is in front of you going REALLY slow and ruining your fun. That really irks me. Also, when did people start disregarding "turn only" lanes? I've had like 5 people decide that they didn't want to turn and totally cut me off, or nearly run into me. Seriously people. Do the speed limit and pay attention to signs!

Woot-tastic:

   - When you're driving down a long stretch of road that has managed to stay untouched by red lights and stop signs AND it has a fairly decent speed limit... that really makes me excited. Added bonus.. when there are a lot of turns in said road. Supper added bonus... it's a road that most cops don't go down (even they appreciate that sometimes you just need to have a little fun in your little red sports car.. very kind of them. Thank you Mr. Policeman). Those are the roads that I enjoy having my top down, radio blasting and just have some fun.

Brett's bike (I stole this picture from his FB, thanks man! lol)

  - My spring break was pretty much awesome. We stayed home and I spent A LOT of time with mine and Ryan's friend, Brett. I probably spent more time with him, without Ryan, in that one week than I have for then entire 6 years that I've known him. Sad huh? Anywho, he took me out on his motorcycle (stop having heart palpitations, we were perfectly safe)... twice. It was SO FUN! Loved it! We also had a super fun campfire and went and looked at the condo he's going to be moving into.

Bad picture of me... Sorry. We were cooking our steaks! YUM!

   - This also happened on spring break, and with Brett... he took me and a friend of ours dancing! He taught us how to 2-step and Waltz (at least I think that's what we did) either way, it was TONS of fun.. although I am absolutely terrible at it. Poor Brett's toes were probably sore by the end of the night.

   - If you have never had Angry Orchard... you're missing out. It's amazing. It's a hard apple cider and it is AMAZEBALLS! Add popcorn and M&Ms to that and you have the perfect evening!

   - Maegan just called me and AJ pee peed in the potty for the second time ever!!! GOOOO MONKEY! Sad that he's getting so big but proud too!

Well, that's my Wonky and Woot-tastic Southern Soapbox! I hope y'all enjoy the rest of your week!

Fashion Friday: Cozy in Black

The weather here is still a tad chilly, or at least it is to me and most southerners. I LOVE sweaters, especially those "cardi-jackets". They always look so warm and cozy but they are so warm that you start sweating with it's in the upper 50's or low 60's (yes that is what I consider chilly. I'm a wuss when it comes to the cold).

                           
This outfit would be perfect to go run errands in! It's still comfy, or at least as comfy as jeans can be. The boots add a bit more warmth and are super cute! Gotta love Steve Madden (those boots are on sale by the way).

Well that's my Southern Soapbox! Stay warm and enjoy your spring break!

Wonky and Woot-tastic Wednesday

Happy Wednesday. If such a thing exists.

Wonky:
    - My English professor. Ugh. She's annoying. She yells a lot. At eight in the morning. Eight. In the morning. This is not ok. Ever. Maybe if someone is about to get trampled by a herd of cattle. Maybe then. Maybe.

    - ALL of this just for one little evening trip to babysit. The kids I babysit have fallen in love with Prim and I'm pretty sure if I ever show up there without her they would lock me in a closet for eternity. Anywho, just for a 3-4 hour babysitting job from about 6-9 or 10pm I take: 2 blue surgical towels (for messes), her pink fleece blanket (snuggling/staying warm), 4 wet ones (also for messes), food/water dish with food (do I really need to explain this one?), a snuggle bag with a strap so I can carry it like a purse, a sheet (to put on the floor if she wants to run around), and her car carrier. I don't take all of this with me EVERY time I take her out. If she's with me just running around town I usually just have her blanket, some surgical towels and her snuggle bag, which she's usually inside of, but still, that's A LOT of stuff for a little critter!

    - Prim's new wheel came in. Yes, this would normally be a "woot-tastic" kind of thing. But there are a few "wonky" things about this wheel. One being how extremely excited I have been about this piece of plastic. Seriously. It was like Christmas morning people. Volcano View Hedgehogs has wonderful products and their wheel is no exception! This thing is SO QUIET it kept me awake. Which leads me to "wonky part number 2" about this wheel. Last night was her first night with her new wheel and I kept waking up because it was too quiet. No joke. I need help. Also, please excuse the poops in the second picture. Prim would be very embarrassed if she knew I posted this.

    - No idea how this got by the door, AJ hadn't come over yet so it wasn't him, but I thought it was pretty funny that even the stuffed dogs want out of the house.

    - All my shows are on a hiatus. They need to come back!

Woot-tastic:

    - Here in the great state of Texas, we eat snow cones year round! Bahama Bucks may be my new favorite snow cone place!

    

    - I suspect I know who these belong to but... it's wonderful to turn around at church to see an American Girl Doll and two hedgehogs waiting for the service to begin!

     - I finally got my Keurig! It was on sale at Target! So far I've tried the dark chocolate hot chocolate, the hazelnut, english breakfast black tea and the chai latte. They're all pretty good but the hazelnut coffee is more "coffee-e" than I hoped for. I'm a wiener with my coffee.

    - Ignore the bad picture of me. The point is more that it was SO pretty out Monday that I had the top down on Maizy! WOO HOO! The high Monday was 88 degrees! it is now 50. BOO.

 

     - I LOVE this dog. His name is Reuben and he goes to work with his daddy, who is actually the dad of Ryan's old co-workers' wife (did you get that?). He's SO SWEET! I played fetch with him while we waited for Ryan's glasses.

        - Speaking of sweet, adorable little critters.... Prim's pretty much adorable.

Well, that's my Wonky and Woot-tastic Southern Soapbox! See y'all later!