Pioneer Woman Weekend.

This past weekend I decided to work on my housewife skills and do something in the kitchen. As my poor husband can attest, my kitchen skills are extremely limited and  he is lucky if he gets dinner cooked for him more than once a week. 

This weekend I decided to put some effort into our meals and ended up trying out three Pioneer Woman recipes. 

All  I can say is holy cow. Pioneer Woman is good.

The first dish I tried was PW's Ranch-Style Chicken.

This was definitely not my typical chicken (slathering chicken in barbeque sauce, putting it in the oven). It had a yummy marinade, bacon, and cheese. Benjamin was in heaven. While the chicken was more labor-intensive than I was used to, it was by no means difficult and oh my it was delicious!

My next PW endeavor was Buttered Rosemary Rolls. 

This one was a toughie for me since it required advance planning, which I have proven to be allerigic to. I had to-gasp!- set my frozen rolls out for 4 hours prior to the actual baking. You'll be proud to know that I actually used my planning skills and set out the rolls, and it was definitely worth it. These things were so good that I did the whole process again the next day to make another batch for my friend Stacey.

The third PW recipe I tried was her Delicious, Creamy Mashed Potatoes.

They were delicious. They were creamy. And I will be making them again. Yum.

Two-fer post.

This is my sister Sarah. She's fabulous. She's a mama of two and sings in a band. She also has really pretty teeth. If that wasn't enough, she's also an aspiring accessory designer.

Sarah makes really cool headbands, see?

She makes the flowers by hand and has an array of lovely colors. See even closer?

Yup, she's cool and crafty like that. If you are wanting some headband coolness of your own, email her at sarahb.clark@yahoo.com She sells the goods (her headbands, not her body. haha) for really good rates. 

The first time I wore my lovely headband I got seven(!) compliments in four hours, one of which was from a man. Get yourself some headbands and enjoy getting compliments.

Oh yeah, the two-fer part of the post. See the picture of me? Notice my hair? I took the results from the poll and got to my hair stylist. I went for darker overall, but had her do a few highlights in the front. See, I do take your advice.

Happy Saturday everyone!

On the fence.

One of my favorite books, Something Borrowed, is being made into a movie! Yay! This book is such a fun read and has some great characters. It even made me love the name Dexter, which prior to reading this book conjured images of little nerdy boys. Now it makes me think of Josh Duhmel types. Yum.

My one concern is the casting. Of course. Ginnifer Goodwin will be playing Rachel, which I think will be a great choice. Ethan will be played by John Krasinski- yay!

And then there's Darcy. In my eyes the most important role to nail on the head, since she is described so thoroughly and I definitely already had a Darcy formed in my mind. I just found out that Darcy will be played by Kate Hudson. Hmmm. She's definitely not what I would imagine Darcy being, but I'll have a little faith and wait for the movie to come out to truly decide. While I like Kate Hudson, I always pictured a brunette, kind of like VS girl Miranda Kerr.

Any Something Borrowed fans out there? What you do you think about the casting choices?

Read the article on Kate's casting here.

A pre-easter treat.

This little bunny wants to say hi.

"Oh mom, stop putting these ridiculous things on my head."

In preparation.

My thoughts are currently consumed by all things vacation. I am doing what I can to get my body (30 day shred, slathering myself in self tanner, scheduling a wax, etc.) and my wardrobe ready for Florida. 

Today I picked up this suit at Hapari in American Fork:

Those who know me well are very aware of my animal print fixation. This top is perfect for me!

Now if I could only stay away from these:

Counting down.

Only eleven days until this...

and this...

and hopefully this...

and of course these yahoos...

Can't wait!

Ay, ay, ay.

This is what I look like right now. This shows how I feel right now. Tired. Worn out. At the end of my rope.

For the past few days, hubs and I have been trying to get Dylan to sleep unswaddled. He started out in his Miracle Blanket (the name says it all), and when he started pulling a Harry Houdini and managed to wiggle out, we graduated him to the Woombie. 

Now, he has started rolling around like crazy in his crib.

This causes problems, because he always ends up on his tummy, doesn't have his arms available to hold him up, and hasn't figured out that all he has to do is turn his head. Also, we've had him in a sleep positioner, but he even rolls over that! He's got crazy back-arching skills which allow him to roll over large things.

So, back to the no-swaddle. Poor lamb is so used to having his arms restricted during sleep that he doesn't know what to do now that they're free. He can't fall asleep, because he feels so different. We've tried everything to help him- rocking him to sleep (a big no-no in my book, since we want him to be able to fall asleep on his own), only swaddling his legs, wrapping him in a loose blanket swaddle that he could eventually wriggle out of.... and I'm at a loss.

It took us over an hour and a half to get him to take his evening nap. Dylan just couldn't fall asleep and was getting so over tired trying to sleep that he just had a meltdown. 

Any suggestions on how we can get through this naptime/bedtime nightmare?

Me and Dangerboy in happier times.

Can you say out of shape?

Having just, just finished my first Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred workout, I feel like I am going to pass out. As I sit here sweating, I am wondering how on earth anyone can survive the level 3 workout. I just did level 1 and I feel like I'm going to pass out. Mind you, I haven't done much working out in the past 14 months (9 months of pregnancy + 5 months of mommyhood) so my fitness level isn't exactly at its peak. 

Why am I doing this? Other than trying to rid myself of those last few pesky pregnancy pounds, I am trying to tighten up for my upcoming Florida vacation. 

Florida = warm temperatures, less need for layers of clothing. 

Also means less need for body-cameoflauging tie-cardigans that I have come to know and love. Eeek.

I do love Jillian, but I'm starting to suspect that she's trying to kill me.

Call it blasphemy.

I am as excited about Eclipse coming out as the next person. Seriously, I am. Ben makes fun of me on a regular basis for my excitement. What I am not excited about is this trailer.

The book has a ton of action (I'm talking vampire fighting.... romance too though), and none of it is even featured in the trailer.

I know, I know, the big thing about this movie is the choice that Bella is going to have to make- Edward or Jacob, vampire or staying human... but seriously, this trailer needs some spice!

Fabulously random.

1. I just found out that my high school bestie Ale and her boyfriend Joey recently attended Bachelor Jason and Molly's wedding in LA. Seriously. They were actually invited to the wedding.How cool is that?!? Check her blog and read about her experience at Jason and Molly's wedding. So. Incredibly. Cool.

2. When does Glee come back? I'm having some serious withdrawls.

3. Florida in less than a month. Cannot wait. The only miserable thing is the cost of a rental car. Seriously, over $100 per day? That's insane! I've decided that we're going to rent a U-Haul for a week because it's only $30 per day. Not even kidding.

4. I need a pedicure. Ben told me that I have Hobbit feet. Thanks honey!

Men should not wear...

I'm no fashionista, but I have some definite opinions on what not to wear. Namely what men should not wear.

 

Tennis shoes with a non-sporty outfit. I realize that there are many, many different types of tennis shoes, but if you are wearing shoes that you could also run a 10k in, you probably should not be pairing them with a normal outfit.

 

Fugly ties. I know that one ugly tie may not seem ugly to another, but it seems like some ties just don't work. Don't care who you are.

Uh oh, are you beginnng to see a trend here?

 

Mock turtlenecks. Bleh. Ben has one that he wears for golf (he rationalizes that since it's dry-fit with a Nike swoosh then it must be acceptable for sports. I disagree.) and I make fun of him every time that he wears it.

 

Their phones clipped to their belts. I know, I know... it may be too bulky to put in your pocket. That means you either need to 1. get a smaller phone 2. ask your lady to put your phone in her bag 3. carry your phone in your hand, or 4. leave your phone at home, in the car, etc.

Oh wait, are all these pictures of Bachelor Jake? Sorry Jake, I had no idea. 

Let's even it out a little. Can't be picking on Jake all the time.

 

Pinky rings. Seriously, I don't care if you're Jay Z, pinky rings are not the way to go. Bleh.

I knew it!

I knew that I had to be in the wrong line of work. Not that I hate my job or anything, but it definitely has its ups and downs. Working with dysfunctional people day after day (talking about my clients, not my co-workers- haha) can begin to wear on you. Especially now since I have Dylan, I realize that it's not that hard to take care of your baby's needs. Tiring, but not hard. I'm much less tolerant of junky parents now that I see what goes into being a good parent.

Anyway, I took the Dewey Color System Career Test to see what line of work I should be in. Here are my results:

Best Occupational Category

You're a CREATOR

Keywords

Nonconforming, Impulsive, Expressive, Romantic, Intuitive, Sensitive, and Emotional

These original types place a high value on aesthetic qualities and have a great need for self-expression. They enjoy working independently, being creative, using their imagination, and constantly learning something new. Fields of interest are art, drama, music, and writing or places where they can express, assemble, or implement creative ideas. CREATOR OCCUPATIONS
Suggested careers are Advertising Executive, Architect, Web Designer, Creative Director, Public Relations, Fine or Commercial Artist, Interior Decorator, Lawyer, Librarian, Musician, Reporter, Art Teacher, Broadcaster, Technical Writer, English Teacher, Architect, Photographer, Medical Illustrator, Corporate Trainer, Author, Editor, Landscape Architect, Exhibit Builder, and Package Designer.
CREATOR WORKPLACES
Consider workplaces where you can create and improve beauty and aesthetic qualities. Unstructured, flexible organizations that allow self-expression work best with your free-spirited nature.
Suggested Creator workplaces are advertising, public relations, and interior decorating firms; artistic studios, theaters and concert halls; institutions that teach crafts, universities, music, and dance schools. Other workplaces to consider are art institutes, museums, libraries, and galleries.

2nd Best Occupational Category

You're a PERSUADER

Keywords:

Witty, Competitive, Sociable, Talkative, Ambitious, Argumentative, and Aggressive

These enterprising types sell, persuade, and lead others. Positions of leadership, power, and status are usually their ultimate goal. Persuasive people like to take financial and interpersonal risks and to participate in competitive activities. They enjoy working with others inside organizations to accomplish goals and achieve economic success.

 Ummm, yeah... I don't see social worker on there.  Don't worry- I'm not going to put tons of stock into this test, but it was nice to see what my supposed "best occupations were." And I'd have to agree- most of the occupations seem really interesting to me. Minus lawyer. Vom.

Not to worry- I don't foresee a change in career anytime soon. 

Take the test and tell me if you're in the right line of work, or if you should change! 

Five months.

 

At five months Dylan

- eats up to 6 oz. at a time

-can stay awake for up to two hours before getting cranky

-rarely fusses unless tired or hungry

-has survived his first cold

-reaaaally wants to crawl, but can't get the hang of it yet

-loves to stand on anyone's lap

-continues being a social little guy. Smiles and laughs for anyone.

-is beginning to get a little clingy to mom

-has recently discovered his voice and lets out happy wails all day

-is so interested in grown  up food

-doesn't really like being in the car

-likes to grab mom and dad's faces

-rolls around to get where he wants

-is getting so close to sitting on his own

-grabs his feet and tries to stick them in his mouth

Most self-indulgent post ever.

Ok friends, I have been at odds with my hair for years now. If it's light, I want it dark. If it's dark, I want it light. I can't make up my mind as to what I should do with my hair, so I'd like for you to make up my mind for me. Check my lameo survey on the right and let me know what you think.

Here are pictures that illustrate the choices:
Super dark
Super light
Med brown
How it is now

 

 

Dang blogger wouldn't let me put the captions next to the photos... you get the idea though, right?

I do realize that this post is kind of ridiculous, but I need help!