More Than Halfway There!

Just thought I would give a little update - for anyone interested and to make a note for myself so I can look back on this one day (like a year from now when I might think I want to do this again). So on a fun scale of 1-10, pregnancy is maybe a 2...just above having your tonsils out. I've never had mine out, but I've heard it's completely miserable. I wouldn't say being pregnant is completely miserable, but I've done a lot more fun things in my time here on earth, that's for sure. It's still amazing -the good parts. I never tire of feeling her kick, and it never ceases to amaze me all the weird things that are going on in my body. I mean y'all -I'm creating a person! I know people do it everyday, but it far surpasses the coolness of anything else I've ever done in my life, no question. I can't really imagine anything I could ever do going forward that would be as awesome as this. With that said, it's no walk in the park either.

Sleepless night don't begin when you come home from the hospital. They begin when you basically have a 10 pound weight strapped to your belly. My back hurts, my hips hurt, and my stomach always feels weird. I have heartburn at least 22 hours a day. My allergies & sinuses are working overtime and with all the extra blood pumping through my body & lack of a good night's sleep, I feel sluggish a lot. The good news is - it's all "normal". So yeah - this is what you have to look forward to when you decide to reproduce! With Mother's Day coming up in a few weeks being pregnant really makes me appreciate what my mother went through in order for me to be here today! No kidding. It's a lot of sacrificing, a lot of being uncomfortable, and eventually a lot of pain - although I'm trying not to think about that part yet. But on the bright side people are especially kind & considerate when you're pregnant. I don't mind that at all. People go out of their way to tell you how great you look, even when you feel like a cow. People treat you like it's your birthday everyday - very sweet & considerate of your feelings..."what do YOU feel like eating?". Or maybe they've had a bad experience with hormonal pregnant women & they're just terrified to upset you. Either way, I'll take it. Every doctor's appointment that includes an ultrasound make your heart swell just a little bit more until you think it could potentially explode before you can fit anymore love into it. Even the sacrifices already seem worth it. It's crazy the way the human mind & body work together to do big things. From day one, all the things you're supposed to give up like alcohol, tuna, sushi, etc. don't feel like a huge sacrifice when it comes to the health of your baby. It's like women (I guess I should only speak for myself here, but whatever) have a built in mom gene that activates immediately upon finding out that you're expecting. It doesn't really feel like I'm being deprived of things, it just feels like I'm doing the right thing. It feels like there really isn't anything I wouldn't do or give up to protect her. That's not to say that I can't wait to go out for sushi and champagne the minute we get home from the hospital, either!

So all in & all things are going really well. Baby girl is healthy & growing normally...actually she's slightly ahead of schedule, which makes me really happy. I'm still hoping and praying for her to come BEFORE football begins! There are so many reasons, and yes - most of them are selfish. 1. I don't want to be 9 months pregnant during the first game, nor do I want to watch it from a hospital bed. 2. I don't want a Labor Day baby...all the good doctors will be on vacation that weekend, and some 28 year old intern who I've never laid eyes on will deliver my baby! Labor is already the thing that I worry about most, I don't need that added to it. 3. The cut off for school is Sept 1, so if she comes after that date it puts her a whole year behind (and it's one more year of child care to pay for...which costs more than the private school she will likely attend, FYI) 4. This summer will no doubt be miserable for me, so the sooner the misery ends, the better. As long as baby girl is healthy and ready to make her debut - I'm ready too!!

It's a GIRL!

I don't think I even blogged about this - which is fine because everyone knows by now -but we're having a GIRL! It's weird. Jerry's family history (there hasn't been a girl born in his direct lineage in nearly 100 years) indicated the chances of us having a girl were slim to none. I never even entertained the thought of having a girl. So when we found out, not only was I in shock, but it was like starting over in my head! All this time, even before even getting pregnant, I had always thought of my future children in hues of blue and green. But it's pink for us for now! Three different unltrasounds have shown that she's a girl, so the hope that Jerry was holding onto at first is all but gone. I have no doubt that he will be so in love with her he won't know what to do. Come August, I will officially be the other woman in his life!

Are You Actively Building Your Personal Brand?

I was in a meeting earlier this week, and I have to admit that I wasn’t exactly looking forward to it. It was an all day meeting, from nine to four and I was sure my attention span would be shot before lunch. Much to my surprise, the meeting started with a fun exercise that I would encourage anyone to do themselves. The “instructor” began by talking about an employee of ours who died very unexpectedly the week before. He mentioned how people spoke of him in his eulogy, his obituary and overall what a wonderful legacy he’d left behind. While it’s a terribly sad story, it segued perfectly into his topic about building a brand. He asked of all of us if we died today, what our legacy would be. What would people say about us at our funeral and around the office? Do people see us the way we intend to be seen?What are you doing to build your personal brand?

Here is the exercise. Take a minute or two and write down what you see when you look in the mirror. This is just awarm up, to get you thinking about yourself. Then, write what your ideal brand would be…what you want people to say about you when you leave the earth, or even just leave the room. Then he had us draw a logo for our personal brand, but you skip this part if you’re short on time. Next, write down 3 people (or groups of people) that you care deeply about the way they perceive you. For example, I opted for the broader sense and wrote down family, friends and employer. Finally, write an action plan for how you can build this as your personal brand. One idea in the meeting was to live your life as if the three people you wrote down are in the room with you. Would it change your actions if these people were there? Would they be proud of what you’re doing?

I’m not sure why, but this experience really spoke to me that day. Am I living the life that leaves behind the legacy I really want? Do people see me the way I want them to? And if not, what can I do to make it happen? A personal brand is really no different than a business’s brand. If Apple or Nike put out bad products, would they be the recognizable, trusted mega-brands we know today? No. You can’t fake it, with a product or with yourself. Live an authentic life the way you want to be seen and you will.But it has to be in everything you do – your actions, your attitude and your words. With every decision you make you have to consider how it affects your brand.

Am I a Control Freak?

I’ve been accused of being a control freak, maybe more than once. At first I resisted the label. It has a negative connotation. Who wants to be seen as controlling OR a freak? Not me. And I truly didn’t believe it was accurate. So I started thinking about it, in instances where others felt I was being a control freak; why am I feeling the need to control this situation? The more I analyzed it – the more comfortable I became with it. Yes, maybe I am a control freak, but what I realized is that my need to control something has nothing to do with the person who may feel that way. It has every bit to do with self-preservation. I don’t have a desire to control other people; I have a desire to control what happens to me. And unfortunately, the actions of others very often have an outcome that directly affects me. So I’m not controlling, and I’m not a freak. I just happen to care about myself enough to want to help steer things in the direction best suited for me. So I guess you could say I’m a self-serving control freak.

Buy Our House!

Our house is for sale! We have a 3 bedroom, 2 full bathroom bungalow home in the Shandon neighborhood of Columbia, SC. Original heart pine floors, renovated kitchen & bath, additional closet space in master bath & 3rd bedroom. Large family room, formal dining room, adorable breakfast nook. House has original transom windows above the doors, crown moulding, 6" baseboards. Very true to the original style of the early 1900's with plenty of upgrades. Located on an elevated corner lot, walking distance to local restaurants, bars & shopping. Zoned for great area schools. One car open garage, with attached partially covered deck (including a ceiling fan) perfect for outdoor entertaining. Quiet, friendly neighborhood close to just about everything.

Click here to see photos  http://www1.snapfish.com/snapfish/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=6139763017/a=13776139_13776139/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/
1850 square feet
3 BR, 2 BA
$315,000

And Baby Makes Three

Well it finally happened. The stars aligned and God decided it was time for Jerry and I to start a family! We've just announced that we're due in late August/ early September. Of course I'm hoping baby R makes his or her debut in time for momma to cheer on the Gamecocks against the Tarheels without my blood pressure being a health concern! I'm 13 weeks and 2 days as of today. Baby R is the size of a lemon...the fruit comparisons are my favorite! I'm feeling ok, much better than I was a few weeks ago - that's for sure. I have to eat constantly to avoid feeling sick, but surprisingly I haven't gained any weight yet; very likely due to the fact that naturally I've stopped drinking. Of course Jerry is going about life as usual because that's what men do! (Seriously girls- just know that when you get pregnant your whole life gets turned upside down from day one - but his doesn't really change at all until the baby comes. So keep track while you're pregnant of all the things you want him to make up for!)

Our friends and family are all very excited and so are we! We find out March 15th if we're having a boy or a girl. I never entertained the idea that a girl was a possibility, since Jerry is one of six boys & has four nephews. It would appear the Reardons just don't produce them. But our ultrasound tech seemed to think otherwise at the 12 week appointment. Of course she couldn't say for sure, so we'll have to wait & see - but all the old wives tales point to girl as well, if you believe that sort of thing. If anyone could break tradition that strong it's Jerry and me. Non-conformist to the bitter end! I could not care less what we're having, believe it or not. I'm just thrilled every time we get a good report from the doctor that baby R is healthy and growing. Jerry desperately wants a boy, but this might be a good lesson in "you can't always get what you want". God gives you what you need, not what you want. So we'll be just fine either way!

Be Grateful

For the month of November I want to take the opportunity to be a little more thankful for all my blessings. I'll (try to) update it daily! They are in no particular order.

1- I am thankful for good parents. They helped mold me in to the person I am, taught me kindness and gave me strength. My life would be completely different without them - so thanks mom & dad.
2- I am thankful for good friends. The older I get the more I realize how important they are. They make my life a little brighter and a lot more fun!
3- I am thankful for a bye week! As trivial as it might sound...I haven't slept in in months, I haven't been able to do anything without factoring in a football game since Labor Day weekend.
4- I am thankful for an extra hour of sleep. It would be easy to complain about the fact that Daylight Saving Time is outdated, and that it will now be dark when I leave work every day...but I always use it as a way to reset my internal clock.
5 - I am thankful for my determined spirit. I'm convinced if I put my mind to it, I really can do just about anything.
6- I am thankful to be an American. We often forget how lucky we are to live in a free country where we elect our leaders via democracy! It's inconvenient, everyone is tired of hearing about it - but we're so lucky to have that privilege!
7 - I am so glad to live & work in a diverse place with open minded, free thinking people.
8 - I am thankful that I have a job in this economy.
9 - I am thankful to work with and for people I genuinely like!
10 - I am thankful that I live in SC. Mid-November and 75 degrees & sunny.
11 - I'm thankful for my extended family that is growing by leaps & bounds. Got to spend some time with my "newest" nephew today. Made me even more excited for the two that are on the way in December and February!
12 - I am thankful that I have health insurance. Went to the dentist today & it didn't cost me a dime. I'm not 100% in favor of Obama-care, but I do think everyone deserves affordable healthcare.
13-I am thankful for my husband. He is so passionate about life and so caring for people that it's contagious.He loves me, but challenges me, and he makes me laugh every single day. I can hardly remember my life without him in it, nor could I imagine it ever again.
14 - I am thankful for my supper club. We meet once a month for dinner and it truly is the highlight of day each time. I already said I was thankful for my friends, but these girls are extra special!
15- I am thankful that I have faith...that I know everything happens for a reason and everything happens in His time. If things are meant to be, they will be.
16- I am thankful for the abundance of food we'll be sharing at work today. It's officially my favorite day to work at WACH Fox!
17- I am thankful for days that I get to sleep in with my husband. They are too few & far between these days.
18 - I am thankful for the miracle of life. How amazing is it when people you love create new people?!?
19 - I am thankful for every opportunity I've been given if life...and just as thankful for those that didn't pan out. I've never been more sure that everything happens for a reason and God DOES work in mysterious ways!
20 - I am thankful for Urban Nirvana...I know, it sounds shallow. But it is my favorite retreat from the stresses of daily life.
21 - I am thankful for short days and short weeks at work! Ready to enjoy this holiday.

I can't get Marcus Lattimore off my mind. I know I'm not alone in this, and usually when something is bugging me it helps to write. (hence the numerous unsent angry emails I have saved...maybe I'll share some of those one day) So like a lot of other fans, bloggers and people who can't get Marcus off the brain -here is my open letter to our most beloved Gamecock.

Dear Marcus,

I've had the pleasure of watching you develop into an absolute star from the day your name was mentioned in a recruiting report. We were ecstatic the day you committed to South Carolina because of what we hoped you would bring to the football field. Boy did we get more than we ever bargained for or deserved in you. On the field you've been so much fun to watch. It didn't take long for your name to become common place in the homes of people not just in South Carolina but all across the nation. You were a standout; a legend in the making. I was so proud to call you a Gamecock. It felt like you brought the entire Gamecock Nation out of a slump we'd been in for so long. Sure, we'd had some good seasons and some really good players, but you were different. You were special. There was an obvious, albeit intangible, quality about you as a person on & off the field that made an entire fan base fall in love with you. Your values, your humility, your work ethic, your constant praise for your teammates, coaches and mentors...I rarely remember hearing you talk about yourself unless asked a direct question.

When you got hurt in 2011 I remember exactly where I was & who I was with. It was a road game, so I was at a restaurant watching with my brother, my husband (a Clemson fan) and my best friend (a Florida fan). I remember feeling scared for you, and sad for the loss to our football team. I remember thinking "Why Marcus? Of all people, why him? He didn't even have the ball!" It seemed unfair. But I also remember the genuine, heartfelt concern from my husband and friend, whose teams South Carolina had yet to face that year. Of course no one in their right mind cheers for a college athlete to get hurt, but this was different. There was a such a high level of respect for you that it didn't matter that losing our star RB might actually help their teams later on, they were sincerely disappointed for you as a person.

Here we are, only a year later and again I beg the question, "Why Marcus? Why him? After everything he's been through...why did this happen to a kid who does everything right?". I've always been told that God gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers, and that's the only thing that gives me any comfort right now. I know if anyone on earth can get through this, can overcome the odds, can come back better, stronger and faster - it's you. You did it before and you'll do it again. Failure just isn't an option for Marcus Lattimore.  I haven't cried many real tears over football, surprisingly enough. But on Saturday when I saw the look on your face I felt like it was happening to my best friend, my child, my brother. That's an awesome quality to have that kind of effect on people and it will ensure that you are successful, no matter what the future holds.

Football is a game. One we take way too seriously a lot of times. But your success off the field, in the game of life, is what inspires people. It's what makes little boys want to wear a #21 jersey. It's what makes grown men encourage little boys to look up to a guy like you. It's what makes all of us, Gamecock fans, football fans, human beings stop and think about what truly matters in life. It's the reason that players, coaches and celebrities alike were tweeting prayers for you after your injury. It's the reason that 70,000+ joined together in prayer for you on Facebook withing just hours of hearing about what happened. There is nothing I would have loved more than playing for a national title this year, and at one time it was an actual possibility. Having been a Gamecock fan my entire life I can honestly say - we've come a long way baby! And we owe a lot of that to you, Marcus. It doesn't look like we'll be headed to Atlanta to play for the Conference title this year either, but at the end of the day, I would trade all of those possibilities just to ensure a speedy & painless full recovery for you. I know I'm also not alone in hoping that the best is yet to come for you in your career. You deserve it. You've earned it. And I'll pray every day that it happens for you until the day does. Gamecock Nation needed you Marcus Lattimore, and now you need us. You will have our continued support and prayers even if you never step back on the field at Williams Brice.

Forever to Thee,

Elizabeth Reardon

GO COCKS!

Four Years Ago

So it's a Presidential election year, in case you live in a cave & didn't know. Mitt Romney is challenging incumbent President Barack Obama with the major issues being jobs, healthcare and naturally...the economy. I want to be very honest here -I've never voted for a Democrat in a federal race. I didn't vote for Obama in 2008. That's right. I'm embarrassed to tell you that yes, I voted for McCain/ Palin in that race. John McCain was a fine candidate and I preferred his fiscal plan at the time, but Sarah Palin? Of course now I can't believe I did that.

So the GOP recently had a campaign of sorts about "Are you better off than you were four years ago?" I don't know if was a digital only campaign, or if it aired on TV - but I did see it promoted on Twitter and it begs the question, was I? Well, let's see.

Four years ago today the company I worked for was barely able to keep the lights on in our Columbia office. I managed a head hunting firm and when people aren't hiring and there are lots of unemployed workers in the market - well, firms don't really need to pay a staffing service do they? On top of that, some of the clients I did have were getting behind on their payments which means no commission checks for me. Within two months our Columbia office closed it's doors. I was then forced to take a job that I didn't really want because the job market was so bad. It wasn't until September of 2009 that I found the job I'm currently in and have been since that time. When I started my current job we were on a mandatory furlough of one unpaid day a month. We had a a sales staff of less than ten and were so far under meeting our sales budget that we didn't even have enough inventory to make it possible.

Fast forward four years.

I've been promoted within the company I work for and given a raise. We've increased our sales staff to 15 and hired two full-time sales assistants. We're no longer on a furlough, and we actually had back to back record breaking months in sales revenue. I pay all my bills upon receipt, I'm able to save money even and still live comfortably. (don't tell my employer -I still deserve another raise!) My husband's law firm is having a very good year (knock on wood) and in general I have to say my life is in fact better off than it was four years ago. I'm not saying that necessarily makes Obama the better choice, that's up to each of you individually. But based on the change I've personally seen in four years, and the fact that President Obama is fighting for equal pay for women and equal rights for all of us (and Romney is not) I'm going to be hard pressed to vote against him.

Religion, Politics and College Football

In my opinion THIS is the holy trinity of what should never be discussed in mixed company. I don't ever shy away from open, honest discourse even with people I don't agree with. Scratch that - especially with people I don't agree with. When it comes to religion and politics I can usually disagree with people without being a complete jerk. I actually like to hear others people's views on things, and once in a blue moon I've altered mine because of it. It's the only way we grow as people...by living and learning from each other. Now college football? Forget it. All bets are off, sorry. But as of late, thanks to the digital world in which we live, I've learned that my views are not only different from a lot of people I consider friends, but downright offensive to some of them. 

A hot topic as of late, which sort of falls into the category of both religion and politics is gay marriage. This is something I feel really strongly about. Why you ask? No, I'm not gay. I do have gay friends. I have gay family members. But even that really doesn't have anything to do with it. I support my gay friends & family members, of course, but even if I didn't know a single homosexual personally, I would still feel the same way. I took to Twitter and Facebook during the Chick-Fil-A nonsense and didn't leave my views on the subject to the imagination. But I haven't really taken the opportunity to fully explain why I feel this way. 

For starters, I am a Christian. Yep. I'm a Christian who supports gay marriage. I support gay marriage not in spite of my Christianity but because of it. Christians who oppose gay marriage love to quote the Bible to support their stance, so I have found a few verses in that big ole book to support mine. Quite frankly I had a plethora to choose from. 

Lev 19:18 - Love thy neighbor as thyself. 

Matthew 7:12 - Do unto others as you would have done to you. 

Psalm 33:5 The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love

Proverbs 8:17 I love those who love me; And those who diligently seek me will find me.

And even if you believe homosexuality is a sin...remember

Romans 3:23  We have ALL sinned and fall short of the Glory of God. 

In the same book (Leviticus) which people often take verses from & use to say homosexuality is a sin - it also says that non-virgin brides, people who have pre-marital intercourse and adulterers all be stoned to death...so be careful what you wish for. 

Here's the thing - I would never try and change someone's religious views on this subject. It's a delicate topic, and I'm respectful of people's RELIGIOUS views on it. If you think it's a sin, we can agree to disagree.  If you think it's a choice (I will likely judge you) but still agree to disagree. But how is it Christian to fight against someone's civil rights? How can people use Christianity to mistreat a certain group of people? If you truly think it's a sin -fine. Don't do it. But to take it as far as saying people who "practice this lifestyle" shouldn't have the same rights that you do doesn't seem very Christian to me at all.  And as a Christian myself, it kind of offends me. 

It probably didn't hurt that I also recently read The Help. Yes, I know - I'm about two years late, and no I haven't seen the movie. Anyway, when I was reading that book I couldn't help but think -wow, this really wasn't that long ago in the grand scheme of things. This happened during my parents' and grandparents' lifetime. How could this be? How could good, Christian people have treated other good, Christian people this way? And now my generation, and generations to come will read about that era in history books and think -how terrible. I can't believe the government allowed that kind of gross mistreatment to exist. How could they think separate but equal was ok? How could they not let people into the grocery store or the library based on their skin color? How could they expect black people to use a separate bathroom and separate water fountain because someone convinced the whole southeast it was unsanitary otherwise? It seems absolutely crazy now - but it did in fact happen. I truly believe that sometime in the (hopefully near) future - people will feel this way about "that time we wouldn't let gay people get married"...because let's be honest -it's the same damn thing. It's discrimination based on a factor that is beyond someone's control. I firmly believe people are born gay the same way people are born black. Why would you chose to be discriminated against? To have legal rights taken away? To be judged, ostracized, even shunned? Why would any human being choose that for themselves? And let's just say for argument's sake they did choose it, and/or it is a sin - so what? We all sin, every single day. Doesn't mean you can take my legal rights away because of it. 

Another twist in all this that no one seems to really be addressing is why the hell is the government involved in the marriage business anyway? Marriage was created by the church and should be governed by the church. It's really none of the government's business.  If a church wants to deny groups of people the right to marry - that's their business. But the government? Last time I checked, gay people had to pay taxes too. This IS a civil rights issue. I don't see how anyone could see it otherwise, and I'm open to other people's views. I will respectfully disagree with people who think homosexuality is a sin all day long, but you can't withhold equal rights from "sinners" or anyone else or we're all screwed. 

I Want to Be a Runner

The title of this post is absolutely untrue. It would suit me just fine if I never had to run again...especially on a treadmill or in this God forsaken heat. But that's just it-and maybe that's a better title "I Want to Want to Run". And real runners want to run. They say it's cathartic, makes them feel good.  Don't get me wrong -I run. If I miss a cardio class, can't get to the gym or only have 30 minutes to work out -I'll hop on the treadmill  or head outside begrudgingly. But I don't want to. I don't enjoy it. I spend every minute counting down until I can stop. I want to love it, I really do. I even downloaded an app called Couch to 5K -but the thing is, I'm not a couch potatoe. And I know how to run...is there an app that will make me enjoy it? I do like the fact that you can do it anywhere -and there is very little skill involved. Think about it -do you even remember the first time you ran? Probably not -you were likely less than two years old.

So I've devised a plan. I think if I ran more often and with a purpose I might learn to enjoy it. So I'm going to commit to running at least 2.5 miles at least 3 times a week. I've done it twice this week -and it already feels a little better. Maybe because I've set a goal. And this is step 2. (writing it down). Step 3 will come when it cools off around here. I plan to run my first 5K. It's weird to admit I've never run a road race. I mean I'm in decent shape, I work out regularly, I eat healthy, etc. It's just not something I've ever been interested in. My husband ran the Chicago marathon when he was my age -so I think I'll survive the 3.1 miles. I do the Heart Walk every year -I'll just have to speed it up! I really hope I'm able to do the Color are Rad run that's coming in October -but it will depend on scheduling. Have you heard of it? Check it out -looks so much fun! Hey -did I just type that? Fun running? I'm halfway there! http://www.colormerad.com/

Cool  new kicks I got to help motivate me. They glow in the dark!

If there are any runners out there who have some tips or advice for this novice -by all means -speak up!

Just Catching Up...

I promised myself I'd blog something good again someday. But I've missed some VERY important things since last time I posted. My last entry, quite frankly, sucked. Sometimes I wish my blog was still private so I could just come out and say what I feel. But it's not -so sometimes entries become watered down and boring because I'm tip toeing around what it is I'm really trying to say. Then again -it's a blog, not a journal. That's what best friends are for.

In recent months two VERY important people in my life gave birth, and one more announced that she's going  to soon! My cousin Jennifer gave birth to a healthy and down right adorable baby boy - Benjamin Wyatt, and my best friend Jenny finally had Livi!! I love the name - short for Olivia Marie. She is just as precious as her momma! I'm going to see them in August and I can't wait to get my hands on her.

Last but not least, my youngest sister Chesley called to tell me she and Will are having a baby too! Babies, babies everywhere! I love it. Mostly because these are all babies I can visit and play with any time I want - but they're not mine. Look  how sweet!

Livi (with Kari and Jenny)

Wyatt with om, Jennifer. (Dad, Oneal -not pictured but this is my FAVE!)

How Much Would You Pay for Hangover Relief?

If you know me at all, you know that I am prone to hangovers. Yeah, I know -they're 100% self-inflicted, it's not like saying I'm prone to migraines or sinus infections. But there are some lucky people who have a great deal less trouble the day after a late night of imbibing the spirits. I am not one of those people. I fit into the other end of that spectrum; meaning I can often be hungover from just a few drinks with dinner. It's miserable. A smarter person might think "hey, just stop drinking". But until I am with child perhaps, I just don't see that being a viable option.

So anyway, like with the aforementioned pregnancy - the only tried and true path to prevention is abstinence. As I said - not an option - so I've been looking for alternative measures I can take. I can't tell you how many Google searches I've done for the prevention and treatment of hangovers, which mostly produces a bunch of common sense answers or weird old wives tails. Recently, one solution found me. How you say? Through the power of social media. Twitter to be exact. One more reason I prefer Twitter to Facebook. I was in conversation with a couple others about hangovers and was approached by the makers of Tibi Tonic.  From a marketing perspective - this is a genius way to engage with potential customers. Seriously, to all the product brands out there,take note! I responded to them and basically said "If your product is so good - prove it. Send me some. If it is - I'll tell the world."

So they did. It arrived in just a few days, and just in time for a weekend away!  And ironically, they sent just enough for two people for two nights out on the town. So very smart. Well here goes the account of the weekend. Is it a cure all? Did it completely prevent my hangover? No. But I don't believe there is a product out there that can. Hangovers are God's way of trying to encourage us to remember moderation. Imagine a world where no one ever got a hangover. As lovely as it sounds (selfishly), I have to admit that it would likely  be terrible for society as a whole.

The really good news is that it tastes good. I'd liken it to a sports/ juice drink. And if you don't agree, it's only three ounces. You can still manage to get it down. I also like that it's not something you have to take or drink while you're out - just once before you start drinking and once before bed. (unlike the last hangover product I blogged about)

Night # 1.  - Let me preface by saying that I broke a lot of my own hangover prevention rules on night one. I didn't eat enough - before or during - I didn't drink any water until I got home, and I mixed too many things. Ouch. I should have felt like death on Saturday.

Drank Tibi Tonic.
Shared a bottle of champagne. Cheers!
Drank a draft beer before dinner.
Shared a bottle of red wine with dinner.
Dinner was two shared appetizers, steak tartar & mussels, and some bread. (i.e. not enough!)
Drank two glasses of port after dinner.
Drank my second Tibi Tonic upon returning home, and drank 2 sips of a bottle of water. Weak effort!
Slept approximately eight hours.

The morning after. So upon waking I didn't feel that bad. I genuinely expected to be bed ridden for the day...which would have really sucked considering we were out of town with lots of things we wanted to see & do. I was able to get up and get ready and make it to breakfast by 9:30am. I was able to eat breakfast with no problems or aversions. (a huge plus in my book) I was then able to do an outdoor walking tour of a plantation, eat oysters for lunch and by 1:30pm I was having a cocktail on the roof of the Bohemian Hotel! Honestly, for me especially, that is nothing short of amazing. The most bothersome symptoms of a hangover for me are headache and nausea.  I had neither of those. I was tired, and did take a nap later that afternoon...but I doubt there is a tonic available for sleep deprivation.  Someone get on that, would ya? So all in all I give Tibi Tonic two major thumbs up for completely saving my Saturday! With a Friday night like that - I usually would have spent the following day in bed feeling absolutely miserable.

NIGHT #2

Drank Tibi Tonic.
Drank one vodka drink & one beer at dinner.
Ate a big dinner - appetizer, entree, dessert. (this helps, people!)
Had a glass of port after dinner.
Had a glass of champagne to end the night.
Drank the other Tibi Tonic.

Woke up feeling like a champ! Didn't have a single symptom of a hangover.

All in all, I would have to say IT WORKS. Again, it's not a cure- it's a preventative measure. And you're not going to wake up wanting to run laps or anything. But it does significantly reduce the main, most debilitating symptoms of a hangover.

So check them out - http://www.tibitonic.com/ I was not paid to write this...simply given the chance to try the product for free...which was very, very kind of them!

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The Obligatory Birthday Blog

So I've been a little slack on blogging so far in 2012. Sorry about that, for anyone who cares what I have to say. I have to apologize for missing two incredibly important birthday shout outs too. To the two most important men in my life, a belated HAPPY BIRTHDAY and I love you! My husband turned 40...yes 40, on January 31st and my dad had a birthday just before mine, on February 21st.  But enough about THEIR birthdays...let's get to mine!

I turned 33 on Saturday and every year on my birthday I can't help but reflect on what another trip around the sun has brought to my life. Honestly, it's really strange. When I turned 30 I had a good, long cry when I stopped to think about where I was in life in comparison to where I thought I would be at that point. But every birthday since then, that concept has felt laughable. Why should I care what a fifteen year old me, or even a twenty-five year old me thought oh so many years ago? Quite frankly, I don't. Not anymore. I realized in my mid-twenties with each passing birthday I cared less and less what others thought of me. And now at thirty-three I don't even care what the old me thinks! This is great news!!

The thing is -I'm just really happy. I'm blessed with good health, a loving husband, the best friends & family anyone could hope for, a job I love...I mean my biggest fear in life is simply losing all the goodness I have in my life. I really can't complain. So what if I'm thirty three and haven't had kids or made a million dollars and no one outside of my small circle knows who the hell I am? I haven't won any awards, I haven't accomplished anything outstanding...and I truly don't care. Because my life is so good that it sometimes feels unfair. I don't mean to sound full of myself, I'm just feel really grateful for all the things I have in my life that really matter. They're not "things" at all really. Anyone can have "things". Where I am at thirty-three is exactly where I am supposed to be. No doubt. And I'm going to make an effort to enjoy every single day.

Saturday night some friends and I met at Cellar on Greene for an amazing birthday dinner! We shared good food, good wine and a good time.  One friend even came in from out of town just for my birthday. How lucky am I? All in all it was a great day and night - that reminded me of how loved I am. It's exactly the kind of birthday we should all have every year!

Finding Balance in 2012

So instead of making a bunch of lofty resolutions that I know I won't stick to- I'm keeping it broad this year.  It's always seemed sort of funny to me that most people decide each January to do things to better themselves.  Why January? It's not like time actually ends just because the year does.  Nor does time begin with a new year.  Time is never ending...so why is it once a year at the same time we all collectively vow to be better people? Shouldn't we always be striving for that?

So this year, instead of vowing to "get in shape" or "save more money", I'm vowing to find balance.  My problem is that I always try to do things full force, or not at all.  And as soon as I exhaust myself doing something full force, I tend to give in and just stop. So instead, why not be reasonable about it? Instead of saying I'm going to lose 10 pounds and run a 1/2 marathon this month - it's more manageable for me to look at each day as a new opportunity to make good decisions. If I make it to the gym today, I'll allow myself that glass of wine at dinner.  If I don't make it to the gym, I won't beat myself up over it...I just won't have the glass of wine.  Life is too short to feel guilty over eating a piece of cake, or not working out one day, or splurging on a new cocktail dress.  I want to be fit, but I also want to enjoy life and all the wonderful culinary delights it has to offer. I want to be fiscally responsible, but I also like the finer things in life.  It's all about the give and take. If I buy an expensive pair of shoes I've been eyeing - well it might be a while before I can make another purchase like that. Maybe I'd rather get the less expensive pair AND a new top to go with it? Or maybe not. Balance. Finding it in everything you do could just be the key to happiness.

Another caveat to this is being realistic.  You'll set yourself up to fail if you make grandiose resolutions like giving up carbs, or trying to attain the physique of your Pilates instructor (who naturally...doesn't eat carbs).  Don't set a goal of buying a pair of $1200 boots.  For most rational people, those are all unrealistic, and in the end unfulfilling. Set reasonable and attainable mini-goals for yourself - ones that seem within reach.  The satisfaction you get from reaching those can serve as a springboard to larger, loftier goals.

It's not a resolution, it's a lifestyle change. A mindset change, if you will. It's knowing that anything you really want in life is worth a few sacrifices.  It's knowing that you can't have it all, but you can still be happy with what you've got.  My favorite quote of late is "If it's important to you - you'll find a way.  If not - you'll find an excuse."  This is so true (for me anyway).  Don't say that getting fit is important to you, then continuously find an excuse not to work out. If it was important enough - you'd make it happen.  Maybe you sacrifice that extra hour of sleep in the morning, or even harder for some - you give up happy hour with friends...but in reality, if it's important you will find a way to fit that in.  Anyone who says they don't have time to work out is making an excuse. You have to ask yourself - which is more important to me? Eating the cupcake, or getting the body I want? And believe me - my answer to that question will change daily, sometimes more.  In the end - it's all about finding balance.  Eat the cupcake (take), but then get to the gym (give).

So this is my plan.  I feel like with balance comes peace.  I hope I'm right, and I'll let you know in an update soon!  Happy New Year everyone!

More Musings on Social Media

I have so much to say that I don't know where to start.  This isn't my first post about social media and I'm sure it won't be my last.  It's funny - the last time I blogged about social media it was 100% in response to me being frustrated with a certain few.  And I probably shouldn't have taken to my blog to vent those frustrations.  I mean - a list of Social Media pet peeves? Who do I think I am? Social Media is ever evolving, and there are no experts.  Be wary of someone who uses that term.

Remember when you first joined Facebook? Remember how calm & quiet things were when you were just figuring it out and had only double digit friends? It was nice, right? And then word got out.  Next thing you know - that guy you sat next to in 10th grade science wants to be your friend.  Huh? We weren't even friends then, why would we be friends now...I haven't seen you in 10 years? But then you look at his page and see that you have 100+ friends in common, some of which are your real friends in real life, and you don't want to be that one cold-hearted person who ignores the friend confirmation.  So reluctantly you add them as a friend and he's the first of hundreds to come with whom you will repeat this process.  (This person will also turn out to be the one to send you Farville, Fishville and Mafia Wars requests until you're forced to unfriend them).  The more people you add to your network the more limited you feel.  You might as well be taking out an ad on tv with every status or photo you post.  You're no longer just sharing with friends; you're also sharing with acquaintances, co-workers, your boss, your clients, your parents, your neighbor, etc.  Luckily, Facebook has offered increasingly good security settings which allow you to share some things with only certain people.  It's a God send, really.  If not for adding those features, I think Facebook would have eventually become a desolate wasteland...just like it's predecessor. Myspace.

Then along came Twitter.  Remember when you started to get irritated by the high school like drama of Facebook & decided to try out Twitter? Again, it was so nice being there with a "select few" who knew about it and an even more select few who participated.  While Facebook is known for lots of oversharing, most people don't send out tweets until they get a handle on what Twitter is and how it works.  People post more often, but it's limited to 140 characters.  While you can add photos, videos or links - it's not a place to store lots of things, like Facebook.  No one is going to tweet all 179 photos of their kid's first birthday party.  It's also not mutually inclusive in the relationship you have with people.  Whereas on Facebook when someone adds you as a friend and you have to accept it...Twitter allows you to only follow people that you want to follow....not the people who want to follow you.  Just because someone follows you doesn't mean you have to follow them back.  (Some will tell you that you should - I disagree except under certain circumstances).  I thought I had found a safe haven on Twitter.  People tend to be a little more honest there.  I'm not quite sure why.  Originally I thought it had to do with the smaller network, but I now have 500+ followers and yet I still feel more liberated in what I can say. A recent "situation" finally made me realize it's about anonymity.  People can reach out to you on Twitter even if they don't follow you and you don't follow them.  And because Twitter is mostly short messages, not full pages with lots of personal information & photos & a wall for people to write on...there is a sense of anonymity there.  It will sound weird to anyone not on Twitter - but I've gotten to know people there. I've made friends even - friends I probably wouldn't have met otherwise.  It's not easy to explain the vast difference - but if you're participating in both you know what I mean.

On the subject of anonymity...wow.  What a powerful thing that can be.  I was recently included in a situation where people were saying things to me and about me on Twitter that I am 100% sure they wouldn't have said in real life. Somehow - hiding behind a tiny photo and an IP address gives people a sense of bravery they don't posses in real life. It's sad really.  Raise your hand if you have "friends" on Facebook who don't speak to you when you see each other at the grocery store.  Raise your hand if you have "friends" on Facebook who are quiet and reserved, shy even, in real life - but the life of the party on the internet!  You know the one...the one who updates their status every hour to tell you that the "funniest thing just happened" to them,  and every post ends with "LOL" and a :)  To me, that's a sad state of affairs.  If that's the person you WANT to be - then be that person!  And if you're a hateful bully on the internet - don't expect to be part of my network.  Life is too short.  Get up from behind your computer and get one.

Pretty Pumpkin How-To

So I have a confession.  I'm the biggest girlie girl when it comes to certain things.  (shocking, I know)  I don't like camping, I get weak at the sight of blood, I don't like to get my hands dirty and I don't like things that make a mess. Even as a child, I didn't play in the sandbox because I despised sand in my shoes and under my nails.  Agh!.  My skin just crawled thinking about it.  Anyway - due to this irrational fear of all things icky - I am not a fan of pumpkin carving.  It's a mess! And then the stupid thing rots on your front porch, inviting a host of bugs & other gross things like mold and fungus.  So this year I decided to buck tradition and decorate my pumpkin, sans knife.  They turned out so cute! I thought I'd share the VERY quick & easy how to - even though I'll probably lose of a lot of credit.  They look kind of fancy, but anyone can do this if you have 15 minutes.  Really.

You will need:
-acrylic paint
-small flat paintbrush
-festive ribbon
-scrapbook paper (one that coordinates with the ribbon)
-Mod Podge (you can get it at any craft store)
-sponge paint brush
-scissors
-2 large-ish pumpkins & 3 tiny ones

Start with the scrapbook paper. On the backside, trace the letter of your choice in reverse. If you don't think you can draw the letter backward - you can trace it on the front.  Just be sure to cut inside your ink.  Also - make sure it's the right size to fit your pumpkin!  Hold the paper letter on to your pumpkin & using the sponge brush, brush over it with Mod Podge until it feels secure.  Tie a ribbon around the pumpkin stem, and voila!

For the painted pumpkin, you just paint your initial using the acrylic paint & flat brush.  I googled "Calligraphy R" to find a good one that I liked (and one that looked doable for a non-artist) and just went for it. If you're less compulsive, it would be smart to trace the letter on the pumpkin & paint over it.  Then, just tie another bow on top and it's complete.

The three baby pumpkins were painted the same - by hand.  I didn't dare try to mock a nice font on such tiny pumpkins free handed.  But I think they turned out okay.  I added little bows to each of them as well.  That's it!

See? I told you it was easy!

I Can't Help But Wonder

It's Sunday, October 16th and we learned this afternoon that Marcus Lattimore (South Carolina's leading rusher) will be out for the remainder of the season due to torn ligaments in his knee requiring surgery.  This news comes just days after our fifth year senior quarterback was dismissed from the team.  Of course selfishly I'm sad because of the blow to our already struggling offense.  But more than that it makes me wonder more and more why bad things happen to such good people.  I won't name names, but we've had (and probably still have) some worthless, no good excuses for student athletes on our football team. If I can think of one person in the last ten years that exemplifies the kind of character I would wish for my own son to have someday it would be that of Marcus Lattimore.  He's poised, humble, polite, hardworking and of course - loves his mamma.  He leads by example and plays football with as much heart as anyone I've ever seen on the field.  He never takes all the credit, even when it's due; he's the definition of a team player, and he does all this while serving God & even sharing his testimony with his teammates and the public.  He uses his status to reach people in a positive way.  I seriously can't say enough good things about this kid...emphasis on the word kid. He's 19 years old and is more accomplished on and off the field than a lot of people my age.  So back to my original thought pondering...why does something like this happen to a guy like Marcus Lattimore? Is it life threatening? Not really.  Is it season ending for our team? Shouldn't be. Is it one more thing Marcus Lattimore will have on his list of obstacles he had to overcome to achieve greatness? Absolutely.  And I truly believe that he will fully recover & be just as good if not better next season, thanks to his impeccable work ethic.  As sad as I am for him, and for what it means to our football team this year, I know that everything happens for a reason.  We aren't always meant to know what it is - but there is one.  I believe that.  It also creates opportunities for other guys to step up and become play makers.  Our team has been riddled with injuries all season, but we still have some healthy guys that can use this opportunity to get better, faster, stronger.  Marcus Lattimore proved he was a baller in his very first game...even more so in his second.  But we have other guys who can come out of his shadow now and hopefully do the same thing.  Then next year we'll have a few guys like Lattimore to carry us even further.  Here's hoping, right?  Here is my favorite Marcus video...it really conveys the kind of guy he is.  Godspeed on your recovery 21! Gamecock Nation LOVES you!

Cock Blocked

So something happened to me yesterday for the very first time.  (at least as far as I know??)  Someone blocked me on Twitter.  You might think this would be upsetting...and if it was someone I knew personally, or if I had actually done something to deserve it - it might be.  However, the hilarity that ensued during this incident makes it worth while.  As you all know (unless this is the first time you're ever reading this, or we've never met) I am a huge Carolina football fan.  I am a huge Gamecock fan in general, but nothing gets my heart pumping like football.  And nothing brings out the claws faster.  However, during this repartee I truly believe I kept my manners in check.  I didn't say anything ugly, I didn't attack anyone, and I didn't use foul language.  All three of which I admit I've been guilty of before.  I simply pointed out a fact & asked a question.  To that question I got a very snarky response, from a very sensitive "journalist".  I use that term lightly because I dare say if one of our sports reporters here at WACH responded to someone like that in a public forum they could be fired.  Some friends did come to my defense, and for that I was really appreciative.  Not so much because I needed defending, but because I was glad to know I really wasn't being ugly! I never set out to hurt people's feelings, and while I am opinionated and strong willed, I try very hard to at least be tactful about it...even when it comes to college football.  I don't really like the pseudo-anonymity that Twitter sometimes offers people.  I often type out a a tweet & think to myself, "would I say that to his face?".  If the answer is ever no - then I delete it.  Here is the conversation - I'll let you decide for yourself.  If I was in the wrong, and I sincerely mean this, let me know.  Of course it's a Twitter feed, so you need to start at the bottom and read your way up.

And while we're on the subject - I've also learned that I don't even know what being blocked means.  I can still see his tweets.  Can he not see mine? Or can he just not get my at replies? I mean...couldn't he just ignore me.  Guess not.  Oh and just for reference - here is the guy who was OH SO offended by my tweets! 

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

I have a feeling that I already have a post with this title.  And I have a feeling it's also about football season.  Aside from Christmas, it's my favorite season!  I've tried to love something more than I love Gamecock football, and with the exception of God I have failed. Sure, I love my husband, my friends & family...but I have what some might call an unhealthy passion for this team.  Priorities out of whack much? Yeah, I know.  Sorry I'm not sorry.

A major part of the fun factor during football season is the tailgate.  It's a VERY important component that cannot be overlooked.  It matters (a lot) who you tailgate with, where you park, and what you eat throughout the day. So in case your tailgate has been lackluster, I am here to help.  I have a couple of simple recipes that are 100% sure to wow your friends, and ensure that you keep getting invited back.  You can thank me later.  Or now...whatever feels right.  Here are two of my all-time favorites.  Enjoy!

Baked Tailgate Sandwiches
2 packages of Crescent Rolls (I use reduced-fat & it's just as good)
2/3 lb of sandwich meat (you can use whatever you like, including a combination of things...I used ham & pepperoni most recently)
2/3 lb of cheese (again - options are limitless - I used provolone & pepper jack this weekend)
1 jar of roasted red peppers, diced.
4 eggs
1/3 cup of Parmesan cheese

Pre-heat the over to 350.  Grease a 9x13 baking dish.  Unroll & lay one can of crescent rolls flat in the pan. (you may have to stretch it a  little).  Top the dough with the meats, cheeses and then red peppers.  Meanwhile, whisk 3 eggs & the Parmesan in a bowl to pour over the meat & cheese.  Once you've done this, top with the remaining can of crescent rolls.  Beat the last egg in a bowl & brush over the top of the dough.  Bake for about 30 minutes, or just until it starts to brown a little.  Let cool for at least 30 min and then cut into squares.

Greek Layered Dip  (a Mediterranean twist on the classic Mexican layered dip)
small container of hummus
small container of crumbled feta
1 large (or 2 small) tomatoes - seeded & diced
1 medium cucumber - seeded & diced.
Kalmata olives chopped/ Green onions- chopped (optional)
Pita Chips

Spread the hummus to make the first layer in the bottom of a small casserole dish.  Sprinkle half the feta on top as layer #2.  Then add the cucumbers and the tomatoes, in whatever order you see fit for layers #3 & #4.  Top it off with the remaining feta for the 5th layer.  Voila!  That's it! Some people also add chopped green onions to the top, but I don't care for them. I add chopped Kalmata olives to one half of it, since many people have an aversion to them.  I happen to LOVE them.  Serve with pita chips...scoops would also work in a pinch. (hint - get Tostitos brand Scoops - the impostors do not hold up well with hearty dips, such as this.) TIP: be sure to seed the veggies.  Made that mistake the first time, and ended up with a watery mess.  Still edible, but not pretty.

I have lots of good tailgate recipes, including a few new ones I plan to try out this season.  These however, are tried & true and never leave me with the burden of tailgate leftovers.  There is really nothing worse than trying to figure out what to do with a half eaten soggy dip that's been sitting in the sun all day.  Ick.  Here's to a great football and tailgating season for all! (well, except for you Clemson fans -I hope your football season makes you sick...but happy tailgating!)

Do It Yourself - You Really Can!

So I've recently been bitten by the DIY bug.  I never really knew I had it in me to be honest.  But here is a quick rundown of a few simple projects I've been working on.

I saw this headboard on Pinterest (like the rest of these ideas) and thought "I can make that!"...and I almost have.  For about $20 I've got a new headboard for our guest room.  All I have left to do is borrow the neighbor's nail gun & put it together.  Three cheers for power tools!

6 - 6' x 4" Fence Posts from Lowe's - $11.22
2 - 4' Fence Posts from Lowe's - $3.74
2 cans of black spray paint $1.98 (in retrospect, getting the cheap kind was not smart!)

(Here is what the end result should look like.)  

You literally just paint the boards and then nail the six stacked posts (horizontally) to the 2 upright posts and voila! A headboard is born.  As soon as I nail mine together & install it I will update with a picture.

Another quick fix is spray painting old furniture.  We have this little side table that is honestly probably worth less than the can of spray paint.  I was close to throwing it out but thought "well, I'll just paint it & see." It's now quite possibly my favorite table in the house!  I wish I had taken a before picture so you could see the dramatic change.

I'm not a hair person. Ask anyone I work with & they will rat me out...by the end of the day my hair has usually made its way into a ponytail, and thanks to my brilliant idea a few months ago to cut bangs, one or more bobby pins keeping it completely out of my way.  So I made these cute bobby pins with buttons & super glue...in about a minute & a half.  Too easy.

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The next one I'm particularly proud of because (a) I have wanted this for SO long and (b) I saved a ridiculous amount of money!!!  Up until recently I HATED our kitchen cushions.  I know hate is a strong word, and I'm sticking with it.  Hated!!  So - I went to Joann Fabric, found some that I LOVE, on sale too, for $6 a yard! Now I have brand new cushions that I no longer have to hate every time I sit down to eat a meal.  See the before and after? How great is this? And it looks great with the apple green walls in my kitchen...love, love, love!

Before

After! 

Another ingenious idea from Pinterest is the $2 cake stand.  I had garnet spray paint already (Go Cocks!) and I picked up some $1 pieces from the Dollar Tree & got to work.  The cake stand you see in the photo is just a wine glass and a plate.  I spray painted each piece and super-glued them together.  It was a big hit at our first tailgate. (again - Go Cocks!)  Just keep in mind  - spray paint isn't really food-safe - so keep a plate under your cake, or use a doilie or a napkin underneath anything else.  It probably wouldn't kill you, but who knows?

Ok, this may seem like a bit much to some - BUT Southern girls know that every good tailgate begins with a festive centerpiece.  So, I spray painted some pinecones to fill a glass vase with.  The end result is so cute, although I haven't got a picture of that.  Here are the pinecones (which were...FREE! I knew that stupid straw dropping, sap leaking, bird harboring tree would be good for something other than making a mess!)

Black & Garnet Pinecones

I am in the midst of a few more projects & will share them here.  It's so much fun to make things from scratch - and it leaves you with such a sense of accomplishment.  These are all fun, easy and relatively inexpensive.  I actually saved a ton, considering what it would have cost to purchase these items new or have someone else make them.   If you haven't already done so - check out Pinterest.  It is so great for inspiration around the house and usually gives you links with detailed instructions. Check out my DIY board to see what I'm currently working on!

If You are Prone to Hangovers - Read This

So here's the thing...I'm not as resilient as I once was.  It's true.  Age has played a mean trick on me, and sometimes one night of good old fashioned fun can ruin an otherwise productive weekend.  I have been on a mission for the last five years at least to find an actual cure for a hangover. I truly believe a hangover is God's way of letting you know that your behavior is frowned upon.  That's why they worsen with age!  So of course there is no cure.  But I've found some things that help...most recently a new discovery you're going to want to know more about.

I know - an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  I've read lots of interesting "wives tales" about things to do to prevent hangovers like eating almonds before you drink, drinking equal parts water as you drink alcoholic beverages.  I'm sorry, but if you're knocking back more than a few glasses of wine with dinner, neither of these is very effective.  They may help, but they certainly don't fully prevent.  I'm convinced the only real cure is abstinence, and sometimes that's just not an option...and not a lot of fun either.  Another important thing I've learned in my research is that not all hangovers are the same.  There are multiple factors that lead one to feel "hungover"; dehydration, impurities in the beverages you drinks, the amount of alcohol you take in, etc.  When drinking it's kind of hard to do the math and determine the best strategy for prevention, no?  Even the next day it's hard to say what "kind" of hangover you've wound up with and how to get rid of it.  The symptoms usually include nausea, fatigue, headache and general lethargy.  If you take the wrong approach to get rid of your hangover, you can actually make it worse!  It's a vicious cycle.  So onto the good news!

I recently came across a product on-line called "Sprayology - Party Relief".  I thought to myself, if it really worked wouldn't I have heard about it by now? Wouldn't everyone I know have stock in it? Buy it by the case? There is almost nothing worse than a hangover - and if someone has invented a cure they're about to be very, very wealthy.  So I did a little research and couldn't find a single bad review.  I found more than one blogger who'd tried it & raved about its effectiveness.  For $20 I thought it was worth a shot.  I'm pleased to report that it works! Now, in full disclosure - I've only tested it out twice.  I'll follow up on the exact scenarios.  But it vastly improved my well being the next day!  I won't go so far as to say it prevented a hangover - but it severely lessened the effects.  It's basically a small spray bottle that you use like this:

Spray twice under your tongue before you begin drinking, and twice every hour that you continue to drink,  The hardest part is remembering to do this every hour of course.  I'm sure I wasn't completely accurate, but it still worked for me.  It also says if you're still not feeling up to par the next day, it helps to use again - on the hour, every hour.  I didn't even need to use it the next day, but I'll remember that for future use.

Trial # 1
Went out to dinner - Jerry and I shared the mussels (appetizer) and the filet (8oz) with asparagus & potatoes. By the way - asparagus is said to be good for hangovers the next day - but honestly, who wants asparagus when they're hungover? Anyway.  I had 2.5 glasses of wine at dinner and 3 beers after dinner.  Not too bad.  Projected hangover on a scale of 1-10 was about a 5.  I didn't drink a lot of water, and didn't eat much that day prior to dinner.  The result? I slept in, which clearly helps, and then proceeded to get up and bake blueberry muffins and cleaned the house.  Yes, really! No sign of a hangover!

Trial #2
For dinner I had baked crab-stuffed tilapia, sauteed vegetables, and a half a piece of bread.  Tried to drink plenty of water with dinner. (didn't drink water again until we got home, not good!) Met some friends out for drinks and between 9pm and midnight had roughly six vodka sodas and 2 or 3 shots.  Hey, it was someone's birthday - cut me some slack! Projected hangover was about a 7, only because I knew I could sleep in.  Used my Sprayology as directed throughout the night - and what do you know? I didn't feel bad at all! I was tired - but that can much more easily be remedied that the other awful symptoms of a well deserved hangover, no? I wasn't queasy.  I didn't even reach for the Advil.  At this point I am absolutely recommending this product.  It's $20 + shipping from ULTA.  They do not have it in stores unfortunately. You can read more about it here - the ingredients, dosage, etc.  http://www.sprayology.com/relieves/party-relief

No Fail Recipe

Really - no fail!  Even if you've never cooked beyond microwaving a lean cuisine, you can make this.  I actually like to cook.  It's sort of an outlet for me.  I can't paint, and I no longer own a piano so it's sometimes how I get creative.  Unless I'm baking, I hardly follow a recipe.  I read lots & lots of them for inspiration and then I just go for it.  The kitchen is my canvas!  And believe me, not all my works are a masterpiece.  This one, however, is so versatile & so easy I have to share it -especially for those who may be culinary challenged.  My husband gave it an A+, and he's brutally honest, so I know it's good.

As much as I love making really elaborate, fancy dishes - there are only twenty-four hours in a day.  Consider I'm not even home for about 11 of those once I've been to work, the gym, and handled day to day errands - there isn't a whole of time left.  So during the week I'm all about quick & easy dinners.  (I must point out here that I'm lucky to have married one hell of a husband who's also a great cook.  So I do have lots of help!)  The following is not only easy  - but in the morning you just "set it & forget it".  Five points for anyone who can remember the infomercial that came from. By the time you get home from work, dinner is ready.  It's also really versatile so you can switch it up depending on what you're in the mood for. I certainly didn't come up with this idea on my own - I just have some suggestions on how to make it delicious. Here is what I made tonight with what we had on hand...and then I'll expound on some of my favorite varieties I've tried & loved.

1/2 a medium eggplant
1/2 a medium sweet onion
2 cans un-drained tomatoes (I used one petite diced, and one fire roasted)
1 package (1.5 lbs or so) of boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Chop the eggplant & onion.  That's the most difficult part, I promise.  Put those in the bottom of a crockpot. Then lie the chicken on top of the veggies.  Pour the 2 cans of tomatoes on top of it all.  I added a little red wine because the chicken wasn't completely submerged.  You also want to salt & pepper each layer.  Just turn it on low & in 6-8 hours it will be ready! Newer crockpots, like mine, tend to cook faster than older models.

I then take out the chicken breast & shred them - then put them back in for a few minutes.  You don't have to, but it's so tender that it practically shreds itself - so why not? I served this particular one over brown rice.  It would be good over pasta as well.

Mexican Variety
Use black beans & corn for the veggies, use salsa (or Rotel) in place of one of the cans of tomatoes, and season with chili powder & garlic salt in addition to salt & pepper. If it needs a little more liquid - I use beer. Shred & serve over Mexican style rice.  Of course if you want to go all out, top with shredded cheese & diced avocado!

Mediterranean Variety
Use onion & green pepper for the veggies.  Use the diced tomatoes with balsamic vinegar, basil & oil.  Hunt's make this kind.  For extra liquid if needed - use red wine or even just a little water.  Add some Kalmata olives after cooking & serve over yellow rice.  (top with feta, naturally!)

Summer Variety
Use squash, onion & zuchini for the veggies.  Use plain tomatoes, and throw some cherry or grape tomatoes in if you have them on hand.  Season with just salt & pepper.  If it needs extra liquid, use beer or white wine.  Use water if you don't have either of those.  Serve with any kind of rice or pasta, or shred the chicken and place it on top of a salad, then add the veggies.  I'm a huge fan of a cold salad with warm, cooked veggies on top.

There are countless combinations.  I'm a tomato-holic, so I never run out of them.  I'll typically just use whatever else I have on hand for veggies.  Mushrooms & eggplant are particularly good because they soak up the juice of the tomatoes & whatever seasoning you use.  If you're not a tomato fan (for shame!) or don't have them - you can use any liquid really, as long as every thing in the crockpot is covered.

Bon Apetit!

This is the crockpot I use - it doesn't get any easier than turning a dial.

"Aint it Funny How a Melody..."

Can bring back a memory?  That's the rest of the song.  Don't act like you don't know it.

I was driving into work this morning and heard a song...one that I can't recall now (grr!! It will come to me in a minute I hope) but I was, in my mind, immediately back in high school, riding around with my friends...probably looking for a way to get into some trouble.  I know people say "a picture is worth a thousand words", and sometimes a scent can remind you of a person or place from your past; but for me, the real driver of my memory is music.  For some reason, music is how I associate the emotions of those memories. I cannot hear "How Great Thou Art" without automatically feeling like the saddest nine year old in the world.  I remember crystal clear every, single detail of the moment that song was sung that sad November day in the First Baptist Church - the day of my grandfather's funeral. I remember what I had on and where I was sitting and how I felt like my entire world was crumbling beneath me.  (and truth be told, now I'm crying just thinking about it).  But there isn't a time when I hear that song that I'm not transported back to that day.

On a different note, the song "These Are the Days" (the Natalie Merchant song) brings back all kinds of weird feelings that I can't even identify.  I specifically remember being in my friend Courtni's car, with our friends Rebecca and Jennifer, driving down Highway 17 North in Surfside - singing this song at the top of our lungs, knowing things were about to change forever.  And they did.  It was the summer we all graduated from high school.  So while the lyrics of the song are somewhat positive & upbeat - it also signified, to me anyway, the end of one chapter in my life and the beginning of another. It was exciting, but scary - overwhelming to say the least.  And I still hear that song, turn it up as loud as I can't stand and feel those same mixed emotions as if were happening again!

There are so many songs that remind me of college I don't know where to start...this might explain why I was enrolled longer than most.  I should have focused more on school, less on making awesome memories.  Nah. Just the other day I heard Doo Wop (That Thing) by Lauryn Hill & it made me giddy! That whole album reminds me of sophomore year, which was no shining moment in the grand scheme of things - but that song in particular reminds me of the first time I ever went to Edisto.  Ironically, we now have a house there.  But back then, it was just me and Jenny Harper - cruising down I-95 in the green Camry, drinking luke warm beer and having to pee in the woods because we got lost.  Ahh good times!! I could go on all day about college songs, but I won't - instead I'll make a college playlist on Grooveshark immediately!

I actually already have an playlist of songs that remind me of my husband.  Some remind me of the good times, and some not so good.  You'll have that over the course of seven years, you know.  A funny example I'll share is Single Ladies by Beyonce.  I almost feel bad for Jerry looking back on it.  The ill-timed release of this song made his life (and mine!) a lot more difficult during a time when I thought surely we should be engaged...and 6 of my friends actually DID get engaged before us.  Poor guy.  Then there are the songs you actually chose yourself to mark the biggest occasions...like the song we danced to at our wedding.  It's funny -we narrowed it down to three or four and all of the songs we didn't end up using now just remind of me of wedding planning.  But "Then" by Brad Paisley is the song to which I will forever remember dancing with Jerry on (so far) the most important, special day of my life.  When I hear it on the radio, a warm, goofy, aww shucks feeling comes over me & I wish I could go back to that day just for a few minutes.  I hope it always does that to me.

Honorable Mention 
Rude Boy - Rihanna (my bachelorette party)
Iris - Goo Goo Dolls - (last day in the dorms, freshman year)

God Bless America

A view I could get used to!

July 4th/ Birthday Cake Pops!

Check out my sweet tat 

Why yes, that IS inflatable beer pong!

Ok, I'm too exhausted to make this any good...but we had such an awesome July 4th!  It's steadily becoming one of my favorite holidays!  I mean - what's not to love? Fireworks, sunshine, grilling out & cold beer.  Throw in some fun on the lake with family, a cook out with friends and you have yourself a perfect little holiday, no? I have a friend who's serving in Afghanistan right now - and although I am 100% sure he's never even seen this blog, I'd like to dedicate this post to him.  It's because of him, and brave, selfless people like him that the rest of us have the luxury of spending carefree weekends on the lake (or at the beach, or anywhere else our heart desires).  So thank you Willie - and all our fine service men & women for what you have done & continue to do to make our country the greatest one in the world.

You can't be caught out on the lake July 4th weekend w/out your flags!