Friend Makin' Mondays: Inside Your Home

Ah Monday...it came way too quickly this week!  I felt like I was barely home this weekend...maybe because I wasn't.  Mike and I went downtown for ArtPrize on Friday after he got out of work.  Then Saturday I spent the day shopping in Michigan City with our cousins and aunts.  Saturday night we went to a late dinner at my parents because my Aunt and Uncle were visiting.  Then Sunday consisted of church, family lunch, a small amount of relaxation, and then youth group.  Busy busy busy!  Hopefully this coming weekend will be a little slower!

But, Mondays mean it's time for Friend Makin' Monday.  It's been a while since I linked up...I hope you'll play along too!

From Kenlie's blog: If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section here at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

Inside Your Home

1. Do you live in an apartment/condo, townhouse or house? A house

 

2. What is your home’s coolest feature? I love the bay window in our dining room.

 3. Do you enjoy DIY projects? If so, what are you working on now? I do enjoy DIY projects.  However, I've been so busy that I haven't had much time to do much.  The last thing I did was paint some wine glasses for my friend who got married on Saturday.

 4. When using the dishwasher do you use powder detergent or liquid?  Neither...we use the powerballs, which might be powder, but they're hard.

 5. Do you have a TV in your bedroom?  No we don't.  We only have 1 TV in our house and that's in the living room.

6. Is your range gas or electric? Electric. I grew up using gas and the transition was difficult...we had a few burned dinners...

 

7. How often do you sweep/mop/vacuum?  We try to vacuum every Monday night.  If the dog hair gets overwhelming, we vacuum as needed.

 8. What is your favorite place to shop for home furniture and accents?  I haven't done much of that type of shopping since we moved in 2 years ago.  Then we hit up Art Van and Bed Bath & Beyond.

 9. Do you decorate for holidays?  I love decorating for Christmas and I put a few things out for fall.  I have a spring wreath but that's about it.

 10. If you could have HGTV come in and redo one room in your home which room would you choose?  Good question...I'd love to have my kitchen redone, except I just want it bigger, everything is only 2 years old.  I think it would be fun to have them decorate our master bedroom!

Now it’s your turn to answer this week’s questions! Don’t forget to come back and link up in the comments. Happy Monday, friends!

Friend Makin' Mondays: In the Kitchen

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section at: All The Weigh so we can all see your FMM questions and answers.  The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

In the Kitchen

1. How often do you cook at home? I cook at home at least 5 days a week.  Definitely 4 days during the week (we go to Mike's parents on Thursday nights) and it depends on the weekend if we go out or have leftovers.

2. Do you eat more fresh produce, frozen or canned produce? Definitely fresh produce.  My fridge and counter are covered.  I don't buy any canned veggies except chick peas and black beans.  Sometimes we'll have some frozen vegetables.

3. What are a few unusual staples that can always be found in your kitchen?  Mangoes, coconut oil, pickles...not sure how unusual those things are!

4. Look in your fridge, then tell us about the healthiest thing in there. A ton of fresh fruit and veggies--strawberries, blueberries, bananas, watermelon, grapes, tomatoes, and cucumbers.

5. Now share the most unhealthy thing in it.  Oh boy, let's see--frosting, Pillsbury biscuits, pepperoni...lots of fun stuff :)

6. Do you eat leftovers? Not usually.  I'm not a huge fan of most leftover, however, Mike loves when we have leftovers so he can take them for lunch!

7. Do you use coupons at the supermarket?  Yes--all the time!

8. How often do you try new recipes? At least 2 or 3 times a week.  We don't eat the same thing too often :)

9. Do you make grocery lists? Do you stick to them? Yes, unless I'm just running to the store for a couple things, I always make a list.  I typically stick to it pretty well, but some deals I just can't pass up!

10. If you could buy one food item that would magically be calorie-free, which item would you choose? Brownies!!!

Friend Makin' Mondays: Seven

I think I forgot that I have a blog...oops!  This summer has been so busy!  We have been gone every-other-weekend camping and the weekends that we are home are packed.  I love summer and being busy though :)  We just got back yesterday from a weekend of camping with Mike's cousins, it was awesome!  I'll post pictures from our camping trips (someday). 

Today, let's join back in for a Friend Makin' Monday.  It's been a while since I've participated!

Friend Makin’ Mondays

1. What is your favorite way to spend a Sunday afternoon?  It depends on the weather, but typically cuddle on the couch with Mike, a blanket, and a bowl of popcorn, catching up on our DVR'd shows from the week.
2. What is your favorite color? Blue
3. Have you ever been to Europe? Yes, I've been to Romania 4 times.  I'm hoping to go back someday and there are some other European countries I'd love to visit!
4. Do you wear glasses or contacts? Both.  Contacts during the day and glasses right before bed and first thing in the morning.
5. How often do you brush your teeth?  2 times a day, right after breakfast and right before bed.
6. Share a guilty pleasure. Oreo cookies...I could eat a package in a day if I was home all day.  Good thing I'm not!
7. What are you most proud of accomplishing this week? I'm looking forward to Saturday when I have a 7 mile run on the schedule.  It will be my longest run yet!

You can view the other participant's answers at Kenlie's blog, All the Weigh.

Friend Makin' Monday: Q&A

Happy Monday!  Did you have a good weekend?  I did!  I spent most of Saturday shopping with my MIL and SIL.  I got some awesome deals, and we had a great time.  Sunday was a great day filled with church, family, baking/cooking, and relaxing.  And now it's on to another busy week!  Let's get it started with another edition of Friend Makin' Mondays!

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section here so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

FMM: Q &A

1. Share one thing that has changed about you since you began blogging.  More related to my food blog, but I've found that I care more about what others think and how I'm represented.
2. If you were forced to give up chocolate or potato chips for an entire year which one would you choose to live without? Potato chips.  That would be so easy!

3. What’s more attractive:  A man in a suit, or a man in uniform?  Nothing beats a man in a suit!
4. If you could be a guest star on a reality show which one would it be? I’d love to workout with the contestants on Biggest Loser.
5. What is the last meal that you prepared for yourself?  Breakfast this morning:  toast with honey and a bowl of strawberries and bananas.
6. Is your hair colored, or is it natural?  My hair is colored.  It's a little more blonde than my natural color.

7. If you could leave town today and go anywhere, where would you go?  I'd go to Romania and take Mike, Alecia & Ovi with me.
8. Do you prefer to exercise at the gym, at home or outside?  I enjoy all three.  Each has its own benefit.  If I had to pick just one though, I'd choose the gym because it has way more equipment.

9. Have you ever asked someone out on a date?  No, I don't think so.

10. How many cups of coffee do you drink on an average day? I don't drink coffee.
11. Do you pack lightly, or do you over pack? I think I over pack.  I make sure I have enough for expected events, and then some extra!
12. What color are your nails now?  Natural.
13. If you could have lunch with one notable (living) person who inspires you who would it be?  The Pioneer Woman
14. Who is your favorite professional athlete? I can't say I have one.  I don't watch a lot of sports.

15. Gum or mints?  Gum.
16. Have you ever eaten crawfish? No, I don't think I have.
17. List one or more human characteristics that are a complete turn-off.  Having a holier-than-thou attitude.

18. What is your favorite season?  Summer, for sure!  It's so nice and warm.
19. Do you prefer to shake hands or hug?  Hug if you're my friend, shake hands otherwise.
20. Can you quote lines from Saved by the Bell from memory? If so, what’s your favorite?  No, but I did watch it on Saturday morning :)

Friend Makin' Monday: Bookworms

Ahh...Monday already. Did you miss out on your hour of sleep this weekend?  Mike and I didn't...I set my alarm on my phone to wake us up at 8:30 (new time), so we'd have plenty of time to get ready for church.  We typically are awake by 8:30 but I figured with the time change we might need the alarm.  Well, I woke up at 8:20, according to Mike's alarm clock and I had to think twice.  I checked my phone, and it also said 8:20, so I asked Mike if he had already changed his alarm clock.  He hadn't, so I got a little confused.  After resetting my phone, it turned out that my phone never skipped the hour, so it was actually 9:20.  We jumped out of bed and began getting ready...we did still make it to church on time!

In other news, it was exactly 4 years ago today, March 12 (2008) that Mike asked me to be his girlfriend.  I'm so glad I said yes :)  Look at where God's brought us so far!

And now, on to Friend Makin' Mondays.  I am really diggin' the new design Kenlie made!

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section  at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

FMM: Bookworms (Revisited)

1. How often do you read for pleasure?  I don't have a whole lot of time to read, so when I get a chance to, I'm always reading for pleasure!  I love to read, I just wish I had more time to do it!  Anyone wanna come clean my house for me?
2. Are you currently reading a book? If so, which one? I just finished reading The Help on Friday.  It was awesome, and now I can watch the movie!  I think the next book I'll read is the first of the Hunger Games.
3. Do you subscribe to any magazines and/or newspapers? If so, which ones? I do subscribe to magazines and the local newspaper.  I think I probably get 5 or 6 magazines a month including Shape, Fitness, Taste of Home, and Glamour.
4. Do you prefer reading traditional books or using an e-reader?  I think they both have their appeal.  Mike got me a Nook for Christmas so I'm just getting used to reading on it.  I think it will be super convenient for travelling.  But, there's also just something special about having a traditional book to flip through!
5. How often do you go to the bookstore?  Almost never!
6. Do you read at the gym? No.  I don't think you get as good of a workout if you're distracted by a book.  Besides, I can't read while running because I bounce too much.  I listen to music instead.
7. Have you ever been a member of a book club?  Nope.
8. Do you wear glasses when you read? I wear contacts all day, so I guess yes.
9. Has anyone read the Hunger Games? If so, would you recommend it?  See #2 :)
10. What is your favorite thing about reading?  I love the feeling of being involved in the lives of the characters.  I feel like I know them and they're my friends!

Now it’s your turn! Don’t forget to come back and link up in the comments! Happy Monday!

Friend Makin' Monday: Travel!

How was your weekend?  Mine was awesome--I got to go up to Cran Hill Ranch for a weekend retreat with my youth group kids.  We had an incredible time, growing closer to God and to each other.  I'll be sharing pictures later, but now I'm exhausted and not feeling 100%, so I'm just doing a quick Friend Makin' Monday post.  Feel free to play along!

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section here at: http://www.alltheweigh.com/ so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!



FMM: Travel

Where did your most recent trip take you? I just got back yesterday from Big Rapids.
Is there a place that you’d like to visit that you haven’t yet? If so, where? There are so many places I'd still like to go!  Mike and I hope to someday do a mission trip to Haiti, and I'd love to visit the Holy Land someday. 
Do you travel lightly, or do you cram as much into your luggage as possible? Funny--we just had this discussion this weekend.  I'm a pretty light traveler.  I've learned to bring just 1 or 2 extra outfits (depending on the length of my trip), but to always put as much necessary stuff as possible in my carryon (if I'm flying)...I've had my luggage lost too many times!
Do your eating and exercise habits change when you travel? If so, how? It really depends on where I'm going.  This weekend I did a lot of walking but I had little control over my food.  When I have the chance, like when we went to Chicago or Canada last year, I did exercise when possible.
Tell us about a place you’ve been that you’d like to go back to. I'd love to go back to both Romania and Jamaica.  I want Mike to experience Romania and we'd both love to get back to Jamaica.
Do you prefer to travel at a certain time of year? No, it makes no difference to me!
If you had to choose, would you go to the beach or the mountains? I love warm weather, so I'd definitely pick the beach.
Have you ever needed a passport to travel? Yes, to Canada, Romania, and Jamaica.
Do you collect anything in your travels? Mike and I buy a magnet every time we go somewhere together.
Where do you plan to go next? We are going on a family vacation to Hawaii with Mike's family in May. 
Now it’s your turn! Don’t forget to come back to share a link in the comments! Happy Monday friends!

Friend Makin' Mondays: Getting to Know You

Can you believe it's Monday already? This weekend seemed to just fly by!  And now it's back to the daily grind...and regular work weeks.  And of course it's Monday, so that means Friend Makin' Monday!  (I haven't participated for the past few weeks, but hopefully I'm back at it now!)

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

FMM: Getting To Know You

1) What is one of your favorite ways to spend a Saturday? I would love to have a Saturday that I could stay in my PJ's and do whatever sounded good all day.  Nothing to be done, just relaxing and spending time with Mike.  It's been a long time since we've done that!

2) List your top three favorite TV shows. NCIS, Criminal Minds, White Collar.

3) Would you rather be in pictures or take them? I love taking pictures!

4) Why do you blog? I blog as a journal.  I don't keep a normal journal, so anything interesting goes on my blog.  I'd like to get it printed out by the year, so I have a scrapbook of sorts to look back on!

5) Share five websites that you visit regularly…
~ Facebook
~ Twitter
~ Pinterest
~ Google Reader
~ Hotmail
6) If you could have lunch with one person from your Twitter list who would it be? Karen Kingsbury!
7) List a few of your favorite snacks. Right now I'm absolutely loving "ants on a log" (celery with peanut butter and raisins), but I also like graham crackers with peanut butter, apples, and clementines.

8 ) Do you have a pet? Yes!  My puppy Champ, he's a Labrador Retriever/Husky.

9) Which three material possessions would you struggle to live without? phone, computer, work-out clothes...wow, I depend way too much on technology!

10) What’s your favorite drink? Peach nectar

11) Do you enjoy cooking? I love cooking!  That's why I have a food blog :)

12) Do you have children? No, but someday!

13) What are your favorite hobbies? Cooking, baking, reading, painting
14) Would you consider yourself to be shy or outgoing? It really depends on who I'm with, but I'm probably more outgoing than shy.

15) If you could change one thing about yourself, what would you change?  My splotchy skin lol

16) Who is your favorite actor/actress? I like Reese Witherspoon and Jason Statham.

17) What’s the coolest thing you’ve done this week? Considering that it's Monday, I suppose working out was the highlight of my day!

18) Do you live near your family or far from them? Near my immediate family and Mike's (and his extended). Far from my extended family.
19) List three of your talents. Cooking, baking, leadership
20) What is your greatest attribute? If I say I'm going to accomplish something, I do it!  (With the exception of cleaning lol...ask Mike!)

Now it’s your turn to share your answers. Don’t forget to go link up in the comments! Happy Monday!

Friend Makin' Mondays--I am...

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!


FMM: I am…

1. I am good at…baking, cooking, leading others.
2. I am happy when…I am with my friends and family.

3. I am working on…keeping my house clean!  It's hard, but I'm learning!
4. I am interested in…fitness and healthy living.
5. I am always…smiling :)
6. I am enjoying…the Christmas season!

7. I am in…love with my husband! ;)
8. I am reading…through my constantly growing stack of magazines. I think I'm reading either Shape or Fitness right now.

9. I am concerned about…nothing that I can think of!

10. I am looking forward to…upcoming Christmas parties!

Friend Makin' Monday: Holiday Shopping

I hope you had a great Thanksgiving weekend!  I'll try to post about ours later this week, along with the continuation of my November Thankfulness list!  But now it's time for a quick Friend Makin' Monday post...

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

Do you like to shop? Usually!

Have you started shopping for Christmas gifts yet? Yes!  I have about 75% of my shopping done and wrapped!
Did you shop on Black Friday? If so, what did you buy? I did!  We got up at 3 am on Friday to head to Menard's.  Our big purchases were a dog bed, dog toys, work lights for our basement, and some Christmas gifts.  Totally worth the savings and the atmosphere was so fun!
List a few of your favorite stores. Target, Kohls, Peter's Gourmet Outlet
What is the last thing you purchased for yourself (food and drinks excluded?) A candle.
Do you prefer to shop in-store or online? Both!  I love the convenience of shopping online but I like to be able to try on clothing in stores.
If you could purchase one thing that you don’t need at all for yourself today, what would it be? Probably some kind of workout equipment...
Does your significant other shop with you? Do they love it/hate it? Sometimes...Mike rarely comes grocery shopping with me, but he'll go other places with me.  Typically he doesn't complain unless I add in extra stops, but there are definitely things he'd rather be doing.
Do you shop at thrift stores? Occasionally.

When you’re holiday shopping, do you make lists? Yes!  I'm totally a list person!  It's the only way I can keep everything straight!

Happenings and Friend Makin' Monday

I feel like I have so many things to write about, but not enough time to write about them all!  I do have a bunch of posts that are half-written, so I'll get them posted eventually, but it might be all old news by then! :)  So let me give you a quick run-down of what's been going on in our lives:

*Champ is growing by leaps and bounds!  I weighed him last Monday and he was 26 pounds.  I weighed him this morning and he was 30.8 pounds!  Wowza....he still has tons of energy of course!  He runs circles around our house and it's hilarious to watch.  He's pretty much housetrained (except for when new people come over and he gets excited, or when he drinks a ton and we don't let him out right away!)  I have some pictures I'll be posting at some point!

*The 7th was the last day I worked at WSCS (the men's counseling office).  For years, the 2 businesses (WSCS and EC) have shared a building.  Since both of agencies are growing, WSCS decided to find a new location.  This meant that since I worked for both agencies, I needed to travel between buildings.  Not a big deal, but still....  Well, a few weeks ago, EC asked if I would work for them full time.  I asked for some time to think about it and talk it over with Mike.  I felt like it was a big decision since when I started 2 years ago, I was working primarily for WSCS and over the past year I have transitioned to doing more for EC.  After a week of praying and talking about it, Mike and I decided it was in our best interest for me to accept the offer.  I now work Mon-Thurs all day at EC, and I have Fridays off.  So far, it's going great and I love it!

*I signed up for a 5k with a group of ladies from church on November 12th.  After not running for nearly 5 weeks, I feel like I'm completely starting over again!  I certainly have my work cut out for me over the next 3 weeks, however, I have told myself that I don't have to PR at this race!

*Mike and I went to see Courageous on Saturday.  If you haven't seen it, we highly recommend it!  It was such a great movie and we both got choked up a few times.  We have the other 3 movies from Sherwood Pictures, so we'll definitely be adding this one to our collection!

*Youth group started last month, I have an incredible group of 10th and 11th grade girls.  They love to talk, and when we can keep them on topic, they have so many great things to say.  I can't wait to see where God continues to lead us this year!

I know I can come up with more to share, but that's what my next posts are for!  Now it's time for this week's edition of Friend Makin' Monday!

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section at: http://www.alltheweigh.com/ so we can all see your FMM questions and answers.  The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

FMM: Recipe Exchange

Let’s share one or two of our favorite Fall recipes this week! It’s always fun to mix things up in the kitchen!

If you've taken a look at my food blog recently, you know it's full of fall inspired apple and pumpkin recipes.  I love fall baking, and I've been able to spend more time in the kitchen now since I have Fridays off!  One of my favorite recipes is this one from Mike's mom:  Ma's Apple Crisp!

Friend Makin' Monday--Holidays

Congratulations to the winners of the Basic H2 giveaway--Cheri and Terri!  I'll be emailing you soon! :)

This weekend was awesome--it really felt like fall and that put me in the mood for donuts and apple cider.  I didn't have a donut but I did have some nice hot cider...mmm!  It's funny how this week's Friend Makin' Monday topic fits in so well with the changing seasons.  In fact, I was just commenting to Mike the other day that I'm ready for Christmas! :)

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

FMM: What’s your favorite holiday? And why?

I really do love all the holidays, just some more than others. I love the excitement in the air as a holiday approaches and the anticipation of kids and adults alike. 

But I'd have to choose that Christmas is my very favorite holiday.  First and foremost, because it is the celebration of Jesus' birth.  And next come all the other reasons this holiday is so fun:

*Christmas music

*Yummy food

*Baking cookies

*Christmas trees

*The anticipation of giving and receiving gifts

*Time spent with family and friends

*Parties

*Carolers

*Decorations

*A general sense of excitement and warmth in the air

To me, it truely is the most wonderful time of the year!  In fact, a Christmas song came on my Pandora radio the other day and instead of skipping it, I sang along...I can't wait for Christmas!

Friend Makin' Monday--The Last Thing

Monday already?  We had such a great weekend, but it went by way too fast!  In fact the whole week just flew by.  As you can tell by my lack of posting, we were busy!  In fact, did anyone notice that I never told you about last weekend's activities like I said I would?  I'll try to remedy that this week!  

Mike and I felt so productive on Saturday.  We got up at a decent time and I went on a 4.1 mile run while he washed his car.  Then I came home and washed mine while he vacuumed out his car.  We tidied up the garage a bit and swept out all the dirt.  Then after lunch we spent time working in the office.  All my Avon stuff had taken over, along with old papers that needed shredding, my painting table was disaster, and we needed to organize!  We even hung a few pictures (they've only been waiting to be hung for the past 10 months!)  Then I headed to the kitchen for some baking and preparing dinner and Mike got in some quality video game playing.  We had our newly married friends over for dinner and enjoyed beer butt chicken and a rousing game of Mad Gab with them.  After a busy day Saturday it felt good to relax at my parent's house on Sunday and visit with them, my brother and his girlfriend, and my grandma who is visiting from Canada.

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section at: http://www.alltheweigh.com/ so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

FMM: The Last Thing

1) What is the title of the last book you read?  This is bad...I don't remember the last book I read!  I read a lot of magazines, but I think the last book was probably Love and Respect.

2) What is the last movie you saw in a theater? Mike and I saw Captain America in 3D a few weeks ago.

3) Briefly describe the last person you saw today.  Tall, blonde, beautiful blue eyes, thin, handsome. :)

4) Which store did you most recently shop in?  Target, they had a good deal on Prilosec last week!

5) Who’s the last person you spoke to over the phone? My Dad.

6) Where’s the last place you vacationed? Jamaica, for our honeymoon.

7) When was the last time you kissed someone of the opposite sex? This morning

8) What’s the last thing that made you laugh?  The guys at the bonfire last night!

9) What’s the latest app that you downloaded on your phone? StopWatch & Timer so I can time my planks!

10)  What’s the last kind thing you did for someone?  I packed Mike's lunch this morning :)

Now it’s your turn to answer this week’s questions!  I hope you like them! Don’t forget to come back and link up in the comments!

Friend Makin' Monday: The Driving Force

We had an awesome and exciting weekend...I'll share it with you soon.  But now it's Monday and that means it's time for...

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!


FMM: The Driving Force

What is the driving force behind your weight-loss?

When I first saw this question, I didn't think I had an answer.  A driving force?  What's that supposed to mean?  But the more I thought about it, the more I realize, I do have a driving force.  What is it you ask?  To be healthy.   Not just to get to a certain weight.  In fact, I don't know if I'll ever reach my "goal" weight since my body seems to like where it's at now--and that's okay.  Because I feel good!

I've started with my second round of the Accountability Adventure.  I love to have people to make me accountable for getting healthier.  I love how I feel after I run a 5k, after I finish a greuling weight-lifting session, or when I choose to eat an apple instead of a donut. 

I want to be around for a long time, for my family, my husband, our future kids.  I want to be an example to others; my body is a temple and it is my responsibility to keep it healthy so that I can live life to the fullest.  And that is my driving force.

Friend Makin' Monday: Girly Questions

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section  at: http://www.alltheweigh.com/ so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!


1. Do you like to shop? Usually.  I almost always enjoy grocery shopping because I love to find great deals.  I do get easily annoyed with other shoppers though!  As far as other shopping goes I have to be in the mood for it or looking for something in particular.  Otherwise I get bored and grumpy really quickly!

2. How often do you wear makeup? I usually wear makeup Monday-Friday because that's when I work.  Saturday it really depends on what I'm doing, but I often don't put any on unless we're going out for dinner or with friends.  Sunday I wear makeup.
3. How do you feel about nail polish? I hate wearing it on my fingernails because I can feel the weight of it and it drives me crazy.  But, I always have my toenails painted, I don't like the look of bare toenails!
4. Do you consider yourself to be a feminist? Yes and no.  I think that women are perfectly capable of doing many things and rightly so.  However, I also think that there are things/jobs best left to men, and that the men should be the head of the household.

5. What’s your biggest challenge as a woman? Learning to tune out what society says I should be like.

6. Do you wear skirts and dresses? Or do you prefer something else? I wear skirts and dresses to church occasionally and to weddings.  I wear dress pants to work and I love a good pair of comfy jeans otherwise!

7. How do you feel about high heels? I love high heels! My wedding shoes had 4 inch heels...I have to wear heels to measure up to my 6'7" husband!

8. Do you subscribe to magazines? If so, which ones? Yeah, a bunch of them.  Taste of Home, Fitness, Redbook, Cosmo, All You.

9. Do you shave your legs/wax/ use depilatory creams or go au naturale? I shave.
10. What do you like most about being a woman? Everything...is that an answer?  I love being able to dress up, I love to cook/bake, I love taking care of people.

Friend Makin' Monday--10 Random Questions

Can you believe it's the middle of July already?  Where has the summer gone?  I wish I knew...time has just flown by.  I've been so busy, but I don't know what I've been busy doing...not blogging, that's for sure!  Hopefully I'll have some time to catch you up on some of our summer activities soon, but for now it's time for...

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section over at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers.  If you join in, share  your links there too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

 FMM: Ten Random Questions

1) What do you like most about yourself? I get along really well with others.

2) List three characteristics that you like to have in your friends. Loyalty, humor, love.

3) How often do you brush your teeth? Twice a day--in the morning and before bed.

4) If you could travel anywhere today, where would you go? Romania.

5) Have you ever met anyone from the blog world in person? Yes, but it's more like meeting real-life-friends in the blog world.  We're friends in real-life and discovering each other online.  I do have a few blog friends I would love to meet!

6) What is the last show you watched on TV? We watched Law & Order last night.

7) What kind of perfume/cologne do you wear? I rotate a lot but, my favorite go-to is Pink Fresh & Clean.

8) How long ago did you complete your last workout? At 6:50 this morning!

9) What will you eat for dinner tonight? I have a meeting at church so dinner will be quick tonight. Probably leftovers from Saturday night (chicken for me, steak for Mike) and a baked potato.

10) Share something fun that you did over the weekend. Date night with Mike on Saturday!  We went to the Trestle Stop for dinner and then came home and caught up on our DVR'd shows!

Friend Makin' Mondays: What's in Your Fridge?

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section here at: http://www.alltheweigh.com/ so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

FMM: What’s in Your Fridge?

List a few common items that can always be found in your fridge. Yogurt, fresh fruit, eggs, pickles :), bread, milk.

What kind of milk do you drink? I drink skim but Mike drinks 2%.  Actually, I don't really drink milk because I don't like it, but it use it in recipes and on my cereal.

Do you prefer fresh or frozen vegetables? Fresh most definitely! 

What do you currently have to drink in the fridge? Water, milk, orange juice, pink lemonade, beer, Mountain Dew, Pepsi Max, Sokata.

How often do you clean out your refrigerator? Never....at least I haven't yet.  Usually we eat things before they can go bad, but if I find something spoiled I throw it out when I see it.

What’s the healthiest thing in it right now? Fruit and veggies--strawberries, apples, blueberries, lettuce (from my garden!), snap peas, carrots.

What’s the most unhealthy thing in it right now? Hmm...I really can't think of anything terribly unhealthy in my fridge. Maybe pepperoni....

What do you wish you had in it that you don’t have now? Grape salad...that sounds really good right now!

How often do you shop for groceries? Usually once a week, but if I ever run out of something or we need fresh fruit (we go through bananas like crazy!)  I'll run to the store on my lunch hour.

What’s the weirdest thing in your fridge right now? Anchovy paste...or Aloe lotion.  I'll let you decide which is weirdest!

Now it’s your turn! Don’t forget to answer the questions and visit Kenz's site to post a link in the comments section! Happy Monday!

Friend Makin' Monday: Yes or No?

I hope you had a great weekend!  We were super busy this weekend, I hosted a party on Saturday night so I spent all day in the kitchen, then on Sunday we had lunch with my parents after church, went seadooing, and then went to the beach for dinner with Mike's parents.  Whew!  It flew by!  I'll share some pictures later this week, but now it's Friend Makin' Monday time!

"If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section here at: All The Weigh so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!"

FMM: Yes or No?

Do you use coupons? Yes, all the time!  I love to coupon, and I try not to shop without coupons!

Do you like football? Yes, I do enjoy watching football.  Of course, my favorite part of the Superbowl is having a party with lots of food.

Are you in a relationship? Yes! I'm married to my best friend!

Is your phone always within arm’s reach? Most of the time, yes.  We don't have a house phone so it's the only way for people to get ahold of me.

Do you like thunderstorms? Yes...as long as I'm not home alone.

Can you cook? I love to cook!

Are you – or have you – lost weight? I'm trying to lose the stubborn 15 pounds I've gained since my wedding! 

Do you know how to read a map? Yes I do...I need to buy one since I can't trust my GPS anymore :(

Do you wear makeup? Almost every day...not usually on Saturdays though :)

Do you read regularly? Not really, I used to read books all the time, but now I just read magazines and cookbooks.

Are you publicly affectionate? Sometimes, depends where we're at and who we're with.

Do you like picnics? Yes!

Do you have a/c? Yes! Too humid to live without it!

Have you ever been out of the country? Yes!

Do you know how to ride a bicycle? Yes – I am just getting back into riding (after many years of not touching a bike).  I'd eventually like to do a mini-tri!

Okay, now it’s your turn to answer the questions! And these are easy, right? Don’t forget to link up at Kenz's blog!

Friend Makin' Monday: Why do you blog?

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section here (at Kenlie's blog) so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

FMM: Why Do You Blog?

I started blogging because I had a 4 hour break between classes in college.  It was about 4 years ago and a lot of my friends from church were writing blogs.  I followed their blogs and I thought it would be fun to keep a blog of my own. 

My blog is basically my journal.  I use it to document my thoughts, my recipes, what Mike and I are up to, and other things I find interesting and/or important.  It's a place where I can look back and see where I've come over the years.  Someday I'd like to print my blog out so that I can have a "book" of my life. 

I don't blog every day.  I don't have time...I wish I did.  But then I wouldn't know what to write about.  Sometimes I think I don't have anything to write about, but then something pops into my head during the day and I think, Oh!  I'll blog about that!  Blogging has become part of my life, so much so that I never go anywhere without my camera, just in case there is something blogworthy to be seen!

What about you, why do you blog?

Friend Makin' Mondays: Are You a Bookworm?

This weekend went by entirely too fast! I spent all day Saturday in Michigan City at the outlets, I got some nice deals!  Sunday was a mixture of busy and relaxing, but it was over far to quickly.  And now it's Monday....and it's May!  Can you believe that it's already May?  Me neither!  Anyway, Mondays mean...

Friend Makin' Mondays: Are You A Bookworm?

1) How often do you read?  Not very often.  Before I got engaged, I was always reading; I would read probably 2-3 books a week.  Now I just don't have time anymore.  I do spend a lot of time reading blogs and a few magazines I subscribe to...does that count? :)

2) What's the last book you read and loved? I don't even remember.  I know that I last re-read the Baxter family series by Karen Kingsbury.  I absolutely loved them, I loved how I felt like I knew the whole family.  I think I'll have to read them again soon!

3) What book(s) are you currently reading?  None...I started one on our honeymoon but I never finished it.  I don't even know where it is (shame on me, I know!)

4) Share a few of your favorite authors.  I do have a lot of favorites, but my top 2 are Karen Kingsbury and Mary Higgins Clark.

5) What's next on your list of must-reads?  Nothing...any good suggestions for me?

Friend Makin' Mondays: Today I...

Today I have to give Kenz credit for coming up with these great questions every week! ;)

Visit her blog to play along!

FMM: Today I....

Today I felt...great after a wonderful weekend, great night's sleep, and longer-than usual workout.

Today I saw....that our dove is now sitting on 2 little eggs!

Today I ate...homemade cinnamon rolls for breakfast, yum!!!

Today I kissed...my handsome husband ;)

Today I bought...absolutely nothing!

Today I heard...lots of motorcycles go by my work.  They must be enjoying the warmer weather!

Today I lost...nothing...yet.

Today I decided...to make it my goal to drink at least 3 bottles of water!

Today I need...to edit pictures for my blogs!

Today I wish...it was sunny out, but I'm happy it's not raining! :)