That Pain in My butt....

OOOOOOK! So I am right back on track to knocking this "operation get smokin'" right out the front door....We have had a Wii Fit for going on oh what a year now?! and besides the occasional playing for fun it really hasn't been used much. Well I decided a little yoga in the morning would be a great way to start out my fat burning, so I did just that! Great! Felt energized, felt refreshed...def. did not feel like I worked out! OHHH i can do this i thought....that was at about 8:30 AM...I got dressed headed off to work and about lunch time noticed my butt muscles seemed to be burning slightly...ohhh i thought perhaps it does really work you out! NICE ...i love the slight tingle you get from a good workout! it makes me feel like I have actually done something...so I happily continued through my day not really noticing that my butt muscles had moved from tingling to slightly burning...I continued this lil' routine for about 3 days. The 3rd day I woke up and thought something was wrong. It felt like a tiny scorpion had snuck into my sheets and stung me right smack on my bottom! It hurt to walk, it hurt to sit, and most of all it hurt to squat!! I thought maybe I had walked the stairs at work or home more then usual?...perhaps I had stepped wrong.. then as I was brushing my teeth I spotted it...there beneath the tv stand it stuck out as if it were laughing at me... Like it was saying haha chubby girl I toasted you alright...NOOOOOOO way I thought to myself...this could NOT be...I can NOT be sore from a VIDEO game! how sad is that?! lol...I marched myself (ok so I waddled myself) over to the tv pulled the board out and proceeded to the yoga work out I had done two days ago.

I did not even get into the full position for the first move when that small scorpion bite turned into a GIANT stab wound!!! AHHHH! i literally let out a yelp...there i was bent down in the middle of the living room looking like a fool completely humiliated by something designed for even children to use, and Mychal walked in...he didn't say anything at first he just looked at me half concerned half amused and finally through the smile smirked "what is going on?"...I turned around with a look that surely could have killed and growled for him to stop making fun....bound and determined i was going to beat this thing I proceeded to go back and complete the work out....

Move two was where i slammed the game off muttering how stupid it was and walked back into the bathroom to finish getting ready...have no fear this is NOT the final standoff.....I will win this battle ....as SOON as I can walk again!

A shower and a hair brush....

..Last weekend I began the wonderful task of "spring cleaning". Removing the clutter in our lil' shoebox of a townhome...anyhow in the midst of sorting through the what nots I came across some old photographs.

With my long hair, manicured nails,dark skin, petite frame, and polished face one would have thought it was a special occassion. But the truth is I was more then likely just up and about for the day. I was looking thinking wow that must have been so long ago and then I noticed the date...not even a full three years...WHAT?! where is that woman?

I looked up into the bedroom mirror with my messy bun, faded leggings, and husbands football jersey on. Is THIS what marriage does?!...or perhaps a deployment, or uprooting yourself from everything you know?! Maybe it was a bit of it all compiled into one either way...that reflection...that rundown woman in the mirror was/is NOT me...and then all of the sudden it hit me...It is ME!!..and I was ok with it. WHAT?! I thought and laughed...it's true! I was happy with the fact that I had in a way "traded" all that "crap" in for something with substance...

As moms/wives we give up so much not just our time, not just our space or needs but in a way I think we give bits of ourselves. I dunno why? Life just seems to wash over us like some giant tsunami wave and drench us and "frump" us down. It's funny how the "mandatories" of yesterday become the "luxuries" of today without us even realizing or caring. Sure we have days where we think I'd kill for the "used to be" days...but then we look at our babies and husbands and realize no we wouldn't give just "Anything" maybe the dishes, or laundry but not our families...

That is a true trophy wife! The one that gives/cares more for her hubby and family then about herself. The one that wears those yoga pants and t-shirt and ROCKS IT lol

I held the picture next to me and said "Honey look at who you fell in love with and look at who you married!", my husband God bless his soul simply laughed and said "The only difference between you and her is a shower and hair brush" haha gotta love him!

The reason for this insanity...

So this man I am working so hard to be "a perfect 10 for"...I decided I MIGHT oughta let ya know a little bit about him and just why he is worth all this pain and suffering of beauty, grace, and all that in between.

Well, his name is Mychal for starters. We were high school sweethearts and he treats me just as romantic and sweet as he did from day one. We are complete opposites and yet so much alike it's funny. We think alotta like, and act completely different. When I yell he whispers kinda thing. He's so laid back that the only real complaint i have is he WON'T fight with me lol...I'm pretty hot headed and strong willed, while he is easy going and calm...He is conservative, southern, and traditional much like myself. He plays guitar and loves music of all kinds, He's a man after God's heart and that is one of my favorite qualities of his. He is humble, kind, and a real "stand up man".

He's the kinda husband that brings home flowers for no reasons, and does his fair share of the dishes. He is a combat medic/ health care specialist in the U.S. Army, and has served a 15 month tour in Iraq. I honestly think it was the best experience we ever had. We saw what it was like without each other around and it makes every moment we have together that much more precious to us.

I look up to him as a person for the way he carries and conducts himself. He's the funniest person I know and I have yet to meet anyone who doesn't genuinely enjoy his company. This chicken scratch of a description doesn't do him justice by any means but if i continued you would be bored and sick of the ooey-gooey love fest lol.

After 5 years together i still find something new each day to fall in love with him all over again, he treats me like a princess and that is why I strive to be "royal worthy"...for a trophy husband surely deserves a trophy wife!

Talk to me!

YAY! i fixed the comment issue so feel free to leave them *wink*!!

PUT IT BACK...I'M NOT FAT!!!

To me one of the most relaxing things is gettin' my eyebrows waxed..the warm cozy wax, even the quick "swipe" and knowing i will have perfectly shaped eyebrows...i guess maybe because mine are thick and dark I have ALWAYS been obsessed with grooming them. This particular instance was a day before vacation. Knowing there would be tons of pictures taken, and we would be flying in and meeting family we hadn't seen I decided to get my brows done.

Why can't simple things just be simple?

I had been to this place before so i dunno why i felt uneasy perhaps I should listen to my gut more often... anyhow! I sat down in the usual chair, was waited on by the usual girl, proceeded through the usual routine steps, however as she handed me the mirror I could tell by her face that what I was about to see just miiiiiiiiight be slightly less then "usual"

I had noticed that it seemed like she plucked more then she usually did..and she talked in Vietnamese more then usual...also alarming was the fact the other tech. came over and poked around a bit...

As I looked into the mirror I did not even have words to yell at her...all I could see was the big, bare, BALD, patch that WAS my eyebrow!! She could see my terror and began to tell me how pretty I was.....yea right lady I can SEE!!! All I could choke out was"NO! put it BACK!!"..Before I could say anymore she spoke words that made me boil even more then the ripped off eyebrow..the lil' 50 pound 95 year old woman said "you be very pretty if you were smaller...loose weight"...REALLY?! the weight is what's off?! I thought it might be the MISSING EYEBROW!!!!!

I dunno bout you ladies but I go to the spa for a pick me up, maybe it's to get a mani or pedi...a waxing...or massage but i leave feeling pretty and better about myself...NOT this day...

Now for those of you that do not know me I am 5ft tall and curvy...I am def. not skin and bones, but I'm rather comfortable with my small frame. I workout, and take relatively good care of myself could I loose 5 or 10 pounds well sure! But at this particular time I was headed to Mexico in a bikini the next day!!!

I began to cry and luckily she did not even MENTION payment...as I fled the seen of the crime I got into my car and bawled...this fat one eyebrowed woman was def. not a trophy wife...arriving at my mothers I was praying it wasn't as noticeable as I thought....without saying anything I walked in and before I could say hi she began to laugh hysterical asking "where's your eyebrow"?!....

Needless to say my week's vacation was spent wearing low floppy hats, side bangs, and eating salad...

For Jessica!~ Bacon Contest and Engagement Party

YAY for winning the contest love!! here are some YUMMY fast and easy bacon recipes that any domestic diva should have on hand for those last min. get together, gatherings, football parties, or any dinner party!!

1. Bacon wrapped Jalapeno- you wrap the bacon around the jalapeno secure with a tooth pick and either pop them on the grill or in the skillet! you can stuff them with cream cheese if you wish but either way they are delish!

2. All the way mashed potatoes- Mashed potatoes with chives, sour cream, cheese and you guessed it BACON!!

3.Bacon-Wrapped Potato Bites with Spicy Sour Cream Dipping Sauce
makes about three dozen bites

1 pound small or medium red potatoes
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped, fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
freshly ground pepper
12 ounces-to-1 pound thick-cut bacon
1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
1 teaspoon hot sauce
salt and pepper

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Wash and dry the potatoes. Chop them into 1-inch pieces, keeping the chunks roughly the same size, even if they aren't the exact same shape. Put the potatoes in a medium pot, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Season the water with salt. Once the water begins to boil, cook the potatoes for about 3 to 4 minutes, until you can stick a fork into them without too much resistance. You want the potatoes to be almost, but not fully, cooked through (so they won't fall apart during the next steps).

Drain the potatoes and put them in a large bowl. Add the rosemary, olive oil, salt, and a few grinds of pepper, and toss until the potatoes are evenly coated.

Cut the strips of bacon in half (with a short, vertical slice). Wrap each piece of potato in a half-strip of bacon, securing it with a toothpick. Put the potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. You may need to cook the potatoes in two batches.

Cook the potatoes for 15 minutes, then flip each piece. Cook for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the bacon is cooked through and crisp. Mix the sour cream and hot sauce in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Pile the potato bites on a plate and serve alongside the dip.

4.Bacon/chees quesadillas: I use the quesadilla maker; but you can use a regular skillet...just take a tortilla fold in half and fill with shredded cheese and cooked bacon! pop in the skillet like you would a grilled cheese, you can add scrambled eggs/potatoes for a breakfast taco



Hope that helps you out a little bit!! and as for the engagement party:
It's to honor YOU guys and let everyone ooooh an ahhh over your ring!!!...it lets the families mingle and the wedding party meet! A good way to incorporate the bacon and the party is to have a grill out type engagement party!!

some fun ideas are "she said yes" plates/napkins/invites you can find at any local hobby lobby michaels walmart target etc.

having a basket with blank notecards for guest to write "marriage tips" for the couple/ best wishes

pictures of the couple throughout their time together placed about with fun facts about each them like where they met, how long you've been together, their first date, their favorite movie, their song, etc.

a money tree: a place for guest to give financial gifts to the couple

"the newly-wed game" - use an older couple (like grandparents), a middle couple (parents/step parents) or another "friend" couple, and the engaged couple ask fun questions like what's their fave color, what's their fave drink etc. and see who wins! have blank paper and pens for answers to be written down!

the father of the bride usually makes a toast giving his blessing on the engagement

Hope that helps you girly!! Have fun!!!!

Secret Weapons ...(Kitchen)

Every soldier is only as good as their gun. So for this part of our "mission" we need some power behind all this steam! As with any super hero, domestic divas need some secret "Weapons" of their own! This post is specific to kitchen items. To master any dinner party, pot-luck, or just a cranky husband there are two key goals...fast and EASY!

These are items that every too hot to handle woman should own and keep ready to use at any time:

1. George Foreman: it's fast, keeps meat relatively lean, grills, toasts, and you don't have to deal with the food after you have put it on the grill...I use ours for everything from bacon, fajita chicken, to simple grilled cheese. It's fast and it is so simple to just wipe clean! def. a life saver...and leaves the oven open for baking dessert!

2. Ninja Chopper- or really any brand blender/food processor. It allows for you to make items such as guacamole, salsa, shakes, smoothies, chicken salad or chop meat and veggies..and makes it look and TASTE like you a Emerald himself! It's so much easier to clean up and saves some serious time!!

3. Deep Fryer: from freezer to golden in a matter of min. you can whip up fast sides, great appetizers, even desserts, and meat and have everyone thinking you surely ordered out! It's the biggest time saver! We have one you can clean the grease on, it has two baskets to do 2 things at once, and a top cover so it isn't an eye sore! You will be the hottest football party on the block, and the best movie night in town!

4. Kitchen Aide Mixer: This is the mack daddy of all kitchen appliances...pricey yes but well worth every penny...from homemade pasta to hand baked bread you can literally feed the world with this mixer, or just whip up some A-list cupcakes! Not to mention the way it looks sitting on the kitchen counter ;)

5. Non-Stick pans- last but certainly not least good non-stick pans are the key to making cooking look effortless! Everything cooks even, looks great (because half isn't left behind), and they are a breeze to clean up!

Now that you know what you're going to use to knock em' dead!, I'll have to post the HOW part! Stay tuned some fast easy and DELICIOUS diva recipes are next up!