Merry Christmas!

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A very Merry Christmas to you!

I figured I better hop on here and send my well wishes before all the craziness starts... The hub's parents arrive this afternoon, so from then on out it's full speed ahead - Christmas style! I hope all of you have a wonderful Christmas! This year we are going to the Christmas Eve service at church and then hosting a casual Christmas Eve dinner back at our house. Then we'll be heading over to my parents' house on Christmas Day for Christmas dinner. (How many times can I say Christmas?!) And then to the theatre to see Marley & Me later that night! But shhh... don't tell my mom - it's a surprise!

I tried posting it here but my non-tech-savvy-self couldn't get it to work. Check out this post for a fabu Christmas jig from my three sillies.

P.S. This is post #300.... Wowzas!

Merry Christmas!!!!

From Edward to Marley.

OK so I finally finished the whole Twilight series. Absolutely loved it. I wasn't sure where the fourth book was going initially, but I loved the ending. What an incredible series! I was actually in continuing ed. the other day and the chick next to me was reading one of the books (much more interesting than the lecture going on). So on the first break I couldn't help but ask her which book she was on. We totally had a Twilight geek-out session together - it was hilarious. I just wish there was more...

I have that same content, yet longing feeling I had after the 7th Harry Potter book. OK, not NEAR the emotions I felt after finishing Harry. Seriously, I saw a guy in the airport with the 7th book a good few weeks after I had finished it and I just started crying. Right there on the damn escalator. Again, LOVED the ending to HP, but was so sad it was the end. I've already hopped on Stephenie Meyer's site to read the unedited snippet of Edward's POV from the first book, but I've got to put it on hold for a few days... because I've got to get Marley & Me read in time for the movie next week!



I know, I feel like the last person on Earth to read it. I've actually had the book on my shelf for a couple of years, but just never got to it. Well, my mom is dying to see the movie (and they are not really go-to-the-movies people, but she's hell bent on seeing this flick in the theatre). So we're surprising her with tickets for the Christmas Day opening. I love going to a movie on Christmas... it's a great little escape. Kinda nice to get out of the house after being buried in wrapping paper and eating entirely too much food. I already got the passes (alla Costco, of course) and am going to go pick up the tickets this weekend. Anyone else going to see it? Well I'm only a few chapters into the book and I'm already crying. I know what's coming at the end and I'm going to freaking lose it...

Alright well I've got lotsa work to do here. We've got our Christmas party tonight down at the Aquarium, so I've gotta get outta here early. Another whirlwind of parties this weekend! Hope y'all have a good one.... TGIF!!!!

It's settled.

My heart now belongs to ELF's eyeliner and shadow stick. It was love at first application... and at only $3, it's a no-brainer for this penny-pincher. EL, we had a good run, you and I. I promise - it's not you, it's me. I still think your product kicks major ass, but I have to think of my wallet here, love. I know you understand...

It just might be love...

I'm pretty sure it is. But I figure I should hold my final review till I've gone through a full day of wear. I can hardly contain my potential excitement though! OK, let me get to it... So for the last, gosh, 16 or 17 years, I've been using Estee Lauder's Automatic Eye Pencil. It has changed some through the years, but it has remained the #1 eyeliner in my book for, well, my own personal forever. It was the one last "department store" makeup item that I refused to go without. Even though the refills cost me a ghastly $12.50 (ugh, I remember when they were only $8), I didn't care - it was that good. Now, when I pay about $1 - $5 for every other makeup product in my little bag, $12.50 is a huge chunk of change to me...

But ladies, behold! ELF has come out with its own version of this fabulous automatic pencil for only $3. It's part of their new Studio line... you know, the more *uppity* line that goes for $3 instead of $1. So anyway, when I reordered my supply of mineral makeup the other day, I added one of these new liners to my shopping bag to test it out. Could this be as good as my tried and true Estee Lauder version? I mean I have not switched to anything else in 17 years, people! That doesn't mean I haven't tried other things!

Well, this morning I broke out the new $3 liner and... WOW. That baby glided on so smooth that I started squealing. Could this be true? Could I have found new eyeliner love? After all these years? Well if this baby stays in place all day (has so far - 4 bathroom checks and counting) , I think I may be breaking up with Estee Lauder. I love you EL automatic eye pencil, but I just can't say no to $3. I'll be back with my final verdict tomorrow...

Hello, blogworld?

Is that you? Hi, it's me - Buford Betty! I know, I know... I've been away for SO long! My last post was about turkey day and now we're about to smack right into Christmas! My December has just been so busy - as it always is. The string of holiday parties started last Saturday and well, it's non-stop till Christmas. We literally have a party (at least one) EVERY Saturday and Sunday till Christmas - and even some Fridays. No rest for the weary! I don't know why this surprises me every year... but it happens every December.

Now I DID reach my goal to finish all my Christmas shopping by the end of November. Hallelujah! I did not, however, get all of that loot wrapped yet. I wanted to be bought, wrapped, sealed, tagged, etc. before December ever got here... but, well crap. It's here! Whatever. Anyway, it's not that I haven't had fun things to blog about... I mean I usually jot a little note to myself when something pops in my head that's blogworthy. I have a nice little list brewing here... but my work calendar and social calendar have been busy, so that's leaves you, dear blogworld, to suffer. Hehehe...

Well, we did have a fabulous Thanksgiving. We were over at my godmother's for Thanksgiving dinner. And then the hub and I headed up to Tennessee to visit with his parents for the weekend. It was a great long weekend. Oh and did I mention that I went Santa shopping with my mom the Wednesday before? Yes! That little taste of shopping was a bit dangerous though. Even though Santa was buying, it wasn't good for me to smell those lovely retail smells and see the incredible bargains to be had up close and personal. I'm much better left in the dark. Out of sight, out of mind y'know. But I got some super cute stuff from Santa - well, I don't have it yet, but anyway - yeah. That makes me think of a Santa question... I think I'll add a fun little poll on here (note to self).

Oh and did I mention that we got banned from using Facebook at work? Not that I'm even on it much at work, but just the fact that I *can't* get on it is annoying. Especially when I get an email alert about a message or something and I can't get on there to answer it... that sucks. Because honestly the last thing I want to do when I get home is look at a computer. I sit in front of 4 - yes FOUR - large flat screen monitors every day. It's amazing I still have any vision left. So really, the idea of sitting at the 'puter once at home is no fun. So my facebook time has dwindled. As well as my bloggy time. I'll get it in there somehow though! I have so much to post about - I just need to sit my butt down and make the time. This is the most random post ever. OK so while I don't have time to post everything I wanna right now, I will leave you with a few things and a super simple recipe that I used at Thanksgiving too. Hope y'all are having a great week! I've missed y'all! :-)

OK, my random ramblings...

1. How much do I love Costco? More than you know. Our torrid love affair gets hotter and sweatier everyday. So I only recently discovered (or paid attention really) to the fact that you can get movie ticket vouchers there for $7.50. And there are NO exclusions. AND they're good for IMAX movies! Our local theatre has an IMAX screen. So the hub and I budgeted for a date night this month because he wanted to see that alien movie thing with Keanu Reeves - The Day the Earth Stood Still or whatever. Yeah, totally his pick. Anyway... our theatre has it showing on IMAX. So my old non-budgeting self would have gone on Fandango to get tickets - and those would've been $34 for two (after the fees and junk). BUT my shiny new budgeting self got two vouchers from Costco (you just ask for them at checkout) for $15 and went over to the mall yesterday to trade them in for our tickets. So I saved $19 by doing that - hellz yeah! Three cheers for Costco!

2. That leads me into what's on tap for this weekend... Friday night is date night with the hub. Saturday morning we're running the Jingle Jog 5k. Any other peaches running?! Gertie will be running alongside me with some Christmas flair - I promise to take pics! Charlie was supposed to run, but he has managed to injure his knee. The hub was at the vet with him yesterday. He's on some pain meds and we're just watching it for now, but the run is definitely out. Poor Charlie - say some puppy prayers for him! So does Belly get to take his place? Well, I say heck no because she is an absolute pill to run with... but she is daddy's girl and the hub is saying he's taking her. That's fine - he can run with her. Here's bettin' he tosses her into a garbage can before mile 2. Oh and I got some awesome Christmas knee-high socks for the occasion. I will take some pics of those too. Then SaturDAY I'll be in a wrapping frenzie! Frenzy? However you spell it. Saturday night we have a Christmas party at a friend's house... Church Sunday a.m.... A kid's birthday party at noon... and then our small group Christmas party Sunday night. Phew!

3. I'm almost done reading Breaking Dawn. I flew through the first three books, but had to slow down on this last one since we've been so darn busy lately. I don't think I ever mentioned my thoughts on the Twilight movie either... I thought it was good, not great. Liked, not loved. Edward was completely drool-worthy and worth the ticket price alone, but as with most movies based on books, the book is soooooooooo much better. I think, just the way it's written, it's so hard to translate that on film - especially in a 2-hour window of time. I don't think the intensity of Bella and Edward's relationship comes through. Though I have to say, I did find Jasper freaking hilarious. He's like Edward Scissorhands, minus the scissors. So I have a new-found love for Jasper after seeing the film. So overall... if you haven't read the book, I'd skip it. I just don't think I would've "gotten it" if I hadn't read. I mean I love me some vampires (again - tried and true Buffy fan here), but I think the movie was lacking. Oh I'll still totally buy it on DVD so I can look at Edward.... but yeah... I'm hoping they put a little more edge into the second film. Sounds like they're trying to spit that one out by the end of next year.

4. OK lastly (I told you these were random)... here's a recipe for corn casserole that I made for Thanksgiving. It's so stupid easy, but a huge hit. My favorite combo! Plus it's made with stuff most people have on hand - and if not, these ingredients are cheap. This is an old Paula Deen recipe, so you know it's good (terrible for you, but good)...

You'll need:
1 can creamed corn
1 can corn
1 stick butter
1 cup sour cream
1 box Jiffy cornbread mix

Melt the butter and mix all the ingredients together in a bowl. Pour into a baking dish. (I've done this both in a regular 9x13 dish and a square dish (9x9) and I think it comes out better in the 9x9). Bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes. Yum-o!!!!!!!!

5. Wait, one more... Back to my thoughts on a poll re: Santa... So when I was growing up (and I guess I still am because Santa still comes if we're spending Christmas at my parents' house), Santa would lay out my gifts - all across the floor, all along the couch, whatever the case may be. He didn't wrap. Now Mom and Dad's gifts to me were wrapped and under the tree, but Santa came and left everything out unwrapped. I realize this is a heated debate... much like real vs. fake Christmas trees, or which way the toilet paper is supposed to hang, but I must ask, What does Santa do (or what did he do) at your house? Wrap or not?

Turkey Week.

Don't know how much I'll be able to hop on here, as our Turkey week is rather stuffed. Haha... stuffed. ;-) So I wanted to go ahead and wish you all a fabulous Thanksgiving! I am constantly reminded of how very blessed I am and how much I have to be thankful for... the first thing I usually spit out of my mouth in prayer (almost without thinking) is "thank you for this day." Because, truly, no tomorrows are guaranteed. I haven't been very bloggy this last week other than to obsess over my vampire boyfriend, Edward, but truthfully I haven't really felt up to it...

A little over a week ago, a dear friend of mine lost her mother to a long, long battle with ovarian cancer. We all knew it was coming, but it just broke my heart. And I just could not stop crying Saturday morning after finding out she was gone. I called my mom from the Costco parking lot and just cried. I just can't imagine what my dear friend is going through. The same day I found out our small group leaders lost their IVF baby at 5 weeks. And my heart broke a little more. So I was just in a very weird place that day... and worst of all we had a party to go to that afternoon and I'm just not good at faking it. I sure didn't sit in a corner and pout, but I was probably a little more subdued than normal. And really, with all that in my head, I haven't known WHAT to write on here lately. Somehow all my superficial topics seem so stupid when I see real life happening around me. So while I haven't been able to put much into words, some others did it for me.

First, a fellow Georgia peach that I stumbled on recently at Chapters wrote this amazing post on infertility. It really spoke to me and totally echoed how I feel in so many ways, yet rarely share. I've gotten to a point where I really struggle being around kids and I truly hate that. I have a hard time getting excited for my pregnant friends. And I hate that. I look for excuses to get out of kids' birthday parties and baby showers because I get so tired of the whole thing. And I hate that. I feel like *I* am the elephant in the room with this big-ass sign across my forehead that says, "Infertile. Watch your step." And it's this horrible catch 22 as well... I don't EVER want my friends to feel as though they have to tip-toe around me or be discouraged from sharing news with me, but at the same time I'm hurt when there's no consideration taken. I'm not sure that makes any sense. None of it makes sense, but we keep going. I know God has a plan for us, I just wish he'd let us in on it sometimes. It's been 3 years this month since we started trying.

And then the most amazing writing comes from my friend, Jill. I know y'all don't know her, but she has opened up on her blog about losing her mother by looking back on that final week with her mom and recounting each day. It's a truly beautiful "story" and I hope you'll read it. Start with this entry and then work your way up. Jill is unbelievable and my heart is so heavy for her and her family right now.

So yes, that's what my mind has been juggling lately and I suppose that's why I've been a little shy from blogworld. Didn't mean for this to turn into a Debbie Downer post - just letting y'all know where my head's at. But no worries... I'll be back at it soon enough. So before I part, I shall do the obligatory things I am thankful for this Thanksgiving!! But not out of obligation, because my heart is certainly full of thanks. We are more than blessed...

1. I am so thankful for my wonderful husband. I can't imagine going through life with anyone else. We are totally opposite in a lot of ways, but I think that's what makes us click. Sure, he can piss me off like no one else (and I him), but we both just know this thing is forever and that's that. It's really that simple.

2. This may be a weird one, but I've recently discovered how thankful we should be for having financially responsible parents - both the hub and me. We may make our own financial messes, but I learned lately that some of my friends are also having to take care of their parents' messes. Something I never even considered! So I'm very thankful for the examples my parents have been for me and the smart decisions that I've witnessed them making. Maybe that's a selfish thank you (as in, Thank God I'm not dealing with their mess too!)... but it's still a really big praise on my prayer list, for sure.

3. So naturally, I'm thankful for my amazing parents. They celebrated 40 years of marriage earlier this month. I can never fully express how thankful I am for all they've done for me and the hub. Can't even put it into words...

4. I'm thankful for my 3 crazy doggies. They keep us laughing everyday. What is life without doggies? I just don't know. They are truly God's love and joy in animal form. What human can love that unconditionally?

5. I'm thankful for Dave Ramsey. These are just getting weirder and weirder, aren't they? No but really - I do mention him in my prayers. Not his program, but him. I think it's awesome to see someone truly living out God's purpose. He has helped SO many people, including us. It's so funny... next time I go to a bridal shower or wedding and am asked to give "marriage advice" or "wishes" for the bride and groom, I know just what to say: Get on Dave Ramsey's plan and you're golden! His plan is nothing short of common sense, but he presents it in a way like no other. It's a ministry and he's absolutely gifted.

6. I'm thankful for my wonderful girlfriends. They lift me up, they laugh with me, they get me through each day. And they're just plain FUN! Each one is totally different and I'm truly blessed to have each of them in my life.

7. Lastly, I'm thankful for God's amazing love... that he gave us his son to pay our debt for us so that we can all be reconciled to him. Most days I forget how crazy awesome that is, but then something will hit me and I'm just like... wow. Oh how he loves us so.

So gobble, gobble! Go stuff yourselves, be merry, and give thanks! :-) Be safe in your travels and give all your loved ones a hug (even the weird ones)...

I'm curious...

...did any of you make it to one of the many midnight showings of Twilight last night? If so, spill! Did you love it? I'm going to see it next Tuesday and I CANNOT wait!!! Oh and by the way, I asked the hub if he'd be OK with me having a vampire boyfriend. He was like, "well, I guess so because if I said no he'd just kill me." Good point.

Just finished Twilight...

...and the movie can't get here fast enough! OMG.






So I'm wondering... if my two imaginary vampire boyfriends, Spike and Edward, went up against each other... who do think would win?!





My heart still goes to Spike for the time being, but we'll see how I feel after the Twilight movie... afterall, Robert Pattinson didn't really do it for me as Cedric Diggory, but holy shiz... as a vampire? Bite me!

Clothing Swap Goodies...

On Sunday I hosted another clothing swap... which I think I can fairly say is now one of my favorite things to do. It's so easy and cheap to host, and hello... you walk away with new stuff! I mean, what more could you ask for?

I snapped a few quick pics of the setup before the girls arrived. I'm not sure why these are all so darn fuzzy, but at least you can get an idea of what our "shop" looked like...

Of course there was a lot more "inventory" once everyone arrived with their stuff. This was only my stuff plus some of the leftovers from the last swap that I thought deserved another go.

I had great intentions of getting pics during the swap, but I was pre-occupied with shopping and of course, chatting with all my girls. So no luck there! But I did walk away with some great new things. I failed to find any new pants, which was disappointing since that's what I need SO badly... but here's what I got!

A great little cap-sleeve black cardi...

Another basic grey cardi...

A couple of blazers!

This tweed skirt - a perfect fit!

And this dress that still had the tags on it... LOVE it!

And finally, a super cute bracelet...


So it was a great time, once again, and I'm already looking forward to doing another in the spring. It's seriously so fun and stupid easy... here's my little how-to if you're interested in throwing one.

I hope y'all had great weekends too! We cranked up our fireplace for the first time this weekend. I am loving this weather!!

Maternity wear is about to get fierce!

OMG, could my dreams be coming true? Appearing in my inbox mere seconds ago... Two of my fashion favorites - Christian Siriano and maternity wear - are coming together! My cup runneth over! If and when I ever get a bun bakin', my belly is gonna be SO fierce!!!

A quick Dave update.

It's been a few since I updated y'all on our baby steps to financial freedom! Our baby emergency fund has been fully funded - I think I gave a big woot-woot to that already. We're looking forward to going full-force-gazelle-intense with baby step #2 here soon, but we've got to get the car situation worked out first. Phoebe, my good and faithful '98 Honda Accord, was dropped off just a couple of hours ago to get a fresh paint job. Poor little love... she needs it so bad and I feel like a terrible momma for letting her get so ghetto. But all is well, because she is getting her much needed makeover!

So the big Yahoo!'s since my last Dave update... (1) the hub started a new job this week! He is totally pumped - it's a total career change for him, so it's a little scary but also super exciting. And hey, that whole paycheck thing is great! We loves it. He also has another little side gig that should help us too. (2) We sold two pieces of furniture! We've still got the Restoration Hardware chest up for grabs, and I also just posted a bedroom set on craigslist. If those two sell for our asking price, we'll have our car replacement fund fully funded. Which would be AWESOME because... (3) We sold the 4runner! And um, should you ever need to sell a car - totally go with Auto Trader. People would NOT stop calling. We had a buyer in less than 24 hours and we got $5k more than Carmax offered. We broke even on the sale, but that was our goal. And that car payment is GONE! I can't even tell you how amazing it feels to know that we will never ever ever have a car payment again ever ever!!! (4) We made it through our first full month on Dave's zero-based budget. It was hard to put together at first. We had never been on a real budget before - ever. But we knew we had to go full force here to make this work. And OMG... I freaking love it. It's only been one month, but I'm hooked. And thanks to learning how to give every dollar a name before it comes in, (5) we've been giving like never before. And that feels amazing.

We are just super excited about all those accomplishments and are eager to get to step 2. Like I said, we're still in a holding pattern of sorts since all our extra income is going toward a new car. And by new, I mean a $3,000 beater that we'll be paying cash for. But soon enough, we'll be in full-on attack mode. Currently tattooed on my brain is Proverbs 22:7, which tells us "the borrower is servant to the lender." Not anymore, bitches! Cheeeeeetahhhhhhhh!!!! (OK, I realize only Dave fans will get that, but whatev.)

So thanks so much for your continued prayers! We are really making killer progress and are more motivated than ever. I can't wait to see where we are by the end of the year! :-)

United we stand, y'all.

Well y'all know I don't really go all politik on here. Not my cup of tea. I do have strong opinions, and I'll be glad to jump in on a conversation any day, but my opinions are personal and I don't really use my blog as a place to parade those opinions. I generally vote conservatively, so yes, I was disappointed in last night's outcome, but it's over and it's time to move on! Whether it's the man I voted for or not, I've got a new president. And as an American, he'll have my respect and support. And while my personal views on policy are not in line with his, I'll stand behind him.

I understand people being disappointed when their candidate of choice doesn't win, but to be devastated? Give me a break. Neither one of these candidates will change my life personally. Neither of them can solve my problems. In the end, I'm responsible for me. NOT them. Yes, it matters, and yes, it affects us as a country, but anyone who thinks that any president is going to "fix things" and solve all their problems is sniffin' glue. And to those who proclaim they're going to leave the country if so-and-so is elected... go ahead! Perhaps some world travel will give you a little perspective. You don't know how good you've got it here.

But no matter whom you voted for, it's a historic day here. And I am SO proud to be an American!

Happy Voting!

We got in line this morning at 6:30 and were outta there by 8:15am. Not too bad... it went by pretty quickly. I was dressed, however, in anticipation of standing outside. Which we did not. So I got a little toasty in my Uggs and cashmere hat. But that's OK. We voted!

Happy Day...

Today the hub and I are celebrating SIX years of marriage! Woo hoo! I cannot believe it's been six whole years... it just flies by. I know everyone says that, but it really does. We had an anniversary-day-o-fun-on-a-budget yesterday and had a blast. Well, until the part where Florida kicked our ass yesterday. Not pretty.

But even more amazing, today is also my parents' wedding anniversary and they are celebrating 40 years of marriage! Wow! What an amazing testament that is to us and I'm so proud. They are up in Asheville at a cabin all week for a little anniversary getaway. So happy anniversary wishes all around!

Hope everyone is enjoying this extra hour today... I am LOVING it. I really needed it. Last week was a total whirlwind.