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happy easter

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Thankful that there is hope in this world.  Have a blessed Easter.  What a glorious day!

good friday

This good friday is now a great friday.  I turned on my 'out of office' and am selfishly watching multiple episodes of Desperate Housewives.  Love it.  Speaking of, we hardly ever watch live tv any more... and we are just now catching up on shows that were initally cool about 10 years ago... like 24, Lost, DH, etc.  I guess it is about time we get with the program! 

With good friday and the easter season, I also plan to indulge in some of these little friends:

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We have a full weekend ahead of us.  I have a bachelorette par-tay tonight for this sweet friend.  Tomorrow we are catching up with some friends for dinner and going to WM service.  And then we will be spending time with family on Sunday. 

Have a great weekend!  I'll leave you with my favorite Peeps picture...it's not your average 'peep show'! Ha!

friday fun: april 15

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Happy Friday and Happy Tax Day!  Whoo hoo I need a weekend! 

Time to catch up on life and 5 fun things...
1) Mr. Stringer and I are trying a new restaurant tonight {well, new to him} and I'm excited.
2) We have a jam packed Saturday ahead of us starting with family day out in the country and a work event in the afternoon.  Should be a good time. 
3) I'm headed to NOLA on Sunday for a few days.  I am so glad I work on a client that has some decent locations!  Harrah's here I come!
4) We've started a work out challenge on one of my projects... this challenge has been all the motivation to get my butt in gear for summer weather.  We are wiped this week thanks to early morning dates w/ Tony Horton.   
5) Did you get some crazy weather last night like we did?!  I could not sleep... and it did not help that our little furry friend was meowing super loudly.  Really glad no major hail damage to my car!

Hope you kids have a happy weekend!

restaurant review: march 2011

I've decided to start doing a monthly post of the new restaurants we've checked out over the month. 

This list is in order of my favorites.  I want to go back to some places to check out the full menu soon!

1. Brownstone: Highly recommend.  Amazing.
2. Smoke: Get the pork chop.
3. Zaguan: Great breakfast.
4. Mariposa: Chicken salad heaven.
5. Smashburger: Love the cowboy chicken salad.
6. Cyclone Anaya's: Fabulously strong margs.  Great patio.  Enchiladas are good too.
7. Meddlesome Moth: Great outdoor scene and good cocktails.  Haven't tried the food yet.
8. Joe T's: Was a bit disappointed after all the hype.  But I hear the patio is pretty legit.

Happy eating! 

weekend catch up

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Things have been crazy town in the Stringer household these days... so I am finally catching up.  I realize that all my pics will be little gems found on the internets but until I find my camera charger, this will have to do!

Two weekends ago, we had some WM friends over for dinner and indulged in "fancy grilled cheese" sandwiches.  Loved it.  My fave: pepperjack, bacon, avocado.  The mister's fave: cheddar, bacon, jalapenos.  AND, have you seen America's Next Great Restaurant?  I'm kind of rooting for Meltworks - sure would love a restaurant solely dedicated to innovative grilled cheese sandwiches!

Mr. Stringer had a free hotel stay we had to use by the end of the month, so we stayed in the Big D last weekend for a night.  We had margs at Cyclone Anaya's (one was enough!), had pork chops at Smoke (amazing), enjoyed some latin croissant's at Zaguan for breakfast, and hit up the C&B outlet (was a bit disappointed).  On Saturday, I met up with my bff Steph and her sweet college friends for a fabulous lunch at Nieman's (chicken salad was legit).  We finally did some much-needed yardwork before a night of tivo catch-up and italian at Palio's (love this place since it's byob).

We finally bought some new furniture!  We are picking up these gorgeous shelves on Wednesday and I cannot wait to put them together!  Maybe I will finally find my camera charger and post an 'after' pic next week.  Here is my vision!  Can't wait for Mr. Stringer to take me shopping at Central Market for some vino!

In other news, my friend Melanie is home from Japan - I got to see her this weekend!  What a blessing.  Also, my bracket is shot.  I'm betting yours is too.  Oh well - there is always next year.  I also bought two new albums recently.  I big time reccomend both of these treasures (21 and Closer).


*I love the intro pic - we had national training a few weeks ago and I took a course on writing.  We happened to cover the power of a comma in our training... and this is a perfect example!  Poor grandpa!

whatever wednesday: march madness

So, I'm not a big sports fan... and definitely not a true basketball fan.  BUT, I do enjoy making a bracket every year just for fun.  Granted, I generally don't pick the winner {my theory is picking teams based on their name... I'm guaranteed to root for Gonzaga every year}, but it's a great excuse to get together with friends and hangout.  This year, I'm going with Duke... but you just never know. 

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Who are you rooting for this year?

monday musings: i heart the bachelor

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Did you kids happen to catch The Bachelor tonight?  Not quite what I was expecting... I mean, I was expecting him to pick Emily, but did not expect the awkwardness of the ATFR show.  Little Miss Emily sure didn't seem as perfect after the final rose... but I still have my hopes they might make it.  I'm too pooped to stay up late and watch the big Jimmy Kimmel reveal of our new Bachelorette, but rumor has it the coveted title will be filled by Ashley H.  Not sure how I feel about that, but I'm sure I will watch.  What are your thoughts on tonight's Bachelor?

Shifting gears...Japan update!  Continue to pray for my friends.  Pray that fears are calmed and rest can finally be found between all of the aftershocks.  Melanie was originally scheduled to come home at the end of the month... but maybe sooner if possible.  Please keep the people of Japan in your thoughts.  The images on CNN continue to amaze me and I can hardly imagine what is going through the minds of Japan's people.  We are all reminded that homes have been destroyed, possessions have been lost, and families have been devastated.  Even though we are oceans apart, we can all relate with the emotions of the human heart.  My heart aches for all who have been affected, but I'm hopeful for relief and restoration.  Stay tuned!   

so richly blessed: thank you facebook

It seems a bit too selfish to post about my weekend when our world has been shaken.  Thanks for keeping Melanie in your thoughts and prayers.  She is such a special friend to me {I've known her most of my life and we were college roommates} and I just love her family.  She's been in Japan with another sweet friend from ACU, Ally, for over a year teaching English in Sendai.  It's moments like these past few weeks {with the NZ quakes and Japan events} that I am truly grateful for technology and the ability to stay connected.  I know it sounds crazy, but sometimes facebook itself is a blessing.  We have been able to keep up with posts and emails from Mel or her family and find peace knowing our friends are safe in the midst of tragedy.  While my heart aches for those who have lost family and friends, I pray that they have not lost hope.  I know that my friends are there in Japan to bless those around them and be a source of courage during the unknown.  Currently, they are safe at the air force base and hopefully finally resting after the countless aftershocks following the earthquake.  Please continue to keep Melanie, Ally, their families, and the people of Japan in your thoughts and prayers.  

{mel squared circa 2007}

The events in NZ & Japan these past few weeks have brought out my frustrations in American media.  Maybe it's because these events are personal.  Maybe it's because I have some vested interest in them.  Maybe it's because I know someone who has been personally affected.  Either way, it makes all of this hullabaloo of Charlie Sheen and the NFL lockout seem straight up ridiculous.  Either way, it makes me think about what I do with my time and reminds me to be more thankful for the family and friends I am blessed to have in my life {to be continued in another post}.  Thanks for hearing me out!        

friday fun: march 11

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What can I say... besides TGIF?!  So ready for the weekend and being able to put one more week behind me.  

1) Tonight is a chill night w/ friends and the mister.  Just what I need.

2) We are attending my niece's 3rd birthday party tomorrow.  Looking forward to catching up with family!

3) If the weather is good, we will be hitting up Fireside Pies patio w/ my bff Steph.  There's nothing quite like a big pitcher of prickly pear margaritas, great pizza, and good company. 

4) I'm dreading the time change {although I am grateful for an extra hour of sunlight, I do despise losing an hour of precious slee}.

5) Can you believe all of the crazy events happening around the world right now?  Please keep my dear friend Melanie in your thoughts and prayers.  She is teaching English in Sendai, Japan and experienced the big earthquakes.  There was one on Wednesday she blogged about here but that was before the biggest quake and tsunami yesterday {this AM - US time}.  I'll keep you posted as I hear more...but keep her and her family in your thoughts!

monday musings: i heart weekends

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Ahh, this weekend was fabulous.  I love weekends with the mister.  He finally had one weekend free from work and we ventured out of town for a short get-away on Friday night.  We hit up FW and dined at Brownstone {i heart Top Chef Casey}.  The food was so good, Mr. Stringer said it just might be his second favorite meal EVER {after MESA}.  We indulged in grandmother's bisquit pan, pork shoulder, chicken stuffed chicken w/ pepperjack cheese grits, and the most amazing polenta {bacon-cheddar-chive}.  We highly recommend hitting up this restaurant if you can!

On Saturday, we ventured to the Kimbell Art Museum and the Amon Carter Museum.  Both were decent museums {considering they were free} but I wouldn't make a special trip to visit.  Following our cultural experiences, we finally checked out the big hype known as Joe T. Garcia's.  It was a little chilly and windy, so we missed out on the awesome patio, but overall the food was decent and the margaritas hit the spot.  

The rest of the weekend was pretty quiet with pizza and a movie {Invictus} followed by countless episodes on Netflix streaming of my newest additiction {Greek}.    

I hope you kids had a fabulous weekend....counting down the days until the next Friday!   

friday fun: march 4

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Happy Friday friends!

1) I took yesterday and today off from work to just catch a breath.  It's been much needed and simply fantastic to lounge around the house and run errands.

2) During my day off yesterday I finally chopped my hair... and fell in love with Moroccan Oil.  This stuff is amazing - makes your hair super soft and smells great.

3) Mr. Stringer and I are venturing to Ft. Worth tonight for a short get-away.  I'm stoked about getting in some good patio/margarita time!

4) Bought my tix for Brooke Fraser - she's coming back to the Big D in June and I am so excited! 

5) It's Mardi Gras weekend... and I wish the fam could have headed down to NOLA this year.  Thankfully, I have the craziest cousin in the world who keeps us posted on the festivities!  HAPPY MG weekend, friends!

tuesday tunes: top 3 for march 1

Can't believe it's already March!  So ready for spring - and these songs just make me want to dance!

1) Somebody to Love {the Biebs}: I'm not afraid to admit his songs are catchy.  I also love me some Usher.
2) Dog Days are Over {Florence and the Machine}: Love. This. Song.
3) Rolling in the Deep {Adele}: This song alone makes me want to see the new movie 'I Am Number Four'.  I keep seeing the trailer and this song plays in the background... love it!  Also want to see the movie because I heart Dianna Agron.  She's just gorgeous.  And she has a pretty awesome blog.

tuesday tunes: top 3 for feb 24

I'm taking it back to high school this week.  Enjoy!
1) Question Everything {8 Stops 7}: Used to listen to this on repeat for hours at my friend G's house.
2) Crash {DMB}: Ahh, love DMB.
3) Bubble Toes {JJ}:  There's just something about this song that makes me feel like I'm cruising around Cali.

Happy jamming, kids!

monday musings: i heart pioneer woman

Wow, this week has been straight up crazy-town... so sorry I have neglected my precious 8 followers!  I'm gonna cut to the chase and update you on my Monday Musings, Tuesday Tunes, and Friday Fun all in one day!  So here goes!

I had the opportunity to attend the Pioneer Woman's book-signing event last Monday w/ my performance manager.  Seriously, I think I have the coolest manager - she is like Martha Stewart part 2.  Her cookies and cupcakes are always to die for.  I love that I have found someone else in my accounting world who loves cooking, baking, and crafting as much as I do.  Check out the yarn wreath she made...incredible!  Way to step out of the box GT and make some killer flowers!  Can't wait to make another wreath soon!

Please tell me you have heard of the fabulous Ree Drummond

{the gorgeous soul behind the Pioneer Woman} 

I have loved her blog for such a long time.  She is so genuine in her writing approach and inspires me to keep blogging and let my voice be heard.  Her food is amazing and her story is even more impressive.  I'm reading her newest book 'Black Heels to Tractor Wheels' and it's such a good read.  Check her out and I guarantee you will fall in love with her photography, recipes, and overall spirit!   

friday fun: feb 18

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Happy Freaking Friday, kids!  So glad the weekend is just around the corner... this week has been exhausting.  So, it's time for my five Friday Fun things!

1) This weather is Ahhh-mazing.  I just want to sit outside all afternoon and drink margaritas.  I have got to get out of this lovely conference room with no windows.

2) No plans tonight {as of now} and I am super excited.  The mister is working hard for the money these days thanks to beloved busy season... so I'm a single lady tonight!

3) I'm helping one of my bffs with some volunteering tomorrow.  We are working with Feed My Starving Children where we will be hand-packing meals for those who hunger across this world.  Such a simple but necessary concept. 

4) My other bff just bought a house!  So, I will be cruising over to the new casa to help w/ moving and unpacking.  I love unpacking and finding a home for everything.

5) I still have my b-day coupon for anthro...but am saving my cash.  I think I'll just enjoy my new candle from Lee and soak up the divine smell of anthro.  {Seriously, if anyone ever can't think of what to get me as a present... voluspa candles all the way.  I love them all.  They are truly divine.}

Happy weekend friends!  Hope you have a fabulous one!

tuesdady tunes: top 3 for feb 15

It's a country music kind of day, so here's my top tunes holding me over this week:

1) Stronger {Sara Evans}: I've always loved her voice.  Saw her in high school w/ my bffs and she is by far one of our 'go to' artists for some sweet summer jams while cruising the streets.

2) Little Miss {Sugarland}: LOVE this song.  The mister is not a big fan of Miss Nettles, but I think she is so awesome.  Will be listening to this on repeat ALL day long!

3) Don't You Wanna Stay {Jason Aldean & Kelly Clarkson}: Ahh, Kelly is back!  How can you not love her pipes?!  OMG she is simply amazing. 

All these country jams really make me ready for warm weather so I can pop open my sunroof and just cruise around town.  Soon enough!

monday musings: happy v-day

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It's Monday again.  Feels like the weekends are just way too short these days.  Had a fabulous weekend full of some super special people.  Friday night dinner at Jasper's w/ the mister was great - the pork loin and corn was pretty amazing.  On Saturday, I cruised to Main Street Bakery for lunch w/ mom and dad.  I just love that they live so close and I get to see them all the time.  Saturday night I painted w/ the bffs.  Let's just say this painting might be hanging in the garage where no one sees it!  Ha!  I'll post a pic later.  On Sunday, we had brunch w/ the Stringer side of the family at Cafe Brazil - delish.  I scored some pretty great b-day pressies, but nothing was as good as spending so much time with good people.  Love it. 

I did have to treat myself to a few fun finds on Sunday.  I hit up Nordy's Rack again and found these awesome DVF jellies for super cheap. 

It's V-Day.  The mister and I never really celebrate it since it's super close to my b-day {and neither of us are mushy}.  What are you doing for the big V-day?  Anything special???

friday fun: feb 11

Holy moly it is finally Friday.  What a day.  More like, what a week.  I am so wiped out... but have a pretty decent wekend ahead of me, so let's get started with my five Friday fun things!

1) I celebrated another year on this earth... in Langhorne, PA.  Not the most exciting adventure, but oh well.  My co-workers and I did venture to a pretty fabulous restaurant Wednesday night in Philly {executive chef is Iron Chef - Jose Garces}.  We indulged in the smoked pecans {soaked in maple and bacon}, fondue {w/ vidalia onions}, suckling pig, wild boar rack {w/ maple grits}, sugar pumpkin croquettes, and beignets {w/ makers mark chocolate sauce}.  Amazing.

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2) This week was absolutely crazy town at work.  A lot to do and always feeling like there are not enough hours in the day!  {I can't even count how many Red Bulls I downed this week}.  Yesterday we had a 6 am flight home... meaning I was up at 3:30am central and put in a full day of work upon arrival.  Needless to say, I just want to sleep in this weekend!

3) I have a jam-packed weekend of birthday bashes.  The mister and I are celebrating my bday tonight at Jasper's.  I've never been, so I'm pretty excited.  On Saturday, I have lunch plans w/ my rents - always a good time.  {The mister has to work thanks to blasted busy season.}  Saturday night is girls night out w/ the bffs!  We are going to Gnosh, like I mentioned recently.  Super excited for another fun painting night and just hanging out.  We have family lunch w/ the mister's side of the fam on Sunday.  Not sure where we are dining yet...but I'm always up for something good! 

4) Between the mix of all the birthday activities, hoping I can finally catch up on laundry and housework.  Ugh!  {doesn't really fit into my 'fun' things Friday... but oh well!}

5) I got the best birthday voicemail in the world from my favorite friend in New Zealand.  It's been almost 6 years since I was there and I still feel like part of my heart has never returned {the mister and I are still scoping out possibilities to move to NZ someday}.  Because of the 17 hour time-difference, we have scheduled our chat for this weekend.  I can't wait to catch up! 

I'll leave you kids with some clear pictures of why I love NZ so much... Happy weekend!

{Auckland skyline... my future home someday!}

{NZ countryside}

{so many sheep!}

{cruising around Devonport}

{Lion Rock at Piha Beach}

{Muriwai...simply awesome}

{don't remember exactly where this was...but I'll never forget standing here!}

{my sweet friend April... I miss her heaps!} 

{Uncle Leon... words cannot describe him.  Love him and his family so much!  Can't wait to catch up soon!}

And of course, If I am going to mention NZ, I have to shout out to my girl Brooke.  I seriously listen to her almost every day.  And never grow tired of hearing her crooning.  This is her first song I ever discovered... and my heart has been full ever since.  Enjoy! 

tuesday tunes: top 3 for feb 8

I'm feeling in a 'super-chill' mood today... so this week's Tuesday Tunes includes:

1) Don't Know Why {Norah Jones}: This is probably my fave song of hers {along w/ Come Away With Me - the Mister and I had our first dance to good ole Norah}.  I just adore her.  Saw her live last year with the bffs - incredible voice and I never get tired of her tunes.
2) Heavenly Day {Patty Griffin}: Perfect springtime rainy day song.  I could listen to this on repeat all day long.
3) Marry Me {Train}: Such a sweet song.  Of course it makes me think of Mr. Stringer... and reminds me just how blessed I am.  Enjoy the cute video!

monday musings: i heart yarn wreaths

I am obsessed with yarn wreaths.  I have made so many since this one {here is the tutorial}.  Over Christmas break, I made one of these beauties for pretty much anyone I had to get a gift for... and made a few extras for myself including these below.

{happy v-day!}

{office french doors - love the color scheme - thanks LP for the idea!}

On Saturday, I attended the Star Wars watching party I mentioned with my WM friends... and brought some crafts to keep me busy {just in case}.  My friend Amber and I made wreaths... of course hers is purple and gold {geaux tigers!}

{it turned out great!}

{sorry, dull lighting - but it's super cute!}

The rest of the weekend was good {but super quick}.  I made some brownies and cupcakes for my parent's Super Bowl party - still waiting on the official results from Mama Landry if they were a hit.  The Star Wars bash was pretty fun and I actually enjoyed the movies {didn't think I would}.  I wish I had taken pics of the party because the St. Clairs went all out with decorations and a royal red carpet outside.  Loved it!  Then I headed to the airport Sunday morning {and missed all of the crazy Super Bowl madness in the Big D} for my trip to Langhorne, PA.  We ventured to a local tavern in small town america {Yardley} to enjoy the big game and rather lame commercials.  I was pretty disappointed - the only really good commercial was the Darth Vader kid... so I will leave you with that!  Happy Monday, kids! 

friday fun: feb 4

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Can't believe it is already Friday... guess the week goes by quickly when you only work from the office / client for one day!  What a crazy week this has been...time for my five Friday fun things!

1) I will be attending a Star Wars marathon tomorrow.  If you know me.. this is huge.  I don't do sci-fi and I'm really not a big movie person.  Should be fun, though! 

2) I will be bringing some 'quiet' crafts to the Star Wars party... just in case it doesn't totally peak my interest.  I need to make some more wreaths!

3) I will be missing all of the big super bowl parties around town and heading to wonderful Langhore, Pennsylvania for one of my clients.  We will be kicking it in Philly Sunday night during the big game.  Know of any good places that are a must visit in the city of Brotherly Love {aside from Pat's and Geno's}?  

4) Did you know Langhorne is home to Sesame Place?  I am kind of bummed that it is closed during the winter... sure would have been fun to celebrate my birthday on Sesame Street!  Kidding!

5)  Speaking of birthdays, I've got some fun things lined up next week after I return from Sesame Place Langhorne thanks to my awesome friends and family.  It's always great to get together with people I love and just have a good time.  Thank goodness birthdays are always a good excuse for a fun gathering. 

Enjoy some fun pictures of our winter-weather week!

{3 days of ice on the streets...turned into...}

{four inches of snow!  I had to get technical and bust out my work ruler!}

{the neighborhood - you can't tell where the street begins!}

 {our home - winter wonderland!}

{across the street and beyond}

Stay warm, friends!  Have a great weekend!  See you kids on Monday!  

wednesday whatever: ice ice baby

So, it's really Thursday... but I just wasn't up for completing my blog from yesterday.  I kind of got a nasty little virus and had to stay offline... causing a little stress and damper on my work productivity. 

Our office has been closed since Tuesday and I have not put on real clothes - it has been awesome.  Been hanging around the house reading emails, hopping on conference calls, and completing flowcharts.  Woo wee!  Today, I had to come downtown to get my computer cleaned up, so we had a nice little adventure navigating the icy streets.  Not a fan of that at all!  I am so ready for spring and some warm weather to head this way {last weekend was such a tease}.  BUT, rumor has it there will be some more snow heading our way tomorrow! 

All of this talk about ice reminds me of my good old ACU days as a penguin via Sing Song 2006.  Most normal people will never understand the glory of Sing Song, but it was so much fun.  Enjoy some classic entertainment... and see if you can spot me in the video!

tuesday tunes: top 3 for feb 1

I'm feeling in a singer/songwriter mood today... so this week's Tuesday Tunes includes:

1) Feels So Right {Matt Wertz}: Such a catchy and fun song.  I saw him in concert 2 years ago for my bday with the bffs and had a blast - he puts on a fun show and has a great personality.   

2) So This Is Goodbye {William Fitzsimmons}: He opened for BF a few years ago and was really entertaining.  He also does some pretty cool covers here and here.  Love it!

3) Who Are We Fooling {Brooke Fraser}: LOVE this duet with Aqualung.  Amazing.  I will always make a plug for my girl Brooke.  She is so incredible.  Check out her duets with WF here and here.

It's a snow day in Dallas today.  I'll be snuggling up in bed {and making flowcharts} most of the day.  Stay warm friends!

monday musings: i heart gnosh

Happy Monday, peeps!  Hope you had a fabulous weekend... mine was crazy busy even though I felt we didn't have that much planned.

Yesterday, I had my painting class at Gnosh that I mentioned last week.  It was so much fun!  I went with two girls from my small group and we had a blast.   

Here is what the painting was supposed to look like:

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And here is my creation:

And here is the lineup of all of our creations:

I think they turned out great and look so cool because they are all so different.  I can't wait to go back with my bffs for my bday celebration in a few weeks.  We will be recreating this painting:

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Hope you have a happy Monday and good start to the week!  I'm counting down the hours until The Bachelor tonight - I've been on pins and needles for this week's drama to unflold.  Love it!

friday fun: jan 28

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Ahh, another work week has come and gone.  This week felt super long and I am so ready for the weekend!  Time for my five Friday fun things...

1) The weather is supposed to be nice this weekend {high of 70}... so maybe I will get outdoors and do something fun.  I am so ready for patio weather.

2) I've a got a girls night tonight w/ my WM gals.  Looking forward to some good conversation and a fun night.

3) I bought ingredients to expand my brownie-baking skills.  I took a stab at a new batch last night: dark chocolate and red wine brownies with a raspberry zinfandel frosting.  I'm not sold on the these brownies yet {still working out the kinks}.  So, may do some more baking this weekend to try and perfect the recipe!  We shall see.  I promise to take pics this time {if I can find my camera charger}...but I'll never expose my baking secrets!  Ha!

4) I'm taking a painting class on Sunday at Gnosh with 2 of my WM gals.  Super excited.  We got a great deal through Groupon {which I seriously love}.  I'll post pics next week of the final product.

5) The mister is still working like a mad man.  He's such a trooper.  Busy season is tough for us, but we survive.  And I feed him and his audit team brownies.  A little bit of sugar sure does help!  

*clarification - I blogged about the amazing Silhouette last week... but I don't own one {although I might be tempted to purchase someday}.  My friend Shelbi has one, but I'm still waiting for her reviews.  Check out all the fun things this machine can do here!

Have a great weekend!  See you kids on Monday!

wednesday whatever: CPE Recipe

I've received some requests for the fabulous Crockpot Enchilada (CPE) recipe.  So... rather than continue to email around, here you go! {As mentioned, got the idea from the lovely Lee and made it my own...so can you!}

Ingredients

6 tortillas (any kind)

4 to 6 chicken breasts (frozen)

2 cans enchilada sauce (can be green or red)

1 can cream of chicken soup (I have also used the Fiesta Nacho soup by campbells for a cheesy flavor)

1 can tomatoes / chiles mix (you can use rotel for this)

additional veggies as desired

taco seasoning or additional spices

cheese (I use a shredded mix and add either during the last hour or just on top after cooking)

Mix the enchilada sauce, soup, tomatoes, and veggies together to create sauce mixture

Layer ingredients as follows

2 Tortillas

2 to 3 Chicken breasts (can be seasoned with taco seasoning or other spices)

1/3 Sauce Mix

Repeat once

Top with the remaining 2 tortillas and sauce mix

Cook on low for about 10 hours (you can cook longer if needed)

Finished product will be a little soupy, but can be served in a bowl or on a plate {or on a bed of chips to make nachos}.

**I love this recipe because it is super flexible.  You can spice it up by adding fresh jalapenos, green chiles, hot rotel, or anything else for a good kick.  This is a great recipe to build up your veggie intake as well.  You could probably also make it vegetarian by subbing in rice or beans.  The sky is the limit.  Basically, just throw a bunch of mexican food ingredients in the crockpot, and you are good to go! 

I don't have any pictures of my masterpiece {maybe next time}, but there are tons of similar recipes here.  For more fun crock pot recipes, check out this blog - a full year of slow cooking!

tuesday tunes: top 3 for jan 25

This week's Tuesday Tunes includes:

1) Gimme That Girl {Joe Nichols}: Simply precious. 

2) You Lie {The Band Perry}: They have an amazing sound. 

3) You are the Best Thing {Ray Lamontagne}: Ahhh, another fabulous tune to jam out to with windows down on breezy summer day.  It's also my Monday song and gets me through the day. 

*I worked on a project once that was purely awful and I was just in the dumps about it.  My co-worker would crank this tune super loud and sing to me.  Love it!

 

On a side note... The Bachelor was once again crazy town last night.  Love the drama.  Surprised he kept some of the girls he did {like who is Lisa??}.  Sad to see my Plano girl leave {although she got hardly any air time - which is a true indicator of who will make it to the end}, but proud to see her leave in style.  Way to represent!  My top runner is Emily...but I kind of think she just might be too good for Brad.  The girl is leaps and bounds ahead of the pack.  Can't wait for the drama of next week based on the previews!  

 

If you are a Bachelor fan... must read blogs are here and here.  I die.  Hilarious.

 

Shout out to my bff Mares - Happy Birthday darling!  Hope you have a fabulous day!  Thanks for being born!

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monday musings: i heart the kitchen

Ahh, it's Monday again...hope my little blogger friends are well rested and ready for another CRAZY week!

This weekend, I focused on resolution #3.  I'm recently obsessed with crock pot enchiladas.  My MIL Lee has made these before but I finally buckled down and gave it a whirl these past 2 weekends.  I jazzed it up a bit because I love my food with a little kick and it was a hit for friends and family.  Basically, we just layered tortillas, frozen chicken, green enchilada sauce, cream of chicken soup, tomatoes, and peppers - then cook on low for 10+ hours and you have a masterpiece.

I also dabbled in some brownie-making on Sunday and whipped up 3 batches {sorry no pics - camera is dead} including chocolate peanut butter, dark chocolate raspberry, and dark chocolate orange.  I got rave reviews from my small group gals. 

Which, let me just brag about this group of women.  They are incredible.  They keep me going when life gets tough.  They encourage me daily.  They are real and authentic...they don't skirt around tough issues and always challenge me to be a better friend, wife, co-worker, sister, daughter, and self.  We are so blessed to be part of something so wonderful and so much bigger than ourselves.

Hope you have a great Monday and start to another week! 

friday fun: jan 21

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Happy weekend, friends!  I don't know about you... but this week has been long and exhausting!  Time for my five Friday fun things...

1) The weather has been such a downer this week - all I want to do is stay in bed.  And catch up on my DVR.  Current DVR options include re-runs of Rachel Zoe {my latest obsession - I die}, Top Chef All-Stars {yay for Restaurant Week} and Top Chef Las Vegas {because I never saw it the first time around}.

2) We're celebrating one of my bff's bdays this weekend.  I love birthday parties - espescially because I know there will be cake!

3) The mister has been getting busier by the day with beloved busy season.  They keep saying that someday this whole experience will be worth it... we are just trying to hang in there. 

4) Because of his crazy schedule, I am a single lady most nights.  This week I have already worked on a few of my resolutions {specifically numbers 2 and 11}.  I enjoyed my weekly viewing of the trainwreck we all know as The Bachelor with my bffs {and bffs mom - truly the best part!}.  I also indulged in my weekly Taco Tuesday with a dear friend from ACU {I would link to you Brooke if you hadn't deleted your blog!}.

5) I'm really intrigued by the Silhoutte.  Have you seen this amazing machine??  It's almost like it can do anything you want!  But, I'm kind of slow when it comes to fancy computer devices.  If it's not excel, outlook, or visio, I am not your girl.  And yes, I am a Visio pro.  Be jealous.  I can flowchart like no one's business!

Have a great weekend!  See you kids on Monday!

wednesday whatever: lonny mag

Happy Wednesday.  I kind of dread Wednesdays.  Probably not as much as Mondays, but pretty close.  Maybe it's cause I see hump day through a glass-half-empty view {I'm working on changing that view}.  Wednesday always seems to be the day when the stuff hits the fan.  I'm pretty spent by Wednesday and counting the hours until the next weekend.  So to keep me going on Wednesdays, it's time to start my wednesday whatever theme...whatever is on my mind.  Warning - no telling where this will take me, but oh well!  I hope my five readers enjoy!

I love good design.  HGTV is a guilty pleasure - so many good shows {Divine Design, Color Splash, Sarah's House, the list goes on}.  I've been surfing design blogs for a while and it always seems the images that appeal to me the most come from Lonny.  I never knew of Lonny until I joined the blogosphere, but love it - so many gorgeous pictures to find inspiration!

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Now it's time for browsing through Lonny and dreaming of ways I can execute luxury looks on a dime budget! 

tuesday tunes: top 3 for jan 18

I love music.  Songs just have the ability to say exactly what you want to say but somehow can never seem to find the right words.  Put those lyrics to a great backbeat and you've got me.  So, here goes a new series of my top 3 tunes for the week... what inspires me, speaks to me, or simply gets me through the long days.

This week's Tuesday Tunes includes:

1) Firework {Katy Perry}: Love it - Guilty Pleasure.  The mister has a fabulous dance for this song.

2) Betty {Brooke Fraser}: She captures the fact we all have secrets and regrets we try to hide...but keeps it light-hearted in her super catchy tune.

3) American Honey {Lady A}: Ahhh, driving with windows down on breezy summer day.  This gets me through the yucky winter and super long days in a conference room with no windows.

monday musings: i heart nordstrom

The mister had a work event on Friday night...so I did what I know how to do best...shopping!  I'm a huge fan of good deals - it's all about getting a good bang for your buck!  I've recently discovered a deep love for all things Nordstrom {but only on sale - including fab finds from the Rack}.  I recently purchased this gorgeous watch for half-price at Nordy's after Christmas.  Pure love.

So I ventured to the Rack on Friday night and fell in love with some new brands, including Halogen, Bobeau, and Audrey & Grace {although you can't find it at the regular Nordy's}.  I walked away with some great finds, including an embellished cardi {a Stringer wardrobe staple} and a loud necklace {also very much a staple in my outfits}.  All for a decent price!  I always thought Nordy's was way out of my price range, but I'm thinking this just might be my new spot to find good work clothes that aren't your average finds.  I also spotted and hearted {my new fave phrase courtesy of You are My Fave} a gold-metallic MK purse at Marshalls {not this exact one, but pretty similar}.  For some reason I am really digging gold these days...especially paired with white.  I think I can rock it... but we will see. 

What do you think?  Worth the {reasonable} splurge?     

blogland themes

I'm a woman of structure...I like things planned out and organized.  So, to keep my visions aligned, I've come up with some themes for my little blogland.  No guarantee to post something for all my themes each week, but at least I'll have a guide.

Mondays Musings: weekend wrap-up / what's happening on a crazy Monday

Tuesday Tunes: top 3 jams {new/old school, any genre, no judgement!}

Whatever Wednesday: anything to get me through hump day!

Friday Fun: top 5 things from the week or what's planned for the weekend

I hope you will join me throughout the weeks - would love to see your musings, tunes, fun finds, and anything else you have to say!  There may be a few {random} posts here and there... but I'm excited to have some fun topics to blog about and really get into my 'blog voice' {shoutout to Lee!}

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don't judge my DVR

I love some good TV drama.  And thank goodness there is plenty of it these days.  This is my escape from my crazy world of spreadsheets and flowcharts and an opportunity to simply not think.  Our DVR is chock-full of some {classy} shows.  So you want to know my current fave 'must-watch' {aside from the bachelor}?

Millionaire Matchmaker!  I just adore Patti.  She speaks her mind and says exactly what every viewer is thinking about those crazy millionaires.  She kicks butt and looks amazing at all times.

Onto the trash tv faves: BridalPlasty {omg complete train wreck, but so addicting - AND I can't stand Jenessa}, You're Cut Off {season 2 just started - gotta love a bunch of spoiled girls trying to do housework and earn an honest living}, and the occasional housewives shows.  I don't make an effort to watch these, but if they are on the tube, I tune in.  Can't decide if I like Atlanta or Beverly Hills more.

To top it all off, we love crime shows and competition shows in the Stringer house... but that's a whole separate post for a rainy day.  What are your favorite {trashy} tv shows??