tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23424402897617089032024-03-05T12:56:43.971-06:00A Little Bit of BennettChristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16297792289171923169noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342440289761708903.post-77159899755633460882012-09-24T21:11:00.001-05:002012-09-24T21:11:27.441-05:00Maybe Blondes Can Wear Yellow<div style="text-align: center;">
I've always been terrified to wear any kind of yellow - canary yellow, neon yellow, you name it. I have always read and heard that it is just not the <i>right </i>color for blondes. And when I occasionally try on the color, I tend to agree. But after seeing two blonde actresses wearing the color at last night's Emmy Awards, it got me to thinking - maybe blondes can get away with this fun color?!<br />
<br />
<b>Claire Danes looking so chic - and she's pregnant!</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s702.photobucket.com/albums/ww27/pisforparty/?action=view&current=ClaireDanes-3.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i702.photobucket.com/albums/ww27/pisforparty/ClaireDanes-3.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2207665/Emmys-2012-Homelands-Claire-Danes-pays-tribute-husband-scooping-best-actress-Emmy-Award.html">via</a><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s702.photobucket.com/albums/ww27/pisforparty/?action=view&current=ClaireDanes-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i702.photobucket.com/albums/ww27/pisforparty/ClaireDanes-2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2207665/Emmys-2012-Homelands-Claire-Danes-pays-tribute-husband-scooping-best-actress-Emmy-Award.html">via</a><br />
<br />
<b>Julie Bowen. Oh how this woman makes me laugh on <i>Modern Family</i>. </b><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s702.photobucket.com/albums/ww27/pisforparty/?action=view&current=JulieBowen-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i702.photobucket.com/albums/ww27/pisforparty/JulieBowen-1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2207656/Emmys-2012-winners-Modern-Family-sweeps-Emmy-Awards-taking-Best-Comedy.html">via</a><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s702.photobucket.com/albums/ww27/pisforparty/?action=view&current=JulieBowen-3-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i702.photobucket.com/albums/ww27/pisforparty/JulieBowen-3-1.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2207656/Emmys-2012-winners-Modern-Family-sweeps-Emmy-Awards-taking-Best-Comedy.html">via</a><br />
<br /></div>
Christihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16297792289171923169noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342440289761708903.post-67315393295996841422012-04-11T21:53:00.003-05:002012-04-11T21:56:30.417-05:00Disney Land 2010<div style="text-align: center;">Well, I'm only about <b>TWO</b> years late recapping our trip to Disney Land!! No joke that this has been on my to do list for TWO years. We are <b>surprising</b> the boys in a few short weeks with a trip to Disney World, so I had to write about these memories before they got too foggy.<br />
<br />
{I cannot believe how young Nicklaus looks in these pictures! He was 3 1/2 then and 5 1/2 now}<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_0755.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/IMG_0755.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">A few years ago, JP had a conference in Disney Land and I jumped at the opportunity to take Nicklaus, who was a little over 3 1/2 at the time. Oh my goodness...did we ALL have an amazing time! I think Nick had a permanent smile on his face the entire trip. It was such a special time for us in that we got to spend so much one-on-one time with him. We of course missed Conrad to pieces, but the alone time with Nicklaus was such a special treat!</div><br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Magic Kingdom</span></b><br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_0795.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/IMG_0795.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
The first day, JP was tied up with his conference, so Nick and I hit the park first thing. During the week, in the middle of October, was the best time to go! The weather was perfect and the crowd levels were so low. We rode rides over and over and hardly had to wait!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>The Tea Cups!</b><br />
<b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_0779.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/IMG_0779.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<b>Alice and Wonderland</b><br />
<b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_0776.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/IMG_0776.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
I'm such a sap and had tears in my eyes the entire 3 days we were at Disney. It was so fun to see the excitement in Nick's face, plus all of the rides brought back so many great memories from my childhood.<br />
<br />
<b>Dumbo</b><br />
<b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_0783.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/IMG_0783.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<b>The Carousel </b><br />
<b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_0781.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/IMG_0781.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
The grounds at Disney Land were nothing short of amazing. And I swear the employees take happy pills. Everyone was so nice and helpful and the park was immaculate.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_0814.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/IMG_0814.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
JP was able to join us on the second day. Nick was loving all of the one-on-one time too!<br />
<br />
<b>The Pirates of the Caribbean</b><br />
<b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_0823.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/IMG_0823.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<b>The Haunted Mansion</b><br />
<b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_0825.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/IMG_0825.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<b>Splash Mountain</b><br />
Could not believe that Nick went on this ride - TWICE and sat on the first row!<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_0828.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/IMG_0828.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_0806.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/IMG_0806.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
I was so bummed that <b>It's a Small World</b> was closed for renovations!<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_0844.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/IMG_0844.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_0839.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/IMG_0839.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<b>Sleeping Beauty's Castle</b><br />
<b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_0872.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/IMG_0872.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<b>Mary Poppins and Bert!</b><br />
This was a highlight. We spotted the characters walking down a pathway and we followed them to where they were heading to perform. Nick, along with some other kiddos, were picked from the crowd to help with the performance. He loved every minute of it!<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_0874.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/IMG_0874.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_0888.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/IMG_0888.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_0878.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/IMG_0878.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_0845.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/IMG_0845.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
Meeting Mickey Mouse! He was SO excited!<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_0860.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/IMG_0860.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_0859.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/IMG_0859.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_0848.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/IMG_0848.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_0856.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/IMG_0856.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
Sugar rush!!!<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_0846.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/IMG_0846.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<b>Heading to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party.</b><br />
This was such a fun night. During the weekends in the month of October, there is a kid friendly Halloween party at the park after hours. It was a late night, but Nick enjoyed every second.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_0932.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/IMG_0932.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Waiting for the fireworks to begin!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_0938.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/IMG_0938.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
More sugar!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_0804.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/IMG_0804.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Rest time at the hotel. Nick wanted to sleep with his new Prince Phillip sword and Peter Pan characters...<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_0892.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/IMG_0892.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
We of course dined at many character meals and Nick just ate this experience up! He wasn't even familiar with all of them, but smiled nonetheless.<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_0770.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/IMG_0770.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_0767.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/IMG_0767.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_0763.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/IMG_0763.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_0945.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/IMG_0945.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<br />
We spent an afternoon at Disney California Adventure Park so that we could see the Pixar Parade. The costumes were outstanding!<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_0899.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/IMG_0899.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_0901.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/IMG_0901.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_0922.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/IMG_0922.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_0917.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/IMG_0917.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Mickey waffles before we headed back to Houston!<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_0811.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/IMG_0811.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
We were so excited to see this sweet face and shower him with gifts from Disney when we got home! I'm so glad he really had no idea (he wasn't even 2 yet) where we were. He was just happy to see us...and of course get toys.<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_0951.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Disney%20Land%202010/IMG_0951.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We leave for Disney World in May and I am just so excited. I plan to surprise them with the news the morning we leave, but haven't decided just how I am going to do it yet. I promise to post details on that trip much sooner than this one! Goodness!</div>Christihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16297792289171923169noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342440289761708903.post-12166333204539840632012-04-10T20:37:00.000-05:002012-04-10T20:37:42.283-05:00{On The Menu} Dijon Chicken & Sauteed Asparagus<div style="text-align: center;">I know I say this a lot, but thank goodness for <a href="http://pinterest.com/pisforparty/recipes/">Pinterest</a>! It has done wonders for our family meal planning and I would be lost without it. Tonight I made a yummy <a href="http://www.wittyinthecity.com/2011/08/man-pleasing-chicken/">Dijon Chicken</a> with <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/345031/sauteed-asparagus-with-dijon-vinaigrette">Sauteed Asparagus</a> that just so happened to have a dijon vinaigrette sauce. I didn't intend to have two dijon sauces, but I went ahead and made both and they were equally delicious! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wittyinthecity.com/2011/08/man-pleasing-chicken/">Dijon Chicken</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/?action=view&current=dijonchicken.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/dijonchicken.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wittyinthecity.com/2011/08/man-pleasing-chicken/">{Witty in the City}</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/345031/sauteed-asparagus-with-dijon-vinaigrette">Sauteed Asparagus with Dijon Vinaigrette</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/?action=view&current=sauteedasparagus.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/sauteedasparagus.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/345031/sauteed-asparagus-with-dijon-vinaigrette">{Martha Stewart}</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I also served brown rice. Not too exciting, but healthy, and that's our goal during the week.</div>Christihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16297792289171923169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342440289761708903.post-58646596543433670192012-04-08T22:29:00.000-05:002012-04-08T22:29:30.811-05:00Easter Weekend 2012<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/?action=view&current=IMG_1811.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/IMG_1811.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">{Conrad & Ruthie}</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We had such a nice Easter weekend with family and friends. April is a gorgeous month here in Houston, so that made the weekend even more enjoyable! We started off at a neighborhood block party where the kiddos participated in an Easter egg hunt, of course. Poor Nick spiked a fever of 104, so he was unable to participate. =( But he was back to normal the next day! Crazy how kids can bounce back that quickly.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/?action=view&current=IMG_1818.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/IMG_1818.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/?action=view&current=IMG_1821.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/IMG_1821.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/?action=view&current=IMG_1814.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/IMG_1814.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">{Conrad & Madeleine}</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Next up was the annual Easter egg hunt at the club...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/?action=view&current=IMG_1830.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/IMG_1830.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/?action=view&current=IMG_1823.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/IMG_1823.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/?action=view&current=IMG_1824.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/IMG_1824.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This next picture makes me smile. Conrad's age group went first and Nick was coaching him on how to get the "best" eggs.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/?action=view&current=IMG_1835.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/IMG_1835.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Read, set, go!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/?action=view&current=IMG_1838.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/IMG_1838.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/?action=view&current=IMG_1839.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/IMG_1839.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/?action=view&current=IMG_1842.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/IMG_1842.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/?action=view&current=IMG_1843.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/IMG_1843.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Love this little man!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/?action=view&current=IMG_1846.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/IMG_1846.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Nick and Papa</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/?action=view&current=IMG_1845.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/IMG_1845.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Mimi and Papa joined the fun.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/?action=view&current=IMG_1849.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/IMG_1849.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Then it was Nick's turn to hunt for eggs.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/?action=view&current=IMG_1850.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/IMG_1850.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Nick's group had a lot more kids then Conrad's group, so poor guy did not get many eggs. He was such a good sport about it though!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/?action=view&current=IMG_1855.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/IMG_1855.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Easter morning! I'm so frustrated because I use have hit the wrong setting on my camera. Most of the pictures from Easter morning were either way too bright or too dark. Boo!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/?action=view&current=IMG_1863.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/IMG_1863.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It was so cute watching the boys look out the windows the see where the Easter bunny left eggs. They were ready to go on the count of 3...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/?action=view&current=IMG_1865.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/IMG_1865.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/?action=view&current=IMG_1866.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/IMG_1866.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/?action=view&current=IMG_1867.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/IMG_1867.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/?action=view&current=IMG_1870.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/IMG_1870.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/?action=view&current=IMG_1869.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/IMG_1869.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Counting all of their eggs and enjoying way too much sugar!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/?action=view&current=IMG_1888.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/IMG_1888.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/?action=view&current=IMG_1886.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/IMG_1886.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">What a sweet Easter morning picture...NOT really! What can I say. The boys love to be silly!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/?action=view&current=IMG_1900.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/IMG_1900.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/?action=view&current=IMG_1899.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/IMG_1899.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">One day, we'll get a picture with the four of us! It's always one of us snapping the picture. And if we ever take the time to as someone else to take it for us, one of the kids ends up not cooperating and it's just never a good one. Life with little ones!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/?action=view&current=IMG_1914.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Easter%202012/IMG_1914.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Happy Easter everyone!</div>Christihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16297792289171923169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342440289761708903.post-89427968005763872712012-04-02T20:53:00.000-05:002012-04-02T20:54:06.426-05:00Spring Break 2012<div style="text-align: center;">We had such a fun and relaxing spring break this year. We decided not to take a big trip since our boys don't fully understand the concept of spring break quit yet. We'll save fun trips for a week with less crowds for as long as we can! But I did try and make the week fun and special.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I need to get better about bringing my camera along and taking "real" pictures. The following 5 pics or so were taken with my iPhone and I did a poor job of documenting our days. Oh well!<br />
<br />
<b>Saturday - The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Personal/?action=view&current=photo3.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Personal/photo3.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
My little cowboys had such a blast at the Rodeo this year. They were in awe of the carnival and all of the rides. After an hour or so, we made our way into the stadium to watch the start of the Rodeo. Nick loved it! It was a long afternoon for Conrad, so he pretty much passed out in his seat soon after it started.<br />
<br />
<b>Monday - Moody Gardens</b><br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Personal/?action=view&current=Nick_Otter.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Personal/Nick_Otter.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
Whitney and I took the boys to Moody Gardens in Galveston for the day. This was a perfect, all day activity that was indoors. Good thing we chose this particular day because it was a rainy day in Houston. We visited the Rainforest, Aquarium, had lunch and a fun dessert and then we went to see a tornado IMAX. The boys thought the 3D glasses were hysterical...<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Personal/?action=view&current=Nick_Whit_IMAX.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Personal/Nick_Whit_IMAX.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">{Whitney & Nick}<br />
<br />
<b>Tuesday - Lunch & Movie Date</b><br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Personal/?action=view&current=Lorax.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Personal/Lorax.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
We picked up JP at work and had a special lunch date with him before we headed to the movie. I have taken the boys to the movies before, but this day, I made it more of a production - big lunch out with Daddy, yummy treats to enjoy during the movie and then we hit the arcade in the theater for a bit following the movie. We saw The Lorax.<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Personal/?action=view&current=Nick_Lorax.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Personal/Nick_Lorax.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">{Nick watched the movie intently, while I hushed Conrad and kept telling him to sit down the entire time}<br />
<br />
<b>Wednesday - We went to a trampoline park and they jumped forever {no picture, darn!}</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Thursday - Painting pottery at The Mad Potter with Mimi and then a lunch date with her {no picture again, ugh!}</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<b>Friday - Lost Pines!</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Personal/?action=view&current=photo-44.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Personal/photo-44.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Can you sense their excitement?! We LOVE going to Lost Pines. It's a quick 2 hour drive from Houston and the resort is beautiful and is perfect for families. They have a million activities, bonfires, pools and more. Since it was spring break weekend, the resort was packed!<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Personal/?action=view&current=IMG_1733.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Personal/IMG_1733.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
Just arrived and ready to play.<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Personal/?action=view&current=IMG_1735.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Personal/IMG_1735.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Personal/?action=view&current=IMG_1734.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Personal/IMG_1734.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
We always go on the wagon ride when we are at LP...<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Personal/?action=view&current=IMG_1755.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Personal/IMG_1755.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Personal/?action=view&current=IMG_1756.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Personal/IMG_1756.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
The boys with Haas, the resident dog at LP. Conrad is slightly obsessed with Haas!<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Personal/?action=view&current=IMG_1758.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Personal/IMG_1758.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
T-shirt tie dyeing - MESSY!<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Personal/?action=view&current=IMG_1768.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Personal/IMG_1768.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
Indoor checkers...<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Personal/?action=view&current=IMG_1766.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Personal/IMG_1766.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
Nick mastered the monkey bars that weekend and he was so excited and proud of himself.<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Personal/?action=view&current=IMG_1743.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Personal/IMG_1743.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Personal/?action=view&current=IMG_1742.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Personal/IMG_1742.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
One of my favorite pictures to date! The boys certainly fight on a daily basis, but they sure do love each other.<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Personal/?action=view&current=IMG_1777.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Personal/IMG_1777.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Personal/?action=view&current=IMG_1774.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Personal/IMG_1774.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
Conrad rolling down a massive hill...<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Personal/?action=view&current=IMG_1779.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Personal/IMG_1779.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
Getting ready to sit on the Longhorns. They look forward to this each time!<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Personal/?action=view&current=IMG_1787.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Personal/IMG_1787.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Personal/?action=view&current=IMG_1803.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Personal/IMG_1803.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Personal/?action=view&current=IMG_1799.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Personal/IMG_1799.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
Conrad and me<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Personal/?action=view&current=IMG_1751.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Personal/IMG_1751.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
My boys<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Personal/?action=view&current=IMG_1752.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Personal/IMG_1752.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
All in all, we had a great week! I'm not going to lie and say that I wasn't a little nervous about how the week was going to go since we did not have big plans. Nick goes to school 5 days a week and thrives on a schedule. Having both boys home with me all day was a little scary with none of heir weekly activities to break it up. But God was watching over us and the week turned out amazing!<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Christihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16297792289171923169noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342440289761708903.post-3040864594796460022012-02-05T22:20:00.002-06:002012-02-05T22:22:35.574-06:00SuperBowl 20212 - The Commercials<div style="text-align: center;">A quick roundup of my top 3 ads from tonight's Super Bowl broadcast.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Because I love dry humor...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/lHZbXvts0LE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ae52ourE3Pw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">And how can you not like, love and shed a tear after seeing the Clint Eastwood for Detroit commercial?!</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/tFAiqxm1FDA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div><br />
</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Oops...how did this get here...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/gA5xi4iGhIw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Christihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16297792289171923169noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342440289761708903.post-73938240240880156102012-01-17T16:57:00.001-06:002012-01-17T16:59:04.583-06:00Closing Day!<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/?action=view&current=IMG_1701.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/IMG_1701.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Today we closed on our new lot and we couldn't be more excited! Let the daily drive-bys begin! </div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Ok, ok...I may or may not have already been driving by on a daily basis.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/?action=view&current=IMG_1694.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/IMG_1694.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The boys being sweet AND silly, of course!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/?action=view&current=IMG_1699.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/IMG_1699.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
Pardon their outfits. We just got back from swimming lessons!<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/?action=view&current=IMG_1700.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/IMG_1700.jpg" /></a></div></div>Christihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16297792289171923169noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342440289761708903.post-25407487454278196992012-01-16T17:51:00.001-06:002012-01-16T19:08:16.006-06:00Master Up or Down...That Is The Question<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/?action=view&current=longmont-4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/longmont-4.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Today we had another great meeting with our architect and designer! I am loving this process. <br />
<br />
Originally, I hands down wanted the master downstairs. That was one of the main reasons for us to build...to have a separate area away from the kids so we don't have to tip toe everywhere or worry if the tv is too loud and so on and so on. But today I quickly learned that by having the master down, I am sacrificing many aspects of the downstairs due to building coverage, heigh restrictions and backyard space. At first, I held my ground. But then after talking everything through, I realized I will be much happier with the larger rooms downstairs. We'll just make sure the master suite is separate from the kids wing. And I love that I just said "wing" as if this is a mansion. It's not.<br />
<br />
What are your thoughts on having the master down or up??<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.bellacasadesign.com/">{image via Bellacasa Design}</a>Christihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16297792289171923169noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342440289761708903.post-90900720348311859982012-01-10T12:52:00.001-06:002012-01-12T19:13:55.051-06:00The PlansLong story short, we found a lot which a builder owned and had a set of plans drawn for the land. We really wanted to purchase just the lot, so we could work with the builder of our choice. The funny thing was that the plans just so happened to be drawn by the architect that we wanted to use! The builder agreed to sell us the lot only and we are able to use the plans how we like! We have a lot of tweaking to do, but it's a start and will help make the design process go quicker. <br />
<br />
Win win for us!<br />
<br />
Today we met with our architect to discuss or wants and to decide if we were going to tweak the current plans or start from scratch. We are going to keep the basic layout, but basically start over. Here are a handful of pictures I brought with me today to help explain our thoughts....<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>First Things First - The Kitchen</b><br />
<b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Basically, we want the range and vent on one wall, a large square island and the kitchen sink by the window.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/?action=view&current=ScreenShot2012-01-06at40014PM.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/ScreenShot2012-01-06at40014PM.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/?action=view&current=ScreenShot2012-01-06at35957PM.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/ScreenShot2012-01-06at35957PM.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/?action=view&current=ScreenShot2012-01-06at35822PM.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/ScreenShot2012-01-06at35822PM.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/?action=view&current=ScreenShot2012-01-06at35758PM.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/ScreenShot2012-01-06at35758PM.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">In the initial plans, the architect had a wall of 7 ft. windows by the sink. We loved that and plan to keep it. It looks like the picture below (windows only).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/?action=view&current=tumblr_l0ywgw1KGW1qz4kfuo1_500.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/tumblr_l0ywgw1KGW1qz4kfuo1_500.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The Gallery & Formal Living Room</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">When you enter the front door, we are going to have a gallery to the immediate left. It will look just like this and the formal living will be behind the pillars. The dining room will be down the gallery and you can see it from the formal living.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/?action=view&current=OWF04.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/OWF04.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The Great Room</b><br />
<br />
This particular room has a basic layout, but I'm going to love the wall of windows and doors. Trying to decide if I want to place the tv above the fireplace or in one of the cabinets to the side. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/?action=view&current=OWF08.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/OWF08.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/?action=view&current=OWF09.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/OWF09.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/?action=view&current=765.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/765.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Master Bedroom</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I absolutely love this bedroom! It happens to be the bedroom of a friend of mine and the room is gorgeous. Bellacasa Design designed and showcased her home before her family moved in.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/?action=view&current=longmont-4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/longmont-4.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Master Bath</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/?action=view&current=OWF15.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/OWF15.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
{I'm having fits with blogger today. No matter how I resize the above image, it will not display the right side of the bathroom. Ugh.}</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Trying to decide what type of layout we want.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/?action=view&current=ScreenShot2012-01-06at50038PM.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/ScreenShot2012-01-06at50038PM.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Summer Kitchen</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/?action=view&current=100602_egdines_bweb_pblock_10.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/100602_egdines_bweb_pblock_10.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/?action=view&current=100602_egdines_bweb_pblock_11.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/100602_egdines_bweb_pblock_11.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/?action=view&current=HR3510665-38.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/HR3510665-38.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Butler's Pantry</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/?action=view&current=greykitchenatlhl2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/greykitchenatlhl2.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/?action=view&current=LDV07_thumb2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/LDV07_thumb2.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/?action=view&current=232323232_fp9_3_nu_32_2_737_58_WSNRCG_3352868864335nu0mrj.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/232323232_fp9_3_nu_32_2_737_58_WSNRCG_3352868864335nu0mrj.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Laundry Room</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ahh...would love to have a large laundry room. We'll see what space we actually get to play with.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/?action=view&current=laundry1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/laundry1.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/?action=view&current=109634572148331507_q9o8ksLJ_c.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/109634572148331507_q9o8ksLJ_c.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/?action=view&current=233624299389490051_5sycHpKl_c.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/233624299389490051_5sycHpKl_c.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/?action=view&current=ScreenShot2012-01-06at50748PM.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/ScreenShot2012-01-06at50748PM.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<b>Office Nook</b><br />
This area is important to me. It does not have to be huge, but I do need a nice space.<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/?action=view&current=4249906_orig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/4249906_orig.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<b>Don't Forget About The Dog!</b><br />
And if there is space, a special built in Kennel for Biscuit!<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/?action=view&current=dec-hode-pets1-435.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Ripple%20Creek/dec-hode-pets1-435.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo Credits: image 1+2+3+4 {<a href="http://segretofinishes.com/">Segreto</a>}, 5+6+7+15 {<a href="http://cotedetexas.blogspot.com/">Cote de Texas</a>}, 8 {<a href="http://www.bellacasadesign.com/">Bella Casa Design</a>}, 9+18 {Houzz}, 10+11 {<a href="http://thingsthatinspire.net/">Things That Inspire</a>} 12 {<a href="http://www.alliebethallman.com/">Allie Beth Allman</a>}, 13+14 {<a href="http://www.atlantahomesmag.com/">Atlanta Homes Magazine</a>}, 15 {<a href="http://www.mydesignchic.com/search?updated-max=2011-09-09T09:08:00-07:00&max-results=10">Design Chic</a>}, 16 {<a href="http://www.decorpad.com/photo.htm?photoId=88301&currentPage=0&index=6&relatedPhotoId=">Decor Pad</a>}, 17 {<a href="http://www.giannettiarchitects.com/Giannetti/Cliffwood.html">Giannetti Architects</a>}, 19 {<a href="http://www.scoutforthehome.com/interiors.html">Scout For The Home</a>}, 20 {<a href="http://www.atticmag.com/2011/04/built-ins-for-pets/">Attic Mag</a>}</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Christihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16297792289171923169noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342440289761708903.post-55580608137055946442012-01-06T20:37:00.001-06:002012-01-06T20:39:49.175-06:00It's a New Year!<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/?action=view&current=ScreenShot2012-01-06at82741PM.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/ScreenShot2012-01-06at82741PM.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://riflepaperco.com/item/Happy_New_Year_Card_/226/c40">{via Rifle Paper Co.}</a></span></div>Happy New Year everyone! <br />
<br />
Wow. I have been the WORST.BLOGGER.EVER...on this blog and my party planning blog. This past year has been so much fun, but it has also taken up my computer and me time. But I miss it here. I really do. I'm not really a New Year's resolution girl. Mostly because I think it's a cheesy ritual, plus you are setting yourself up to fail. I tend to make resolutions throughout the entire year. For me, that works the best. With all that said, my latest resolution (which just so happens to be around the New Year) is to be a better blogger with this little family blog of mine. <br />
<br />
We have a BIG year ahead of us and I want to share it with you all! I know so many of you are interior design obsessed like I am and will enjoy the many design photos in the weeks and months to come. Our big news of the year is that we are going to build a house. I could not be more excited. So many people say the process is exhausting and stressful, but I am looking forward to it. I love to organize, plan, attend meetings, go to site visits...so I think the process will be right up my alley. I might be blogging a different tune in a few months though. =)<br />
<br />
My plan is to share with you pictures and ideas throughout construction. It will also be a place for me to record this time in our lives. So, if you are interested, please follow along.<br />
<br />
Happy 2012 to everyone!Christihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16297792289171923169noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342440289761708903.post-20026612919387671302011-07-28T16:05:00.000-05:002011-07-28T16:05:00.145-05:00{Makeup} The Perfect NON Lipstick<div style="text-align: center;">I am a makeup girl. I love dressing up. That doesn't mean I like to cake on the makeup though; and let's face it, my daily life really isn't glamorous. A typical day for me consists of playing with my boys, running errands and hopefully hitting the gym. But even though I wear minimal makeup on these days, I still like to wear a little color. This summer, I found the perfect lipstick combination! It's just enough to give my face a lift without looking like I tried too hard. You know what I mean?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Makeup/?action=view&current=Screenshot2011-07-14at94549AM.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Makeup/Screenshot2011-07-14at94549AM.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
The <a href="http://www.chanel.com/en_US/fragrance-beauty/Makeup-Lipstick-ROUGE-COCO-SHINE-119570">Rouge Coco Shine in "Boy"</a> is my new best friend! I'm certain the color will look good on any skin tone and it is the perfect hint of color for the gym or just running errands in exercise clothes.<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Makeup/?action=view&current=bare_beige_laura_mercier.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Makeup/bare_beige_laura_mercier.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
If you want to add just a little more color, layer <a href="http://www.lauramercier.com/store/product/productListing.jsp?catId=cat180070&mainCatId=cat180010#tn">Laura Mercier's "Blush" lip gloss </a>on top of "Boy"!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/?action=view&current=lip_liner_edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/lip_liner_edit.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
And if you want even more of a defined look, I love to pair either of these lipliners with the combo {these are my go to lip liners for most lipsticks!} <a href="http://www.lauramercier.com/store/product/productListing.jsp?catId=cat180074&mainCatId=cat180010">Laura Mercier "Hazelnut Tea"</a> or <a href="http://www.trishmcevoy.com/products/tabid/61/productid/65/catid/13/sename/lip-liner/default.aspx">Trish McEvoy "Barely There"</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Makeup/?action=view&current=Screenshot2011-07-14at94820AM.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Makeup/Screenshot2011-07-14at94820AM.png" /></a><br />
<br />
You really can't go wrong with any lip glosses from <a href="http://www.lauramercier.com/store/product/productListing.jsp?catId=cat180070&mainCatId=cat180010#tn">Laura Mercier</a> or Chanel. I think I own them all! It's an addiction.</div>Christihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16297792289171923169noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342440289761708903.post-31988043635648472052011-07-08T22:22:00.001-05:002011-07-09T10:25:23.943-05:00{Recipes} Baked Apples<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Recipes/?action=view&current=baked_apples_realsimple.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Recipes/baked_apples_realsimple.jpg" /></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">{image via </span><a href="http://www.realsimple.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Real Simple</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">}</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyone who knows me, knows that I have a serious sweet tooth; like ginormous sweet tooth. When I am trying to eat "good", I almost crave sweets more since I am not supposed to be indulging in them. One of my go-to healthy desserts are baked apples. The recipe calls for the obvious, apples and a little bit of butter, cinnamon and brown sugar (ok, I'll admit it, I add a lot of brown sugar). Not only are these delicious, they are SO easy to make...10 minutes TOTAL. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Ingredients</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Apples</div><div style="text-align: center;">Brown Sugar</div><div style="text-align: center;">Cinnamon</div><div style="text-align: center;">Butter</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Directions</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">*Wash apples</div><div style="text-align: center;">* With a paring knife, trim about an inch off the top of the apple around the stem.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">* With a melon baller or spoon, dig out the core.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">* Set apple(s) in a pie plate. 1-4 apples work best per pie plate.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">* Fill hole half way with brown sugar, sprinkle with cinnamon, then fill the hole with brown sugar, pushing down wit your finger. Sprinkle more cinnamon. Slice a little butter and place on top. </div><div style="text-align: center;">* With a sharp knife, punch a hole on each side of the apple to prevent them from exploding in the microwave.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">* Cover top off a<s>p</s>ples with waxed paper.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">* Cook in microwave for 7 minutes. Test to see if apples are tender</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Sugar will have melted into the pie plate and created a sauce.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">You can serve the apples whole in a bowl or slice them for a smaller presentation. Be sure to drizzle the sugar sauce on top! These are also a great breakfast treat!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Christihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16297792289171923169noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342440289761708903.post-77402307559889630342011-05-25T07:00:00.000-05:002011-05-25T07:00:06.709-05:00{Wednesday Wants} Mediterranean Garden Jar<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Wednesday%20Wants/?action=view&current=Screenshot2011-05-21at83145PM.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Wednesday%20Wants/Screenshot2011-05-21at83145PM.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">For as long as I can remember, I have loved the look of <a href="http://restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod500003&categoryId=cat490005">Mediterranean jars</a> used in indoor and outdoor decor. So, when I opened the most recent <a href="http://restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod500003&categoryId=cat490005">Restoration Hardware</a> catalog, I was so excited to see that they now offer a few! Of course they do not give them away, but I have had a hard time locating one and this just might be the place. I'd love to place one or two by our front door or set one in a corner in a our house. It might even look nice in a corner right outside our backyard. Although, I can picture it now...my boys are sure to knock it over! </div>Christihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16297792289171923169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342440289761708903.post-13813572908194198822011-05-18T08:00:00.000-05:002011-05-18T08:00:17.556-05:00{Wednesday Wants} Patio Furniture By Restoration Hardware<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/?action=view&current=OD2011_Dining_Provence_28.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/OD2011_Dining_Provence_28.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh how I want this patio set by <a href="http://restorationhardware.com/design-gallery/garden-and-outdoor/index.jsp?link=designgallery_outdoorandgarden&categoryId=cat1699018#roomid=700007&roomtypeid=400002">Restoration Hardware</a>! I was in the store the other day and saw it in person and just loved it. And...it is on sale!! Well, on sale Restoration style, which is still a pretty penny. But it's oh so pretty! Our 7 year anniversary is coming up...hmm....</div>Christihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16297792289171923169noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342440289761708903.post-72782234511103078162011-05-16T08:00:00.000-05:002011-05-16T08:00:00.178-05:00{Parenting}<div style="text-align: center;">Although I secretly do love the fact that my boys usually come to me first for everything, sometimes I'm just plain exhausted (emotionally and/or physically). I recently read an i<a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704013604576246610566686224.html">nterview in the Wall Street Journal with Sallie Krawcheck,</a> the president of global wealth and investment management for Bank of America discussing how she balances a high power job with motherhood. One of the things she said really stuck out to me and I of course shared it with my husband. =) This is what she had to say...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>My breakthrough moment was when I convinced my husband that when the toddler woke up in the middle of the night and screamed, "Mommy!", he actually meant, "Parent of either sex".</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I don't know why, but that quote had my laughing and thinking...oh so true!!!</div>Christihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16297792289171923169noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342440289761708903.post-18191357223331166972011-02-12T15:07:00.000-06:002011-02-12T15:07:20.675-06:00{Recipes} Tollhouse Chocolate Chip Pie<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Recipes/?action=view&current=bakerellachocolatechippie.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Recipes/bakerellachocolatechippie.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">{image via </span><a href="http://www.bakerella.com/chocolate-chip-cookie-pie%E2%80%A6-oh-my/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Bakerella</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">}</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">When I am feeling sinful, this is one of my go to desserts. It is mouth watering and fool proof, yet everyone goes on and on about it like you spent hours in the kitchen.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Tollhouse Chocolate Chip Pie</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Ingredients:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">* 1 unbaked 9-inch deep dish pie shell</div><div style="text-align: center;">* 2 eggs</div><div style="text-align: center;">* 1/2 cup flour</div><div style="text-align: center;">* 1/2 cup sugar</div><div style="text-align: center;">* 1/2 cup packed brown sugar</div><div style="text-align: center;">* 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, softened</div><div style="text-align: center;">* 1 cup (6 oz) Nestle Tollhouse semi sweet chocolate morsels</div><div style="text-align: center;">* 1 cup chopped nuts - I OMIT THE NUTS</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Directions:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Preheat the oven to 325 degrees</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Beat eggs in a large mixing bowl on high speed until foamy. Beat in flour, sugar and brown sugar. Beat in butter. Stir in morsels and nuts. Spoon into pie shell.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Bake for 55 to 60 minutes. Cool on wire rack.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Enjoy!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Christihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16297792289171923169noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342440289761708903.post-63477821852022545262011-02-03T13:00:00.000-06:002011-02-03T13:02:12.605-06:00{Recipes} Chicken Pot Pie<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Recipes/?action=view&current=potpie_pioneerwoman.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Recipes/potpie_pioneerwoman.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">{image via </span><a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/11/quick-recipe-leftover-turkey-pot-pie/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The Pioneer Woman</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">}</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I love comfort foods and chicken pot pie definitely is at the top of my favorite list. Whenever people hear the words, "comfort food", they automatically think FAT, FAT, FAT. Well, I'm hear with a somewhat healthy and absolutely delicious pot pie recipe! I have included an even healthier version at the bottom!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Ingredients:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">* 1 frozen pie shell</div><div style="text-align: center;">* 1 lose pie crust from the refrigerated section</div><div style="text-align: center;">* 1 rotisserie chicken - I like to use the lemon herb chicken for this recipe</div><div style="text-align: center;">* 1/2 cup chopped onion</div><div style="text-align: center;">* 1 1/2 - 2 cans of cream of chicken soup</div><div style="text-align: center;">* 1 bag of frozen vegetables - peas and carrots is what I always use</div><div style="text-align: center;">* Salt & pepper to taste</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Directions:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Tear chicken into bite size pieces. Dump the chicken, onions, soup and vegetables in a bowl and mix. Add salt and pepper to taste.<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Pour mixture into frozen pie shell and then cover with pie crust. Poke a few holes in the top crust.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
Bake for 45-55 minutes or until crust is golden brown.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>An even Healthier Version!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">When I'm attempting to eat super healthy, I'll make the above version for my family and then save a little of the mixture for me.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Bake the saved amount in a small pyrex dish and bake at 350 until heated through. You still get the creamy middle, just not the pastry shell!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Enjoy!</div>Christihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16297792289171923169noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342440289761708903.post-11751507778387668302011-02-02T22:57:00.000-06:002011-02-02T22:57:54.459-06:00The Barre Method<div style="text-align: center;">Have you ever heard of the Barre method??! I was intrigued when I first read about it <a href="http://overcocktails.blogspot.com/2010/06/bar-method-how-do-i-love-thee-let-me.html">here</a> and that was over 6 months ago. It sounded like such an amazing class and was exactly what I was looking for. The Barre method aims to create long, lean muscles without adding bulk. Bathing suit season is right around the corner (although it's hard to think about that since it is freezing all over the country right now!), so I might as well get started early!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/?action=view&current=Screenshot2011-02-02at105405PM.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Screenshot2011-02-02at105405PM.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Tomorrow I am taking my first class at <a href="http://www.definebody.com/">DEFINE</a> here in Houston. Wish me luck as I embark on a new adventure which ultimately means super sore muscles for the weekend and lots of complaining from me!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Christihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16297792289171923169noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342440289761708903.post-18991444982458898722010-10-26T12:34:00.000-05:002010-10-26T12:34:38.684-05:00Mickey Business!<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/?action=view&current=DewberryFarm.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/DewberryFarm.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This little man and I are heading to "Mickey Business" tomorrow and I am so excited! Let me explain about Mickey business..I know you are wondering what in the world I am talking about. JP is in Disneyland for a business trip and we decided to take Nick along! When I first told Nick that Daddy was going on a business trip to Disneyland, Nick mixed the thought of Mickey and the business trip and made up his own word for Disneyland...Mickey Business! He's so cute. Everywhere we go, he tells people we are going to Mickey Business and they have no idea what he is talking about. I don't have the heart to correct him because he sounds so dang cute.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We are heading out tomorrow afternoon to meet up with JP. Please wish us luck and safe travels! We are leaving Conrad here with family and my heart aches a little about that. I'm going to miss him so much, but I am really looking forward to the one on one time with Nicklaus.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Talk soon!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Christihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16297792289171923169noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342440289761708903.post-49288126719744055582010-10-05T15:17:00.003-05:002010-10-05T15:20:04.601-05:00My Recent Order From Aidan Gray<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/?action=view&current=ChateauPinotSconces.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/ChateauPinotSconces.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I love the look of <a href="http://www.aidangrayhome.com/">Aidan Gray</a> and I'm so excited because I placed an order with them today! I bought two of the <a href="http://www.aidangrayhome.com/chateau-pinot-wall-candelabra-pi-372.html">Chateau Pinot Wall Candelabra</a> and I plan to hang one on each side of my botanical prints which are above our couch. Then, I bought the <a href="http://www.aidangrayhome.com/fluted-urn-lamp-pi-431.html">fluted lamp</a> for our living room table. Leave it to me though to fall in love with something that is temporarily out of stock! Grr.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/?action=view&current=FlutedUrnLamp.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/FlutedUrnLamp.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm also thinking about replacing our living room side table with a gathered linen skirt from <a href="http://www.wisteria.com/Gathered-Linen-Skirt-Medium/productinfo/W4056/">Wisteria</a> and pairing it with an antiqued glass top from <a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/Furniture/Tables/Accent-Tables/30-Antiqued-Mirror-Table-Topper/p/12183?path=1%2C2%2C1443%2C1490%2C1700&iProductID=12183">Ballard Designs</a>. Thank goodness I love this look because I am limited on table options. I have to have something skirted because the hubs has a subwoofer and wires that I refuse to let be seen. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/?action=view&current=wisterialinencloth.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/wisterialinencloth.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/?action=view&current=ballardantiqueglasstop.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/ballardantiqueglasstop.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Does anyone else have an Aidan Gray obsession like me? And Wisteria?!</div>Christihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16297792289171923169noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342440289761708903.post-84680168871999280452010-10-02T15:36:00.000-05:002010-10-02T15:36:31.226-05:00Happy Fall Y'all!<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/?action=view&current=IMG_0447.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/IMG_0447.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Today has been the most beautiful and perfect day! The weather is AMAZING and fall is officially here. I feel like good weather, football season and the upcoming holidays puts everyone in such a great mood. Today we visited our first pumpkin patch of the season. We headed to Cornelius Nursery for their annual fall kid day which was such a fun family outing!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/?action=view&current=IMG_0445.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/IMG_0445.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/?action=view&current=IMG_0443.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/IMG_0443.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/?action=view&current=IMG_0451.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/IMG_0451.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sweet brothers! Poor Conrad is always on guard. Nick truly was loving on his baby brother, but Conrad is never too sure. =)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/?action=view&current=IMG_0454.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/IMG_0454.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/?action=view&current=IMG_0453.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/IMG_0453.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/?action=view&current=IMG_0458.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/IMG_0458.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">In Nick's world, it's not a party unless there is a bounce house.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/?action=view&current=IMG_0462.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/IMG_0462.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Little Man got a turn after they saw how sad he was when he found out it was for the 'big kids'. The kind people at Cornelius made the older children come out for a few minutes why Conrad got a turn.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/?action=view&current=IMG_0467.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/IMG_0467.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Decorating a pumpkin with Daddy!</div><div style="text-align: center;">We made it home with two large pumpkins and really neat squash pumpkin that is light orange and white striped. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy F'all to everyone!</div>Christihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16297792289171923169noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342440289761708903.post-32313851500956054052010-09-30T11:35:00.001-05:002010-09-30T11:35:56.773-05:00On the Menu: Melt In Your Mouth Banana Bread<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/?action=view&current=smittenkitchen.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/smittenkitchen.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">{image via </span><a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Smitten Kitchen</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">; no relation to my recipe. just a pretty picture}</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This recipe comes from Orange, Texas where my mom grew up. Mary Martell was one of my grandmother's best friends and she loved to cook. To celebrate one of Mary's big birthdays, her family and friends surprised her with a cookbook full of collected recipes. I go to this book often for Southern favorites and comfort food. This banana bread is delicious and incredibly moist! Freezes well too! I baked this yesterday...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">2 cups sugar</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1 cup oil</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">2 cups flour</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">4 eggs</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">2 teaspoons baking soda</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1 tablespoon cinnamon</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 teaspoon salt</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">2 cups bananas, very ripe, mashed</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1 cup walnuts, finely chopped (optional)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix oil and sugar together in a large bowl. Add the eggs and mashed bananas, mix well. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #202020; line-height: 16px; white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Mix all dry ingredients together and add to the other ingredients. Mix ju</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #202020; line-height: 16px; white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">st until well blended. Stir in nuts if desired. Put in 2 well greased medium loaf pans. Bake 55 minutes.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #202020;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; line-height: 16px; white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #202020;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; line-height: 16px; white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #202020;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; line-height: 16px; white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Enjoy!</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #202020; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; line-height: 16px; white-space: pre;"><br />
</span></span></div></div>Christihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16297792289171923169noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342440289761708903.post-10063810010277336682010-09-28T11:49:00.000-05:002010-09-28T11:49:00.464-05:00What I Want Now: Antelope Carpet by Stark<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/?action=view&current=CedarCreekstudy.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/CedarCreekstudy.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/?action=view&current=viamaddieg.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/viamaddieg.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/?action=view&current=viamaddieg2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/viamaddieg2.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/?action=view&current=version1cote.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/version1cote.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/?action=view&current=viapeekofchic.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/viapeekofchic.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Oh my, oh my! I am currently obsessed with the antelope carpet by <a href="http://www.starkcarpet.com/homeMain.cfm">Stark</a>. It is fabulous and a different masculine option rather than seagrass which is a common find here in Houston and other Texas cities. Don't get me wrong, I adore seagrass and have it in various places in my home. But I am head-over-heels for this look and hopefully I will have the chance to use it one day. I think it would look amazing not only in a study, but a children's playroom (if you have all boys like me!) or even in a guest room.<br />
<br />
I've heard the antelope carpet is pricey, but not absurd and there is a waiting list. Lucky for me, the space I envision it in is not too big!<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">{image credits: </span><a href="http://www.har.com/HomeValue/6146-CEDAR-CREEK-DR-HOUSTON-77057-M9631415.htm#"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 HAR</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, </span><a href="http://www.maddiegdesigns.com/stark-carpet-antelope-pattern/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2+3 Maddie G Designs</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, </span><a href="http://cotedetexas.blogspot.com/2010/09/one-house-version-i-and-ii.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">4 Cote de Texas</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, </span><a href="http://thepeakofchic.blogspot.com/2007/02/classic-carpet.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">5 The Peak of Chic</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">}</span></div>Christihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16297792289171923169noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342440289761708903.post-47433938725277498382010-09-26T12:30:00.000-05:002010-09-26T12:30:53.791-05:00Over-the-Knee Boots<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/?action=view&current=SteveMaddenboots.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/SteveMaddenboots.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">I bought the <a href="http://www.stevemadden.com/item.aspx?id=52372&DirectSearch=Intyre">above boots</a> in black yesterday at <a href="http://www.nordstroms.com/">Nordstrom's</a>. One of my favorite looks during the fall and winter is to wear boots over skinny jeans. It's almost a daily wardrobe staple of mine during the colder months. They are like my flats for winter. I have been seeing over-the-knee boots everywhere lately and really wanted to try a pair out. I had to laugh at myself when I went shopping yesterday. Here is how my conversation went with the salesgirl...</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Salesgirl: Hi, how can I help you?</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Me: (very bluntly) I'm looking for a pair of black leather, over-the-knee boots, but I do not want to look like a hooker.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Salesgirl: blank stare...she luckily laughed soon after.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">I'm really happy with them, but I feel like I may have made an impulse decision. I was in a hurry and really wanted a pair, so I only looked at a few before deciding. Now I'm having buyers remorse browsing sites like <a href="http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/category.do?cid=57183">Piper Lime</a>. Hmm...</div><div><br />
</div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/?action=view&current=SamEdelmanboot.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/SamEdelmanboot.jpg" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">{<a href="http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=57183&vid=1&pid=809935&scid=809935012">Sam Edelman <i>James</i> boot, $225</a>}</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div><br />
</div><div><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/?action=view&current=DolceVitaboot.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/DolceVitaboot.jpg" /></a></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">{<a href="http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=43003&vid=1&pid=809356&scid=809356002">Dolce Vita <i>Donnie</i>, $310</a>}</div></div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/?action=view&current=ViaSpigaboot.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/ViaSpigaboot.jpg" /></a></div><div>{<a href="http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=57183&vid=1&pid=812319&scid=812319002">Via Spiga <i>Georgia</i> boot, $298</a>}</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Christihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16297792289171923169noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342440289761708903.post-40630212378093532362010-09-24T22:07:00.001-05:002010-09-24T22:07:54.211-05:00Are You a Gleek<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/?action=view&current=Glee.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Glee.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Are you a Gleek?! I sure am!!! I have always loved musical theater, so I don't know how I did not jump on the Glee bandwagon from day one. Oh wait, I know why. Probably because the hubs said no way in heck he was going to watch it. But after hearing so many raves about the show, we watched it one night and we were both hooked. Ok, hooked might not be the word he would use, but he really does enjoy it...THANK goodness.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I was so excited about the new season starting this week! I was unable to watch the season premiere until tonight and of course, I loved it. I headed right to itunes and downloaded my favorite songs of the episode. Do you know what the good thing was about not watching the episode until tonight?? I only have to wait a few more days until the Britney Spears episode airs!!! I am beyond excited about that one. Yes, I was a Britney fan back in the day (and admit it, you were too!). My best friend and I went to her concert on my 18th birthday, had front row seats and she held a sign saying it was my birthday. Shameful. But hey, Britney noticed and waved, so that was fun. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/?action=view&current=Rachelsdress.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/Rachelsdress.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Even though I adore Glee, I have to say a little something about Rachel's wardrobe on the show. It was awful last year! I was glad to see that it has improved. During the premiere episode, her outfits got a little bit cuter and more stylish UNTIL the last scene. At first they showed a head shot and the little blue and white polka dot number appeared stylish (I liked the deep-v back). I envisioned a tailored skirt paired with the shirt. BUT, then she headed to the auditorium and the camera showed a full body shot and it was a dress...and it was bad. Extremely dorky. To make matters worse, they had her wearing penny loafers with scrunched socks???!!! Was the wardrobe team trying to start a trend? Don't think this one is going to take. Just my opinion.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Ok, so sorry to rant about that, but I just had to. I am still a Gleek and love every minute of the show!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/?action=view&current=GleekOut.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb421/bennettbits/GleekOut.jpg" /></a></div>Christihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16297792289171923169noreply@blogger.com2