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Saturday, January 31, 2015

Weekend Recap Pics from last week

Happy Saturday Lovies!

I FINALLY have a working computer this morning. Can I get a YAY?! I wanted to share some pictures from our restaurant experience at The Mason Jar Tavern. Their slogan is "Where your jar is always full!" and let me tell you they mean it!

 I love that they serve all their drinks (except wine) in mason jars. So cute!

The pimento cheese dip was delicious! The pita was good too but I will have to admit that I don't love them together. I would have rather had crackers, veggies, or crunchy bread. 

 The waitress asked if we would like a sample of their cheese fries. They are very different from what I'm used to with cheese bacon. The had a sauce with pork and jalpenos but let me say delightful!

 I had the smoked salmon caesar salad. It was amazing. I will definitely try it again.  

 My Hubs got the club sandwich. It was ginormous! We ended up taking half of it home and had it for lunch the next day. It was still really good leftover.

This could be trouble with the sweet little spot literally 5 minutes from our driveway to the door. I will definitely be back soon!

Friday, January 30, 2015

Five on Friday.. Birthday Gifts

Happy Friday Lovies!

I can't believe Sunday is the 1st day of February! This year is already flying by. While everyone is getting excited over Valentine's Day, I am excited about my birthday! My birthday is February 13th..  so I could really care less about Valentine's because let's celebrate my birthday! Here are some things I wouldn't mind getting this year.. hint hint Hubby!

- Hunter Rain Boots- Size 9 please
- Welly Socks for my new boots in Size Large please.
Alternate Product Image 1 Selected

- New panties- I seriously need some new bras and panties. I have never tried Hanky Panky but have heard nothing but good things about them. These are currently on sale so I wouldn't mind giving them a try.
Hanky Panky 'Signature Lace' Boxed Original Rise Thongs (3-Pack)

- Elements of Style Book- I follow Erin's blog and just love her. I think this book also look super cute on my sofa table as decor too!
Elements of Style: Designing a Home & a Life

- Tory Burch- In Color Book- I adore Tory Burch. Her style is impeccable! I also think this book would be a great addition to my little growing collection.

Tory Burch: In Color

Happy Friday Lovies! Enjoy the superbowl game. :)

Linking up with April, Christina, Natasha, and Darci.


Linking up with Amy and Karli.

Thursday, January 29, 2015

Thoughts for Thursday- Guilt and Randomness

Happy Thursday Lovies!

How in the world is it already Thursday and practically February!? Time PLEASE slow down!

Well I had this fabulous post I had worked on and I'm STILL having computer issues. I can't upload any personal pictures for some reason. My Hubs has looked at it too. I have a IT friend that I will just have to breakdown and bug but he's been busy with a project at work. So that post will be later.. This one is impromptu but it's real.

I've been sorta down in the dumps and having a little pity party for myself lately. Yesterday I found out a friend- my best friend's cousin to be exact- has breast cancer. She's in her mid thirties, a Momma to 2 precious boys, and raising her teenage sister (they lost their Mom a few years ago). It's aggressive and they are getting a game plan together today for treatment. I can't imagine what's she is going through. I pray that God will heal her cancer and give her strength to fight. I will also pray that God helps her family through this process.
We can do it - breast-cancer-awareness Photo

Later on yesterday afternoon I found out a famliy friend lost their home and all their belongings in a fire. Her three children were at school. She and her husband were at work. The fireman were able to get their 2 dogs and cat out. The cat required some oxygen. This beautiful home and life they had created was burned to the ground. In the end I know these are just material items but I can't imagine what they are going through. A friend has set up an online donation spot at www.gofundme.com- Her name is Michelle Chappell Shelton if you heart desires to make a donation. Anything will help this family.

So after hearing of two terrible things going on with close friends I feel guilty. Guilty of my pity party over here. I am quickly reminded of the good things God has given me. I am blessed beyond measure. I have my health and a warm home to go home to. With tears streaming down my face (yes I'm a basket case lately) I just pray that I never take the little things for granted and I pray God comforts my friends in their time of need.

Thoughts for Thursday
Linking up with Natalie and Annie.

Monday, January 26, 2015

Weekend Recap

Happy Monday Lovies!

Sorry for my late post. Our weekend flew by!

Friday night we checked out a new restaurant in our area, The Mason Jar Tavern. It was their first official night opening. My Hubs didn't think it was wise to try it this soon but I saw the menu and really wanted to try it. We arrived and assumed there would be a wait. They told us it would be about 40 minutes. It was crowded but immediately a waitress came up and offered to get us drink. They brought our drinks in cute little mason jars. She consistently checked on us and kept our drinks full. Time actually flew by and I think we ended up waiting about 30 minutes. Our waitress and the rest of their staff gave us samples, our food, suggestions, and kept our drinks full at all times. I hope they keep it because the food was good and the atmosphere is a full little bar. I will definitely be going again!
Saturday my Mom, her friend, and I headed to the Bullock's warehouse sale. They had all kinds of things on sale. It was CRAZY busy. I was able to get 2 ginger jars, a bowl, and a little decor item. We browsed antique shops on the way home. We also stopped at a seriously hole in the wall BBQ place- Doug Sauls. I stopped by to spend some time with my precious grandparents before heading home.

I typed this earlier in hopes of getting my personal images on here. I'm still having computer issues. Sorry loves! When I get this working I will post with the pictures.

Sunday was a lazy/errand/catch up day for us. Here we are at Monday again! It's raining like crazy here in NC. I'm so over the rain but very thankful it's not snow or ice. So I'll take it! Have a good week!

Friday, January 23, 2015

Five on Friday- Five Things I'm Loving Right Now..

HAPPY FRIDAY LOVIES! I'm seriously doing a happy dance right now. My Mom and I headed out bright and early in the morning to warehouse sale of home items. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I find some good stuff! I thought I'd share a few things I've been loving lately..

Fleece Wrap Cardigan from Nordstrom- These are currently on sale. I bought one and fell so in love with it that I'm buying a few more. My coworkers all commented on my new sweater and several actually bought them as well. It's soo soft and comfy.

Alternate Product Image 1

+ Ugg Slippers- I finally made a decision and bought these in black. I LOVE them. Super comfy and keep my feet warm. I will recommended going up a size especially if you're inbetween. I usually wear an 8 or 8.5 and I got a size 9.
UGG® Australia 'UGGpure™ Ansley' Slipper (Women)
+ J Crew Tassle Trim Top- I bought this in black since they are sold out of my size in blue. I mean $17!? I really need some new tops/sweaters and this is definitely the right price.

Tassel-trim top

+ Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes 4 in 1 Mascara- I bought this by default but I'm loving it! Ulta had some really good black Friday deals. I had planned to purchase the Urban Decay mascara on sale for $20 but it was sold out. So I asked the sales clerk about Tarte. It was also $20 and included a lip gloss, and lash extenders. I just started using this and I love it! The lipgloss is nice too. The lash extenders aren't my thing and with allergies and contacts they seem to be more trouble than they're worth to me but seriously.. try the mascara!

TarteLights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara

+ Date Nights!- My Hubs and I decided to have a date night last night. Sushi and a movie! He got to pick the movie. He went with American Sniper. Spoiler.. it's very sad! Glad we decided to go on a Thursday night because the theatre was still packed, I can only imagine how crazy it will be tonight.

American Sniper (2014) Poster

Have a Fabulous Weekend Lovies!

Linking up with April, Christina, Natasha, and Darci.

Linking up with Amy and Karli.

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Thoughts For Thursday- Blog Survey

Happy Thursday Lovies!

I know I'm behind on this but I feel like everyone and their brother is doing a survey so I figure I would join the bandwagon.. let's get started!

1- The furtherest place you've traveled to? Hawaii
2- Favorite website to browse when you're bored (that's not a blog)? Pinterest or Nordstrom.. close tie here!
3- Favorite movie (try to only pick one!)? The Help
4- What's on your bedside table? Glass of water, lamp, alarm clock, phone, picture of my parents, picture of my grandparents, and a picture with girlfriends.
5- Hot Coffee or Iced Coffee? Neither! I don't like coffee at all. I know I'm weird! I love the smell of coffee but I never developed a taste for it. I've actually tried to force myself and no such luck!
6- Favorite places to buy homegoods/things for your house? Homegoods, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Tuesday Morning
7- Do you have a blog, tweet, or instagram? I have a blog www.parkereverafter.blogspot.com. I have an instagram account @megdance01. I have a twitter account but I have never tweeted and don't even check it.

These past two weeks have been a crazy blur! Work has been insanity. I'm also not 100% from the dang flu the day after Christmas. I still have an annoying cough and low energy. My doctor assures me this is normal but I'm over it. I want my energy back!

I hope everyone is having a good week!

Thoughts for Thursday
Linking up with Natalie and Annie.

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Coconut Cookies

Happy Tuesday Lovies!

Sorry for the delayed silence over here. I was in Atlanta for work most of last week. Work has been a little crazy since returning and adding a 4 day weekend well..I'm just really behind!

Last week was my Grandpa's birthday. We planned a Saturday night dinner to celebrate. I made a cake for my Grandma's birthday I talked about it here. So I wanted to do something special for my Grandpa as well. They aren't doing the best these days and well I just want to make sure they know how much I love them. My Grandma said my Grandpa loved coconut cookies.

*Sorry for lack of personal pictures. I'm having technical difficulties this morning.
Chewy Coconut Cookies Recipe

Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/3 cups flaked coconut

Directions:
1- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2- In a medium bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla until light and fluffy. Gradually blend in the flour mixture, then mix in the coconut. Drop dough by teaspoonfuls onoto an ungreased cookie sheet. Cookies should be at least 3 inches apart.
3- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until lightly toasted. Cool on wire racks.

Recipe Via.

I usually do pretty decent at following recipes. Saturday was NOT one of these days. I baked my first batch and they looked pretty but tasted horrible! I mean down right disgusting! I trashed them immediately. I decided to make another batch. The second batch was equally as gross. I racked my brain trying to figure out what was going on my cookies. Then it hit me! I was putting 1/2 cup of baking soda and not 1/2 teaspoon.. I'm an idiot! My third batch seemed to be on the right track except when my egg slipped out of my hands and into my mixer. The shell and all! So finally my 4th.. yes 4th batch was finally good! Thank you lord! I seriously almost broke down in tears on the 3rd batch when I dropped the egg but luckily it all worked out. My Grandpa loved his cookies and I'm just thankful I got to spend another birthday with him. I'm mad that I didn't get any pictures. The restaurant was crowded and it was dark and cold outside so photos didn't happen.

I hope everyone is having a good week! 

Friday, January 9, 2015

Five on Friday

Happy Friday Lovies!

YAY for having our first week of 2015 behind us! We have a busy weekend planned and then I head to my sales conference in Atlanta for most of the week. So I might be a little MIA next week. Now on to my 5..

- My Inlaws gifted us this little fire pit for Christmas! My Hubs is in love! Since the lovely flu hit me I got to enjoy from the living room window. I can't wait to have our first marshmellow roast.. soon my friends!


- I promised this picture way back in early December. I finally got it and around to sharing it. This was our little group for appetizers and dirty santa exchange. We had so much fun! It amazes me how much we've changed in the past few years. I mean look at all the kiddos! So many fun memories with these people!


- I FINALLY decided on frames for my collage wall. It was a struggle. I decided to go with matching. My Mom recommended at a little shop at the NC flea market. I was skeptical but let me tell you.. they did an AMAZING job and their prices.. CHEAPER than Michaels! They are custom frames and mats too! I highly recommend Kidd's Frames at the State Fair Grounds. They are only open on Saturday and Sunday and you will probably have a wait but it's sooo worth it! Now to hang these beauties going up our stairs!



 
- I broke down and ordered this robe from Nordstroms. I really don't have the extra money but it was on sale, I had the flu, and well I just wanted something to cuddle me. I am in love! It's soo soft!



- We celebrated my Hub's birthday with his family last night. We had Mexican. Here are some snapshots of the night!

My Hubs and I

Hub's sister and her husband

Hub's grandpa and his wife

The kiddos.. well the two little boys are hiding. Hub's step sister and her husband (their boys). Niece.

Hub's Mom and Step Dad

My Hubs.. doesn't he look excited? Hahaha!

Happy Friday Lovies! Have a fabulous weekend!


Linking up with April, Christina, Natasha, and Darci.

Linking up with Amy and Karli.

Thursday, January 8, 2015

Thoughts for Thursday

Happy Thursday Lovies!

+We almost have our first week in January done. I don't know about ya'll but it's been a struggle for me to get back into a routine. This cough I can't seem to kick isn't helping too much either.

+Yesterday was my Hub's birthday! We celebrated with dinner at Lucky 32 (his pick) and a few gifts.

Peanut Butter pie his coworker made for him!

He's probably going to kill me for this picture but it's the only one I took. He hates pictures so he was kinda suprised.. hahaha!

Pimento Cheese dip with pork rinds.

Red beans and rice with sausage.

Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, mixed veggies,and cornbread.

+Was anyone else disappointed in the Lilly sale? The site crashed on me 3 times! I lost all the items I really wanted. I also didn't feel like it was as much stuff as usual. Just wondering if I was the only one?

+I've been searching interior designs and blogs. Everywhere is saying chevron is out this year.. Can I get a hallelujah?! I liked chevron at first but I just think it was just way over used here in NC. Everywhere I looked everything was chevron and I was quickly over it. I actually own 1 chevron item and that's a shirt. I am not going to lie I will still probably wear it but glad to see that trend moving on!

+ Dear Lord it's cold outside today! Kasey is usually an outside dog but on nights/days like today she's an inside dog. She adapts very quickly I must say!

Kasey snoring on the rug last night!

Temperature going to work this morning! NC is not used to this- I'm ready for summer!

+I've been trying to be more positive this year. 2014 is a really rough year for me. Overall I shouldn't complain but health wise it just wasn't my year. I think emotionally it just drained me. I also learned a lot about myself. I'm much stronger than I ever imagined I could be. Don't get me wrong.. I've VERY blessed! I'm grateful for all that I have and overall I should not complain. On that note..I'm praying and hoping for positive/happy thoughts for 2015! 


Happy Thursday Lovies!

Thoughts for Thursday
Linking up with Natalie and Annie.

Monday, January 5, 2015

Catch Up.. Hello 2015!

Happy New Year Lovies!

I  had no intention of staying away this long. Thanks to the flu, my life was sort of put on hold. Here's what's been going on on with me.

Christmas Eve we attended the 3pm services at our church.
My friends precious little boy as a shephard!

The Hubs and I.

After church we ventured to my MIL's. It was complete and utter choas. Food, family, and presents with the extended family.

Christmas Day was nothing short a whirlwind. We woke early to have breakfast with my parents and grandparents.



We left my parents in Louisburg and drove to Sanford to my MIL's. We had a brunch spread there. We left there for my FIL's for dinner. I was BEAT when we got home!

Friday morning I woke feeling even more tired. I didn't move from the couch much and by the afternoon had chills. The fever started at 99 around dinner time. Saturday morning my fever slowly started to rise and I had body aches. I called Fast Med urgent care and got on their wait list. I arrived at 3:15pm. After waiting 3 hours I had the flu. We scrambled to only find Walmart pharmacy still open and luckily they had Tamiflu. So the next few days were a blur and mix of couch and bed time.

New Year's Eve I still wasn't feeling up to par. Our neighbor had made some appetizers. I brought over some champagne in my pj's and we watched Ryan Seacrest's countdown. By 12:15 I was snuggled in my bed.



New Year's Day I threw a pork tenderloin in the crockpot, made marinated collards, black eyed peas, and baked some friend okra. Luckily most things were frozen and easy to throw together.


Friday was my day back at work. I still had a horrible cough but I made it in the office. By lunch time my boss sent us home since most of us had the flu over Christmas and still were not feeling up to par.

Saturday I had lunch with two of my besties! Sorry no pictures. I came home to take a nap since it was a rainy messy afternoon. Saturday night we had dinner to celebrate a friends birthday. We had a nice group and it was good to see them and celebrate.


Sunday morning I woke up to my Hubs fixing me french toast.


I still have an annoying cough today. I've heard it will stick around awhile.. BOO! But I do feel like I'm on the mend. I hope everyone had a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Linking up with Biana for Weekending and Bella for Weekend Recap.