Liebster Award

Thank you to one of my favorite blog reads Confessions of a Northern Belle for this award!

RULES:

1. Link back to the person who nominated you

2. Write 11 facts about yourself once nominated

3. Answer the 11 questions from the person who nominated you

4. Come up with 11 questions for the 11 people you nominate 

11 Facts About Me

1. I am left handed so I'm very particular about which seat I sit in when we go out to eat.

2.I have never read any of the Harry Potter or Twilight books.
3. I started my blog "while trapped under a nursing baby" and I now find myself in the same situation. I wonder if it will be my last time? 
4. I have a special place in my heart for lists. I love to make them and check things off of them.
5. I have one tattoo, but I'm planning another. 
6. I've now officially been with Nick for over half of my life.
7. I would rather shop for shoes and handbags than clothes.
8. I didn't have an epidural with any of my three children. 
9. I love a good midnight snack. 
10. I've never been to Disney World...but one day we'll take the children.
11. I will always (ALWAYS) turn into Krispy Kreme when the Hot sign is on!

Catalyn's Questions

1. What is your favorite movie?

I'd have to say Dirty Dancing...perfection!
 

2. Did you sleep with a stuffed animal/blanket growing up? If so, did it have a name?

I don't think I did, but I did have my two baby dolls (Hannah and Katie) that I took everywhere and were my real babies. I've always been a mother at heart. Lilly-Belle is their mommy now.

 

3. What is your favorite flower?

Easy. Tulips! They make me think of Springtime, which is such a happy time.
 

4. Did you have a signature scent in high school? What was it?

Not really. I wore Gap Dream and Heaven body spray if anything.
 

5. What food do you turn to after a bad day?

Chocolate. Chocolate candy. Chocolate iced doughnuts. Chocolate milk. Chocolate in any form is my food therapy. 

6. What is one item of clothing you could not live without?

Not really clothing, but my Frye boots. I love them so. 

7. Ugliest piece of clothing in your closet?

This dress. I bought it after my second child when nothing fit. I don't know why.

 ...and yeah, I can't rotate it. It's prettier this way. :)
 

8. How did you meet your best friend?

I have several very close friends, but the very first one I met was my friend Camey and we were in Kindergarten together.  

9. How did you find out there was no Easter Bunny?

Honestly, I can't remember.  

10. Do you like cheese?

Ummm...yes! Who doesn't?? 

Hey...where's #11?? ;)

Questions for YOU from ME:

1.What celebrity have you been told that you look like?
2. What is the most memorable moment in your life?
3. Do you find it difficult or easy to say, "I'm sorry."?
4. What is your dream job?
5. Do you eat breakfast?
6. What song best describes you?
7. Coffee or Hot Chocolate?
8. If you could hop on a plane right now, where would you go?
9. What is your favorite season of the year?
10. Someone gives you $1,000. What do you do with it?
11. Why do you blog?

I nominate some real life blogger friends:
Stephanie @ Waiting on Pink Lines
Amanda @ The Sweet Life of Poella Divine
Kelly @ The Crim de la Crims

Thanks Andrea!

A big Thank You to Andrea @ The Blonde Ambitions for a sweet blog award!

1.  Someone "gave" this award to you? 

Create a blog post including 11 random facts about yourself

2.  Also in that blog post, answer the 11 question the person that nominated you has given you, and make up another 11 questions for the people you will nominate

3.  Give this award to at least 5 blogs (up to 11) and link them in your post!

4.  Tell those people that you have nominated them for the award

5.  You cannot nominate the person that has nominated you

6.  Remember to tag blogs with less than 200 followers (I may have broken this rule...oops!)

11 Facts about ME
1. I am NOT a morning person! Adjusting to waking early for work this week has been a nightmare.
2. I will never pass up dessert. Never.
3. I was a cheerleader all through school, but I always wished I was a ballerina.
4. I'm not a dog or cat person. (Don't tell anyone. People think you should just love animals.)
5. I absolutely love baby feet. I don't know why, but I just think they're so sweet!
6. I will turn 30 this weekend!
7. I am addicted to handbags. They're my favorite accessory!
8. I love fried green tomatoes.
9. I have dated/been engaged to/been married to Nick for half of my life.
10. My favorite Starbucks drink is a pumpkin spice latte. I really wish they served them year round.
11. I pride myself in having very neat handwriting.

Questions from Andrea:
one: what was the most recent thing you bought online? Goodies for the baby! The crib, bedding, and some decor from etsy.   two: if you could meet one famous individual who would it be? It would have to be the President. I think he is fascinating!   three: do you prefer snow/cold or beach for a vacation? Send me to a bed and breakfast in the mountains with snow falling any day of the week.   four: do you have a pet? what kind? what is their name? (sorry I know that is 3!) No pet. We used to have a cat and dog, but they now have better homes.   five: if you could change jobs to anything else, what would you be? I think I'd like to be a play therapist for children with special needs.   six: tap or sparkling water? Tap. (But I'd rather have sweet tea.)
seven: what was the first car that you owned? A blue Honda Accord. 
eight: what is your favorite pizza topping or type of pizza? I love pizza from the Salty Caper with bacon and artichokes. Delicious!   nine: what kind of camera do you take most of your pictures? (Nikon, iphone, etc) Usually on my phone. Thank you Instagram!   ten: what is your favorite reality TV show? I love cooking reality shows like Master Chef and Hell's Kitchen.   eleven: where is the farthest from home you have ever traveled? To Punta Cana, Dominican Republic for our honeymoon. Only time I've ever flown as well.    {Questions for my nominees} 1. Coffee or Hot Chocolate? 2. What is your favorite accessory? 3. What magazine do you love to read? 4. Dream travel destination? 5. What is your favorite childhood memory? 6. Your biggest achievement in life {so far}? 7. What was your favorite subject in school? 8. Chinese or Japanese food? 9. How do you "treat" yourself when you're having a rough day or need a pick-me-up? 10. Driving pet peeve? 11. Shower or bath?   I'm nominating: 1. Paige @ Boots, Bows, & the 5-OH 2. Laura @ Cowboy Boots & Baby Booties 3. Laura @ Lillypie Accessories 4. Mrs. Bear @ Think Happy Thoughts 5. Brittany @ Living in the Moment



 

Blog Love

Two lovely ladies have recently shared some blog love with me, so I want to say thank you to them!

Amanda from The Year of Me shared The Versatile Blogger Award and the Sunshine Blogger Award.

The Rules for the Award:
1. Thank the Blogger who nominated you.
2. Include a link to their site.
3. Include the Award image in your post.
4. Give 7 random facts about yourself.
5. Nominate 15 other Blogger for the award.
6. When nominating, include a link to their site.
7. Let other bloggers know that you nominated them.

Here's where I share 7 random facts about myself.
1. I have an unhealthy obsession with handbags.
2. I am left-handed and I kinda love that both of my babes are lefties too.
3. I have a long term goal to grow my hair past the middle of my back. (Yes, truly important goal here.)
4. I have dated/been engaged to/been married to the RedHead for half of my life.
5. I am very social, but one thing I prefer to do alone is shop.
6. Both of my babes were born prematurely (with no known cause), but we're hoping this one will make it to 37 weeks.
7. I am a sucker for fashion magazines, but then I balk at the prices.

Rules of Engagement:
1. Include the award log either in your acceptance post or somewhere on your blog.
2. Answer 10 questions about yourself.
3. Pass the award on to 10-12 other deserving bloggers.
4. Add a link on your post to all of the talented winners and comment on their page to let them know they've been deemed amazing.
5. Thank the brilliant soul that recognized your talent and bestowed this wonderful award on you...and of course link back to them as well.

And for the Sunshine Award I answer 10 specific questions about myself.

1. What would you most like to change about yourself?
That my instinct would be to save instead of spend. (I'm sure my husband would like this too and I know it will be a necessity once I'm home with the baby.)

2. What is your theme song?
I can't think of a specific song that describes me, but I love the song "Wild World" by Cat Stevens.

3. One part of your life, a memory, action, etc. that you wish you could surgically remove from your brain?
I don't think I'd remove anything. Every experience I've had has made me who I am...to remove that could change me.

4. What generation do you wish you had been a part of?
I'm proud that I'm an 80s child, but I think it would be interesting to experience the 60s.

5. What was your favorite childhood toy?
My baby dolls. I loved being a mommy.

6. What is your least favorite housecleaning chore?
Cleaning the shower. I just don't do it. I leave it until it grosses my husband out and he cleans it. (Love you honey!)

7. Do you Twitter?
Yep. Just broke 1,000 tweets. @MistyPriddy

8. Any goals?
Carry this child full term!

9. Do you really drink margaritas all the time?
Absolutely! Jumbo, top shelf, no salt, on the rocks. Please and thank you!

10. What is the ugliest car you've ever driven and were embarrassed to be seen in?
No idea. I was just happy to have a car.

Thank you again Amanda for the two sweet awards!

The next award was given by the Ranch Mama at City Girl Gone Ranch Mama.

Here's the rules:
1. Post the rules on your blog
2. Name 5 of your most fabulous moments either in real life or in the blogosphere.
3. Name 5 things you love
4. Name 5 things you hate
5. Pass the ribbon on to 5 other bloggers

Five Fabulous Moments:
1.The day I received the Teaching Fellows scholarship which paid for my college education. Priceless!
2.My wedding day. I married the love of my life and I wouldn't change a thing about that day!
3.My first day as a teacher. I was in a cramped little trailer in a grade I wasn't prepared to teach, but I was elated. (Also, to that class, I'm sorry. Bless their hearts if they learned anything from me.)
4.The day my son, Colson, was born. Scary as hell because he was so early, but precious just the same.
5.The day my daughter, Lilly-Belle, was born. Not as scary, but we should have been scared. This girl is a fiery redhead!

Five Things I Love:
1. Champagne
2. Handbags
3. Tattoos
4. Shoes
5. Dreams (and what they mean)

Five Things I Hate:
1. Indecisive people
2. Traffic
3. People who are not genuine
4. Thunder (I'm just getting over having a slight panic attack every time a storm comes around.)
5. Cooked Carrots

Thank you Ranch Mama for sharing this award!

Since I'm combining three awards into one post, I'm going to nominate several bloggy friends I've met and they are welcome to participate in any of the three that they so choose!
1. Andrea @ It's Our Crazy Life
2. Karissa @ A Fresh Start on a Budget
3. Nancy @ House of Hudspeth
4. DJ @ From Clover Cottage
5. Danette @ All My Love For All My Days

Be sure to visit these ladies. They're fabulous!

Blog Love

Julie at Brown Eyed Belle shared this award with me. Thanks girl!

The deal is to share 7 things about yourself but I just did that little "getting to know you" survey last week, so I'm going to do what Julie did and share seven important dates from my life.

1. August 26, 1982 My Birthday!

2. September 27, 1997 The RedHead and I went on our first date.

3. December 20, 2003 The RedHead and I tie the knot!

4. August 2004 I begin my teaching career.

5. March 9, 2006 I give birth to our son, Monkey!

6. April 29, 2009 I give birth to our daughter, Bug!

7. August 26, 2012 I will turn the big 3-0!

Now...to tag some other bloggers to play along!

Adventures In Being A Homeowner

Sailboats and Seersucker

The Treat Girl

The Tales From The Fairy Dust

The Crim De La Crims

The Big Cursive L

Everyday Everharts

Cowboy Boots and Baby Booties

Southern Belle on Paper

An Honest to Goodness Award

Miss Ashley at the Bray Bunch gave me this award last week and I want to say a big Thank You to her!! I like saying this over and over because due to my drawl I honestly can't get it to sound like "Honest Scrap". It just sounds like "Honest Crap" to me...which I guess is kinda the point? So here's some random honest crap about me:

1. I am ready to be pregnant again. Are we going to try? No. But I'm ready whenever!

2. I was a cheerleader for 9 years through elementary, middle and high school.

3. I have a fear of driving off bridges into rivers. I always think, "What if something makes me jerk the wheel?"

4. Since I've started exercising and being conscious of my diet, I feel better, but I also feel like I could eat my weight in hot wings, pizza, and icecream.

5. My favorite restaurant is Bonefish Grille. Hands down best Crab Corn Chowder and their Bang Bang Shrimp is to die for!

6. I've always wanted to get hair extensions because I never have the patience to grow my hair very long and I'd love to see what's it's like to have my hair half way down my back.

7. I absolutely LOVE being a stay-at-home mom, but there are days when I start the countdown to the kid's bedtime as soon as my feet hit the floor.

8. I'm beginning to think my husband is a better cook than I am.

9. What makes me feel the most proud of my son is the way he gets so excited about going to church each week.

10. The only way I like tomatoes is if they are green and fried.

Now to pass it on to some more lovely ladies!

Meredith @ (flash)pasteurized

Sara @ A Note On The Screen Door

Kelsey @ Damask and Diamonds

Sally @ Everything Is Better Pink

Laura @ Lilly Loves

Lexiloo @ Tea and Crumpets

Kelly @ The Crim De La Crims

Niki @ Nocturnal Queen

Enjoy!

I'm In tha' Mafia...the Preppy Mafia!

Sarah at Honey, Sugah, Dahlin has tagged me with the Preppy Mafia questionairre. Thanks girl!

1. Who is your style icon?
I have to say it would be a group of women...those women of the 50s. I'd love to hop back 55 years and look like this!
classic fifties

...and revamped for modern day.

2.What is your favorite Socialite Lit. book?
The Party by Sally Quinn. This book has great tips on entertaining; I've read it at least 3 times!

3.What is your favorite party theme?

I LOVE the idea of Derby parties, but I've yet to attend or host one. Hopefully next year, once we're in our new home, we can have one.

4.What is your go-to Halloween costume?

I'm usually either a cat (everyone has black clothes and eyeliner, right?) or a princess (just throw on an old prom dress).

5.What is one extravagance you can't live without?
My Louis Vuitton handbag...I waited a long time to get it, but I carry it constantly. It is the perfect size, weight, and it goes with everything!

6.Who is one living person you admire?

I definitely admire my Mama. She raised me and my brother on her own, she is there whenever I need her, and everyone who meets her loves her!

7.What is your greatest fear?

Something happening to my children. They are such precious gifts and I never want to imagine my life without them.

8.What trait do you deplore in yourself?

My temper. I may have blonde hair now, but I was a red head at birth and I have that firey temper. I am a lot better now at holding my tongue, but catch me on a bad day or really cross me and you better watch out.

9.What talent would you most like to have?
To be able to sew. Nothing extravagent, just enough to make some cute crafty things. I do have high hopes though because my mother-in-law has offered to teach me!

10.What is your greatest achievement?

Marrying the love of my life and creating a wonderful family with him. Cheesy huh? I know, but it's true!

I'm tagging:

Kitchen Belleicious

Laura @ Cowboy Boots & Baby Booties

Shelli @ Everyday Everharts

Julie @ The Vuong Family

Taylor @ The Undomestic Momma

Top Two Tuesday...I Need It In My Life

This week's topic over at The Undomestic Momma is the two things we can not live without. Well, there's a lot of obvious things that could go here in the names of family, religion, home, etc. but I always find it more interesting to hear the quirky random things that people are attached to in their lives. Here's my top two:

1. Volumizing Mousse: I went YEARS without using any type of product in my hair (besides shampoo and conditioner) and I just thought I was doomed to live with limp, fine hair. My college roomate, L, sold me on the wonders of mousse! I tried it and lo and behold my hair looked 100% better. So now I use it every day.

2. Magazines: I dare to say I'm slightly addicted to magazines. I love pretty much any type: gossip, decorating, women's, etc. I go to magazines for inspiration in my home, wardrobe and beauty tips, and the latest celebrity gossip. (I openly apologize to all celebrities...it is because of people like me that the paparazzi are always in your business.) These are a few of my favs:

(all images via Google images)

I also want to thank Julie at Brown Eyed Belle for this sweet award!


I'd like to pass it on to these lovely ladies!

Brittany Ann at Living in the Moment

Summer at Summer's Story

Breanna at A Southern Girl With Curls

A Pasta Trio...

I get on kicks. I will take something I like and cook it to death! I have tried my hand at biscuits and I'm not going to even bother sharing the pic of my second attempt. Just know, they looked like they might be edible, but again...no. Oddly, the bottom of the biscuit was quite delicious, but the middle was heavy and doughy. I still have one more recipe to try that was sent to me by a blogger friend when I cried out for help, but I've taken a brief intermission from biscuit making. I'm now on a new kick, pasta (because I'm ADD like that).

I tried three recipes from The Pioneer Woman's recipe index. My mama questioned my reasoning in making so many pastas, and all I can say is that I have been in desperate need of carbs since giving up sugar last week. Here's what I tried:

Baked Lemon Pasta: Sounded like it would be good. I love lemon and garlic and sour cream. But it wasn't. The hubby and I ate a little, but it just wasn't hitting on much. I'm not even sure if I know exactly what it was that I didn't like, but I will not be making it again.

Now that we have that one out of the way, I'll share the other two (which I LOVED).

Sesame noodles:

This one requires a few ingredients that I had to get at Whole Foods because our small town doesn't carry things like chili oil or sesame oil. It was super easy to make, simple flavor, but very tasty warm or cold...I've enjoyed it for lunch this week.

And the Mac Daddy of all!!!

Fancy Macaroni! You need to make this right now. Oh my goodness; could you think of anything tastier than yummy mac and cheese with bacon and onions! I ate 3 servings Sunday night, and then had it again for lunch the next day. I didn't have the cheeses she used, so I substituted mild cheddar, parmesan, and mozzarella and it was divine. I am planning to make it again for our covered dish dinner at church on Sunday night (because I need to eat it again and I want to share the love too).

(all pasta pics courtesy of The Pioneer Woman website: linked above)

I feel like every other post has something to do with food lately...I'll try to think of something other to write about for a while.

I also want to thank Brittany over at Living in the Moment for this award; she makes me smile too!

I'll pass this on to a few ladies who make me smile!

Sara @ A Note On The Screen Door

Tess @ Adventure In Being A Homeowner

Neely @ Chronicles of Neely

Enjoy!

Oh Happy Day!

I've got several things to smile about today! Kitchen Belleicious gave me this sweet little award.

I love her blog because she shares some fantastic recipes! It's definitely worth your time to take a peek at what she's blogging...I mean who can resist a good Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe?

I'm passing this award on to several bloggers who brighten my day:
Everyday Everharts :A new-to-blogging friend with the sweetest little family.

Sweet Tea and Biscuits :A southern sister who hosts Sips of the South, which I love!

The Treat Girl : She shares the same love of sweets...especially an affinity for cupcakes.

No. 17 Cherry Tree Lane :If you want to be inspired, read this chick!

These were the "rules" as listed when it was given to me, but I'm not much of a rule follower, so I say just award it to whoever you want to recognize for brightening your day with their blog!

First- award them to 12 of your favorite blogs.
Second- blog about who you gave you the award and link it back to your site

Second on my smile list are these little beauties:

Aren't they just so ugly they're cute! I tried them on, fell in love because they are like walking on clouds, but decided they were too expensive. When I got home I looked online and they were 50% off. Sold! They come in lots of cute patterns...you can find them here.

**Also, if you haven't visited Short Southern Momma and her new digs for her blog, head on over there and see! She's also having a giveaway with her newest sponsor!! Enter and win! :)

Passing It Along

A southern thank you to Kelsey of Damask and Diamonds for this award:

I am supposed to tell 7 interesting things about myself and then tag up to 7 other beautiful blogs.

Here it goes:
1. I constantly struggle with wanting to be creative and right brained because by nature I am extremely left brained and great with numbers.

2. I have a tattoo on my back that means "Dream." I got it after I finished college and it has a special meaning to me.

3. I wanted a LV purse for a long time and finally bought one, but sometimes I feel guilty carrying it because I hate for people to know that I spent that much on a handbag...even though I love it and it goes with everything!

4. I am a 27 year old beginning ballerina.

5. I love to make a pound cake. I love to follow the steps, adding the ingredients in a specific order and it always reminds me of my Mamaw since it is her recipe.

6. I have dated my hubby (the RedHead) for 12 years...since I was 15!

7. I really want to adopt from China (I even have a book saved for my little girl if I ever get to one day. It's called The Red Blanket.)


Ok, was that the longest list ever or what! Sorry, but sometimes Southern women are long winded...people just have to live with it.

I tag these two ladies that I've been reading a while:
CK at Bad Mommy Moments

Jenny Penny at Welcome to the Momplex

And two new friends:
Laura at Cowboy Boots and Baby Booties

Julie at The Vuong Family