High Five for Friday

Happy Friday!

Here are the highlights from my week....

I can officially start counting down the next 14 days until my girl trip (so excited!!)

seriously.cannot.wait!!

I finally put my mixer decal on my plain ol' mixer...

I'm pretty much diggin' it!!

I got the decal on Etsy from A Mustard Seed Dream.  You can order just about any color vinyl or design you would like, for just about anything you can think of. 

Here lately I have been pinning/setting my curls, which helps them to last all day.  It is seriously simple, and thanks to Kate at The Small Things Blog you too can learn how. 

 I pin each curl right after releasing it from the curling iron..while it is still hot, and I keep the pins in my hair until after my makeup is on, and I'm dressed.  Putting the final touches on my hair right before I walk out the door.  You can check out Kate's how-to tutorial here. It works, it works, it really, really works!

Last weekend I went out with one of my girlfriends to celebrate her bday.  We went to a newish martini bar downtown.  Super cute little place on the corner of Franklin Street called Cloud 9. If you live in the area, or plan to visit you've gotta check it out (don't forget to invite me to tag along.) They have delicious food, can make just about any martini you can dream up, have an amazing wine list (I can say that because they have my favorite, which is hard to find around here by the glass) as well as your liquors and beer. 

For the past few weeks I have jumped on the throw back Thursday bandwagon on Instagram.  Are you following me?  If not, you should.  You can click my account .. here or over/up there --->  So, anyway my tbt picture was so cute that I wanted to share on the blog.  This is my big sister and I forever many years ago.  I think it's funny/cute that I have that same exact posture, body language and smile still to this day.

 Not sure what why I'm wearing the band-aid, I probably got bit by my dog...?

We are finally getting an H&M...in Nashville..this summer!  I'm pretty sure that is/will be the only H&M in the state of Tennessee.  Hallelujah...I cannot wait!! 

So, did you hear that NKOTB and Boyz II Men are going on tour?  Together!  Yerp!  I think I have died and gone to 8th grade heaven! 

Such a lovely, fiery sunset last night...I took this picture from my back door.  

I love being snuggled up with Brodie by the fire...The perfect way to end my week.

How was your week?

Hope your weekend is amazing!

xo

Carrie

High Five for Friday

Helleur Friday

So, tomorrow will be one year since I began this little blogging journey.  I know, right...apparently time really does fly by when you're having fun!  Sadly, I am not having some fantastic giveaway, or anything like the "big time" bloggers do...I'm just a "small time" blogger...and honestly I don't think I would want it any other way, so I am going to simply say thanks.  Thank you to a few close friends (you know who you are) that encouraged me from the very beginning,  and for still putting up with me even when I have annoying random questions at odd times of the day or night because I am second guessing myself about a post...or oh my gosh...remember when I was trying to come up with a name for the blog?  This blog was planned way before it happened...it took me almost two months to come up with the name..each time I thought of a new name I would email/text my girlfriends for their approval, or wake my husband up in the middle of the night and throw out a random title...  (I'm glad everyone loves me so much, because I know how annoying I can be...)  I remember late one night I decided on The Way I See it, and just went with it and posted my first post which oddly enough was two recipes on one post...chocolate chip cookies, and hash brown casserole...totally random, I know.  I look back on that and still wonder why I put two recipes on it.  I guess I was a little excited (ya think?!)...  I'm getting off course a little...it happens.  (squirrel) (kidding)...Thanks to my family for being so supportive, and encouraging.  Thank you all for hanging out with me in my kitchen (my favorite place to be), for stopping by week after week, and reading about all the exciting/fun/crazy/sometimes difficult/serious/completely random things that occur in my life.  I have so much enjoyed having this outlet, and having the opportunity to meet new people.  What excites me the most is when someone tells me that I made a difference, or I opened their eyes to something new and amazing, or that I am an inspiration to you.  Seriously, you guys are the best!!  That's why I do this. Not only because I love writing, but because if I can make one person smile, or laugh, or inspire them to do something new/fun/better in their life...then by golly I've done my job.  My life is certainly never dull, and I love sharing it with all of you.  So, again...thank you from the bottom of my heart, and here's to another amazing year of The Way I See it.  xoxo

Here are some of the highlights from my week...

I love when the weather is semi-decent enough to have my Friday night drinking ritual.  After the sun went down it got a little chilly so we broke out the fire pit.

Most Friday's if I don't have plans you will find me there..in the driveway, with the beverage of choice..usually a bottle, or two of wine...with this girl..my favorite neighbor bestie!! 

Speaking of my favorite neighbor, in case I have never mentioned before she is awesome!!  I sent this random text to her earlier in the week.  

See, she is the best..really!!  She made some for all of us, and they were delish.

Thanks Bernie!!

Had a movie date night with the hubs.  We watched Django.  It was really good, really funny, really Quentin Tarantino-ish, really long, and the concessions girl put so much butter on our popcorn that we were both miserable and skipped dinner.  Like so miserable if anyone said the word <butter> I wanted to vomit.  I felt so disgusting that I went home and walked a little over 4 miles...then felt much better.  No.more.butter.Yuck.

I got a surprise FaceTime from my little buddy Henry, and his Dad.  He is seriously growing so fast.  He giggled a little for me, and then the rest of the conversation he showed off his mad bubble blowing skills. 

I love him to pieces, and he made my day!

Yesterday a new car wash opened a few miles down the road from my house.  On the way home from a friends house I noticed some people in front of it holding signs that said free car wash...I pulled in..got my car washed for free.  

Score!

My friend Kayla and I finally exchanged Christmas gifts this week.  Yeah, we're a little late...We both dusted off our gifts, and met up for a few minutes.  I got her an address book...because I think all grown ups need one, and I knew she did not have one because she calls me at least 2-3 times a year to ask for my address... :) 

She got me a plaque to hang my race bibs on.  Ermahgersh...I love this so much!!  I was so excited that as soon as I got home I put my bibs on it, and it is already hanging on the wall.  Coolest present ever! 

Thanks Kayla!!

Speaking of races...this week I registered for my first 2013 race.  Can't wait!

One of the best snuggle buddies I know!

I asked Scuba to sit, and he did..in my lap. 

Not exactly a lap dog, but...umm ok.

I think you should all have a, The Way I See it, one year anniversary celebration and do something super fun this weekend!  Get outside...play, run, walk, have a drink...just live it up and celebrate this wonderful life we all live!! 

xo

Carrie

Spinach Chicken Pasta Bake

This recipe is so simple to make, and so delicious that you will most definitely be going back for seconds.  It is great served with a side salad.  My buddy Marcie made it for us while we were visiting in Ohio.  I was not even that hungry once dinner rolled around, and I had seconds. It is a Pinterest recipe orginally pinned from Saving Money Living Life.   I changed a few of the steps to make it easier for you.

Ingredients 

1 Rotisserie chicken, chopped

8 oz rigatoni noodles

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 onion, chopped

10 oz pack frozen spinach, thawed and well drained of all water (may have to press between paper towels)

14 oz can Italian-style diced tomatoes, undrained

8 oz container Philadelphia chive and onion cream cheese

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

2 cups shredded mozzarella

Directions

Heat oven to 375

Spritz an 8 x 11 casserole dish with olive oil

Prepare rigatoni, set aside

Heat olive oil in large skillet.  Once the oil is hot enough add the onions and cook until tender.

Add spinach to onions, stirring until well blended

Stir in chopped chicken

Stir in can of undrained tomatoes

Add chive and onion cream cheese.  Stir until well blended

Add rigatoni, salt and pepper.  Stir all ingredients until well blended.

 Place entire contents into casserole dish, and cover with mozzarella.

Bake covered for 30 minutes; uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until cheese is bubbling.  Serve hot.

How easy was that!?  This is a huge portion, so unless you have a large family (of five or more) be prepared to share, or have leftovers.  How convenient would it be to prepare the night before, and pop into the oven just before dinner the following day? I would love to hear your comments, or any changes you made when trying this recipe.  

Enjoy,

Carrie

High Five for Friday

longest.week.ever.

I am exhausted... The week went by extremely slowly.  I had a few of my days mixed up, and was slightly disappointed to discover that I was a day behind what I thought the day was.  Er well, it was still a great week..This was the first week out of many that I have had to work every single day, and school started back Monday for the kiddo, which means no more sleeping until 7:30..I'm back on my 5:30 a.m. schedule (boo!!) I have to admit that today I went home after dropping Trey off at school, and I had an hour nap.  Nothing wrong with getting my nap out of the way, right?  Besides, I've got some major plans with a bottle of wine at the end of this beautiful Friday!

Here are a few highlights from my week...

I have really started stepping up my game as far as working out more for 2013.  I realize we are just a few weeks in, but still.  I'm on it, and I'm feeling good.  I did not make any resolutions, but I do have goals in place, and well...you have to start somewhere.  I lost 37 pounds in 2012, and I'm ready to see even more results in this new year.  I have been working out twice a day, and I am beginning to add an extra mile to my runs...so far so good. I love that I can feel my muscles aching..like the good kind of ache, especially my back, shoulders, and my abs...It reminds me that I am doing something right, and to be honest it makes me want to push myself even harder.  This is my year to shine, and I'm so looking forward to achieving many goals.

I am trying to broaden my workout locations.  The unexpected is a challenge that I am enjoying, and a change in scenery makes it more exciting.

I finally used one of my non-slip headbands that I got for Christmas.  I fell asleep with wet hair one night, and woke up to a curly mess, so I had to tame it somehow so it would not be all over the place on my run. This headband that I ordered from LishyBands on Etsy did the trick.  The.perfect.headband, not to mention that it is stylin!

I caught a mouse.  Okay, well I didn't, but I set out the trap that caught the sneaky little fellow.  They seriously make me mad.  Every year it never fails I have a mouse in my kitchen, and it usually takes me weeks to catch it.  Super frustrating!  My cat is a retired mouse-catcher.  He is 18 years old and blind as a bat.  I have to say that it is a relief to not find a dead mouse in the most unexpected places...such as my pillow, or on the couch...In that aspect of it I am glad he has retired his catching career. When I noticed my little friend, or my little friends relative, had made an appearance I set out my traps...First I used the poison pellets, then set one of the traps that you put food in the bottom of it (I use peanut butter)... beside the poison.  When they crawl in, it traps them..I think it kills them, but I'm not sure.  I don't look.  I just toss it in the trash.  Mean? I don't think so.  I am actually a nice mouse catcher because previously when I used the sticky paper to catch them.  It did not kill them, and they whined and cried which tugged at my heartstrings, and I would let them go out in the woods.  This.did.not solve.my.mouse.problem.  So, that is why I use the traps that I cannot see what is going on in there...mice are cute...out of sight out of mind.  Mouse problem, ended...for now.

Trey, Kyle and I went to a monster truck show last weekend.  It was fun, but now I can say I have been there, done that..did not get the t-shirt, and will be just fine if I never go again.  Ok, so I thought it was boring.  Apparently Trey did to because he literally fell asleep in his seat.  It was that exciting.  I did enjoy the Motocross races though...

So, I finally got my headlamp for Christmas, and this week I used it for the first time.  Then, found myself finding all kinds of excuses and reasons to wear it.  I like gadgets, and I love this one.  It's not a cheapie from Walmart, it's actually a good one, is way cool, and I am probably a huge dork for liking it so much.  Dern't care!

We got a new storm door for the front of our house.  We really love it, but the dogs are still unsure.  The first night we had it they literally stood there not knowing what to do.  Should we go through it?  How can we still see them on the other side, but not get to them?  They were puzzled to say the least.  The Westie's would not even get close to it.  By the way...I took my tree down shortly after this picture was taken...

I started reading You Tell Your Dog First by Alison Pace.  If you are a dog lover, you have to read this book.  I read half of it while taking a bath the other night, and literally laughed out loud several times.  I think dog people can all relate to each other in one way or another.  This book is about how having a dog in your life can change your life, and make you see the world around you differently.  It's a really cute, funny read.  I originally picked the book up from Amazon because one of my friends in Wisconsin (who I know because of our dogs) was saying that she and her company were mentioned in a chapter in the book, and then I ended up falling in love with it.  Soo super cute!  Def check it out.

I made a new recipe for dinner last night and took it over to my Mom and Dad's to share.  It was dee-licious!  This picture is just the middle cooking process, so watch for full recipe on the blog this weekend!!  Spinach, tomatoes, onions....are just a few of the ingredients...

How was your week?  Tell me about your weekend plans..

xo

Carrie

Snowflakes, Hats, and Sleepy Towns

While on my little, end of the year, mini vacation we wandered the streets of the Oregon District in downtown Dayton, Ohio.  It was a beautiful Winter evening..the snow was falling, the streets were quiet; with only an occasional car passing by.  A sleepy little town.  It was so lovely, you almost wanted to dance in the middle of the street and catch snowflakes with your tongue.  We never get spoiled by beautiful Winters in Middle Tennessee. Our Winters are actually quite drab.  It rarely snows, it could be freezing cold one day, mid 50's the next day, and possible tornadoes the next...not to mention that I find myself sneezing every single day no matter what the season.  

As we strolled the streets we noticed a little hat shop called Brim.  We wandered into Brim for some warmth, and then ended up modeling the hats.  I am not a hat person...I might occasionally look half way decent in one, and I own several...mainly I buy hats on impulse, and then never wear them again...ever.  Knowing my deep yearning to buy things on impulse I had to slap my hand a few times to put the hat down, and not buy it..no matter how many times I was told I should totally get it because it looked great...I kept thinking ooohhh...this one would be super cute to wear while running the streets of New York City in the Winter...but I didn't get one...<hmmpfff>

This blue one may just be the BeSt hat ever...

I shall wear this hat while having my tea and crumpets!!

(said with my best British accent)

My NYC, wish you were mine, hat

Where would I wear this hat?

Perhaps while smoking a wooden tobacco pipe..by a fireplace, reading a good book...in Scotland..err while walking my little Westie's in the park?? 

Pinocchio/mobster/detective/spy hat??

I love travelling, and often times during my travels I catch myself wondering what it would be like to move away from my hometown...explore what the world has to offer, and settle down somewhere else.  I go back and forth with myself with the question of would I really like living here, or do I just really enjoy vacationing here?  It would be quite an interesting adventure to be able to pack up and move somewhere and start all over....someday...Meanwhile, I will count down the days until my next vacation...

xo

Carrie