Leah's Favorite Things

for Esther!
We served her favorite foods.
It was an interesting mix…ha!
And since I had sugar overload last week and am still getting over the consequential cold I didn’t get to eat one single sugary snack.
It was torture!

I love peanut butter cups

and pound cake

and lemon coconut frosted cupcakes.
Feel sorry for me yet?

We played some bridal bingo.

And Esther opened lots of gifts!
My favorite was watching her open the Tastebook we all made for her!
I’m stealing those recipes by the way.

And I made her this Bride to Be banner.
I had to show you a picture of it hanging on my mantle because I hung it in a dumb way at the shower…making it less cute.
Then I realized on the way home the club house where we had the shower had a fireplace and mantle.
See how sugar messes with my brain!

I love you Esther!

I ate too much candy corn last night.
I woke up with a swollen, sore throat and plugged head.
This has happen before…
chocolate chips cookies, chocolate covered pretzels, ice cream.
It’s my own fault.
I’m an adult…I must learn to control my sweet tooth. 
Especially since its fall and the flu is circulating and I spend plenty of time with germy children and I’m going on a missions trip soon.

So far I’ve taken wellness formula, goldenseal, and Echinacea tea.
But I think the laying in bed and watching six episodes of Torkelsons on YouTube is the most comforting.

Hope your having a good Friday night.
Watch out for that candy corn!

I’ve missed you!
I have some random things I want to talk about.
One…I’m crushing on this dress.
Do you think I could pull it off?
I’ve never done an animal print.

And…did you read Pioneer Woman’s blog post today?
She is going to be on the Bonnie Hunt Show!
I’m happy for her…but you know how I get possessive. 
Now the whole worlds gonna know about her.
She is mine!
I only share her with you guys!
I know…don’t worry…God is helping me through my craziness

While we are on the topic of Pioneer Woman…
let me share with you this recipe of hers.
Spaghetti with Artichoke Hearts and Tomatoes

I really liked it.
And was sad that I was leaving for the weekend and wouldn’t get to enjoy the leftovers.
But soon got over it because I was leaving for the beach.

Here are a few more pics of our last day at Cannon Beach.

We found the sweetest little nail salon.
Where we got pedicures!
My toes are fuchsia pink!
The name of the OPI color was It’s All Greek To Me.
Love it!

Here is Tasha getting her toes all done up.

Check out the belly she’s got on her!
I’m not being mean…SHE IS PREGNANT!
We realized on the trip that I haven’t announced this on the blog yet!
And she is due in December…
and she got her toes painted pink because SHE IS HAVING A GIRL!

Glad I got that all cleared up!

Did I cover enough topics for ya?
Yeesh!

number 8…Kristel!
Nice bod!

haha…the best part about the winner being someone you actually know in person is that you can Photoshop their face to a pic.
Awesome.
Kristel…lets talk…and get you your prize!

I used a random number generator to do the picking…there is no way I would be able to pick.
I didn’t realize it would be so hard to only let one person win…if I was a millionaire I would buy you all a crock-pot and a Starbucks gift card!
But I want to say THANK YOU to all of you for reading my blog…it makes me feel very special!

Enough of this mushy stuff…check out my pumpkin!

Isn’t he cute?
Have you guys carved any pumpkins yet?

A couple weeks ago Tasha gave me some green tomatoes to fry up.
Then I waited too long and they turned red.
So, as any good friend would do, she had pity on me and gave me a few more.
 

I got the recipe from my Joy of Cooking book.
Honestly, it’s not the best recipe.
I’ve made better.
I say that…but we emptied the plate within a few minutes
They recommend cutting them into 1/2” slices.
I recommend thin slices…that way they really crisp up well when fried.
The batter could also use a little hot sauce.
I’ll try to dig out my other friend green tomato recipe and try again.
If you have a favorite recipe pass it along!

Last…make sure to get in on my giveaway if you haven’t already.
I’m naming the winner on Tuesday!

Did you guys catch NieNie on Oprah yesterday?
I was so proud of her!
When I read that she was going to be on the show I was excited but nervous for her.
But seriously, she looked great and was much more physically stronger than I had been imagining from just reading her blog.
You rocked the Oprah show NieNie!

Now that I got that out of my system…

Today is my 1 year blogging anniversary!!!
So, I’m having my first giveaway.
Here is the deal…husb and I have a difference of opinion on what the giveaway item should be.
So, we decided to let the winner pick.

Option #1

The Hamilton Beach 3-in-1 slow cooker with earth tone stoneware.

Option #2

A $50 Starbucks gift card.

All you have to do to enter the giveaway is leave a comment telling me which item you would pick!
Mom, Dad, sisters, friends, fellow bloggers…your all welcome to enter.
I do have to restrict the giveaway to those who live in the United States.

I will announce the winner on Tuesday, Oct 13th.
Let the commenting begin!