Weight Watchers.....Friday.....a bit late, no?

OK, sorry for the lateness.

I am down 0.6 lbs this week. I got my period on the day of weigh in. Awesome. That really helped I'm sure.

I am now at 150.4-no, I don't like to post my weight for fun, I am working with Southerland Living on Weigh in Wednesdays. :D I am 5.6 pounds from goal. To clarify, (I had some people ask) I am 5'8". I am in a size 10 right now, and THISCLOSE to being in an 8. I will achieve this before school is out. Moving on.

How did you all do this week? Please share.

New Header!

All you Google Readers...........



Check out my new header!!! LOVE it! Leslie did it for me. I decided to take off the doggles and husband and I for now-we don't have any good pictures of the three of us (that we can all agree on). I will try to update the pics occasionally. Emma will be nine months old next week, so it was time!



If you want to see what Leslie can do for you, click on the Designed by Leslie button on the bottom left of my blog.



Don't forget, the giveaway ends on Friday at midnight-enter if you haven't already!



xoxo

Tuesday Randomosity

This randomosity post title is taken from Mrs. Doctor. Srsly, I am in love with her this week! :D

*I am scared to go to WW tomorrow. Srsly, I was heinous on Friday at my girl's night-I ate probably a bag of tortilla chips and a jar of salsa, plus about 9 pizza rolls. Then I drank 5 beers. Really. I did go to the gym for yoga and weights on Saturday, but still. Plus, I'm about to get my period. Blech.

*I haven't been to the gym this week. I missed Monday's workout due to a slight emergency at work with a fire alarm-yeah.

*We have NO outlets working in either bathroom. No clue what is up, but it makes for some interesting getting ready in the morning. Then, add to the mix an accountant husband who thinks he knows what is wrong, attempts to fix it, and you see blue sparks shoot out of said outlet at 10pm. Not cool.

*Maids came Monday. Fresh, clean house, I love you.

*23 more days of school. Hallelujah!

*Jimmy Buffet is playing at Lakewood tonight-Saturday. I kinda wish I could go to Margaritaville.

*My sister is due to have her baby next Thursday, May 6th. HOLY CRAP I CANNOT BELIEVE IT IS TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I will be in that car in 2.5 seconds flat going to Birmingham to help birth that baby.

*My bestie b.e.g. sent me a HUGE BOX of clothes-they all fit me! Thanks girl!

*Did I mention there were only 23 days of school left????????????

What is random in your life right now??

Reading Review

I love to read. Srsly, LOVE IT! When I first had Emma, I couldn't get back to reading right away because I was soooo busy taking care of her. And for a minute, I panicked-oh.em.gee-a life without reading!!! No way!

Luckily, things have settled/slowed down and I am now back to my daily reading times. I don't read as much as I did when I used to smoke, but I still make some time-and I get really sucked into good books. Lately, everything I have read has been good (to me).

Also, in my defense, I do enjoy a good trashy book/mag. So this ain't lit review from Harvard...just sayin'.

Let's see what has been devoured since Emma's birth. (Really, this is a sad state of affairs that in 8, almost 9 months, I have only read 4, almost 5 books!)

First up, Twenties Girl by one of my favorite authors, Sophie Kinsella. I have read and own ALL of her books. I love her writing style. This book is about a young woman trying to make it in the world. When a great aunt dies that the family never spent time with, the young woman finds herself being "haunted" if you will, by the great aunt. Hilarious adventures ensue, and the young woman finally helps her great aunt move on by solving a mystery. Very cute!

I also adore Jodi Picoult. This began when she was first published and my book group read her. I have now read all and own almost all of her books. Picture Perfect is a delicate book about physical abuse. I kept having deja vu when I read this (not b/c of the abuse!) I just kept knowing what was about to happen and I think I have actually read this before-maybe checked it out from the library?!?! Anyways, it looks into the "perfect" world of celebrities and how they are not always what they seem.

LOVE Candace Bushnell too. Obvi I read authors who (whom?? someone tell me) I love. I have read all 4 or 5 of her books. I liked this one best. It is told from different points of view (which I normally do not like), but this book was so fascinating. It is told from different age people, and is about a city I love, NYC!

Another Jodi Picoult. Definitely the BEST ONE EVER. Period. The End. This book taught me something-and I love to learn something from reading. :D It is about a little girl and her family. As usual, Picoult throws in a difficult situation for her audience to deal with. To choose sides, if you will. There are three main characters: the little girl, the adolescent daughter, and the mother. Also interspersed in the story are the husband, best friend, and lawyer. The little girl has a terrible genetic disease called osteogenesis imperfecta-basically her bones can break at the slightest thing. If I could recommend any book on the list above, it would be this one. Please, go check it out or buy it! It is amazing-the choices and difficulties that families face to improve their quality of life-wow!

Currently, I am reading Little Bee by Chris Cleave per the recommendation of Mrs. Doctor. It is very.....interesting so far. But I shall have to get into it more before I can accurately review it.

What are you all reading? Who are your favorite authors? Do share!

How Scent-sational!

I cannot believe it, but this is my 200th post! (202 actually-I just caught it!)

I started this blog to chronicle my pregnancy and subsequent baby having-and that was in July.

You may remember some of my more "poignant" posts if you are a longtime follower, or lurker who goes back through the archives. :D

Allow me to highlight some hits.

Remember my OCD tendencies before Emma was born?? Yeah, it's pretty safe to say that doesn't happen round these parts anymore.

Or how about my push present story? That was for my friend Johnny. He still laughs about it nearly every time I see him.

Then there was the time I introduced you all to Emma. That was then and this is now! Wow! What a difference eight months makes!

Who can forget the day Emma was arrested? Or met Laura Ingalls Wilder?

I started my weight loss journey here and have lost 32 pounds so far-thanks in large part to the community of women who share and comment on their own journeys! Thanks, ladies!

I have discussed vaccinations, my Zumba experience, and my Lenten journey.

Let's not forget the day I discovered how many points/calories/fat grams were in a Chili's chicken ranch sandwich. Blech!

I really appreciate all of your comments, insights, and friendships. I have grown to love so many bloggers and have relationships with many of you-I also love how we can be friends without even meeting!

Thanks for sticking around!

To say thanks, I have a "scent-sational" giveaway!!!

Now, for the goods-we have:

2 Sensual candles from Bath and Body Works

1 is Sandalwood Fig, 1 is Black Currant Vanilla

They smell fantastic!

Not "scent-sational" but these two satiny make up bags are too cute!
A small train case and a smaller bag for your purse.

A delicious scent-white citrus-from Bath and Body Works signature collection.

From left to right we have:
an 8 oz body cream, an 8 oz anti bacterial soap, and a 3 oz shower gel.

Last but not least, an incredible scent from Gucci!

From the Sephora website,
"Gucci Flora is a subtle, sophisticated, floral fragrance inspired by princesses from the past, present, and future. The Flora Donna is a young, classic, and refined woman with the 'Gucci edge' of power and sensuality. The first Flora scarf was exclusively designed for Princess Grace of Monaco in 1966 and soon became one of the most popular Gucci icons. This scent is an expression of the Flora legacy. Its seductive layers mirror the playful details and bright colors that channel the heart of a fashion empire. "

The package I have includes:

1.6 oz perfumed shower gel

0.16 oz perfume

1.6 oz perfumed body lotion

The loot!

So, want to know how you can win this "scent-sational" prize??

One entry-leave a comment telling me which one of these items is your favorite
Two entries-become a follower (or already be one)-let me know in your comment
Three entries-blog about this giveaway and link in the comments

The giveaway will end on Friday, April 30th at 11:59 pm. The winner will be selected via random.org and announced on Saturday morning (May 1st!)

Good Luck! And, thanks for sticking around!
xoxo

WWW

I named this post WWW because it is standing for Weight Watchers Wednesday and Weigh in Wednesday with Southerland Living.

I am down 1.6 pounds this week-not great, but I'll take it! I am officially 6 pounds away from my goal weight! I will achieve this before school is out on May 28! Now, in keeping with the promise I made Southerland Living, participating in Weigh in Wednesday requires one to actually weigh in and share. I am currently weighing in at 151 pounds. I have learned not to be worried about the number on the scale. But honestly, I am pretty damn proud of that!

How did you all do this week? (Go b.e.g.!) Let me know!

In the Neighborhood

Look what passed through our neighborhood this evening. It was spectacular. My dream is to one day go on a hot air balloon ride. I love the beautiful colors too!

Entertaining Myself.....

Loo is such a good girl. She entertained herself in her pack-n-play for a good 30 minutes on Friday afternoon. Look at this face.................

Menu Monday

Here is what's cooking in the Edwards household this week. Do share what is happening in your kitchens this week!

Sunday-Grilled chicken salads with garlic bread
Monday-Grilled chicken breast with grilled asparagus and lowfat mac-n-cheese
Tuesday-Grilled chicken strips with roasted vegetables and whole wheat pasta (kind of a big toss together-it is so good!)
Wednesday-Salmon with yellow rice and broccoli
Thursday-Turkey burgers with baked Lay's and green beans
Friday-WW sausage and pepper pasta pot

As usual, email me for recipe details. I hope you all had a fun weekend!
xoxo

Blog Awards!

Well, there's nothing like some blog awards to make a girl feel loved! I declare, I have been graced with THREE awards lately! How lovely! Thanks ladies!

First up, we have the Sunshine Award from my bestie K at Brown Eyed Girl. Srsly, if you don't know her or read her, get yer butt over there now! She rocks and keeps it real!

This sweet and easy-to-accept award only requires us to do several things:

1. Put the logo on our blog within a post

2. Pass the award on to 12 bloggers

3. Link to the nominees within your post

4. Let them know they received this award by commenting on their blog

5. Share the love and link to the person from whom you received this award

OK, for my twelve peeps:

Meredith at The Only Journey is the Journey Within

Brianna at The Adams Family

M at Adventures of a First Time Mommy

Lyndsey at All Things Fluffy & Fashionable & Famous

Lindsey at Being Mrs. Cullins

Buford Betty

Cas at Cas' Crazy Thoughts

Monica at Confessions of a + Sized Girl

Sissy at Macon a Mess

Mrs. Potts at Experiments in a Galley Kitchen

Melissa at For the Love

Courtney at For this Little One...

Moving on, Jen at Should be Cleaning gifted me with this gem of an award. Thanks girl!

10 things that make me happy:

1. Blogging and reading blogs!

2. Emma-duh!

3. My family.

4. Diet coke and Sprite zero

5. A clean house

6. Sleeping past six o'clock

7. Summer vacay

8. Reading

9. Wine in the bathtub

10. Bargain shopping-or getting groceries for cheap.

11. (Cause I'm a rebel like that) Losing weight and getting new clothes!

This award goes to:

LG at iGriza

Megan at In this wonderful life

Aimee at Haha, wait, what

Taylor at The Undomestic Momma

Tiffany at Life is Glamorous and Fabulous

Mrs. Doctor at Life of a Doctor's Wife

Fran at Life of Skipper

And finally, Britt from Living in the Moment gave me this. She must be delusional since I am the MOST heinous dresser of all times. Once you meet me this summer you will understand. It's a bit like your hippie dress in the grocery store. :D But thanks sweetie! I shall try to honor it. And once I get skinny, I shall be preppy and dress accordingly!

1. Who is your style icon?
Hmm, gonna have to go with I HAVE NO CLUE SINCE I'M NOT FASHIONABLE! I like things like khakis, jeans, polos (oxfords and pique cotton), flats, wallabees, and generally anything else that is comfortable. I am a teacher. I am up/down all day. On the floor. Etc. I don't "do" cool or hip. I am pretty Vineyard Vines. So whoever dresses like that is my style icon. You know who I think dresses cute and is so cute and preppy (but I couldn't rock this cause I don't have a bajillion dollars to spend on Lilly) is Monograms and Manicures-Hopsy. Wish I had her allowance.

2. What is your favorite socialite book?
Like my friend Britt, I was like, "What? What is this?" If by socialite book, you mean Tori Spelling, then right on. I have read all of her "books" (this term is used loosely-for the love, she is DONNA MARTIN. If that is not what a socialite book is, then I'm stumped. I do love me some Miss Manners and Amy Vanderbuilt.

3. What is your favorite party theme?
Ummmm, again, Britt is delusional. I don't do "themes" so I'm not real sure of my fave. Anything with toile. Does that count? Gah, I suck at being preppy!


4. What is your go-to Halloween costume?
Disappointment number 4-I don't do Halloween. I used to always be a hippie or a cheerleader. When I was 10-17. Now, no Halloween cause A) the dogs LOSE IT! and B) husband is always at work closing the books at the end of the month. So I'm not Halloweening alone.

How in the WORLD is this a preppy question???

5. What is the extravagance you just can't live without?
Diet coke, trashy mags, and pedis. The end. If I lived in a box, I would work for caffeine and OPI polish.


6. Who is the living person you admire?
My mom. Girlfriend has it GOING ON! She has had a lot of stuff to go through, the least of which being raising me and crackella sissy. She works SO hard and is STILL working. And she still has time to farm her crops on FB and knit and sew her grandbabies dresses and write emails and make dinners and get up at 5 to look cute for her students. Dang momma!

And also, my friend Jill who is like srsly SUPER MOM. She makes it look so easy. She could have 4-5 kids and rock it~!

7. What is my greatest fear?
Something happening to Emma or husband. I have to stop thinking about this. Srsly, it is ridic.

8. What's the trait you dislike about yourself?
I am very controlling and like to do things MY way. I will refuse help just so I can do it. Also, I am a worrier. I have let a lot go since having Emma, but still will be up way too late to get stuff done because it must be done according to my specifications.

9. Which talent would you most like to have?
Is saving money a talent? Cause I need to find that one soon...............

1o. What is my greatest achievement?
Besides getting two degrees in 4 1/2 years? My family. I am so proud of them.

11. Who are the 10 people I'd like to tag with the Preppy Mafia award?

Dang, no more tagging/linking please. Anyone who is preppy, please repost!

Two people I can think of immediately are Kim at The Cone Family and Lindsey Douglas at The Douglas Drama. Also, Simple Yet Classic and Sweet Tea Diaries. And my brother at Macon Dinner. Srsly, he is sooo preppy. Love you bro! And, while I am at it, I imagine if I ever met J in real life, she would be a total prep. She is so cool and calm and classic seeming. I puffy heart our conversations and think she would embody prepsterness.

Dang I practically tagged half the list anyway. Now, I am off to leave comments or emails to the people I graced with an award. Hmmm, do I really have to do that too? I'm tired........

Hope you are all excited about the weekend!

My Brunette Reality???

Who reads My Brunette Reality, formerly known as My Blonde Reality? I would link to it, but it has disappeared! I loved Shasta, and I thought this morning in the shower, "Wow, she hasn't posted in awhile." So I got on google reader and looked at her last post-it was February 26th!

Has something happened, or am I missing something? I don't think she's gone private, cause it just says blog not found. I know she "quit" Bergdorf Blondes" cause of a stalker or something-but what is up?

I loved reading her and would like to email her/keep following her. Anyone know what is going on or remember her email address???

Just curious............

Weight Watchers Wednesday

Well, it's honestly miraculous that I did not gain any weight this week. I actually (for the first time ever) stayed the same! See below to understand why this is miraculous.

Ham Biscuits

Loads of salted, mixed nuts


Fruit tray tidbits galore

Aunt Kathy's famous spinach dip (hello lover!)

I could literally bathe in this.

A veggie tray. What, you might ask, is wrong with this??

Bathing it in blue cheese dressing.

Homemade pigs in a blanket-disaster in training.

A cheese tray with pepperjack (my fave!) and loads of crackers

Also not pictured: cake, cake balls (baby bites), pickles, olives, hot artichoke dip (the devil!) and massive quantities of champagne!

Lord, thank you for allowing me to overindulge but NOT gain weight.

That may also have to do with my strict lockdown of foodage on Sunday-today in preparation for WW.

Oh well, better luck next week.

How did you all do??

PS-none of the pics are from our shower-I wish I would've remembered to take pics of all the food!!

Eight Months

Well, as you can see from the baby banner at the top of my blog, Emma is 8 months and 1 week and some days old. Dang, momma is running behind on this post!

Dear Emma,
You are eight months old. As you can see from your posing below, you are very hard to keep up with now that you are mobile. That's right, you are crawling and pulling up all over the place.

Let's get some stats: you weigh 16 lbs, 11 oz. We went to the doctor last week because you had a bad cough and majorly runny nose. I thought it was turning into a cold, but the doc said it was just to do with your teething. Speaking of which, you have a little tooth poking through the bottom gum. It is almost all the way out. It is the cutest thing. But, you have been in a rare mood for about 3 weeks. You are always such a sweet girl, but you have become a bit more needy and whiny-I know it's just those teeth trying to get through. Another nice tidbit I picked up today is that apparently you have/had a rash that is the tail end of a virus. Or roseola. I suck. How do you not know your kid has a virus. I thought the 101 degree fever on Saturday night was teething. Sorry baby.

Another new thing you have started doing is actually holding on when I pick you up. Yesterday you started patting my back-it made me melt!

Everyone thinks you are about to walk. I am in no hurry for that to occur. Please don't rush.
You are still going to everyone who wants to love on you-no more flipping out. It is nice! Also, you are so excited to meet your cousin Scarlet Hinton! You were rubbing Aunt Sister's belly this weekend (even if I did help you do it!) :D

Loo, you are growing up! I love you dearly!

Sweet girl.

Pulling up on your crib.

You know how to blow raspberries now. You love to do it

when I am feeding you your baby food dinner. Yeah, it's really cute

until then.

Yummy crib-and you are rockin' a lazy eye.

Great Giveaway!

If you remember my things I'm Loving post, you will remember me posting about this necklace.

Gah! I wish I would've waited to buy it! Megan from In this wonderful life is collaborating with the designer of the necklace (juliethefish from etsy) to make someone a lucky winner! Go enter her giveaway and maybe you can be the lucky one to get the necklace! I am planning on entering to win one for my sissy!

Sissy's Shower

I helped host my sister's baby shower this weekend. It was SUCH a blast! I was supposed to be the photog, but you can see how that went on the food table. I made A LOT of food (with the help of my two aunts and mommy). Then I go and take a half a** picture of the food table. It is SO incomplete. The cake was also precious-my aunt had it made with an image of the inite on it. But, since I don't know how to black out certain info (anyone volunteer to tell me how to do that???) then I can't show you the top of the cake. Sissy's blog will have a shower post too.

Sissy and brother.

LOVE this one!

Hello lover. I ate about 9 of the white ones.

They were RED VELVET cake balls.

Heaven.

The loot-yeah, srsly.

Momma made this for SHM. Emma has outgrown her booties and hat now. :(

How cute is this AU bathing suit??

Sissy was DYING for this ridiculously overpriced

diaper bag. And she got it! It is pretty sweet.

Glowing!

In shock-

Sissy with her favorite niecey nash!

Sissy, I am glad you had such a good time and got so many things for my angel niecey SHM! I cannot wait to meet this child-prefereably on or around the month of May. Please and thank you!

PS-eight month post coming tomorrow! I am DONE!