Babbling Brooke

Mountain Mama: Minus the Mama Part...because I know some of you just got excited when you saw "Mama"!

2011-10-25T08:00:00.009-04:00

We headed north this past weekend to spend some time in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Apparently everyone else on the east coast did too. The roads were busy, but lucky for us we spend most of our time in the woods taking in the breathtaking scenery.

Just as we entered the GSM National Park, the sun was trying to peak over the horizon. I gasp at the sight of these beauties just around the bend. I had no clue there were Elk in the southeastern US! Clearly they weren't phased by the cars pulling over to snap a shot.

We made our way to Newfound Gap and hit the Appalachian Trail on our way to Charlie's Bunion. We were so fortunate to be hiking in such beautiful weather.

Another surprise awaited us as we made our way up the trail...SNOW!

We finally reached Charlie's Bunion, spent some time taking in the views and refueled with some trail lunch.

The scenery made the 4 mile hike in worth the trek!

After finishing up our day hike, we headed over to a trailhead closer to a shelter where we'd stay the night.

Our home for the night, Mt Collins Shelter. Are you wondering why we didn't stay in a hotel where they have central heat, running water and comfy beds? Well that's because I win WIFE OF THE YEAR and 'roughed it' for a night in a shelter where there are no doors, no running water, no electricity, no privacy and no 'plumbing'. But there was a lovely tarp to separate the sleeping area from the eating area, a fancy privy (out house) just around the corner and water...in Nalgene bottles.

But we did bring one creature comfort...our little propane heater. Cory saved the day for this cold girl! The temp got down to 29 degrees Saturday night.

After a night filled with mysterious noises (did I mention there was a bear warning at this shelter?!?), hot flashes (thanks to my -20 degree bag) and numerous of efforts to get comfortable sleeping on a 2 inch mat...the dawn drew us all outside to begin breakfast and pack up camp.

Waking up with a little coffee. Thank you Jesus for coffee in the woods!

Next stop of the morning, Clingman's Dome, the highest peak in the GSM National Park. Aren't the clouds over the valley beautiful?!

We made it to the top and spent some time pinpointing surrounding mountains in the 360 degree view. See that mountain in the distance behind us...the highest one? We'll be spending the night up there, at the world famous lodge, in April and this Mountain Mama (minus the mama part) is pumped...electricity, bears, elk or not!

Cory says they'll have heat, beds, thick wool blankets and family style home cooked meals scheduled around the sunrise and sunset. I was sold when he said heat!

How I Got 3 Pair of Glasses for $40

2011-08-23T08:30:00.002-04:00

You read that right...3 pair of really cute prescription glasses for $40...though 3 pair for $400 would have been a deal too.

I mentioned getting these specs back in October, my apologies for not providing details sooner!

The hubs is a big Clark Howard fan, so he heard Clark talk about getting his glasses on the cheap. Turns out they were pretty great quality too. When the time came last year for a new pair of glasses (my college glasses weren't nearly as trendy as ~~I thought they were circa 2001~~ they used to be) the hubs pointed me in the direction of Zenni Optical. I couldn't believe it...$9.95 for frames AND lens! AMAZING!

All you need is your written prescription so that you order them correctly. I ordered 3 pair, all at a $12.95 price or cheaper. Shipping was really reasonable and I got my new glasses in 2 weeks. I was like a kid on Christmas morning waiting for them to arrive on the doorstep!

Here's a few shots of the specs...

And one creepy shot for good measure....

Neglect...Plain and Simple!

2011-08-19T08:15:00.009-04:00

Hi! My name is Brooke and I used to blog here. Then I got a awesome job at this really cool company. Oh...and spring arrived...and next came summer ....the hubs and I have been busy bees! So to sum it - up I've neglected my blog!

I promise I haven't been hiding...I've been doing this.....

Vacationing (celebrating our 2nd Anniversary!)...

Rafting the Chattooga River....

going....

GONE! That's me with the Ronald McDonald red shoe!

Saving lives...kitten lives! This is Willy Whitesox....he was found in the shrubs at the entrance of my office when he was just a few weeks old. I called the hubs to see if I could bring him home and after asking if I was serious he said 'Yes...as long as I'm only responsible for playing with him. You have to do the rest Brooke!' And so I agreed.... (I'm such a sucker!)

Spending time in the sun....

So that almost gets us up to speed. Hope you're having a great summer!

Praise the Lord the weekend is near! My weekend, though, will NOT consist of bringing home stray cats, wearing awful red clown shoes, class 5 rapids, but I might just be spending some more time in the sun!

One More Reason I Love Super H Mart

2011-06-05T17:17:00.001-04:00

Dinner in the food court with my sweetie...

Truth In a Chocolate Wrapper

2011-06-03T17:37:00.003-04:00

Little nugget of truth I found when enjoying some chocolate deliciousness today at work...

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!

2011-02-21T16:28:00.007-05:00

Happy Anniversary to my sweet parents!

Thank you, Mom and Dad, for not only telling Kris and I how to love, but for showing us. For being a living, breathing example of true love.

Though their world was turned up upside down in 2008, their unrelenting love for one another is now stronger. than. ever! They've shown us how to stick it out through hard times and how to rejoice and make the most of the very best times. They've taught us what it means to be each others best friends and the one that you share your life with, even on the toughest of days, when you think you've given all you can give...they give a little more!

Since I was a little girl I've known that my parents wanted the absolute best for me and my sister. As I've matured as an adult, I find that I have the same desire for my parents. When Mom and I talk, I remind her that she and Dad deserve nothing but the very best. My desire is for them to have the purest love, the closest family, the truest friendships, and the strongest faith.

Here's to many more years of happily ever after!

Here Comes the Sun!

2011-02-11T14:49:00.007-05:00

After what seems like eons of frigid rainy weather here in Georgia, I'm welcoming the 5-day forecast with open arms!

Looking forward to a weekend of catching up with good friends and family...and hopefully a little R&R too!

Photo from: Pinterest

The Adventures of Mick Blackmon

2011-02-02T19:36:00.010-05:00

Saturday was simply too beautiful to stay indoors. So after a early morning trip to the gym, Cory and I jumped on the opportunity to spend most of the day out and about....and on the back deck with the pups! We decided that Mick would probably love to visit PetSmart after his bath. And seeing as how it's nearly impossible to bathe a Great Dane indoors...Cory HAD to take advantage of the warm temps and bath this horse in the back yard.

So after Mr. Mick was squeaky clean...off we went to PetSmart...Mick and his favorite two humans!

Come on dog-mom...we're ready!

Look how nice it is outside!

This was a great idea guys!

Woohooo....new dog bed!

Check out the new bed...think it's big enough?

No longer in need of human attention...happy as a can be on his new 'orthopedic foam' bed with a dog treat! Most humans don't have orthopedic foam lucky dog!!!

We're home! Can I get out now?

He even decided to share his new bed with this rat!

What a tough life these two boneheads have!!!

Snowpocalypse 2011 - Cabin Fever!

2011-01-14T10:48:00.004-05:00

I never really got into the hype of taking pics or even playing in the snow this week. I know I know...I'm a party pooper!

I realized this week that I no longer get to enjoy 'snow days' because I have the joy of working from home when necessary. While Cory ran circles around me in an attempt to cure boredom and cabin fever , I sat at the computer calling clients, responding to emails, and refining social media campaign strategies.

By Thursday I was HAPPY to finally get out of the neighborhood and go to work! Never thought I'd say that, but it's true!

How did you spend your week 'snowed in' during Snowpocalypse 2011?

Deck the Halls with Peacock Feathers Falalalala-lalalala

2010-12-23T13:13:00.008-05:00

Dear Christmas, when did you get here?!?! Seems like just yesterday was Thanksgiving and you were weeks away! My 'o my how time flies!

This year we went with the same theme as last year and the same theme as our wedding-peacocks! Yes indeed, I love peacock feathers in case you couldn't tell from my blog design.

Here are some shots of our house all decked out to celebrate the birth of Christ!

2,100 lights later, we have ourselves a merry and BRIGHT tree!

Ok ok...enough of the tree...

'The ornaments were hung from our dining room light fixture with care'...(The hub's contribution to decorating)

oops...no peacock feathers in this room yet, but next year I have big plans for feathering this room too!

(thanks Mom for the christmas napkins!)

Santa and the girl on the naughty list AGAIN this year!

Christmas party crew...

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year!

What To Do With the Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey

2010-11-29T18:06:00.005-05:00

Are you simply OVER eating the leftover Thanksgiving bird?

Yep...I thought so! This Turkey Tortilla Soup might be the solution for getting rid of that extra turkey in the fridge!

I've made this recipe twice now and it's become a Blackmon household favorite rather quickly. I made it once with leftover turkey and again with chicken. Both times it was a hit with the hubs!

What you'll need...

1 1/4 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup water
6 (6 inch) corn tortillas, cut into 1/2 inch strips (I use a pizza cutter to cut into strips...easy!)
1 1/4 cups green enchilada sauce
1 1/4 cups red enchilada sauce
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 cups cooked turkey, chopped
1/2 cup half-and-half
1 can petite diced tomatoes with zesty jalapenos
1 small can green chilies
1 can yellow corn
1 can hominy
1 avocado - peeled, pitted and diced
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (optional)

Directions

Combine chicken stock and tortilla strips in a large pot. Cook over medium heat until strips soften and broth thickens slightly. Stir in green and red enchilada sauces and cumin. Stir in turkey, water and half-and-half; heat through but do not boil.

Divide soup among four bowls and garnish avocado and cheese (I've opted out of the cheese both times and haven't regretted saving a few calories).

I tweaked the original recipe found here.

Sidenote: the tortillas will be a soft almost mushy like texture...which, to me, resembled a thin dumpling. Didn't want you to expect crunchy tortilla's and get the opposite.

Hope you enjoy this soup it as much as we do!

Hope this finds you having a great 'Cyber Monday'!

Mr. Thanksgiving Turkey Says....

2010-11-24T18:24:00.006-05:00

Wishing you and yours the happiest of Thanksgivings! We sure have tons to be thankful for here at the Blackmon house!

O Christmas Card, O Christmas Card!

2010-11-19T09:16:00.009-05:00

(to the tune of O Christmas Tree…work with me here)

O Christmas Card, O Christmas Card…

Which design will we order?

There are so many cute cards this year

Choosing one is impossible

O Christmas Card, O Christmas Card…

Which design will we order?

I know this is absurd, but I put lots of thought into the holiday cards we send out each year. Sure, we usually only send them to family and the husband’s clients, but it’s kind of a big deal to me!

This year we’re taking the same route as last year and sending out Christmas photo cards again! The photo cards seemed to be a big hit with the relatives since we never had any edited wedding photos printed for them.

We’ll be ordering our cards online from Shutterfly, which is a simple process. No going in a store, ordering, waiting a few days and going back to the store to pick them up. I’ll be ordering them from the comfort of my home…then walking to my mailbox to retrieve them in about a week!

I’ve narrowed my search for Christmas Cards down to these 3 designs… (feel free to comment and tell me which one is your favorite)

Decisions decisions....

Fool Me Once..Shame On Me...Fool Me Twice...I Don't Think So!

2010-11-08T11:15:00.002-05:00

It’s become apparent that my husband thinks I’m gullible. If I had a dollar for every time he’s tried to pull a fast one over on me, I’d have a new winter wardrobe!

Seriously the man thinks I’ll continue to fall for his little pranks…..think again, mister! The days of falling for the foolishness are over! (I hope) I’m catching on to these little jokes! It’s become fairly common to hear the words ‘say you swear’ come from my mouth in ordinary conversations when he’s just told me something that seems the tiniest bit far-fetched!

Most recently (last night) he tried to pull a prank over on me (that many people have fallen for according to the number of Youtube Videos you'll find when you search "bowl of water ceiling prank".)

NOT ME SUCKAAAA! I suppose he thinks I’m oblivious to viral pranks floating around the Internet. Newsflash: I’m surfing the web ALL DAY at work…I’m immersed in social media and chances are if a video becomes a viral phenomenon…I’ve probably seen it thanks to a room of 60 social media scavengers that I call co-workers.

Rather than try to describe the prank…you can just watch it for yourself…

Now for our little convo

Husband: "Hey…I have this really cool magic trick to show you!"

Me: (hesitation in my voice) "You do?"

Husband: "Yeah…give me a second"

(he goes into the kitchen…Fills a plastic up with water and grab the swiffer sweeper)

Me: "What kind of trick is this?" (more hesitation in my voice)

Husband: "You’ll see... "

Me: "Oooooook" (doubting there's any magic involved in what he's about to show me)

Husband: “Ok…come check this out....”

Me: “No…You show me…” (I watch the madness unfold from my spot on the couch)

Husband: “Ok I’m going to place this cup of water on the ceiling” (the proceeds to hold the cup of water up to the ceiling and while the holding the pole of the swiffer in his other hand) “Now I need you to come over here and hold the swiffer in place for me” (begins to place the pole to the bottom of the cup)

Me: "WHAT?!!? NO!!! Do you really think I’m that stupid!?!? I’ve seen this trick! You’re going to get me to hold the pole...then you’re going to run off! NO….I DON’T THINK SO!!!”

Husband: “Awww man! You’ve seen this trick?”

Me: “Yeah….and you’re a dummy for thinking I’m going to fall for it!”

He walks back in the kitchen…cup and swiffer in hand…head hung low!

“Never underestimate a man’s ability to underestimate a woman,” ~Kathleen Turner

10 Random Things that Happened in October

2010-10-28T11:00:00.006-04:00

I've been on yet another little blogging hiatus. But truth be told I was waiting on some new glasses I ordered two weeks ago to arrive so I could tell you about them. Plus I wanted to make a list for this blog post....

Thus I give you the 'Top 10 recent and random happenings in my life you MUST know about'...(as if my life is really that interesting to anyone other than my mom...hey - let a girl dream!)

1. I cut my hair. Feeling the need for a little change, my hair ended up on the chopping block. For those of you who live on another planet and haven't seen the pic on facebook yet...tadaaaaaaaa.......

2. We (Mom, Dad, Cory and I) rode the entire Blue Ridge Parkway. All 469 miles of it! It was an amazing trip in so many ways. I'm so thankful!

3. Two years ago this month, as I stood by my dad's bedside in ICU watching a machine breath for him, if you'd told me that I'd stand at the top of Mt. Mitchell with my dad during a ride down the Blue Ridge Parkway, I would have NEVER believed you. Well folks, I'm here to tell you miracles happen...and my dad is a MIRACLE! (hello tears...whew!) God is good!

4. Our house is decorated for Fall/Halloween...and I LOVE it! A few pumpkins here, a pumpkin spice candle there, a fall spray on the door....bring on the chilly weather!

5. Since cutting my hair, I've decided to give dry shampoo a whirl. I found some by TRESumme at CVS...for about 4 bucks. Hopefully it'll cut some time off the getting dressed process in the morning and help preserve my highlights and lowlights. I tried it for the first time Tuesday morning. Feels a little strange on my scalp...but my hair looks clean! Mission accomplished!

6. A perk to following an array of blogs is that I come across new decorating, money saving and recipe ideas ALL THE TIME! This weekend I made these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins that I found on Fly Through Our Window....Delish! Super easy peasy!

7. My new glasses from Zenni Optical came in the mail Tuesday and I LOVE them! I'll post more details about this later. But for any of you out there who has ever purchased a pair of classes you know they can be expensive...as in a couple hundred bucks! Well friends, you HAVE to check out Zenni Optical. I just received 3 pair of the cutest glasses (great quality) and including shipping I paid a whopping $40! No kidding!

8. I spent two weekends in a tent! If you know me...then you know this is kinda a big deal! Yes, Cory and I love to go on day hikes...and on a rare occasion I'll do a 1-nighter hike with him. Given the opportunity for a weekend hike...I usually get the words "NO!" out of my mouth before Cory even finishes asking. Well...recently we went 'truck camping' (no hiking...just loaded up the truck with such luxuries as air mattresses and our 'big' tent and drove to a campground for the weekend). And this 'truck camping' took place 2 weekends in a row! Never thought I'd say that! The first weekend we did a little day hiking in search of a amethyst mine up in North Georgia (no lucking finding it) and the second weekend we went canoeing down the Etowah River. The purpose of this canoeing trip was to canoe through this old mine shaft called the Etowah Tunnel...check out this video (warning: she says a few bad words) of this hilarious lady going though the tunnel. Our trip through the tunnel didn't go as smoothly. The water was about a foot down due to the lack of rain...so when we got to the rapids...our boat just rammed right into the mine wall and we flipped over. BAM...BAM...SPLASH...(cursing!!!) "Painful" wouldn't begin to describe this experience! After capsizing a few more times in the darkness, we finally made it near the end of the tunnel where I ever-so-loudly proclaimed "I'd NEVER do that CRAP again...NEVER!"(edited to be suitable for all readers) I still have bruises!!! But I have to admit...all in all it was a blast!

9. I got a FREE book in the mail simply by commenting on a blog I recently started following. If you don't follow Michael Hyatt, I completely recommend you doing so. One of his recent post is about his interview with Andy Stanley. And if you're lucky, he just might pick you to be one of the lucky 100 people to receive a FREE copy of Andy's new book! Come on...it's FREE...I just can't resist FREE!

10. My Nissan Murano hit 100,000 miles recently! I've driven my Murano since 2005 when I bought it brand new. I was like a proud mom on her kid's birthday or something absurd like that! I just happened to look down when the mileage hit 100,000 exactly! I think I even let out a little squeal! I beginning to suspect my car knows that it's hit this milestone as I've had to invest a little bit of money for a few repairs lately! Do cars know how old they are? It's crazy I tell you!

Hope you all have a Happy Halloween weekend! I'm looking forward to spending time with friends and family... and maybe even a little day hike on Blood Mountain!

How I Save Some Dough...

2010-10-05T11:30:00.006-04:00

I'm a penny pincher. Self proclaimed 'Queen-o-Saving Dough'...I refuse to pay retail price for much of anything.

The thought of paying full retail price for anything makes me break out in hives and itchy. Ok maybe that was a little extreme, but you get the point. Why pay full price when you don't have to?

This post isn't about clipping coupons, because I'm not a huge coupon clipper, but it's about tiny things I do that help me save some cash.

So if you're into putting some extra cash in your wallet, these tips might intrigue you...

Do some research and find out which grocery stores in town have the lowest prices. I've found that Kroger is cheaper than Publix...so when I have a list of groceries we need...I opt for Kroger. Though Publix does have some good BOGO deals from time to time.
If there's a Super H Mart or Asian supermarket in your area...buy your produce there! I talked about the amazing produce I got for even more amazing prices in this post.
Follow money-saving blogs. Some of these blogs post 5 or more money-saving post a day! A few of my favorites are Coupon Cravings, Stretching a Buck, and Coupon Mom. I promise they're about more than just coupons.
Use Restaurant.com Why would you pay full price for a meal when you could visit this website, buy a $25 gift certificate for oh....$4 bucks!! PLUS Restaurant.com usually has a coupon code you can use for 70%-90% off that already super cheap price! There's over 15,000 restaurants on Restaurant.com! Oh...and if there is a coupon code, Coupon Mom's blog usually lets you know about it!
Subscribe to sites like Groupon and Living Social! Frugal Coupon Living describes it best...these sites "feature a daily deal on the best stuff to do, see, eat, and buy in cities around the world. These cities are usually larger cities. There is a new deal each day. You can sign up for daily alerts or visit the site each day. These deals can be tricky – first it has to meet a quota. Meaning the deal is not good until a certain number of people sign up for it and buy it – the collective buying power. If that number is not reached, you are not charged. If it is met, then the deal is live and rolling! Anyone can buy."
Sign up for FREE samples. I've received some of the coolest free samples! It's like Christmas year round. I never know what little package I'll receive in the mail each week to try. I've received any thing from lotion, to fabric softener, a beautiful display of 6 salad dressings, snacks, and even hair products. It only takes a few seconds to fill out the online forms and within a few weeks you'll have a sample in your mailbox. Bonus: I have not been harassed with junk email or follow up surveys after receiving the samples.
Last but not least...actually my favorite...shop at discount retailers like TJMaxx, Ross and Marshalls! Yes...it may take a little longer to find something on the rack than say...Nordstrom. But it's totally worth it to snag designer clothing for 75% off the regular price! And speaking of Nordstrom...if there's a Nordstrom Rack in your area...check it out. There's one at the Mall of Georgia and I've found some super steals there! BCBG $100 ruby red pumps for $34 bucks! $99 boots I fell in love with last year at Nordstrom for $36 this year. I love them more now!

Now go save some dough!

I love to learn new ways to save money. If you have some good money saving tips and tricks...do share!

Image via flickr

Peaks and Valleys

2010-09-30T10:48:00.012-04:00

I've had plenty to look forward to this week....

Some of Cory’s evening clients were out of town so we got to spend more time together during the evening this week. I’ve really enjoyed hearing his voice when I walk in the house. I also loved sitting down to eat dinner and talking about our day before 8:30pm.

Girls dinner….I meet some of my girlfriends one evening each week for dinner. Last week we painted and had a blast! I don’t think I’ve picked up a paintbrush since Ms. Carrell's class in high school. I was a little rusty, but I think there might be more painting in my future. Tonight we meet at my favorite local Italian joint for dinner on the patio. Hopefully the rain will move out of Northeast Georgia by then. Some times a girl just needs girl-time! I'll take the Penne alla Vodka, thank you very much!

I’m going home. Those words are music to my ears. There are few better feelings than the feeling of driving back to home (if home is a place you cherish). I’m spending the weekend with my sweet parents (while Cory's doing guy stuff) and I just can’t wait. Sleeping in my old bed, snuggling and playing with my little black pup, Chloe and her best bud, Crouton, having coffee with my parents in the sunroom…just like old times. Don’t get me wrong I LOVE my life now, but there’s just something special about going home.

Hurricanes football…that’s right…I’m going to the homecoming game! I haven’t sat in the stands and cheered on my alma mater, the Monroe Area High School Purple Hurricanes in 6 years…but this Friday is homecoming and Monroe is undefeated thus far in the season (considering they’ve had really terrible losing records for years and years…this is a BIG deal if you’re from the small town of Monroe, GA). I’ll be in the stands with my parent’s who are also Purple Hurricanes. I doubt I’ll dust off an old out-dated ‘Monroe Area’ sweatshirt from my days as a cheerleader, but I’ll be there…probably wearing a sticker that says ‘Class of 2001’ = awesome!

This week has been filled with more than just good news. With the good comes the bad...peaks and valleys...ups and downs…right?

You see...I have this plan…it’s not written on paper…it’s not saved in some secret file…but I have it…in my head…in my heart…so to speak. And a lot (personally) is riding on this plan.

I was reminded this week (yet again)…that life isn’t always going to go as I plan. It’s not up to me. It never was and it never will be. Just because I really really really want something so badly, doesn’t mean it’s going to happen when, where and how I want it to.

So I’m swallowing some pride…re-evaluating….and grasping on to some faith that in the end…I have these desires for a reason. I’m not giving up on my goals, my sights are set on the prize. I’m holding tight to my belief that the perfect situation will work out in God’s perfect timing (not MY timing).

Somehow along the rabbit trails of blogs I follow…I ended up on a new blog today….and read this….

"Whenever God gives you a vision, He places obstacles in your path. Why? So that you can become all that He created you to be. God doesn’t place these obstacles in your path to destroy you but to develop you. His greatest desire is to work out what He has built in." ~Michael Hyatt

His timing didn’t fail me today!

photos from: flickr and other sources

Confession: I'm addicted!

2010-09-24T11:50:00.000-04:00

I know some of you out there blog. But I also know many of you out there don't call yourself bloggers. Don't worry…this isn’t a post about ‘you should blog because it’s cool!’

I’ll admit…I was apprehensive at first. "A blog?!?! What in the world would I say on said blog?!?! No way… I could ever be a ‘blogger’…nope…not for me! Plus I’d probably just make people mad because I’m sarcastic...or maybe I'd just bore them to death! It’s not going to be a rainbows and puppies type blog. Seriously...people probably won’t read it." Well friends…I jumped the blogging fence and here I am on the other side….a blogger (not a great, dedicated, I update my blog every day-type blogger...but a blogger none the less)!

(Back to the point of this post…sorry for the rabbit trail.) Blogger or not, do you read other blogs? Sure, you’re reading this (not-so-impressive) blog, but do you read other blogs…you know...the I-can’t-stop-reading/this-is-the-most-amazing-blog-ever type blogs? Because if you don’t…let me tell you…you’re missing out! I'm addicted to reading a number of awesome blogs!

Maybe you don’t know where to look to find these oh-so-amazing blogs I speak of….if this is the case, allow me to share some of my favorite blogs with you.

Disclaimer: Sometimes I feel like a stalker because I follow these blogs women/men I’ve never met, I’ll probably never meet…but I know about them, their family, their summer vacation, their latest struggles and triumphs and I must admit….I LOVE IT!!!

Following other blogs has given me insight into future parenthood, decorating ideas, marriage, new recipes, vacation suggestions, fashion trends….seriously…the possibilities of things you’ll learn from reading blogs is endless.

No joke...I refer to these blogs as 'crack blogs'. My friends who also already read these blogs concur...they're ADDICTIVE!

If you find yourself with a few extra minutes to spare…these are a must-read….

(**side note…these are all blogs of people I’ve never met…not blogs that my friends write)

Fly Through Our Window –get ready to be inspired (seriously…I want to be Darby!)
Spilled Milk – real...raw…funny…mother for a 1 year-old balancing a career as a lawyer, a recent move to Savannah
The Maddox Family – adventures of a family making their way in a new city, Seattle
Young House of Love – Young couple and their new baby completely re-do their home…awesome decorating/remodeling ideas
The Nesting Place – Hello decorating heaven! This girl knows how to decorate…on a BUDGET!
Love Megan – Can’t get enough of this LA born and raised fashion guru
MODG – Stands for Martinis or Diaper-Genies…enough said…get ready to LOL!(it's my guilty pleasure!)
Get Off Your Butt and Bake – Looking for a new recipe to try? Trying to decide what’s for dinner tonight? Read this blog!

Okay…now you’re thinking…that’s a lot of blogs to keep up with, Brooke! (trust me...that’s not half of the blogs I follow…just some of the best) How do I keep up with all of these blogs? Do I type in the URL and check for new post every day? Nope. Do I add them to my book marks and run down the list everyday looking for updates? Not a chance!

I use Google Reader! The geniuses over at Google have provided us with this web-based feed reader to keep up with blogs and news. Take a look! You’ll love it. To keep up with all my favorite blogs I just sign into my Google Reader account each day and tadaaaa…there’s a list of all the blogs I follow. If there’s a recent update to the blog…it’s in bold with the number of updates beside it. It looks like this…

Feel free to leave me a comment if you have questions about Google Reader.

I left out a few of my favorite money-saving blogs...because I have plenty to say about those and well...that's another post for another day!

Let me know what you think about the blogs I suggested...

Shame On Me!

2010-09-16T11:32:00.008-04:00

Hello 2 blog readers of Babbling Brooke! I can't believe a month has slipped by and I haven't updated my blog! Shame on me!!!
I doubt the 44 other blogs I write each week has nothing to do with it! The subject of my next blog post dawned on me today.

I'll try to post it after I run and torture myself on the bleachers of Flowery Branch High School this afternoon.

Here's a hint...
It involves recently captured candid shots and the ridiculously horrific faces I make!

In the mean time...I'll leave you with this...some pretty great YouTube videos you might have missed.....

Because it's been one of THOSE days...

2010-08-18T18:17:00.005-04:00

This was one of those days, you know?...one of THOSE days! I think I should have just turned around at the neighborhood entrance...drove back to the house...put my pj's back on and slid back into bed....set the alarm for 8:30am...and tried again!!!

I woke up at 6am to make my breakfast pie for the office! It was my turn to bring breakfast for the oh 40 people on my team. Sorry...folks...these two pies are delish... BUT they only serve 20 people. I sure hope whoever signed up to bring doughnuts pulled though for the rest of you! (sidenote: she forgot!) So I'm scrambling around the kitchen mixing the eggs and milk while waiting on the stupid sausage to brown. The sausage was in no hurry to cooperate this morning...awesome!

So after I FINALLY get the two pies in the oven...I sprint to the shower...shave my legs in lightening speed (might explain the few spots of blood on my legs I discovered after the shower) and tried my best to suds up and rinse off equally as fast. Now that I think about it...why did I even shave my legs...I wore jeans today?!?!? Make up half applied...hair half dry...then the oven timer goes off....check the pies..."oh good...pies still need to cook another 10 minutes". T-shirt and jeans will have to do today...hair up in messy bun. Great, I look like HELL!!! Ready for a productive day of blogging....

I throw the two pies in my nifty Pyrex insulated tote and headed for my car...check my feet....good I have on both of MY shoes....which leads me to a side story....

I posted a Facebook status about this little incident but never blogged about it so here you, (for all 3 blog readers)....

A few weekends ago (on the hottest weekend of the summer to be exact), Cory and I camped out with his uncle at Carters Lake. We'd decided to drive up to the Lake immediately after I left work that Friday. So that Friday morning I'm running around packing the few remaining items that hadn't made it in my duffle bag yet. (I've learned the hard way that when the husband is ready to go...he's ready to GO...NOW!!!)

So...I notice it's getting extremely to close to my departure time (if I plan on being at work by 8am)... so I better go! I'm basically dressed...still no shoes on...and I remember my flip flops (Teva) are in the laundry room beside of pair of cory's flip flops (also Teva). You might already get where this is going....

So I've thrown my big duffle bag over my shoulder...grabbed my purse and coffee mug and off to my car I went...stopping briefly to slide on my flip flops as I exited through the laundry room into the garage. I get to work...walk around to catch up with a few co-workers at their desk then mosey back to my desk....so around 9am (I've been at work for roughly an hour)...I get up to step outside and call my mom....and as I'm approaching the door I happen to look down....and much to my dismay...this is what I see!!!

That's right folks...One of those are mine...and the other is Cory's!!!

How did I not notice I was wearing one of his flip flops!?!?! I have NO clue!

Though I did notice one felt a little weird on my foot. I never looked down to inspect.

How did I not notice that one shoe was two inches longer than the other? Beats me! How did no one else notice that one shoe was different?!?! Who knows?!?!

So I return to my desk laughing hysterically...there are tears running down my face...I show my co-worker...she cracks up, of course!

Next I go outside to call Cory (hoping no one watches me walk to the door and sees what's on my feet)...I can hardly talk because I'm LAUGHING.SO.HARD. When I finally get the words out "I'm wearing one of your flip flops!!!" He's in disbelief! He cracks up and basically tells me that he's "worried about me"! Great...my husband thinks he's married a moron...and maybe...just maybe...TODAY...he's right!

Then I call my mom to tell her...

Mom: Hello

Me: BAHAHAAHAHAHAAAAAAAA....(uncontrollable laughter for at least a minute)

Mom: Brooke?...what in the world?

Me: I called to give you a good laugh this morning...

Mom: ok, let's hear it!

Me: So I'm walking outside to call you and looked down and noticed that I'm wearing one of my teva flip flops...AND ONE OF CORY'S!!!!!

Mom: BAHAHAAHAHAHAAAAAAAA....uncontrollable laughter for about two minutes

Me: What is wrong with me!?!?

Mom: Oh my God...you are my child!!!! I've worn two different shoes to work before...but I've NEVER worn one of your dad's shoes!!!!! How did you not notice???

Me: I've apparently lost my mind! I gotta go back into work....I'll call u later

Mom: (still laughing)

Me: Bye Mom!

If I couldn't laugh at myself we'd be in BIG trouble!

"Laugh at yourself first, before anyone else can" ~ Elsa Maxwell

Flash foward back to this morning....so I'm scrambling to get out the door...and Cory calls me (after his bootcamp)...no time to answer this call my arms are overflowing with food, coffee, purse, jacket (yes a jack in summer because you could hang meat in my office). Then he calls again as I'm getting everything in the car....'seriously!?!?'...he never calls this early. Somehow I managed to catch the call...

(condensed version of the convo)

Me: Hello (slightly irritated tone)

Cory: Hey..what'cha doing?

Me: Backing out of the garage

Cory: Oh...you are going to be late

Me: Yeah..I know...nothing i can do about it now!

Cory: Did you cook me a pie?

Me: Ha...are you kidding? I'm amazed I managed to cook these two

Cory: Oh. (sounding slightly disappointed). You have a good morning?

Me: I'm just frazzled this morning...CRAP!!!!....I forgot to grab a knife to cut the pies (by this point I'm probably growling I'm so irritated)

Cory: Uh oh....

Me:No time to turn around...and we ONLY have sporks at the office...no spoons...no forks...just sporks! And now that I'm running behind schedule I'm not going to be able to go on a wild goose chase for plates nor a knife!!! This sucks!!!!!

Unfortunately the convo didn't go uphill after that....

So I'm driving thinking "this is just great....I'm seriously mad at the world right this moment...I have nothing to serve these two pies with...sporks= t-total disaster....I'm running late...traffic was terrible yesterday...I look like death....and I'm pretty sure my rotten mood as caused Cory to be in a rotten mood too! We're going to have to pass around the pie and eat it with our flimsy spork! GEEZ!!!! "Wife, co-worker, employee of the year awards...here I come!!!"

So good riddance to a crappy morning..."after all tomorrow is another day!"

p.s....Try to avoid any feelings of sympathy for Cory not getting any breakfast pie...I made him a blueberry cobbler last night! Hey, maybe I'm not a bad wife after all!

I Feel Like a Produce Thief

2010-07-19T19:15:00.010-04:00

Seriously...I feel like I've just stolen a cart of groceries!

Here's how it all went down...

Some of the gals at work kept talking about this place on Lawrenceville Suwanee Road called Super H Mart. I heard stories of how cheap their produce was and finally I just couldn't' take it anymore...I had to see this for myself!

So on Sunday, after church, Cory and I set off on an adventure to basically wherever the road took us. My only request was that we stop by Super H Mart in Suwanee at some point in time during the afternoon excursion. So after traveling north only to discover that Real Deals in Jefferson was closed (they're having a Christmas in July sale)...we wandered to historic downtown Commerce, GA (quite cute downtown)...where NOTHING was open. Then we hit I-85 south...after a stop at the Hamilton Mill Goodwill we proceeded to Super H Mart! Where the kid-in-a-candy-store experience ensued!

I wasn't sure exactly what to expect. Majority of their customers are Asian and a large percentage of the writing on the packaging is in Korean (usually with the product description in English too)...but to me that seemed a bit intimidating.

As we enter the first thing I see is display of bright ruby-red cartons of strawberries...the SAME brand they sell at Publix...for an incredibly cheap price (2 cartons for .99 cents)! Those SAME strawberries are "on sale" this week at Publix 2 cartons for $5! I'm serious!!!

That sealed the deal....I needed to look no further...I'd just discovered my new hot spot for produce! We wandered around the store, sampled some beef dumplings in the food court (amazing!)....I was in 'new experience overload'!!! I had to look at every piece of meat, every fish, every soup, every candy....EVERYTHING! I couldn't get enough!

Our Sunday excursion eventually took us to Aldi and Whole Foods where I was simply not as impressed. I'd never been by an Aldi...heard they sell mainly generic name brands, but the visit wasn't nearly as intriguing as Super H Mart! Next stop was another Goodwill then on to Whole (Paycheck) Foods! Whole Foods is super cool, but it wasn't my first rodeo in the store, so the excitement level wasn't nearly as high. I did taste some pretty yummy marinated tofu that Cory picked out!

Next stop was my second request of the day...Mirko Pasta. I had no idea they'd opened a location in Buford, but boy was I excited to discover it! More on that another day!...

So...I decided to make a list, check it twice and head over to Super H Mart after work on Monday to load up on fresh produce and such!

I got ALL of this.....

For ONLY....

I'm in love....

I'm pretty sure the cashier thought I was a mad woman when my mouth fell WIDE open when I saw that the cart full of groceries cost LESS than $40!! (I almost said "are you sure...did you forget to scan something?...I feel like I owe you more money than that!")

I also stopped by the food court to pick up some frozen dumplings. (They're the same dumplings we ate yesterday...just frozen.)
So I spent an additional $11 on 34 delicious handmade beef and shrimp dumplings! And therefore...I feel like I've stolen a cart of groceries!
That cart of groceries cost me half of what I would have spent at the other local grocery store!

The Blackmon Tomato Harvest Is In...

2010-07-15T19:40:00.006-04:00

I've never claimed to have a green thumb. This year I've learned my thumb is more brown than green. Hey...I'm learning!

With Cory's help, we planted our first tomato plant in the Topsy Turvy that my parents gave him for his birthday last year. (Not sure why we didn't use it last year, but that's neither here nor there.) So we carefully watched our tomato plant grow (upside down)...counted the blooms and anticipated about 10 or so tomatoes this summer. HA....

The purpose of this not-so-interesting blog post today to show you our harvest....

just.this.ONE.tiny.tomato!

Not exactly what farmers call a bumper crop. Maybe next year...

Do you have any gardening tricks you could share with Mrs. Brown-thumb for next year's "harvest"?!?!?

My Blooms!

2010-06-30T20:08:00.014-04:00

My parents always kept a nice yard...they still do of course. No professional landscaper...just hard work and a lot of sweat! Year after year they have BEAUTIFUL flowers of all types. Somehow I've inherited that love for blooms and color.

At the Blackmon house, Cory keeps the grass green, fertilized and the weeds to a minimum! I, on the other hand, prefer to work in the flower beds . I try to keep the shrubs trimmed, flowers watered (well kinda), etc. My flowers of course look amateur, but for my first attempt at having flowers in my yard...I was pretty proud with my blooms this May. Here's a few shots of my spring flowers....

The potted plants I just threw together. I was pretty happy with how they turned out considering I'd never potted anything...EVER!

The sweet potato vines have since taken off and are super long now...as for the other flowers...well they're not big fans of the summer heat.

Next...my hydrangeas....

I helped out at a florist in Monroe back before our wedding. It was just a part time gig but I loved it. Each week when some of the potted plants were past their prime (and really weren't nice enough to sell to customers any more), they'd get thrown out.

I've always LOVED hydrangeas...so when I saw 3 droopy hydrangea plants sitting by the dumpster as I left the florist one afternoon I figured I'd 'rescue' them. I brought them to what is now our house and planted them...2 on the east/southeast side of our house and the 3rd on the opposite side. The 2 that get the morning sun are doing GREAT this year. Big beautiful blooms adorn each plant. The other, that gets the afternoon, sun came back this spring but has yet to produce any blooms.

I wondered what color blooms I'd get this year since the color of the blooms depends on the composition of the soil. When I planted them they had a few wilted pink blooms.

I anticipated pink or blue...it was like finding out the gender of your child but much less exciting I'm sure (HA!)...

I got a beautiful periwinkle purple color and I couldn't be happier! (hope this isn't foreshadowing my future offspring's gender...LOL)The mums that I planted last fall are close to blooming and I'm astonished at how big they've gotten. After I give the flowerbed a tiny facelift I'll share some more pics. It looks kinda sad right now.

Have a fun and safe Independence Day!!!

Yet Another Sign of Aging...sigh

2010-06-21T19:56:00.009-04:00

We had an awesome Father's Day weekend! We spent tons of time with my dad and it was just wonderful! He's so much fun to be around and I cherish our time together more than ever.

There was one incident this weekend that didn't amuse me! I prefer to call it

traumatic...terrible...and not nearly as funny as Cory found it to be.

If you know me then you know I don't exactly sport my natural hair color. I regularly (term used loosely) get my hair highlighted and low lighted. I do have tendency to wait a week or two too long to get it done and then my hair color leans towards the trashy side. Well this time around I've waited entirely too long. My roots are horrific! Embarrassed is an understatement for my sentiment towards these white-trash roots.

I digress....so Sunday morning Cory and I were just getting going. We spring out of bed in fast forward speed at the sight of the huge Pileated woodpecker that had just swooped down from the morning shadows and landed on the railing of our back deck! Bad news...we tried to snap a pic but our camera battery was dead...of course! Just as we realized the camera battery was DOA, the first woodpeckers larger woodpecker friend showed up! We were like little kids watching in amazement as these two big birds with bright red mohawks hopped around our deck! It was so cool!

After the two flew off for more adventures in the woods behind our house, I headed to our bathroom to tame my disheveled look. As I was examining the atrocity known as my roots, I noticed something I'd NEVER noticed before...something that's existence I refused to own up to because thus far in my life there had been no evidence of it! Sure other people had it...but not me! I slowly leaned over toward the bathroom mirror...smoothed the part in my hair...examined the length of my dark roots and I saw it...i saw THEM....OH MY GOSH I HAVE GRAY HAIR!!! Devastation swept over me...the realization that the aging process had no mercy on me either was a toughie to swallow! Next came the laughter from the closet! Cory found my discovery hysterical! I think the horror in my voice sent him over the edge with laughter! I...still not amused at this point can't stomach another glimpse. I vowed to harass my hair stylist to fit me in the earliest cancellation this week!

There are milestones in a woman's life that she'll never forget. Some happy, some cause for a celebration, some not so much! I can't say I'm celebrating the discovery that I indeed have gray hair. But it was definitely one of those milestones I'll never forget.

Funny thing is....I've been fighting the signs of aging more aggressively lately. Even though I've attempted to convince myself that the veins that have spontaneously made an appearance on my left leg are from lifting weights and running...I know it's because I'm getting older. I've purchased better products for my face and skin care, I've begun a 5:45am workout routine, but dang if aging doesn't laugh in my face!

Oh well...not much you can do about the inevitable except accept it with grace!

photo credit: conniee4

Before you criticize someone...

2010-06-04T14:06:00.007-04:00

A friend of mine shared this quote today and I just love it...

(warning: if you're the mushy, sentimental quote type...you probably won't be quoting this one!)

"Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes."

TGIF!

photo credit: d u y g y

Wordless Wednesday: Warrior Dash Edition!

2010-05-26T20:09:00.004-04:00

Story Coming Soon

2010-05-26T16:42:00.003-04:00

I have so much to blog about, but only time to do the ones I get paid to write! I have our Anniversary Adventure to tell you about, the Warrior Dash that I just ran, my beautiful flowers that I planted around the house....oh the stories...and PICS!

Happy Hump Day to all!

Anniversary Pics

2010-05-05T10:45:00.014-04:00

Engagement pics weren't really an option for us. My dad was in the hospital recovering from a massive stroke for most of our engagement period. Visiting with him and my mom during our free time was much more important to us than snapping a few pics.

So...our big 1 year anniversary is coming up in a week and a half. For my gift to Cory I decided we'd finally get some professional pics made in which I wasn't wearing my wedding dress. We'd originally scheduled our session with our photographer for Saturday morning. But it was way too cloudy and dark Saturday morning to capture any good shots.

After talking to Kevin, our photographer, we decided to give Sunday morning a shot. We met Kevin around 7am on Sunday in downtown Flowery Branch. Sunday morning was HUMID! Actually humid is an understatement...HOT and MUGGY seems to be a more appropriate description! The sun was trying to peek through the clouds at the beginning of our shoot, but by the end the dark clouds prevailed. (Though Sunday afternoon was gorgeous, so we hit the lake!)

Our original plan was to take some shots downtown then head to the marina to get some shots by the lake. BUT due to the increasing cloud cover, we postponed the lake shots. So stay tuned for those! Here are a few from Sunday morning...more to come...

Humidity finally got the best of my hair in this one!

Somebody Loves Michael Jackson

2010-04-20T13:53:00.004-04:00

Rainy Tuesday...who couldn't use a laugh?!?!

One of my co-workers sent me this youtube video a few minutes ago. It's so funny...I had to watch it twice! It's from the show 'Operation Repo' on TruTV. Cory and I have watched a few episodes. You can always depend on this show for a good chuckle. You never know what stunts people will pull when these big guys try to repo their cars!

Mouth = WATERING!

2010-03-23T13:29:00.008-04:00

So now that I'm blogging for 21 different blogs 3x a week...I see lots of great blog content. Though after I've written 21 blogs, I find myself neglecting my own personal blog - but NOT today! I surfed the world wide web for a yummy spring recipe...and what do I find??? -this awesomeness! I present to you Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs! I kind you not, my mouth is watering! I think I might make this for a shower I'm hosting next month.

Ingredients

12 medium fresh strawberries stems removed, if desired

12 doughnut holes

6 (8 inch) wooden skewers

1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

2 teaspoons margarine

1/4 cup white vanilla chip

2 teaspoons margarine

Directions

Line cookie sheet with waxed paper. Alternately thread 2 strawberries and 2 doughnut holes on each skewer.

Note: You can also use the microwave for the following steps to melt the chocolate/margarine, but use lower heat and watch carefully to avoid burning. Probably only need to microwave about 1 minute or less and check throughout, stopping when just melted.

In small saucepan, combine semi-sweet chocolate chips and 2 teaspoons margarine; melt over low heat, stirring until smooth and well blended. Drizzle chocolate mixture over kabobs.

In another small saucepan, combine vanilla chips and remaining 2 teaspons margarine; melt over low heat, stirring until smooth and well blended. Drizzle over kabobs and semi-sweet chocolate.

Refrigerate 10 minutes or until set.

Today...in pictures...

2010-02-18T10:11:00.007-05:00

I can only describe how I feel today with this...

Heeeey!!!!!!!!!!

2010-02-15T16:31:00.003-05:00

I promise not to use youtube videos for every blog post...but this was just too funny to pass up!

Keep Yo Hands Off My Mama....

2010-02-09T08:10:00.002-05:00

Hands-down...the best Super Bowl XLIV commercial!

Groundhog Day

2010-02-02T08:36:00.002-05:00

Happy Groundhog Day! What a silly day...but not as silly as Kazoo Day..which was last week. For whatever reason...I look forward to Groundhog Day. As if a stinkin' groundhog REALLY can predict the weather! This year our local groundhog climatologist, General Beauregard Lee predicted an early Spring! Hello warmer weather...bring it on! Though the more famous Pennsylvania resident groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil predicts 6 more weeks of winter (what does he know...he lives up North?). Sorry Phil, I'm listening to the Georgia groundhog, General Lee. Are you ready for Spring?

Tiny update

2010-01-29T08:17:00.002-05:00

Well...I'm employed. I get paid to blog, tweet and facebook all day! Its pretty cool, but boy am I busy! Where did January go?

Here's a little video from a cool website called thefuntheory.com (an initiative by Volkswagen). Here's what they say, "This site is dedicated to the thought that something as simple as fun is the easiest way to change people’s behavior for the better. Be it for yourself, for the environment, or for something entirely different, the only thing that matters is that it’s change for the better."

The piano staircase is my favorite Check it out

Happy Friday!

Job Hunt, etc.

2009-12-22T13:39:00.003-05:00

I applied for a job today (cringing aren't you?) Yes the job market is tough right now but never fret, this job sounds so fun! It involves work with Social Media and blogging. Yes, I admit, I haven't been the BEST blogger. I don't blog nearly enough for all four of my readers. Though my time in front of a computer has become very limited since being unemployed. (I have a good excuse.) Being unemployed hasn't been my idea of fun and this particular job sounds GREAT!!! Please cross your fingers for me!

On another note, the peacock Christmas tree has been a hit. The Blackmon's are having a peacock Christmas this year for sure! This month has gone by entirely too fast and I look forward to a less hectic 2010!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

A good laugh...

2009-10-14T10:03:00.004-04:00

If you need a good laugh on this rainy Wednesday...click HERE to view awkwardfamilyphotos.com! This website is guaranteed to make you chuckle. Maybe even make you appreciate how 'normal' your family just might be. I could spend hours looking at this little treasure trove of strangeness...enjoy!!!! Here's a sneak peak....And if that fine photo didn't intrigue you...hopefully this will...

Who does that?!?!?!?

Thinking about Christmas...already?

2009-10-07T10:43:00.004-04:00

I'm not one of those who generally celebrates any aspect of Christmas until AFTER Thanksgiving. (Though I do celebrate Christ year round) No Christmas music, no Christmas decorating...none of that...until after the turkey and dressing have been eaten. Much to my surprise I've found myself already contemplating Christmas decorating this year. I've totally gotten into this holiday decorating thing. Our house will be totally decked out for Thanksgiving thanks to TJMAXX and Ross (we've volunteered to host about 30 family members for Thanksgiving dinner this year...we may regret this...I'll let you know Nov. 27th!) So on October 1st I hung my "Happy Halloween" candy corn on the front door with a big goofy smile on my face. Cory just laughs at me! I already had a fall "spray" hanging on the front door....but I re-located it to the kitchen wall for the month of October so I can proudly display my Halloween decor!!! Back to Christmas....Cory and I already have tons of ornaments, nativity scenes, Christmas bows (I've made solely for tree toppers...only two at this point...hey...a girl needs options). We really need nothing for Christmas decorating other than a fresh Christmas tree to help celebrate the birth of Christ. BUT...it hit me the other day while I was getting ready for work...what if I incorporate the theme of our wedding (peacocks/peacock feathers) into our Christmas decorating!!! Then it hit me...WHY am I already thinking about Christmas!??!?! This is so unlike me! I think this could be really fun and unique. A Christmas tree....with peacock feathers and some fresh garland on the mantle...with a few peacock feathers!! Click here to see a photo of some other genius' Christmas tree. I'm sure some of you are cringing at the thought of not using red and green....and that's OK. I'm totally pumped about it!!! We have tons of left over peacock feathers from wedding decorations....so no money spent there. Now if we can get through the pumpkins and turkey...Happy Birthday Jesus...bring out the peacock feathers!

Rewind

2009-09-30T16:34:00.002-04:00

Today is one of those days when I'd like to start over....hit rewind get back in bed...and start my day over...suppress my emotions and hope for a better outcome. I hope I'm not the only one that this happens to...ever have 'one of those days'?

nine-nine-0 nine

2009-09-09T10:55:00.005-04:00

Ok...I'll admit...I stole this idea from Heather Page's blog. If you've never read her blog...you should..I love it...one of my favs! So in honor of today's date 09-09-09, I'm going to list 9 things about me...

*I'm officially addicted to pumpkin spice coffee! If my husband loves me he'll buy some more today :) Just kidding babe...but you'd totally score brownie points if you brought some home this afternoon!

*My mom's birthday was yesterday! My sweet dad got his friend take him to the store and he bought her the most beautiful pair of diamond earrings! It's a sweet story...since my dad's stroke he can't always say what he wants to when he wants to...if you follow that. The part of his brain that was affected by the stroke is the part of your brain that affects your speech. So after he and his friend left physical therapy in Athens yesterday(dad doesn't drive anymore) Dad basically showed his friend where to go (turn by turn) in order to get to the store....because he couldn't say "hey...I'd like to go get Rhonda a birthday present at this store" So sweet!!!!!!!!!!

*Rachel and I are getting back in the swing of things this afternoon and walking 4 miles (up from our usual 3 miles) a few times a week. We took last week off so I'm excited! I think I've even convinced Cory to come do a little training with us!

*Currently I am looking for fabric for curtains for our living room, kitchen and dining room (diff. fabrics of course). I've sort of narrowned down the fabric...but I'm still not 100% on the curtain design/pattern/etc...so any ideas are welcome (from all three of you who read this)!!!

*I'm still sore from hitting softballs on Saturday...depressing!

*Cory and I have considered having professional pics made outside w/the dogs...and in doing some research I discovered this...Frog Hollow (in Dahlonega) does a Sunday Model Project. I think we may make a trip up to D-town and check it out soon. Click on the link to learn more.

*My car has dog hair (Mick the great dane hair) on the ceiling because he rode in the back this weekend on our trip to Monroe. It looked like we had a horse in the back seat. You should see peoples faces when he pokes his head out the window of the car - hilarious!!

*Recently...I've needed to consume chocolate...DAILY

*And last but not least....on Monday I'll have been 'seriously committed' if you will to Cory for a year. He proposed to me on September 14 last year. It was a beautiful Sunday morning and we were headed to church. Only God knew then what a rock and trying road He would lead us on...but all the while making our bond stronger than it would have ever been had we had an easy road to travel leading up to our wedding day. My family is so lucky to have Cory as a part of it. He proved to be more than I could have ever asked for when dad was in the hospital....and even now with dad at home. I'm blessed beyond measure!

Unusually GOOD mood....

2009-09-03T14:37:00.004-04:00

I'm not saying that I'm usually in a crabby mood...but for some reason today I'm in the BEST mood.

Maybe it's the cooler less humid weather. I'm super ready for fall!! I won a bet with Cory on Sunday after church (he bet I couldn't guess who sang some strange song he was singing....and I got it RIGHT...it was Outkast!) The bet was that if I guessed who sang the song in 4 guesses he'd give me $$ toward Fall decorations for the house. These fall decorations were part of the bet because I saw some at TJMaxx and Ross on Friday night and fell in love with them! So needless to say...our house is now decorated for FALL!!! I love fall...(not so much winter)...but I love the cool weather, the beautiful leaves and football season!

It could be the pumpkin spice coffee Cory brewed for me this morning. We bought it at Fresh Market on Saturday after spending a little time at the gun range (for those of you who know me, I'm sure that mental picture is making you laugh right now!...yes I can now safely operate a 9mm and a 40!...look out!!!) Back to the coffee....pumpkin spice coffee+french vanilla creamer and splenda=so good!!!

Another potential reason for the good mood today is that I'm getting my hair done (colored/trimmed) this evening by my cousin Emily who ownes Roxy Salon and Spa in downtown Monroe (my hometown). If you live nearby and need a great stylist or spa services...this is the place to go! I love getting pampered. And my hair is going to look a thousand times better tonight!!! Also, going back home to Monroe always puts me in a good mood. I love my hometown and a chance to see my mom and dad.

Maybe it's because I like my outfit today. Sounds crazy huh? Do you ever have those days where you feel blah because you aren't 100% impressed with your wardrobe decision for the day? I do that! Yesterday was a phi mu t-shirt and ball cap day...yuck. Today brought with it more motivation and therefore a better outfit! Today's ensenble consist of a cool necklace that Rachel made for me and fun pink shoes that I absolutely LOVE (thank you Pay-Less BOGO)! Oh...HA...don't you worry...I'm not just wearing a necklace and shoes!!! I also went with a pair of jeans and black shirt and cardigan (because fall is cardigan season right?)

I have another reason for the good mood...but that's another topic for another day. And don't worry I'm NOT pregnant....like so many of my other friends! Babies babies everywhere...no worries...NOT me...at least not for a few years, God willing. Though I am super excited about Mr. Walker Zakeri's birth. He belongs to my best friend Meesh!!
He's precious...

Thanks for stopping by...

Calling all Sound of Music fans...

2009-08-13T09:23:00.001-04:00

Ok...if you like the Sound of Music...THIS is awesome!!! You may have already watched it...apparently it's been out for a few months. Maybe I'm a little behind...enjoy!

Wedding Pics

2009-08-05T16:00:00.004-04:00

I created a public album of our wedding pics for public view. Click this for wedding album pics. I've begun an album on honeymoon pics but there are lots more to upload so I'll hold off on that link. If you have facebook then you've likely already seen these pics. But if not...here you go. These are raw pics....we've not received the retouched pics yet....they're being worked on in Japan thanks to Cory's sister and her husband, who was our photographer! Happy Hump Day!

Do-It-Yourselfers party of 2

2009-07-23T14:51:00.010-04:00

Cory and I took on the Do-It-Yourself project of painting the table and chairs that were recently moved into our breakfast area. You'll see below the brownish color they were before. Not my fav by any means...so I decided black would look great. Cory made the deal with me that if I taped up the seats of the chairs and the rim of the table he'd paint them. And so...this is how it all went down...

Nope...its not snowing in our garage...that's primer floating all over the place...
notice the GREAT tapping job of the seat!!!

Quite the expert spray painter...

drying...

Taaadaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!!

A sign he might have inhaled too much spray paint!!! Sorry lungs!

That's going to take some scrubbing...

Cultural Experience...in Dixie...

2009-07-21T10:37:00.014-04:00

What a fun filled weekend for the Blackmon's! Friday night we used a gift card from one of Cory's clients that we've had since Christmas to go see Bruno (by the same guy who did Borat..one of Cory's favs) It was funny, but I wouldn't necessarily recommend it to the masses.

The first half of Saturday was dedicated to the gym..then the dogs and the yard. Cory washed the dogs...I cut the grass. (you may be thinking this sounds backwards but I'd rather cut grass than wash a dog that weighs more than me) And let me tell you...this was my first experience with a self-propelled push mower...and lets just say the mower won the battle. But that didn't stop us from our 'cultural experience of the weekend'...the Dixie Speedway. Yes, you read it right - on Saturday evening we drove over to Woodstock, GA on to take in the action at the Dixie Speedway. Cory's great uncle has worked there for the past 40 years and has been asking us to visit so we finally took him up on the offer. Here are some pics from our evening....Apparently Cory was ready to see some racin' yeeehaw! What a clown!!

in all her glory and mud
First came the typical dirt track races....

I know this is blury. The purpose of this pic is to show you the "Cruiser" car. This involves two drivers...hopefully as you can see in this pic that there is a driver in the passenger seat too. The one in the left seat controls the steering wheel and the brakes and the guy on the passenger side controls the throttle...HILARIOUS!!!

Then comes the last race of the evening...spectator racing...can you believe it?!?! People put their everyday cars in this race...here is a Mazda and a Toyota Camry!!!!!!!!!!

Another spectator race....is that the car my grandma drove when she picked me up from elementary school????!!!!!!!!!!!

We spent about 6 hours watching cars drive in circles but I'll admit it was fun! Most of the day Sunday we were with my family. Cory and I went on a bike ride around Good Hope, GA and then went to revival at my church that night. What a great way to end the weekend...

Entertainment at work...

2009-07-14T09:21:00.004-04:00

Currently I work for a high energy advertising firm near Buford. I'm a media buyer...I've never purchased media in previous jobs, but it's fun! So my boss is all over the place...imagine the Tasmanian devil if you will. The guy is wired...super hyper, always speed walking, occassional deficiencies in volume control, etc. You just never know what crazy thing he's gonna do or say....so yesterday while walking past his desk I noticed this...

....yes...that is an open jug of water...sitting ON TOP of one of his laptop keyboards! God bless him!!! I had to share.

On to more news in my life. Cory surprised me with tix last week to go see Joel Osteen in August. I'm super excited! I have such a sweet husband.

Oh..and one more note...I am trying to get back into the swing of going back to the gym 4 or so days a week. Cory and I went on Saturday morning and I'm happy to report that I can finally lift my arms over my head again. It wasn't looking so good in previous days. The joys of marrying a trainer :) Surely something interesting will happen this week and I have something else to blog about. Have a great day!

Changing your name...what a pain!

2009-07-09T14:58:00.002-04:00

So today was officially name change day. Yes I got married in May but haven't really been motivated to change my name until this week. Plus I finally made it to Monroe so Emily could do my hair (I was totally sporting some white trash dark roots) and who wants dark roots in a pic that you're stuck with until 2012?!?! Not this girl! My morning started with a lovely trip to the department of driver services in scenic Gainesville, GA. (I only saw one dead chicken in the road). Things seemed to be going smoothly...in and out in less than 20 minutes...not bad. Well... until I got in my car and took a closer look at my new drivers license (which for once I liked the pic)...and realized that they misspelled my new last name! So I had to march my happy butt back in and tell the gal that my last name was spelled BlackmOn...not BlackmAn. Cory says I'll be dealing with this mix-up the rest of my life. GREAT! I then find out that they'll need to take another pic...DANG (which I didn't like as much as the first one!) and wait another 5 minutes for that to process and print. But not bad compared to my afternoon adventure to the Social Security office in Gwinnett County.

First: The social security office is conveniently open from 8:30 til 3:30 M-F...clearly not taking into consideration those who actually work for a living M-F!!! So I dreadfully walk through the door of the SS office...take my number...and look around for a chair...bad news...most of them were taken! Once I located a seat directly across from the restroom doors....yuck...I met a nice girl named Valerie who was married in April (so I don't feel like a terrible wife for not rushing out to change my name...someone actually waited longer than me). An hour and 15 minutes later...the one cheerful window operator calls my number and I dash to take my seat infront of her. A few minutes later I walk out of that horrid place with my receipt informing me I'll receive my new SS card in about 2 weeks. What a depressing place...I honest thought I'd end up spending all afternoon there waiting on my number to be called. Why don't guys have to go throuhg all of this trouble?!?!?

The good news is I'm basically done with the whole name changing process...thank GOD! Lauren Brooke Blackmon it is...though I secretly would have preferred Brooke Atha Blackmon but I've been told that changing your first name is a huge pain in the rear. So I opted for a simple last name change.

On to more exciting news...Cory bought a new dining room table today (from Costco...they "only had two left") so this was a true show of trust in 'Cory's taste' on my part. I haven't seen it yet in person...but from the pics he sent me on my cell...it looks awesome! Until next time...

This should make it more interesting

2009-07-01T10:10:00.010-04:00

Wow...what a fun weekend we had. It went by way too fast...as usual. But that's probably because we were super busy. Our weekend started Friday evening at the Gwinnett Braves game.

Cory likes to wake me up SUPER earlier on the weekends (earlier than I actually wake up during the week). Maybe one day I can talk him into 'sleeping in'. This is how it usually goes: Cory wakes me up...I ask him what time it is in somewhat of a mumble (I'm NOT a morning person and don't speak in complete sentences until I have my first cup of coffee)...so for the past two weekends he's added roughly 1 hour onto the actual time when he answers me...HA...well I've learned not to believe him...look at my phone and what do you know...its 6:50am....not 7:45am like he just told me!!! What a sucker! So we wake up and head towards Monroe bright and early Saturday morning to do some pressure washing at my parents house. I know...how fun!!...right!?!? But it needed to be done and we love to help my parents out whenever we can. I love getting to visit with my parents and playing with Chloe and Crouton. Since dad has been home from the hospital...he and my sweet Chloe have become BFF. This is where she hangs out most all day every day...Dad's lapDad's doing so great! I never imagined that I'd get to hang out with him by the pool this summer when I was sitting in his hospital room in October and November. God is sooooo good!!!

Oh...and Crouton watched Cory pressure wash...this pic cracks me up!

Saturday afternoon we headed over to the Carnes residence for my cousin Grace's first birthday party! Yes...I've come to the point in my life where I no longer celebrate my friends birthdays...but I celebrate the birthday's of their childeren. I have to admit..it was lots of fun! I got to visit with some of my girlfriends that I graduated with (from the world famous Monroe Area High School.) Yes people...home of the purple hurricanes!...try not to be jealous. Picture it...purple graduation robes...we looked like a bunch of grapes marching across the stage!

Ok...now to some pics from the party...

Meet the Brithday Girl, Grace!!!

Stephanie, Emily, Nikki, and yours truly...

My girlfriends all wonderful mommies with the most beautiful little girls.

girltime in the jumpy thingy (what do you call those things??)
Birthday Girl and Mommy

Sunday morning we woke up bright and early agian to head to Carters Lake in N. Georgia. We spent the day with Cory's uncles. And as you know from my previous post...Uncle Richard let us borrow the jet ski...YAAAAY!!!! I forgot to take a camera with us on Sunday :(

Looks like that completes my first blog w/pics. Success!!!!

Still no pics :(

2009-06-30T09:30:00.002-04:00

Well...I made sure to do my best to take the camera on our adventures this past weekend (though I forgot it on Sunday). I got some fun shots...but have yet to upload them. So...hopefully later today I can blog about my fun and busy weekend...AND post some fun pics! Cory and I spent some of the evening yesterday on the jet ski on Lake Lanier!!! It was an awesome way to unwind after a day at work!

MJ

2009-06-26T09:59:00.003-04:00

I have to admit...I can't believe Michael Jackson is dead. I'm a lil sad. I acknowledge we haven't heard much from him in years but I find myself remembering growing up watching his music videos, listening to my MJ tapes and dancing in my room. Sure he had some issues...but what an icon "the King of Pop"!!! Cory and I were discussing this morning how the story of MJ's death will be one of the biggest stories of this decade for sure. I was glued to the TV last night...why...I have no clue. Kind of like when Princess Diana passed away...I watched the entire funeral and wept. Of course we've never met these celebrities...but somehow after seeing them so often on tv and their faces on magazine covers almost every trip to the grocery store with your mom during your childhood... somehow they become a tiny part of your life. Mom called last night and ask me if I remember where I was when I saw the Thriller video. I though sure...we were at home...in the den....wrong...she reminded me of our family vacation to Disneyworld the year that video came out and we went to some theater at Disney and saw "Thriller" in 3D. It scared me silly...I cried so bad that dad had to take me outside!!!!! I had totally forgotten about that! Though Thriller was a really cool music video...the Black or White video was my absolute favorite of all time!

Happy Friday!!

Hello Blogosphere!!!!

2009-06-25T08:58:00.003-04:00

First of all...I'd like to thank my bestest bud, Meesh...for talking me into entering the blogosphere. I still don't think anyone would really want to read what random ramblings I'll likely post...but Meesh says I'll be surprised...so...here goes nothing! I really wanted my first blog to be profound...but seriously...have you met me?!? Not many profound thoughts flowing from this brain lately! And if you haven't met me...FYI...more sarcastic thoughts than profound thoughts will ever flow from this brain.

On to a little insight into the Blackmon's in Flowery Branch: A fun night of not doing what we planned to do. So as I walk out the of my office yesterday heading home (thank you GOD)...I mentioned to Cory potentially going to the Gwinnett Braves game to which he replied he'd really like to go for a bike ride (We both have road bikes but don't ride them nearly enough. Cory has decided to do his second sprint triathlon so bike riding is quickly becoming a priority...again) I agreed...a bike ride sounds like a much better alternative than going to a baseball game, eating unhealthy food and being in no way productive...all evening. After getting home I insist that there's no way I'm riding in the sweltering 97 degree GA heat. So we opt for a quick trip to the auto parts store to get a wiring kit and ball (that you'd hook a trailer to) to put on the back of Cory's truck. We discussed that we need this ASAP b/c we're going to Carter's Lake on Sunday and JUST IN CASE Cory's Uncle Richard decides to lets us take the jet ski home with us again this summer...we'll be ready (last summer Cory still had the Ram Charger for pulling a trailer...but since he had to make space for my car in the garage...bye bye Ram Charger)! Ok....we have lake fever so bad!!! Last night we decided we'd wake up super early on Sunday so we could spend as much time at the lake as possible. This is getting to be a long story...wow!!! So after finding what we needed at auto part store #2, I'm not feeling a bike ride...but I am feeling some sushi! I remember we have a coupon for the local sushi restaurant (which will help my argument that sushi trumps a bike ride) and somehow talk Cory into skipping the bike ride and enjoying some sushi. Ha..but not before he installs his new purchases. So cory climbs under his truck and hooks up the wiring and installs the ball...in the still 97 degree GA heat! By this point my husband is sweaty and has a little black grease here and there...but who cares...no bike ride and sushi here I come!!!! I realize at this point some funny pics would be a great addition to my blog. Maybe next time.

That wraps up my first blog entry...not as interesting as I would have hoped...but lets look at the bright side - I've got LOTS of room for improvement!

Babbling Brooke

Mountain Mama: Minus the Mama Part...because I know some of you just got excited when you saw "Mama"!

How I Got 3 Pair of Glasses for $40

Neglect...Plain and Simple!

One More Reason I Love Super H Mart

Truth In a Chocolate Wrapper

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!

Here Comes the Sun!

The Adventures of Mick Blackmon

Snowpocalypse 2011 - Cabin Fever!

Deck the Halls with Peacock Feathers Falalalala-lalalala

What To Do With the Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey

Mr. Thanksgiving Turkey Says....

O Christmas Card, O Christmas Card!

Fool Me Once..Shame On Me...Fool Me Twice...I Don't Think So!

10 Random Things that Happened in October

How I Save Some Dough...

Peaks and Valleys

Confession: I'm addicted!

Shame On Me!

Because it's been one of THOSE days...

I Feel Like a Produce Thief

The Blackmon Tomato Harvest Is In...

My Blooms!

Yet Another Sign of Aging...*sigh*

Before you criticize someone...

"Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes."

Wordless Wednesday: Warrior Dash Edition!

Story Coming Soon

Anniversary Pics

Somebody Loves Michael Jackson

Mouth = WATERING!

Directions

Today...in pictures...

Heeeey!!!!!!!!!!

Keep Yo Hands Off My Mama....

Groundhog Day

Tiny update

Job Hunt, etc.

A good laugh...

Thinking about Christmas...already?

Rewind

nine-nine-0 nine

Unusually GOOD mood....

Calling all Sound of Music fans...

Wedding Pics

Do-It-Yourselfers party of 2

Cultural Experience...in Dixie...

Entertainment at work...

Changing your name...what a pain!

This should make it more interesting

Still no pics :(

MJ

Hello Blogosphere!!!!

Yet Another Sign of Aging...sigh