Wednesday Hodgepodge!

Hi friends! Happy Wednesday to you all. I am back today sharing another Wednesday Hodgepodge. I have been participating off and on since 2013. Wow that's a long time! Feel free to join in! 

Wednesday Hodgepodge

It's been a loooong while since I participated in the Wednesday Hodgepodge. Since I am finally getting back with blogging/making videos, I thought today we would answer some fun questions with the rest of the ladies. :) Hope you enjoy!

1. Thursday (September 22) is the first official day of autumn in this part of the world...how will you welcome the season? I know some of you have been celebrating way too early, but it's official now so permission granted. House Beautiful recently listed ten ways to make your home smell like fall (you can read the list here) What's a scent you love this time of year and how will you add it to your home? 

I love fall. I always have. However, I am still not use to the colder temperatures. We are welcoming the season with heat in the mornings, hot coffee, cozy sweaters and long beautiful hikes in the vivid forest. I love all kinds of different fall scents however cinnamon is normally a bit too strong for me. A couple of years ago I found this candle in Warm Cashmere Sweater and fell in love.

It's the perfect fall scent without being too overpowerful. And who doesn't love candles! I plan on buying a few more and letting the scent linger through the house. 

2. Apple pie or pumpkin pie? Apple cake or pumpkin bread? Warm apple cider or a pumpkin spice latte?

All apple. I am not a huge pumpkin fan but my boyfriend is. So this year I suspect that we will be having both!

3. Do you suffer from what is sometimes referred to as an afternoon slump? What helps ward it off before it hits and/or tell us what helps you shake it off once it's here?

Absolutely. When I can I try to take a quick cat nap but most of the time coffee is helpful. And even during those sleepy moments, I just get moving....putting one foot in front of the other until I get my blood circulating and energy levels up.

4. Ladies-how have your friendships with women inspired you or made you a better person? For the men here today- how have your friendships with men inspired you or made you a better person?

I don't trust a lot of women. However, the strong women in my life have really helped level me out and have taught me that I can trust and depend on them. We have amazing women in our family and each one of them have taught me so many life lessons. They have taught me to not take life so serious. That change does happen and instead of fighting it....embrace it and learn from it. I am always amazed at their suggestions, love and support.

5. Are you a people pleaser? If you said yes, do you think that's a good or bad thing? If you said no, do you wish you were more of a people pleaser? 

I use to be but not so much anymore. Really the only true person you can make happy is yourself.

6. The seasons are a-changin'...share a favorite song relating in some way to change (not necessarily seasonal change, it could be change of any kind).

7. What do you wish would never change?

Its a little late for that question because so much has changed regardless of what I wanted. But life is all about changes. I am still figuring that out but even the hard changes happen for a reason. At this point my life is different...better and for me the one that I hope and pray never changes is the love from my kids. All else can change how it needs to change.

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 

Hello hodgepodgers. It's been a while since I have participated in this linkup. I have really missed you guys. And I have been through a lot of changes including a divorce and moving. Those are some pretty big changes. I tried to fight it at first but life has a way of giving you what you need rather you want it or not. And at this point, I am much happier. I am more independent and I am not as scared any longer. I am starting to blog and make videos again and find my own way in this big world. And I am not alone like I was scared I would be. I have amazing friends and family that have helped me every step of the way.

Today is going to be one of the hardest days ever. In a matter of hours we are laying my grandmother to rest. Another change for our family. A heartbreaking change to say the least. September has been hard but I am trusting God to get our family through it. I am trusting God to take care of a lady who meant so much to me and our family. She will be missed so much.

Thank you guys for stopping by. I really am trying to get back to normal on here. This is my home away from home and I have really missed being here....talking to you guys...sharing my thoughts. It's nice to be back. Have a wonderful Wednesday. ♥

Wednesday Hodgepodge

Hello friends! It's been a while since I participated in this fun linkup. I use to get it done every week but sometimes life gets in the way....but today...I got it up! Hope you enjoy! 

1. Did you watch The Charlie Brown Christmas special Monday night? Who's your favorite Peanuts character and why?

Wednesday Hodgepodge!

 Happy Wednesday Friends! Time for another Wednesday Hodgepodge with Joyce from over at From This Side of the Pond ....this is always such a fun linkup that I love doing. It's been a while since I have been able to join in. So I am happy to be sharing this week...Hope you enjoy!  

1. Speaking of April 15th...what's the most 'taxing' thing you've done recently?

Well to be perfectly honest, we have been dealing with a state kinda far away from us over a personal matter. It has been a complete mess. No organization, no return phone calls, no help what so ever. It is truly one of the most frustrating situations that our family has ever been in. And right now, there is no end in sight...so many taxing days ahead I am afraid. 

2. When did you last take a taxi somewhere and where was that somewhere?

It's been a loooong while. We don't live in a big city but we use to live in New York for a short time and we took cabs a lot. We also take them sometimes to and from the airport and such. Thankfully we have cars of our own and don't have to pay those high prices to get around. :)

3. What's something you can do today that you couldn't do a year ago?

A year ago, I couldn't run on the treadmill. Actually maybe I could have but I didn't think I could and fast forward to now and I am doing so much better. It's not fun, its not easy, but it does help me feel a little better. I think I really need to change my eating habits to really make a difference but for my body...that hurts in the morning a lot of times, getting on that machine that I love to hate loosens me up and makes me feel less stiff and achy. 

4. How often is chicken (in some form or fashion) on your menu at home? Which of the following would you most like to see on your table tonight...a chicken salad sandwich, your mom's fried chicken, a Chick-fil-A meal, Cracker Barrel's chicken n' dumplings, a roast chicken dinner with all the trimmings, or 'hold the chicken, I'm a vegetarian'...?

Well, I looooove a roasted chicken and veggies. I think a lot of people don't roast chickens a lot but it's so much easier than one might think and its such an amazing dinner. I have my own recipe that I shared in a video on how I make the perfect roast chicken right here if you want to check it out! 

5. What was your favorite television program when you were a kid? What characters do you remember the most?

I liked Elf with that furry little critter roaming around and I also liked Little House on the Prairie. I loved that show and Laura and Mary were my favorites!

6. What was the last piece of 'art' you made?

This is the last piece of art I made...

Jackson and I went and painted some ceramics together over a weekend. I ended up painting this cute owl jar that now lives happily on my desk!

7. What frustrates you most about the Internet?

Gosh..there is a ton of good things about the internet but there is a lot wrong with it too. I think we have all been guilty of spending too much time online and not enough time with our families or taking care of our homes and lives....myself included. I hate cyber - bullying and harassment while being able to hide who you actually are. I hate the scammers who hack into companies to get our private information However, it provides hours and hours of fun. It gives you an answer to every question in 0.01 second on  average. It lets you have your say, whatever the subject. It connects, promotes, enlightens and connects us which does not frustrate me!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

I hope you guys have been doing great! I have missed linking up and I hope to be able to participate more in the future. Life around here has been good. My husband and I have been busy preparing the house for spring and enjoying the pretty days as much as we can. I love the warmer weather. Life around here has also been busy with everyday life stuff that just keeps popping up. But we are just going with the flow and hoping to come out ahead! :)

 I hope you have a wonderful day. ♥ If you are new here, I'd love it you took a second to subscribe! I should be back today with another video later this afternoon...stay tuned.

 

Wednesday Hodgepodge { Evening Edition }

 Happy Wednesday Friends! Time for another Wednesday Hodgepodge with Joyce from over at From This Side of the Pond ....this is always such a fun linkup that I love doing. Hope you enjoy!  

1. Did you watch The Oscars? How many of the Best Picture nominees have you seen? (American Sniper, Birdman, Boyhood, Selma, The Grand Budapest Hotel, The Imitation Game, The Theory of Everything, and Whiplash)

Do you think actors should use their acceptance speeches as an opportunity to promote their political and/or social agenda? Does that sort of speech make you more or less inclined to change the channel?

I've only watched one so far....The Theory of everything was simply heartwarming and touching. I actually bought it on Amazon Instant Video so we now own this movie. It's always nice being able to go back and watch it again.. you'd be amazed at how many things you pick up the second time that you missed the first. Birdman and The Grand Budapest Hotel don't interest me. I do however want to see American Sniper and The Imitation Game. As soon as they are avilable either on line or on demand, I'm sure I'll be watching them. I looooooove a good movie! Tonight I watched a movie called Easy Virture that was so freaking cute. I totally loved it! 

I'm pretty political and I am sure if I had that kind of moment on tv I might open my big mouth about it! I don't really mind. I am not a huge huge fan of the boring Oscars anyway. I watched for the first hour and a half and then I had to move on. Then I got the highlights from the Daily Mail! :)

2. Speaking of the movies... are you comfortable going to a movie alone? How about dinner in a restaurant (not fast food, but an actual restaurant)? The second half of this question was posed by Carrie who blogs over at It's Not Easy Being Queen. Thanks Carrie!

To be honest. In my 39 of being on this planet I have only ate out alone one time and I have never been to the movies alone. I just can't do it. I never been to a bar alone either. I actually feel comfortable being alone but not like that! 

3. What's the last home repair or home improvement project you had to pay someone to complete? In hindsight was this a project you could have done yourself? 

We had a leak in the roof and paid someone to fix it. It was totally worth it because I am married to the least handy husband on the planet! 

4. Have you ever had Indian food? Like it or no? If you're a fan, what's your favorite dish? Have you ever prepared this yourself at home? Is there an Indian restaurant in your current hometown? 

It's ify with Indian food for me. I don't typically like a ton of spice in my food. But their bread is amazing. I can and have made Indian flat bread which is to die for. maybe I should record a video sometime and share it! :)

5. A song that reminds you of your parents? 

Omg.. what a great question. I have actually thought about this. I can't think of a song for my mom sadly enough but one for my grandfather ( whom I considered my dad ) this song. 

6. The 26th of February is National Tell A Fairy Tale Day. What's your favorite, or one of your favorite, fairy tales? Do you have any childhood memories associated with a particular fairy tale? 

I like Cinderella of course.. and have you seen they have remade the movie!? I can't wait to see it. My best memory of Cinderella is taking my daughter to Disney where they dressed her up like Cinderella and took pictures. It was so sweet and she loved it! 

7. What's a problem you solved yesterday? 

Well, I guess the only critical problem I fixed yesterday would have had been setting up all my big lights to film a video because it was so dark. I hate setting those big lights up but it was necessary. So all in all, I solved my simple lighting problem. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

It's snowing like crazy here right now. The schools are cancelled and Scott might not go to work tomorrow. I really feel bad for all the animals outside. Our dog cooper loves it but he's only out for a short time. But we are staying home and being safe. They just said we are going to be getting 2 inches every hour. So who knows what it's going to look like in the morning. Right now the deck is full of snow. I skipped a fire today because I got my nails done and didn't want to mess them up working in a dirty fireplace and the wood chips the paint so I just turned the heat up a bit and maybe I can get Scott get it going in the morning. I hope all you guys are staying warm and have a wonderful Thursday. See ya tomorrow. ♥

Wednesday Hodgepodge w/ Mr. Jaggers!

Happy Wednesday Friends! Time for another Wednesday Hodgepodge with Joyce from over at From This Side of the Pond ....this is always such a fun linkup that I love doing. Today's hodgepodge is a little different. I am typing while my husband is driving so you are going to get his answers too! 

1. When did you last have to interact, either by phone or in person, with someone in a government run agency? On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate the experience? (10 being fabulous and 1 being pass the Tylenol)

Kisha:

Well currently we are in the car heading down south to actually deal with a government agency. ( I am totally hodgepoding from the car today! Thank goodness for teathering from the smart phone to run the laptop! ) I don't really want to make things bad for us if someone from that agency reads this but over all my experience has not been so good. I don't think the government really gets in a hurry to get things done and there is a process, which I am not too fond of. But I am grateful to have a established government in our country that can help us in all kinds of ways. But I wish they would hurry things up a little more! So my number would have to be a 5. 

Scott:

Scott says he had a state payroll auditor came into the dealership and would rate the experience as a 3. He said the guy was as dry as toast with no personality and took his time. He says he was busy enough without a slow poke holding him up! 

2. The current governor of Wisconsin is considering a run for President next time around. Walker attended Marquette University, but never graduated. In terms of any candidate running for the office of President (not asking here if you agree or disagree with Scott Walker's politics) would the lack of a college degree influence your vote or no? Would that be a factor in your support of any candidate running for public office, even a role less weighty than President?

Kisha:
I think its very important to be well educated if you are going to try to run this country...or any country for that matter. But I do understand a long military record might work too. Over all though, yes I think you should be college educated if you are running for public office. 

Scott:

No Scott says. He thinks he would like his politicians to be educated, but experience and personal history are are big factors too. 

3. When did you last visit a place or site named for George Washington or Abraham Lincoln, and what was that place or site?

Kisha;

The last place I can think of was visiting all the Abraham Lincoln places in Washington DC many years ago....and there are many!

Scott: 

He says its been too long to remember! 

4. February 16th was President's Day in the US, but did you know it was also National Almond Day? I didn't think so : ) Do you like almonds? If so, what's a food/dish/recipe you enjoy that contains almonds? 

Kisha;

I am not a almond fan. Never have been and never will be. 

Scott:

Scott says he's not a huge almond fan either but occasionally he will have a candybar with almonds. 

5.The television program Saturday Night Live celebrated it's 40th anniversary this past weekend. Were/are you a fan of the show? If so what has been your favorite (or one of your favorite) skits, sayings, or characters that came out of the program?

Kisha:

Ha! Sorry... but also not a fan of Saturday night live! 

Scott:
He stopped watching in the 80's.. :) it's just not our thing!

6. Anything purple within ten feet of you? What is it?

Kisha:

Yep, a little box that I use to hold random stuff is purple sitting right here on my laptop. 

Scott:

For Scott, his shirt has purple strips in it... plus the box is within 10 feet because he is sitting right across the seat driving! 

7. Back in December I asked you to submit a question for a future HP as part of a giveaway I was hosting. I grabbed this one from those entries, submitted by Zoanna who blogs over at Penchant for Pens. Thanks Zoanna!

She asks, "How often do you make your bed, and how do you like to make it-pull the covers all the way up over the pillows, tuck the covers in around the pillows, or place all the pillows on top of the covers?" 

Kisha:

I make all 3 beds in our house Monday - Friday and normally never make them up on weekends unless we have company coming over! Sometimes it's nice to get a break some days. And no, I do not pull the covers over the pillows. I pull the sheets and blankets up and fold over the top. I fold the sheet over the top of the comforter and I never tuck them in at the foot. I hate that!! I want to be able to snuggle in the covers...not feel like I am locked under them. Then the pillows lean against the headboard in a nice way. 

Scott:

I can just answer this question for him....→ He never makes the bed! ← 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

It's going to be a long day for the three of us stuck in this car. Jackson is with us too and we are not suppose to even get there until almost 10pm tonight. These monthly trips to Louisiana are killing us but we are doing our best to show our kids how much they mean to us by being there. I am so thankful that I can hook up my little phone to the laptop and be able to work online while we are going down the highway. I don't know how well I packed because I was totally exhausted last night so lets hope that we have everything we need.There's really no telling until we get to the hotel and open up the suitcase. Our housesitter is taking care of the animals and house while we are away and I couldn't be more grateful for it. Shes so nice and helpful which allows us to come here and not worry about them so much. I think we all are going to be so happy to get out of this car but then tomorrow all the appoitments and such start happening early...so there won't be much time to do anything else before its time to get back on the road and do this all again.

Thanks so much for stopping by! I totally enoyed doing the hodgepodge with hubby today... and I hope you enjoyed it too! If by some chance you are just coming by for the first time, I would love it if you subscribed!

 

Wednesday Hodgepodge!

Happy Wednesday Friends! Time for another Wednesday Hodgepodge with Joyce from over at From This Side of the Pond ....this is always such a fun linkup that I love doing. Hope you enjoy.

1. When did someone last suggest you 'chill out'? Or, when did you last tell someone (or want to tell someone) to 'chill out'? Or, when did you last tell yourself to 'chill out'?

I told Jackson to chill out and calm down last night over his xbox. He got a D on his report card so through the week he is not allowed to be on it. And he's not happy about it. I tend to worry a lot more than I should I so I am always telling myself to chill out. 

2. What most recently caused your heart to melt? 

Noticing how tall Jackson is compared to the sink just made my heart melt. I didn't notice and the other night he went up to the sink to put his glass in it and looked much taller. It reminded me of how fast time flys. 

3.  "An adventure is only an inconvenience rightly considered. An inconvenience is only an adventure wrongly considered." G.K. Chesterton  

Your thoughts? When did you last experience either an adventure or an inconvenience? How did you see it at first, as an adventure or an inconvenience?  Does it feel the same in hindsight?


I don't think an inconvenience is always an adventure. Nope. However, there are times when I get lost around our town that is a bit of a inconvenience that does somehow turn into a fun adventure. 

4.  A Wendy's Frosty, root beer in a frosty mug, or a frosted chocolate cupcake...of these three, which one is your favorite 'frosty' treat?

That's an easy one:

5. Would you say your life so far this year has been more like a circus or a symphony? Explain why.

Oh gosh.. it would have to be a circus by far!!! I don't know.. I guess I have had to learn a lot of lessons along the way and it was hard. I think when you don't listen to the subtle messages from God he just keeps getting louder until you get it. The older I get, the smarter I feel. So while things were a circus through the years as I get older, its turning more into a symphony. 

6. Since it's a 'snow day' here, what's your favorite song containing the word 'white'?


White Shadows - Coldplay -

7. If you had to leave the city you currently live in, what would you find the hardest to leave behind?

Nothing. I am not that attached to this house, neighborhood or city. I would miss the mountains most but I don't think that would be enough to hold me. Idk. I don't really mind it here. The weather is pretty good, the mountains and ocean being pretty close together is nice but I don't really feel like the house we are in is where I want to stay. I do like a couple of our neighbors but still.. I am just not sure I am here for a long time. We'll just have to see where time takes us. 

8. Insert your own random thought here

Tonight we are going as a family to see the circus. I know its not politically correct and I know some of the stories in the news of things that have happened to the animals but I am going to go anyway. I am going to go with an open mind that maybe the money we spend tonight will go to feed and care for the animals. I haven't been since I was a little girl and I don't really have any memories of it. My kids have never been so this will probably be the first and last time the Jaggers heads to the circus. But it's kinda the same as the zoos and Seaworld. We go hoping to see the animals we love and hope that the money spent goes towards their care. Even though their is a lot of stigma associated with the circus, I am still excited to be going. I think it's going to be a wonderful night of family fun. I hope you guys are all staying warm in the north eastern states. I feel so bad for the flooding and damage that so many people are facing. We lift you in our prayers. 

Wednesday Hodgepodge

Happy Wednesday Friends! Time for another Wednesday Hodgepodge with Joyce from over at From This Side of the Pond ....this is always such a fun linkup that I love doing. Hope you enjoy.

1. American Idol is back for a 14th season. Are you watching? Have you ever watched? If you were to audition for the show (or were made to audition), what song would you sing?

I am a huge lover of American Idol. :) I've watched it for years. I am kinda happy this year that a lot of the goofy people are not be included. I think that might be funny but a waste of time. I only want to see people who can really sing. I would never ever audition for that show because I would in fact be grouped with the goofies! hahaha. Yea, it would never happen. I'll stick to watching it from the comfort of my own home.

2.  Mark Twain is quoted as saying, "If it's your job to eat a frog, it's best to do it first thing in the morning. And if it's your job to eat two frogs, it's best to eat the biggest one first." 

So when did you last have to 'eat a frog'? Or two? How'd that work out? 

We are currently on our way to a couple of frogs ourselves right now. We have a son in foster care because Scott's exwife abused and neglected them. Seriously...this post was done in advance and we are on our way in the car heading 11 hours one way to go to court tomorrow morning. I don't know how we work it out except by being there and showing our love and support to Zane. We need to have manners which helps any situation and not let our emotions take over.

3. If you were going on safari, what is the number one animal you'd want to see?

4. January 21st is National Granola Bar Day. I know. Do you like granola bars? Chewy or crunchy? Your favorite flavor? How about regular granola? Let's exhaust this topic in honor of the holiday okay?

I like it a little but the only granola I eat are those dippers.. You know the gronola bars dipped in chocolate. Those are my favorite.

5. If only I could fix all the issues going on with the boys in our family. One is hurt, shy, and unsocial up in Indiana, the other is living in foster care due to his mom and the other hates school and doesn't make the best grades. The girls are soaring and the boys are sinking. If only I could get it turned around. 

6. You can add one item to your bedroom. What will it be? Keep it family friendly please.

A new mattress. Scott and I both want a new fancy king mattress but neither of us want to pay the big price tag that comes along with it. It's just something I will have to budget for when we are serious about getting one. The Black Beautyrest mattress is almost 3k and of course that's the one I want!

7. What is one thing you've enjoyed about winter thus far? If it's not winter in your corner of the globe, what season is it, and what is something you've enjoyed about whatever season it happens to be?

I normally don't enjoy much about winter. It's cold.. nasty and just not something that makes me happy. We live in South Carolina and before we moved I got rid of a lot of my winter coats. Well guess what!?

This year we headed up north for Christmas and I ended up buying myself a couple of winter coats, a new scarf, mitt ins and gloves. And one of my jackets even has a hood on it. I know it might sound simple but actually having the appropriate clothes made all the difference. I was actually not as miserable or grumpy and enjoyed the crisp air a little more without freezing to death. It was one of the best buys of the year. Also we were with all the kids at Christmas with the exception of Zane who was really missed so that was amazing. Another part of winter that I have much enjoyed has been the warm raging fire we have going most nights. Its been nice and cozy in our house all due to the that one place. My cats love it as much as we do.. they are always curled up close to it staying warm on these very cold nights. Over all, its been a better winter than others. I haven't hated it as much but I do wish spring would come on. Everyone is so happy in December because of Christmas but January brings bleak long cold days and I think we are all ready for sunshine and warm weather. 

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Today is starting early for me and we have such a long way to go in the car. I hate car trips because I am always so worried something will happen on the highway. Not to mention a lot of the time my husbands driving scares me to death. But we will hopefully make it to this room that will be waiting on us.

Court scares me to death. 99% of the time I am a total no show. My lawyer use to make bets with the court personnel when things came up, if I was going to show or not. I am that bad about it. My family was in court a lot when I was a child and it kinda has messed with me. I hate going and I was going to try to stay home with Jackson but Scott needs us there and more importantly, we need to show Zane that we are there for him, we love him and we support him. Tomorrow is not going to be easy but we are going to head to court then get right back in the car and make the long journey home. In the meantime our housesitter will be taking care of the animals and house while we are away.

I hope you have a wonderful Wednesday. I still have a video that I will get posted early as well. Stay tuned... it will be up soon! Be sure to get entered in my latest giveaway for the Your Tea Tiny Teatox that is great for reducing bloating, helping your skin, and balancing your digestive system in a easy way. It's a great tea and it also gives you tons of energy. If you haven't entered...click here for your chance to win! :)

If you are new here, I'd love it if you used the button below to subscribe so you don't miss any new videos!

Wednesday Hodgepodge!

Happy Wednesday Friends! Time for another Wednesday Hodgepodge with Joyce from over at From This Side of the Pond ....this is always such a fun linkup that I love doing. Hope you enjoy.

1. What's your best piece of advice for a newly married couple? I'm asking for a friend.

I have a ton of blog posts on that very subject but I would have to say that forgiveness is #1 for all couples. Most new couples don't make it very long any more and I think it has a lot to do with not being able to forgive our spouses for pain they sometimes cause us. Forgiveness is giving up the right to hurt them for hurting you. It's harder than one might think in a marriage. A lot of times people just let problems and conflicts build up and then comes the straw that breaks the camels back. Communication is another major part of a marriage but without forgiveness, you won't get very far.

2. Before we're too far into the new year I wanted to post a question Teresa submitted during the December giveaway. Teresa blogs over at Being Refined As Silver, so everyone go say hi.

Teresa asks, "What were you doing on December 31st, 1999?"and "Did you or your family make preparations for Y2K?"

I was running around like a while child in my early 20's. I don't totally remember what I was doing but that was probably because of the cocktails I was having! I didn't expect anything about rolling into 2000. I knew nothing bad was going to happen and thankfully it didn't!

3. According to Global Language Monitor, the most used word of 2014 isn't a word. It's the heart emoji. Huh? How can something that's not a word be the most used word, but I digress. What do you think was your most used word in 2014?

Ha! It was probably not a nice word that I can share on here but I also said love a lot. My son is always telling me he loves me...sometimes 10 + times a day so I am guessing its love because I always respond with I love you more!

4. Speaking of words, it's that time again. Time for Lake Superior University to present a list of words they'd like to see banished (for over-use, mis-use, and general uselessness) in 2015. You can read more about the decision making process here, but this year's top vote getters are-

bae (before anyone else), polar vortex, hack, skill set, swag, foodie, curate/curated, friend-raising, enhanced interrogation, cra-cra (as in crazy), takeaway, and -nation (a suffering sports suffix).

Which of these words/phrases would you most like to see banished from everyday speech and why? Is there a word not on the list you'd like to add?

cra cra for sure! I hate listening to people say that! What's wrong with just saying crazy. I totally don't get it.

5.  January is National Hot Tea month? Are you a fan? Do you like flavored teas? How do you take your tea? Have a favorite cup or teapot? How many cups of tea do you consume in a given day? 

I have a cup or two a day. I have totally been loving the Mighty Leaf Organic Jasmine tea. It's simply amazing! Just add a little honey and sugar, and I'm all set! I love using a electric kettle to heat the water and I also love the perfect tea maker by Teavana. I have a ton of tea videos in case you are interested....and a new one coming soon! I still love coffee in the morning and tea in the afternoons and evening.



6. Whatever happened to manners? I am shocked at how many people don't have any manners. It's seems like it's a lost art to be poliete and well mannered. I think all kids need actual classes on decorum and manners. I think it's just about as important as anything else they have to learn.

7. What is one book on your must-read list this winter? 

Sadly...none on the list so far.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I am so ready for spring. The cold days and early nights have been really working against me. I seem to be behind on so many things because once the sun sets I want to be resting. So it's been a challenge! I just keep praying for warmer weather. Scott told me tonight in about a month, we should be having much warmer days. Let's hope he's right! Today I plan on working around the house along with doing some desk work. Nothing exciting but all things I need to do. I hope you all are having a wonderful Wednesday! Thanks for stopping by and visiting... if you are new here, you might want to subscribe to my youtube channel so you don't miss any new videos! :)) Happy Wednesday!

Wednesday Hodgepodge!

Happy Wednesday Friends! Time for another Wednesday Hodgepodge with Joyce from over at From This Side of the Pond ....this is always such a fun linkup that I love doing. Hope you enjoy.

1. Share a favorite moment from your Christmas holiday celebration.

Well. I know it isn't fair to the guys but the girls blew me away this year. They are all growing up into wonderful ladies who are well educated, well spoken and full of potential for the future. I had such a wonderful time with them which made our trip up north totally worth it. Even my best friend and her daughter are doing well and taking charge of their lives. It's amazing to actually see all the girls doing so well. Not to mention my sister in law and niece who are also doing sooooo good.

The boys were amazing too. But as the girls get older, they are taking over. And I couldn't be more proud. ♥

2. What would you say has been the biggest news event during your life so far?

Wow. News event huh? Well I think it would have to be President Obama getting elected, but 9/11, OJ trial, The new Pope, Tiger Woods Scandal, Boston Bombings, Bin Lauden killed, all the Hollywood deaths, are all HUGE events during my lifetime....along with so many others.

3. The Pantone Color of the Year for 2015 is Marsala. What say you-like or no like? Would I find this color anywhere in your home or wardrobe? Will you add something in this shade to either? 

I don't have much in this color. I am not a huge fan. I think this is more dark that what I want in the house. I have some dishes my mom got me in this color but that's about it!

4. Would you rather meet your ancestors or your great grandchildren? Explain why.

Omg. That is a crazy question. I think one day I will see my ancestors on the other side but God willing I wouldn't see my great grandchildren for a long time so I would pick them. I think it would be amazing to meet the children that are going to carry on our family well into the future.

5. Share one life lesson learned in 2014?

Just one!? I think one of the biggest lessons of 2014 is was learning to be ok with myself and the journey that got me to where I am now. I have failed, fallen, and made wrong decisions at different points in my life and those taught me the best and hardest lessons. My journey is nothing to be ashamed of and learning to be ok with it was a huge lesson I learned.

6. What was your best or favorite purchase made in 2014?

My little bug! I got into a major car wreck and needed a new car. Scott drove this home and surprised me. It is small but so am I so its a great fit. I love it.

7. What is one thing you're looking forward to in the new year?

Starting fresh. Any new year is a great chance to clean up your home and life so the upcoming months will run more smoothly. I am excited for a cruise we are taking in June and seeing what life gives this new year.

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 

Sorry this post is kinda late today. Its super cold here, just like so many other places so I have stayed and have not accomplished much today. I am currently doing a daily challenge that I am sharing on instagam so I got that done.. Dinner is cooking...and I am waiting on husby to come home. Jackson is on a big delay tomorrow so it looks like I will be having to take him to school. Here in SC we don't get much snow except in the mountains but it's snowing in Ashville right now. All day I have kept the fire going and trying to find any and all motivation. What makes it worse is American Idol starts tonight so I probably will be laid up on the couch under the blanket most of the evening. I also started a new book today and haven't gotten very far but what else is there to do!? I hope you guys are staying warm as well. I am so ready for spring! Feel free to comment and let me know what your weather is like. Are you freezing too!? I can't help to mention that my ♥ goes out the victims in Paris that were killed this morning. It's really heartbreaking and we lift their families in our prayers.

I have a video uploading right now that should be up in a couple of hours. Stay tuned and if you wish you can subscribe to me so you don't miss any new videos popping up.

Wednesday Hodgepodge!

Happy Wednesday Friends! Time for another Wednesday Hodgepodge with Joyce from over at From This Side of the Pond ....this is always such a fun linkup.. join in anytime! Hope you enjoy. 

1. What's something you take for granted, that when you stop and think about it you feel truly grateful for?

I know it might sound silly but one thing that I know I have taken for granted is the nice blinds on the windows. The back of our house is pretty much all windows and I use to not worry about the blinds...up or down, it didn't matter. But then I realized that I have a neighbor who likes to look in from time to time...he admitted it right to me and now I shut those blinds anytime I see him out and I always shut them at night now. He's a nice guy but I assumed it would be ok for me to leave open the blinds in the kitchen at night but from that neighbors house he can really see in all the way through our house if the kitchen blinds are open. I use to not care at all if the blinds were open or closed. I thought the very back of our home was more private than what it actually is, so now I truly feel grateful for the privacy they are giving us. Totally appreciate those blinds now.  

2. The color brown-love it or no? What's your favorite shade of brown? Most loved something in your home or closet in a shade of brown?

I do like brown. I don't wear a lot of it but I have a ton of brown purses. Some I use all year long and others I use just during fall. 

3. What's something you're looking forward to today?

I have absolutely no idea. I guess it would have to be the video editing class at 3pm I have. I don't know if its something I am jumping up and down about but I am thankful to be learning about other software to make my videos better and better. 

4. The word 'feminism' is not new, but it has been generating all kinds of headlines in recent days and months. What do you think/feel when you hear the word? If you're a woman, do you want to be described as a feminist? Why or why not?

I personally think women should have equal rights and equal pay to men....it that makes me a feminist then so be it. 

5. What's something you personally can't eat without making a mess?

Well that depends if I am having wine with dinner... if that's the case, after a couple sips, everything is messy to eat! :) I don't normally make a mess eating but crab legs are always messy to eat! 
6. When did you last surprise someone with a little gift or when were you last surprised by someone with a little gift? What was it?

I got a little gift from a subscriber a couple weeks ago.. I received this cute owl owl planner clip. Its so nice when someone takes time out of their daily lives to send something to me and or my family. I never expect it but it sure is a sweet surprise when someone I have never met sends a gift. You guys are the reason I have the PO Box and if you do send something, you will always get something back from me! Can't wait to this years Holiday Card exchange again! We will get going with it at the beginning of December. Stay tuned for a video explaining it all if you want to participate!

7. Share a favorite quote, saying, song lyric or scripture relating to gratitude.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

I hope you guys are all staying warm. Last night we had some record lows here in South Carolina. Its nothing I really care for to say the least. I was watching the news last night and they Buffalo was getting 70 inches of snow. That's just crazy. I seriously wouldn't leave my house for days if we got that much snow!

I am so thankful being able to work from home and not have to get up and go out in that cold mess every morning. My ♥ goes out to all of you guys who do. Please be safe on the roads and if your lucky enough to be able to stay home..grab some hot cocoa and enjoy the beautiful snow from in doors. I really hate it for all the outside animals who are probably freezing to death. We have a lot of stray cats around our neighborhood so I cracked the garage so they could maybe come in and get a little more warm. It's heartbreaking to know they are out there cold. So be sure to keep your pets in as much as possible too. It's just too cold to do anything....other than blog! :)

Hope you have a beautiful and blessed Wednesday!