#ThurstyThursday!

Oops, sorry guys! Forgot to push the publish button!
Happy Thursday! Let me see your dranks!
This week I thought I would change it up a little bit and do a beer review. Mike and I decided to pick this up last week. We were looking for something a little heavier but not too creamy. This was perfect.
 We used to drink Sam Adams all the time. Then we kind of got away from it after we felt like all their new beer tasted the same. It just felt like they weren't coming out with anything new and improved. I have to admit we were a little hesitant with this one, too, but we pulled the trigger and were not disappointed.
Sam Adams Escape Route

Source

"Escaping from winter’s darkness, this hazy golden, unfiltered Kölsch style creates a fresh start. Our take on the classic hybrid style from Cologne Germany combines the subtle fruit notes of an ale with the smooth crispness of a lager for a bright, refreshing brew to help escape those lingering cold days."

This is the description straight from the website, and since it pretty much said what I was going to. I'll leave it at that. It's a must try winter beer!!

My co-host this week is the blogger formerly known as Spunkee Belle. She has a new blog called Creatively Dysfunctional. A few weeks ago she linked up how to make rainbow shots and it was amazing. I have only seen this done one other time and it was awesome to see how I might even be able to do it myself. If you want sass and a lot of personality Krystal's the one to give it to you. Be sure to head on over and check her out.

1. Follow Hopelessly Ever After and Creatively Dysfunctional via GFC or Bloglovin'.
2. Write about your favorite DRANK (alcoholic beverage).
3. Grab a button from below or Kristin's sidebar and put it in your post. 4. Come back here and link up!!!
5. Get some new recipes or drink ideas for the weekend and make a new friend!!

6. Send a tweet with #ThurstyThursday and include @leggs532 and @CreativelyDys so we can see it!!

Anyone interested in co-hosting next week email Kristin at: hopelessly_ever_after@yahoo.com

An InLinkz Link-up

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Also linking up for: Little Friday || Treat Yo' Self Thursday 

A post about nothing.

It's just one of those days.....all bloggers have them. I'm not feeling it today. There is not one creative bone in my body at the moment and I have SO MUCH TO DO at work today. You would think since I was off the past 2 days that I would be rested and ready to go. But, I just feel like I need another day off. lol. Plus, Jury Duty was a bitch to me on Monday. That's a story for another day, though.


Don't forget to link up for Thursty Thursday tomorrow!! I saw some awesome cocktails over the last few days and I hope to see some recipes!! And, as you saw last week, if you have a creative cocktail related DIY, link that up, too!! I love to see it all!!

Have a great Wednesday!!

Recipe: Skinnier Stovetop Mac and Cheese

I think I mentioned Mike and I have been really trying to eat a little healthier. We both meal prep out lunches and I meal prep breakfast, too, but when it comes to dinner we try to eat something that we're not going to get to tired of. So, thanks to Skinnytaste and Skinny Mom, I've found a lot of recipes out there that let us stay healthy, but still indulge a little.

This was a recipe I found on Skinny Mom. I did change some things up just a little, but I was super suprised at how delicious this Stovetop Mac and Cheese came out. Truthfully, it's just as good as he Baked Mac and Cheese I typically make for holiday dinners.

The best part, it's only like 360 calories for a whole cup and a half of this stuff. I know that might sound like a lot, but it's also using reduced fat and reduced sodium products, so you're looking at lightening up in that department, too.

Skinnier Stovetop Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

12 oz whole wheat pasta, uncooked

1.5 tbsp light butter

1/4 cup flour

1/4 cup yellow onion, diced

2 cups reduced sodium chicken broth

1 cup skim milk

1 cup reduced fat, shredded cheddar cheese

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp paprika

Cook pasta according to directions on package. Melt butter in a large skillet. Whisk in flour. Add onion and cook until translucent, continuing to whisk. Whisk in chicken broth and milk. Raise temperature to medium high and continue to whisk. Bring sauce to a boil. Once sauce thickens (about 10-12 minutes) add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika and mix well. Remove from heat. Mix in cheese and continue to stir until cheese is melted. Add pasta and stir well. Enjoy!

Linking up: Tuesday's Recipe Swap || Delicious Dish Tuesday || Tuesday's Table || Turn it up Tuesday || Tutorial Tuesday || Let's Be Friends Blog Hop || Tickle My Tastebuds Tuesday

Dear Jury Duty,

   

     Please be nice to me. After all, I am taking a day off of work to come and hang out with you. Truthfully, I wouldn't be upset if you told me I could leave as soon as I got there. At least it would give me a day off, even though we only had an inservice day at work today.

     As much as I appreciate the day off of work, though, you are kinda boring. I mean I can't even bring in coffee to drink while we chill. And, since my Kindle is electronic, I'm supposed to keep that at home, too. But, I'm not too upset about that because it kind of forces me to read one of the seven million unread books I have on my bookshelf.

     I'll be honest, today is going to be tough. I don't think I've gone more than a few hours without my phone lately. It's kinda part of me. Who knows, maybe I'll like it. Maybe I'll thank you later for introducing me back into the world of being social with other human beings. Well, not like I don't do that with a bunch of kiddies on the daily, but still. It's going to be different.

    Well, I guess I'm here. Just one request, please don't keep me too late. I haven't really seen my husband over the last 3 days, so it would be nice to spend some time with him. Ok, let's be honest. I just want to get out in time to go to Happy Hour. Sorry.

Sincerely,
  Kristin

I'm lovin it!

It's Friday and I'm lovin' it!!

favorite cocktail.

This beautiful concoction was linked up by my co-host Amy yesterday for #ThurstyThursday! You definitely have to stop by the linkup and check it out. And...if you're ever in the mood, come party with us every Thursday for #ThurstyThursday!!

favorite diy.

The lovely ladies at The Sequin Notebook posted this awesome DIY to the linkup yesterday, too!! I've heard of using Sharpie's to decorate coffee mugs, but never martini glasses!! I mean seriously? How awesome! And it would be the perfect gift for a bridal shower or birthday!

favorite recipe.

I found this recipe on one of the linkups this week I believe. Chastity over at A Cowboy's Life posted it and it was immediately pinned!! I absolutely love bread pudding and if I can have it for breakfast, how much better can it get?!? And...I plugged the recipe into My Fitness Pal and it's surprisingly not that awful for you. I'm not sure how many servings this makes, but if it serves 5 it's only 223 calories give or take.

favorite pin.

I guess this could go as favorite diy, too, but I had to pin it. Isn't this awesome!! Mine probaly wouldn't be so flashy, but I like the idea. And those hexagon cutters are only like $14 or something like that. Can't beat that. Although...now that I'm thinking about it, buying the canvas, the paper, and the cutters might equal more than I'm willing to spend to make something myself. Hmmm.

favorite song.

This song has been stuck in my head all week. I used it as background music for a few iMovie slideshows my students used and I can't get it out of my head. That and ♪Chicken Parm you taste so good♪ And I have to admit the video is kinda cute so take a look!!
Linking up: Oh Hey Friday || Friday Favorites || H54F || That Friday Blog Hop || 5 on Friday

#ThurstyThursday Cocktail Linkup!!

It's Thursday!! Come party with us!!

This is a new take on an old drink Mike used to drink back in the day. It tastes kinda like Hawaiian Punch so it's a drink you could prepare for the kiddies and add a couple shots to the adults dranks!!

Hawaiian Smash

• 3 shots vodka

• 1-2 fresh squeezed oranges 

(for large batches, just use orange juice)

• 4 oz cranberry juice

• 4 oz sprite

Mix vodka, oranges, and cranberry juice together in a large glass. Add sprite. Enjoy!!

My co-host this week is the amazing Amy from The Crazy Wise Woman. She's a happily divorced mom of 3 and she's awesome as hell. Amy is currently doing the Whole30 thing and I'm so interested to learn about it. She has some awesome Whole30 recipes on her blog. I'm definitely looking forward to trying out the mayo!! Everybody go stop by and say hey to Amy!!

1. Follow Hopelessly Ever After and The Crazy Wise Woman via GFC or Bloglovin'.
2. Write about your favorite DRANK (alcoholic beverage).
3. Grab a button from below or Kristin's sidebar and put it in your post. 4. Come back here and link up!!!
5. Get some new recipes or drink ideas for the weekend and make a new friend!!

6. Send a tweet with #ThurstyThursday and include @leggs532 and @CrazyWiseWoman so we can see it!!

Anyone interested in co-hosting next week email Kristin at: hopelessly_ever_after@yahoo.com

An InLinkz Link-up

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<a href="http://www.hopelesslyeverafter.blogspot.com" title="Hopelessly Ever After"><img src="http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l54/leggs532/thurstythursdaybutton_zps8b8d412b.jpg" alt="Hopelessly Ever After" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Also linking up for: Little Friday || Treat Yo' Self Thursday 

It's Wednesday

It's how I make it through every week!!

Have a great Wednesday and remember tomorrow is #ThurstyThursday!!! Stop by and party with us!

Recipe: Skinny Crockpot Pulled Pork

This is the recipe I was tell you about. It was really good and super easy, not to mention you use a crockpot so there is practically no effort. I did this, while running late mind you, the morning of and it took me maybe 5 minutes to get everything together. Then you set it and forget it and voila! Yumminess!!

And.....it's a skinny recipe!! So...who can beat that?

Skinny Crockpot Pulled Pork

Ingredients:

2.5 lbs. pork lion roast with fat trimmed

2 medium onions sliced thin

1 cup reduced sodium chicken broth

1 cup reduced sugar BBQ sauce

lettuce of your choice

for the rub:

1 tbsp. brown sugar

1 tbsp. chili powder

1 tbsp garlic powder

1/2 tbsp salt

1 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

Add onion to crockpot and cover with chicken broth. Mix together rub ingredients and pat pork roast down with paper towels to make sure it is dry. Generously rub spice mixture all over pork roast. Place pork roast on top of onions, cover, and set crockpot to low for 8-10 hours.

Pull pork out of crockpot and shred. Separate onions from juices by straining contents of the crockpot into a bowl. Add onions back to the crockpot with the shredded pork. Add BBQ sauce to the crockpot and mix. If pork needs to be moistened, use reserved liquids to moisten before eating. I added about 1/4 of a cup if that.

Linking up: Tuesday's Recipe Swap || Delicious Dish Tuesday || Tuesday's Table || Turn it up Tuesday || Tutorial Tuesday || Let's Be Friends Blog Hop

Thank God It's Friday!!

Sorry I'm a little late today. I got about a half hour of sleep last night and I'm running on empty.

But, IT'S FRIDAY!!!!

favorite cocktail.

My co-host Laura linked up this recipe yesterday for my Thursty Thursday linkup. Personally, I think it looks like it needs to be running down my throat as we speak. So happy she co-hosted with me so I could learn of this incredible concoction!!

favorite recipe.

I found this recipe for Skinny Slow Cooker Pulled Pork and we tried it out yesterday. It was divine!! I changed some things around, as usual, and might be posting the recipe some time in the near future so keep your eyes out. it's definitely a winner. We used lettuce and made them into a lettuce wrap to cut back on some of the carbs.

favorite outfit.

I saw this this week on Pinterest and fell in love. I just got a new peplum top for Christmas and I love how it hides everything I need it to hide. I think this peplum top needs to be in my wardrobe, too. And, since we all know I don't rock heels, a new pair of cutesy black flats, too.

favorite song.

 Our good friends danced to this song at their wedding on New Years Eve. I have to admit I had never heard it before and didn't hear it again until the other night. And, I love it. It's so sweet and I listened to it like 40 times since then. haha.

And, that's all I can think of at the moment. I think my brain has finally fallen asleep. Although, I have to make it through the rest of the day at work. Boo. ZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Linking up: Oh Hey Friday || Friday Favorites || H54F || That Friday Blog Hop || 5 on Friday

Thursty Thursday!

It's Thursday!!! Which means I'm thirsty!!

This has been an awesome week. We had a 2 hour delay on Monday and yesterday we were off for a snow day. If you read yesterdays post you will find out just how much snow we got!! And now...it's Thursday!! My favorite day of the week...well, besides Friday and Saturday. :)

Today, I ran out of options. lol. We didn't have much in the house and truthfully, we're broke as a joke, so I went with what we had. lol.

Lemon Squeezy (my neezy) Ingredients • 2 shots Bacardi rum or Smirnoff vodka • equal parts V8 V-fusion Strawberry Banana and • lemonade
Mix ingredients together and stir!!
This is so refreshing and perfect to make in a big batch for a summer party or to take to the beach!! Can't wait for warmer weather!!

My co-host today is Laura from Life with Lolo. I just happened upon her blog a few weeks ago but knew it was friends at first sight when I read "I'm an Idaho girl who loves a good beer" under her photo. We all know how much I love my beer. She and Lauren also have an #awesome linkup called #HashtagHumpday every Wednesday. Be sure to stop by and say hi!!

1. Follow Hopelessly Ever After and Life with Lolo via GFC or Bloglovin'.
2. Write about your favorite DRANK (alcoholic beverage).
3. Grab a button from below or Kristin's sidebar and put it in your post. 4. Come back here and link up!!!
5. Get some new recipes or drink ideas for the weekend and make a new friend!!

6. Send a tweet with #ThurstyThursday and include @leggs532 and @LauraNicoleW so we can see it!!

Anyone interested in co-hosting next week email Kristin at: hopelesslyeverafter@gmail.com

An InLinkz Link-up

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Also linking up for: Little Friday || Treat Yo' Self Thursday 

#SnowDay

Don't forget..tomorrow is #ThurstyThursday!! Stop by and party with us!

We got a #SnowDay today!!! Absolutely crazy because our backyard looks like this....

#weneedafence #fencesareexpensive #fencefund #impoor

But I'm not complaining!! I live about 45 minutes north of where I work so usually we are the ones who have snow and they don't. But today, I guess it was finally the other way around!

Mike was actually off until tonight, too so we get to #cuddleup together and freeze to death.

And I get to work this body out!! Today was not originally going to be a gym day because Mike goes into work tonight...but that's a whole new #bitchyblogpost. I'm super excited that I get to go, however, and with Mike, too. He's my favorite person to #workout with. I mean who wouldn't want to work out with this hunk of a man?

#datbackdoh #ripped #hisshirtnothisback

So off we go!! #BEASTMODE

Recipe: Homemade Granola Bars

This weekend Mike and I decided to try out making our own granola bars. We found a recipe that we thought was a skinny version, but it turns out each granola bar is about 280 calories. So...not so skinny. But, good none the less. And I ended up cutting half of the bars in half because they were quite large anyway. So now we're down to 140 calories each and very filling. Enjoy!

Homemade Apple Cinnamon Granola Bars

Ingredients:

• 1 cup extra crunchy peanut butter

• 2/3 cup honey

• 2.5 cups old fashion oats

• 1/2 cup flour

• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

• 2 tsp. cinnamon

• 1/4 cup raisins

• 1/2 cup craisins

Preheat oven to 350º and line a 13x9 baking dish with aluminum foil. Spray with nonstick spray. Melt peanut butter and honey in saucepan over low heat until melted. In a large mixing bowl mix oats, flour, raisins, craisins, and cinnamon.  Pour in peanut butter mixture and applesauce. Mix together. Spread granola mix evenly into baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely and cut into individual bars.

* This made 7 large bars and 10 small sized bars.

Linking up for:

Tuesday's Recipe Swap | Delicious Dish Tuesday | Tuesday's Table | Turn it up Tuesday | Tutorial Tuesday

#TracktheTank Giveaway!!

So a while back Tia and Candra had this awesome idea where we would kinda copy the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and send a tank top around the US so bloggers all over could explain their motivation to stay healthy. And...it's finally completed it's journey!!

I got the tank this summer and took it to the track with me. Figured I would #trackthetank at the track!! And here was my post:

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You ladies...and gentleboys, if you're out there, although this doesn't really apply to you...are really in for a treat!!! If you haven't heard about this yet, listen up betches!!

Tia from Hands On, Pants Off and Candra from Camo & Lipstick came up with this amazing idea to allow bloggers to share their motivation and fitness journey with their readers. And...instead of the typical link-up...they are bringing this "link-up" to life with a traveling tank top!!

Kind of like "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants", the tank top will travel all over the United States and into the hands of 26 bloggers, including me (ahhhhhhh!!!). Each blogger will take a "selfie" with the tank, sign a special message, and then make a blog post about the motivation that helps them through each day.



I'm super stoked because some of the women that will receive this tank are my biggest motivators and I feel honored to be involved in something like this with them. I can't wait to read each of the participants blog posts and look forward to hearing what keeps them going every day.

So where does the giveaway come in?? At the end of it all, one lucky reader will have the opportunity to receive this tank. Don't worry, we promised not to sweat in it!!

Wanna see my tank selfie?!?! Here it is!!!

Sorry about the face....we all know I can't just smile in a picture. We went to the track on Saturday and since I spend almost every Saturday of my summer there anyway, I thought it was appropriate. Plus...its the track...and we're TRACKing the Tank!! Or something....yeah....

So far it's traveled from Candra in New Hampshire, to Erin in Maine, then to Ang in New Jersey, and finally to ME here in Maryland!!! And by the time it's done, it will have traveled to all of these bloggers:

Candra, Erin, Angela, Kristin, Jasmine, Valerie, Amy, Amy, Brittney, Lindsay, Aubrey Leigh, April, Crystal, Alma, Brandi, Rikki, Erin, Darci, Tracie, Erin, Bridget, Bailey, Nicole, Kati, Christine, and Tia

And now, on to my motivation!!

So...I'm going to be totally cliche' here and tell you that, my motivation is....my husband. I know, I know....but what chick doesn't want to look good for her husband?!? Yeah, yeah, I know what they say "you should do it for you!!" but the truth is, doing it for him is doing it for me.

Being naked in front of someone takes a lot of confidence, even if it is your husband. And not only being naked, but feeling pretty in general. For me, I don't feel beautiful unless I think others feel the same way about me.

Sounds sad, but we all have it. It's the same reason that girls dress for other girls. We want others to think we're pretty, or trendy...whatever look you're going for. Otherwise, we would only have a wardrobe of yoga pants and oversized t-shirts. You want someone else to think you're beautiful.

And for me, Mike thinking I'm beautiful, is the best feeling in the world.

So now...the tank heads to Jasmine in Virginia!! Follow along on our journey!

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And now!! It's finally complete and we are giving away the tank!! All you have to do is enter below and you can read all the inspirational messages from around the US!! And don't worry, we weren't allowed to sweat in it or get it nasty, so it should be nice and clean for you to hang on your wall or wear to the gym!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, I love you...

It's been the longest week EVER!! But, it's finally almost over and I can relax this weekend! Other than the fact that my husband's hours have just changed so now he will be working 6 to 6 instead of 7:45 to 7:45, which means we won't have time together. But....life goes on.

Here are a few of my favorites for the week!!

favorite cocktail.

Chelsee at Southern Beauty Guide linked this up for Thursty Thursday yesterday. Looks like something I will be making in big batches to take to the beach this summer!!

favorite book.

Just got done this book and it was really good. I haven't really read any books like this about rehab and addicts before but it was super interesting. Here is the synopsis from Goodreads: 

Allison Weiss got her happy ending: a handsome husband, an adorable daughter, a job she loves, and the big house in the suburbs. But while waiting in the pediatrician's office, she opens a magazine to a quiz about addiction and starts to wonder: Is a Percocet at the end of the day really different from a glass of wine? Is it such a bad thing to pop a Vicodin after a brutal Jump & Pump class, or if your husband ignores you? She tells herself that the pills help her make it through her days; but what if her increasing drug use, a habit that's becoming expensive and hard to hide, is turning into her biggest problem of all?

favorite recipe.

Kerry linked these up with Emily and Kate's Tuesday's Recipe Swap linkup. I can't wait to try them!! Don't they look delicious? And Bourbon? Yes, please!! P.S. If you're ever looking for good recipes, check out this linkup. LOVE IT!!

favorite craft beer.

Flying Dog's Dogtoberfest is what the hubsters and I are hooked on this week. So good, and it's a Marzen which means it's perfectly balanced. Not too light, not too heavy. Definitely try this one out!

favorite cute video.

I mean, how can you not giggle at that sweet little scared face? P.S. Raven's play the Patriots tomorrow!!! I seem to remember this same instance a few years ago when we MADE OUR WAY TO AND WON THE SUPERBOWL!!! What What? Let's go BOYS!!!!!

Thursty Thursday Party Linkup!

I'm back!! Sorry for the two week delay, I just knew that everyone (including me) would probably be busy doing their thang anyway, so...that's my excuse.

As much drinking as I did over this break I didn't really stray from my usual. Between the Arnold Palmer-anian and my goto Vodka Monster I stayed pretty drunk consistent throughout my time at home.

I did run out of my Burnetts and Smirnoff one night, though, and thought I would make a concoction with what I had in the liquor cabinet. Well...the only bottle we had left. :)

Cherry Poppins
(like what I did there?)

• 2 shots Bacardi Torched Cherry

• equal parts Cran-Cherry juice

and

• Sprite

• splash lemonade

Add ingredients, give a quick stir. Enjoy!!

* I think this would be awesome with Canda Dry Cran Ginger Ale, too. And instead of lemonade, a splash of orange juice. But I didn't have any of that in the house. :) Hmm...maybe that can be a drink for another day!!

My cohost this week is Chelsee!! She saved me, yet again, from being all alone. :) Chelsee blogs over at Southern Beauty Guide! If you ever need makeup tips or ideas for alternatives to what you have, check her out. And stop by her Let's Be Friends Blog Hop on Tuesday's!!

1. Follow Hopelessly Ever After and Chelsee via GFC or Bloglovin'.
2. Write about your favorite DRANK (alcoholic beverage).
3. Grab a button from below or Kristin's sidebar and put it in your post. 4. Come back here and link up!!!
5. Get some new recipes or drink ideas for the weekend and make a new friend!!

6. Send a tweet with #ThurstyThursday and include @leggs532 and @etagurl89 so we can see it!!

Anyone interested in co-hosting next week email Kristin at: hopelessly_ever_after@yahoo.com

An InLinkz Link-up

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