Wordless Wednesday: Outfit of the Day & New Boots!

Wordless Wednesday: Sick Day

Makeover Monday: A New Me!

See this smile on my face?  It's not there anymore.  This was before I started the Insanity workout.  I'm pretty sure my results are crap, but I'm going to post them anyway.  That way I can come back here and compare every now and then.

Switch Kick - 67
Power Jack - 50
Power Knee - 86
Power Jump - 30
Power Squat - 8
S*icides - 13
Push Up Jacks - 15
Agility - 22

Since my birthday was last week, I decided I had better start taking care of myself for real.  I'm not getting any younger, after all.  And lately I've heard these commercials on the radio that say "If you're thinking about having a baby in the future, you need to start preparing your body now..." Thank you, wake up call!

I usually do OK with the workout portion, but I really struggle with the eating right part of being healthy.  I have an insatiable sweet tooth.  I seriously eat something sweet after almost every meal.  And sometimes dessert *is* dinner!  So I'm going to be spending much more time on Pinterest checking out all the sites and blogs where they take something delicious and fattening and turn it into something much less horrible for you.  Hey - anything to spend more time on Pinterest!

What have you done to take better care of yourself?  What are some of your go-to recipes?  Please share!

*SJ*

Weekend Review: Party Time

This weekend we celebrated the birthday of one of my dear friends.  Lemme tell ya, this girl knows how to party!  Here's a pic of me in my outfit for the evening.  I picked this dress because it is Ashley's favorite.

And check us out here.  Between the two of us, we could open a dimple factory!  Or at least a teeth whitening business!

Although exhausting, this weekend was a great one.  I got to spend time with friends, meet new people, and eat some good food.  My Wolverines barely squeaked out a victory last night, and the Cowboys won this afternoon.  I hope your weekend was enjoyable.  Here's to another week!

*SJ*

Just For Fun

This is my homage to all of the "Keep Calm and..." slogans that are popping up everywhere.  Unfortunately, I can't take credit for creating this.  Although it speaks my mind perfectly, it actually came from the website www.keepcalmandcarryon.com which of course I found through Pinterest.

On this website, you create whatever "Keep Calm..." slogan you like.  Then you can print it on T-shirts, coffee mugs, iPhone cases...pretty much anything you can imagine!

I would love to get this framed as a poster and hang it in my room.  Maybe I should hang it in my closet right above where I store my cowboy boots.  The possibilities for these signs are endless.  Be sure to check out their website and support this fun company!

*SJ*

Thirsty Thursday: Starbucks Passion Tea Lemonade

Sunday is the first day of Fall.  It's been cooler around here for the past few days, and I'm definitely ready for sweater weather.  So, to bid farewell to Summer, today's Thirsty Thursday is one of my favorite summertime drinks - Passion Tea Lemonade from Starbucks.

I'm gonna go ahead and tell you, I have acclimated very well to the South's way of thinking that "there's no such thing as too-sweet tea!"  When you order this from Starbucks, you can choose sweet or unsweet, but I always go for sweet.  Oh, and I found this recipe right on the Starbucks site, so yours should taste the same as in-store (hopefully).

Starbucks Tazo (R) Iced Passion (R) Tea Lemonade

5 pumps Fontana(R) Classic Syrup

12 oz Tazo (R) Passion(R) Iced Tea

6 oz Lemonade

Ice

1. Add syrup to the cup

2. Add iced tea and lemonade

3. Stir

4. Fill cup with ice

I hope you will join me in raising a glass to salute the end of Summer.  Welcome Fall!!

*SJ*

Wordless Wednesday: New Hair

Two Minute Tuesday

"God's vision for YOU is bigger, brighter, and better than anything you can envision for yourself.  Every day He wants to move YOU closer to that image He has for YOU."

Such eye-opening words spoken by my pastor, Dr. Brandon Thomas at Keystone Church in Keller.

Another Trip Around the Sun

I just got home from my birthday dinner.  My sister made my favorite - taco salad, and lemon cake by special request.  Best gift of the evening goes to my niece, Zoe, who is 7.  

Check out this adorable birthday card she made me.  Simple message, and one *I* forget all too often.  Meant so much to see it in her handwriting, though.

BTW, in case you were wondering what on earth is going on in the picture to the right: my sister is always giving me clothes and shoes that she doesn't wear anymore.  Pretty great sister, huh?  Well, she had a basket for me today, and the girls were walking around in the shoes - wearing their jammies, of course.  Zoe decided they needed to sit on the ottoman and fan themselves like "fancy ladies" so that is what is happening there.

These kids crack me up!  I am truly so fortunate to have them in my life.  I love watching them grow up into little people with personalities and ideas.  This was a great birthday, and I think this might be the Year of the Princess!

*SJ*

For Sarah Jane, On the Eve of Her 34th Year

Good Heavens, Girl!

What a year it has been!  You've seen unimaginable heartbreak, experienced anger, loss, and overwhelming acceptance.  365 days ago, you were on your way to Happily Ever After.  How could you have possibly known the year you would have?

It's been hard.  There have been tears - A LOT of tears.  But you're sitting here today, and you're a more whole person than you've been in a long time.  Maybe ever.  So many people are proud of you.  *I* am proud of you.  Here are a few reasons why:

*You are faithfully attending and involved in church
*You've lived on your own for almost a year
*You are learning who you are, and you really LOVE that girl
*You are surrounding yourself with people who are good for you
*You know your worth - and demand it
*You are stronger than anyone gave you credit for
*You haven't let the hard times get you down.  Instead, you have found true joy by realizing that not every experience has to be a 'happy' one to be a 'good' one.

Sarah Jane, I am excited and terrified for what this year has in store.  Each day is a fresh start.  A new chance to do great things and be great.  You have a great God to help you.  Look to Him, learn from Him.  Use the godly women He has placed in your life to help you.  YOU ARE HIS.

A few more reminders:
~~"The Lord will guarantee a blessing on everything you do and will fill your storehouses with grain.  The Lord your God will bless you in the land He is giving you." --Deuteronomy 28:8

~~"I have always been delighted at the prospect of a new day, a fresh try, one more start, with perhaps a bit of magic waiting somewhere behind the morning." --J.B. Priestly

~~"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do.  So throw off the bowlines.  Sail away from the safe harbor.  Catch the trade winds in your sails.  Explore. Dream. Discover." --attributed to Mark Twain

~~"We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps." --Proverbs 16:9

~~"Ever tried? Ever failed? No matter.  Try again.  Fail again.  Fail better." --Samuel Beckett

Don't forget to be good to yourself.  Be good to others.  Be great.  Be brave.  Happy Birthday, Princess.

*SJ*

Thirsty Thursday: Summertime In a Glass

It was SUCH a gorgeous day today in Fort Worth!  Friends of mine who were travelling the East Coast were posting pictures of a snow storm, while I ran my errands in 60 degree weather.  I don't want to get ahead of myself, because the worst of the Texas winter is yet to come.  But this afternoon did make me long for Spring.  In honor of that, today I am sharing the Bahama Mama!

Bahama Mama

• 1.5 oz dark rum (such as Captain Morgan)
• 1 oz coconut rum (Malibu)
• 4 oz pineapple juice
• 2 oz orange juice

Put everything in a shaker over ice and shake to mix.  Serve in a fancy glass, such as a hurricane glass.  Garnish with a swirl of Grenadine on top, and a cherry or an orange slice.  Sit and wait three months until Spring rolls around.

Enjoy!

*SJ*

Wordless Wednesday: Congraturations!

Things I'm Loving Right Now

Tonight I am catching up on emails, listening to music, and contemplating life.  OK, not really that last one so much.  I am catching up on emails and listening to music, though.  I have been gone since Saturday afternoon, spending time with my Someone Special.  As soon as I came home after work today, I thought "Wow, I'm so glad I cleaned before I left.  It's so nice to come home and everything is already in order."  That thought is what prompted tonight's post.

So here are a few things I am loving right now:

1. That I got a HUGE discount on gas tonight at Kroger.  $2.99 a gallon : )
2. Scentsy - I was doing really well toward to the end of last year, then I pretty much stopped once I moved.  I am getting ready to gear up again for Spring, and I'm very excited.
3. Staying in and relaxing; those who know me realize this is very out of character for me!
4. That it's Girl Scout Cookie Time!  My niece, Zoe, is the cutest little salesperson ever!
5. WINE!  As I have mentioned before, my new adult beverage of choice is Moscato.
6. Texas Country Music - probably goes without saying
7. My church; I have been attending an amazing church here locally for about 3.5 months now.  I am meeting new people, making friends, and even work in the Baby Suite every week.
8. Being independant - believe me, I never thought I'd say that!
9. Cracking open a fresh day planner, with every week full of possibilities and promise
10. Spending time with the Mister - once again, everything is full of possibilities and promise at this point.  I haven't been this happy or excited in a long time.

So there you have it.  A few of my favorite things, in no particular order.

*SJ*

Make Something Monday: Making Memories

Tonight I am enjoying a relaxing evening, sipping beer (yes, I always *sip* - even beer) and watching Duck Dynasty.  We are cleaning guns, and shopping for parts online.

The reason I have titled today's "Make Something Monday" as Making Memories is because I feel we are doing just that. I have begun a new relationship with someone who is very important to me.  He has been out of my life for a while, and I have missed him dearly every day.  I'm not quite prepared to reveal who this Special Someone is, because...it's a secret!

We haven't told our families that we are seeing each other, or even speaking for that matter.  In fact, the only people who know he is back in my life are the three girls I work with every day.  We prefer to keep things quiet for a while and let things develop as they will.  I am not eager to have other people and their opinions involved in our relationship.  Besides, being involved in a secret tryst is so exciting!

I hope you will go out and make some special memories today.  What are some of your favorite memories?

*SJ*

Working Saturday

Last night ended too late, and this morning started WAY too early!  I had to work for a few hours this morning, but went home and took a nap as soon as I could afterward.

I spent a wonderful, stress-free evening with my Love. We cooked dinner, watched football, and drank wine.  After dinner we sat out on the patio and watched the rain. I was bundled in a blanket and had the kerosene heater going. He was sweating because it was 36 degrees!

We are about to head to bed, and I'm already looking forward to tomorrow.  After church we're headed to see a friend of mine play at my favorite restaurant.  Pictures to follow!

* SJ*

Finally Friday: Girls' Night Out

And a less-than-stellar photo to document it!

Thirsty Thursday: Wine of the Moment

It feels like a good evening to sit back and relax with a good book and a glass of wine.  It's a little chilly outside, but the rain has finally stopped after two days.  It's quiet in the house, and I have nowhere else to be.

I haven't darkened the doors of a bar in almost two weeks.  That shouldn't be a big deal, but it is.  I am taking an unintended hiatus from my bartending gig, and haven't felt much like hanging out in a smoky room lately.  Instead, I have been spending a lot of time at home: reading, watching movies, catching up on blogging and sending exciting, hopeful little text messages to a special someone.

To celebrate the end of another busy, stressful day, I propose a toast.  I've been drinking a lot of wine lately. I'm not trying to be fancy; I just get too fat when I drink beer!  My wine of choice is always a white.  Sometimes a Riesling, but lately I favor a Moscato.  I tried a new brand on New Year's Eve - Barefoot Wine & Bubbly - and really enjoyed it.  I have since bought more, and we go through it pretty quickly each time!

It's hard for me to find a wine I truly enjoy, and therefore I don't show loyalty to any one particular brand.  This one is different, however, as we tried three varieties on NYE and enjoyed each one.  While I many venture out and try others, I am confident this will be my new "go to" wine.  The Spumante is perfect for a special celebration, the Red Moscato a compliment to many meat dishes, and the Moscato pairs perfectly with Thirsty Thursday.  Cheers!

Photo Courtesy of Pinterest

*SJ*

Wordless Wednesday: StageIt.com

www.dustymorrismusic.com

It's Not Always Gourmet

In fact, it is rarely gourmet at my house. I don't really enjoy cooking just for me. I would cook for my housemates, but I didn't get home until 8pm tonight and it just wasn't in the cards.

Instead, after we three girls sat around and gossiped for an hour, I settled in to my new favorite place, my reading nook.  To keep me nourished, I brought along 2 Kraft singles, a bag of pretzels and a tub of icing.  I know, I didn't even have the decency to make the icing myself! Ya know, I'm just not that hard on myself. I work very hard between all the responsibilities I have. I guess I just like myself enough to grant a reprieve every now and then.

I've actually been doing very well so far with my goals. I have blogged every day except one. I have been watching what I eat and so far have lost 1.6 pounds. I have been making plans and working on my music. So I'll go ahead and call this a reward day instead of a cheat day. And I plan to enjoy!

* SJ*

Make Something Monday

Happy Monday Blog Readers!

OK, let's be real: I am never that excited about Mondays.  I'm not really even all that excited about Fridays until the work day is over.  I decided to try a little experiment, however, and will be trying something new each Monday.  As my blog itself is a little sporadic, the things I try will be, too. One Monday I might make a new dessert, the next I might try a new craft.  There may even be a time or two that I'm feeling brave and will make music on Make Something Monday.  To start off, here is a sweet treat:

White Chocolate Fudge

• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese
• 3.5-4 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1.5 tsp vanilla extract
• 12 oz chopped white chocolate (or chips)
• Fruit, nuts or additional mix-ins (optional)

1. Beat cream cheese in a medium-sized bowl until very smooth.  Add sugar and vanilla and mix.
2. Melt white chocolate in a double boiler or microwave.
3. Fold white chocolate in to cream cheese mixture.  If adding fruit, nuts, cookies, etc add them at this time.
4. Spread into a pan lined with parchment paper.  Chill for one hour, then cut into pieces.

Adapted from "White Chocolate Fudge" recipes submitted by Vicki on AllRecipes.com

Enjoy!

*SJ*

Lazy Saturday

I woke up this morning with grand ideas of running errands and getting housework done.  Now almost 11pm, I haven't done a single load of laundry and there's still no food in the house.  What I did accomplish today was spending money! I bought a pair of boots I've had my eye on but didn't need.  I also dropped off my guitar to be repaired by the good people at Guitar Center.

The only other thing I've done today was lay around and read.  I've decided I kinda like not being pulled in 15 different directions at once.  The last couple of months I have been constantly on the go, not stopping long enough to think or feel or be sad. I feel like I am finally in control of my life, and to celebrate I did exactly what I wanted - absolutely nothing!

I don't plan to be lazy every weekend, but just this once it was nice.  And now...my new boots!

Finally Friday

It's Friday at last! It has been an exhausting week.  The last few days have tried my patience, made me want to cry, made me so happy I couldn't stop smiling, left me worried, anxious, and frustrated.  And sometimes I felt all of those emotions in the same day!

After all that emotion, the last thing I wanted to do was go spend time in a bar or at a party somewhere. Crazy, as that is how I spend a typical Friday night.  Instead, I opted for one of my favorite places in my home: my reading nook. Just me, a cup of cider, and Little Women. A great way to unwind and reflect on the first four days of what promises to be an eventful year!

Thirsty Thursday: The "Sarah-nader!"

I've had a crappy day today, so I am re-instating Thirsty Thursday.  The irony of this post is that I live with people who don't drink.  I am still, however, the best bartender in all of Fort Worth.  This drink was inspired by a similar cocktail made by a co-bartender. I tweaked mine a little, and I really like it.

The Sarah-nader

• 2 oz Three Olives Loopy Vodka
• 1 oz Three Olives Cake Vodka
• Splash of Pineapple Juice
• Splash of Sprite

Mix everything but the Sprite in a shaker over ice.  Shake well and strain into a shot glass.  Add the splash of Sprite on top. Shoot & repeat!

The naming of this shot is two-fold.  First of all, because of course I am Sarah.  But also, because I sing, a bar regular of mine started calling it the "Sarah-nader" as in - serenade, or sing.  I thought it was cute, anyway.  Further, I am well aware that there are many recipes similar to this all over the internet.  I'm not claiming to have invented the only shot using Loopy Vodka.  This is just my version of it. And it's my blog, so..... CHEERS!

*SJ*

Wordless Wednesday: New Year, New Me

New Year's Check In

Name: Sarah Jane
Age: 33 1/3 (well, I will be in 15 days)
Height: 5' 1.75" (not likely to get any taller at this point)
Weight: EEK! 127.8 lbs
Occupation: Banker, Bartender, Country Music Rock Star
Listening to: Texas Country Radio Station on Pandora
Favorite Part of 2012: that it's over!

Some highlights from the past year

• Moving out on my own for the first time ever - good, bad, and super scary!
• Working at a job that I enjoy, and getting to meet some really amazing people
• Deciding to finally follow my dream of pursuing music
• Discovering that life with Jesus is better than life without Him

Goals for 2013

• Be better to myself - eat right, get healthy
• Follow through on my committments
• Learn to really play the guitar
• Do something every day to further my music career
• Stay in touch better - with friends and family
• TRAVEL!

*SJ*