Sincerely, Leslie

April Birchbox

2013-05-02T09:54:00.000-05:00

When I first opened my Birchbox and saw that Women's Health was on the front, I expected the contents inside to be about health...they weren't. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't disappointed with what was inside the box, I was just expecting different things.

Here is what was in my April Birchbox...

StriVectin-SD Eye Concentrate for Wrinkles

I actually haven't used any of this yet, but all the reviews I have seen have been great! It not only works on wrinkles, but it also helps with the dark circles around the eyes. This sample says it is a two-week supply, which makes me happy that I will get to use it more than once!

Nexxus Youth Renewal Rejuvenating Elixir

I have professed my love for Nexxus several times here, and this is no different! I was so excited to see this in my Birchbox! I have been wanting to try it, but never got around to buying any. This stuff smells so good, and it leaves my hair so soft! I will be buying a full size bottle as soon as possible!

Skin&Co Sicilian Body Gel

I have mixed feelings about this product. The scent is not my cup of tea, however it made my skin feel super soft. Considering the price of the full size bottle, I think I will just stick with my current body wash.

Youngblood Anti-Shine Mattifier

I have oily skin, so I need all the help I can get to keep the shine away throughout the day. I really like this product, and would definitely consider buying.

Weleda Body Lotion
These were my least favorite in this month's box. I decided to try the pomegranate lotion before bed one night. When I opened it, I thought it smelled great. But once I put it on, the scent was so overwhelming I had to take a shower to get it off. After that incident, I didn't even try the other scents. Maybe one day I will open them to see what they smell like, but I don't think I will put any on!

Oh, How Pinteresting

2013-05-01T09:54:00.000-05:00

Linking up with Michelle for Oh, How Pinteresting.

Here are my favorite pins this week!

Recipe: Stuffed Chicken Breasts

2013-04-30T10:00:00.000-05:00

These little pouches are life savers! I keep them stocked in the fridge for nights that I don't have a clue what to make for dinner. But, sometimes, they are a little boring. So I thought I would spice it up a little and stuff the chicken before coating it!

Ready for the easiest chicken recipe?

Well, here you go!

*Ignore the blue markings...I only had colored toothpicks in the house*

Stuffed Chicken Breasts

3-4 chicken breasts
1 package frozen spinach, thawed
shredded pepper jack cheese
Kraft Fresh Take Southwest Three Cheese

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Pound chicken breasts to a 1/4" thick. Mix spinach with pepper jack cheese - make it however cheesy you prefer. Spread the spinach/cheese mixture over chicken, roll up, and secure with toothpicks to prevent any filling from leaking out while it bakes. Coat chicken with the Southwest Three Cheese mixture, place on a baking sheet, and bake 35-40 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.

High Five for Friday

2013-04-26T08:48:00.000-05:00

Finally!!! It's Friday!

This week has been a bit boring around here. I spent the first half of my week in day long meetings, then the second half catching up on work from the first half.

Needless to say, I am ready for the weekend!

Linking up with Lauren for H54F.

1. Odometer hit 36,000 miles this week...sad day. So long new car warranty...hello extended warranty!

2. Watching Alex mow the lawn.

3. The cat chillin' out, maxin', realxin' all cool...

4. More people should live by this!

5. Lastly, my favorite! Alex bought Butterbean a new toy this week and he was so excited!! Those of you familiar with the "Boxer Butt Shake" will appreciate this...he is shakin' what his mama gave him!!

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend!!

Review: HANA Air Hairdryer

2013-04-25T08:29:00.000-05:00

I was so excited when I was asked by Misikko to do a product review on the HANA Air Professional Dryer!

I have seen reviews all over blog land, and I couldn't wait to get my hands on it!

I was so surprised when I opened the box and found all of this inside...

Not only was the hair dryer in the box, but also a brush being held by a stuffed monkey, chocolate, eyelash curler, nail files, a sleeve for a flat iron, and more! Such a cute way to package their products! This would make a great gift for a birthday, anniversary...whatever the occasion!

This dryer is part of the HANA Salon line. It is so lightweight and small.

I have always bought my hairdryers at Walmart/Target...anywhere that I could get one for a good price. I always thought it didn't matter if it was $20 or $200, they were all the same. Boy was I wrong!

So, I put my hair dryer I have used for years up against the HANA Air Professional Dryer.

See the size difference? The Hot Tools dryer is a little larger, and heavier than the HANA dryer. I love the placement of the buttons/switches on the HANA dryer over the Hot Tools dryer...on the Hot Tools, they are on the bottom side where my hand grasps it, and it never failed, it would accidentally get turned off several times while drying my hair. They both have "cool" buttons which I love!! The HANA dryer is much more powerful, which helps dry my hair in a shorter amount of time. It also has a super long cord...which is great when my husband and I are both getting ready. I am able to stay out of his way, and still do what I need to do. The only negative that I have with this dryer is that it is a little noisy. But I will take the noise as long as I get the results I want!

My hair is very fine, but wavy. I have always had to straighten my hair after blow drying because my hair was always left frizzy. Not with the HANA dryer!!

I was in complete shock when I used it and got these results! I didn't use any products in either instance above, and I only used my fingers and a paddle brush in both. I rarely have to use my flat iron any more, which my hair is thankful for!

Shorter dry time + no need to straighten = THE BEST DRYER!

My husband even uses it. I know, I know...my husband shaves his head...but he likes to blow dry his goatee after the shower. His exact words to me after a few days of use were

"I don't care how much this dryer cost, when it stops working, please buy this same dryer"!

I am so in love with this dryer! It has changed my life

Thank you Misikko for sending this dryer!

A Birthday Shoutout

2013-04-22T08:30:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to my beautiful mom!

I wish we didn't live 500 miles away from each other.

You are the best mom a girl could ask for!

I hope you have an amazing day!

I love you!!

In Memory of Oklahoma City

2013-04-19T08:40:00.000-05:00

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April 19, 1995.

A day a lot of people will never forget.

168 people killed, 19 of which were children.

The most destructive act of terrorism on U.S. soil until September 11.

It remains the worst domestic terror attack in U.S. history.

I was in 6th grade, in Spanish class, when we were told about the bombing.

Our teacher turned the t.v. on and we watched the horror that was happening 120 miles away.

I will never forget some of the images I saw over the next couple of days.

I will never forget the emotions...the anger, the disgust, the sadness.

How can anyone have so much hatred inside them to take innocent lives?

I will never understand.

My heart, thoughts and prayers are with all those who lost loved ones that day.

Remember to hug your loved ones, tell them you love them as often as you can.

You never know when your time with them may end.

Oh, How Pinteresting

2013-04-17T09:07:00.000-05:00

Linking up with Michelle.

Here are my favorite pins this week!

A to Z

2013-04-16T09:16:00.000-05:00

A - Available or Married?

Married to the love of my life for nearly 7 years!

B - Book?

Currently reading "Notorious Nineteen"...the nineteenth book in the Stephanie Plum novels by Janet Evanovich. These books are so good!!

C - Cake or Pie?

Cake for sure! Specifically pineapple upside down cake!

D - Drink of Choice?

I am a Dr. Pepper junkie! But I also have a ~~slight~~ addiction to sweet tea. It's the Southern girl in me!

E - Essential Item?

My iPhone...I am lost without it.

F - Favorite Color?

I love pink! But it's not my "favorite" color. I don't have one certain favorite...I love all earth tones.

G - Game to play or watch?

I don't play sports unless they are on the Wii or Kinect. I love to watch football and college basketball!

H - Hometown?

Broken Arrow, OK. I will forever be an Okie girl!

I - Indulgence?

Gelato. Yum.

J - Job?

Administrative Assistant

K - Kids and Names?

No kiddos yet!

L - Life is Incomplete Without?

My husband, my family, my dogs.

M - Music Group or Singer?

I really don't have a favorite group or singer...I love all kinds of music. I couldn't imagine life without it!!

N - Number of Siblings?

5 - four brothers and one sister.

O - Oranges or Apples?

Oranges

P - Phobias/Fears?

Spiders, man hole covers, street gutters

Q - Favorite Quote?

source

R - Reason to Smile?

Life.

S - Season?

Fall. Cooler weather and football...it's a win, win!

T - Tattoos?

5. I love tattoos and I want more!

U - Unknown Fact About Me?
I am 3/64 Cherokee Indian.

V - Vegetable I Love?
Mushrooms...although I guess that is a fungus. whatevs.

W - Worst Habit?
Chewing on the skin around my finger nails...it's gross.

X - X-ray's You've Had?
2 that I can remember.

Y - Your Favorite Food?
Mexican food...I could eat it every day!

Z - Zodiac Sign?
Taurus

Recipe: Bacon, Mushroom and Spinach Risotto

2013-04-15T09:31:00.001-05:00

I love easy, one-pot meals. They are my weeknight go to.

I especially love finding healthier, one-pot meals. And even better is healthy AND contains bacon!

When I found this recipe, I knew it would be love at first bite!

I had to alter it a little to what my grocery store carries, but the original recipe is only 405 calories per serving. How awesome is that!

I suggest making this as soon as possible!

Bacon, Mushroom and Spinach Risotto

4 cups chicken stock
6 bacon slices, chopped
1 cup shallots
1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
4 garlic cloves, minced
12 ounces portabella mushrooms
1 cup uncooked Arborio rice
1/3 cup dry sherry
4 cups baby spinach
1/2 cup grated Asiago or Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Bring chicken stock to simmer in a saucepan; do not boil. Keep stock warm over low heat. Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add bacon and cook until crisp, stirring occasionally. Remove bacon from pan, reserving some of the drippings. Add shallots, oil, thyme and garlic to pan and cook until shallots are tender. Stir in mushrooms and cook about 8 minutes. Add rice and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in dry sherry and stir constantly; cook until liquid is nearly absorbed, about 1 minute. Stir in 1 cup of stock; stir constantly until liquid is nearly absorbed. Add remaining stock, 1/2 cup at a time; stir constantly and wait until liquid is absorbed before adding next 1/2 cup (this process should take about 25 minutes total). Once all stock has been added, stir in spinach and cook about 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in cheese. Salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with bacon pieces prior to serving.

One Year Anniversary

2013-04-12T09:14:00.000-05:00

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Today, my little blog is a year old.

I want to say thank you to all of you.

I appreciate each and every one of you.

Thank you for all of your support and encouragement.

It means more to me than you will ever know.

In honor of my blog's anniversary, I thought I would share with you twelve of my favorite posts from the past twelve months.

1. My very first post.

2. Burlap Bubble Wreath Tutorial.

3. My favorite part of blogging.

4. A look back through my 20's.

5. The cutest holiday ornament ever.

6. Shared some opinions here and a few more here.

7. Shared my love of Butterbean on his birthday.

8. My loss of a friendship.

9. My picks for Christian and Anastasia in the "50 Shades" movie.

10. A look back on six years of marriage.

11. My favorite chicken recipe.

12. Our infertility struggles.

Texas Springtime

2013-04-11T09:33:00.000-05:00

I love springtime!

I love the weather, the clothes, everything.

My favorite part of spring, for sure, is that everything is turning green,

flowers are blooming....everything is coming back to life.

The best part of springtime in Texas?

The bluebonnets, of course!

This field goes on for miles and miles.

Beautiful!

"The bluebonnet is to Texas what the shamrock is to Ireland, the cherry blossom to Japan, the lily to France, the rose to England and the tulip to Holland." - Jack Maguire, Historian

Oh, How Pinteresting

2013-04-10T08:36:00.000-05:00

It's time for my favorite weekly link-up!

Linking up with Michelle, as always!

The Countdown Begins

2013-04-09T10:06:00.001-05:00

One month from today...I will be the dreaded 30!
I have spent most of my adult life hoping the day would never come,
but I am ready for it!
My 20's had some great moments...I met my husband, we moved to Texas, got married,
bought our first house, bought my first new car, found the best job,
took my mom to her first concert, saw the ocean for the first time, first Cowboy's game,
went to Vegas for the first time, flew on a plane for the first time!

But, there have been a lot of not so great times that I am ready to move on from.
I want my 30's to be the greatest years of my life!!
So bring it on 30....I am ready for you!!

It's Been A While...

2013-04-08T08:53:00.001-05:00

It's been a little over a month since I was last here.

This was an unintentional, unplanned break.

I have been going through some depression lately.

Actually, I have been going through it in silence for a while now,
but it all has finally caught up with me.

Alex and I married in 2006.

A year later, we were ready to buy our first house.

When we went looking for houses, I knew I wanted to have a two-story house.

When I was younger, I always wished that we lived in a two-story house,
and I wanted our kids to have one.

We found our perfect house, bought it and moved in.

We hadn't been trying to get pregnant at that point, but we weren't doing anything to prevent it.

Now that we had our house, we were ready to start trying.

We have been trying ever since, without any luck.

Every month that passes, it gets a little harder.

Recently, it has hit me really hard.

We went on vacation to Las Vegas a couple weeks ago, and I got my mind off of it for a little while.

But it wasn't long before the depression was back.

It seemed like everywhere I looked, someone was pregnant.

Don't get me wrong, I couldn't be happier for these people!

I am so excited for them!

But, I am still hurting inside.

I have never wanted anything more than to have children.

And I feel like that is the one thing that I will never have.

I know that I am not the only one who is going through this, and that it is very common,

but that doesn't make it any easier to deal with.

It is something that I have to struggle with every day.

It got to the point a couple weeks ago where I couldn't stand the sight of my home.

I didn't want to be here.

When we picked this house, I envisioned kids running up and down the stairs.

Running around the back yard.

Playing with the neighbor kids.

Looking around my house, knowing that may never happen, is tough.

I'm angry.

As much as I hate to say it, I am angry with God.

Why would he let any woman go through this?
I am angry with myself for being angry with Him.
I am angry that I let myself get so upset over this that I overlook the blessings I do have.

I handle it pretty well most days, but the last few weeks were just really tough for me.

I needed to take some time for myself and just let it all out.

I feel better now than I have in a long time.

I am still angry, still sad.

But I am also still hopeful!

I know there are alternative methods out there,
and we hope to be looking into those in the next year or so.

It feels good to talk about this.

I have kept most of this bottled up to myself for a long time.

Thank you for listening!

I'll quit depressing you all on an already depressing Monday!

I hope you all enjoy your week!!

Oh, How Pinteresting

2013-02-27T09:19:00.002-06:00

I can't believe it is Wednesday already!

Not that I am complaining...

This week has gone by so fast.

I am linking up with Michelle for my favorite weekly linkup.

Here are my favorite pins this week:

Source: iwastesomuchtime.com via Lauren on Pinterest

Source: sadieandstella.blogspot.com via Sunny on Pinterest

Source: outfitposts.blogspot.co.uk via Sydney on Pinterest

Source: insiderainbow.com via Maijukka on Pinterest

Source: alongthewaywithrae.blogspot.com via Kelsey on Pinterest

Source: shopdailychic.com via Annie on Pinterest

Source: lonny.com via Tracy on Pinterest

Source: camillestyles.com via Violet on Pinterest

Source: allthatinspires.me via Betty on Pinterest

Source: drjays.com via Michelle on Pinterest

February Popsugar Must Have Box

2013-02-26T08:50:00.000-06:00

While blog hopping a few weeks ago, I stumbled upon the PopSugar Must Have Box,

and I knew I had to sign up!

These aren't just little samples like most monthly subscriptions...

you get so much more in these boxes!

Here is a look at what was in my February box:

Brokedown Wrap

I have always preferred a wrapped towel instead of a robe after my shower,

but they never stay up! I constantly have to re-tuck the end to keep it up.

This has a velcro closure...so it always stays up!

And it is so soft! I am so in love with this wrap!

I wish I would have gotten the Brokedown scarf that was in a previous box...

Connoisseurs Quick Jewelry Cleanser

I love my jewelry.

I hate when it gets tarnished or dirty.

My wedding ring is the worst! I NEVER take it off.

It gets hair product, makeup, lotion all over it...so it has to be cleaned a lot!

I love the brush that came with this...it gets into all the spots that get really dirty.

This is a great cleaner to use in between taking it to the jeweler for cleaning!

Hanky Panky's

Love these undies!

The lace, the color...everything!

Love!

"Safe Haven" Book

I'm a sucker for chick flicks, and the movie for this book looks so good!

I have always been a huge fan of Josh Duhamel and have loved Julianne Hough since Dancing with the Stars.

I am so excited to get to read the book before I see the movie!

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain

I already have one of these in a nude shade and I love it!

It is great for moisturizing, and the color lasts for hours!

I love this shade for a night out with my husband!

Mariebelle New York's Tresor Box

These are little dark chocolate balls....and they are amazing!

When I first tried them, they reminded me of a Crunch bar, but it's just chocolate...no rice!

I could probably eat the entire box at once!

Conversation Hearts

Conversation hearts on Valentine's Day is like Candy Corn on Halloween...

they just go hand in hand!

Neither taste that great, but it wouldn't be the holiday without them!

If you are interested in subscribing to PopSugar Must Have,

click here to sign up!

And because I really want you to give it a try, enter code

REFER5

to receive $5 off your first box!

My Poor Pup...

2013-02-25T10:17:00.000-06:00

I had planned to get a lot of things done this weekend.

We were going to get a lot of yard work and housework done.

I had already bought a new tree for the front yard,

been to Lowe's to look at a new kitchen faucet and lumber for a flower bed.

Then this happened...

Amlyn broke out in hives.

This isn't the first time that this has happened.

She has had allergic reactions to bug bites/insect stings before.

But these lasted a lot longer than usual.

So, instead of being productive, I spent the weekend giving her Benadryl and making sure she had lots of love.

She seems to be doing a lot better today.

She still has a few whelps, but they aren't nearly as big as these!

We are going to go visit Dr. Rocky later today and make sure that it was just a bite/sting.

Poor baby! It makes me sad for her to just look at these pictures!

High Five for Friday

2013-02-22T09:00:00.001-06:00

I am linking up with Lauren for High Five for Friday.

I was in meetings all last week and didn't get to link up,

so these are my highlights for two weeks!

1. New blog design!!

I am so happy with the way that it turned out!

2. Alex sent me beautiful flowers for Valentine's Day!

These Lilly buds are still opening!

3. I got all the housework done early Sunday, so we spent the rest of the day being lazy.

Love lazy Sunday's!

4. Bought my first Le Creuset pan...and I am hooked!

I can not wait to replace all my current cookware with this!

5. My life planner arrived this week!

Can't wait to start using it!!

How was your week?

Link up here and share!

Throwback Thursday

2013-02-21T20:41:00.000-06:00

This week's photo is circa 1989...

That's me on the end...the sweet, innocent looking one!

Next is my sister Jennifer, brother Brad, and other brother BJ.

This photo was taken at my grandparents lake house.

The adults stayed in the house, and all of us kids slept in this camper trailer.

I remember always having to sleep on the top bunk because I was the smallest

(there wasn't a lot of room up there).

We spent almost every weekend of the summer here.

We were all inseparable!

I remember going to the cove and thinking everything in the water was a water moccasin...

and my brothers having me believe everything was!

We had a rope swing (that I believe is still there) that we would swing on.

I remember going to the boat dock and the water being so clear that you could see the fish swimming.

And getting up with my dad and grandfather at the crack of dawn to go fishing.

I have so many great memories from the lake!

Oh, to be a kid again....

Oh, How Pinteresting

2013-02-20T09:22:00.000-06:00

The new blog re-design is almost done!

I am loving how it turned out!

I had help with the header image, but the rest I did myself!

A little pat on the back...

I am linking up with Michelle for Oh, How Pinteresting.

Here are my favorite pins from this week...

Source: aedriel.blogspot.com via Courtney on Pinterest

Source: otthonkommando.blog.hu via Siri on Pinterest

Source: google.ca via Sara on Pinterest

Source: 25.media.tumblr.com via Mandy on Pinterest

Source: themaxdavis.xxx via Alexa on Pinterest

Source: cheezburger.com via Jeff on Pinterest

Source: mckensiesmith.blogspot.com via Kyle on Pinterest

Source: crazydogtshirts.com via Marina on Pinterest

Source: bespoke-bride.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Source: coolmompicks.com via Michelle on Pinterest

Under Construction

2013-02-17T20:14:00.000-06:00

I am doing a little makeover to my blog over the next few days.

I've become a little bored with it, so it's time for a change!

Please bear with me!

High Five for Friday

2013-02-08T10:49:00.000-06:00

1. Booked our plane tickets this week for our Vegas vacation in March!

So excited!

So, hurry up and get here because I'm getting impatient!

2. What do you do when you can't find your new favorite snack anywhere??

You order them from Amazon, of course!

3. Butterbean, you are the cutest pup alive!

You are not human, so quit sitting upright!

4. Speaking of impatient...this little color wheel.

This little thing caused lots of frustration yesterday.

Please stay away today!

5. I have had this orchid for a few months now.

The other day I was putting ice in it, and Alex says "That thing is real?!"

Yes babe, it's real!

And I'm just as baffled as you are that it isn't dried up and dead already.

How was your week?

Link up here and share!

Oh, How Pinteresting

2013-02-06T09:09:00.001-06:00

Today, I am linking up with Michelle for Oh, How Pinteresting.

Here are my favorite pins this week!

Source: sunsurfer.tumblr.com via Amateur Photography News on Pinterest

Source: houzz.com via Lucie on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

Source: houzz.com via Charlotte on Pinterest

Source: themetapicture.com via Morgan on Pinterest

Source: imgfave.com via Maggie on Pinterest

Source: media-cdn.pinterest.com via Sandra on Pinterest

Source: themetapicture.com via KailiMarie on Pinterest

Source: sundressesandpearlsandcurls.tumblr.com via Kate on Pinterest

Source: diyhomepins.com via Corissa on Pinterest

Fifty Shades of...Chicken

2013-02-05T09:05:00.000-06:00

I spend a lot of time at Barnes & Noble...online and in store.

A few weeks ago, I was online looking at books, when I saw a banner that said...

"Buy One Cookbook...Get This One Half Off".

I am a sucker for cookbooks, so I went perusing through their selection.

That's when I came across this gem!

It's no secret that I am Grey-sessed...I loved the books!

So when I found this, I knew I had to have it!

How funny is that?!

When it was delivered, I sat on the couch and looked through it with Alex and laughed so hard!

Some of the photos are a little provocative...can't believe I am saying that about chicken!

Here is an example of what's inside.

The recipes are just everyday chicken recipes...but a lot of them have been renamed.

Like this one...

I love this cookbook!

So fun!

Definitely a must buy if you have a "Fifty Shades" person in your life!