Things You'll Never, Ever, Ever Hear Me Say

The lovely Katherine Bee from "Bees and Bows" posted her list of "Things You'll Never, Ever, Ever Hear Me Say" on her blog. I was cracking up because it truly could have been my own list. I decided create my own. Here goes:

Things You'd Never, Ever, Ever Hear Me Say

• Forget relaxing on the beach for vacation, let's go skiing!
• I love watching "The Bachelor" because I know those couples last forever.
• Can I have a cigarette?
• I'm not really an animal person.
• Screw it. I'm going to sleep in my makeup tonight.
• Let's go get a tattoo! The bigger the better!
• Give me a dress with some side boob.
• I LOVE shopping at the mall.
• I wish my butt was bigger.
• I hate pedicures and massages. Pampering is SO overrated.
• To server at restaurant: "No dessert for me."
• Motherhood is the easiest thing you'll ever do.
• Chick-Fil-A--Bleh. I'd rather have McDonald's nuggets. 

So what would be on your list?

Seeing Your Faults Through Others' Eyes

I love me some social media. Probably a little too much. Between Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and blogs, I'd say a lot of my free time is spent online. I've caught up with old high school friends and made new ones, and I feel like I've made lots of great connections. 

However, for the past 6 months, I feel people (mostly social media acquaintances, but a few friends too) pulling away from me. I've been UNFRIENDED on Facebook and Twitter. I feel like I'm being avoided or even worse-"tolerated". I'm like that girl in high school that walks into the cafeteria and her friends get up and leave when she goes to sit down next to them. You can feel the disconnect, but no one wants to talk about it.

When I ask these friends if I've done something, there's always an excuse. There's a glitch in Facebook or their Twitter account was deleted. Do I not deserve to get the truth? As much as I wish I didn't care and as tough as I want to be, it HURTS. 

I feel stupid and desperate for even putting this out there. But here goes......

Friends or social media friends, if I've offended or upset you, I am sincerely SORRY. I guess that my often strong opinions regarding politics, guns or religion have put a bad taste in some people's mouth. I can step back and see that now. Maybe it's something totally different. Maybe I'm crazy and paranoid. I doubt it though. I've seen enough comments to put 2 and 2 together.

I'm not asking for sympathy. I'm not trying to be passive-aggressive or dramatic. Not at all. I'll work on whatever is displeasing or offensive. I'm far from perfect and I know that.

I'm opening up my heart and being vulnerable. I'm not placing blame on anyone. I know that I need to move on from the unhealthy relationships. I'm just asking for those that I care about (and that care about me) to show me some GRACE. That's all. It's really tough to see your faults through others' eyes...

Marinating....

Hi everyone! It's been far too long. Life has been busy-a good kind of busy. 

I guess you could say I've been sitting back and "marinating". I wish I had the desire and time to blog more. 

I really do miss it. 

I admire bloggers that stay committed for years and regularly post. Kudos to you. 

Cue the cheesy pun....

speaking of marinating, let me introduce you to marinated cheese. 

*snort* 

*knee slap*

I make this recipe every year around the holidays. It's SO easy and always a big hit at parties. The best part-you make it the night before, then dump in on a platter. No heating or keeping warm before your guests arrive. 

Marinated Cheese

(adapted from "Prime Meridian" Cookbook)

80 cubes

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup white wine vinegar
• 1 (2 oz) jar diced pimento, drained
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 3 tablespoons minced green onion
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 (8 oz) block sharp cheddar cheese, cut into cubes
• 1 (8 oz) package of cubed Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeno pepper (pepper jack)

Directions:

• Combine all ingredients, except cheeses in a jar or plastic container with a lid. 
• Cover tightly and shake vigorously. 
• Place cheeses in a large Ziploc bag.
• Pour marinade over cheeses and refrigerate a minimum of 8 hours.
• Serve in a shallow dish with toothpicks and assorted crackers (in a separate dish).

Pose

Have you girlies checked out "Pose" yet? It's like Instagram, without all the food pics. There's lots of inspiring style and outfit ideas.

Just like Instagram, you can add your own photos, "follow" other posers, favorite and comment on others' pictures. There's even an app on for your smartphone too!

Here's an example of what Pose looks like- *Click on pic to enlarge it.

Are any of you on Pose?

My user name is "dishydec". I just joined, so I don't have any pics up yet.

Let me know what you think!

XOXO

Pastel Jeans

I really like the J. Brand coral and turquoise skinny jeans that came out early this spring, but I'm not going to pay $175 for trendy jeans. I've seen some cheaper alternatives in various stores, but they were either distressed, bootcut, or just plain ol' ugly.

Yesterday I found a GREAT dupe at New York and Company. They're currently having a "Buy One Get One 50% Off", so I scooped up these 2 pairs. They retail for $54.95 a pair. With 1/2 off the second pair, I feel like I got an amazing deal!

Sizes are limited online and the stores also seem to be low on stock, so go scoop them up!

New York and Company Pastel Skinny Ankle Jean in Pinkish Glaze

(Kenzie top-from last year)

I also bought "Blue Tranquility" 

 My camera washed these out. They're definitely more aqua blue.