Holiday Party

Matt and I got all dazed up and went out to my office holiday party. The party planning was a lot of work but we had fun. Can you believe I have almost been working there for 3 years? Crazy to think about. Where does the time go?

Christmas Tree

Here is a pic of our tree!!! All we are missing is a topper, but I can't find any I like.

Thanksgiving Break

We started the break with an awesome concert with our friend Hodge. Have you ever heard of The Killdares? They are a local Celtic Rock band. They have bagpipes and an amazing fiddle player. Very cool. If you ever have a chance to see them you should. Thursday morning I woke up bright and early to get everything I forget at the store. Then off to cooking. I got done just in time to head over to Matt's parents where we went to the Lodge for lunch. It is a pretty cool place. After that we went to my parents for dinner. Then off to a late showing of Four Christmases. That movie was super cute. If that wasn't enough we went to the outlet mall at midnight. (That was crazy. never again!) Friday morning I woke up bright and early ready to go to Target. Then it got a little blurry, but we got everyone's presents done in time for dinner. Saturday we bought a gorgous Christmas tree and celebrated Matt's Dad's Birthday. Then Sunday we finished the tree and made noodles. Yumm. I'm so glad we got everything done so early this year.

RIP TTU

So, Matt and I try to make it out to one Tech game each year. Boy did we pick a bad one this year. Better luck next year

Happy B-Day Jen

This weekend we all went over to my parents house to celebrate Jen's birthday. We had so much fun eating my Dad's yummy lasagna. We even broke out Mall Madness, the best game ever. Here is a pic of us when we were little! I'm so glad you were born sis. Love ya!

Camping

For Halloween Matt, Pepper and I went camping. It was so much fun. We went to Petit Jean in Arkansas. The leaves were starting to change and the weather was perfect. Pepper even went on a hike with us. It was so funny to watch him explorer. I never knew he would like it so much. We got there just in the nick of time to get all set up and cook fajitas before it got dark. The next day we woke up early made breakfast burritos and headed out to the falls hike. Then we came back for lunch and took the Pepster on the Bear cave hike. After that I was pretty tired so we back to camp and made dinner (ckn jalapeno poppers and grilled potatoes). That night it rained.

Belated Birthday Post

Matt and Jen throw me a great movie birthday. It was so cool. (Thanks to everyone that made it possible) We had Dickeys BBQ, popcorn, and the coolest popcorn cake ever.

We watch Fever Pitch outside!!

Our State Fair

Last weekend we went to the State Fair. I tried the fried grilled cheese and Ruth's tamales. Yummy. They served the fried grilled cheese with a mini tomato soup. Freckin genius. I wish I came up with it. We test drove a Hybrid Tahoe. Super nice. Not as cool as the Jeep though. The Jeep people had a rock wall for the kids and an old Army Jeep. I love it! I must have taken 20 pics of the old car. Ooo. I almost forgot. They had a band there called The Killdares. They were amazing. They have a bagpipe! Brought my Scottish side out. Hope everyone gets to check it out.

Balloons

Few weekends ago we went to the Plano Balloon Festival. I haven't been since I was little bitty. It was a blast to see them all light up at night. It is funny how when you are small you remember things so different. I remembered thousands of balloons in the air on the ground just everywhere. It was still pretty cool. I think Matt and I might check out the NM one soon. The potato things were to die for. They even had ranch to go with it. Yummmmy! I watched them cut the potatoes at the state fair and it looks just like a drill attached to a slicer. I could do that :). J.K. Matt had a really good philly. The meat wasn't dry or veiny. I give the food an A+.

Spicy Texan

Hey Guys! The Spicy Texan is back up and running with a new face lift. For those of you that don't know about it: Last October I created a cooking blog with techniques, tools, and recipes. Check it out: http://spicytexan.blogspot.com/. Here is a breakout for each day: Tool Monday, Technique Tuesday, With Love Wednesday, No Fuss Thursday, and Date Night Friday. Feel free to post some of your favorite recipes!

The Trendy Mommy

Hey Guys, Jen (my sis) website went live yesterday!!! Check it out:

Pic of the Day

How cool is this. I'm so jealous. Can you image the fun you could have with not only this amazing car but the tent in umm I don't know Africa. It would be a dream come true to actually experience something like that. Check out the scuba tube. I'm not sure what kind of job would get you there but sign me up! I would love the adventure. Makes me wonder if I could/will ever do a safari. I guess my Jeep will just have to do in the mean time but it is kinda fun to think what if...

4-Day Weekend

Matt and I decided to go ahead and just make it a four day weekend. Thursday night we went to a Rough Riders game. They were winning until one of the last innings where the other team scored a million. Err. Oh well. We still had fun. Then Friday we went to the Ft Worth Zoo. Super fun. I highly recommend it. It was really cool b/c we almost had the place to ourselves. I bet Boo at the Zoo is a lot of fun. Then Friday night we hung out with my grands. We even went out for ice cream my memaws favorite. Then Saturday we bought our chairs for our dinning room table. WooHoo! We can now seat 14 officially inside plus a few at the couch. Then off to another Rough Riders game where they wait...lost again. I think I'm seeing a trend. Today was our last day teaching the 3 yr olds.

In Memory of The Great Texas Stadium

As many of you know a new stadium is being built in Arlington that will take place of Texas Stadium. Not being a real sports fan I really could care less except they are building an outlet mall in its place. Sweetness. PreMatt I probably would never go to a pro football game, but now I have a new found sweet spot for sports. I'm no crazy fan but I enjoy watching the games time to time. Last night we went to the preseason game against the Houston Texans. Boy were the fans rowdy. A huge fight broke out in the section above us. Security came and escorted the entire group of Texan fans out. Seriously like 25 people had to leave. It was crazy. People were throwing cups like in the movies. I wish I got it on film. Cowboys Won! Farewell old stadium we will miss you.

Jamaica Man

So, Jamaica was pretty cool. We had perfect weather. The all-inclusive idea was new for us. So, the first night we got there we were totally confused. We got there kinda late and a lot of the restaurants were closing. The next day we got it down. The Dunn's Falls was amazing. I have never experienced anything like it. Most waterfalls I have seen have been in Hawaii or Colorado where they fall off a cliff. This one you get to walk up. To get there we took a catamaran. They played one of the dirtiest songs I have ever heard, but it was hilarious. I of course had to download it right when we got home. It is called The Big Bamboo. Warning: Don't listen if you get offended. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ogr4g-5FLiY One day we went on a shopping tour. It was kinda cool to see what the inner parts of the island looked like. We bought a wooden head and some Bob Marley shirts. Other than that we just hung out at the resort and ate nachos. Each day they do this pool entertainment and one day was a beer chugging contest. I have never seen a guy drink a beer that fast. Everyone there was extremely friendly. My review: Great place for outgoing people that like the party atmosphere. Not so great for people that like to explorer on their own and chill at night. End result: We had a nice time just going to stick to the rental properties.

Animals of the Jungle

Ok, not really the jungle but the concrete jungle. So, we had this birds nest outside our front door for a while. Now we have a bunny burrow. Crazyness. I never thought owning a house would bring nature to you. It is kinda cool to watch them grow up and finally leave, but the bunnies are in our backyard where Pepper goes. It is only a matter of time before he finds them. Oh no! So, Papaw told me to put Cayenne Pepper out there. I thought I did but Matt told me Paprika isn't the same. Boy for someone that cooks I should know that one. I don't really use that one much. Anyways Matt's folks are taking Pepper for a few days so maybe the bunnies will be gone by then. Countdown for my 25th: 2 months!!

Ode to the Explorer Sport

Guess what! Our Explorer Sport made it to 100,000 miles today. I know Ford has a bad rep, but this car has been great. Don't mind the back door not opening or the speakers being stacky or the fact it never can get cold enough or the weird ding in the back that just appeared out of no where. Running wise it works like a champ. The ding in the back is very strange. I've noticed a few other ones with the exact same one. Hummm... We have had some great memories in that car. Going to college, Late night Whataburger runs, Frat parties, Moving back to Dallas, Trip to the Smoky Mountains, Trip to Farmington/Durango, Trips to Houston, and the list goes on. Here is to many more years!

House Update

Here is a pic of our first plant we planted. We picked a hydrangea and some herbs.

Here is our new pathway in the backyard.
We moved the grill to the side of the house on the pathway.
Pic of our new dinning room table.
Another pic of our new table. Chairs to come.

July 4th Weekend

July 4th started short. That is I chopped my hair off pretty short ;) So, I loved it until I tried styling it myself. I can't seem to get it as cute as the stylist did. Err.

My parents, Jen, Eric, Ash and I went to the Addison Fireworks Thursday. It was a lot of fun. I have seen their fireworks almost every year, but never in the actual circle. We stayed for the movie, but stupid drunk kids ruined it. Matt didn't go b/c he had a softball game.

Friday I pretty much just chilled at the house until the Rough Riders game. Matt had to work all day. They had everyone stand up that served. The guy in front of us stood up and we noticed his shirt said POW. We were like whoa!

Matt worked Saturday morning. So, I went shopping with my mom and Jen. We had a lot of fun looking at cute clothes and antiques. We ate at this horrible restaurant. My mom's fried chicken was raw. I did find 2 super cute outfits for Jamaica. I can't wait to wear them. Once Matt got home he finished the path. I love it! After that we went to dinner with his parents.

Sunday Matt didn't work! We taught our little 3 yr olds in the morning. After our ritual errands we went to my parents for some ribs and to hang out at the pool.

Sorry I have no pics I forgot my camera the whole weekend.

Music Video

So, I was looking at random blogs the other day and came across this video. It brightened my day so I'm hoping it will do the same for you. Enjoy!

Jamaica Bound

Matt and I finally booked our Summer vacation. This year we decided to go to Jamaica. I can't wait. We are staying at an all-inclusive resort. We both have never been there. So, it will be a new experience for both of us. All the reviews sound amazing. I really want to try the Jeep safari, horse back riding, or zipline.

Here is a list of what is next on my list:
1. Italy Tour
2. Canada
3. Hawaii

Cookbook Time

Alright. I finally finished most of my cookbook on tastebook.com. With still 13 recipes to go I decided to go ahead and print a copy for me and add more later. Right now I'm making sure they are all right. I tend to change them while I'm cooking and not write it down. So, last night we made Chicken and Wild Rice. Boy is that one yummy. I totally changed it though. I hate doing dishes so anything I can condense to one pot the better. I gave myself a Nov deadline for the entire project. Perfect timing for Christmas:) It has some staple recipes from the last cookbook that are a must. So, feel free to give the old one away. Let me know if you want a copy of the new one.

Other than that Matt is working on our backyard. He is putting a path in around the side yard. I can't wait until it is done b/c I'm going to put a flowerbed in next to it. I really want to put a small pool back there or at least a hot tub. The birds in our front tree left the nest. It was kinda cool watching them as they grew.

Last weekend was a lot of fun. We went on a jog Saturday morning. It was very relaxing. I'm going to try to do it every Sat, Tues, Thurs. I missed yesterday already. Opps. After that I worked on my book and Matt worked on the yard. Sat night we went to the Rough Riders game. I love our season tickets. Then Sunday we taught sunday school. They were so funny. One told every Dad that came in Happy Fathers Day. It was so cute. After that we went to my parents for some lemon chicken and pool time.

I hope everyone had a great Fathers Day.

Nerr

Ok, so here is the thing. I'm super bored. Matt is at a softball game and I can't find anything to do. How sad is that. We built our foundation and now I don't know what to do. I don't want to just wait until I have kids. In Jr high I waited for High School. In High School I waited for College. In College I waited for graduation. Seriously.

Right now we teach Sunday school for 3 year olds. It is the best thing ever. Really. It has been so cool watching them grow up. I highly recommend it. Other than that I don't really do much. Sure I have the cooking thing, but that has been off lately. I hate when I get in a cooking funk. So, it all comes down to I need a new hobby. I am in search of a new passion. Here is a list of potentials:
1. Running
2. Scrapbooking
3. Taking photos
4. Reading Books
5. Humm?

Anywho, we finally got the fire pit I have been eyeing. It is so amazing. We cracked it open with a night of s'mores. Yumm! I can't wait to do it again.

Freddy

So, I'm hooked on this musician Freddy right now. Check him out:
http://kiddlive.com/freddy/freddy_music.html

I can't wait for him to release a new CD!

Dinner: Impossible

So, my new favorite show is Dinner: Impossible. It is brilliant! Last night I watched the one where he goes to Pixar. Man was it fun to watch. They did a theme with Cars, Ratatouille, and Finding Nemo. The guy that did the voice of Linguini was even there. It looks like a really cool place to work. The cafeteria even has a brick oven. Next time it is on air:
April 19, 2008 3:00 PM ET/PT
April 23, 2008 1:00 PM ET/PT

Tag

10 years ago: Humm, it was 1998. So, I was in 7th/8th grade. I think that was the grunge phase of my life. I can't believe I every had a pair of baggy pants.

Things on my to do list today:
Work
Tacos!
Matt's Softball Game

What would I do if I suddenly became a Billionaire:
Oh man. I would buy a vacation home in Savannah, Vail, Destin, and Paris. Ooo, I would open a cute store in each city for people on vacation. It would have cute shirts and local artist stuff. I would also have an amazing restaurant next to it where the profits go to Alzheimer's. The one in Savannah would have southern food maybe I can get Babe's Chicken to go in on this one, the one in Vail would have comfort foods like chili to keep people warm on the slopes, the one in Destin will be fish tacos and stuff like that, and the one in Paris would be French/American with mini food.

Three of my bad habits:
1. I go to bed way to early
2. I go ADD
3. I cut my dead ends at work

Five jobs I have had:
Babysitter
Sales @ Academy
Sales/Operator/Cashier @ Target
Intern @ eStar
Project Coordinator @ US-Analytics

Five things people don't know about me:
1. I have a super nose. I smell everything
2. I don't really like red meat
3. I haven't cut my hair in a year
4. I still watch the Disney channel
5. I love sitting on the porch

Decorating and Chores and Neighbors Oh My

So, we have been working a lot on the house little by little. We are trying to pick a room each month and go from there.

The Kitchen was done before we moved luckily we had everything for that. The red paint is really a deep red I'm not sure why it looks orange here. Luckily all my cookbooks did fit:) I think I might find a bigger picture for the red wall, but the 6 piece works for now.

The living room was next where we bought bar stools, tv stand, and coffee table. Plus Matt's parents bought us a super cute clock for a house warming present.

The next room was our bedroom. So, we had a queen, but I was dying to upgrade to a King. I love it. Not to soft, but not to hard. We also had to get the dresser, nightstand, and chairs to match. We didn't really have any decor for this room. So, I got to go pick out a lamp, candles, etc. I'm not sure where to put our quilt rack yet.

Our guestrooms are just about done as well. The "kid" one has my old twin with my college bedding and furniture with my dolls and posters. The other guestroom has our old bed. We did upgrade the queen and bought a headboard. So, all we have left is a nightstand.

For the front yard we put a few iron piece out there and added new mulch. Last weekend I had the pleasure of pulling a million weeds. Our neighbor did let us borrow this weed puller that is pretty cool.

Up next is our study and dinning room. Then maybe upgrade the kitchen to granite and stainless. After that the backyard. In the mean time we are working on a new tv for our room, a dyson, nightstand for the guest, a new grill, some work on the jeep. Boy it's going to take all year. I can't wait until it's over, but then what will we do? So, I think I gave up on the house warming party. Is it bad to do one a year late? I really wanted to have one. Oh well.

On other updates: Our neighbors are so nice. Granted they are all at least 6 years older with kids they are pretty cool. This month we have a elmo birthday party to go to, a neighborhood garage sale, a crawfish, and the list goes on. I think I might crack down and get a maid. Chores stink! I don't mind picking up after myself, but boy do I not like mopping, dusting. Plus it eats a whole day. Last night I tried my first King Ranch Chicken. I figured anything with the word Ranch must be good and it was. While there was no Ranch it did have Rotel. I'm going to put it in my next cookbook. (By the way sorry I think I gave up on my cooking blog and just stick to a cookbook a year). So, a few publishers have been calling my about publishing one. I'm not really sure if I'm that serious about it all. Maybe I'll finish this next one and see what yall think. Oooo, I'll add a voting thing on the left!

It's Snowing!

Can you believe this crazy weather? I thought Spring was just around the corner and bam it started to snow not once but twice! It took Matt and I 3 hours to get home today, but man was it worth it. We made the best snowman ever. It was as tall as me! So, when we started a few of our neighbors where out salting and stuff. On comes over and say man you guys owe me 10 bucks. Well we bought girl scout cookies from him. So I thought that was what it was for, but then he pointed out our driveway was shoveled. Boy are we blind. I was so excited I didn't even notice. Isn't that so nice though. He also put salt on it for us for the morning. Second load of furniture arrives Saturday. I can't wait! I'll post pics later. Ooo, that reminds me this weekend we went the the home and garden show and they had the cutest garden flags. Go to AmberMarieImports.com. They are super cute! Hope everyone stays safe tomorrow. Peace out!

Last 3 Months in a Nut Shell

Hey Guys! Sorry long time no post:( Let me catch everyone up. Christmas was exciting. It was my first time away from my fam. It was kinda hard, but Matt's fam was so kind and warm. We did get to go skiing at Purgatory/Durango while we were over there. The snow was amazing. We even saw Santa hanging out. Last time we went there I feel in love with some clams. This time I tried the chili and man was it yummy. I also got some great Allcorn fam recipes while I was up there. I still need to get the Sticky Bun one from Matts Aunt. Man were those delicious. Pepper even came with us.
When we got back we had my fam come over for a New Years Day Dinner. We had Pecan Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Black Eyed Peas, and all kind of goodies. I am now all caught up in the chick flick world. I saw 27 Dresses, Fools Gold, and Definitely Maybe. They were all really cute. I think Fools Gold was my fav though. We are super excited it is time for another round of furniture. This time we bought our headboard and mattress for the master, the headboard for the guestroom, and the entry way bench. I can't wait to get everything in. I really think they are going to make a difference. Later this summer I think we are going to get the dinning and then this winter get the study stuff. I'm trying to talk Matt into some rocking chairs for out back or a firepit. I haven't gotten there yet, but maybe next year we can start on the outside. We still need to through a house warming party. Is there a statue of limitation? Maybe this summer after we get the dinning room we will through a bbq or something like that. Happy late Valentines eveyone!