I Got Jipped

Recently, I entered two contests that involved writing and food, and I should have won both. I swear I'm not just being a sore loser, I just find the winners to be lacking in originality and oomph. To prove my point I'll give you the winners along with my entries and you guess which one won. Those of you that know...sssshhhh don't tell. Just pretend to be unbiased ;)

Six Word Short Story

A | He drowned; she was the ocean.

B | Burnished by humiliation, she was redeemed.

Landing Zone Sandwich Contest

1 | Vegetarian Stacker: Grilled Portobello Mushroom marinated in Italian dressing, topped with roasted red peppers, provolone, mayo, lettuce and tomato all served on a Kaiser Roll.

2 | Granny Brie Club: Deli Thin Turkey, julianne Granny Smith Apple, gooey- melted Brie cheese, Applewood smoked bacon, drizzled with BBQ sauce, on toasted Sour Dough.

3 | El Capitan Reuben Quesadilla: Traditional Reuben inside a Quesadilla, but use Grouper in place of Corned Beef for the ultimate twist.

+ So last week, I noticed my wrist looking all funky after I developed a pain while doing push ups. There was no particular trauma and it only hurt when I put pressure on it, so I decided to take it easy to see if it healed. Well, it still hasn't healed. Problem was, I've been to the doctor so much that I felt bad about going. Luckily, after she saw the picture of it, she told me to, and I'll have some answers today!

+  On the subject of going to the doctor too much, I've become a regular at the Lyster Lab. I realized last time they already knew me by name, but now they have begun referring to me as a regular. At least now I finally had my last round of Hormone testing, and my Thyroid re-checked because it came back a tidge bit low last round. Getting old sucks.

+ I've been searching for brown strappy heels for two MONTHS, and I finally found a pair I could deal with. Most are too strappy, too dark, too light, too high, too low, too cheap, etc., but these are close enough to what I was looking for. And then they were out of my size. #$%&.

Now please don't forget to vote, so I can prove I'm right about my contest entries! That would at least make me feel better about losing. Will says I definitely should have won both, but bless that sweet man...he has to say it. Hope everyone has a great rest of the week!

My Mom Really Was In Labor On Labor Day

Nineteen years ago, my momma went into Labor on this day of Labor. Yes, I know that's not the type of Labor we are celebrating, but personally I think it counts, and at the very least, it's an appropriate pun. That day, I was an impatient {almost} ten year old that knew her baby brother's cry the second the doctor smacked his hiney. I heard him through two doors and proudly told my grandma that was my brother. No one believed me, and yet I was proven right. I don't know if this can be lumped into my psychic abilities, but I think it just shows how close my brother and I have been from day one. Technically his birthday is on the third, but that wouldn't work for a 'Labor Day inspired' post now would it?

In his honor, I will share some pictures from a Washington DC trip we took a few years back. I was living in Williamsburg, Virginia with Will at the time, so I met up with my family when they came up. In case you wonder why I'm wearing shorts and a jacket, it was Summer and COLD. Hey Global Warming, you're doing it wrong.

My family are totally my BFF's, and I cherish every memory we have made together. On top of that, DC is one of my favorite places in the world! If you've never been there, put it on your list. With all the free museums and events it's totally worth it.

Did you know there is a club in a fuselage? Scratch that. There used to be a club there called Fly Lounge, and it was a party in a plane! Pretty sad about it closing, but at least we got to go there once when I met up with some friends to enjoy the night life.

Do you remember DC Cupcakes in Georgetown? The ones from that TLC show? Well, I had them delivered to our hotel! Cupcake delivery might be the most amazing and dangerous thing ever. Can you imagine having that option when Aunt Flow comes to visit? T-R-O-U-B-L-E.

I hope none of you are in labor on Labor Day, and everyone has had a safe and happy weekend! We are back home, but it's relaxation time. Hallelujah.

I Just Got Scolded Because I Forgot To Post This Morning.

This week wasn't near as bad as I expected. I made some bangin' food, got a LOT accomplished, and still got quality time with the hubs. I think I may even feel good in my bikini this weekend, and I'm not gonna lie...I was worried. Lately, I've been a lot more liberal with my eating habits because I don't have to squeeze into that tiny uniform. However, when I have to don a bikini, I rethink my eating habits. I know I don't look terrible, but I feel terrible...all bloated and meh. Oh the joys of a slowing metabolism. Have you seen the meme about getting pregnant as an excuse to get fat? It is tempting...

That picture has absolutely nothing to do with this post, but I'm flippin' excited to head back there soon! We can't wait to spend a wonderful weekend with our hubbies and enjoy some good ol' country music on the beach. BCE would = 'Best Combination EVER' if I were a tween, but I'm not...and yet it's still true. You know what's not a good combination? Money and the Internet. Baaaad combination. It's like a thieves paradise.

Unlike Taylor, I hate internet scammers. I related and LOVED her post, but sitting here typing my blood is boiling. I know so many people that have hacked emails, internet charges, and been phone swindled that it makes me sick to my stomach. The faceless evil is becoming worse than a face to face confrontation, and the victims never seem to get justice. In an effort to help whomever I can, I want to share some scenarios I've come across that could trick even the savviest computer user.

You see, they are getting so smart that they create graphics mimicking sites you use and tell you to click their link because you've been hacked and you need to change your password. Solution? Don't click ANY links from your email, and just open a new browser to type in the address. You click that url, and you are done-zo. If you are questioning it, you can always check the email. It may have the title of the site included, but it will be obvious that it's not official, especially if it says UK at the end.

It's crazy how much access the hackers and anyone can have via the interwebs. For example, I signed up for  a UPS membership deal they have, and to verify it was me, they INSTANTANEOUSLY came up with questions from my past that I had to think hard for the answers. Their site could determine my address ten years ago, what I drove, and where I went to college in less time than it took me to read the questions. Keep that in mind people, and that goes for Facebook and other Social Media too. I don't care if your account is private, there is someone somewhere using some software looking for keywords, and if you say those keywords, they will totally hack you and/or begin watching you.

We all think it can't happen to us, but I've had my credit card number stolen a few times. I wish we all didn't have to be so cautious, but we are the only ones that can really stop hackers from hacking us through diligence. It's scary that we must protect our children from online predators, refrain from clicking links in our email, aid the elderly that don't have experience with the internet, and spread the word about circulating hacks and hope it's enough. I'm sorry to disrupt our regular programming, but if I can help one person, it was worth it!

Comments off for Labor Day Weekend festivities. Happy Labor Day!

Corks And Cattle

Remember that fight I was having with myself? Well, we finally got it all talked out, and my wonderfully sweet husband surprised me with a Thursday night date last week. We've been wanting to check out a local  wine and meat chop called Corks and Cattle, so he told me to dress fancy and whisked me away on an impromptu date.

We drank wine, shopped their great wine selection, and enjoyed the ambiance until we got hungry. We weren't paying $24.99 for a plate of cheese, so Will took me to my favorite place in town for my newest obsession, Taj Gyros. I was happy as a clam already, but THEN he set out candles and Jazz music for some living room slow dancing. Be still my heart...We have been lacking in the romantic moments category with everything going on lately, but not anymore! Slow dancing in your living room should be on everyone's date night list, and I can suggest a few bottles of vino to spice up the night.

This is a picture of me ecstatic that Corks & Cattle has two of my favorite brands, and subsequently inspired me to share said favorites with you. Now, you can't go wrong with Pinot Grigio or a Reisling, but that's just the beginning. I've moved on to drinking Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah, and I'm always discovering new wines that surprise me. I used to only check the alcohol content, but after visiting Napa I got a little spoiled and enjoy it on a new level. You can make any wine taste okay {Sangria, Spritzer}, but if you are in the mood for a party on your palette, you need to try the following.

Honig Winery || You see two Honig bottles above, and that's because it is my favorite! They have amazing wines made using honey, which yields the only dessert wine I'll ever drink. I'm telling you, that tall skinny bottle is worth every penny they charge {hint: It ain't cheap}, but the other wines they offer are much cheaper. Find in specialty shops and World Market.
Cakebread || I'm sure you've all heard of Cupcake wines, but I'll tell you a secret.. it's a knockoff of Cakebread {Gasp}. This is mainly because Cakebread isn't as available as I'd like it to be. I was actually surprised to find it in a store, because typically they exclusively distribute to restaurants. Needless to say, if you like Cupcake, you will LOVE Cakebread.
Conundrum || Is a go to brand for us. We know that it will always have a smooth taste, lots of flavor, and a reasonable price tag. I love that it's pretty available in stores and restaurants.
Opus One || I saved for last because it is $200+ a bottle. I'm sure you can find a cheap version that is just as good, but I sure haven't. Maybe it's the memories attached to it, maybe it's the grand vineyard that transports you, or maybe it's just that they make a damn good wine. Anywho, it must be on the list because this is my list, and I love it. #winesnob

If you ask me whether I'd like to go out or stay in, I will almost always choose staying in for a romantic evening. The wine is cheaper, it's more relaxed, and it takes less time to get to the boudoir. However, this was a lovely way to have the best of both worlds. These intimate moments are what make marriage worth it, and I live from moment to moment.