I Love Lists, Friday

1. Now this is my kinda New Year's Cake. Gonna party 'til 9pm baby!
2. Too bad this is so far away. My husband would tell you this is my mecca. Museum of Clean.
3. A whole reel of Stan Lee Cameos. Wonderful!
4. New Year's Confetti Cookies! Super cool idea and triple the cookies!
5. 10 Christmas-Themed Hot Dogs. Yummo! Plus Frank in Austin, Texas made the list.
6. Top Mug Shots of 2012. Good for a laugh!
7. Man eats Entire Denny's Hobbit Menu in Under 20 Minutes. I could see Ryan doing this. Or at least attempting it.
8. This guy is the pancake master. Cheers to SaipanCakes.
9. How to Take Incredible Photos of Your Friends. Word.

Merry (White) Christmas

This year for Christmas my grandmother joined us again which is always fun. This is the first Christmas we have held at our house so it felt little different than Christmases past. I've never not had a Christmas in my parents home since as long as I can remember. I chose to cook breakfast while Ryan focused on a late lunch for the family. My grandmother, parents, grandfather, Ryan, and I opened presents in the morning after breakfast and just as we were wrapping up it started to snow. It was awesome to have a white Christmas in our new home surrounded by family. Later on after a late lunch my aunt and uncle joined us to open even more presents. I guess I'm still a kid at heart and would rather get 1 million tiny little presence than one large thing. It makes the day last longer and the fun too. All in all it was a day filled with family, food, and fun. I couldn't ask for a more wonderful white Christmas!

Mom, Grandma, and Dad

Ryan, Me, and my Grandpa

Ryan, my Grandma, and me

Rychar

Mom and Dad

Chef Ryan

 

Our snow covered home

No Problem, Mon

A five day all-inclusive vacation to Montego Bay, Jamaica? Not a bad way to start off the Christmas holiday!

My parents always told Ryan that when he graduated from college, they would take us both on an awesome vacation. We picked Jamaica because we had both been to Mexico multiple times and I loved Jamaica the one time I visted there many years ago. We stayed at the Iberostar Grand Rose Hall, which was spectacular! The food, service, and sheer relaxing atmosphere were all wonderful. I have never been on a vacation where I wasn't doing something, visiting something, etc. This time, other than playing some golf, we just sat, relaxed, swam, read, napped, ate, and drank. It was the life!

We golfed at Cinnamon Hill, which had some great holes down by the water, as well as some holes situated up in the hills. Here is a picture of us on hole 5, which was right on the water. Breathtaking!

I thought I would hate just relaxing and not visiting things, seeing things, doing things. Boy was I wrong. This is one of the best vacations I have ever been on! Thanks Mom and Dad! No problem, mon!

I Love Lists, Friday

 

 

Happy Graduation Day!

After many years of hard work, tonight Ryan graduated! We are so proud of him! He graduated with an Bachelors Degree in Human Resources and Organizational Management for the University of North Texas. No rest for the weary though, in January Ryan will begin his Masters program to recieve his Masters in Business Administration. Again, I couldn't be prouder!

RyChar Graduation

My family and Ryan

Ryan's Family

I Love Lists, Friday

1. I wish I would have been at the new Fantasyland opening to see this dragon. Cool!
2. Life saving foam. This makes great sense. Why didn't I think of it?
3. Great Literary Quote Tattoos.
4. Cotton Candy Art.
5. Want. Need. Eat. Rick Grimes Cookies.
6. Ten Worst Reviewed Movies of 2012. At least I didn't see any of them. Did you?
7. Talent.
8. I absolutely love how these Storybook Characters Burst from the Pages!
9. Sorry. There is simply No Time To Explain...

Mare and Bob's Wedding

After many years of dating, my aunt Mary Ann married her love Bob Via. The wedding was beautiful. Ryan catered, I was the photographer, and my mom was the Matron of Honor. I guess you can say it was a family affair. Best wishes for a long and loving marriage to my Aunt and now official Uncle --- Mary Ann and Bob Via!

Greenhill School

I went to Greenhill School for 12 years and had an excellent learning experience every day. It's great to see that the students and faculty continue to to rise to the challenges of an ever changing educational landscape, both socially and technologically. I recieved an excellent education that made all my subsequent college experiences a breeze. I never really appreciated my education at the time, at least until I was a bit older, say 15, but as soon as I hit TCU I very much appreciated their choice in my education. Greenhill made me who I am, to a large degree, and I hope they continue on thier path of excellence for many years to come!

Here is an excellent article written recently about Greenhill.

RIP Velma Louise

Velma was an old little girl, but she wasn't sick. She just passed away suddenly today. Although I wish I had known and had a chance to say goodbye, I'm very glad she passed quickly and peacefully wtihout suffering. I miss her. Such a sweet girl.

I Love Lists, Friday

 
1. 23Unexpected Flavor Combinations that Taste Amazing!
2. Heroes of Science Action Figures. I need them to mass produce a few of these for me to buy.
3. Liver Plates FTW!
4. I'd love to be in Gryffindor!  Harry Potter Snuggie.
5. Anamorphically awesome! This proves that things aren't always what they seem.
6. I can only hope that I have a friend like this when I am older.
7. I'm glad Ryan didn't see this before we put up the Christmas Tree this year. James T. Kirk Tree Topper.
8. Having said that, I'm ready for "Into Darkness." Can't wait!

I Love Lists, Friday

1. Three Boozy Drinks to Make with Canned Cranberry Sauce
2. Although I love cooking, I can't help but be excited by these 34 Insanely Simple Two-Ingredient Recipes 
3. Santa Strawberries are just too cute! I might have to make thes this year.
4. Our children shouldn't have these, so neither should squirrels!
5. Magical Minature Clouds by Sarah Anne Wright. I love her technique!
6. Sloopy the Dancing Chihuahua. What a cutie!
7. Try and Circle the Cat. Waste as much time as I did! (It took me about 5 minutes to capture the cat, actually...)
8. The importance of a sountrack. Epic Neil Time.
9. Awe. Abe!

Thanksgiving 2012

This year, Ryan and I hosted our first Thanksgiving Dinner for our families. Everyone who lives in town was able to come. My parents were there as were Ryan's grandpa and Pat, his sister Laurel, my Aunt Mare and soon-to-be Uncle Bob and my grandpa. Ten in total! Quite an undertaking considering we make everything, and I do mean everything from scratch. Mom and Mare brought appetizers and Laurel brought a pumpkin pie, but Ryan and I made everything else. The menu included:

Pioneer Herb-Roasted Turkey with a Sage Gravy

Southern Style Cornbread Stuffing

Orange and Ginger Scented Cranberry Sauce

Sweet Potato Puff

French Cut Green Bean Casserole

Homemade Honey Wheat Rolls

 

Pumpkin Pie

Vanilla Cheesecake Pecan Pie

Pear and Sparkling Cider Cocktails

It was wondeful to have everyone join us in our new home. I see many more family Thanksgivings to be hosted in the Alexander house!

I Love Lists, Friday

 

I Love Lists, Friday

1. I really would like to visit Alice of Magic World in Tokyo.
2. Seven Deadly Sins Rings. Neat idea!
3. Oz The Great and Powerful. Full trailer awesomeness!
4. Movember. It Gets Fuller.
5. The Littlest Princess Captain America [Cosplay]. Cutest, girl, ever.
6. THOR!
7. Avengers Logo. Done right.
8. Disney Princesses Give Leia a Warm and Musical Welcome.

Restaurant Review: White Rock Coffee

 

White Rock Coffee

http://wrcoffee.com/
Category: Cofee and Tea
Address: 10105 East Northwest Highway, Dallas, Texas 75238
Star Review: 4/5

 

I don't know why it has taken me so long to write a review for White Rock Coffee. I have been coming here for many years now, although it is quite the distance from where I live. Anytime I am within 10 miles of White Rock Coffee, I'm there. I absolutely love their White Rocker, iced in the summer and warm in the winter. It is the best drink I have had at any coffee shop. I also like the laid back atmosphere at WRC. It doesn't feel so corporate like some shops. It feels warm and inviting. Although small, there are plenty of chairs to cozy up in with your coffee, or you can hit the drive through and take your coffee to go. Either way, WRC is outstanding!

I Love Lists, Friday

1. Just in time for the holiday season. Cocoa Trimming Kit.
2. Add this Flower Festival in Zundert to my bucket list. Simply stunning!
3. Cerealism.
4. Helvetia's Dream: a beautiful timelapse of Switzerland.
5. This man who Repaints Movie Character Figures has some real talent!
6. Neat Instgram Book Website. I might have to consider making one of these. Neat!
7. How did we miss seeing these Chocolate Dioramas at Disney's Food and Wine Festival?

New Additions to Foodie Finds: Foodbeast and Foodiggity

Make sure you check out our Foodie Finds page and visit the two new additions to a growing list of great food websites. Foodbeast is an offbeat food website with short blog stories about unique and funny food finds. They also have a listing each week of the top six Instagram food photos. Foodiggity is pretty similar to Foodbeast in that it is also a site with offbeat food news. What makes this site great? They feature some of the most interesting and ridiculous kitchen gadgets on the market. You will surely want to visit both of these great foodie finds!

Restaurant Review: Meso Maya

Meso Maya
http://www.mesomaya.com
Category: Mexican
Address: 11909 Preston Road, Suite 1426,  Dallas, Texas 75230
Star Review: 4/5

I truly adore this restaurant which is very unassuming from the outside in the small strip shopping center where it is located. I have been here twice now, once with a friend and once with my parents and husband. Everyone has loved it! The food is really fresh and yummy. The service is quick, although it can be difficult to understand the service staff. Not to worry though, you will still recieve quick and friendly service. Not only is the food fabulous, the atmosphere is my favorite of any restaurant I frequent. It is warm and inviting and the lighting is spot on. I also like the authentic nature of the food here. It isn't On the Border with the fake, americanized food. So if you are looking for great food and stellar atmosphere, try Meso Maya.

Ebates for the Holiday Season

If you are going to do any online shopping this holiday season, make sure you use Ebates.com. It is free money! All you have to do is search for the store you want to shop at online and click through to it through the Ebates website. Then just do your online shopping as you normally would, check out and pay. A week or so later, the money from the percentage back you were promised appears in your Ebates account. They transfer whatever money you have earned with them to your PayPal account quarterly. It really is free money and I have earned over $330 in just over a year for the online shopping I already do. Click this link to sign up today: EBATES.COM

Happy shopping! And don't forget, Ebates can be used for any online shopping every day of the year.

Charlotte Alexander: Photo Retouching

Just this past weekend, I launched my new website! I do photo retouching for a small fee. I have been retouching digital photos for over six years. I believe every photo can be retouched, even if only slightly, to show the true beauty of any individual. I focus on natural retouching that ensures the final photo still looks like the original, just better, brighter, and more vibrant. I can also do more advanced retouching such as adding makeup, tanning skin, thinning face and body, and even removing distracting objects from photos. I have a passion for making every retouched photograph exactly what my clients envision. From wedding photographs to senior photos to author headshots, I will make sure you look your best. Visit my website Charlotte Alexander: Photo Retoucing and let me help you with your photo retouching needs today!

New, Sweet Girlies

Since Cordelia is no longer with us, we wanted to make sure Velma wasn't lonely. So yesterday we adopted two of the sweetest girls. One of them was already named  by the employees of the place we adopted her. Her name is Milli and she is litterly the sweetest little rat ever. We also ended up adopting a sweet little camel and white colored rat that reminded us of our old rat, Clara. We named her Luna. She is also sweet, but is not as outgoing as Milli.  They are both great additions to our family and the three of the girls are fast friends. I think Velma is happier and I know that I'm glad these two sweet girls didn't end up as snake food. I love our little rattie family!

Meet Milli

Meet Luna



I Love Lists, Friday

1. Finally got the chance to watch A Fan's Hope. Loved it!
2. Hurricane Sandy. I love that people are coming together during this time of tragedy and loss.
3. The Zombie Song. It's quite catchy!
4. I like Stephanie Mabey.
5. Who wouldn't want a Donut Shot Glass?
6. Stop it Nabisco!
7. A Worldwide Celebration of Halloween.
8. I'll be needing one of these this holiday season! Too bad it retails for $240.
9. Oddka. Yes.

I Love Lists, Friday

1. Potential Employer Critiques Applicant's Cover Letter. I have wanted to do this multiple times.
2. These Paper Birds are simply lovely. I would love to own one.
3. Only in Texas. 85 MPH.
4. My husband is particpating in Movember. Coming soon...
5. These Hellboy Cake Pops are sweet!
6. Zombie Wedding Bash. I want to have one of these! Second wedding anyone?
7. These Princess Peach Pink Cupcakes are super cute!
8. Alice in Steampunk Land wedding. Maybe I will need a third wedding too!

I Love Lists, Friday

1. Cute Kittens Learn Physics
2. I need one of these Waterfall Swings in my backyard!
3. Walking Dead: The Musical
4. It's a Cat in a Box
5. I do work for a GI Department afterall. Rate Yoru Poop With Movie Titles.
6. I Love these Drawers.
7. An infamous day in history indeed. Skydiver Felix Baumgartner Breaks Sound Barrier.

 

Cordelia Bedelia

Our little girl Cordelia passed away yesterday. She was two and a half years old, so she was the second oldest rat we have ever had in our family. I miss her, but it was for the best. For the past three weeks, she was really already gone. She was the sweetest little rat, and we already miss her. I know Velma is very lonely in that big cage all by herself. Poor girl. We miss you Cordi. RIP.

Always Room

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the two beers.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full.. The students responded with a unanimous 'yes.'

The professor then produced two beers from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand.The students laughed..

'Now,' said the professor as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things---your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions---and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car.. The sand is everything else---the small stuff.

'If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life.

If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.

Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.

Spend time with your children. Spend time with your parents. Visit with grandparents. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and mow the lawn.

Take care of the golf balls first---the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the beer represented. The professor smiled and said, 'I'm glad you asked.' The beer just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of beers with a friend.

A Few Disney Memories