6.28.2012
6.27.2012
Mexi-Pasta Recipe
Y'all remember back when I did a review/giveaway for eMeals?
Well, I printed out all of the recipe and shopping lists from the 3 months I had my subscription, so that way I could go back to them and use them when I wanted to.
I recently pulled these out and was looking for something cheap, easy and simple. I came across the recipe for Mexi-Pasta, and I knew it would be delicious.
Anytime I make something yummy, I want to share it with y'all, so here it is!
Mexi-Pasta
First, gather your ingredients:
1/5lb hamburger meat (not shown)
8oz rotini pasta (half a regular box)
1 pkg taco seasoning
1 15oz can of corn
1 15oz can of diced tomatoes
That's right, 5 ingredients that you usually already have on hand in your pantry. Easy!
First, while you're browning the hamburger meat, go ahead and cook your pasta.
After you drain the ground beef and pasta (don't rinse), you mix the corn, tomatoes and taco seasoning in with the meat.
Do NOT drain the veggies.
After that's all mixed together good, you put the pasta in the skillet and mix it all up with the meat mixture until it's well blended together.
Then, VOILA!
Dinner is served!
This is SO yummy, and it even tastes good leftover.
Let me know if you try this and how you like it!
6.26.2012
50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind, Pt. 4
I am almost done with this! I was talking to Neely this past weekend and was telling her that I'm glad I broke this up into multiple posts because after answering 10, my mind is literally exhausted. These questions really make me think, but I love it!
If you want, you can check out my answers from Part One, Part Two and Part Three.
31. At what time in your recent past have you felt most passionate and alive?
As corny as it sounds, when I have serious conversations with Nate I LOVE it.
32. If not now, then when?
When I'm comfortable, that's when.
33. If you haven’t achieved it yet, what do you have to lose?
Money, time, my sanity. Are we talking about the same thing here?!
34. Have you ever been with someone, said nothing, and walked away feeling like you just had the best conversation ever?
Yes. I think this happens easily with people you're VERY comfortable with. People who you know well, and they know you well. Like the back of their own hand. My best friend and I totally have this relationship. We get one another too well sometimes. It's creepy.
35. Why do religions that support love cause so many wars?
Because they disagree with others to the point of war. Maybe? This is a tough one. I have no good answer.
36. Is it possible to know, without a doubt, what is good and what is evil?
Some things, yes. Other things? No. It's how bad things happen sometimes because we trust that someone/something is good when really it isn't.
37. If you just won a million dollars, would you quit your job?
No I wouldn't. I would take a month off though to travel! I would probably cut back on my hours too. I would want to enjoy life, but still make money because the million dollars will eventually run out.
38. Would you rather have less work to do, or more work you actually enjoy doing?
More work I actually enjoy doing. I thrive off of being busy. I love having something to do. My mind gets super bored if I just sit around.
39. Do you feel like you’ve lived this day a hundred times before?
Some days, yeah. Life gets to be a bit repetitive at times, doesn't it? It happens.
40. When was the last time you marched into the dark with only the soft glow of an idea you strongly believed in?
When I made the decision to go to nursing school. (I'm not there yet!) A lot of people tell me how hard it is, and I've known many people who go through with it and then change their profession. It's something I strongly believe I want to do, but it terrifies me at the same time.
Alright, y'all - come back next week for the last 10 questions!!!
If you want, you can check out my answers from Part One, Part Two and Part Three.
31. At what time in your recent past have you felt most passionate and alive?
As corny as it sounds, when I have serious conversations with Nate I LOVE it.
32. If not now, then when?
When I'm comfortable, that's when.
33. If you haven’t achieved it yet, what do you have to lose?
Money, time, my sanity. Are we talking about the same thing here?!
34. Have you ever been with someone, said nothing, and walked away feeling like you just had the best conversation ever?
Yes. I think this happens easily with people you're VERY comfortable with. People who you know well, and they know you well. Like the back of their own hand. My best friend and I totally have this relationship. We get one another too well sometimes. It's creepy.
35. Why do religions that support love cause so many wars?
Because they disagree with others to the point of war. Maybe? This is a tough one. I have no good answer.
36. Is it possible to know, without a doubt, what is good and what is evil?
Some things, yes. Other things? No. It's how bad things happen sometimes because we trust that someone/something is good when really it isn't.
37. If you just won a million dollars, would you quit your job?
No I wouldn't. I would take a month off though to travel! I would probably cut back on my hours too. I would want to enjoy life, but still make money because the million dollars will eventually run out.
38. Would you rather have less work to do, or more work you actually enjoy doing?
More work I actually enjoy doing. I thrive off of being busy. I love having something to do. My mind gets super bored if I just sit around.
39. Do you feel like you’ve lived this day a hundred times before?
Some days, yeah. Life gets to be a bit repetitive at times, doesn't it? It happens.
40. When was the last time you marched into the dark with only the soft glow of an idea you strongly believed in?
When I made the decision to go to nursing school. (I'm not there yet!) A lot of people tell me how hard it is, and I've known many people who go through with it and then change their profession. It's something I strongly believe I want to do, but it terrifies me at the same time.
Alright, y'all - come back next week for the last 10 questions!!!
6.25.2012
Cell Phone Fun #9
Happy Monday! Did everyone have a good weekend? I sure hope so. Mine was fun!
Today, I'm linking up with the sweet Savanah and Ashlee to show y'all some pics I've taken on my phone as of late.
My new maxi dress. It's always SO exciting to find one that is the right length for me. It's so rare.
Nate and I like to challenge one another to crossword puzzles from the newspaper.
Me and my sweet daddy on Father's Day.
My best friend's baby just doing a little cleaning. She's a girl after my own heart, I tell ya.
Mouth-watering fro-yo. I could seriously go for some right now.
All Binky wants to do all day is cuddle with Nate on the couch. Melts my heart!
Hope y'all have a great day! :)
6.24.2012
Sunday Social #2
Linking up with 2 of my favorite girls, Neely and Ashley for Sunday Social! You should too. :)
What is your all-time favorite song? Benny and the Jets by Elton John! Such a fun song, and anytime I hear it I can't help but stop myself and belt it out!
What is your favorite singer/band? This is always a tough question for me because I don't have ONE favorite. I like all sorts of different bands because I like all types of music genres. So, I like them all for the most part. :)
What is your favorite road-trip music? Anything I can sing at the top of my lungs, or dance like a mad woman in the car. Always makes for fun road-trip music. May not be the safest thing to do in a car, but it sure makes the time go by and it's fun! :)
What is your theme song/song that best describes your life?
The #1 song on the US charts on the day I was born was Alone by Heart. That's fun, right? Let's go with that one. Wanna know what the #1 song was on your day of birth? Go here to find out!
What songs put you in a good mood?
Besides Benny & the Jets - anything I can dance to. Sexy & I Know It by LMFAO is a good one. Ohhh, and Fergalicious. If you're lucky, you've heard me rap this song. ;)
What song are you embarrassed to admit you love?
Boyfriend by Justin Bieber and Party in the USA by Miley Cyrus.
True Story, yo.
6.23.2012
Giveaway Winners!!!
I want to thank all of you, AGAIN for following this blog and supporting me.
I had so much fun hosting a week of celebration giveaways. I wanted to wait until they were all over before I announced the winners. Kinda fun that way, don't ya think? :)
So without further adieu.. the winners!!!
Giveaway #1 Girly Prize Package - Kate from Dancing in the Minefields
Giveaway #2 Whale of a Sign - Nikki from makeupHER
Giveaway #3 Mary Kay Satin Hands - Casey from Stress Case
Giveaway #4 Munchkin Land Gift Certificate - Elizabeth from Defying Gravity
Giveaway #5 Brittany Garner Designs - Rachel from Love a la Mode
Giveaway #6 Barberry & Lace Gift Certificate - Erin from Everything According to Erin
Giveaway #7 Petal & Pink Earrings - E from Adventure of E
Giveaway #8 Thirty-One Gift Certificate - Britton from It's a Beautiful Thing
Congrats ladies! Please email me ASAP at brunchwithamber@gmail.com in order to claim your prizes.
I had so much fun hosting a week of celebration giveaways. I wanted to wait until they were all over before I announced the winners. Kinda fun that way, don't ya think? :)
So without further adieu.. the winners!!!
Giveaway #1 Girly Prize Package - Kate from Dancing in the Minefields
Giveaway #2 Whale of a Sign - Nikki from makeupHER
Giveaway #3 Mary Kay Satin Hands - Casey from Stress Case
Giveaway #4 Munchkin Land Gift Certificate - Elizabeth from Defying Gravity
Giveaway #5 Brittany Garner Designs - Rachel from Love a la Mode
Giveaway #6 Barberry & Lace Gift Certificate - Erin from Everything According to Erin
Giveaway #7 Petal & Pink Earrings - E from Adventure of E
Giveaway #8 Thirty-One Gift Certificate - Britton from It's a Beautiful Thing
Congrats ladies! Please email me ASAP at brunchwithamber@gmail.com in order to claim your prizes.
6.22.2012
Book Club Friday #16
Blake Harrison:
Rich, titled, and charming… And in need of a wife by Wednesday so he turns to Sam Elliot who isn’t the business man he expected. Instead, Blake is faced with Samantha Elliot, engaging and spunky with a voice men call 900 numbers to hear.
Samantha Elliot:
Owner of Alliance, her matchmaking firm, and not on the marital menu... That is until Blake offers her ten million dollars for a one-year contract. All she needs to do is keep her attraction to her husband to herself and avoid his bed. But Blake’s toe-curling kisses and charm prove too difficult to combat. Now she needs to protect her heart so she can walk away when their mercenary life together is over.
6.21.2012
It's OK to be Thankful Thursday #47
It's OK..
..to be sick of sports on the TV 24/7 - that's what I get for staying with the boyfriend
..to be super thankful that I have a boyfriend who is so worried about my safety and loves me
..to feel like a total slacker when it comes to my reading compared to Becca
..to be excited to have up'd my reading goal on GoodReads
..to be thankful for all of the amazing friends I've met through blogging
..to feel like you can't get through the workday if you don't check your email throughout
..to be seriously challenged on not letting yourself text while driving
..to be thankful for coffee in the mornings, it's so needed!
..to feel too lucky when it comes to the winnings I've had lately
..to think the only good thing about not staying at my apartment is that my mail builds up and I have good stuff in there by the time I check it :)
..to think sunflower seeds are yummy, but smell so bad
..to be thankful for the ability to cook yummy meals!
..to buy a skirt without having a top that will go with it
..to be thankful for a pool to lounge in on hot summer days
..to be itching for a new EC life planner, but it's only June!
What's OK with you and what are you thankful for this week? Come link up and share!
6.20.2012
Summer Time = Yummy Drinks!
We all know that summer time is my favorite time of the year, yes?
Being a Texas girl where temperatures in the 100s are nothing new, I enjoy having a nice, cold and refreshing drink in hand if I have to suffer through the temperatures.
I recently saw Michelob Ultra Light Cider on the shelves at my local grocery stores, and I thought it sounded perfect for lounging by the pool.
Lucky for me, I was contacted to participate in the BlogHer Michelob Ultra Light Cider Promotion with BlogHer.com. I love to review anything but especially adult beverages. ;)
I LOVED this. Obviously - as I had almost finished my drink before I remembered to take a picture. ;)
I've always been a fan of cider, but this was just so delicious! It was so incredibly crisp. Just the way a cider should be!
It was perfectly sweet and is diet friendly at only 120 cals per serving, and it's gluten-free. Now that's something we can all love, right?
I drank this straight out of the bottle, but it would also be just as tasty if served over ice. To read more about this drink, click here.
So, tell me - Which favorite summer meal or activity do you think would go best with Michelob ULTRA Light Cider?
6.19.2012
50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind, Pt. 3
Since I had giveaways going all last week, I skipped out on posting my answers to the next set of 50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind.
I'm back this week though! I'm determined to get through these.
If you want to check out my previous questions, you can by going to Part One and Part Two.
21. Would you rather be a worried genius or a joyful simpleton?
I don't at all consider myself a genius, but I am intelligent and I carry enough worry for me and 100 other people. I wish I could be more joyful and simple sometimes though. Maybe I could be a joyful genius?!
22. Why are you, you?
Because of my upbringing. I firmly believe that the ones who raise us and the ones we grow up with mold us into the person we eventually become as adults. For instance, if I had a different set of parents or different friends in school, I may not have the same qualities/attributes that I do today.
23. Have you been the kind of friend you want as a friend?
For the most part, yes. I am a good listener, and I give advice when it is needed and wanted. I'd do anything to help out a friend, especially if they would do the same for me in return. I could however work on returning calls/texts in a timely manner. I'm horrible at keeping in touch with people, and it's cost me a few friendships over the years. I hate drifting away from people, but unfortunately it's part of life.
24. Which is worse, when a good friend moves away, or losing touch with a good friend who lives right near you?
Losing touch with a good friend who lives right near you. They both suck, but I choose that one because it's something you could control. You could work harder at the friendship. The other you just can't control.
25. What are you most grateful for?
Having a family who is always there for me and supports me in all of my life decisions. Having a best friend who would give up anything for me means the world to me. Having a boyfriend who treats me the way a woman deserves to be treated.
26. Would you rather lose all of your old memories, or never be able to make new ones?
This one was one of the toughest questions I've had to answer so far. After really thinking about it, I'd rather lose all of my old memories. Sure, they're precious to me, BUT I plan on getting married and having children in the future. I want to be able to remember those moments, for sure.
27. Is it possible to know the truth without challenging it first?
Ahh, I think so, yes. That's what TRUST actually is right? Trusting something without questioning or challenging it.
28. Has your greatest fear ever come true?
Not yet. One of my top greatest fears in life is never being able to have my own children. And if I am, I'm terrified that I'll be a horrible mother.
29. Do you remember that time 5 years ago when you were extremely upset? Does it really matter now?
I do remember, and no it doesn't matter at all now. It usually doesn't, does it? We should really stop and think to ourselves, "Will this matter in 5 years?" Most of the time, it won't.. so why should we waste our time and energy being worked up about it?!
30. What is your happiest childhood memory? What makes it so special?
Spending summers traveling with my grandparents. They would always come get me and my little sister and take us back to their home for weeks at a time. It was always so much fun driving through different states, stopping and eating at new restaurants, staying in fun hotels and seeing new attractions. It's so special to me because I cherish my grandparents and know they won't always be here with me. I love having those childhood memories to look back on.
These questions are getting more thought provoking the further on it goes, and I LOVE it. :)
Come back next week for the next 10 questions.
I'm back this week though! I'm determined to get through these.
If you want to check out my previous questions, you can by going to Part One and Part Two.
21. Would you rather be a worried genius or a joyful simpleton?
I don't at all consider myself a genius, but I am intelligent and I carry enough worry for me and 100 other people. I wish I could be more joyful and simple sometimes though. Maybe I could be a joyful genius?!
22. Why are you, you?
Because of my upbringing. I firmly believe that the ones who raise us and the ones we grow up with mold us into the person we eventually become as adults. For instance, if I had a different set of parents or different friends in school, I may not have the same qualities/attributes that I do today.
23. Have you been the kind of friend you want as a friend?
For the most part, yes. I am a good listener, and I give advice when it is needed and wanted. I'd do anything to help out a friend, especially if they would do the same for me in return. I could however work on returning calls/texts in a timely manner. I'm horrible at keeping in touch with people, and it's cost me a few friendships over the years. I hate drifting away from people, but unfortunately it's part of life.
24. Which is worse, when a good friend moves away, or losing touch with a good friend who lives right near you?
Losing touch with a good friend who lives right near you. They both suck, but I choose that one because it's something you could control. You could work harder at the friendship. The other you just can't control.
25. What are you most grateful for?
Having a family who is always there for me and supports me in all of my life decisions. Having a best friend who would give up anything for me means the world to me. Having a boyfriend who treats me the way a woman deserves to be treated.
26. Would you rather lose all of your old memories, or never be able to make new ones?
This one was one of the toughest questions I've had to answer so far. After really thinking about it, I'd rather lose all of my old memories. Sure, they're precious to me, BUT I plan on getting married and having children in the future. I want to be able to remember those moments, for sure.
27. Is it possible to know the truth without challenging it first?
Ahh, I think so, yes. That's what TRUST actually is right? Trusting something without questioning or challenging it.
28. Has your greatest fear ever come true?
Not yet. One of my top greatest fears in life is never being able to have my own children. And if I am, I'm terrified that I'll be a horrible mother.
29. Do you remember that time 5 years ago when you were extremely upset? Does it really matter now?
I do remember, and no it doesn't matter at all now. It usually doesn't, does it? We should really stop and think to ourselves, "Will this matter in 5 years?" Most of the time, it won't.. so why should we waste our time and energy being worked up about it?!
30. What is your happiest childhood memory? What makes it so special?
Spending summers traveling with my grandparents. They would always come get me and my little sister and take us back to their home for weeks at a time. It was always so much fun driving through different states, stopping and eating at new restaurants, staying in fun hotels and seeing new attractions. It's so special to me because I cherish my grandparents and know they won't always be here with me. I love having those childhood memories to look back on.
These questions are getting more thought provoking the further on it goes, and I LOVE it. :)
Come back next week for the next 10 questions.
6.18.2012
Swap into Spring Goodies Reveal
Please use the linky below to link up your post where you show off what your partner sent you! Can't wait to see what everyone got.
Thanks again for participating with us! :)
Edit: I went and checked my mail and was so excited to see my package from Jen was in my mailbox!
Wanna see what she got me?
Edit: I went and checked my mail and was so excited to see my package from Jen was in my mailbox!
Wanna see what she got me?
-A really pretty card with a sweet little message
-An adorable polka dot nail file
-Sally Hansen Salon Effects, they're white with black polka dots, so cute!
-Pomegranate peel-off mask
-Pomegranate bubble bath
-Maybelline's Baby Lips
-Arbor Mist white peach pinot grigio
Jen did wonderfully at picking out a package that screamed me! I LOVE everything and can't wait to try it all. I can tell you the wine chiller will be gone in no time.
Have you linked up your goodies yet?!
6.16.2012
Blogiversary Giveaway - Thirty One Gifts
Happy Saturday dollfaces! Who's ready for another giveaway!?! This will be the last one of the week.
Thanks so much to everyone who has celebrated my blogiversary with me.
Y'all rock, seriously.
Today, I have Megan with Thirty One gifts here giving away a $25 gift certificate to spend on whatever you wish in the catalog.
Thirty One gifts is awesome at helping you get organized the way you want.
Check out her catalog HERE to browse the products and get a good idea of what you like.
If you own any of their products, you already know how great they are. If you don't, well here's your chance!
Use the rafflecopter widget below to enter.
Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thanks so much to everyone who has celebrated my blogiversary with me.
Y'all rock, seriously.
Thirty One gifts is awesome at helping you get organized the way you want.
Check out her catalog HERE to browse the products and get a good idea of what you like.
If you own any of their products, you already know how great they are. If you don't, well here's your chance!
Use the rafflecopter widget below to enter.
Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
6.15.2012
Blogiversary Giveaway - Petal & Pink
Morning sweet friends, and TGIF!
Welcome back for yet another giveaway!!!
The more, the merrier and the more chances to win. ;)
Today's giveaway is brought to you by the oh so sweet Erin who is the owner of the Etsy shop, Petal and Pink.
Erin hand makes earrings, necklaces and bracelets. All are beautiful and affordable!
You have your very own chance to win a pair of gorgeous African Turquoise earrings, check out how pretty these babies are!
Erin's description of the earrings:
African Turquoise in rough chip stone create these simple, yet statement making earrings. African Turquoise is actually a type of Jade that resembles the natural beauty that Turquoise has. The color is a bit more green than normal Turquoise, making this a great alternate to the stone.
Length is 1.25 from sterling silver earhooks.
Want a chance to win these for yourself? I thought so!
Use the rafflecopter widget below to enter.
Also, Erin is kindly offering all of my readers 10% off in her shop! So, go get yourself some new pretties by using the code Amber10.
Good Luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Welcome back for yet another giveaway!!!
The more, the merrier and the more chances to win. ;)
Erin hand makes earrings, necklaces and bracelets. All are beautiful and affordable!
You have your very own chance to win a pair of gorgeous African Turquoise earrings, check out how pretty these babies are!
Erin's description of the earrings:
African Turquoise in rough chip stone create these simple, yet statement making earrings. African Turquoise is actually a type of Jade that resembles the natural beauty that Turquoise has. The color is a bit more green than normal Turquoise, making this a great alternate to the stone.
Length is 1.25 from sterling silver earhooks.
Want a chance to win these for yourself? I thought so!
Use the rafflecopter widget below to enter.
Also, Erin is kindly offering all of my readers 10% off in her shop! So, go get yourself some new pretties by using the code Amber10.
Good Luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
6.14.2012
It's OK to be Thankful Thursday #46
Hey y'all! Today's It's OK Thursday is a little different.. Neely and I have joined forces with Tracy to bring our readers:
It's OK to be Thankful Thursday!
The 3 of us are so excited to try out this mashup! We love the idea of not having to make people choose what link-up they want to do. So we thought how about If IT'S OK and Thankful Thursdays meshed together! You can talk about what you are thankful for, what's OK and what's OK to be thankful. Sounds super fun, right?
We hope you link up with all 3 of us :) Please feel free to use both buttons for your post, and don't forget to come back and link up!
..to want to treat yourself with a manicure when it's payday
..to be thankful for a really good shellac mani that is worth my money
..to eat a chocolate cannoli for lunch
..to be thankful for friends and family who care about me
..to be loving blogiversary week, and hope y'all are too!
..to be crazy thankful for my readers and blog friends :)
..to really, really, REALLY hate traffic in the mornings
..to be thankful that I've set my alarm early enough to get to work on time this week
..to be paranoid sometimes
..to be thankful for all the exciting stuff coming up in my life soon
..to sometimes get really annoyed at work and not want to do anything
..but to be super grateful I have a job!
What is OK with you this week, or what are you thankful for? Come link up with us and share!
Blogiversary Giveaway - Barberry & Lace
And the party don't stop! ;)
Welcome back to yet another day with a super awesome giveaway!
Today, I've got Leigh from Barberry & Lace here giving away a $25 gift certificate to her shop.
All of her pieces are super cute, and VERY affordable. So, $25 will go far. :)
Here are a few of my favorite pieces that I already own:
Can you tell I like owls? ;)
All you've gotta do to have your chance at a gift certificate is use the rafflecopter widget below to enter!
Good LUCK!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Welcome back to yet another day with a super awesome giveaway!
Here are a few of my favorite pieces that I already own:
All you've gotta do to have your chance at a gift certificate is use the rafflecopter widget below to enter!
Good LUCK!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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