****tWiNKle ToeS****

Chris and I went BALLROOM DANCING last night! We've never done anything like that before. We're not into the artsy fartsy stuff like theaters and museums, and I always thought this fell into that category. Chris's boss and co-worker both attend this dance school and they get "points" for guests that they bring in. The "points" equal out to free dance lessons, so it pays off. We decided we would help them out. We had Alex over to watch Bryce, and I had someone cover my call for awhile too. We arrived at 7pm for our "private" lesson with the instructor. He did a one-on-one lesson with Chris and I to kind of teach us the basics about hand positions, postures, etc. Then we started learning some basic moves. We did one basic move from three dances; the Waltz, the Rumba and Push-Pull. It was so much fun! I was very anxious to learn more, hence our sit-down session with the teacher after the lesson. It was $300 for "3" more lessons!!! ACK! I had fun, but I could think of a lot more ways to have fun with $300! And that was just the tip of the iceberg. After that, to continue you must purchase packages from a tier...that can cost you in the THOUSANDS! But it was fun and free for us this time.

After our private session, we had an hour long group class. This was where everyone who was at the studio got on the dance floor to practice the above mentioned dance steps...in a group setting. Our good gay friend, Jimmy was there too. He's such a hoot! They asked the girls to go to one side of the room, and the guys to go to the other side. Well, Jimmy thought he was one of the girls! It was hilarious! I'm glad we had the private lesson before, or I wouldn't have learned anything because I was laughing so hard. The thing that I didn't like about the group lessons is that you switch partners. I danced with all of the men about two times each. All those sweaty palms...ICK! But all in all it was fun! If anyone wants to have a night and try what we did, just let me know! I'm sure Chris's boss would love to have the credit for you coming to try it out!

Just a couple of scrapbook pages....

I've had these done for about a week or so, but I'm just too lazy to post them. Plus I don't have a scanner, so the digital pic doesn't look all that great to me.

Another 5K for me!!

My sister and I ran the "Run for Fatherhood" 5k at Shelby Bottoms Park this past Saturday morning. I've really been waiting to see what the offical time was, and they finally posted them last night. I was a whopping ONE minute faster on this one than my last, but this course was soooo much harder than the one at MTSU. I'm doing another one in my hometown of Smithville, TN this Saturday morning, so wish me luck! Anybody want to join me?

FEMALE AGE GROUP: 25 - 29
1 57 RACHEL SPEARS 28 24:39
2 91 ANDREA DAVIS 28 27:34
3 93 JENNIFER HARVIEL 29 27:36
4 103 PORTIA HAMMERSTAD 27 28:48
5 109 JANA KELLEY 27 29:23
6 134 KATHY MEAD 29 31:57
7 139 JILL EDMONDSON 27 32:14
8 146 MONICA DICKENS 27 32:50
9 152 LAURA POE 28 34:17
10 153 KEESHA HATCHER 28 34:19
11 155 ANGIE GARNER 29 34:37
12 191 KELLY THOMPSON 26 42:39
13 192 COURTNEY JONES 29 42:39
14 205 ASHLEY SNYDER 25

Meet the newest Tastefully Simple Consultant

It's me. I signed up for it. I love their products so much that I couldn't NOT be good at selling them. I hooked my mom on their products, and I think that she alone will help me meet my quarterly quota. But, if anyone is thinking about having a party, re-ordering or knows of anyone who would like to have a party, please keep me in mind!

If you'd like to check out the web site you can find it here: Tastefully Simple. All the products and descriptions are there, along with pricing. I'd be more than happy to send you a catalog if you'd like one.

My favorite product so far would have to be the Garlic, Garlic. (It's also sodium free or weird stuff in it) Although I haven't tried one yet I didn't like.

Not surprising since I'm crazy for garlic and put it in most everything I make. (So good in mashed potatoes) It also saves me from having to chop garlic all the time if I don't feel like it. Even still, sometimes I use both to add another level of flavor to whatever I'm making.

On Christmas Eve, I made 2 dips in literally about 3 minutes. I made one with the Onion Onion and the other with Spinach & Herb. (Each bottle of spice can make up to 7 cups of dip)

In 2 separate bowls, I mixed together 2 tbsp. of the spice, with 1/2 cup sour cream and 1/2 cup mayonnaise. Let them chill for about 1/2 hour or so and they were ready. So easy and delicious.

Here's just a sample recipe of what all can be done with the products. If you don't like seafood, just leave it out and follow the rest of the recipe.

Howlin' Crab Dip: Drain 1 can of crab (you can use imitation as well or other cooked seafood) mixed it with about 2 tbsp. of Howling Horseradish spice, (some Garlic Garlic can also be added, but is optional) 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup of sour cream, 8 oz. package of cream cheese and about 3/4 cup of cheddar cheese together. Cover and bake in a preheated 350 oven for about 20 minutes until heated through and bubbly. Serve it with little French bread toast rounds. Yum.

The spices can be used in or on food, to make a sauce or great dip, whatever. They also carry breads, soups, salsas, dips (the raspberry is supposed to be awesome) crackers, pretzels all sorts of stuff. Along with some seasonal items.

Everything is so versatile with the goal in mind to make life tastier and easier for the everyday or gourmet cook who may or may not want to spend time in the kitchen. Cookbooks are available to use as serving and meal suggestions. Free recipes are also posted on the web site.

Another nice thing they carry are the gift packs. These make wonderful treats for family and friends - or yourself. Especially if you're planning to order say the Garlic, Garlic, Bacon Bacon and Onion Onion. If you buy them as a gift pack, you get them at even better prices. My realtor friend buys the gift packs to make up gift baskets with the spices and breads to hand out to new homeowners as thank you gifts.

The products are great for new Mom's and Dad's. You can give them a gift pack to make throwing a meal together a breeze while adjusting to their new schedule. And what a great way to throw a party, baby shower, snack, or any kind of get together quickly and easily without getting totally stressed out.



Parties can be done a number of ways:

Have a book party and collect your orders.

Invite people over for a party. You'll receive samples of the products to serve & let allow people to try the products before they order so they know just how good they really are. You could also bring your samples into work, to someone's party, shower, friends house, etc. to help spread the word and get you even more orders.

Whichever way you choose to do it is up to you. Orders will be added up once the party is closed and you could be eligible for free products and gifts!

If you don't want to have a party at all, no problem. Just contact me. I'll place the order and send it to you. Once my web site is up and running, I'll be able to accept your orders there too. Whichever you prefer.

The web site should be really helpful and convenient for you since you'll be able to place an order at any hour of the day. Say you realize you're running out of the Spinach & Herb mix. Go to the site & order a bottle - it will be shipped right to your door.

Either way, there's never a need to place a huge order.

I'll be putting an order soon in case you need something.
Samples should be available soon! Let me know if you'd like me to send you one.

As always, thanks for your interest and support. Extra special thanks to those who've already ordered and/are planning a party!

{{{{HUGS}}}}

Bloody-nasty movie!

Alright, let me start by saying that I'm a fan of horror movies. The creepy, ghost, murderer-type flicks. Well, maybe I should have read the reviews before I picked up this film at Hollywood Video. It was a 94 minute film that took 45 minutes to get started. Yep, for awhile I thought I was watching a porn movie. Tons of sex and naked people. It made me blush and I'm NOT that shy! I found a pretty cool movie review website if you ever want to look one up....www.rottentomatoes.com.

Here's a short description of the movie, not to spoil it for those who still want to see it.

Two adventurous American college buddies, Paxton and Josh, backpack through Europe eager to make quintessentially hazy travel memories with new friend Oli, an Icelander they've met along the way. Paxton and Josh are eventually lured by a fellow traveler to what's described as a nirvana for American backpackers--a particular hostel in an out-of-the-way Slovakian town stocked with Eastern European women as desperate as they are gorgeous. The two friends arrive and soon easily pair off with exotic beauties Natalya and Svetlana. In fact, too easily. Initially distracted by the good time they're having, the two Americans quickly find themselves trapped in an increasingly sinister situation that they will discover is as wide and as deep as the darkest, sickest recess of human nature itself--if they survive.

So, to make a long movie less long, some sicko is trapping people in hostles to take to members of a "hunting club"...human "hunting club" that is, where they can pay major moulah to mutilate, torture or kill these poor people. It made me want to throw up!

VaVaVa VOOM!

****edited to add pics***I'm not good at taking these of myself ;)
It's amazing how GOOD I feel about myself after I get a haircut. I am OBSESSED with my hair. It has to be just right, look perfect, or I will pull it up on top of my head. Well, it's been on top of my head alot since my last haircut. For those of you that don't know, my hair is super THICK and therefore has a mind of its own. I've had the same "hair chick" since I moved to Murfreesboro almost seven years ago. She's sweet, and a good friend, but man has she just butchered my hair the last two times it's been cut. I didn't know how bad it really was. I thought it was the humidity causing the frizz and "rat-chewed ends" of my hair. I even tried switching up my hair products...yep, forked out some $$ for good shampoo and conditioner. I could STILL never get my hair to feel right! I spent way too much time working on it everyday. I went to ADORN salon here in Murfreesboro, and boy did AMIE fix me up! My hair feels so healthy, and she managed to salvage it without chopping it all off. I've been a walking billboard for her since! I went to my mom's house last night to show off my new do' and she's taking my little sister out there today! I'll try to get some pics up at some point today...I just look like crap right now :)

Blog challenge...just a few questions!

This is from the daily blog challenge over at Two Peas.
1. FIRST NAME? Monica
2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? not that I know of
3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? about a month ago over a movie
4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? sometimes, when I try
5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? turkey
6. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? one (Bryce, 2 /12)
7. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? yep
8. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? just my blog
9. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? oh yeah
10. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? yes
11. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? heck no! I'm terrified of heights
13. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? no
14. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? you bet!
15. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? chocholate soft serve
16. SHOE SIZE? 9
17. RED OR PINK? pink
18. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? saggy boobs
19. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? I guess I would say my father, even though people tell me I wouldn't. Oh, and my girls at MTMC in ultrasound. They always make me laugh!
20. WHEN AND WHERE WERE YOU BORN? January 24, 1979 Cookeville, TN
21. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? navy blue shorts, no shoes
22. WHAT IS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? chicken
23. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? the hum of the computer
24 IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? red
25. FAVORITE SMELL? gasoline...I know...weird
26. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED WITH ON THE PHONE? Amy
27. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU MEET? teeth
28. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?. not that I can think of
29. FAVORITE DRINK? Diet Coke from Sonic
30. FAVORITE SPORT? softball
31. HAIR COLOR? blonde
32. EYE COLOR? blue
33. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? yep
34. FAVORITE FOOD? anything mexican and spicy
35. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDING? Scary Movies!!
36. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? The Skeleton Key
37. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Pink
38. SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer
39. HUGS OR KISSES? hugs
40. FAVORITE DESSERT? chocholate chip cookies
41. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? Breast Ultrasound Registry Review, and of course my celebrity smut mags! Where are you Stephanie?!?
42. WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? don't have one
43. FAVORITE SOUNDS? Bryce laughing
44. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Stones all the way
45. THE FURTHEST YOU'VE BEEN FROM HOME? Arizona or Mexico...don't know which is farther
46. IF YOU COULD PICK ANY TWO PEOPLE TO HAVE DINNER WITH, WHO WOULD
THEY BE? Oprah and Nick Lachey :)

Our trip to Chattanooga

Chris took a week off from work last week, and we decided that we would head to Chattanooga for a weekend getaway! Bryce is into choo-choo's and fish, so it was right up his alley. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Choo-Choo Hotel in a refurbished Victorian traincar.

There was alot of history with the train station turned hotel, and if you're interested, you can check out their website...Choo Choo Hotel

We bought tickets to the Tennessee Aquarium and IMAX while we were there. The aquarium was LOTS of fun, but you better wear comfy shoes! My favorite part was the butterfly room. I love butterflies, and they were everywhere you turned! I got some pretty cool pics, but that was a job in itself. They didn't stay still very long!

Bryce loved the fish at the aquarium! He had a hard time realizing that there was more than one tank to look at. He would stand and stare at the same fish for a very long time. It was so cute! His favorite were the turtles. He also made his very first fish-face-------

"Oh Monta"

My child has given up on calling me mama. Yep, he's finally picked up the fact that "big people" have another name for me, and since he thinks he's SO big, he must now call me Monica. Or, to pronounce it like he does..."Mon-ta". I got told today, and I quote, "Go play Monta!". Maybe my son's just eclectic, you know, wanting to be different, break the mold and such. I have to look on the bright side, it is pretty darn cute.

But anyway, here's how the rest of my day went....I went out searching Lowe's and Home Depot for some 1" square tiles. I saw the coolest thing in a BH&G magazine of how to do a mosaic frame around your bathroom mirror with tiles and clear acrylic caulk. How simple, and different! But, no such luck. I may have to order online to get the colors that I want. Next, I went to the Y around 11 and did a 25 minute elliptical interval session. Atleast I think it was 25 minutes! I accidentally hit the "reset" button in the middle of my workout. I didn't get my exact time, which accelerates the OCD in me. I worked with a resistance band today for my legs and booty. I started with 50 squats, hip extensions, lying leg lifts (inner and outer) and crunches. I'm going to hit it in the morning early and get in cardio and some upper body weights, granted I don't get called in a bunch tonight.

After my workout, I assembled kits for my class on Saturday. It took me four freakin' hours!!! I could not believe it! I knew there was a good reason I hated mini books! It will be my last class for awhile, and I so need the break.

Bryce and I headed to Kristen's house. Thanks Kristen for hosting the Pampered Chef party tonight! I really wish I could've indulged in the chocolate chip cheesecake, but I need a little less jiggle in the middle right now.

We have TONS of people coming to the house tomorrow to repair things that are crapping out. Our 1 year builder's warranty is up in July, so we've started calling in advance to get people out here in ample time. I guess my booty will be staying close to the house tomorrow. *Note...set alarm for 5:30am to get to Y*

:::yawn:::