Picture Tag!

Kristen tagged me to pick the 4th picture in my 4th folder. Well, here it is. Obviously, I kept things honest, because how uninteresting is this?! I moved out of my apartment at the end of May and before I locked the door for the last time and turned in my keys, I took a bunch of pictures. See those steps? Right before I left, I sat down and thought about the fact that my entire marriage began and ended in this little space. I thought about my nephews going up and down the stairs and the time the littlest one fell down them. I thought about how comfortable I was there and how I knew where everything was in the dark. About a thousand other memories came to mind. And I know it sounds really sentimental, but the fact is, I was trying to be sentimental. My sister mourned each place she lived and then left, but I never thought twice about it. So I tried to feel something. It's not that I'm heartless, I just had things to do, a new life to get on with. So, it didn't happen then, but now - 6 months later, looking at this picture, I think I feel a case of the weepies coming on. Thanks a lot, Kristen! :)

And the story of Little pup falling down the stairs? He was on the 4th step and I was sitting right next to him. I was supposed to be watching him, but what could happen 4 steps up? He hit his head on this, I don't know, squared off baseboard thing and he immediately had a gigantic really colorful knot. I was freaking out (he was also freaking out), but his mom said, "Is is dented in or out?" I said, "Out." She said, "He'll be fine." I guess by the time the second one comes along, bumps on the head are a fairly normal occurrence.

Even though it's been 4 years and his head looks normal, he still looks a little upset with me.

Weekend Recap

How was everyone's weekend? Recovered from Christmas yet? Mine was great, especially Saturday. Saturday was all about me! Billy helped me take the recycling off, but I drove so we went wherever I wanted. First stop - Walmart. I wanted to see if there was any Christmas stuff left. It was definitely picked over pretty good, but I managed to find a few things - ornaments, cards, a cute little Santa server with spreader, and a purse cookie jar. Don't ask me what on earth I'm going to do with the cookie jar, but it was only $4.50 so I figured why not.


Then I forced him to go to Sally's Beauty Supply, where I got some more goodies. I got some replacement blades for my PedEgg, a glass nail filer, China Glaze - White On White, and Orly Bonder - I needed a basecoat and this one says it's rubberized, hmmm.

Had a quick look inside TJ Maxx since it was next door. And then to Jason's Deli for lunch and had a gigantic baked potato. We braved the mall so I could go to Dillard's to drool over the Coach bags. My second favorite was on clearance for $250. There was a Bleecker Tote on clearance for $200, but it wasn't black. I didn't get anything. It's easier to dream about having these bags, but when it comes down to putting the money on the table, I start getting nervous.

My second favorite. $250. They had 2 left. Should I have gotten it?


My absolute favorite. $200. If they had it in black (instead of blue), I know I would have gotten it. Oh, well, the search for the perfect black tote continues.

Anyway, the day ended with Starbucks and then Cheetos for dinner! It was a great day. Every Saturday should be 'all about Angie' day!

How about you - how was your weekend? Buy any goodies for yourself?

Hope Everyone Had A Very Merry Christmas!

Wordless Wednesday - Which One Do You Want?

Weekend Recap

I thought this past weekend would be tough, and it was. Friday night was fun though. Billy and I got dressed up and went to a Top of the Rock function. A friend/coworker is a member of the Arkansas chapter of Sweet Adelines, which is a womens barbershop harmony chorus. Billy actually worked with them over 15 years ago, setting up risers for their rehearsals and shows. So, he enjoyed seeing all the ladies again. And the stories he tells! Anyway, there was food, drinks, auctions, and of course, singing.

I made it to bed at 11, which meant I was able to get 4 hours of sleep. I had to be at work at 4 in the morning BOTH Saturday and Sunday. After work Saturday, I bought myself an early Christmas present -


I know it's a little weird to be this excited about a can crusher, but I can't help it!

I was sooo tired Saturday afternoon so I took a nap. A long one. Three hours. Which meant I couldn't go to sleep that night. I think I managed to sleep 2 hours before my alarm went off. Surprisingly, I functioned pretty well at work and wasn't that tired afterward. I finished off my Christmas shopping (yay!) and bagged everything up. I'm totally not a wrapper. Wish I was, I like wrapped gifts, and think they're so much prettier under the tree. But I really don't like wrapping.



And that's about it. Ate a lot of fast food. My plan is to eat anything and everything before my diet on January 2nd. I can't start on the 1st - it's a holiday!

Highpoint - can crusher!
Low - no sleep

How about you? What was your high and low?

Pasta With Peas

It's Food Friday!

This pasta dish is definitely one of my favorites. It's easy, quick, and a one pot meal. And it's delicious!

1 lb penne pasta
1 can cream of mushroom soup
Milk - fill empty soup can
Frozen green peas
1 pkg of shredded parmesan cheese

Fix pasta according to directions. Leave in colander while making the sauce. To the pot, add soup, milk, peas, and cheese. Cook until peas are done and cheese is melted, stirring continuously. Add pasta.

You can certainly use any pasta you want. It's good with tortellini too. And sometimes I slice up some grilled chicken on top.

Enjoy!

Pooba is Great!

Isn't this award pretty? Pooba gave this to me and I'm so excited about it! I have a few regular commenters (which surprises me everyday!) and she is definitely one of those kind enough to show me some bloggy love! Everyone go check out her site. I love what she does on the right hand side of her blog - she puts a pic up of what she's 'enjoying,' 'reading,' 'listening,' 'watching,' and 'wanting.' And she is up to date with it, unlike me and my flickr pictures!

Thanks Pooba!

Wordless Wednesday - And, No, I Didn't Share

Monday Meme

It's a Christmas meme that I stole from Robyn. The original is really long, so I just took a few questions from each section. It's still pretty long, so thanks in advance for making it through. Feel free to use it if your having a slow blog content day!

About The Tree

1. When do you put up the Christmas tree? As soon as possible after Thanksgiving.

2. Real or Fake? Fake.

3. Lights? What color? Pre-lit, thank goodness. White.

4. Theme or No theme? Theme - golds and creams.

5. What’s “under” the tree? Right now - one present.

About The Foods

1. What’s your favorite Christmas cookie? What's not my favorite Christmas cookie?! I like those sugar cookies from Walmart with the really thick frosting with sprinkles. Not Christmasy, really, except for the color of the frosting.

2. Any “special” foods or candy that you only have at Christmas time? Billy's mother makes fudge. I get out the peanut butter and chocolate almond bark with either pretzels or ritz crackers.

3. What do you eat on Christmas EVE? Usually appetizer stuff at my parent's house.

4. What do you eat on Christmas day? Traditional turkey and fixin's at my grandma's house.

5. Do you like Eggnog? I automatically want to say no, but maybe I should try it again.

6. Do you like candy canes? Eh.

About The Decorations

1. Where do you hang your stockings? When we use the stockings, I keep them up on the table or bar.

2. Do you put up a nativity? I love my nativity snowglobe!

3. Got a wreath on your front door? Sadly, no.

About The Movies/Shows

1. Favorite Children’s Xmas TV show/cartoon? Charlie Brown or the Grinch.

2. Favorite Christmas movie? Used to be A Christmas Story, now it's Nightmare Before Christmas.

3. Ever been to the Radio City Music Hall Christmas show? No, but they are coming to Little Rock for the first time. Maybe if they come back next year.

4. Ever gone to the movies on Christmas Day? No.

5. Did you know it’s the biggest day of the box-office? I don't believe you.

Other Christmas Things….

1. Favorite Christmas book or story? I know this isn't the 'correct' answer, but I like those cheap holiday romances where the characters are named Holly and Merry. Don't judge me!

2. Do you stuff your stockings with any types of food? Absolutely, that's what stockings are all about.

3. Do you go to church on Christmas or Christmas Eve? Midnight mass.

4. Favorite Christmas Carol? There are so many! I seriously love all of them. I know it's an oldie now, but Bruce Springsteen is awesome singing 'Santa Claus is Coming To Town' and I'll never get tired of The Waitresses singing 'Christmas Wrapping.' Are those considered carols?

5. What was the worst/most odd gift? In my late 20's, I was given a cd that a tween would love. It was just odd, not the worst. I feel bad now for even saying it was odd.

6. Who’s on your list this year? I only have about 8 people I'm buying gifts for.

7. Do you shop on Black Friday? No way. Or any weekend in December.

8. ARE YOU READY FOR CHRISTMAS? Just a few a more gifts to buy. I can't wait!

Cottage Cheese Jello

It's Food Friday!

Even though I titled this post/recipe 'Cottage Cheese Jello,' I've never actually called it that. The name I know it by - Green Stuff - doesn't sound very appetizing. And I'm not sure how appetizing my food photography skillz are either. But, trust me, this is really good. My mom and grandma ate this as a side dish, but I always treated it as a dessert.

1 lb cottage cheese
1 3 oz pkg jello
1 6 oz can crushed pineapple
1 8 oz container cool whip

Stir cottage cheese and jello together. Add pineapple and stir. Fold in cool whip. Refrigerate to set.

I always use lime jello, but you could use any flavor you wanted. And you can make it as healthy as you want - low fat cottage cheese, sugar free jello, pineapple in it's own juice, and sugar free cool whip.

Easy! Enjoy!

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things...

I love Christmas. I wish it wasn't just 15 days away. Not because I haven't done my shopping yet, but because it's closer to being over! (New Year's resolution - stop being so pessimistic!)


Here's a few of my favorite decorations:



I think if you celebrate Christmas, you should have a nativity set in the house. I love this nativity snowglobe because I don't have to keep up with individual figurines. And it plays music!





I got this little snowman drummer for Billy last year as a stocking stuffer. Press the button and he drums along to the music. If I was smart, I would figure out how to post a video. Anyone seen those Live Jam things? I'm thinking of getting Billy one of those. Good thing he doesn't read this. My own boyfriend doesn't even read my blog. Hmph.




I don't guess there's anything interesting about this candleholder. But, my mom got it for me and I love it.




Ok, I know it's not a decoration. But, it's still one of my favorite things about the holidays. Peppermint Twist Mocha. Yum.




I'd like to get Maggie a bed for Christmas. I just don't know if she'd like it, she likes to kick her blanket around. I guess it's a good thing Maggie doesn't read this either.




Studley posing by the tree. Why do all the animals look annoyed with me?

What's one of your favorite decorations? Or Starbucks drink?!

Weekend Recap

I finally got my tree up this past weekend! I'm only a week late, I guess that's ok. I had forgotten that I was storing the tree and ornaments at my parent's house. My sister was able to bring them down last Thursday. Speaking of which, she came down to be my witness in court. I'm officially divorced. It took about 5 minutes, did it myself - no lawyer, and I liked the judge because she told me I did a good job! Ha ha!

In between court and McAlister's, we went to TJ Maxx. They must have gotten a new shipment of Dooney's in. And I think I saw a store employee take a D&B duffle or travel bag to the back, I guess to hide it for herself. Surely that's a no-no. They had the cutest Juicy Couture wallets, but I'm still liking my pink one from Target.

A few highlights from this weekend:
Christmas tree
Senor Tequila (fajitas, Chili's makes the best fajitas though)
New Moon (finally started)
Nightmare Before Christmas (I'm starting a tradition)

A few lows:
Just one - I worked all weekend. But I'm off today!

Quick question - what's one highlight from your weekend?

Enjoy some Christmas tree pics!

Another Food Friday without Recipes

It's Food Friday! Well, kinda sorta. Once again, I didn't fix anything to blog about. I've been living off of rolls dipped in olive oil and vinegar. But my sister, Ali, came to visit yesterday and we had lunch at McAlister's.

Ali acting silly with the cookies.



Me stealing everyone's cookies.



Ali liking the sweet tea.



Me REALLY liking the sweet tea.



Ali acting silly eating.



Billy NOT acting silly eating. He really takes gigantic bites like that.

Thankfully, it wasn't very crowded so not many people had to witness the foolishness going on at our table.

Does everyone have a McAlister's near you? Or maybe a Jason's Deli? I like them both for different reasons. I like McAlister's Rotel cheese dip. And I like the big potatoes better at Jason's Deli. What's your favorite sandwich shop?

More Purse Talk

Yes, more purse talk. I can't help it. But, I guess no one should be surprised considering the name of the blog is My Pretty Purse, right? Dooney and Bourke has regular spots on QVC and I stayed up till 1 in the morning Friday night watching a 3 hour show. There wasn't really anything on that show that I liked, but they were selling the bag pictured above. It's the Leather Trim Signature Fabric Handbag with 3 piece accessories (wristlet, eyeglass case, ID holder). Wouldn't this be the cutest gift for a young girl, maybe a sweet 16 gift? QVC price was $159.79 ($8.22 S&H).


So I'm still in search of a black tote. I've seen this one in person, and I actually like it. It's the Cindy Tote in patent leather. The color shown is plum, and I'm liking the price - $210.

This is the Cindy Tote in Monza. I'm not sure what that is. I guess some sort of cheaper material because it's $175. Wonder how it looks in real life.

I like this. Doesn't it look comfortable? Is that the word I'm looking for? It's the Medium Chiara Bag in Nubuk, $385. They have it in other colors and fabrics, but I think this is my favorite.

This is the Feed Bag. I think I like this one because it reminds me of something Coach had. I think it was the Bleecker duffle. Pictured is shiny leather, $295. But it's also made in suede for $235 which is really pretty (kinda like the chiara).

And just so everyone remembers that my loyalty lies with Coach, look at that! Isn't that the prettiest thing ever?! It's the Signature Sateen Carly Carryall ($378). I can't wait to go to Dillard's to see if they have it. Just to look. And try on. But that's it. I promise. I totally don't have $400 laying around for a purse, but it's just so much fun looking!

Hope everyone else had a fun time looking! So, what do you think about Dooney bags? Too young? Too expensive? Too QVCish?

Bonus! Weekend Recap AND a Monday Meme

Not a very exciting weekend, but here are some highlights -

Watching 3 hours of Dooney and Bourke on QVC.
Eating spinach dip and cheesecake at Colton's.
Seeing 2 country boys in camouflage jackets walking through the apartment complex parking lot, 1 was carrying a frying pan.
Watching Retro Jams.

Some low points -

Sonic popcorn chicken (I'll spare you the details, although I did feel a bit skinnier the next morning).
Realizing my Christmas tree and ornaments are packed away at my parent's house 1 1/2 hours away.
Seeing that Aflac commercial where Rudolph is sick and he's worried about not having money to pay bills.

It's a Monday Meme!

Preston tagged me for a bookworm meme. I found Preston's blog, Me and the Blue Skies, through SITS blogging community and I am so glad I did. Everyone go check him out! (Preston, I just sent over all 6 of my readers, can you handle it?!)

Instructions - Grab nearest book, open to page 56, find the 5th sentence, and post the text of next 2 to 5 sentences. Then tag 5 people.

'I didn't even have time to close my eyes. Just before I heard the shattering crunch of the van folding around the truck bed, something hit me, hard, but not from the direction I was expecting. My head cracked against the icy blacktop, and I felt something solid and cold pinning me to the ground.'

Since everyone and their dog has read this book, I'm not even going to name it. As for tagging - you're it!



Maggie loves sunbathing.

Quick question - has Sonic ever gotten your order right?

Food Friday!

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! I'm so full of turkey, potatoes, casseroles, and everything else that I'm not posting a recipe today. But here are a few pics of Thanksgiving dinner.





Also, I was at Walmart the other day (seems like I'm always at Walmart) and found these -



It's filled with little bits of ice cream, like Dippin' Dots. Add milk and shake, shake, shake. And you have a milkshake! I had to stir mine up a bit, then shake some more, but it was still pretty good. They sell for $1.68 and come in 4 flavors - vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and cookies and cream.

Have a great weekend! Anyone have exciting plans? I can't wait to put my Christmas tree up!

Loreal Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara

I never did jump on the Cover Girl Lash Blast bandwagon, although I would still like to try it one day. I have been using Maybelline Great Lash for a while, can't go wrong with the pink and green. But, I kept seeing these Loreal commercials that mentioned 'beauty tubes,' and knew that would be the next mascara that I try. The first step is the base coat, which is supposed to protect, nourish, and strengthen. The second step is the mascara itself, "it envelopes your lashes in small tubes that act like lash-lengthening extensions." It claims that lashes will look UP TO 80% percent longer. I guess, that's compared to naked lashes, in which I would agree. But, I don't really know if I could tell a difference, as far as length, comparing it with Great Lash. Maybe. Maybe I need more practice applying it. I do know that it stayed on, and still looked really good 18 hours later. I guess that's why the package mentions that you may need to soak your lashes with warm water for 30 seconds. I really didn't find it that difficult, especially with my makeup remover wipes. All said, I liked it.

Loreal Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara ($8.87, Walmart)

Pros - nourishing, super long wearing
Cons - 2 steps, just a tiny bit more difficult to remove

What's your favorite mascara?

I've been slacking on my Harajuku Lovers fragrance reviews. The last sample I tried was Baby. It's described as "a powdery musk. Fresh. Clean. Soft." I was looking forward to it, because I was expecting something like Loves Baby Soft. It was sweeter than Loves, but did have a powdery scent to it. I promise I will hurry up and try Music, so I can officially proclaim G as my favorite (still loving the coconut scent!).

Have a Wonderful Wednesday!

Weekend Recap

My weekend started way earlier than normal. I woke up at 7 Saturday morning and for some crazy reason, I got up. Billy had just got home from work and he had stopped off to get a movie. Now, I'm actually going to tell you the name of the movie, but keep in mind that I did not pick it out. Ok, here I go, it was 'I Know Who Killed Me.' You know, the one where Lindsay Lohan plays a stripper. About 12 minutes in, Billy announced it was stupid and directly fell asleep. I decided to torture myself and I watched the whole thing. It kind of had the feel of a tv movie, and if it was on Lifetime, I don't think I would have trashed it so bad.

After the movie, it was still early so we went out for breakfast - Starbucks and Krispy Kreme. Billy got a shot of espresso in his frappacino and I thought he said 'expresso.' When I asked how he said it, he said, "I don't know, I couldn't even pronounce dismemberment at work this morning.' What?

Ate some good food over the weekend. A cheese calzone at NYPD Pizza and chips and Rotel cheese dip at McAlister's. Oh, and sweet tea. Can not forget McAlister's sweet tea.

I watched some episodes of Arrested Development on Hulu. Can't wait till the movie! And for some reason, I've been watching a lot of the History Channel. And, by a lot, I mean 3 shows. I'm still mad at Comcast for making the Style Network disappear. I miss Clean House. Watched some of the American Music Awards. Seems like there were a lot of performances. Is that normal? And I watched a cute Christmas movie on ABCFamily called 'Snowglobe.' Although, after seeing Christina Milan's cute little body, it made me regret the donuts. And the pizza. And, yeah, the cheese dip too.

Food - check. TV - check. Yep, that's a good weekend for me! Everyone else have a good weekend?


That line between my eyes better not get any deeper, or I will Botox the crap out of it.

Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits

It's Food Friday!

I love dessert. I can't help it. A meal just isn't complete to me without a sweet something at the end. And, as much as I love dessert, my waistline does not. That's why I love these Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits - no guilt. Of course, you can use any fruit, any yogurt, and any granola cereal you want, the possibilities are endless. Here's what I used:

Light vanilla yogurt
Light mixed berries yogurt
Just Bunches cereal
Strawberries
Sugar Free Cool Whip

So simple and easy, enjoy!

I Like Nail Polish... A Lot

At least it's not an expensive habit, right? I think you can still get Love My Nails, WetnWild, and N.Y.C. for around a dollar. In fact, I was checking out some N.Y.C. colors today at Walmart. Skin Tight Denim was a nice blue, and Polyester Pink was a pretty bright pink. Actually, I think I was drawn more to the names than anything. There was a brand called Pure Ice, and they had a really nice red called Nasty Girl. I was totally prepared to bash them in this post until I discovered that China Glaze has a color called Nasty. Still, call me a prude, but I'm not a fan of the 'nasty' names.

Some of my favorite names from Nicole by OPI -
Ink a Dink a Pink
I Like You a Latte
Really Really Red

I don't know why that last one is funny to me, but it is. And some more of my favorites from OPI -
Don't Socra-tease Me!
My Chihuahua Bites!
I'm Not Really a Waitress
Nice Color, eh?
Not So Bora-Bora-ing Pink
Oh... To Be 25 Again!

And according to my favorite nail polish site - All Lacquered Up, OPI is coming out with a 90210 collection with names like -
Queen of West Web-erly
Sweet as Annie-thing!
Pretty & Priviledged

I could go on and on with all the funny, crazy names out there, but I'll leave you with one more by OPI -
Who Comes Up With These Names?

I think I've asked this before, but I want to know again! What's your favorite nail polish? I think my favorite is still OPI Bubble Bath.

Monday Meme

How mean of me, I'm forcing them to spend quality time together.

My weekend was totally not exciting, so I decided to steal a meme from Robyn to put in place of a weekend recap post. I'll do my best to liven things up around here next weekend! Hope everyone else's was great!

[Grab the book nearest to you, turn to page 18, find line 4. Write down what it says] They were sitting in the corner of the cafeteria, as far (Twilight - finished it Saturday!)

[Stretch your left arm out as far as you can. What do you touch first?] Bedroom door.

[What is the last thing you watched on TV?] The Pickup Artist (Not my idea, yet I couldn't look away)

[With the exception of the computer, what can you hear?] TV (Billy's watching something on the History channel - fire and space, or something)

[When did you last step outside?] This evening when I came back from Kroger.

[Before you came to this website, what did you look at?] Twitter.

[What are you wearing?] Pajamas

[Did you dream last night?] Probably, I almost always do.

[When did you last laugh?] Just a little while ago. Billy was on the phone with a buddy talking about shower doors. I found it amusing.

[What is on the walls of the room you are in?] Not a single thing.

[Seen anything weird lately?] I saw 2 dead raccoons today. Each one was on exit ramps off the interstate. One had it's little paw up in the air. Poor things.

[What do you think of this quiz?] I like it!

[What is the last movie you saw?] DVD - Get Smart. Theater - Wanted.

[If you became a multi-millionaire overnight, what would you buy first?] A house.

[Tell me something about you that I don't know.] I hate for anyone to see me eat while I'm driving. If someone passes me, I put the food down and stop chewing.

[If you could change one thing about the world, regardless of guilt or politics, what would you do?] I just think everyone should be a lot more considerate.

[Do you like to dance?] I like to jump around, I don't think it would be considered dancing.

[George Bush.] I'm seriously not political.

[Imagine your first child is a girl, what do you call her?] I used to like Julianne. Haven't thought about it in a while.

[Imagine your first child is a boy, what do you call him?] Maybe Jacob. I really have no idea.

[Would you ever consider living abroad?] I can't imagine a circumstance where I would need to consider it. I'm quite happy here!

Now I Have 2!

It's a special Sunday post!

The lovely Kristen gave me this award! Isn't it fabulous? It's seriously the cutest thing I've ever seen. I met Kristen through my sister's blog and she was nice enough to start reading mine and commenting very early on. So thank you, Kristen, for that too! She makes awesome jewelry and I absolutely love her Product Junkie posts! Everyone go check her out!

Chocolate and Peanut Butter Pretzel Sticks

It's Food Friday!

I always make these this time of year and I always intend on giving them as gifts. Think how cute they would look in a holiday tin or with colorful cellophane tied with pretty ribbons. But, I'm embarrassed to admit that they never make it that far. In fact, I made half a batch one night with plans to take the picture the next day. Well, the next day I ended up having to make more because I didn't have enough for the picture. Hope everyone else enjoys these simple, easy treats as much as I do.

1 28 oz jar of peanut butter (I like Jif extra crunchy)
1 pkg chocolate almond bark
1 bag of pretzel rods (about 34)
crushed peanuts (you could also drizzle white chocolate)

So the chocolate is easy to work with, I usually do these in half batches. Melt half a package of chocolate almond bark in the microwave for about 90 seconds. Stir. You can do 15 seconds more if you think it needs it. And the process is simple: spread peanut butter on pretzel rod, spoon chocolate over it, lay on aluminum foil, sprinkle with nuts, and repeat 16 more times. Easy! And, of course, you can stop there if you don't trust yourself with a full batch in the house!

Enjoy!