Closed.

Thank you for all your reading, loving, and laughing.  A Brownie World has closed down shop.  Be sure to bookmark:  Cardio, Cabernet, & A Keyboard - the fresh new blog starting on Friday, October 28th, 2016 at 5AM!

WUW October 2016

Good morning, sweeties!  Can I just start off this post by formally announcing October is the fastest freakin' month in the calendar year?  I say they are all super fast but this one kicked the up the speed to rocket blaster!  I'm sad about this.  I really love October and every year it just goes by faster and faster.  Well at least I have this monthly link up to reminisce a bit!

What We're Eating This Week

Back on the wagon of low carb low sugar.  Everything this week is savory and filling and minus potato products!  Summer returned to NC last week with highs in the mid 80's and that made any cravings for fall food fall by the wayside.  This week we're sitting in the sixties and seventies again so I'm warming up my kitchen with good stuff like...

Salmon Patties a.k.a. croquets

Salsa Chicken

Meatloaf This is not low carb at all but I wanted to share this recipe again because my husband and kids loved it so much.  

and

Italian Soup (my version and yes I'm no where near being Italian)

Of course I feel like it is super safe to say there will be Halloween candy floating around...eeeek!  Last week I had a pumpkin cake and a pumpkin pie in the house - that was dangerous.  I ended up making cake a meal one day and you guys know that is not me.  It was just too damn good!

What I'm Reminiscing About This Week...

One of NC's greatest - Biltmore Estate

Ha!  My hair has so grown since last year...about six inches!

The food.  Oh the food.

Hello Harrah's Cherokee...what a waste of money.

I guess it would be the norm to say Halloween but sorry, not doing that.  I am actually thinking about my birthday trip last year to Asheville.  The husband and I slipped away on a Friday and went to Biltmore Estate and then stayed the weekend in Asheville.  It was a fabulous, wonderful, perfect trip.  Wishing we could do that again this year but totally understanding we cannot I'm left to decide how I want to bring in number thirty-five.  Posting on that this week!

What I'm Loving...

Keeping my house pretty tidied up.  HA!  I know what a weird answer, right?  I get paid to keep other homes neat and tidy and organized.  When I can keep my own house in good order it is a reason to celebrate!

What We Have Been Up To...

The husband turned 34 this month and he has been working nearly every day of the week.  Or rather I should say he has been working every night of the week.

Our daughter has been super busy with swim and school.  She's been working with her dad on a wagon project for the pioneer unit they have been studying at school.

Our son is into everything.  He's a busy bear and so full of energy.

And then there is me...I planned a pretty OK Eat, Drink, Carve party!  I have been busy with work, workouts, and keeping my kiddos entertained.  Right now I'm squaring away how I want to celebrate my birthday this year.  Also, I'm working on my new avenue for writing and sharing and gabbing.  Details on that to come next week.

What I'm Dreading...

You know when I turned thirty I could have cared less.  Now that I'm turning thirty-five I am feeling a little weird.  Often I find myself asking just why this decade is flying by and also where the hell did my twenties go?  I feel like the thirties are the lost years.  We all know the twenties get all types of attention and let's not even get started on the forties but what about us thirty-somethings?  My outlook is actually not as bad as I may make it out to seem.  Thirty-five is a lot better than pushing up daisies and I'm grateful for every day I get to wake up and drink a pot of coffee, yell at the kids, roll my eyes at the husband, laugh with a friend, and fall asleep watching Netflix.

What I'm Working On...

All I am saying is

Furniture.

What I'm Excited About...

Very proud of my Wolfpack this year.  They beat Notre Dame in the mud and gave Clemson a run for their money.  

On Saturday we are headed to the NCSU v Boston College game!  It is also homecoming for NCSU!  Woo hoo, I'm so excited to go to Raleigh for the day - it has been way too long.  I traded services (cleaning, get your mind out of the gutter) with our friends Meredith & Adam for the tickets and Adam assures me we are in a terrific and fun section to watch the game with.  State has had a pretty good season beating Notre Dame (sorry, Andrea) and giving Clemson a run for their money.  I know BC isn't the best in football (Sorry, Luke K.) but I do think we will enjoy the game immensely!

What I'm Watching....

I should just copy and paste this every month.  Of course Real Housewives of Orange County!  The RHONJ too.  Just like every other blogger I have fallen victim to This Is Us.  The Middle is back so I am loving that to pieces.  The Goldbergs and Speechless are two favorites both old and new.

Younger is back and it is one of my most favorite shows on cable television.  I guess now is the best time to admit I have also been watching Catching Kelce which is ridiculous.  Oh and maybe Don't Be Tardy has been on my television too.  Eeeek!

He is very nice looking but not a massive person like that other TE that I'm kinda like oozing slobber over...you can guess that guy's name.

Every Monday, Thursday, and Sunday I watch football.  You know this if you follow me on Snap Chat!

I haven't been to the movies in ages but I'm really wanting to head that way and see a few films that are out.  I type that and totally forget the titles...nice move.

What I'm Reading...

I am sad to report I have no desire to read at the current time.  I do good to read any of my magazines on my night stand or to get to blogs - that is pitiful.  I'm working on it.

What I'm Listening To...

Hold your tongues...Top 40.  I'm over country music so I just switch on pop and hip hop now.  I mean if you think about it country is now bro country or pop country so <eye roll> whatever.  The song I stop what I am doing and belt out is Charlie Pouf & Selena Gomez's We Don't Talk Anymore.  I also find it weird that I'm really liking a song that surpasses the level of stupid known to man - Gold.  I swear I had no clue what this girl was saying and when I googled the lyrics I was still like - no she's not saying that.

It is almost time for Christmas music....

What I'm Wearing....

Clothes...

At the gym - but I take off the hoodie and wear my orange tank....

I wear cute clothes too but haven't thought to take a picture.  Oops.  I will try to do better with this in the future...bahahahahahaha, I crack me up.

What I'm Doing This Weekend...

Heading to ole Raleighwood to see the Pack play!

What I'm Looking Forward to Next Month....

Via quotesgram

So much, guys!  First off the election will be over so no more debate and ads - woo hoo!  Second, my birthday.  I'm also looking forward to a 5k and our friends' Heather & Josh's annual chicken stew (perfect timing - it is immediately following the 5k for me).  Then there is the BIGGIE - my favorite holiday...Thanksgiving!!!  Our tradition goes strong for year eight - Blowing Rock for lunch and then Greene Tree Farm for a fabulous NC Tree!  I hope to spend November sipping wine with good friends and making many fabulous memories.

What Else Is New...

I'm excited and hope I won't lose you!  Next Tuesday you can find out where to find me from that point forward.  Thanks for making ABW such a fun work of life!

xoxoxox-

Amanda

Follow me on Snap Chat @ abullnojoke

Birthday Planning....How To Celebrate #35

Wuzzup rose buds?  Over here I'm busy with something...probably work and breaking up a kid fight or two.  Ya know the joys of every day living.

Before I go further - Gronk is mentioned twice in this post.  I feel the need to let you know that.  Because, um, because it is a birthday post and birthday + Gronk = Happy Birthday.

Sometimes, during this part of October, I slip away (mentally) into thinking about what I will do to celebrate me.  Why this time of year?  Because my birthday is around the corner.  

I like to plan birthday parties.  I can only think of one adult birthday I did not plan. It was number thirty.  My husband surprised me with a birthday party at a local bar.  We don't have much in this little map dot town, folks.  But it was super fun.  My closest friends were there, we danced, we karaoked, and just had a lot of fun.

This year I wanted to have another super fun time like that.

Or I wanted to skip town.  I mean this is an increment of five birthday so it deserves to be celebrated in a mighty fine way.  Right?

Meh.

Now is the time I tell you I let the dancing "electric slide" out of the plan, the get away got away, and I have decided on a nice dinner at a favorite restaurant. Last week I used Facebook (love it) to invite some of my favorite non relatives human friends who make me smile and feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

This is the way I think I should bring in 35.

We will be headed to Downtown Winston-Salem which is one of my favorite places until I realize how freaking dead it is.  Don't let them fool you when they advertise it is a happening spot - most times it is quiet as can be and nothing is open.  Wow, I'm bashing my back yard pretty bad.  Let me retract that statement and say - There's plenty to do (eat) and lots of fun (a couple bars) and the city never sleeps (except from about 11:30pm-10am).  

Never fear:  There is always my back yard after dinner....complete with a fire pit and I may can get my weird little brother to bring his guitar (he is super great at picking a guitar.)

----

Cue the segue...

My mother gave me a gift certificate for a facial and I'm thinking I may use that on the day we actually celebrate my birthday (the day before my actual birthday, yes I am trying to confuse you.) 

This is where I interject that I would have loved to celebrate birthdays with my Ashley but that did not pan out.

I love to shop during my birthday week and this year my eye is set on Old Navy just because I have $45 in rewards there.  That's pretty fabulous if you ask me.

One of the best parts of my birthday (this year) is my friend Meredith cleaned out her closets and has a few bags of stuff for me to go through.  Yes, I love hand me downs for my birthday!  She had no clue that she totally made my day/week/month!

Via

I am toying with the idea of buying myself a pretty bouquet of flowers.  Generally, I do not get flowers.  I was the girl who always rolled her eyes at flowers because they die.  Now for some reason I see cut flowers and I'm jumping up and down.  My husband bought me an adorable jar of them at Valentine's Day and his mom sent me the gorgeous ones at the passing of my grandma.  What can I say?  I'm a flower junkie - cut ones too.

Coffee dates...that's something I'm going to do this coming birthday week.  A friend from high school I have reconnected with and slowly I'm getting her to work out with me since our daughters are in swim together.  I mentioned grabbing coffee one night after swim and just chatting.  She was all for it.  It turns out, moms, we're a lot a like.  Between raising the future, working, and trying to get some rest we forget friendships and the importance of conversation and laughter.  I also think I'll schedule a few other coffee dates because my in-laws generally give me some DD love for my birthday.  And you know how I feel about some Dunkin...

This year I want to support our church's soup mission so for my birthday I'm registering for the Souper 5K.  My husband is going to join me...I'll walk for him (slacker).  

And then there's vodka.  You know I'm a Cabernet connoisseur well I'm also a Vodka enthusiast.  Mainly Vodka, tonic, and cranberry.  This will be the drink of the week.  So feel free to mail me a fifth of Absolut.

And that is how I will probably celebrate trienta y cinco.

xoxoxoxox-

Amanda

What A Weekend

Ugh, Monday so soon?  I'm looking at the week we have started and it isn't looking too shabby!  But the weekend?  Now that was pretty fun!

Friday!

He found love in the Chickfila Play Place...her name may be Dorothy because she was dressed like her.

Ready to get their shop on...well one of them is.

The kids were out of school so we took it to the mall.  I know I am brave!  Actually, it was a great trip.  We only went to one store - Justice.  I'm happy to report they have toned down the glitter and sequins and I didn't leave seeing spots this trip!  My daughter had birthday $$$ for Justice so she blew threw it and racked up several tops and pants for the cool weather.  

P.S. The cool weather came in on Friday!  I bitched and complained on Snap about it.  Secretly, I didn't mind it too bad.

Friday afternoon the daughter had a hair appointment.  I'm so glad she wanted it short again.  Does anyone else have issues with getting their daughters to BRUSH THEIR HAIR?  Then when they don't and you have to do it they scream bloody freakin' murder because of tangles?  Yeah.  Well we are stacked wedge again and this mama is singing hallelujah aaaaamen.

Saturday!

You know what I love? Getting up and going straight to the gym.  Too bad that didn't happen on Saturday.  Instead I got up and waited until 10:45 to go to the gym.  That sucked and made my work out suck even more.

I pulled through it and felt good.

The kids spent the day with their Papa (that is the step grandparent who is more of a grandparent than the blood linked male grandparents.)

After the regular Saturday pit stop at Hellmart, I mean Walmart (see abullnojoke on Snap Chat) I made it home.  

Saturday brought a project which I am not sharing here on ABW but will feature elsewhere after October 31st.  God, I'm vague, right?

Saturday night we headed up the road, towards the mountains but not quite to the mountains, and celebrated our friend Shane's 39th birthday.  Unfortunately, I did not have cell service there (hello NC boonies aka Wilkes County) and I didn't get any good pictures (that's two weekends in a row but that will change in a couple weeks too.)

Our kids had a freaking blast running around and playing with the puppy dogs.  

Sunday!

We slept late because we got home so late.  It was nice.

I finished that project that I mentioned under Saturday that I am terribly vague about.

The kids went off with their Grandma Joyce to a fall festival (two in one weekend, score!) for the late afternoon.

And my Patriots got another W with Gronk meeting a record that he will hopefully break next weekend!

My fantasy still sucks even though I have the fabulous Gronk and Sweet Feet White.

I wanted to be lazy and chill out all day with my husband but that didn't happen.  Oh I'm talking about my real husband not the guy you may think I am with....LOL!

Via Boston Herald

Monday, May I?

Via Pinterest

Last week I met my goals!

*Yes to easing back into my work outs.  My knee is doing fantastic!  Now if I can remember my Fitbit.

*Yes to vacuuming out my car!  Did that on Thursday.

*Yes to a fun Friday with my kiddos.  They had a blast at the mall, Chickfila, and getting a cake pop for being so good in Kohl's.

This week...

*Add in legs and arms days instead of whatever jumble of running and legs I am doing to my work outs.

*Go to bed before midnight every night but Friday.

*Start and end my day with 16oz of water.

Are these boring or what?

Do you have a small goal this week?  Share it!  How was your weekend?  I want to know!

xoxoxo

Amanda

Find me on Snap Chat @ abullnojoke

Friday!

Yay for Friday!  I'm so glad the weekend is here and I am ready to personally have a fantastic one.  Today I'm looking back on the week and sharing a few things with you that I personally enjoyed.  There is also a bit of news in this post too so read on, lovely!

Oh and yes, I am linked up today with....

Katie @ Cup of Tea Blog
Christina @ Carolina Charm Blog
Andrea @ Momfessionals Blog

****

It's gettin' hot out here....

This week has been a total Indian Summer week.  Temperatures had been hanging out in the sixties and seventies but this week we shot back up to the mid eighties.  You read this blog you know I love hot weather and I love summer!  However, I prefer it to be cool from Halloween until January 2nd.  Then summer is more than welcome to come early!

Our son had his preschool fall festival on Monday.  We visited one of his classmate's little farm.  It was so much fun!  While the kids were enjoying the horsies and chickies I was enamoured with the house.  The entire property was beautiful and the family was equally so.

It was about eighty degrees during this event!  But that didn't stop the kiddos from making s'mores by the fire!  I loved it!

Can I also say that their chickens stole my heart.  I have run of the mill Rhode Islands and Barred Rock.  The Love Family has more heritage breeds that are much larger birds and just gorgeous.

Yes, I called a chicken gorgeous.  I love birds.  Just like me my son is a sucker for animals...even if they are common to him and we have them at home too!

The fall festival was enjoyed by all of us.  I'm so glad I am able to attend my kiddo's sweet little events with their school friends.  It is one of those little blessings you kind of take for granted!  I got this great shot before the boys had their snack.  These three guys are 75% of their class!!!  They are each adorable and sweet and filled with goodness.  I hope they always stay that way!

Fall no matter what!

Even though it is warmer than usual (or not NC Octobers are a bit schizo) we're still doing up the season just right!

The kids painted pumpkins over the weekend and then little wooden decorations on Thursday.  I also painted a pumpkin this week but of course I failed to take any pictures unless you have Snap Chat.

That's my cue to shamelessly plug my Snap Chat.  If you aren't my Snap Buddy then you totally should be I bring something new to the table!  It is called the Random Assortment.  Check me out by adding abullnojoke to your friends list!

Trucking along...we were talking about fall right?

A couple weeks ago when my grandmother passed away my mother-in-law (I have two, no I'm not a member of sister wives or brother husbands lol cracks me up) sent me a beautiful arrangement.  It was on my Instagram (abrownieworld) on the 6th.  Well two weeks passed and the flowers began to wilt.  I'm not much on letting anything wilt in my life.  I believe it bringing stuff to life even when everyone else says - that's gone.  (Getting deep.)  So I grabbed my shears and an old milk bottle and began the process of salvaging the little ones that were still filled with happy color and life.

There is just something about flowers, dirt, and plants that makes me feel adequate.

And finally - The Big Announcement.

If you follow the blog's Facebook page then you know that on Wednesday I made this announcement:

Yes, I am shutting this blog down.  Ugh, guys, it was a hard decision.  This has been my baby for nearly four years!  A piece of my every day!  A tool of connection!

There are many reasons that I have decided to let ABW go.  The biggest one is that the girl who started this blog isn't the same girl she was when she wrote that first post on January 1, 2013.  Now when I log in to write in this space I just do not feel connected with it anymore.  The blog is best described as random and that is also a fabulous description of the author but its time I did something a little more relevant to who I am today.

The sweetest messages, texts, and emails have rolled in since I shared I'm shutting this down.  You guys are so kind!  Though this chapter is closing I can promise you that I'm not leaving all together.  I do have another little gig starting up.  The information for that will be up in the next week and a half.  I will post out on this blog directions on where to find me as the time draws nearer.

Just know I thank you for reading this blog and loving on me and making me laugh!  I hope you will stick around when I close down shop.

And that is that.

Now let's go have a great weekend!  I have a whole bunch of stuff on tap and I'll have a recap next week.  Be safe.

xoxoxo
Amanda

Random Thoughts...

Good morning!  Guess who realized that they had not published a random thoughts post in a while?  I will let you try to figure that one out for a second while I refill my coffee cup.

OK yes it was me.  

Here's my latest random thought bank on display for all to see....hold tight.

At the gym:

OK go easy.  Two and half miles and stop.  You got this.

5 minutes later...

What the hell?  I cannot do this turtle speed up this game.  Increases incline and resistance to double what it was.

Oh my God!  Oh my God!  I'm going to DIE!  My leg! Somebody help me! somebody hit me! What am I doing?!?!?  Decreases incline and resistance to an unprecedented low amount - practically 0 but not!  LET THE RECORD SHOW BUT NOT ZERO!

I'm old now.  Twenty something thing with totally tight body and nice pony tail saddles up beside me goes straight to my regular resistance/incline/speed post warm up.

Bite me.  This is you in ten years fool.  Better just look over here and get a good dose of what you're working towards!  Broke down joints and bad tendons.  It's a freakin' struggle you little piece of twenty something crap.

When I looked at the calendar:

via giphy

Today is?  Gasp, freak out look.  What the hell?  Where is October at?  Where is the first half of the freaking month?  Begins to count days.  I have to bake a cake this week?  THE KIDS HAVE TWO DAYS OFF SCHOOL?  Whew just one.  Remembering volunteering at daughter's school - Sh%& did I tell my husband he's on preschool duty?  I have to lead sewing pillows?  Can we take a field trip to Dollar General and just buy some?  NO!  Not the Fall Festival!  Dammit, dammit, dammit!  Oh that's what the cake is for.  I should just buy one.  Yes, buy a freaking cake.  Lord knows the grandma's get subbed in for this task.  I can sub in Granny Walmart.  

Wait a second if Halloween is two weeks away...oh my.  Oh no.  Oh sh*&!  Thirty-five is like five minutes away.  Am I ready for this?  Is it too early to break into that red blend Candice gave me?  Rests head in hands and tries to breathe.

When I remember I'm participating in trunk or treat:

Are you freaking kidding me?  (via Pinterest)

Oh I gotta rock this.  Where's Pinterest at.  Pulls phone out of handbag, opens app, searches trunk or treat ideas.  After scrolling through about 186 pictures puts phone back in bag.

Forget that.

The kids ask me what is for dinner:

Whatever you're old enough to fix yourself.  Looks like a sandwich for the oldest one and candy corn for the little one.

At bed time:

Gah, I'm so tired.  Picks up remote and turns on Netflix.  I should watch some more of The Ranch because it is so stupid it will lull me to sleep.  Two hours later:  This show is really growing on me - wait this is season two?  WAIT IT IS 2 AM?  Grrrrr.  Turns off television and slams remote down forcing myself to sleep.

Sundays when I realize I'm not in the New England Patriots television market:

Yes, Rob, I want to cry too right now.  Or punch the television.  Steelers?  Really?  No. (Via Patsnation)

 

Gonna watch some football!  Gonna get my Gronk fix!  Oh yeah, oh yeah!  Turns on CBS - a game other than the Pats.  Turns on Fox - a game other than the Pats.  Looks at the guide.  Pats aren't on this television.  Husband reminds her she could have bought NFL Sunday Ticket.  $%*!  #@($*!!!!  

Looking at my fantasy football team:

Yes, Rob, plan a new strategy so that you can get me a minimum of 175 points per game.  You know how to make it happen and get homeslice involved too...
via patsnation

Expect no change.  Expect no change.  Holy Mother I just got a butt load of points!  Checks other points.  Enter a deep state of frustration and anger.  Just you $@#%ers wait.  I'm ready for next year.  Then goes and orders a Patriots sweatshirt.  No, I cannot buy a sweatshirt right now my birthday is coming.

And that is my brain lately....scary, right?

xoxoxox-

Amanda