Liebster Award: Part III

The Rules, Should You Be Nominated:

1. If you were nominated, post 11 things about yourself.

2. Then answer the 11 questions that the person who nominated you created.

3. Create 11 more questions to ask the bloggers you decided to nominate.

4. Choose 11 bloggers to nominate with less than 200 followers.

5. Make sure and let these people know you nominated them! 

*No tag backs, so don't nominate someone who nominated you.

My 9 Blogger Nominees (since I don't follow 11 blogs that match the criteria):

1. Carey Tomlinson- I met Carey in college through our friend, Lindsey.  Carey has a beautiful heart and her faith in Jesus is so pure.  She has two beautiful daughters that love to help her cook and dance around the house.  

2. Kristen Thomas- I met Kristen at college orientation.  We were members of the BCM and Temple Baptist Church together.  She is in several of my favorite college memories including being in NYC for NYE, driving to TN with the intention of rafting and having to turn around due to bad weather, many Temple Tech Hoe Downs, and the list goes on and on.  She is such a sweet person and I have a feeling she's a pretty good mom too!

3. Layla Judkins- Layla and I went to high school together and sat right beside each other in Advanced Math class.  In addition, her dad worked with my mom at the Highway Department.  She is a cool girl who now lives in Seattle!

4. Amber Dixon- I met Amber in Sunday School at Clearview Baptist Church.  She currently resides in Chattanooga, but I secretly think she is cool for having lived in NYC once upon a time.  She writes pretty funny stories about her life with two boys and a husband on her blog.  

5. Bethany King- Bethany was in my high school graduation class.  Although we didn't have many classes together, I always thought she was quirky (in a good way) and super smart!  She is currently experiencing her first pregnancy, which she writes about on her blog.  I didn't realize how much we had in common until we became friends on Facebook a few years ago.

6. Andrea Metcalf- Andrea is a super sweet person who went to school to be a teacher, but decided after a few years of teaching she wanted to stay at home with her beautiful baby girl.  We currently attend the same church and have known each other for approximately five years.

7. Angie Newby- Angie and I met at Louisiana Tech University.  Her husband (then boyfriend) was roommates with Fosh during college.  She is from South Louisiana, but currently resides in Texas.  Although I don't get to see her often, I thoroughly enjoy my time with her. She loves all things crafty and has a pretty big heart for Jesus!

8. Alex Adams- Alex and I met this past fall after our husbands started working together.  She is a true southern girl who loves her family.  We had a craft night a few months ago where she taught me how to make bracelets and I taught her how to make earrings.  She's a fun girl that enjoys writing about her sweet family of three.

9. Faith Murphy- Oh, Faith Murphy, where do I begin. Her and her husband taught our Sunday school class when we first moved to Tennessee.  She has led us in bible studies, had us over for Sunday dinners, and even gone skiing with us.  Faith and her family will always hold a special place in my heart. Check out her blog- she may be famous one day in the world of women’s bible studies!  I love you, Faith!

Now for the Questions:

1. What is your favorite bible verse?

2. How did you meet your spouse?

3. What is something cool about your job?

4. What is your favorite dessert? Please share the recipe.

5. What is the best advice you would give to a couple just getting married?

6. Where is your favorite place to travel?

7. What made you decide to live in your current city?

8. Describe your personal style in one word.

9. What is your favorite childhood memory?

10. What is a past-time that you love?

11. If you could meet one person, who would it be?

I can't wait to read your responses!
Bk

Liebster Award: Parts I & II

A few days ago I was nominated by Katie McCormick for the Liebster Award.  There are three parts to this award... the first part asks for me to share eleven facts about myself; the second part asks me to answer questions provided by Katie that are listed below; and for the third part I am supposed to nominate eleven people who have blogs that match a certain criteria.  

Part I

I am not sure if this is cheating or not, but since I wrote this blog post a few years ago and it fulfills the rules for Part I, I decided to just link it here instead of writing eleven more random facts about myself. 

Part II is listed below!

How do you know me? Share a fun memory, the story of how we met, or a favorite post from my blog.

Katie and I went to preschool together at Ridge Avenue, Elementary School together at George Welch, and Junior High and High School together at West Monroe.  I have always thought she was a super sweet person who had a contagious love for life!

      Name 3 things you love about yourself.

      Is this kosher?! Umm… my faith, humor, and friends!

We all have that one topic that sends us straight to our soapbox... what's yours?

Parents not disciplining their children:/.

What is the best gift you have ever received?

This is a hard question.  When I was little, I never wanted to hurt my parents feelings by making them feel like I was choosing one over the other so if they both gave me a doll… I would play with both dolls at the same time.  Weird, I know.  With that being said maybe I should list my favorite gifts from both of my parents. Is that allowed?

My favorite gift from my Mom: Trampoline (then) and pink Mariana bracelet (now);

My favorite gift from my Dad: Blue Topaz Jewelry (then) and kitchen table (now); and

What is your favorite tv show/movie and why?

My favorite tv show is hands-down still Friends!  I could watch the re-runs over and over.  I’m not really a huge movie person, but I love anything with Hugh Grant and/or Julia Roberts.  I would also have to add Hope Floats to the list!

What is your favorite/signature dish? Share the recipe!!
Chicken Divan Casserole

Ingredients:

3-4 Chicken Breasts; 2 Bundles Steamed Broccoli; 1 Can Cream of Chicken Soup; 2/3 Cup Mayonnaise; 1/3 Cup Evaporated Milk; 1 tsp Fresh Lemon Juice; Dash of Cayenne Pepper; Grated Cheddar Cheese
Preparation Instructions:
Cook chicken (I salt and pepper and cook in the oven). I use fresh broccoli cut in large pieces and steam for only 5 to 7 minutes. In large casserole dish, evenly place steamed broccoli. Cut chicken breasts to bite size piece and set aside. In mixing bowl mix soup, mayonnaise, evaporated milk, lemon juice, and dash of cayenne pepper. Mix well and add chicken. Pour the chicken mixture over the broccoli and top with grated cheddar cheese. Bake @ 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes.
By: Unknown 

If you had to punch a company/business in the face, who would you punch?

Yikes!  This is getting serious. 

What is your guilty pleasure music/artist/song? You know, the one you listen to when you are all alone.

I guess I would have to say Taylor Swift and the Judds... I would probably never play any of their music if I had a passenger in the car.  

Best party you have ever been to...whether it was impeccable execution of a theme or fun times with fun friends, share a memory.

The Ranch House dance parties in college! A few of the guys from the BCM lived in a huge, old white house that was approximately 10 miles outside of Ruston, Louisiana. One night out of the year they would move all of the furniture out of the downstairs area and hook up some huge speakers in the living room. So.much.fun.  Thanks, Ranch House!

 

If you could have your own tv show, what would it be about?

If I could have my own tv show, I guess it would have to be about traveling.  I’m really not that interesting to watch. 

Thanks for reading!
Bk

Twenty Goals in Twenty-Thirteen

... and ONE to grow on!

1. Turn 30 (and be happy about it)!
2. Learn to hand-stamp jewelry.
3. Continue studying the bible with a great group of friends.
4. Design a line of necklaces for Hootknows.
5. Read 2 books (unlike last year).
6. Make 5 new smoothie recipes.
7. Sew a t-shirt quilt.
8. Upcycle an old sweater.
9. Complete a puzzle… always a favorite around Christmas time.
10. Go to the beach!
11. Celebrate Thanksgiving with my family this year.
12. Take MORE pictures!
13. Buy old costume jewelry at an Estate Sale (and use it to create new jewelry).
14. See Carrie Underwood in concert.
15. Try a new restaurant in East Nashville- Bethany, I may need your help on this one.
16. Buy and/or build a house (again!).
17. Learn a new hairstyle.
18. Run a 5k while my legs still work.
19. Go snow skiing with my family and friends- we missed it this year!
20. Invite a new couple over for supper- expanding my bubble.
21. Celebrate my brother’s wedding!!

Have I convinced you yet??  I would love to hear some of your goals:)  

Happy 2013!

Bk

"Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:21

Answers Tell All

As promised, here are the answers to yesterday's post:

1. What is smarter than a talking bird?
• A spelling bee.
2. Why don’t oysters give to charity?
• They're shellfish.
3. Why is it so hard to play games in the jungle?
• Because there are too many cheetahs!
4. What did the finger say to the thumb?
• I glove you.
5. How can you find Will Smith in the snow?
• Look for the fresh prints.
6. Why didn’t the teddy bear finish his supper?
• He was already stuffed.
7. Why did the reporter go into the ice cream shop?
• To get the scoop.
8. How does the moon get his haircut?
• Eclipse it.
9. What do you call a pig that does karate?
• Porkchop!
10. What has four legs and goes boo? 
• A cow... Sorry, I told you it was a speech joke.J

How many did you get right??  I realize they're not original, but they still make me laugh.

And just because I am feeling extra sentimental tonight... here are a few throwback pictures of the girls I used to read Laffy Taffy jokes with.  Did I mention they were also apart of my accountability group in college?!  That just may have to be another blog post for another day:).

Stay warm,
Bk

Shake that Laffy Taffy

I saw a riddle on Facebook a few weeks ago and it reminded me of the Laffy Taffy jokes Ashley, Lindsey, Kristen, Carey, and me used to read in college. They were a staple at all of our get-togethers. Silly I realize, but innocent and fun nonetheless. How many can you guess? I’ll post the answers tomorrow. J 

1. What is smarter than a talking bird?
2. Why don’t oysters give to charity?
3. Why is it so hard to play games in the jungle?
4. What did the finger say to the thumb?
5. How can you find Will Smith in the snow?
6. Why didn’t the teddy bear finish his supper?
7. Why did the reporter go into the ice cream shop?
8. How does the moon get his haircut?
9. What do you call a pig that does karate?
10. What has four legs and goes boo? (Warning: This is a speech joke.)

Bk

"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22

All Aboard!

I feel like I do a pretty good job most of the time hiding the fact that I am from a small town.... that is until I post something like this.  Let's face it, I know country music singers/famous people are just ordinary ol' people like you and me, but that doesn't mean it's not fun to get a sneak peek into their lives every once in a while.  So for all of my friends back at home, this post is for you!  I like to call it Grayline Tours with Brooklyn:).  Enjoy the free ride and please feel free to correct me if I am wrong on any of these!

This first picture is of Mr. Nashville (aka Vince Gill) and Amy Grant's house.  He lives in an area of Nashville known as Belle Meade.  

This next picture is of Michael W. Smith's house.  He lives in small neighborhood on the outskirts of Franklin, Tennessee.

This house may be a little outdated, but it fits this man's personality to a tee.  Can you guess whose it is?  I'll give you a hint... those gold lions are almost as gaudy as this little man's outfits.  If you guessed Little Jimmy Dickens, you are right.  He is a must-see if you ever go to the Grand Ole Opry!

These wreaths belong to none other than the one and only Dolly Parton!!!  I have a feeling she doesn't stay at this house much since she is originally from East Tennessee, but it looks pretty cute and simple believe it or not.

Although this picture doesn't capture much, this is Martina McBride's house.  She lives in the heart of Nashville on a pretty busy street that runs alongside the interstate.

This 19,000 square foot home (also known as Sweetbriar) was built and formerly owned by Alan Jackson. He recently sold it for a small amount ::ahem:: $28 million.

This is another view of Alan Jackson's property.  I am not sure if this was his guest house or garage for his car collection.  I love the slave stone walls around this property... these are fairly common throughout Nashville and Franklin.  I assume it is representative of the Battle of Franklin that was fought here during the Civil War.  Any history buffs out there?

My shoulders or head must be crooked because I don't think I took a single straight picture in this bunch. Ha!  

Are you creeped out yet?!  Don't worry, although I like to look from afar I have only approached one celebrity the entire time I have lived in Nashville (and I've spotted quite a few).  I'm sure you would do the same thing if you lived here too... at least that's what I like to tell myself:).

Tips Appreciated,

Bk

p.s. Sorry, Nashville friends, I will try to redeem myself somehow.