Have a Fa-BOO-lous Day!!!

W.I.R.W. #20

So, last week, I was telling you about the new Meg Cabot book I was reading, and I finished it over the weekend. It was such great book! I was a little sad about how it ended because it ended so quickly. However, it was the perfect ending to the book!

Then, I picked up the new Bridget Jones book to read because I loved the first two books in the series.

source :: goodreads

Sadly, I just couldn't connect with Bridget like I did with the other books and the movie. The thing is...the new book is kind of depressing. I don't want to go into too many details and spoil it for whomever is out there and plans on reading it, but Bridget is 51 years old in the book. I just couldn't wrap my poor little head around her new life. Maybe I'll pick it up again one day, but it's not my cup of tea right now.

However, I found this book as I was straightening the shelves where I work. You know, at the library! =]

source :: goodreads

We all know that I love me some twitter, and I was desperately looking for something quick and fun to read. This book has definitely fit the bill! If you want to read a love story written mostly through twitter convos, then you've found your match!!

Where Do You Belong?

Have you seen the TIME article and test about figuring out which state you belong in? I found it last week and took it! It's only ten questions and really quick to take.

source :: time.com

According to the test, I should live in North Carolina. I found that very fitting and perfect as that is where I would like to end up one day. I went to college in the great state of North Carolina and have always wanted to go back and live there! Tennessee's not so bad though in the meantime. Apparently, we're very friendly and conventional.

Have you taken the test? I would love to hear about where it says you should live!

I Scream. You Scream. We All Scream for Jeni's Ice Cream!

Ever since I first learned about Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, I have wanted to try them. During the summer, I got the chance to enjoy the Salty Caramel and Dark Chocolate scoops at a food truck block party.

I very much enjoyed their flavors - namely the Salty Caramel. I love all things salted caramel so the fact that it's in ice cream form is ever better! I have loved ice cream ever since I was a baby.

Obviously, I started following them on twitter. And this fall, I was very excited to see that they were introducing some new flavors - Cinderella Pumpkin and Sweet Potato with Torched Marshmallows.

Over the weekend, I popped into their new stand alone shop on 12 Ave South in Nashville so I could try their new flavors! Now, I have to admit that I was more excited to try their pumpkin than the sweet potato, but, I have to say, the pumpkin just didn't do it for me. It was too sweet. However...the sweet potato is to.die.for. It's got a great cinnamon flavor and the marshmallows are nummy. =]

source :: jenis.com

So, if you ever get the chance to try any Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, do it!!! Try them all and let me know which one is your favorite. I, personally, would love to have a whole pint of Sweet Potato Ice Cream with Torched Marshmallows right about now, and then I'd put the ice cream between two chocolate chip cookies. Happiness in a treat!

It's Okay...

...that after working three ten hour days and having to work one more today that I didn't have the energy or motivation to workout this morning.

...to take a rest day.

source :: pinterest

...that Mr. GrapeJuice's birthday gifts didn't all arrive on time. He'll just get to celebrate his birthday more as they trickle in!

...that I stress ate on Monday because I was worried about said presents getting here on time.

source :: jezebel

...that I indulged in a KitKat bar last night.

...that I ate 3 jelly-filled Dunkin' Donuts munchkins over the weekend.

source :: pinterest

...that it's only October, and I have thought about wearing my winter coat already.

...that today is Thursday because I have a three day weekend.

W.I.R.W. #19

Last week, I told you all about the book The Returned. Apparently, I had grand delusions that I was going to finish it in time to return it to the library, but that didn't happen. I am, however, bound and determined to read it!

So, until I get my hands on another copy, I'm reading the newest Meg Cabot book The Bride Wore Size 12.

source :: goodreads

Meg Cabot is probably one of my favorite authors. Her books are always inviting, and every time I pick one up, I know without a doubt that they will put a smile on my face and a pep in my step. So, if you're looking for a good series, the Heather Wells Murder Mystery collection is a good one to start with if you like humor and romance...oh, and a little mystery too!

Sprinkled with Love

source :: etsy

Now, before you all get your panties in a bunch, I'm not the one that's pregnant!! It's my sister. She's got another little bun in the oven, and this time it's a boy. And, I am beyond excited because I get to plan a shower. =] I didn't get to plan her bridal shower or her first baby shower, but now I get to plan one!!!

So, I'm terribly sorry for blowing up your pinterest feeds with pictures of baby shower ideas!

I'm just soooo excited. =]

Music & Memory & Magic

Since I was a little girl, I have always loved music and performing. I have heard numerous stories about myself performing a song and then demanding everyone clap for me. I was like three or four at the time so it was much more cute than annoying. I mean, I had a microphone and everything!

{this is a little bit later in life though, obvs}

Suffice it to say, music has always been a big part of my life. It's gotten me through some tough times and propelled me through great times. There will always be songs that flood me with memories.

source :: the sunset sessions via tumblr

For instance, I cannot listen to Avril Lavigne's debut album Let Go without thinking of Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre. The summer I read the book for school I constantly listened to the CD on repeat. There are definitely certain tracks that vividly remind me of specific moments in the book.

source :: love this pic

Then, there are the songs that remind me of different moments in my life. The other day Bruno Mars' "Just the Way You Are" came on the radio, and I was instantly transported back to my wedding. Mr. GrapeJuice and I used this as our transition song for the lighting of the unity candle.

Are there any songs that specifically remind you of special moments in your life? I would love to hear about it!

source :: imgfave via tumblr

Press Pause

source :: pinterest

Do you ever have those moments where you think, "I really wish I could press pause"? You know the one's I'm talking about. The magical ones that you wish would never end?

source :: we heart it

Luckily, the camera exists. I feel like every time I take a picture I'm saving that moment forever. I can look back and enjoy the memory over and over again. I can share it with other people and tell them all about that fun time I had. I can save it and show it to the future generations that pop into my life. I mean, didn't you ever look at pictures of your parents in high school and college? I'm sure you got a lot of good stories as you flipped through the photographs too!

source :: pinterest

Then, oh then, there are the moments I wish I could press pause and let my brain think up a response a little longer. It's so hard for me to think of the right thing to say and how to communicate it effectively in a few moments. I need time!!! When I would have conferences with the parents of my students, I would panic about what was the right thing to say without making them upset with me thus rendering the meeting completely ineffective. I'm pretty sure I would say the same five phrases over and over again. I got better as the years went on, but I know that I'm much better with writing/typing words than I am with speaking them. I don't claim to be an awesome off the cuff speaker, but I can be quite good at delivering well-prepared speeches. The hard works already been done, and I know how to command a room. Well, at least I pretend I do.

Let me know what your favorite "paused" moments are. Here are a few of mine!

I could go on and on forever sharing pictures and memories with you all, but I'll spare you the mush. =] Happy Friday! And, have a wonderful fall-filled weekend!!!

The Zodiac & You

All my life I've wondered about the validity of the zodiac. 

Do you believe in it? 

How truthful do you really think it is?

According to my birthday, I am an Aries.

source :: pinterest

For the longest time, I disagreed wholeheartedly with what an Aries supposedly is. But, as I've gotten older, I've found that I some of my personality traits do match the descriptions given.

source :: tarrot.com

Things I agree with...

Things I disagree with...

How do you feel about the zodiac signs and what it says about you??

W.I.R.W. #18

It's hump day!

That means it's time for another installment of praying that I actually make my goal of reading 50+ books this year.

Today, I'm telling you about book number 30 - The Returned by Jason Mott.

source :: goodreads

Now, I haven't finished to story so I can't tell you how I feel about the ending, but the story line so far is engaging and intriguing. This novel is about those who have died being returned to their loved ones years later. The main plot revolves around a couple whose eight year old son suddenly dies during his eighth birthday party. He's returned to his parents some fifty odd years later, and they have cope with that somehow.

The beauty of Jason Mott's writing is that he doesn't just tell the one story of Jacob and his return. He also weaves in and tells you the stories of other people around the world that are dealing with the same phenomenon. It's a very interesting concept, and I can't wait to see how the story unfolds.

How do you cope with someone returning to you that you once thought was lost forever?

Would you want to know the person was back at all?

Would you want to meet him or her?

I'll let you know what I think once I finish this book!

Dinner for Two

A few weeks ago, I decided that I was going to make a three course meal for my husband and I simply because I wanted to do it. There was no rhyme or reason to it. It was a "simply because" meal. I had been working a lot of hours and hadn't had a chance to really make a good, solid dinner so I took it upon myself to do this! And, now, I want to share with you what I made. =]

For our appetizer, I made pork and green onion dumplings. I found the recipe on Tasty Kitchen. {I love this site because you can change the serving size for the amount of people so you don't over buy on product. It's great for money saving.}

The dumplings are one of our favorite things to eat and are super easy to make. This was my first time making them so there are definitely quite a few techniques I would do differently. They were a huge hit though, and I had enough filling leftover for snacks on game day!

For our main meal, I served Orange Beer Chicken with Bacon & Garlicky Green Beans and some Parmesan Risotto. {Again, all these recipes can be found on Tasty Kitchen.}

The chicken was delicious. I accidentally used too much beer, but that's okay because it still tasted good. Risotto is one of our favorite things to eat as well, and this was good. I adapted the recipe from a cauliflower risotto I found on Tasty Kitchen. It wasn't setting right so I added extra cream; I won't do that next time though. It was really thick. And...the green beans. Oh...the greens beans were divine. They were perfect. Even Mr. GrapeJuice ate some! {mostly because I made him do it but who's keeping track?}

And, for our dessert, I made the first dessert I ever made Mr. GrapeJuice - Shortbread Tarts with Cream Cheese filling topped with Kiwi. {This recipe can be found on Joy of Baking.}

Super quick and easy. It was the first thing I made because it needs to set for a bit in the fridge, and they turned out fantastic! I love love love shortbread so picking this dessert was a no brainer for me.

After typing all this up, I really want to eat it all again. I may or may not be salivating while I recall all the yummy flavors and textures. Hmmm...I feel another three course meal coming on.

Have you ever made a three course meal or just dinner in general for your significant other? What's your favorite thing to make???