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Recovering from a busy, busy, busy weekend. This weekend was seriously insane. I had a baby shower; my step daughter had a state qualifying track meet (she got a wild card spot for state!!); the twins had a zoo playdate; and Mark and I went to a black tie gala for the Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald museum—and that was just Saturday.

Sunday was a little more low-key, we only went to two festivals in two different neighborhood parks. I love that our neighborhood organizes fun afternoons in the spring. Plus, I don't ever have to worry my kid might starve while I have the Sunday Scaries...

Working in my container gardens like a fiend. I saw this on a walk two weeks ago, and I’ve been using it to encourage my own container efforts. So far nothing has died, but we are going out of town this weekend so my confidence is in the toilet. I just love how my neighbor used plants I wouldn’t think to put together to make such a vibrant color display. It is bold without being too cutesy. I have a tendency to go cutesy—I love daisies, zinnia, salvia and foxglove. Gimme all the pink, orange, purple and yellow flowers possible.

Gearing up for another fun trip to Maine in late May. I keep having visions of my last trip to the most northern point of the continental U.S. and am hoping to not lose my suitcase this time. Or the requirement of a full length mink coat.

Cheers to a great week!

Wine Harlots via Pinterest

The Hard Hat Diaries: Feeling Punchy

Yesterday, someone told me they admired my ability to cope and juggle my life. That really struck a cord—because half the time I feel like I am not coping or juggling anything.

Do you ever see those instagrams from people with a picture of coffee and say they have completely dominated the day? That's never me. I am usually warming up my coffee five hundred times before 10 a.m. and I never am on top of emails or the to-do list. And to have a Starbucks is a real treat.

But I do stay busy, and because of that busy-ness, and constant travel, and constant terrible juggling act, sometimes I go a week without remembering I need to double check the drafts of my little online space and hit publish on the very best cookie recipe I've ever made. So I promise, even though it was written in my planner to share that recipe last week—it's happening this week. I hope. 

Life lately has been dominated by a week long conference and expo my company produces in Atlanta, Ga. at the OMNI Hotel at CNN Center. Being a tourist in my hometown is weird. Like super weird. Anyway, I worked five 16-hour in a row days in five-inch heels and a set of black pencil skirts, so I've been a little punchy.

How punchy, you ask? 

Well, there are four new videos of me on the internet, punchy.

Great screen cap, youtube. Really appreciate that one.

I have a stack of paperwork and story notes to swim through about seven feet high, so if you need me I'll be practicing how to not bob and weave while a handheld camcorder is six feet away from me—because clearly I need the practice. #thisiswhyiwriteandnotbroadcast

...KILLING ME WITH THE SCREEN CAP FREEZE FRAMES YOUTUBE KILLING ME....

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Finally recovered? I kept saying the flu and pneumonia and walking pneumonia and all the nastiness was finally out of our house last week. And that was a lie. I still felt terrible and had more than a few "struggle" days. Every time I said I was fine, I made it worse and relapsed. So I'm not saying I'm fine, I'm saying I'm officially done being sick. Don't have time for this ish.

In love with this Redbox find from Saturday night. It's a great quick movie that didn't get rave reviews online, but that I am so glad we rented. In my opinion, a few of the plot lines could have been a little more developed, but overall, I thought it had a very clear story with some good acting.

 

Stressing about what to bring as a "chip and dip" for the twins' Easter party. By the time I got around to looking at the sign up sheet for the twins' party pickins were slim. Ergo, we're bringing chips and dip (????) Thinking I'm either going to make some sort of ranch dip and make veggie "chips" or this Pinterest find that isn't really a chip and dip but more of a fruit dip. Anyone have any suggestions?

via Wearychef

We're heading to Callaway Gardens Friday for a little Easter fun with my parents, so this is my mood all week—including during a quick trip to south Georgia for story gathering—just. keep. swimming.

Buzzfeed via Pinterest

Life Lately

Life lately has been a touch busy around the Johnson Anderson house. It feels like warp speed, actually; I blinked and about ten days went up into thin air. Part of that had to do with a whirlwind trip to Memphis, and the beautiful Peabody Hotel, for a work conference.

Of course, one cannot go to Memphis, the birthplace (and current location) of one's best friend and not find themselves into a little bit of trouble.

Obviously, an up to 3 a.m. jaunt around Beale Street, with a Silky's bucket in tow, made for a super fun Monday morning of conference! Obviously. 

 Then it was a pop down to Atlanta for The Rental Show, a few glad handing opportunities and lots of smiling. I didn't hate the chance to hang with my momma, eat some Willy's Mexicana and get a mani-pedi in peace. Never one to not over-extend myself, I woke up at 6 a.m. to take my first Pure Barre Platform class at the studio around the corner from my parents, and holy hell, I've been sore for three days.

As a member of a social society for women, I had our annual meeting Thursday night, enjoyed a fun time with friends, and came home to my handsome husband with my favorite sushi and two sleeping angels—until about 1 a.m. when Alex woke up to a stomach bug covered in vomit and just generally feeling crappy.

The weekend was dominated by said stomach bug when Fitzy started projectiling Saturday. By Sunday afternoon all was well and we all enjoyed a quiet afternoon catching up on some reading. Kids are so resilient.

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Tired from a full weekend of celebrating! Charles recently turned 10, and we had the chance to celebrate his birthday this weekend. I can't believe he's 10 already and halfway through third grade. We went to hibachi, per his request, and then enjoyed some chocolate cake. I was going to make the cake during the twins nap time, only to discover I had no white sugar...Thank god for google and the ability to get creative. I found this recipe, using boxed brownie mix and it turned out great. I made a few tweaks (mainly I used oil and not applesauce as she calls for.) Virginia and my mother-in-law proclaimed it one of the best cakes I've ever made. Charles loved trying to cut it with one of his presents. And they say city boys don't know how to correctly operate power equipment.

 Speaking of a fun weekend...Sunday gave us the ultimate surprise, a puppy! You know how this story goes, we were just going to look and play with some of the dogs. That went over like a lead balloon. Meet Chance Anderson. Mark and the kids are so in love and I have to admit he's really cute. We really are turning into #andersonpettingzoo. So far I've been able to resist chickens, rabbits and guinea pigs. Here's hoping that trend continues.

Anyone else a Chopped fan? This tickled me. I love watching Chopped and get some of my best dinner out of the pantry ideas thanks to it. I love when they do theme shows or have a special twist to the already challenging format, so coming across this Franciscan sister who actually won is pretty awesome!! Her dessert looked awesome, who knew pancakes could be so decadent. Way to go Sister Torres!

Is anyone else not that great at saying no? Because I'm freaking horrible at it. Last week I agreed to chair a fundraiser and take on some extra work projects. I don't mind, but I probably should have said no. Just like I probably should have said no to the puppy... I am considering printing this poster out and tacking it to my forehead.

Justine Musk via Pinterest

Cheers to a great week!

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SO EXCITED FOR TONIGHT'S FOOTBALL GAME. If you've read around here, pretty much ever, you know we are huge Alabama fans. Tonight our team is playing for its 16th National Championship in Arizona. Did I mention we are very excited? It should be a great game where we absolutely cream them.

Today and tomorrow are basically holidays around these parts, and I'm looking forward to a fun group at our house watching the game over a selection of apps and dips. And lots of yellow hammers.

I realize not everyone might be the overzealous fans we are, to help you get in the spirit here's my favorite "hype" video.

Roll Tide from the USS Alabama from The University of Alabama on Vimeo.

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I took a little break with this little blog over the last few weeks, and I feel like I missed it. Well, no, that's not the right way to say it. I didn't feel like I missed it—I know I missed it. But somehow spending time with my family or going to bed early always trumped putting my millions of thoughts on these proverbial pages.

For 2016 I am recommitting myself to the documentation of our lives here, on this slice of the internet. If not only for the purpose of remembering all the yummy foods I cooked up in the kitchen, the ridiculous books I read, the fun adventures Woods Barbie took and all the lunacy in-between. Especially considering my darling husband got me a brand new Mac Book Pro for Christmas, seems silly not to use it. My sweet husband, knowing I appreciate both old school and new school ways, gave me the laptop and my very own portable Underwood. Lucky girl I am.

Currently around the Johnson Anderson house we are...

Tired. Since I took most of the latter part of December off work, I'm only today strutting into the office since Dec 17th. Damn, I am already tired just thinking about this week. Having toddlers doesn't really mean you get to sleep in, ever, so during the Christmas vacation I was up a little bit later than normal, but not by much. And thanks to the Christmas present my Dad gave me, I know now exactly how much sleep (or lack of sleep) I am getting. Anyone else have a Fitbit? I have become kind of obsessed with it! I never realized how much I moved during the day. I don't really want to lose weight, so I am still trying to figure out how to best use it As of now, I wear it constantly, but also wear my Polar monitor during my workouts.

Laughing hysterically at this picture from Christmas. Talk about the adorableness of good old fashioned excitement. Santa's rocking elephants she woke up at 4am to go buy at Home Depot on Black Friday were a total hit!

So, so excited about the return of The Bachelor! We are cord cutters, and won't be able to watch the premier live—instead we will watch it on Tuesday night via Hulu. Still, I cannot contain my excitement! Ben is probably the cutest, most non-cheesy, most genuine guy they have had in a while. Bring on all the crazy bitches!

Ben Higgins headshot via ABC

On the lookout for a new show to watch. MA and I watched Making a Murderer (Netflix) in about three days flat. I didn't love it. We also watched Toby Maguire's The Details, (Amazon Prime) which I actually hated. Morning Glory (Amazon Prime) with Rachael McAdams and Harrison Ford was incredible and might be in my new Top Five Favorites. We rounded out the vacation binge watching with Jonah Hill's True Story (Redbox). Highly recommend it. But now, we're in a lull. Anyone have any recommendations? I also polished off a Nora Roberts' book. It was a very relaxing weekend.

My truth for the week ahead. God's speed to everyone.

The Glitter Guide via Pinterest

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I feel like I sound like a broken record, but hot damn where has the time gone? Days are becoming too much of a blur and I can't stand it. The fact that Christmas is right around the corner is throwing me for a total loop.

Currently around the Johnson Anderson house we are...

Decorating for Christmas! I know, talk about procrastination. We went and got our tree last weekend, but I ended up getting wayyy to tired to decorate it, and then I was in Texas/Louisiana/Mississippi for work all last week. But now I've got the tree and the mantle done; Mark's got the outside lights up we are ready for Christmas!! We got our tree at Home Depot and I loved this little board they had for the cookies. Obviously, my giant handwriting and the thick sharpie didn't really mesh extremely well! But ours says "Anderson M., J., F., A."

Loving this article about the importance of sex scenes in romance novels. I've said before I'm a pretty big romance reader, and sometimes the sex scenes make me feel icky: I mean, who cares about a throbbing member anyway? That seems unrealistic. Other times I get so wrapped up in them, I feel like it could be describing something that happened to me. The author articulates it perfectly, saying, "Some of the sexiest scenes in romance are the least overtly sexual: a dance, a heated stare, a brush of hands, a first kiss." I think that's why I love romance novels, you get swept up in the everyday that seems like just a small departure from your daily grind.

Decompressing from driving over 1500 miles in four days. I feel like I was just never NOT in the car. I really need to remember to plan my trips a little farther in advance so I could have flown to Shreveport and not spent the entirety of last Monday in the car...

Loving this video of the newest Heisman Trophy winner, Alabama's running back Derrick Henry's family react to his win. If you read around here, we're big Alabama football fans, and we couldn't be more thrilled for Derrick. He's a great man, fantastic football player and an even better role model. This video has a mascara alert! "God bless you and roll tide."

 Here's my personal inspo for the week. After spending all week last week in the car and bopping from logging sites to mill sites to Hampton Inns, I've got a full calendar with work and home life. It's so nice to be sleeping in my own bed!

via Pinterest

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On detox. We did not a whole lot for Thanksgiving, and it was great! Four days at home with only a few things on the agenda was great! I got the house cleaned, made enough lasagna to choke a horse and enjoyed my Black Friday shopping with my momma. I think this was our best Thanksgiving ever! Fitz & Alex are now at the stage where it is impossible to get their picture looking at the camera, smiling and sitting still. What a pair of turkeys we have!

Celebrating the big Iron Bowl victory! If you pay any attention around this slice of the internet, you'll know how big of Alabama fans we are; so winning the Iron Bowl (Alabama vs. arch-in-state-rival Auburn) was the icing on this incredible season's cake. We are also thrilled for Derrick Henry who hopefully secured a second Heisman Trophy for the University! Roll tide! On to Atlanta...

unknown source

Avoiding Cyber Monday. I know I am alone in this, but I am not a big online shopper. I much prefer to be able to touch the things I'm buying BEFORE I pay for them. I can't be alone in that, right? I will say that the thredup sale did get me—20FORYOU saves you 20% on your entire order. I grabbed a few super cute Alo tops and some button downs for F&A.
First day back from a four day holiday, a Monday and my magazine in production—this seems very fitting for today.

Reddit via Pinterest

 

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Tired. I feel like every single Sunday and Monday all I feel is tired. Like deep in the bone tired. And I have no one to blame but myself.

Rolling with the Tide! At the very last minute Mark and I were able to get tickets to see Alabama play LSU in Tuscaloosa. It was one of those spur of the moment things that fell together perfectly. We rode a chartered RV from Montgomery to the game and home, eliminating the need to find a place to stay or worry about the late drive. We made it just in time for chicken wings at my old sorority house!

This was actually the first time Mark and I were in Bryant-Denny together and I loved it.

 

Probably helped that the Tide absolutely destroyed LSU. I am so fired up for the rest of the season and the CFP. 

While Mark and I enjoyed the glory days, I forgot how absolutely putrid fraternity houses smell on rainy game days, Fitz and Alex enjoyed a weekend at their grandparents! It was nice to have a break, since most nights I feel like the "blood splattered" Halloween cupcakes we ate after dinner all last week—just completely destroyed.

 

This week proves to be nothing but crazy cold and then crazy hot—seriously enough with the 54° one day and 77° the next, but I don't even care. I'll just be watching this over and over and over again.

Yes that's a 312 lb. dude casually jumping over a person to block a kick. ROLL TIDE!

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Tired. Last week was a whirlwind with my annual trip to Louisville, Ky., for the biggest lawn and garden outdoor power equipment trade show in the country. We left at 10am on Tuesday and didn't return until 11pm on Friday. The days were a total blur, except for a few moments like these. I literally felt on top of the world at 55 feet in the air... Damn I have a cool job sometimes. 

Actually, not just tired; bloody exhausted. Fitz and Alex's school has Hand, Foot and Mouth going around. And guess who got it? Poor Alex has been covered up all weekend, and is staying home from school for part of the week to bounce back. Somehow Fitz hasn't shown any signs or symptoms of it...I'm just waiting for the proverbial other shoe to drop.

Smiling from ear to ear about The Genius of Romance. I love to read romance novels, and until recently, I always felt a touch embarrassed about it. After reading this, well, I think the ladies behind those oh-so-steamy pages are clearly some of the savviest, most successful authors on the planet. Except that Twilight woman, and that horrible Fifty Shades woman, they just need to go away and be ashamed for what they did to the genre.

I can't believe Halloween is on Saturday! I guess I need to get used to the month of October just being flat busy every year. Here's my inspiration for the week. If you need me, I'll be drinking Witches Brew every night and eating off Halloween themed paper plates for every meal possible.

Look Human via Pinterest

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Recently, a close friend of mine and I were talking about where the last year had gone. I thought she summed up "doing life with kids" really well. She said, "The second they are out of you, the fast forward button on your life gets hit." Goodness, has the last year proved that idea. Fitz and Alex turning one last week has really thrown me for a loop, I simply cannot believe it is already October.

This is my first time using this online diary for its intended purpose—to keep a record of daily life snapshots—in way too long. This winter, I swear I'm going to force myself to be better about it.

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Sugar rush crashing. This past weekend we celebrated One Wild Year, and...and...I'm tired. Not a single thing about the party could have gone better and I cannot WAIT to see the 299 photos my sweet friend, and kick ass photog, Shelby took. For now, this cell phone shot is all I have, but frankly, it sums everything up really well.

Pinteresting Halloween ideas. I haven't decorated for Halloween yet, I have been waiting for after the big party. But now, I'm thinking I want to do something creative with the porch. Or maybe make something creative for my pass out candy? I don't even know. Really I just feel like I should be getting into Halloween, but I'm kinda burned out from the birthday party. #momfail This idea makes me giggle out loud though...

CharmHome Blog via Pinterest

Ready for a big game in Texas this weekend! We aren't venturing to see the Tide play, but we're definitely amped up for this road test. All season I have found myself busy on gameday, and this one will be no different: it's the Junior League of Montgomery's Holiday Market, and I will be working a shift during the game. BUT I came across this on instagram and I think it might be making its way to the Anderson house this week...

via Anthro

With most of the travel out of the way, and no parties to plan, just a straight week of working my tail off, this seems really appropriate. Plus, it's one of my favorite sentiments—that Churchill, he really was the wisest man.

tumblr via Pinterest

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Feeling actually well rested after a super fun weekend. This weekend was the Montgomery Dragon Boat Festival and we enjoyed an afternoon on the Riverfront watching all the teams compete, including my sweet friend Jamie and her fiance Jeb. The festival is put on in conjunction with our friend Stephen's nonprofit, Bridge Builders Alabama, and it's a truly great event. Vendors from across the area come out and set up around the water, with live music in the amphitheater. Churches, companies and other community organizations form teams to race in a traditional Japanese style row boat. It's quite the visual. Between races, we enjoyed the splash pad, food stations and, of course, the beer tent.

Still in a little bit of shock. I cut 13 inches off of my hair last week. 13 inches!

I haven't yet gotten used to it, but I hope that whoever it finds, enjoys it as much as I did.

Remembering how much I love the 1989 album from Taylor Swift. It came out right in the middle of my maternity leave, and I swear I played it for hours on end each day. Obviously, I burned out on it around the holidays, but I recently rediscovered it—this song is so good. The quality on this video isn't great, but I really love this song.

So, so, so ready for some football. I mean, seriously, so, so ready. Every fall I'm away from Tuscaloosa, I just want to be back, if only for a few weeks, for games and classes and patio drinkin'....ah, the good life.

Etsy (no longer available) via Pinterest

For some reason I am oddly, overly, optimistic about this week. I hope that means it's going to be a truly great one!

Etsy via Pinterest