by

Friday Filter: My DVR Listings

Hello my name is Stephanie, and I am a T.V. addict.

Seriously.

I have a problem.

b44919e8aad7f1de5e2d1c3a99af86ec

image via

I watch A LOT of T.V. When I look at this I wonder how we have a life outside of it, but we do I promise.

Here is my daily line up and some quick thoughts about the current season so far.

Sundays

  • Once Upon a Time- This is one of my favorite shows, and the first few episodes haven’t disappointed me. I am loving the fact that Emma and Hook are finally getting their chance. Has anyone else noticed though that while everyone else in Storybrooke wears clothes of today except Hook? He is still wearing his pirate get up while everyone else changes. Anyway, I love the creativity and how they layer all the fairy tales.
  • Walking Dead-I couldn’t watch half of the season premiere because it was too gory. I am glad that the group is back together. But where is Beth? Carol is whooping up on folks. Love seeing a strong female lead, but she can be scary at her determination to save her troupe. I have heard through interviews that this season is absurd, and they are almost to the point that they couldn’t air the content because it was so ridiculous. Even though it is gory, I am SUCKED IN. Also I don’t think the dude with the “cure” is going to live.

Mondays

  • Dancing with the Stars- I don’t know how they do it, but every year they seem to get more competitive. I feel that this group is pretty even with the contestants right now, well except Michael and Chong. I go back and forth on how I feel about Juliane being a permanant judge. She isn’t as bad as I thought, but I still am not sure about the change. I think it also screws Bruno over a lot because they run out of time before they get to his critiques. I am rooting for Alfonso! I also like Janelle, Lea, Jonathan, and Bethany. I have dreams that this blog goes viral so that I could be a star and be asked to be Derek’s partner like Bethany’s video blog status. A girl can dream right?
  • Castle- MY FAVORITE! It will be interesting to see how this memory loss unfolds. I have no guesses. But that is why I love this show. The mystery keeps me coming back, as does the humor and wit.
  • Jane the Virgin- To be honest, I only started watching this because the female lead was a guest on Ellen, and I fell in love with her. It is pretty charming.

Tuesdays

  • Awkward- Still stupid high school drama. Really I am there to see Tamara and her crazy fast talking. I just love her. It is a 20 minute show of ridiculousness, and I love it. It will be interesting to see if they choose to go past this season since they are all seniors. Rarely does a high school based theme carry over to college. (Can anyone say Glee train wreck?)
  • Forever- This is a new show this year. It is a mystery show which is no wonder why I like it. The main character however cannot die. He works at the NYC morgue to study death and hopefully find out why he has immortality. All while solving cases with the NYPD. Perfect. I enjoy this twist, and I am interested to see how he keeps his secret. Although is there a cop based drama that is not in NYC?
  • New Girl-While I am sad that Nick and Jess are no longer together, I understand why it had to happen. You don’t want to jump the shark to soon with the highlighted relationships. Winston is my favorite character though. I just can’t get enough of him!
  • About a Boy- Another 30 minute comedy that I love. I think the boy is a genius. He steals the show every week. The things that he and his mother (Minnie Driver) do are beyond ridiculous but so fun. This show will have you laughing the whole time!

Wednesdays

  • Nashville- I love this drama, plus it is fun living right up the road from Nashville. It is really odd though when the news comes on right after. Sometimes I forget that it isn’t the show. I am a Rayna and Deacon fan, so I am going to be really upset if this wedding with Luke goes through. I am loving that Derek Hough is guest starring in some episodes along side Hayden’s character. Also you can totally tell that she is pregnant in real life.

Thursdays

  • The Biggest Loser- This is a great reality show. I think it is great to give these people another chance and some focus to get their life back on the healthy track. They really do get results. There isn’t a whole lot of drama between the contestants which is nice. I hate when they have that. This Comeback Canyon with Bob is genius too! I love the twist it provides to the show. Also, I want Jen to be my trainer. She is gorgeous!
  • Grey’s Anatomy- I am over this show. I am only staying with it because I have watched from the first season. I mean really, Meredith has another unknown sibling?
  • Scandal- I am still on the fence of how I feel about this show this season. It is kind of all over the place. I am team Jake though. Olivia needs to stay away from Fitz. With the Gladiators all over DC now, it has definitely made things interesting. My only hesitation is because the story lines are so nuts sometimes.
  • How to Get Away With Murder- I have no idea what is going on half the time with this show, which is why I watch it every week. That and Dean from Harry Potter being one of the main characters. A lot of mystery shows follow the cops, so I like that this is following law students. It definitely adds another layer to the story which is fun to watch. Plus who doesn’t love the firecracker of Viola Davis?
  • Parenthood- I cannot believe this is the last season! I love the family emphasis on this show. Why some of the things are definitely over done for ratings, for the most part they keep things fairly realistic in the emotion department. I love the cast too; the acting is spot on. I don’ t think there is an episode that I haven’t cried though.
  • Bones- I started watching this show on Netflix this summer, and it is possibly one of my favorite shows now. I LOVE Temperance. Her relationship with Sealy is just the bee’s knees. This is another murder mystery show, go figure that I like it. I love the twist of following the science and anthropology behind each case. And it is a funny show, and smart. I am guaranteed a laugh each episode. I am still in shock at the loss of Sweets. I bawled when I realized he was really gone, but I am happy that he (John Francis Daley) is pursuing another dream of his. If you aren’t watching this, you should be.

Every Day

  • Ellen- Full of laughs every day. Hopefully someday I can be on her show. I entered every military/pregnant contest last year…

Not On Right Now

  • Bachelor- I am so excited Chris is the Bachelor. Whoop whoop Iowa love!
  • Switched at Birth- It will be interesting to see how they do the college storyline. And maybe they will mention something about the Royals!
  • Pretty Little Liars- I don’t trust Ally.
  • Chasing Life- This is a cute little show about a woman in her twenties who gets cancer and how she and her family deal with it. I don’t think cancer is cute, btw, but this show is. But that is to be expected for ABCFamily.
  • Hart of Dixie- I need some Southernness in my life! And I still believe that Zoe needs to be with Wade.
  • So You Think You Can Dance- I loved that Ricky won this last season!

Do you watch this much TV? Do we watch the same shows? Any other shows that you think are great?

by

Royal Blue Fever

 10387237_10152461196243691_4638005659315777026_n

Image Via

We are in the World Series.

THE FREAKING WORLD SERIES.

I have been waiting my whole life to be able to say that. (Considering I wasn’t talking the last time we went, really my whole life to say those words)

I have spent so many nights and afternoons at this park. I have walked the bases and seen the renovations of the stadium. In the off days, my brother and I even learned how to ride our bikes in the parking lot.You could say I grew up in the shadow of this stadium.

When people talked trash or looked down at my team, I still wore my blue proudly. I still believed. Every spring, I had hope that “this” year would be our year.

And last night, my predictions finally rang true.

Right here in the park that I love.

10410474_10152442854763691_7905165242836701142_n

Image Via

The games over the last two weeks have been INSANE!

It is a good thing my blood pressure is finally under control, because I could have had some serious issues watching these games. We held our breath each night as we stared down midnight almost every game.

1601077_10152460998633691_5286046922644960698_n

Image Via

1796066_10152460303628691_5887543149239373703_o

Image Via

The defensive plays we witnessed were just ridiculous. They ran into walls, flew over the stands, and slid all over that field to make the play. As many of them would say, they did what they had to to take home the win.

1503945_10152459414918691_472104999332950269_n

Image Via

It has been such a blast watching plays like these. They have made the game electric.

1902757_10152450943738691_5729810543274049424_n

Image Via

The spirit and heart that this team has is unparallelled. They have such great chemistry as a team, and you see it through every play.

Look at this joy!

10645264_10152451141458691_7923378275659297200_n

Image Via

So we went from being a joke and not having a chance at the wild card game, to making a post season record with the most consecutive wins in the post season.

8-0.

Not many people can say that they haven’t lost a post-season game since 1985. Wait, I no one can but my Royals.

My team always, now America’s team.

And if you weren’t aware Paul Rudd’s Team and Eric Stonestreet’s Team.

I bawled when Moose sailed that ball over to Hosmer for the last out that sealed the deal. Then I cried again when they gave out the American League Championship trophy and Ned showed some real emotion.

I also think it is pretty cool that the team goes to our downtown Power and Light district after these games to celebrate with the fans. You don’t see that very often from these big leaguers. What can I say, Kansas City is one of a kind. True spirit.

I cannot wait to watch them take on the World Series and what good baseball we can see.

If you want to see a recap of our post-season, this is the best video I have seen.

AHHHH WORLD SERIES!!!

And again just saying. You’re welcome Kansas City for procreating the magic baby.

IMG_5488

Also this is great, because maybe by next week George will fit into some of his Royals onsies. Maybe…

Have you been watching the postseason? Who are you rooting for between the Cardinals and Giants match up?

by

George’s Nursery Reveal in Video

I want to remember things about this time. Every minute I get to spend with George is special. And I have no idea how long I will get these moments of just me and him, so I want to remember them here for years to come.

Part of that is remembering the place.

I spend most of my day in this room. I do most of his feedings in the rocking chair because it is the most comfortable for both of us. I read him stories here, and I introduce him to music while he makes faces at my singing. We play on the floor-really it’s him just flailing around as I pull him around on a blanket trying to imitate crawling and making sure the dogs don’t drown him in slobbers. I also spend a lot of time in the room just staring at how perfect he is and how lucky I am to be his mom.

So it may seem simple to outsiders, but this room is our world right now.

I love how light and airy everything turned out. It is just a friendly environment.

I did my first attempt at a video tour, so enjoy my commentary. (I have no idea what I am doing.)

If you have any questions about anything don’t hesitate to ask.

I also want to remember the sounds and the little things we do together. This may be a boring video to the soundtrack of “The Lion King,” but again the gurgles and faces made are my everything. And I don’t want to ever forget how precious these moments are.

So if you are inclined to watch a baby do nothing but baby things (which is honestly not much) for a couple minutes, this is the video for you. Spoiler alert, there are baby hiccups. Adorbs.

I still need to try to capture him searching for a pacy. Best George moment ever.

So that is George’s room. I can’t wait to see how these pieces grow up with him and transition into other uses as he changes.

Do you like decorating? Do rooms turn out they way you imagined?

by

35 Before 35 Update

The last month really seems like it flew by. I think I did pretty good this month on my list.

1. Crochet something else besides blankets or scarves at least once a year

  • I made a tie and hat for a photo prop. It was my first successful attempt at a hat!

2. Do a photography challenge

  • My challenge is to get my DSLR out at least once a week to photograph George in some way. I have been successful so far! Here are a couple shots.

IMG_5843 bw

IMG_6091

3. Visit 5 cities I have never been to before (5/5)

4. Tour at least one of the distilleries in the KY/TN area

5. Send at least 5 snail mail a month

  • I am pretty proud of myself that I have kept up with this each month. And let’s talk about how expensive stamps have gotten!

6. Become a “professional” photographer

  • I have some shoots coming up with some friends of ours that I could not be more excited to help capture!

7. Run at least 10 races (any distance) (1/10)

  • I am thinking of doing one over Thanksgiving. I just got cleared to go back to my normal workouts this week. Passed that 6 week post-partum check up like a boss. Anyone want to do a 5k with me?

8. Go camping with Tom

9. Pay for the car behind me in a drive through

  • We haven’t eaten out at all this month, so there is that..

10. See Tyrone Wells live as many times as possible

11. Tour Fort Defiance here in Clarksville

12. Water ski with my dad

13. Do a 5K with my mom

14. Take a swing dance class with Tom

15. Read at least one fun book a month and one professional development book every three months

  • Work in progress. I am making gains in both areas. Slow and steady.

16. Take a pottery or stained glass class

17. Do one new recipe each month

  • I totally rocked this one this month! I have decided crockpots will be the thing I buy for wedding gifts. Seriously the best kitchen invention ever. (Ok maybe a tie with the Kitchenaid) Here are the recipes I tried out this month and whether we thought it was a hit or miss.
    • Pesto Ranch Crockpot Chicken-We loved this! It was super duper easy too. Lot of left overs!
    • Pumpkin Oat Chocolate Chip Cookies-I loved these! (And they have helped with my breastfeeding, just saying) Tom thought they were too fancy and lacked the appropriate icing.
    • Meatloaf-This recipe was perfect, and fairly easy. Another must keep in my cooking repertoire.
    • Corn Mac and Cheese-another crockpot win and stupid easy. Tom says this is the best mac and cheese he has ever tasted! Yes! It also makes a ton so there were lots of yummy left overs.
    • Chicken Teriyaki-Great recipe for us to put in that didn’t have cheese. (Pretty much every meal finds cheese, so I have really tried finding recipes that don’t.)
    • Garlic Asparagus-Almost always our vegetable ends up being peas, so again I am trying to get us to branch out. This is a easy, quick, and yummy recipe!
    • Pot Roast-We used deer meat for this and actually made this on two separate occasions. It was perfect to get in the fall mood!
  • I am really loving meal planning. I find it is helping me get more creative in the kitchen instead of having the same chicken dish or hamburger helper each night. Any recipes you recommend? I like easy…

18. See both a Clemson and UCM football game live

19. Find a place to volunteer on a regular basis

20. Go hiking

21. Ride in a hot air balloon

22. Go to at least 20 “new to me” restaurants. (16/20)

23. Stay at a bed and breakfast

24. Spend a day without electronics (phone, t.v. and computer)

25. Have a Kentucky Derby themed 30th birthday party.

26. Explore Nashville while we live here

  • We are wanting to make a trip to the zoo sometime soon, but we are still trying to figure out the best “out of the house” schedule for George. I feel really limited since we are breastfeeding.

27. Watch at least 10 movies that I have not seen before that won Best Picture at the Oscars and at least 20 documentaries (not necessarily Oscar winning) Movies (2/10); Documentaries (7/20)

  • I watched Argo which won Best Picture in 2013.
  • I watched two documentaries.
    • Schooled which is about college athletes and the price tag of collegiate sports. Great watch, and so many discussion topics! I could see this being used in any higher education curriculum and Student Affairs professional development round table.
    • Happy which is about just that-happiness. It interviews people from around the world and describes different levels of happiness. Happiness research is fairly new, so it was really interesting to see a positive spin from psychologists. I also liked that it compared different cultures.

28. Sew an item of clothing from scratch

29. Do a personal devotional/bible study on my own

30. Be a mascot for an event

31. Go on our honeymoon (preferably somewhere tropical)

32. Host an annual NCAA Basketball Tournament Championship game party

33. Go on a mission trip

34. Be on a recreation volleyball team

35. Become a mom

Ok, maybe I just thought I did really good because of all the recipes…Until next month.

by

Talks with Tom Royals Version

1606301_10102561482994500_6070858861097593261_o

image via

I have LOVED watching the Royals this past week. We have seen some of the most exciting games, EVER.

(in my humble opinion of course)

We were thinking that we couldn’t have a game without going into extra innings.

10177930_10100593999228151_6700346878149539201_n

image via

I am so sad that I do not get to be in Kansas City during all this. It is certainly a fun time to be there. The stadium looked electric last night, even with the rain. Such an amazing atmosphere. And it has been awesome seeing my Facebook newsfeed pretty much being taken over by KC, AND to see them in the “trending” section!

Be Royal friends.

10653728_10152422220218691_1577717292858471734_n

image via

Here are some quick Tom comments concerning the Royals:

This quote happened last night early in the game.

“If we win the series, I am going to shit my pants like George just did.” (He did not crap his pants in case you were wondering, but there were some tears.)

Some night this week, Tom was looking up Royals memorabilia that we could have in our future home when he found Royals themed candy.

“Sweets and Treats? (this was a category on the website) Of course I want the Royals in my mouth.”

Royals

George is passing on his baby magic by sharing his favorite facial expression.

I can’t wait to see what unfolds during the rest of this postseason! So excited for my Boys in Blue!

To Baltimore we go!

Take the Crown!