Recharge Weekend

This weekend was everything I needed. Today is Monday and I feel completely recharged, fully rebooted, a hard reset was just what I needed. 
Well, first things first. I chopped my hair off. Story is.. I was about to chop it off right around the time Duck Dude proposed.. so I didn't.. and now it's been, well, a while. So, 8 months into marriage and I chop it off! I am so glad I did. I love it. 

It really began Thursday night when my mom, bridesmaid Kristen and I went to see Sound of Music in Dallas!! It was absolutely wonderful. We did our best not to sing along, but hit each other's knees everytime we were so excited to hear a song we just couldn't help it. Duck Dude was out of town, but he asked me if I sang all the way home... I said, well of course I did!!!!

Friday we went to a friend's surprise 30th birthday party.. stayed for two hours and came home. Is that what birthday parties are like when you get older? Duck Dude was getting up early to go hunting... I was thankful for time to lay in bed. I was awake at 7 am, but it is so lovely to just get to lay there instead of immediately hopping out of bed.
Saturday was fantastic. Once Duck Dude got home from cooking we began decorating for Christmas!!! I know what some of you are thinking.. it's not even Thanksgiving yet... yes, you are correct.. but I promise you I can still be thankful with Christmas decorations up. Pinky promise. I created a fun little menu for dinner Saturday night and went to the store while Duck Dude was killing things. Here was our menu (recipes will be up tomorrow): Appetizer: Chips with mango pico de gallo Main Course: Sausage stuffed jalapenos                        Surf and Turf Kabobs Dessert: Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

We watched a (frustrating) Baylor game and were asleep by 11. 
Sunday we heard a sermon that everyone needs to hear. Our pastor talked about our alarm clocks and how the biggest button on that alarm clock is what?! The snooze button!! Then he used Pharaoh in Exodus 3 to give us the example of pressing "snooze" on our sin. It's so much easier to say "I'll start tomorrow"... rather than right now. Touche pastor. I hear ya. 
Next up was the outside of our house! We have never decorated the outside of our house... so we made the big Walmart trip, picked out the perfect lights and got to work! It involved climbing on roofs and ladders and playing Christmas music the whole time we did it! It looks beautiful!! And we are now realllly those people who already have their Christmas lights on. And. I. Love. It. 

I am so thankful for a weekend like this.  

Awareness

As my time as a blogger is dwindling.. this is still a space for me to think and that's what I'm doing here today.
As October comes to a close, here are my thoughts.  How awesome is it that an entire month is devoted to people wearing pink? And having "pink out" games? And referees wearing pink whistles? And wearing pink ribbons on our clothes, in our hair, and on our cars? And seeing thousands of posters with signatures of survivors?
There is no sarcasm or cynicism in my voice when I type that. I am so proud to say that my grandmother is a survivor and my aunt is a survivor and my brother in law's mother is on the road to being a survivor! The awareness that has been brought to breast cancer is phenomenal. 
And I guess, the word I am searching for is jealousy. I am jealous of all the awareness that breast cancer has, and I yearn for Alzheimer's awareness to be on that same level. I long for people to wear purple like they wear pink. I desire for nationwide fundraisers for a search for the cure... or anything to slow the disease down. 
I recently watched the movie Still Alice, with Julianne Moore that chronicles her diagnosis of Alzheimers. There was one quote that resonated within me:

"I mean it. I wouldn't feel so ashamed. When people have cancer they wear pink ribbons for you and go on long walks and raise money and you have to feel like some kind of social...... I can't remember the word."

I remember that ashamed feeling. I didn't want people to know my grandfather had a disease.. because maybe they wouldn't let my friend come over to play. I'm also sure my friends remember me making excuses in the beginning of why my grandfather couldn't change the channel on the tv because he forgot how to. Or when he was looking for his daytimer... that was always in his front pocket. Or when he wouldn't answer a question because he could not process what you were asking. If we can have a "save the ta-ta's" campaign... can't we have a "save the brain" campaign?

My conclusion is this. It begins with awareness. If people are aware, they will not choose to ignore this disease that is affecting over 5 million Americans today. I want awareness so one day I can see thousands of posters with signatures of survivors for Alzheimer's. 

Football Food

I really wanted to title it, "Football Food is the Only Food." I mean, if I had to pick a last meal... it might just be an entire football tailgate spread. It's making me hungry for lunch at 9:17 in the morning! 
So today, I've got TWO ideas for some football foods if you're hosting a party this weekend! I made these a couple weekends ago and they were both big hits. They're a little more "upscale", if that's even a thing for football food. By upscale, I mean they look pretty and they sound fancy... but they are really just another item I found myself snacking on the entire game. 
Spinach Artichoke Mushrooms. The original recipe called for handmade spinach artichoke dip.... I bought a premade dip at the store. It made this recipe nice and easy. I popped off the stems from the mushrooms and filled them with the dip. I topped them with a little parmesean cheese and put them in the oven! The mushrooms cook down, so keep that in mind when buying them. The flavors of these mushrooms are divine! 

Shrimp Nachos. My instagram caption was "What's better than nachos for a whole day of football? The answer is shrimp nachos." And man, is that an accurate statement. I did some research...... aka browsed pinterest... for some shrimp nachos recipes. I looked until I found the perfect one. 
I cooked the shrimp in a little oil and garlic, then threw them into a bowl to let them cool down. Then I tossed them in sour cream and green onions. Then I put them onto the chips and topped them with a LOT of pico.. because I love it.. and some more jalapenos. Because I like my nachos like I like my football teams...... HOT! 

The shrimp had a fantastic flavor. I do not remember where I saw the idea to toss them in sour cream... but it was the best idea I've seen in a while! 
If you don't try both of these, at least try one! They're both worth it and your guests will be impressed!

Duck Dude Here...

Duck dude here...reporting from Winnipeg Canada after my flight was delayed till the next day. "Mollie pocket, don't edit my post...if this is on your blog, then I know you didn't"

I've spent the last 9 days doing what I love most. Hunting!  Not just any hunting, but duck hunting. And not just any duck hunting, but duck hunting in Canada!  The spring home to a large percentage of the  49.5 million waterfowl counted for in the 2015 survey. I'm not writing today to share the great stories of my hunting escapade.  Although, my hunting groups and I shot nearly 250 birds over the course of the trip.

I'm writing today to share the top 10 things duck hunters would like to share with their wife about the sport of duck hunting that we love so much.

I'm going to start by saying I have the most amazing wife in the world that supports my habit and does not mind me spendings countless Weekends, long trips and lots of money to shoot a couple of ducks.  I love you Mollie Pocket.

10) we know that all of our camouflage does not match. And we are ok with that.

9) We support your shopping habits for shoes, purses and Kendra Scott.

8) Why do women always ask if you "caught" any ducks? We don't catch ducks...we shoot them right in the face.

7) We can have a great day while sitting in the rain and not catching any ducks and that doesn't make us crazy.

6) It is completely necessary for us to take a nap on the couch in our hunting gear as soon as we get home.

5) Sometimes we "Need" to go hunting and we will come home in a better mood than when we left.

4) Please don't plan ANYTHING September 1st when dove season opens, the second weekend in September when teal season opens, the first weekend in November when duck season opens, the opener of the second split or the last day of duck season and expect us to to be present. I said please!

3) We will always have a Labrador Retriever. It is a key necessity!

2) Practicing our duck calling in the house is very important. Practice makes perfect.

1) Yes, it takes that much gear.

Thank you to all of you women out their supporting your husbands in their duck hunting habits. It is one of our most favorite things in the world. We look forward to the next season as soon as the current season ends.

Although you think we are doing this each morning we are hunting....

We are actually doing this....

.....Taking in the beautiful picture our Creator painted for us. Appreciating each brush stroke of the morning sunrise over the water.  And most importantly being thankful for our buddies and our dog sitting right next to us waiting for the next few ducks to trickle into our decoy spread.
(Small side note and the only addition I, as Mollie, made. I was supposed to post this yesterday but sat in a meeting for my whole conference period. Duck Dude is home and I am super happy.)

Sugar Skull Pumpkin

I love fall! And I love decorations. I don't necessarily love Halloween decorations... I have enough cobwebs in my house.. I don't need to add some for Halloween. :) But I love little things here and there and I think a happy mix of fall and halloween is tasteful. 
I just got my shipment from crate and barrel in! I love still having gift cards!!!  I got this fabulous table runner.

This marvelous twig pumpkin. It's beautiful. 

And dish towels. I have a small obsession with dishtowels. I have them for every holiday and they make me smile. 

It was a little weird for me when I fell in lust with a pin on pinterest that was Halloween-y. I neeeeeded it. Sugar Skull Pumpkins. Mexican art on a pumpkin. Not two things I would originally pair together... but I saw these and just knew I had to try. 

I went to Hobby Lobby and got myself a cream pumpkin... smaller in size.. and 40% off. I bought myself a brand new sharpie, and got ready to assess my art skills. If I was in an interview, art skills is not something I would list as a strength, so this part already made me nervous. However, I sat down and practiced one time on paper..... then went for it! 

My result? A semi-droopy eye owl pumpkin with many imperfections and it will be proudly displayed on my front porch. AND I LOVE HIM!!! He's a new Hedwig.... I shall call him Hedwig Jr.... since he's semi-Mexican... but still an owl. 

And that, was my productive Wednesday night!!!!

Aggies Win!!

Saturday was a day full of Fs. Food, family, football and FUN! 
We had the most magnificent tailgate with food for hundreds. I ate SO many snacks like cream cheese tortilla wraps, cowboy caviar, cold corn dip, bacon wrapped weenies, spinach and artichoke dip, cheese ball, sugar cookies, sopapilla cheesecake, and chocolate cake. I am an excellent snacker.. and I snacked. all day. 

I played some washers, met some college kids, ended up sitting across from Man BFF, and YELLED my head off!!! I switched seats with 4 minutes to go in the game because superstition is real. Then.. we scored.. we got a 2 point conversion......and then...... the sweet kicker was iced. He does not have ice in his veins, because he missed it to the right and we were headed to over time. 

I stayed in the same seat for overtime and YELLED some more. We scored and they didn't which = AGGIES WIN!!!! And for not getting to watch any college football up until this point, this definitely made up for it!!!!

I Know I'm Married

I had this great 6 month post in my head and then my little break occured. Now we're almost to 7 months, but I still know I am married. For many reasons more than these nine, but that's what we're going with. Because it's Friday and tomorrow, we get to tailgate at Jerry's World with most of the fam for an Aggie game.... and I am sooo excited!!!!

9. More laundry than I know what to do with. Like, where does it all come from?! I always thought I would want a little boy over a little girl... now I'm reconsidering solely for the laundry loads. (and because I have so much control over that. Ha)

8. I have a Ranger and a motorcycle in the garage. I have been informed that garages are not for cars. Nope. My whole life has been a lie. It's for toys. And ping pong tables. And anything but cars. So now, my sweet Merlot Pearl sits in the driveway.... by the trailer. 

7. I share my bed with someone.... Every night. In the beginning.. I stole the covers. Now. He does.

6. I get encouraged to have dessert. I don't have a sweet tooth... That is not my thing. But with a husband.. He asks about dessert and I'm like that's a fabulous idea!! Why yes, I'd love some key lime pie!! I just won't eat the graham cracker crust.... one bite in... eh. It's date night.. I'll eat some of the crust too. Dessert is good. 

5. I watch more baseball than ever. Just kidding. That's not true at all. I HAVE SOMEONE to watch baseball with me!!!!! And that is a true perk of marriage. 
5b. I watch more golf than ever. Now this, this is truth. But he also watches more volleyball than he's ever watched. So it's fair.

4. We did it!!! I am a part of a wine club and it is faaaaantastic!!!! It's a "bring your own food" place while you taste 6 wines and get to take home 2 bottles. It's all I ever dreamed of.

3. We built a pergola and we already "need a bigger tv". Clearly this won't cut it for outside. Since I typed this he has said it will do for now..... and I know the only reason he said it is because of #2 for him too. 

2. I'm on a bu... A bud.......... A budg... A budget. I am on a budget. (This might be slightly dramatic.. But it's still different.) He's learning my spending habits and I am learning his! He said "no" to buying a gun the other week and I am learning I don't really need a "back to school shopping spree" and a "it's fall I don't have anything to wear shopping spree" and "its spring! shopping spree" and "I clearly need new bathing suits shopping spree." (I really found myself telling him 'oh when I was single I'd give myself this shopping spree'.... I've since learned.. it's just called shopping. :)....marriage.

1. People call me Sheridan all the time. And it's still weird.. But it's definitely becoming normal... Which is also weird. I officially made a new gmail account and am slowly switching over (by slowly.. I mean I've told 6 people) to the new gmail. Do you know how many things are associated with email in this world? The answer is everything.

If you need my new email, holla at your girl.

What I Want Wednesday

With fall approaching... I can say that in Texas.. it's still 93 degrees. Fall happens when it gets in the 80s... break out the sweaters!!! Anyway, it's got to be right around the corner and I am ready to find some new threads to keep me warm through the winter! 
Here are some trends that I think I am on board with this fall.
Jewel Tones From being in the textile industry with the quilt business, I love pantones. I got to stare at them all day and I have to say I am not hating the jewel tone colors. Their warm hues look good on just about anybody, especially as my tan is fading away.
With colors like "burnt ochre".. how can you resist? I love this sweater. And it doesn't hurt that both of our football teams colors work quite well with jewel tones. Baylor and ATM.

 

Scarves Scarves are definitely going no where this fall season and I am a-ok with that! Here's a couple I've got my eye on. A scarf.. in a jewel tone color. Ohh watch me, watch me! I'm also loving the neutral plaid.. it can go with so many things! And I haven't jumped on the blanket scarf trend yet... but let's be real. I probably will. A blanket and a scarf? Okkkkkkk.

 

Ear Jackets Work with me on this one. Call them whatever you want. Ear crawlers, ear cuffs, ear jackets. They are cool. Here's why I think they are gonna be great for the fall. Like we just talked about.. scarves are going no where. I think these earrings would like fantastic with a giant big blanket scarf.. or any scarf for that matter! And just because it's an ear jacket doesn't mean it has to be super edgy. There are plenty of dainty ones out there, like this Kendra Scott pair. Or I am really obsessed with this Stella and Dot pair... and I'm going to a stella and dot party on Nov. 6th! I like the subtle pop of color in the turquoise pair. Then you have the ones that crawl up your ear, which I am not opposed to either!

 

 

I wonder one day if I'll look back at this space and say to myself, "I cannot believe I wore *blank*.. what was I thinking!" But in 2015, I think this is where it's at! 
p.s. (sorry for ending with a preposition mom.) 
p.p.s.Look, now I ended with mom! Bonus points!