This Unfamiliar Road: Blog Challenge

Showing posts with label Blog Challenge. Show all posts

February 29, 2016

Currently {February Edition}

Hey there! I'm back for the next installment of the Currently series. Let me know what you guys are currently up to!

Currently...

Realizing: Spring is coming! It seems like January and February are the longest months ever, but there is a tiny shimmer of light at the end of the winter tunnel.

Watching: YouTube videos on how to chalk paint.
I took a desk off a neighbor's hands almost a year ago, and it's still sitting in our garage just waiting for a makeover. I need to get going on it!

Inspiration

Meeting: So many new people at work! Our little unit is growing by leaps and bounds and it seems there's a new face every time I'm at work. Welcome, everyone!

Drinking: Coffee.

I've been loving my daily cup 'o Joe. It's good for the soul! And it loves me back :)

Creating: Plans for our flower beds.

We did a major overhaul on our front flower beds last spring, and this year, I'm so excited to add a little seasonal color and be done. It's amazing what a splash of color will do!

So what are you currently realizing, watching, meeting, drinking, and creating?

December 02, 2014

A Few of my Favorite Things {Gifts Under $100}

Andrea 7:00 AM 11 Comments

Here we are for the last installment of the Christmas linkup! It's been fun participating again this year...it has definitely prompted me to begin my shopping sooner!

Go here or here to see previous weeks.

For the final week, our focus is on awesome gifts under $100. I decided to put a little twist on this one and focus on a specific population: The Tween Girl. I have two little sisters (11 & 12 years old) and I feel like I struggle every year to find the right gifts for them! They are at a tricky age now, so it has really become a challenge! Here are a few of my favorite things for the tween girl:

Texting Gloves. Tweens spend about 99.9% of their time texting with friends, so they might as well stay warm doing it!

Duffle Bag. For all those sleepovers, tweens need a stylish duffle bag!

T. Swift. Duh. She's a superstar.

Ring Holder. This elephant ring holder is playful and cute- perfect for holding rings or hair ties!

The Braiding Handbook. I love it when my sisters play with my hair, and they are way more talented at it than I am. This book of braids & buns will definitely keep them occupied!

Bluetooth Shower Speaker. Music is the most important thing to a tween (well, besides texting) and with these shower speakers they can bring their tunes in with them!

Monogram Necklace. This is a perfect age for their first nice piece of jewelry. I love this necklace-it's simple and delicate.

I hope this list helps you with the tween on your list! Happy Shopping!

Link Up Here!

# Blog Challenge # Blogging

November 25, 2014

A Few of my Favorite Things {Stocking Stuffers}

Andrea 7:00 AM 6 Comments

I am back for the next installment of Favorite Things: Stocking Stuffers!

Today, we are covering stocking stuffers! I love goodies for the stocking because it really challenges the gifter to think up unique gifts in small sizes. I'm usually of the opinion that stocking gifts should be inexpensive, but hey...I guess a pair of diamond earrings comes in a small package, right? ; )
Here are some of my faves this year:

Blanket Scarf. You can never have too many scarves, and this year the blanket scarf is a super cute way to keep warm. Roll it up and stuff in a stocking!

Shaving Set with Brush. I love this set for the guy in your life. This one is $18 from Amazon, but you can definitely splurge for a nice set for $50-$100 range.

Tervis Tumbler. Who doesn't love a Tervis?! Keeps hot drinks hot, cold drinks cold, and doesn't sweat. Plus tons of designs!

Mist Screen Cleaner. For the germaphobe on your list! An all-in-one microfiber and cleansing spray for your cell phones, tablets, etc. I would love to find one of these in my stocking!

3D Fiber Mascara. Fiber mascara is all the rage this year! This would be a great gift for that frugal lady who wouldn't typically splurge on cosmetics.

What do you think about the list? Is there anything on here you would love to find in your stocking?

Link up y'all!
Cheers Y'all A. Liz Adventures Miss Dixie Southern Style

Check back in next week for Gifts Under $100!

# Blog Challenge # Blogging

November 18, 2014

A Few of my Favorite Things {My List 2014}

Andrea 7:00 AM 7 Comments

It's here! It's here! I loved participating in the first annual Christmas List Linkup last year, and it's time to do it again.

Today, the focus is on my list for this year...what I hope for/need the most! I have to be honest-I am a very practical gifter. I don't often spend money on myself, so my list is usually filled with things I need, not necessarily frivolous items. The husband has to remind me all the time, though, that gifts should be something special that I would never buy for myself! I'm trying, y'all...it's the curse of being frugal :)

Calphalon Contemporary. I love my Calphalon pans, but after 4 years of use (and a husband who loves to BBQ!), they are starting to wear. I love that Calphalon has come out with a contemporary line that can go in the dishwasher! YES!

Plaid Shirts. I desperately need some tops to wear with leggings/boots. I'm loving plaid this year...and BONUS: the button-up is breastfeeding-friendly :)

Tote. I'm pretty sure the last purse I bought was 5 years ago. Sad, I know. My bags these days are filled with diapers and pacifiers! Still, for the rare times that I'm away from the house without kids, I could really use a new tote! I love this one from my fave place....Target!

Young Living Essential Oils. I have become really interested in the health benefits of essential oils. I would love a burner for the home and a starter set of oils!

Nikon D3200. It's time for a big-girl camera. It's a far-fetched wish, but I feel I should put it out there :)

Life Planner. Some people use their smartphone for everything, but I still love the feel of a paper planner! This one from Plum Paper Designs is super cute (um, anchors) and functional. This Etsy shop has a ton of designs and different types of planners. Of course, there's always the Erin Condren or Simplified planners.

There ya have it...my top most-wanted items for 2014! The husband would be proud of all the frivolity on here, right?

Don't forget to link up...and check back next week for Week 2: Stocking Stuffers!

# Blog Challenge # Blogging

May 31, 2013

That One Time... {Blogging Challenge Day 31}

Andrea 6:00 AM 0 Comments

Woohoooooo!!! I have made it! Ok, I know I didn't technically blog every single day in May. I did play catch up (which really just means I did double or triple duty in one day!) and I posted about every topic. So I am proud.

While I will probably miss the writing prompts, I am glad this is over :)

Day 31: A vivid memory

I have shared quite a few memories during my blogging years, and even some during this challenge. I've discussed my childhood, my wedding day, and Peyton's birth story. One thing I have never touched on was my acceptance to nursing school.

I transferred to Kennesaw State University for the sole purpose of going to nursing school. I knew they had a good program, but I had NO idea how good-or how competitive it was. After spending a semester taking some requirements for Georgia schools (different from TN schools...), I applied to the program. That was a no go.
I applied again next semester, interviewed...another no go.

At this point I was becoming stressed out big time. I researched other majors, but nothing felt right to me.

My third time applying was the same as always, and I ended up on the wait list again.

Then one day, I returned home from picking up my sisters from school. The phone was ringing as we walked through the door and I ran to grab it, barely making it before the machine picked up. It was my adviser, Fran. She confirmed it was me, then told me she had some news.

"Do you still want to be a nurse?"

I could barely squeak out "of course" before hanging up and dancing around my house-my sisters staring at me like I was crazy.

I had a staff meeting at the country club that night. I waltzed in and turned in my 2 week notice...because I was moving on to better things. :)

And that...is a vivid memory that I will never forget. It was the beginning of some amazing things for me.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Well, friends...Happy LAST day of May!

# About Me # Blog Challenge

May 30, 2013

Letting Go {Blogging Challenge Day 30}

Andrea 9:58 PM 0 Comments

On the home stretch, folks. I have almost completed the challenge!

Day 30: React to this term: Letting Go

I need to...let go.
I beat myself up about not being perfect. Which is silly. Nobody is perfect, and I don't really strive to be perfect, honestly. But every time I fail at something-anything-I am pretty bummed out. I stress myself out over trying to do it all; when I inevitably do not do it all, I feel like I have failed.

So, I need to let go.
Let go of the fact that I might not have a clean house all the time.
Let go of the fact that dinner might not be homemade every night-a frozen lasagna is ok.
Let go and allow myself some 'me' time-it's not selfish to sit down and read during nap time (instead of cleaning the house).

Just....let it go!

# About Me # Blog Challenge

Music to my Ears {Blogging Challenge Day 29}

Andrea 9:35 PM 0 Comments

Yesterday, we enjoyed a treat for the eyes...and today, it's a treat for the ears! Let's get this challenge on!

Day 29: Five songs that speak to you or bring back memories.

So many of my memories are tied to a song, so come with me on another trip down memory lane :)

1999- Prince
There is a home video of my Dad and me 'dancing' to this song when I was about 9 months old. Every time I hear this song, I think of my fun-loving Daddio!

Mmmbop-Hanson

Ohhhh, the memories! My best friend and I were OBSESSED with this brother band in 5th grade. We even lived out a childhood dream and attended their concert last year!

Fishin' in the Dark-Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Well, this brings me back to high school. Milton High School, ya'll. Where we ate our lunch in the back of a pickup truck and danced to this song!

Everything- Michael Buble
Oh Mr. Buble, how you have a way with song. Mine and Ben's wedding song. What awesome memories I have of our big day!

Call Me Maybe- Carly Rae Jepsen
This is Peyton's favorite song. No kidding. As a newborn, she wasn't a fan of the carseat but every time we played this song, she would immediately stop crying! You have to admit-it's a catchy tune. And way better than 'Wheels on the Bus'.

What songs spark a memory for you? Enjoy the music!

{All songs embedded using Grooveshark}

# Blog Challenge # Milestones

A Picture Says a Thousand Words {Blogging Challenge Day 28}

Andrea 4:34 PM 0 Comments

A little treat for the eyes on today's topic for the challenge!

Day 28: Only pictures
Ok I'm cheating a little...I need some explanation to go along. I have SO many pictures, so I'm choosing (at random) ONE from each album on my computer! Enjoy...

The hubs and me-Senior Prom (from Andi&Ben album)

21st birthday (from Andrea album)

38 weeks pregnant (from Belly Book album)

(from my BLOG album)

Rowen and her litter mates (from my cell phone album)

Me and my Daddy (from the Family album)

The 'Ciwcle' (from Friends album)

Christmas 2012 (from Holidays album)

Our townhouse (from House album)

My sweet sisters (from the Maya & Laurel album)

Engagement photos (from MyLife Engagement album)

Wedding Day! (from MyLife Wedding album)

My precious Junebug (from the Peyton Caroline album)

One of my favorite places (from the UT album)

Cruisin' (from the Vacations album)

Well, wasn't that fun?! Makes me want to get skinny, take a vacation, get married and have another baby all at the same time!

# About Me # Blog Challenge

Dear Friends :Blogging Challenge Day 27}

Andrea 3:56 PM 0 Comments

We're almost there...Day 17 in our Blog Every Day in May challenge!

Day 27: A letter to your readers

To my Faithful Few,
Thanks for sticking around!
I started this blog less than three years ago as a way to keep up with friends and family who live far away. Each time I posted, I became more and more excited about the next post; suddenly, I had so much to say! It's nice to know that people <that's you> follow and actually want to read what I have to say.

As I continue to grow my blog, I am so excited to bring in new topics-advice for parenting, journey in weight loss, my work, P bug, home projects, travel, etc. I always want to know what you want to read!

So let me just say a big THANK YOU for hanging out...please stick around because the best is yet to come!

# About Me # Blog Challenge

May 26, 2013

Reading Material {Blogging Challenge Day 26}

Andrea 6:28 AM 0 Comments

Today's topic is up for interpretation on our challenge!

Day 26: Something you read online. Leave a link and discuss, if you'd like.

Ummmm, what do I read online?
I don't routinely read news articles-I honestly don't have time so I leave it to TV and radio.
Well, I read blogs. But you probably already know that.
I read my email. But who doesn't?
I read forums for topics including parenting, cloth diapers, and home repairs. But not consistently.

Alright, this is probably the most unintellectual statement I will ever make, but...

Yep, you got it. I "read" a lot of Facebook. It might seem dumb at first, but I enjoy reading status updates because it lets me know what's going on with my friends. And actually, it lets me know what's going on in the world. When I'm at work, I am completely tuned out to the outside world. A quick glance at my FB feed, and I knew something had happened in Connecticut at an elementary school; something had happened in Boston; something had happened in Oklahoma.

Now, don't think I'm completely dense...I don't completely rely on FB for accurate news. But it allows me to tune in to the world and my friends; if necessary, I go on to do my own research.

Happy reading, friends!

# About Me # Blog Challenge

May 25, 2013

Something Sweet {Blogging Challenge Day 25}

Andrea 6:23 AM 0 Comments

First of all, I can't believe it's already the end of May! Where did this month go? We are almost to the end of our challenge...hang with me!

Day 25: Something someone told you about yourself that you'll never forget.

So, I've written a lot about what it's like to be a nurse. I've been brutally honest at times. I do love my job, but nursing is one of those careers that requires a lot of blood, sweat and tears...for very little thanks. I know people say they appreciate nurses, and trust me, we love the donuts, pizza and cookies (even if our waistlines don't!-hey, that's what scrubs are for)...but very few people remember to thank their nurses. Especially in my unit, where everyone is so focused on their newborn baby that they forget to express their appreciation.

One day, I had a patient who I was spending a LOT of time with. She was determined to exclusively breastfeed and I was really trying to help her achieve this goal, even though it was discharge day and this little nugget still had not latched. She was a stubborn babe, and the Mother was incredibly overwhelmed.
Because I had a light patient load that day, I was able to sit down with her and give her some support during her emotional breakdown. It felt good to have the time to offer something other than Motrin :)

Later, she said to me: "Thanks for your help today. You're an excellent nurse and I wouldn't have made it through this without you."

I needed that. It reminded me of the reason that I became a nurse. I won't forget those words.

# About Me # Blog Challenge

May 24, 2013

Flawed {Blogging Challenge Day 24}

Andrea 10:07 PM 0 Comments

Everyone has flaws...time to learn more about mine on today's Blog Every Day in May challenge.

Day 24: Your top 3 worst traits.

It's really hard to identify my own flaws. Believe me, I know I have them-it's just difficult to sit down and think "What are my worst traits?"

I thought an outsider perspective would work...

Me: "Hey Ben, what do you think my top 3 worst traits are?"
Ben: "I'm not touching that one. You're perfect in every way."

Guess I'm on my own. Here goes nothin'

I am impatient. This has never been more evident than when I ~~got married~~ became a mother. I feel like I have so much to do, and am being pulled in a hundred different directions-I need to get things done and move on! I feel this way at work a lot too-my favorite thing ever is when <as a courtesy> I peek in on a patient to let her know I'm going home, and she asks for help breastfeeding. Really?! Sure...I'll stay an extra 20 minutes to help you-I haven't been away from my family for 13 hours already. Ugh...clearly, I need to work on this!

I don't communicate well. Ben swears that the most important thing in a marriage is communication. I agree. I'm just not good at it. Particularly if I need help with something. Instead of asking for help, I just deal with things on my own...secretly wondering WHY isn't anyone helping me?! Hmph.

I lack sympathy. Whaaat? Aren't you a nurse? Aren't you supposed to be sympathetic...like, always? I am usually sympathetic (or really, empathetic) with my patients, so maybe I use it all up at work. I think some people just irritate me with their sob stories about how their life is unfair, etc. Get over it.

Wow, there is some brutal honesty for you today.

# About Me # Blog Challenge

This Unfamiliar Road

February 29, 2016

Currently {February Edition}

December 02, 2014

A Few of my Favorite Things {Gifts Under $100}

November 25, 2014

A Few of my Favorite Things {Stocking Stuffers}

November 18, 2014

A Few of my Favorite Things {My List 2014}

May 31, 2013

That One Time... {Blogging Challenge Day 31}

May 30, 2013

Letting Go {Blogging Challenge Day 30}

Music to my Ears {Blogging Challenge Day 29}

A Picture Says a Thousand Words {Blogging Challenge Day 28}

Dear Friends :Blogging Challenge Day 27}

May 26, 2013

Reading Material {Blogging Challenge Day 26}

May 25, 2013

Something Sweet {Blogging Challenge Day 25}

May 24, 2013

Flawed {Blogging Challenge Day 24}

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