Hap Hap Happy Halloween!

O, Halloween.. One of my very favorite holidays. Why? Because I love any excuse to dress in costume and act a fool. I guess I won't be acting too much of a fool this year, instead I will be passing out candy to all of the Trick or Treaters and have a big ole' pot of Taco Soup on the Stove for those that need to warm up a bit.

No worries, I most certainly have on a black maxi and orange polka dot sweater. You didn't think I was not at least going to be festive did you? And I'm racking my brain trying to come up with a little costume of some sort strait out of the closet for tonight. I could always be a football player.. or a cowgirl.. or something with a mullet or purple hair.. Purple hair, Saints Jersey, Mardi Gras beads?? I could be on to something here...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN FROM THESE
 IDIOTS OF HALLOWEEN PAST!

Over the Weekend..

Today makes me happy. 

It is scarf weather. 

Flannel weather. 

Giant sweater weather. 

Bonfire weather. 

Sweatshirt weather. 

Hot chocolate weather.

Time to decorate for Christmas weather.... 

Ok.. maybe not quite yet..

It is 44 degrees at the moment and I by no means dressed appropriately. What was I thinking? Well, when I checked the weather last night, I swear there was a high in the 70s. Apparently something major went down over night? Or the weather men were wrong? Imagine that..

One thing about today that does not make me happy? I am back at work. After a little 3 day weekend, it's the last place I want to be. I spent the weekend at home, in the country, with no cell phone service. It was glorious and just what I needed. And still need...

Friday we spent our day at the Homecoming peprally and parade followed by lunch with some of the fam. Then it was off to senior recognition night at my little sister's last football game. Needless to say, with a significant drop in temperature and a drizzly rain, we didn't make it very long after the recognition with a two year old. 

Saturday, we slept in and did ab-so-lute-ly nothing but prepare for some Mississippi State football and a little tailgate action. The game didn't go quite as I had planned, but there was no shortage of laughs and good times had by all. I'll take quality family time over a win any day of the week.

And Sunday was a day of rest.. like I needed anymore.. 

As laid back as the weekend was, some super exciting things that happened!! Ann-Hamilton got a new ride yesterday, which is freakin' awesome and well deserved. And I was promoted to Senior Stylist with Stella and Dot. Considering that my only goal starting in this business was to make back my investment, I have shocked the hell out of myself. What a great company and a great opportunity! 

Football and Flannel

Guess where I am?

Not at work...

Jealous?

Today I am partaking in a little High School Homecoming action. I am home for my little sister's last pep rally, Homecoming parade and senior night at the last football game of the season. While you're reading this, I'm probably catching candy from from a parade of folks piled in the back of Z71's. Or I may be reliving my cheerleader glory days in the ole Pillow Academy gym. I seriously get teary eyed every time I go to a peprally... It's pathetic. You can laugh. But seriously, the sad part. Eleanor's a senior. I still can't believe it. With a ten year age difference between us, it's hard to imagine that she is not still 5 years old, running around being the cutest mini cheerleader there ever was.

Ok, enough nostalgia.. 

let's get to the goods.

First:

Guess who I get to see today? 

Guess who's little brother is the stud QB for the football team tonight?

RACHEL!!!!

Second:

The temperature is starting to drop around here (like in the 50's today) and you know what that means... 

It's flannel time. 

(Please tell me I'm not the only one who busted out a little "Hammer Time" in their head)

My favorite. I believe I even brought two with me. And you best believe if it wasn't maroon Friday, I'd be sporting one. I'm not sure why I love it so much. Maybe it's because it is so old school, classic and comfy? Maybe it's because it brings about thoughts of bonfires and deer camp? 

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Doesn't it just make you want to grab some hot chocolate and make s'mores?

Or sip on a little whiskey around a bonfire while crankin' some country tunes?

Preferably a little Aldean.. Just sayin..

No? Just me?

What's your favorite fall/winter attire?

Are you still confused as to how I went from high school homecoming to flannel?

Yea, me too?

Just roll with it folks.

It's been a long week.

Happy Weekend Little Lovebugs!

Guess Who's Back?

Guess who's back... Back again??

Callie's back... Tell a friend??

O, How Pinteresting Wednesday's used to be my absolute favorite but then I kind of ran out of things to pin, if that's possible. Or maybe I just didn't pin things that were blog worthy? Or started to not pin things unless they could become a reality. I do not know, but I'm back! And I just want to share some things that are just pure perfection.

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Next Haircut? Yes, please!

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Seven and Zero

One of my favorite parts about tailgating is being some of the very first to arrive. It's gorgeous. It's quiet. It's the best part of the day. I'm a people watcher. And I watch people arrive by the thousands from my little chair in tent #57 all while sipping my morning cocktail and catching the first games of the day on ESPN.

Saturday was no different. There was a chill in the air and a little extra pep in everyone's step. The bulldogs were 6-0 with the opportunity to be 7-0 going into next weekend to play the #1 team in the country, Alabama... in Tuscaloosa. 

Sister time in the Junction.

We tailgated our little booties off in the Junction, starting around 10:30 with a 6 p.m. kick off. Everyone totally confident but still a little bit anxious because we are Mississippi State... 

Well mess it up, we did not. 

We won 45-3 over MTSU.

Now it's time to move on up to the big leagues. 

Alabama. #1 team in the country. In Tuscaloosa. 

Lawd have mercy.

Do I expect us to beat Alabama? 

Absolutely not. 

Do I expect us to upset Alabama in Bryant-Denny Stadium? 

Absolutely not. 

Do I think it's possible? 

Absolutely. 

Do I think we'll play them a heck of game? 

Absolutely. 

Yep, that's who you think it is... Mrs. Megan Mullen, Dan's wife. All of the coach's wives tailgate right next to us and sometimes we get just obnoxious enough to talk to her. She's the sweetest.. and the skinniest :) The guys literally start to act like they are 13 again. It's hysterical.

It's a great day to be a Bulldog :)

SEE YA SATURDAY!

He is a Friend of Mine

Ok, so today was my most dreaded day.

The one I hate the absolute most.

The Dentist.

(He is not the friend my post title speaks of)

Am I alone in this fear?

I have not been in like 3 years and now I remember why.

Yes, I know that's disgust.. but I really, really hate it.

But, you know what?

I came out alive (obviously) and still no cavities!

27 years and counting!!

(Knock On Wood)

I rewarded myself with two sweaters (Old Navy sweater sale... get on that people) and a little lunch date with Mr. Chick Fil A and his Buffalo Sauce. (Yes, a trip to the dentist warrants rewards.. in my world it does anyways)

On my way back to work, I had the radio on K Love, of course. And and awesome song came on that I had never heard. Needless to say, I was intrigued.  The chorus goes like this.

The God of angel armies is always by my side
The One who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine
The God of angel armies is always by my side

My post from yesterday talked a little about a bad day, and it seemed a lot of others weren't having the best day either. So when I heard this song, I knew it was just what we all needed to hear. He's got us all taken care of and He's right there whenever we need Him!! 

He sure is a friend of Mine!

Thank goodness!!

And special prayers going up for some of my very best friends as they bring a new precious baby girl into the world. I cannot wait to meet Sweet Blakelee!! 

And more prayers for one of Kendol's best friends who lost his father this afternoon. 

Over It..

Anyone else out there not having the best day?

Not having the best week?
I'm right there with you.

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This is what I keep telling myself.

Life is awesome, but it's not always easy.

And I have some good news for all of us:

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Yep, we're going to be just fine :)

Thanks Mr. Marley for clearing that up.
You sir, are right every single time.

Nothing a little run and a Margarita Mexican date night can't fix.

First Order of Business for the Day?

First order of business for the day?
Download Jason Aldean's new album "Night Train."

Second order of business for the day?
Go ahead and download Blake Shelton's "Cheers, It's Christmas!" while you're at it.

Third order of business for the day?
Start Bean Soup in the Crock Pot.

Forth order of business for the day?
(It's not even 8 a.m. yet... Whew!)
Hot Chocolate.
It's 50 degrees here and I was about 10 minutes early for work, so I decided to stop at Starbucks for a hot chocolate... How do you people do that everyday? There was 100 people there... and since when can you be 15 minutes late for high school because you were buying a coffee?

Fifth order of business for the day?

Share some Fall Goodness with you lovelies.

Do you love a Pay Day like I do??

Well I have a perfect way for you to make your own.

Candy Corn + Peanuts = PayDay

Seriously, need a super fast fall snack? Just mix a bag of candy corn and a can of peanuts and it's pure addictive perfection. I brought my tailgate leftovers to work yesterday and you'd have thought I worked miracles. Nobody had any idea about this snack. Perfect to leave out in a bowl around the house.

Speaking of fall treats, remember last week when I was debating on attempting my first ever pumpkin flavored treat? Well, Well, Well, I did just that. Twice. And they were both delicious and quite possibly the easiest recipes ever. Fall Party? Tailgate? I've got you covered!!

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Pumpkin Dip:
VIA
1 8 oz. Cream Cheese, Softened
1/2 Cup Canned Pumpkin
1/4 Cup Sugar
1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla
1 Teaspoon Cinnamon

Mix all ingredients with a mixer and refrigerate for at least an hour.
Serve with Vanilla Wafers.

This seriously took two minutes to prepare and was a huge hit at the Tailgate.

Pumpkin Cookies
VIA
2 Cups Flour
1 Cup Oats
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1 Cup Butter, Softened
1 Cup Brown Sugar
1 Cup Sugar
1 Egg
1 teaspoon Vanilla
1 Cup Canned Pumpkin
1 Cup Chocolate Chips

Preheat Oven to 350.
In separate bowl combine dry ingredients: flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon, salt.
Cream butter in mixer and gradually add in sugars until fluffy.
Add egg and vanilla. Mix well.
Alternate adding in dry ingredients and pumpkin to butter mixture.
Lastly, stir in chocolate chips.

Bake cookies 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned.

It made a ton so I ran out of room on my pans, so I put little chunks in a muffin pan. (Impatient Much?) They turned out even better as perfect little mini muffin in my opinion.

Just think if you added some to the muffin pan, then put a Pumpkin Hershey Kiss, then added some more on top and you had a Kiss filled muffin thang... Lawd, the wheels are turning. Might just have to try that little concoction!!

Enjoy!!

Great Day to be a Bulldog

All that I've got to say is that it's a great day to be a Bulldog!! We pulled off another win, this time over Tennessee to bring the Bulldogs to 6-0. What?? After many, many years of cheering on a mediocre team (at best), it sure is fun to get a little taste of what it feels like to be a fan of those teams that are fantastic every year. I am not sure how long it will last, but it sure is fun in the mean time.

We left home around 10 for a full day of tailgating. It was a fun, long day in the Junction with an 8:30 kick off time. After a pit stop by Waffle House for some hash browns and grits, we finally made it home around 3 a.m.

And you can just imagine what we did on Sunday.. Not a dang thing. I didn't even open my eyes until almost 11 then it was to strait to the couch for the rest of the day, followed by some ribs n' fixin's for supper. I did make a Target run. And you're not going to believe it... All I made it out with was a Hot Chocolate from Starbucks. Miracles do happen people. There's your proof.

O yea!! And on Friday night, I went to see NeedtoBreathe with some friends. Are any of you fans? I would definitely recommend seeing them live if they come near you. They were extremely talented and believe it or not, almost sounded better than they do on cd. That is not common. Besides being surrounded by a very Emo High School crowd, it was great!

Great until I got home. It's midnight. Kendol's been asleep for hours in preparation for a full day of tailgating. We don't use our front door often and I had forgotten my garage opener. Therefore it was time to fight the front door (hard to open). There are three possible keys on my key chain that work. I tried them all.. with no luck. Then I took to the key we keep outside. I mean, it's made for our house.. this should work in no time. Ummm. no. The freaking key breaks in half.. and half of it is in the door. So I spend the next ten minutes trying to get that out. So now it's back to the keys on the key chain. Let's just say that between Kendol and the Dog, I don't feel so safe ha! At this point, I had been trying to get in the house for 30 minutes and neither heard a dang thing. After almost breaking one of the keys on my key chain, I finally resorted to calling Kendol. All I have to say is good luck to the "robbers"... I couldn't even break in my own house and I had two keys to work with!

Deep Fried Oreos?

Well, it's that time of year again...

The Mississippi State Fair

The fair. Where all of the crazies come out of the wood works and make for some of the best people watching in the world. I just cannot even begin to explain the caliber of lovelies we saw, but I definitely had a favorite. He even shared the table with us for a minute where he asked directions to the Ferris Wheel?? (could he really not spot it??)

We partook in some chicken on a stick, fried pickles, gyros, sausage dogs, beer, fair taffy, deep fried oreos, and good ole' country music, of course.

It is so funny to me that I look forward to fair food, but the food that I actually eat is from a local restaurant that jut so happens to 30 seconds from my house. It never crosses my mind to eat that chicken on a stick until the Ferris Wheel's up and the Carney Folk are running rampant.

Kendol also won a gold fish that we so generously left for the next sucker who didn't happen to make his ping pong ball into one of the 500 cups.

P.S. Mr. State Fair Coordinator.. I have a bone to pick with you. Who schedules the best singing act of the week on Saturday night in the middle of football season? I sure would have loved to see Brantley Gilbert, but no... my option was En Vogue. (And I'm not knocking En Vogue bc they had some legit songs..)

And just from typing those two words, I will now have "FREEEEEE YO MIIIIIIND... and the rest will follow.. Be COOOOOLOR BLIIIIND... Don't be so shallow" stuck in my head for the third day in a row. And now (hopefully) it's stuck in yours too :)

Until next year!

PIZZA PIZZA!

Apparently all I think about is food and that's ok with me bc boy do I have some deliciousness to share with you today. Kendol came up with a new little pizza recipe last night and it was so different and good! I don't normally stray far away from pepperoni, bell pepper, onion and bacon on my pizza, so this was a first for me. And I just have one question for myself? What have I been waiting on?

Chicken & Artichoke Pizza
1-2 Chicken Breasts
(marinated in Italian Dressing and Worcestershire)
Pack of Large Tortillas
Garlic Cream Cheese Spread
Can of Artichokes
Purple Onion
Bell Pepper
Pizza Cheese
(Red Pepper Flakes if you so choose)

Grill Chicken Breasts and tear into pieces.
(Or I'm sure you could cook in a skillet if you don't want to man the grill)
Bake tortilla for 5 minutes on 350 to make crisp
Assemble your pizza:
Use Garlic Cream Cheese as sauce
Add chicken, bell pepper, onion, artichokes and cheese.
We also added some red pepper flakes!

Bake for 10-15 until it is cooked to your liking.

Seriously that Garlic Cream Cheese Spread is Heaven Sent!!
And if you don't like artichokes... just leave that part out!

Pumpkin Preference

Ok, so I know all of you other bloggers out there are Pumpkin Freaks!! Seriously, y'all eat or drink something pumpkin every single day from September to December. I've never seen anything like it. I sure wish I could stand coffee even just a little bit so that I could understand the obsession with pumpkin flavored latte's.

Now, here is what you're never going to believe.

I have never had anything pumpkin in my entire life, that I'm aware of... (Momma, correct me if I'm wrong?) I imagine it tasting something like a sweet potato... I'm sure that is completely off, but I believe that just stems from the fact that they are both, in fact, orange and that pumpkin pie looks very similar to the consistency of a sweet potato casserole. Anything that even looks like sweet potato casserole has to be delicious, right?

Anywho, so  for all of you Pumpkin Fanatics out there, if I were to try (or make) anything pumpkin flavored what should it be? I'm contemplating something pumpkin flavored for our tailgate on Saturday.

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Pumpkin Cream Cheese Spread

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Two Ingredient Pumpkin Cookies

Something I could most certainly get behind.

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Pumpkin Cornbread

Interesting..

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Pumpkin Spice Kiss Cookies

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Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites
Can never go wrong with cheesecake..
EVER

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Pumpkin Latte
Not happening..
But it sure does look cute.
Do they make pumpkin hot chocolate?
I'd be all over that!

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Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

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Pumpkin Pie
See?? Looks like Sweet Potatoes..

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Pumpkin Bread

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Pumpkin Praline Trifle

That's what I'm talkin' about.. Yum!

Seriously, I don't even know where to start. 

Help a sister out.

What's your favorite?

And Now You Know..

Ok, my friend Sami at Sami's Shenanigans started this little game and I have decided to play along. Being that I have lots of new faces around here, I figured it would be a great way for me to let you know a little about myself. I will answer a question or two here and there. So here is what I'm going to be answering. Feel free to play along.

1. List 20 random facts about yourself.
2. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears.
3. Describe your relationship with your parents.
4. List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could.
5. What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?
6. What is the hardest thing you have ever experienced?
7. What is your dream job, and why?
8. What are 5 passions you have?
9. List 10 people who have influenced you and describe how.
10. Describe your most embarrassing moment.
11. Describe 10 pet peeves you have.
12. Describe a typical day in your current life.
13. Describe 5 weaknesses you have.
14. Describe 5 strengths you have.
15. If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
16. What are your 5 greatest accomplishments?
17. What is the thing you most wish you were great at?
18. What has been the most difficult thing you have had to forgive?
19. If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
20. Describe 3 significant memories from your childhood.
21. If you could have one superpower, what would it be and what would you do with it first?
22. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 15 years?
23. List your top 5 hobbies and why you love them.
24. Describe your family dynamic of your childhood vs. your family dynamic now.
25. If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be and what would you eat?
26. What popular notion do you think the world has most wrong?
27. What is your favorite part of your body and why?
28. What is your love language?
29. What do you think people misunderstand most about you?
30. List 10 things you would hope to be remembered for.

Today, I will start with Number One, obviously.

20 Random Facts about Callie.

1. First and foremost, I might just have the cutest married name in the world. 

Just say it out loud. 

Callie Collins. 

Moving right along..

2. Most people call me Cal.

3. I have never had a glass of milk. 

(born allergic)

4. I do not like mushrooms or jello.. 

or anything slimy like that.

5. I drove a 1992 Oldsmobile Delta 88 in High School. 

She was called "Grocery Getter" and had blue velvet interior. Nice.

6. Speaking of that car, I have a hit a Sonic Menu Pole... 

I could probably open a Sonic with the amount of money I have spent on their Coke's since I turned 15

7. I have a degree in Risk Management, Insurance and Financial Planning... 

Who majors in that? 

Seriously... Idiot.

8. I was in competitive gymnastics as a child.

9. My right wrist does not bend. (car accident).

10. Pregnancy weirds me out. 

It is just so bizarre to me. 

11. My friends and I had on going hand held tetris tournaments in college.

Seriously, it's addictive.

Go to Wal-Mart and get yourself one.

12. I am a gift giver. It's my thing.

13. I was a Tri Delta.

14. My Christmas morning family breakfast consists of sausage balls and biscuits with chocolate gravy. 

(Only in Mississippi)

15. I own 5 pairs of cowboy boots.

16. I am currently obsessed with NeedtoBreathe and the new Dave Matthews XM station (genius).

17. I saw George Strait, Reba, Willie Nelson, Garth Brooks and Hank Williams, Jr. in concert in one year. (last year) I can die happy now. Speaking of, I want to attend the Willie Nelson 4th of July Picnic in Texas.. like bad.. and I want to go Honkey Tonkin' in Texas. 

18. Kendol and I met two weeks before college graduation when he went to a DDD date party with my first cousin..(I am no hussy.. they were best friends in high school)

19. I have never lived outside of Mississippi. 

20. I, along with 6 of my best friends, went to Chicago our senior spring break of college to see Justin Timberlake. (and we saw him again 2 months later in Memphis.. post college....)

And now you know a little bit about me.

And you're probably never coming back ha!

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Over the Weekend

Today I am over at Ten Feet Off of Beale giving a little tour of my little Delta Town. She and her boyfriend visited there a few weeks ago, but didn't get to experience much in their short time frame. If she ever comes back, I have given her plenty to do.. and see.. and most importantly, EAT!!! (Of course the food is most important..) Seriously, if you don't already read her blog on the daily, get yourself over there STAT!
________________________________________________________________________________

Now, back to my weekend! 

It was quite the relaxing one, which does not happen very often. 

On Friday night, we had a little girls night out at the local pizza joint where we sipped our beers from mason jars and listened to some blues. We also had quite a few laughs courtesy of our red headed waiter who spoke to us about "Bourbon Enemas" (in reference to the Tenn Butt Chuggers... Crazies!) and sang/rapped for us on more than one occasion. He was a hoot.

On Saturday, you best believe I was up at that Old Navy $15 Pea Coat Sale. I don't care what a coat looks like, for $15 I can at least wear it to work.... Then it was off to do a SD Trunk Show in Indianola. And we all know what that means... A trip to "Lost Pizza Company" and a new t-shirt (I only have like 15...) I could seriously eat there every single day.

Sunday, I enjoyed a nice country lunch at my parents (Fried round steak, turnip greens, squash casserole, fried okra and cornbread) then headed to the Farmer's Market for a little fall fun. While it's nothing special, I'd say the yard is looking a little more cute than normal.

O, the sacrifices we make for decorating. I spent the entire rest of the day clawing my entire body and rubbing my eyes raw. I have outgrown most of my allergies, but hay is obviously not one of them. Remind me to never touch it again, no matter how much cuter my decorations will be with it. My eyes are still blood shot.

Moving right along, I spent the entire rest of the afternoon on my couch watching "Oprah: Next Chapter" interviews of Jennifer Hudson and Lady GaGa, followed by a two hour Extreme Make-Over: Home Edition. Needless to say, there were lots of tears shed and had anyone walked in my house they would have thought I lost my best friend. I was a blubbering idiot. I do not know why I ever think it's a good idea to watch Ty and Company help people. I am in tears within 30 seconds. I comforted myself with some Chinese Take-Out.

And did I mention that I got my oil changed last Thursday. Yea, those fools forgot to put the cap back on. In the meantime, oil has been leaking rapidly and spewing all under my hood on to all of those other important things going on under there. Thank heavens for my Daddy (Kendol's out of town), my motor is possibly saved, but we are still not sure. See what happens when I'm responsible and get my oil changed when I'm supposed to???? Hmmmmm... 

And have I mentioned lately how bad my Fantasy Football team is. It's humiliating.

But Mississippi State won. And the Saints won... So that's all that matters.

Ok, maybe my weekend wasn't as relaxing as I thought....