What I’m Loving Wednesday Version 4.0

1. I got another pickle birthday present. My manager brought in Japanese pickles!! The difference in these pickles is the addition of soy sauce – holy salt overload.

To say thank you, I whipped up a batch of my favorite chocolate chip cookies after work.

2. Yesterday at work we had the 2011 Enterprise Expo. Elizabeth and I visited the different booths to learn about the partners and solutions that help our company succeed. We may or may not have been lured in by Italian Ice!

There was a cotton candy stand too. Our friend had cookies. Someone else had candy. I can’t believe I still have teeth.

3. On Cow Appreciation Day, I got a picture message from high school friends, April and Josh.

“I know today is like a national holiday for you. Today april and I stopped in harisonburg va and saw a double drive thru at the chick fil a. Took a picture just for you.”

DOUBLE DRIVE THRU? Talk about efficiency!

4. I’ve said this before, but I’m rarely, if ever, competitive with girls. I am, however, competitive with boys, specifically boyfriends. I realize this is not normal, but I cannot begin to explain the excitement over finally winning a Words With Friends game to my ex-boyfriend. This fella is a Charleston Law student whose vocabulary probably doubles mine. As a language major and someone who reads/writes for a living, it drove me bonkers every time he won. I finally did it!

I am not sorry for louding him out.

5. Speaking of cellular devices, I finally ordered a cover for my new phone. I dropped it four times last weekend. Does this not scream Clemson, Auburn, sheer obnoxiousness?

6. A few friends and I have started a book club. The first book we’re reading is House Rules, by Jodi Picoult.

After two pages, I was hooked. I am now halfway finished and am really enjoying it. For those of you who have not read the book, it is about a teenage boy with Asperger’s Syndrome who is accused of murder. Pick it up if you’re looking for a good mystery!

7. This Bits of Truth quote:

On that note, I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday. Smile at a stranger today – you never know how much of an impact this simple gesture can have on another person.

Weekend Recap

Friday afternoon: Boding and I were gchatting about my new phone (he also has an android phone) and he asked about my weekend plans.

Boding: What are you up to tonight/weekend? I want to nerd out with you.
Me: omg i know.
Boding: Technology is fun!!!!
Me: it really is.

So basically we’re huge nerds. After work, I picked up my 14-year-old brother so he could could spend the night/hang out with Boding and me. Boding met us at Pearle Vision so I could finally pick out a pair of glasses using the Charleston Savvy Shopper Deal I bought last week. I spent about 5 minutes choosing between a ton of glasses – I honestly have never made a decision so fast in my life. I narrowed it down to two pairs, then made Boding, my brother, and the girl helping me give me their opinions. In the end, I went with the DKNY tortoise shell pair that I blogged about last week.

I think they are so much cuter on in real life than in that webcam photo I took, so I’ll be sure to take another picture for y’all.

After the glasses purchase, the three of us went home to hang out. I got a text from Jonathan, the chef of Mustard Seed saying, “I made you sushi and fried pickles because you made me feel bad for not being here yesterday. You can come pick it up if you’re hungry.” What, what!! I was so excited even though I really did not mean to make him feel bad. I went to Mustard Seed later that night and Jonathan gave me a huge plate of sushi:

 

He also sent me home with fried pickle spears with a saffron aioli!

Saturday: Jake and I hung out by the pool all day and made a stop by the library for this book:
I started it while at the pool and it is so good. I’m excited the movie is coming out soon! Has anyone read this yet?

I dropped Jake off that afternoon and then headed over to the house where Mariah was housesitting. I brought over the sushi and frickles for our dinner. The frickles were awesome. It was the first time I had tried fried spears. Jonathan used cornmeal and panko crumbs so they were extra crunchy! Now y’all know why I love Mustard Seed so much – Jonathan is thoughtful and creative.

We made ourselves some big girl drinks (sweet tea vodka + water) and sat on the porch with this wonderful view:

 

We also found a really interesting contraption in the living room. Anyone know what this thing might be used for?

Look, again, no pupils!

Sunday: I went to church today! I hadn’t been in almost a year, and it was so nice to be back. I went to a contemporary service at East Cooper Baptist which was completely different than the traditional services I went to growing up. The music was so lively – I caught myself tapping my feet as I was singing.

After church, an old friend and I had brunch at Red Drum. I ordered the Huevos Rancheros – two fried eggs, ranchero sauce, cotija cheese, and refried beans over corn tortillas. Delish.

I spent the rest of the day at the pool. It had to be about 95* today. Scorcher!

My birthday is in 11 days!!!!!! Hope everyone has a great week!

What I’m Loving Wednesday Version 2.0

…killing my bank account, that’s what I’m loving.

1. Pinckney’s Produce CSA Bucket #9:

In the box:

• Banana Peppers
• Beets – I think I have gotten beets every week. So lucky!
• Carrots
• Eggplant
• Green Peppers – ew, I traded so fast
• New Potatoes
• Pattypan Squash
• Slicer Tomatoes
• Sweet Corn
• Yellow Squash
• Zucchini

I’m loving how colorful this box is. Thank you, Pinckney’s!

2. This new bikini I ordered from Victoria’s Secret:

In case you can’t see, the bottom pattern is coral and yellow sea horses! All I need are those tatas to go with it.

3. Today’s Charleston Savvy Shopper deal:

First, I love that my city paper has it’s own deal program. Second, could this not have come in better timing? What’s the best deal you’ve gotten from all these daily deal sites? Most of mine have been food or jewelry-related purchases, so this one’s a big one for me!

4. I’m having a giveaway soon! Here’s a sneak peek at what I’m giving away:

Yes, that is a jump rope. Stay tuned! I’ll either post the giveaway tomorrow or Friday, so be ready!

5. The new phone I’m getting today! Meet the HTC Sensation. Nerd alert! I have been anticipating this purchase for several weeks and it was released today! The only sad thing is that I’m giving up my Blackberry. I know, this is crazy for me. I’ve had two different Blackberrys (Blackberries?) over the course of 3 years, but it’s time to let them go. They just aren’t keeping up with the times…and I really want an android phone so I can play Words With Friends!! Again, nerd alert. Who else has an android phone? What are the must-have apps?