Det, Jess, and all the rest

Part 1

2012-01-31T11:39:00.003-06:00

so. about that whole pregnancy thing.

I keep starting to type something and then deleting it. The last year of my life has been the most challenging and emotionally difficult time of my life. It seems like a lot so I'll just start with this:

On October 16, 2011 I went into labor and had twins, a boy and a girl, via emergency c-section. I was only 24 weeks along in my pregnancy. Babies born that early often don't live. But they did live. Benjamin Thomas and Scarlett Catherine have beat so many odds in their first 4 months of life, its been a miracle to watch and heartbreaking to witness.

This story really begins in April 2011 when we began the process of in vitro. Brian and I had struggled for over 2 years to get pregnant and finally resorted to IVF in hopes of finally starting a family. I responded well to IVF and everything went fairly smooth. The injections weren't that bad and by the time I had my retrieval they were able to get 17 eggs. 5 days later was the transfer and we had 2 good embryos - grade B and grade D. They had 4 other embryos they were watching to see if they could make it to freeze. They didn't make it. BD (that is what we called our embryo(s)) was our only chance at getting pregnant without having to go through the process all over again. We were hopeful.

13 days later I took a pregnancy test at home and it was positive. The next morning I had a blood test confirm that we were indeed pregnant. Because of my previous experience of having 2 chemical pregnancies, I was still guarded. Very guarded. I was told to come back in 4 days for another blood draw to see if my hormone levels were doubling and rising appropriately. Over the weekend I started to have a very severe pain right under my breast bone. It burned for hours and finally I had Brian take me into the ER. Blood test were ran and I was given some pain medication. The physician wrote me a prescription for indigestion. I told the doctor and nurse I had just had a positive pregnancy test 2 days prior. I remember the ER doctor clearly telling me their was barely enough pregnancy hormone in my blood? Urine? (not sure) to register a positive pregnancy test. I was devastated. I had another chemical pregnancy ... so I thought.

The next day, I called my fertility doctor and explained to him what had happened the night before at the ER. I went in that morning and he examined me and felt that I had been slightly overstimulated from the fertility drugs. I went ahead and did the second blood draw to check my hormone levels. The call came back a few hours later that my hormone levels did not double as they should and I should stop the progesterone shots and wait for my period. It was hard news to hear but I had written the cycle off after the ER visit. I got a call from the nurse that took my blood to come in again to check my hormone levels to rule out an ectopic pregnancy. I went back again to have my blood drawn and got the call that my levels had doubled appropriately and to come back again to see if they continued to rise. This blood draw/hormone song and dance went on for several more days. My levels continued to rise and the day before my birthday, on June 14th, I was to go in for an ultrasound to see a heartbeat.

To be continued..

Rolling the Dice

2011-03-09T10:03:00.001-06:00

So it isn't Vegas as promised but it is an expensive gamble. We are on our last IUI cycle before moving on to the big guns.

Sexy...

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Ello!

2011-02-09T15:14:00.004-06:00

Hmm. I'm here! Since my last post I've been too lazy or uninspired to really write anything on my teensy corner of the cyber space. I actually have a ton of photos from Christmas, girls night out(ings), and my recent trip to Vegas. All fun. All great but a bit of the same as all my other post, pretty much. I've also ...true to my Gemini spirit (and it is Gemini not Taurus)... been on a kick as of late with a new obsession.

For whatever reason I've read Fast Food Nation, Food Rules, Women Food and God, and a memoir Lit. I've watched Food, Inc., The Cove, Capitalism: A Love Story, and I've been trolling Vegan blogs and Treehugger.com. I have know idea what has gotten into me or where all this is leading me but it has given me a pause for thought. It seems like everywhere I turn as of late I keep running into this vegan thing. Interesting. I long ago (long long ago) quit eating fast food but I still found the below video, I don't know? [insert any negative or sarcastic adjective here].

Basically, I'm starting to question a lot of things I practice or believe in addition to food processing and the practices it supports.

Next post: Vegas Pics.

(heh! a direct conflict of interest from this altruistic post, I would say! But seriously, it was the best Vegas trip I have been on and it was my 5th time... ah-mazing)

Thanksgiving.

2010-11-27T18:54:00.004-06:00

oh, Thanksgiving 2010.

First of all. I'm so thankful for many (too many) things in my life. I don't hurt for much in the way of support and great family. I also have some great true friends that really know me and I'm reminded a lot of how rare that is. I'm giving a huge thanks to all of you!

With that said.

Me and Brian spent Thanksgiving Wednesday night at my mom and Gary's house having the most relaxing time with the family. Sharing stories and having some great conversation after a wonderful dinner with wine. Couldn't have been better.

Brian and I hosted his family at our house again this year. No problem! I can entertain with the best of the Martha's. I had cleaned the house, made pecan pie bars, and prepped mashed potatoes and green bean casserole (Pioneer Woman's - VERY GOOD). Things were moving so smooth. The morning of Thanksgiving I only had to make the stuffing, winter salad, gravy, and cranberry sauce. Brian had made his annual pumpkin cheesecake and began to smoke a ham. He was also frying a turkey for the first time. Exciting stuff. I had been informed earlier in the week that Brian's brother in laws mother was invited. I wasn't too thrilled as I just plain don't like her - never have, never will. But. I roll with it. Aside from being completely socially awkward, inappropriate, and obnoxious how bad could she be? Well.

Too make a long story short after proclaiming she wasn't invited to our wedding (she was.), she began to talk to me about a book I am currently reading. It's the third book in the Hunger Games series and frankly, I've been obsessed with it. I love it! She snottily said she hated the first book and couldn't bare to bring herself to read the other two. Okay.

While I finish preparing Thanksgiving dinner, she proceeds to pick up the book and read the last few pages and just as I begin to sit down to eat - finally! She tells me what happens at the very end of the book. Who does that? Call me dramatic but I was so bothered by her rudeness, it completely ruined the dinner - that I cooked! - not to mention the rest of the night. I had enough wine in me to get snippy right back with her ever so slightly. I did a fine job of giving her the cold shoulder in my infamous passive aggressive way for the remainder of the evening. WHY do I do this?? Why do I let insignificant people get me like this? WHY. I've been pondering this question for 48 hours now and haven't gotten anywhere ...other than, when people are asshats, I react. I get petty. I suck at rising above it. So be it.

Am I the only one who struggles with this? And while I know I sound really nutty over a book, it seemed like a bitch move to me, not to mention a tad calculated. .. still makes me want to draw blood. And I know that sounds ca-razy. But to be fair, she is a difficult personality to be around. I had my guard up .. like 4 years ago and I hate to be around her, to put it bluntly.

So I stew... things usually run their course with me after a few days. I'm going to work on this next year, I promise. There are bigger things that will happen in my life then ARLENE.

(can I mention she also was the first to get up from the table and sit on the day bed - leaving her plate and glass at the table... no that's ok! I'm happy to be your personal maid and chef for the day, really... as a guest in my home for the first time, I wouldn't expect anything less. Tacky Tacky Tacky.)

Besides, the dinner was beyond fabulous! While this post is a tad bit on the negative side, all in all, the drama was all in my own head and nobody else noticed. I just have issues. The night went off without a hitch. My father in law and my father raved about the cooking and everybody left happy.

Talk about drama. Brian was all in a tiz over the turkey and the frying process. It turned out wonderful but he was convinced he was going to burn down the house in the beginning.

After all is said and done, nothing is better than winding down with a fire. Brian likes to move one of our chairs in front of the fire while he stokes it and sips on whiskey. We have been listening to Pandora (Brett Dennen radio, man) off of our blue ray, talk about relaxing. I had had quite a bit of wine after Arlenegate that I remember telling him in my wine haze that I would never ever find another man like him, that he had set the bar so high no man would measure up - oh boy. wine! Gets ya.

The best part of Thanksgiving weekend is Christmas trees! And Christmas cheer all around the hizzy. Makes me a happy woman. I like everything a glow.

As an end note. well. See ya Thanksgiving 2010! And for that matter - see ya 2010! I'll be enjoying you a whole heck of a lot in the next month but I'm ready for a new decade with a new "zen" jessica. It can happen.

p.s. Someone better read the Hunger Game Trilogy and talk to meh. It's a gazillion times better than Twilight. I promise you.

Let Freedom Ring

2010-11-21T14:54:00.005-06:00

An old friend of mine has recently been going through a rough time and she organized a Freedom Party on Saturday to put a positive spin on her current difficulties. When a friend is in need, I'm there. I put on my boots and skinny jeans (despite feeling anything but skinny as of late) and headed on out to meet the girlies at 1492 for some really good mexican food.

I had a bowl of queso, of course. Skinny jeans what?

Tami put on her bedazzle too.

Heather's perfect hair bun. Funny thing, I was trying to rock the bun too but mine was tore up. Mine being of the rubber band variety and not the classy bobby pin do you see below.

Miss Freedom herself!

Blurry dancing pictures. Blurry everything!

This one just luuuurves the camera, doesn't she?

I really need to either learn how to use my camera once and for all or invest in a cheap point and shoot for nights out.

(But I think I'd rather just whine about it for now. Wah)

Fun night, fun people - mayjah headache in the morning.

*random side note* My mom gave us a roomba floor vacuum (you charge it and it will vacuum your floors for you - for touch ups) anyway, ha! I've had it going while I blogged and it has locked itself in the powder bath! It's just clamoring around in there, banging on the toilet - going in circles. That is kind of how I feel these days...come to think of it. hm.

On a lighter note

2010-11-02T21:33:00.006-05:00

It's party time! October ushers in the trifecta of parties with Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. And, well, the apple doesn't fall far from the entertaining tree up in here. My mom and Gary hosted their annual Halloween party. - complete with a hired magician for entertainment. Seeing that they transform their home into a Halloween fun house with, literally, something in every corner and the house decorated to within an inch of its life... everyone always has a great time.

Ruitz was a dick-tator. After telling me to "look at it! what is it! LOOK AT IT!" I asked him if he was a small po-tator? There is only so much looking I can do at my parents bff's groin area. I love me some Ruitz costumes!

Carol was a French Kiss - how creative is she that she made that? I could never.

Tami, Allison, and I were the 3 Blind Mice. We ditched our glasses the second we got in the door. Brian was a grass hopper. He held a pot of grass and jumped around.

No words. Just. No words. - he is jumping in this picture.

Tami proclaimed herself a MILF. Mouse... I'd like to... here she is MILF-ing for the camera.

Here is the magician who was great, I was told... I never did see any tricks but he had a crowd going at one point. The funniest story about him was the next day when my stepdad told me that a friend of my aunts had told him that she had been trying to figure out what he was dressed as (before she realized he was the entertainment) and finally realized he was a nerd! HAHA! Oh, ouch.

I hope everyone had a great Halloween! I am still eating the tropical starburst as I type. I did manage to give two bewildered little trick or treaters a whole bag of candy. - I was tipsy from the girls mani/pedi day and feeling generous. I'm already in the holiday spirit!

IN

2010-10-24T15:40:00.003-05:00

Intense

Internalize

Intrusive

Incapable

Incomprehensible

Inconceivable

Insecurity

Interesting

Interfere

Intimidated

Infamous

Inadequacy

Inability

Inescapable

Incorrigible

Indefinite

Insane

Infuriating

Insight

Incredible

Inspiration

Infant

In Vitro. 2011.

late night blogger

2010-10-17T00:15:00.002-05:00

If I was a Sister Wife, I would totally be domestically competitive and one up my "sisters". I just know it. Is it just me?

OU Tami

2010-10-05T19:40:00.005-05:00

Never really a dull moment.

Sheba Redux

2010-09-17T14:15:00.001-05:00

She may no longer be on the furniture but she will still find a way to rest her head on pillows.

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right. on.

2010-09-11T11:38:00.002-05:00

{via elements of style}

Surprise!

2010-08-29T20:19:00.005-05:00

Tami and I have been planning a surprise birthday party for her mom, Jan, since March and it finally arrived this weekend. She was totally surprised with friends and family that had drove hours or flew in from other states. It was a big hit! She had know idea ... perfectly executed.

Our original theme was jewel toned shabby chic but the end result was more of a multi colored free for all ;)

Tami bought this wire tree and strung all of the beads to hang on the tree for weeks. We used it as a center piece on the buffet.

She also bought 50 vases to put all over the deck with candles - the weather was absolutely gorgeous and the deck was all lit up with the candles once the sun went down.

Tami's cousin, Emily, made a great photo/video montage of Jan through out the years - inbetween the pictures were video clips of birthday wishes from family/friends and work colleques from Southwest Airlines - it was so great...it even made me cry?? What the heck.

I love her.

Coconut cake is Jan's favorite so that is what we made! Completely demolished.

One of the best parts about hosting a party is all the left over loot. The beverage center has never looked so good!

Summer

2010-08-22T07:18:00.007-05:00

Even though it is miserably hot by this time each summer and I'm anxious for fall weather, I still get a little wistful and sad that another summer is winding down. Grilling, floating, beer (okay, wine and maybe a lot of sweet tea vodka too) ... I don't want it to end just yet.

Besides.

I get summertime Det.

Because I love a good quote

2010-08-17T20:46:00.002-05:00

Sheba

2010-08-11T14:28:00.001-05:00

We call Tia queen sheba because of her attitude and elitism. Here she is busted sitting on the new couch after we had left for work the other day. - Brian had left his phone and had to go back in. I can't tell if that is a look of guilt or irritation?

It's been rough for Sheba lately being subjected to the floor!

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Hello

2010-07-28T19:28:00.005-05:00

Sugar Stache has had a few orders lately ... see! The fish is a "cakelet" and is about the size of a giant cupcake. It was made for a little girls first birthday ;)

We have been enjoying our summer and I hope to have some random pictures up soon of ... well random summer days and nights. I've been in a decorating neurosis (to put it mildly) and God love my friends, family, and coworkers for listening to me endlessly yap about fabric/rugs/frames/pictures/furniture/pillows/accessories. I can see their eyes glaze over but I don't care! I have to talk about these things. It's very important, you know.

Let's just say. Chez Det is shaping up for a good holiday season.

Insanity

2010-06-14T11:50:00.005-05:00

Oklahoma has had historic rainfall and flooding today. Our tiny lake community is at risk of having our dam break. The neighborhood emergency plan has been put in place and all I can say, is it was astonishing to see the lake rise and rise - flooding all of our neighbors yards. When the rain finally let up, I was able to get these shots in the backyard.

I'm hoping and praying that the dam holds up throughout the rest of the day as the news reports this far is not so great.

sneak peak

2010-06-13T08:22:00.003-05:00

Finally getting past the dorm room decor at Chez Det. Inspired by Domino Magazine, I have been obsessing over couches and chairs and rugs and artwork for awhile now. Just when I was about to throw in the chips and purchase a Pottery Barn couch, I found two chairs, a daybed/bench, and a couch at Norwalk. I took to the Candice Olsen line of furniture quite a bit. I was thrilled. After further obsessing (to put it mildly) over fabric, I have purchased our first adult furniture for the house. I can't begin to describe the high that is ... superficial as it may sound, it is fun. I've been working and saving my pennies for this very moment for so long.

To offset all of the angular hard lines we have, the furniture has some curve and vintage-y feel to it. A little geometrical pattern never hurts anything either. We still got a long way to go but I'm so excited just to get started!

Now I just have to pick out pillow fabric for the chairs. More neurotic obsession. Yay!

The Hangout Music Festival Part 2: Video Edition

2010-05-22T14:49:00.000-05:00

Some Ray footage, singing one of my very favorites. .. and a video of the rain that shut down the festival for an hour on our last day (boo. hiss.), poor Keller Williams never had a chance. But it cleared up in time for the very best ;)

We conquered the beautiful Gulf Shores and listened to some of the best music with sugary sand in our toes. - and got to meet some really cool people. It really doesn't get any better than that.

The Hangout Music Fest/Gulf Shores 2010

2010-05-18T19:17:00.003-05:00

because I love a good quote

2010-05-12T20:13:00.002-05:00

Mothers Day Celebration Cake

2010-05-09T15:52:00.000-05:00

Happy Weekend!

2010-05-07T15:18:00.004-05:00

{I realize this is a random picture of Tami and I but I was just playing around with some photo editing today, in other words, just bored!}

An especially Happy Mothers Day to all of the hot mamas out there! Things are looking to be fun around here with a Sunday cookout for our moms that includes smoked chicken, baked beans, and mac and cheese. Finished off by a white almond sour cream cake with lemon curd and frosted in a whipped cream/cream cheese frosting. Our mamasitas are worth it!

Next week, is our big blow out "Thelma and Louise" road trip, just me and Tami (as always!). We are headed down to the Gulf Shores for the Hangout Music Festival, which I'm over the moon excited about because (check! check the bucket list) I will see Ray LaMontagne perform LIVE. I could die, seriously die. Oil be damned. Frankly, nothing could stop me from seeing the Mecca of musicians that are playing at this thing. Talk about my people! We've had our condo reserved and tickets bought for months now... a teensy bummed at not eating some good seafood but still ready to get my groove on.

Cinco De Mayo

2010-05-06T20:22:00.012-05:00

Yes.. yess..I've tinkered so much with my blog, I can't get my settings back. Irritating.

Anyway! We had an small casual get together at the house for Cinco De Mayo - which, let it be known, IS the best holiday because it is centered around Mexican food, beer, and tequila. What could be better! Nothing, that's what.

Tami helped with most of the food, preparing the enchiladas, beans, salsa, and guacamole. Allison came with rice and I only had to handle the queso and "Sparkling Margarita Floats" ...

Observe:

It was a great(correction - muy bueno!) Wednesday night and in the spirit of being old -everybody was gone by 10:00pm! haha...ha..

The Dets turn 2!

2010-05-02T20:54:00.003-05:00

Brian and I celebrated our 2nd anniversary on April 26th with our annual afternoon off to the Arts Festival. I didn't take my camera but I did take this photo of Brian from my iphone reflecting on how wonderful matrimony is...

We didn't find any art work, again. But nonetheless enjoyed our beers and fish tacos all the same.

And, you know, really that is how boring things have been around the house lately. Lots of domesticity ... I have been shopping for furniture (no such luck yet) and ... along with loads of yard work from Manuel and crew to get us ready for spring (next post), we've been pretty low key.

First time I went to Lifestyles in Edmond ..again, more pics with the phone. Meh. This couch is so not worth the $2100 they were asking. I mean really? Don't get me started on the pillows.

Meh? Not bad, not paying $900.

Good news is Cinco De Mayo is in 2 days and guess what that means?

Queso + margarita + deck + sunshine + friends = nothing better

Easter Weekend 2010

2010-04-05T20:35:00.007-05:00

Saturday the neighborhood had their annual Easter Egg Hunt in the park across the street from our house, so we invited my friend Brandy and her son over to partake in the festivities.

Pretty much, over 1000 eggs were thrown on the ground and the kids raced for them. There was a little kid section and a big kid section.

Donavan was a laid back little dude. Candy...eggs...whateva, man.

We then headed over to my moms house for anything but a laid back Easter Egg Hunt. - they look so sweet and innocent right here, these two. (and they are, normally)

This picture never really changes blog post to blog post. Occasion to Occasion, does it? I like his consistency.

Money in the eggs! Got to love it, except when a certain uncle ups the ante with $20 bills, yall. Then it gets competitive, drama ensues.

But in the end it all works out, see!

We also spent Easter Sunday with Brian's family. We went to church and had a great afternoon together at the grandDets :)

Hope everybody had a great Easter!

Because I love a good quote

2010-03-30T20:47:00.002-05:00

Cruisin 2010

2010-03-23T18:54:00.007-05:00

We had a great time and I'll let the pictures do the talking for me because I'm still totally worn out from the constant laughing and drunkenness.

Pistols

2010-03-10T18:50:00.003-06:00

My dog of 11 years, Tia, like most dogs lu-huvs her treats. Every night she tip taps around the couch and back and forth from us (me and Brian) to the treat drawer. She is really demanding about it... I'm talking she woofs and basically stares you down until you give in. It can go on for some time. Well, since she is keenly aware of the word "treat", we started a code word of "pillow" to refer to her treats. As in "she wants a pillow" or "did you give her a pillow".

The word has now changed to "pistol" because she was catching on to pillow, we thought anyway. It's become a thing, really. It's completely ridiculous. My mom and dad don't make it easier when they come over either. Furbabies. Whatcha gonna do?

My point is. We are now 6 days away from our cruise and I have gotten within 4 pounds of my goal weight. I have felt so much better and all around happier with the weight loss. I have succeeded and while I still would like to reach 128 (and I will), I'm very proud of myself! Dieting is not easy but being able to fit into my elusive white pants (and do the running man around the couch, all the while singing about our cruise), is better than any heroin queso I have ever put in my mouth. (except for the Mont in Norman. Best queso ever)

Below are some of my pistols that help get through the whole battle of the bulge thing.

First up. Greek Yogurt... forget that watery two bite stuff, Greek Yogurt has the texture of mousse, silky and smooth. It is so good. And good for you! With lots of protein. I like the kind with fruit in it. This is a perfect ending to a lunch.

Second and third. Without much explanation...55 calorie beer is ACTUALLY really good! And 1 weight watcher point. I'm not a beer snob so I'll drink anything and for a low calorie beer this is a whole lot better than the 64 calorie beer. Even Brian thinks so.

Mini candy bars - because I am human.

Sugar Stache Update

2010-03-07T14:53:00.007-06:00

Here is some of what Sugar Stache has been up to recently :) And, yes, I have had a heck of a time with lighting lately. What can I say. Grrr. On my long list of things to do is to get a new lens, master shutter/aperture speeds, and (fortheloveofgawd) learn photoshop. But for some reason I would rather look at food porn on Tastespotting or read random facts on Wikipedia most of the time. Is that normal?

Things I'm loving right now.

2010-03-06T10:22:00.009-06:00

I'm an avid book reader and to be without a book would be to not have oxygen in my world. I read everyday. I've said and I'll say it again, my all time favorite author is Elizabeth Gilbert. She wrote the wildly popular Eat, Pray, Love (which I hear is being made into a movie with Julia Roberts - not sure how I feel about that.) Her newest book that I tore through in practically a day is Committed. She explores marriage in a thought provoking but humorous way. She's down to earth and real with it - loved every second of this book.

That opening band from last weekend at the Old 97's concert was called Telegraph Canyon. I downloaded this record off of itunes this week and haven't quick listening to it since. Reeeallly good.

Apparently, Tami broke it down to Grant about the ways of the world and bathroom etiquette, if you will. Since then the kid has become a bit of a pyromaniac. How perfect would these be for his birthday?!? Okay, maybe its just me. But still, Farty Lites could come in handy for some, I think. Found at the *gasp* Etsy Shop below.

Dippylulu

Finally, Tami's house!! I love it the most out of everything right now. It is cute and chic all the same. I had hoped to have better pictures but this will have to do for now. She is slowly getting settled in but I say that place needs to be broken in with food, wine, and girls. Like, now.

For a good time call...

2010-02-28T08:01:00.006-06:00

Everybody should have a Tami.

Weeks ago, I had a moment where I realized I needed to reconnect with my twenty something self. I believe I said something along the lines of "I need my people". Meaning, I needed to get out and see a show. I needed something hip. I needed to get out and do something that was reminiscent of my old self. Pre baking, pre mortgage, pre wifey homemaker. I did a little online searching and saw that the Old 97's were playing at Cains in Tulsa and I thought, yep, that works.

I begged Tami to go with me and she happily agreed. She is good for that. Manymanymany times I bully her into going to something artsy or cultural or whatever (!) and she will sometimes put up a fight but more often then not, will go and have a great time - embrace it and love it. Brian, not so much. I long ago realized that while I always envisioned me and my significant other strolling through the farmers market or browsing record stores - that is not. who. I. married. And you know what? I'm okay with that. I have made peace.

Because I have a Tami.

While in Tulsa for the night, we stopped by Tami's grandmothers house to visit. I had never before met Granny, although I felt like I knew her. She was the sweetest Granny ever! We started the night with "Betty Time". That is what Granny calls happy hour. She is a woman after my heart...

I also met Donny, Tami's dad - bonus!

Splurged some at Senior Tequila before the show. - First time I had heroin (queso) since I started Weight Watchers and it didn't disappoint.

Cains is simply a great venue. Big open spaces, got to love em.

Dare I say, I think I loved the opening band more. A little background info on me, the dirtier and harrier the guy, the more I like them. I'm a sucker for guys like the one below. And I married a jock - life is funny like that. Although, I find myself always way more attracted to Brian when he hasn't shaved in a few days and his hair grows out. Metro sexuals do nothing for Jess.

The band pictures turned out blurry and until I properly learn how to work a camera, that is just the way it will go. Hmph.

I will sexy.

Great night. Good times. Good music. All of the above, I feel rejuvenated ;)

Because I love a good quote

2010-02-23T19:22:00.002-06:00

The History Museum

2010-02-21T06:48:00.030-06:00

My dad and I planned a trip to the Oklahoma History Museum weeks and weeks ago and this Saturday that is exactly what we did. My dad was in hog history heaven. He loved every minute of the 5 hours we spent there. Yep, they were shutting down and we were still there. They really have done a great job with the history museum, I mean, for Oklahoma. It was interactive and actually interesting. There were many flat screen tv's showing videos, as well as, touch screens and audio devices. They had a specialty room of the history of rock and roll in Oklahoma (which I loved). It showcased all the talent from Oklahoma - anywhere from Woody Guthrie to Kings of Leon and Hansen.

But my personal fave, was the replica 1950's pink kitchen.

My dad, I can honestly say, is the most well read and knowledgeable person I have known, and will probably ever know, in my whole life. If it involves politics, government, history, military or current events - you can believe he has read and knows all about it. What I love the most about my father specifically is that he isn't like any other regular fathers. For better or worst he is eccentric, extremely intelligent, and laughs easily. He shuns convention and doesn't follow, or care to follow, social norms. He is his own individual. How many girls can say their dad picked them up from day care on a Harley or had a pilots license and took them (and their cat!) up in an airplane when they were young? He has scuba dived and traveled across the country many times over. It has often been said, by those close to me, that I have a deep seeded rebellious streak in me and I like to think I inherited that from my dad.

We finished the afternoon up with a trip over to Tami's new house (next post) and a burger with Brian at Red Robin. It was a perfect ending to a perfect Saturday with my two favorite guys.

Couch Envy

2010-02-18T18:30:00.004-06:00

*swoon*

If I ever find myself alone and not under the control of Design Natzi Det (said with love), I will have something like this in my home.

Speaking of homes. Tami is days/hours (!!) away from being an independent woman in her very own home. I hope to have some pictures this weekend of this momentous event. I couldn't be happier for her. I mean really! The little Tami bird has spread her wings and is now an official home owner.

I have often wondered if the neighbors have thought we were polygamist. I'm serious.

Valentines Day Weekend 2010

2010-02-14T19:52:00.013-06:00

Weeeellll. Hmm. Valentine's Day didn't turn out exactly how I had planned but I rolled with the punches. Besides. I dressed the part. Frilly, blond, red lipstick. Check, check, and check! Let's get the important things out of the way.

Also, important to note, I splurged today on my diet - pizza, vodka, and rum. Size 8, whoopee! Life is not worth living without celebrations. Back at it tomorrow.

Vanity shots. I'll admit it. But I loved my brunch outfit, we actually went to brunch with Brian's family, due to his sisters birthday. No Cafe 501. Strike 1.

Secondly, even though I am master planner and bought our Avatar movie tickets days in advance, it was an absolute mad house when we got to the mall. For a movie that has been out for over a month, the line was down the hall and double backed - Brian and I were at the very back. We got a rain check for later. Strike 2.

I got home and Brian went back into work. I cleaned the house (STRIKE 3). Not one to be deterred, I made the most of it with a sparkling clean house and a heart shaped pizza with dessert.

It is Valentines Day.

I got Brian a new hoodie. I can't really interpret the look on his face...

Tami preps for her sushi V-Day dinner with youknowwho. Beautiful!

I made Pot De Cream for good measure. Chocolate, hello.

Snowball is dead and, at the risk of sounding like a total braggart, Brian bought me a car ... I am a lucky lucky girl, in more ways then one. It is nice.. so nice, I'm nervous driving it. Coming from never having even a CD player or automatic drive - ever, I feel ... I dunno, fancy or something. But I think I can get use to it ;) Poor Snowball actually died on the way to the dealership on Friday. I was so sad.

My favorite part of the car so far is the key less ignition. Wow! We had no idea. I don't even lock it with a key. I just slide my hand over the door handle. Amazing. Brian and I have been seriously out of the loop with cars.

Remember the vodka, rum? Blame them for the blurry pictures below.

I thought the contrast of the ghetto fridge with the Natural Light posters was interesting next to our new "adult" car. Ha! Try as we might, we are getting old.

I love love.

2010-02-09T19:45:00.003-06:00

It's Valentines Week, yippy! This year Brian and I decided (okay. I decided) that we would, instead of cooking a nice meal at home, go to brunch at Cafe 501 and then go see Avatar. I can't tell you how much I am looking forward to this. No, it isn't elaborate but it is a simple afternoon out and since I'm married to a workaholic, it means the most to me.

I took the weekend to make some Valentine cookies for my coworkers (shameless promotion)

Fallen soldier. - went in my belly. And, oh hey. 2 pounds down today. WOOT. I can happily say I'm back in my size 8 jeans and pants. Not much more until I reach my goal (!) More updates to come.

Everybody loved them! In fact, after lunch there were only three remaining. (and I got an order out of it, so, yay me.)

Wishing everybody the huggiest kissiest Valentines Day from Det Jess.

Stuff

2010-01-29T09:24:00.004-06:00

First things first. The diet is still going well - I'm currently hovering around 137. I'm hoping that will be at a solid 136 by Sunday. I've made the decision to finally throw in the exercise starting February 1st. I'm looking forward to the extra energy it will give me and I know I will feel so much better. One day I hope to make it a permanent "lifestyle" change instead of going on 2-3 month exercise binges. It does not come naturally for me to be fit.

At 3 points each and lots of fiber, I'm in love with this boca burger, dijonnaise, and sandwich thin combo at the moment. (I realize this is probably not appetizing to anybody but me)

Adult snow day today! Since we can't see out our back windows (below), this is the rare shot of our front yard/driveway/park. I like how the snow makes everything so quiet and peaceful ...

My house is temporarily covered in a layer of dust..

Because the remodel never stops in the land of the Dets! They started construction this week on the pockets for the blinds that will go in. They draped off the entire back of the house to minimize the dust. But.

We lost our view in the process.

Lastly. Sugar Stache lives! Excuse the orange-y and yellow hue on the pictures, I was working without any natural light. This was an order of cookies we did for a coworker of mine.

Unfortunately, not pictured, are the huge butterflies that made up half of the order along with little butterflies, hearts, and flowers.

Show Boatin'

2010-01-24T09:34:00.006-06:00

Brian wanted to go to the boat show this weekend. I was game to go, just to get out and do something. I never grew up going to the lake or had a family that was into motor boats but I can dig it. (my dad loved to sail when I was little and they use to hang me off the side of the boat to run my fingers in the water. I would fall asleep. We have pictures of me in my tiny blue life jacket and blonde curly pig tails snoozing away. I'm pretty sure authorities would be called in todays time if parents do that)

Brian really only wanted to check out the Malibu wake boarding boats and after we got on a couple, checked them out, etc. .. basically, the rest of the the show was a learning lessen for Jess. Inboard, outboard, v-drives, direct drive inboard. Got it.

What was really interesting was the people. God love Oklahoma.

This was the winner - we have certain weight and length (hell, I dunno) requirements in our neighborhood and the boat below was the one that Brian wanted - and also met the criteria that we needed too. - save for the colors ...

I was a fan of the pontoon variety. Lounge, cocktail, sun. That is my speed. Slow.

And then, well, we got on a Sun Tracker Party Barge and I was sold.

Par-tay

2010-01-18T19:15:00.009-06:00

My mom, aunt, and me organized a surprise 80th birthday party for my grandmother months ago. I offered up my house for the soiree. Why not, right? Most of the weekend was spent cleaning the house and getting it ready for Sunday.

Important to note. This was Saturday afternoon ... when Tami and I began the long arduous task of cleaning. Notice the rest of the fam taking a snooze on the couch. mmmhmm.

I will let the rest of the pictures speak for themselves below. The party was a hit and everybody had a great time; however Brian was a nervous wreck with wild children jumping off the side of the deck to the boat slip below. God bless him. He had his work cut out for him. Thankfully, everybody made it out alive.

Tami giving children hits of helium. Ha! HaaaHA! Don't flame us too bad, we are totally inept with children and until we get our own, we know not what we do.

Weekly Weigh In/Archive Skinny Pic

2010-01-17T06:09:00.006-06:00

(Bachelorette March 08)

Current Weight: 141

I wanted to photograph my scale each week with a different pair of socks on each time but I realized that the when I held the camera and stood on the scale, it added a pound or two. You would have thought I had come to that conclusion last week but ... I'm slow like that. Things seem to be staying on track. It looks like I lost about a pound for the week. Hopefully when I add in the exercise next month (procrastinator) that will speed this up a tad.

I tried the infamous Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken this week. I had been reading for a long time about this recipe and it turned out great. A lot of debate it seems over the use of "cream of" soups but, hey, it works for me. No shame over here. I made a burrito out of it with the shredded chicken and half a cup of rice. It is good just over rice too. This recipes serves six and by my calculations, it was around 3 points per serving.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup salsa

1 package reduced sodium taco

1 can fat free cream of mushroom soup (condensed)

1/2 cup reduced fat sour cream (I used fat free)

Directions:

Add chicken to slow cooker.

Sprinkle taco seasoning over chicken.

Pour salsa and soup over chicken.

Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.

Remove from heat and stir in sour cream.

Serve with rice.

Let Me Introduce You

2010-01-13T13:00:00.010-06:00

To Victoria's Secret's latest spawn of Satan, The Cheeky Bum. Don't let the cute name fool you - it lives mock you. It is their new line of bikini bottoms where your "cheeky bum" hangs out of it. When I opened the latest VS catalog, their swimsuit preview, I just about choked when I saw the full page ad for this bikini bottom. A tiny, perky, bottom with sand on it- to boot. As if i needed another reason to be neurotic about dieting.

Which brings me to another point, Brian and I rented a great documentary called America the Beautiful on demand the other night. It really explores the fascination and obsession with beauty in our culture. It was interesting and sad and inspiring all at the same time.

Gimme

2010-01-12T19:30:00.003-06:00

Via a Daily Candy email today, the shop that makes the below lovelies came to my attention. I can just picture my svelte lookin' self (lets hope) sitting on the deck with a big cup of coffee in the morning draped in the Kimono Robe. These are available at the Etsy shop Plum Pretty Sugar.

Perfectly bohemian chic. Like I like it :)

GOAL: 128

2010-01-09T19:41:00.004-06:00

This is my scale at around 11:00am today. Excuse the green fuzzy socks, I was only protecting you from the sight of my feet. Since I'm back in control of my eating and drinking habits, I thought I would share with you where I'm at on the scale at this time. My thought is. I post it on the Internet so I can be held accountable, hopefully. A sort of virtual Weight Watchers meeting, only it is just me, really.

Okay. 145 it is. Not bad. Not where I want to be. In the shower this morning, I was calculating things out. The cruise is in mid March, so that gives me 2 full months or about 8 or 9 weeks to loose the weight. Doing it the right way and loosing 1-2 pounds per week, I should be at my goal weight by the time I have to put on bikini or tankini, in my case. I'm a modest girl.

A couple of wonderful and easy to use sites that I have used for some time are Hungry Girl (awesome) and Sparkpeople. They have a ton of great recipes, ideas, and forums all for free. I always find it helpful to read through message boards to find helpful hints or little known facts...people chatting back and forth is the best way to discover new things sometimes. In the past, I have really hated the idea of cooking healthy, its true. I like rich comforting food and while I watched what I ate and tried to pick the lesser of the evils, I still consumed a ridiculous amount of unnecessary calories. In recent months, I have discovered some great recipes that are lower in calories and still really great. - Det doesn't complain. Because if Mama eatin' healthy, so is he. It all works out in the end, man.

good food, tinier bum.

(below is a nifty breakfast idea from Hungry Girl)

The Easiest Egg Breakfast Ever...

The Egg Mug Classic
PER SERVING (entire mug): 95 calories, 2g fat, 490mg sodium, 3g carbs, 0g fiber, 2g sugars, 14.5g protein -- POINTS® value 2*

Ingredients:
1/2 cup fat-free liquid egg substitute (like Egg Beaters Original)
One wedge The Laughing Cow Light Original Swiss cheese, cut into pieces

Directions:
Spray a large microwave-safe mug lightly with nonstick spray. Add egg substitute and cheese and stir. Microwave for about a minute. Stir gently, and then microwave for another 30 - 45 seconds, until scramble is just set. Stir and enjoy!

MAKES 1 SERVING

The truth is.

2010-01-07T21:20:00.007-06:00

Baby Update.

I think its fair to say since I've said and said and monitored and obsessed a little about ttc-ing (that's "trying to conceive", keep up!) that well, we ain't pregnant yet.

We decided to tippy toe into seeing a specialist. Actually, it was more along the lines of "babe, just schedule an appointment already". So. We've both been tested for all the basics and everything has come back normal. Which? Is either comforting or even more frustrating depending on my mood. The last test done was an HSG test and that is when they run dye through my tubes to make sure nothing is blocked. ...nothing is blocked. We were told to continue on our own for the next 3 months because the HSG has shown to increase fertility for several months afterwards. From here we get into drugs, IUI, and in vitro. I'm sure in my limited knowledge there may be some other steps along the way but this is basically what I have come to think in a nutshell.

Me? I'm pretty ok at the moment. I'm a die hard lurker on infertility boards and after reading what some of these women have gone through, I have great empathy for how devastatingly and hard it can be. I pray we don't go down that road. With that said, I don't feel "broken" or anything like that. I have taken on everything step by step. I'm hopeful, really.

Right now, I'm really focused on losing that stubborn 10 (ok, 15) pounds of weight. I love Weight Watchers... and more importantly, I love my iphone and the app that lets me track and calculate my points so effortlessly. Brian and I have booked a cruise in March and it is giving me some serious motivation. Also, part of my New Year's Resolution is to just cut back on tv shows like this:

..Perez Hilton, Teen Mom, Real Housewives, The Bachelor, Millionaire Matchmaker, Bad Girls Club (yah, I said it). I'm a full blown addict. The richer and more crazy the better.

What's a girl to do. It's a mad mad world. Besides, The Bachelor is looking like they've concocted some good scripted drama and scandal this season.

You see. Following up after 1.5 beers and watching Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew. Explain to me, how Heidi Fleiss gets pregnant 4 times or more(?!?!) and has abortions like its nothing and meanwhile, I feel like a science experiment. The irony is like a kick in the gut. *side note* in my infertile mind, I think "well, if she can get pregnant with as jacked as she is, we're good." Isn't it funny the comparisons, reasoning, and rationalizing we do? Whatever.

Oh, 2010, let's get the show on the road... !

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T09:24:00.003-06:00

I can't believe a whole decade has gone by since the turn of the century! Time is flying and this year, I resolve to learn, grow, and evolve a little more. Here's to the good, bad, challenges and blessings 2010 has to give.

Cheers!

When you are married to an engineer..

2009-12-29T20:50:00.005-06:00

Every bow

On all the Christmas gifts

he wrapped just for you

is like

a little piece

of art :)

I know, right? Corny. But I was so charmed by the fact that each one of the bows were tied different, which for the record, are not stick on bows (nothing wrong with them, just sayin'). It's the little things sometimes.

Christmas 2009

2009-12-29T09:10:00.000-06:00

*sigh* Christmas 2009 had some highs and lows. What can I say. Let me start by saying that never again will I wish for a white Christmas. I love the snow. I love feeling warm and cozy in my home on a snowy night. However, when "Blizzard 2009" got in the way of my PLANS, well, we all know how I like plans and sticking to them.

The usual year to year plan is that my dad comes over and I cook a really good Christmas Eve meal and spend time talking and exchanging gifts. This year, it was expanded to include Tami's mom and dad, along with her aunt and uncle. Perfect! Well, my dad and Tami's aunt and uncle couldn't make it because of the snow and by the time Jan and SB showed, party spirits were a bit dampened. They had drove 9 hours in the snow to get to the house. It was nuts.

I'm glad all my family and friends were safe and warm throughout the holiday and ... the dinner turned out very very good. So all was not lost.

Back to plans. It got a little awkward Christmas Eve night and Tami, Jan, and SB couldn't get their car out of the driveway so they stayed the night. No biggie. I got up early Christmas morning and pulled our gifts into the bedroom so we could open them together.

And....look. what. I. got. A MAC NOTEBOOK!!!!! I will never go back to PC again! Ever! I'm in love.

Mass Destruction.

Tami's mom bought her a couple of Christmas gifts.

SB & the boxing gloves.

On the road to my mom's house. Where all the Christmas chaos is.

Tami spent the entire Christmas weekend with her family but she was with us in spirit ;)

The girls got a Wii from the grandparents.

And we got a patio heater! To quote my sister - now you can drink year round on your deck!

Which frankly, is not a bad idea.

Au Revoir, friend

2009-12-18T16:51:00.003-06:00

Dear Snowball,

As I embark on our last days together, my heart gets heavy knowing that you will no longer be there to get me where I'm going. I also feel like it is the ultimate betrayal to leave VW community and sellout to, well .... Lexus. But what I would like to remember is the good times we had and how well we fit together. You and me. We were a team, weren't we? I like to think that is because we are so much alike. A little crazy - for the heck of it, far from perfect, a little banged up, and never really taken seriously. Many times I was told that you were so "me". You were even featured on one of my companies brochures! You were known by name by many. Most of all you were loved. And although I will soon be driving a fancy grown up car, in my heart I will always be v-dub girl.

Because I love a good quote

2009-12-17T20:32:00.006-06:00

Det Jess Design Files

2009-12-16T19:31:00.005-06:00

You know. I've started my own personal space to save all the design inspiration right here on my blog, I love that. Reference is a good thing.

When I really get down to business and get this place in order (ha! haha). This picture will definitely get me inspired. Dreamy... ethereal.

...and I notice? I have a thing with tufted ..anything.

Just gorgeous.

My Christmas ADHD got in the way of the blog

2009-12-15T20:09:00.010-06:00

Excuse the crazy settings and layout, the format has been altered beyond my scope of knowledge by our friend Brian who is, like, a kickasssuperbad graphic designer that has done AMAZING work on Sugar Stache .. go see it NOW. I demand it. He has his own company Hopperface. Yep, the real deal. Anyway, it is late and I'll have to contact him tomorrow to figure out how to fix Det Jess and get it all back and aligned, hang in there with me. It is making me a little nuts at the moment but you get the gist.

Come hell or high water, the day after Thanksgiving, it is on. In the tradition of my crazy Christmas mother, I put up two trees and I got some fantastic garland for $15 at Sams that I draped over the entryway buffet. Unfortunately, I got lazy with my Christmas decor pictures and all I have is a picture of the main tree - our new pre lit one! I ordered Brian to buy me one..and he obeyed (heh..heh..) ..actually I begged and used the words pretty please a LOT

In between the all the Christmas cheer, my mom and I worked in that chocolate course we signed up for. And the only notable thing worth talking about here is how my $16 Target shoes matched my apron, natch ;)

To say the class was a huge FAIL would be an understatement. The teacher was an unorganized ditz. I learned nothing and the class was basically pouring chocolate into molds, which a monkey can do. I'm still not over it.

...moving on!

What has really been consuming my time has been the annual gift boxes I make for a lot of Brian's clients. I had to go at it all by my lonesome this year, as my mom was traveling for work all week. But it wasn't so bad and even though I made 12 of them total, it was relaxing with little pressure since I myself didn't have to work. All in all a success!

So, next week is big. I'm hosting Ms. Potato Queens family for a Christmas Eve dinner. Usually I make a fancy dinner for my dad and Brian but this year we have even more. How I love a dinner party. The menu is set and I'm ready to battle it out in the shopping aisle with all the crazies.

For something so innocent and pink it is pure evil

2009-12-03T07:30:00.002-06:00

If you would like to be THAT relative at your next family get together and live to regret it, this is your martini. Not for the faint of heart. There is a reason I didn't blog about Thanksgiving with my parents. Because I don't remember it. - true story. I only had two of these, I swear.

*tip* sip it.

recipe courtesy of Ina Garten

2 cups (16 ounces) good vodka (recommended: Stolichnaya or Finlandia)
1 cup (8 ounces) orange liqueur (recommended: Cointreau)
1 cup (8 ounces) pomegranate juice (recommended: Pom Wonderful)
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (3 limes)
Lime peel strips, to garnish
Directions
Combine the vodka, orange liqueur, pomegranate juice, and lime juice in a pitcher and refrigerate until ready to use. Pour the mixture into frozen martini glasses with a twist of lime peel and serve immediately.

Det Jess Gift Guide - Volume 3: Stocking Stuffers

2009-12-02T12:56:00.003-06:00

No words needed. Available at Amazon

I'm sorry. This just makes me laugh for so so many reasons. Dad, I'm thinking of you. Buy it at www.thefutureperfect.com

Neither Brian or I smoke but I still thought these were hilarious. - isn't that the point of stocking stuffers? For the most part? ...maybe not. In any event, I know some smokers who could use these. Get em here.
This could really come in handy for me. I, mean, really. Get them at The Container Store.

For the fab working women out there. Z Gallerie can hook you up ;)

Lastly, you can't forget man's best friend and their stocking... ! www.harrybarker.com

Because I love a good quote

2009-12-01T12:26:00.002-06:00

Christmas Cheer

2009-11-30T10:34:00.006-06:00

image via flickr

imagae via flickr/shabby boutique

image via french-knot.tumbr.com

I'm really *feeling* the holiday spirit this year. I got the candles burning, the music playing, and I'm itching to get in the kitchen and bakebakebake. We have already been enjoying our new pre lit Christmas tree and with a whole week off of work next week, I'm sure I'll get a lot accomplished with the Det client boxes I make each year. Feeling good. I'm on top of the game this year, for once. ...and! AND. Let us not forget that we will be celebrating with the 2nd annual bacon mashed potato lasagna with Ms. mashed potato herself in a couple of weeks. Along with a girls holiday trip to Dallas, there is much to celebrate this season.

{Et tu?}

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-11-27T09:25:00.005-06:00

We did it - we hosted our first Thanksgiving at our house for Brian's side of the family and my dad. It was a lot of work but all in all it went really smooth. We made a smoked turkey, two smoked hams, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, rolls, stuffin muffins, cranberry spinach salad, crab dip, and meatballs. Brian also made a pumpkin cheesecake and chocolate silk pie. Everything was delicious - the worst part is just the clean up. As always. Everybody had a great time and truth be told I loved every minute of it. I do love to plan and cook - so, works for me!

I wish I was able to snap a few more pics of the layout and the food but I got too busy last minute. Rats.

I don't know why but I like the below picture of Det. He makes opening a jar of sugar look...rugged ;) Or something like that...

My eyes water and sting so bad when I chop onion so Brian gave me his lab goggles to help me get through it.

The calm before the storm. - and the only time I was able to get some pictures, basically.

To me. THIS is what Thanksgiving is about. Screw the turkey. A big crock pot of creamy mashed potatoes is what the holiday is about.

Det's pies.

This was at 8:30 - cashed out.

And...Tia's reindeer symbolizes how I feel and it isn't even December yet.

I hope everybody had a wonderful Thanksgiving with lots of love. Now I'm off to decorate for Christmas ... !

Det Jess Gift Guide Volume 2: Etsy

2009-11-24T08:58:00.008-06:00

There is no reason to look frumpy in the kitchen with an apron like this. They are all cute at this shop.

Ok, probably more my deal because Fight Club is..oh...my favorite movie ever. But aren't these soaps fun? I can just see them in my guest bath - unexpected but useful. Like it.

Shop for them at Soaplane

I've been eyeing these neck lushes for some time now. I like how they are a little different than the standard scarf. - but still adaptable to different outfits and it has hipster written all over it. C'mon.

A personal fave, these are $7!! They are from Toondesign and she has small (below), medium, and large clutches that are adorable. I actually bought the small ones for my nieces - they are very tiny, about the size of a coin purse but so so cute. Now, with shipping they are a little more because they are coming from Thailand - but eh? Still a good deal if you ask me.

shop found here.

Lu-huving the fingerless gloves these days. The lovelies below are from seller mickieandbetty - so charming, don't cha think?

Because I love a good quote

2009-11-23T08:08:00.002-06:00

The Det Jess Gift Guide - Volume 1: Men

2009-11-19T08:31:00.010-06:00

While I'm completely done shopping and buying for Det on this years Christmas gifts, I still find things that would be fun and unique to get (possibly later since he doesn't read the blog (!)) and lets face it, men are just hard to buy for. Outside of shirts, socks, coats, briefcases, tools for the house. - been there, done that. I thought I would share some other ideas just to get the creative juices going for anyone that struggles with the man in their life.

First up. Whiskey Stones - ice cubes are positively passe.

I just thought these coasters were just pretty clever. You can find them at Meninos.us
Horseshoes have a long history with Det and THESE are aluminum country club horseshoes. Get back Jack. Found here.

My dad is obsessed, actually I don't think there is a word for it, but he reads history books like a heroin junkie and this book made me think of him. Amazon.com

Unique. AND personalized which the Martha in me loves. I also like that the Tabasco is a jug. Veeery manly. Get it right here.
Or hell. Just rent him (you?) a private island - courtesy of Richard Branson. I'd say $322,000 a week is a bargain. Privateislandonline.com

Design File

2009-11-18T07:56:00.005-06:00

image via here

I know, I know. I'm all "modern this" and "modern that" but if we ever had a vacation home or needed a small house outside of our home now. Well, just because ... I would totally want it to be a shabby chic vintage cottage. Completely girly and feminine and I would definitely need a skirt for the apron front sink. Looking at this kitchen just makes me want to whip up a peach cobbler. You know?

Just for fun

2009-11-16T14:18:00.000-06:00

(via designcrush)

Gobble

2009-11-13T11:34:00.005-06:00

I always wondered how I would pull of Thanksgiving dinner when that time came and it has come this year with the Determan family. Brian wanted to host Thanksgiving at our house this year for his side of the family and while I had my reservations, I secretly wanted to do it. Things were finalized Tuesday night and took me all of two milliseconds to start tasking and menu planning.

I'm keeping it simple and since Brian will be smoking the turkey, I think the sides I can handle well, if I don't say so myself! All very traditional... I had to fight a little with myself on fancier non traditional side items, I really like having some traditional with a flare. I love flare. After rethinking it though, I stuck with the ole standards, figuring it would be best this first go round. But if I'm good for anything, it is mixing it up in the future.

I'm hoping to have pictures of how things go in two weeks and it isn't so nuts with getting the house ready and the food prepped and cooked. Stay tuned...

Of couse, I have no shame in my game. I'm getting a little help from my friend William.

Lastly, the Potato Queen is back at Chez Det (you can read about it on her blog, people.) and Brian snapped this picture of Sam in the yard the other day. - just some daily cuteness, I guess! I think he is having some location anxiety.

Because I love a good quote

2009-11-11T08:22:00.003-06:00

(via weheartit)

Aren't we all hustlin' just to get by?

2009-11-09T07:47:00.000-06:00

*not safe for work*

Have a great week!

Because I love a good quote.

2009-11-03T09:11:00.000-06:00

via Madebygirl via We heart it

Halloween Party 2009 (warning! a ton of pics)

2009-10-31T08:24:00.013-05:00

No big surprise here. Tami and I went as 1950's housewives - I can really get into that whole retro thing, trust me ;)

We were actually laughing at how I was more housewife-y and Tami was more tart. Which, if you know us, is so classic.

I hate that this picture is blurry (house was dimly lit) - great costumes!

Det = fuddy dud.

Brandy was a theater floor and popcorn, candy wrappers, straws etc. pinned all over her - cute!

Judy as a potted plant :)

Carol and Wendal shut the party down!
Andrew was Billy Mays ... all night I could hear him from across the room with "Billy Mays here for Oxy Clean!!!"

The best dressed man and "woman" winners - gotta love the Ruitz.

Another blurry picture. Wah. Marian was Kat Von D - she even had the star tattoos on here face! Loved it. Loved her shoes..

My personal fave! LOVELOVE

Kelly said her and Pepe were border patrol - hee!

Good food, great costume, lots of alcohol, and fun people. I love my parents parties!

Be still my heart.

2009-10-30T09:28:00.000-05:00

If this doesn't have Det Jess all over it I don't know what does. A couple of lawn chairs and some margaritas and we would be set for the weekend.

(all images from Inhabitat)

We be bakin.

2009-10-29T12:51:00.007-05:00

Hee! A stache.

Meh. Horrible lighting on these pics!... my mom and I were killing it with this years Halloween cookies for my parents annual party. See a few more over at Sugar Stache.

Have a fabulous Halloween - I'll be posting pics of all the sweet festivities next week.

mmwah!

My Designing Dilemma

2009-10-27T11:22:00.012-05:00

My heart belongs to the funky artsy. Surprise Surprise.

But always a devout lover of white too. It is my go to color for just about everything. - walls, cars, bedding, bath. You name it. It's white. I love the simplicity of it, what can I say?

I have also had a long standing love affair with anything resembling or otherwise retro modern.

I dream of this chair. Often..

And there is always the ever chic vintage glam look I envision in the entryway and living room - gorgeous!

If I can find a way to make our house into a modern/glam/vintage/bohemian/simplistic/monochromatic/retro sanctuary - I could actually get somewhere on La Casa Det decorating. For now, I'll keep posting my inspiration here on my little blog.

(all images via Living Etc. and Domino)

Because I love a good quote.

2009-10-25T20:02:00.012-05:00

"I’m selfish, impatient, and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control, and at times hard to handle. But if you can’t handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don’t deserve me at my best."

-Marilyn

Old School.

2009-10-25T14:21:00.006-05:00

In preparation for my Halloween costume, I had to break out the hot rollers for a test run....

...and I realized how much I've missed them.

Guilty as charged.

Back in the day, I use to put some effort into myself. - probably a little too much. I had a heavy hand with the lipstick and my hair was always curled. Somewhere along the way, I traded in my curlers for a flat iron and adopted a more natural (read: lazy) look.

It really all came back to be the moment I started wrapping my hair around those curlers and letting them set. I must say. I have felt very va-va-voom all day. I think it is time to bring the big hair back, ladies. There just isn't anything lipstick and a little bounce in your hair won't cure.

Hey ...Psst...

2009-10-15T20:00:00.005-05:00

http://www.sugarstache.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer

The Sugar Stache blog is still getting overhauled and I'll be getting more and more updates on there. Stay with us! Tami and I have learned A LOT about opening our own business in the last few weeks and lets just say..Oklahoma doesn't make it easy. We have officially become a LLC but are currently looking for a commercial kitchen to rent since you cannot legally sell baked goods out of your home. Bright side. We have our *adorable* business cards ready to go when we are really "official" and legal. We have also began the process of trademarking our name (yah. we don't play). We have a busy holiday season ahead of us! My mom and I will be taking a cake class in Dallas and that same week (!)Tami and I are taking a entrepreneur seminar at OSU. While we can't sell our items yet, we are looking forward to baking, sampling, and making future "bidness" connections. Woot, people! Woot.

A special thanks to our ever patient and superb lawyer Mr. Gibby. :)

Halloween/Fall Punkins

2009-09-27T08:32:00.012-05:00

Tami and I decided to get in the fall spirit and spray paint/glitter some pumpkins this weekend. A big thanks to Martha for inspiration, as always.

This one by Tami turned out so cute!
I decided on a gold/white theme, on the right, while Tami went with black and silver on the left..

Do you think we would craft without this? Em, no.
Martha Stewart Poms are big on the blogs I tend to frequent so, low and behold, I had to make some to hang over our dining room table. Det helped me get it up there with a magnet and some fish line - you can't see at all, I love how it looks like it is floating. I plan on adding about 4 more in black and purple. - switching it up a little from the standard black and orange.

My front entryway decor. I'm still tweaking here and there ..but for doing something on the fly I think it is coming together.
I want to tarnish that candelabra and add some black taper candles to finish off "the look". :) ..and maybe add some more spiders and cobwebs to the mirrors.

Get out there and spray paint some pumpkins! Throw some glitter on them and make 'em glam -it's fun, easy, cheap, and chic! Happy Harvest Everybody :)

A baby of sorts.

2009-09-22T14:03:00.001-05:00

Tami, my mom, and I have decided to start a side baking business. It is with great pride I introduce you, my family and friends, to Sugar Stache. You know, like a milk mustache :) I'm a creative person and baking and cakes give me a great outlet to, well, create. I don't know where this will take us and it may just flop. In any case, we are giving it a whirl. Since we are still in the very small, very tiny, beginning stages - I'm going to keep you all up to date and share with you trials and tribulations. Any and all feedback, criticism, praise, love, and support is appreciated. We hope to have a Sugar Stache blog up soon!

(it should be noted that the talented Tiffany DeMichele worked with us to create out logo- her Etsy shop can be found here.)

Sneak Peak

2009-09-13T21:14:00.004-05:00

Recipe adapted from Sky High Cakes!!

sour cream chocolate cake with cream cheese peanut butter frosting and chocolate ganache. Made my moi ;) For birthday boy Det.

I think I'm too old for this..

2009-09-12T13:55:00.003-05:00

Just a tiny teensy snippet of what was going down at Valley Ho and their Pool Party.. ugh. I promise you the clientele was not like this at any other point. I only wish I could have discreetly taken more pictures of the riff raff - it was people watching gold but .. but camera is really not unobtrusive and I could have gotten my ass kicked. And after Tami had security remove some of the biker bitches from our area, I'd say keeping it on the DL was a good thing.

Scottsdale 09

2009-09-08T21:17:00.008-05:00

A weekend getaway to Scottsdale, Arizona was just what was needed. Sarah, Tami, and I booked a trip back to Valley Ho, where we stayed for my "bachelorette" weekend. I will always love that hotel and the retro modern boutique-y feel. Now. With that said, Valley Ho is a party hotel and on Sunday night, unbeknown st to us, there was a HUGE pool party.. we got back from shopping and were surprised to see that skanks had over run our Valley Ho! I have never seen that many hood rats in one pool area in my life. Eh..whatcha gonna do.. I tried to take pictures as evidence.

We also got took a day trip up to Sedona for a Pink Jeep Tour. We rented a car and drove two hours to a cold and RAINY Sedona .. I had a plan and I intended to go forth with the Jeep Tour. They had ponchos waiting for us for the Jeep ride. - and it was so cold we each had to buy sweatshirts, yes, IN SEDONA. It was beautiful though, truly. Because Sedona is known as a spiritual place, psychics are abundant .. and... you guessed it, we visited some psychics. I will just say that I got ripped off and had my aura read. (hee!) Hey, when in Rome .... have your aura read! I'm confident, happy, close with my mother, need to be engaged by new things, and have integrity. I'll take it!

All in all, we met up with old friends and met some new ones. We also ate and drank to our hearts content. Another great trip for the books!

Girls Night Gun Edition

2009-08-26T21:47:00.007-05:00

Horribly blurry and possibly perverse picture of me and the glock and Brian - um yah. That gun scared me. However, me and revolver were cool.

Look at Andrews face. And look at Allison's face. I love it.

Allison's shoes! We are soooo not the tomboy kind.

Stacey tried the shotgun...just once.

In light of recent events, us girls decided we need to have a girls night and learn how to shoot guns. Yes, guns. We aren't the gun toting kind but you gotta do what you got to do in this economy. Am I right? I have tv's to protect.

We hijacked Allison and Michael's Champagne Wednesday and swapped the champagne for Bud Light Lime and got down to business with our weapons. We suck. But we had fun and hopefully soon we get to an actual shooting range in the near future. The guys were good sports ... really good sports considering we wanted to pose and take pictures with the guns too. :) I finally hit the beer can after many tries and while doing the happy dance swung the gun around to face everybody (to happy dance with them while they clapped and cheered me on) so ...clearly I have my work cut out for me. I scared the bejeezus out of them.

It's a great day in the neighborhood.

2009-08-18T18:19:00.012-05:00

thepussieshadlittlefeet ..which... well...

We will get a new door through insurance - silver lining.

This is our temporary tv now...our computer monitor.

Our house got burglarized today at 10:40am. They broke in the front door after trying to kick in the side door. Glass was everywhere. They only stole the TV and not the laptop, CAMERA, xbox, wii, and various games sitting right in front and all around the TV. I guess that is a plus? I really don't care about the TV, it is just the simple fact that people came in and violated the one and only space you feel truly comfortable, home. I'm sure that is how most people feel when their home is broken into. The feeling of not being secure is the worst.

The strangest part of it all is last night something or someone was catching Tia's attention because she kept looking at something out of the front windows and then sniffing at the door. She was pacing and pacing. I was all alone and called Brian to come home from work because I felt uneasy.

Luckily, Tia was safe and sound..nobody was harmed. HA! And the burglars took the wrong remote so they can't turn the damn thing on anyway. Not easily, that is. Bastids.

On a brighter note, PK caught (AGAIN) some serious catfish this weekend (four of them to be exact - Brian was all twitter. He demanded I blog about it so "people" could see the one I actually got on camera. (I'm talking to you, Tall Boy. If you are still there.)

To good not to pass on.

2009-08-15T10:15:00.005-05:00

http://www.shoedazzle.com/

I signed up to this shoe membership yesterday. For $39.99 a month you get pair of shoes shipped free to your house. Basically, you get an email of five different pairs of shoes to choose from based on a short fashion survey you take. A team of stylist choose for you the shoes that match your style profile and voila! Instant shoes at your doorstep. If you don't like any of the shoes or don't want to pay money any particular month, you simply choose to skip the month and you will not be charged. So.. it is founded by Kim Kardashian but eh? I'm giving it a shot. I'm not much of a fashion or shoe horse so I can use all the help I can get. Check it out!

Wilton Course 2 - Final (and only) Cake

2009-08-10T20:07:00.002-05:00

Another month of cake decorating down and things are moving along. We are still learning basic cheesy old school techniques *ahem* basket weave... but I really liked Course 2, we learned how to work with royal icing which is what the flowers and birds are made of. I can definitely see some of this type of thing popping up on Christmas cookies in the future. My mom and I have decided to "step it up a notch" and take a course at Francis Tuttle towards the end of October but have agreed to hang in there for one more course at Michaels to learn the basics of fondant and gum paste - in other words, sugar play dough. :)

A Date with The Dets.

2009-08-02T08:23:00.008-05:00

.....any excuse to put heels on.

Ahhh...the romance...

I could have put my face in the dessert course, it was so good. We chose the Banana Fosters Chocolate Fondue. - flambeed, of course.

I am attempting to implement the obligatory "date night" at house Det. I figured once a month we can get out and do something together just the two of us. To kick it off we went to The Melting Pot downtown. I had been to The Melting Pot in St. Louis years ago but had not yet made it to the one here in OKC. It was a great night! We both enjoyed it and I'm already planning the next one, are you surprised?? ... I'm thinking Zorbas. Oompah!

Time Saver! Read: more time to drink wine and watch reality tv

2009-07-20T18:19:00.006-05:00

I discovered a website called You've Got Supper and my life just got more streamlined. Who doesn't love that? Basically, you sign up for free and you will get a weekly menu sent to your email account. If you like what you see in the menu, you simply print it and all of the recipes AND itemized grocery list is there for you - just like that!

I gave it a try this week. I just printed off their menu items and voila! I was set. The recipes seem pretty easy and not too fatty (++). If you don't want to make a particular recipe they send you, you don't have to print it out. You just don't check mark that recipe to be included in your grocery list.

Oh, and the emails are sent every Thursday. You can also browse and print previous menu's or individual recipes.

Seriously, these people should be paying me with as many people as I have told about their site at this point.

Easy and Fabulous

2009-07-18T13:57:00.005-05:00

I made this cake for Grant, Tami's maybe/probably/definitely future stepson's 11th birthday. He loves his chocolate as much as he love fishing - I was happy to do it for a great kid. The cake itself is actually a chocolate cinnamon butter cake and it tasted really good (that is the beauty of having scraps when you level a cake). I had only made two 8 inch layers but in a last minute scramble had to construct a third layer from a couple of 6 inch layers I made with left over batter. All in all, I think it turned out really cute for a kid's birthday party and so simple to do.

Wilton Course I - Final Cake

2009-07-11T21:10:00.004-05:00

Hello!

I'm back. I've been downright lazy about blogging and I have had these pictures of my final cake for course 1 on my camera for two weeks now but absolutely no desire to actually blog about it. I'm starting Course 2 tomorrow and the good news is, for this course I only have to bake one cake for the last class instead of a cake each week. In the meantime, I have enjoyed every ones blog updates, as I always do!

I have been really busy with this and that lately and can't manage everything it seems - or it could be the pressure I put on myself to be this way or that way. Who knows. Mainly, I'm talking about managing the house. If anybody wants to share their routine or how that keep things up to par, I would love to know. In addition to working, working out (I've joined a gym), cooking, baking, girls nights, family time, cake decorating and just plain old down time...just ?? Frazzled a little bit ...but just a little bit. I don't even have children and I feel overwhelmed with it. How do you people do it? Really, I'd love to know. For now, I've joined the Flylady.net group. Eh, worth a shot. I'm working on streamlining the housework so I don't waste a whole Saturday doing it. - which, to come full circle here, Saturdays are getting busier and busier. Sundays too, damn it.

Ramble... Ramble...

Yep, you heard me, I've been working out now for 3 weeks and getting back in the groove there. It really does make me feel more "balanced" and right with the world. I am actually going to go to my first Zumba class (God help me) on Monday. Zumba is basically a funky dance aerobic class. I've been coerced into it by my sister. - who, has a background in dance and is actually coordinated. Me? Not so much. All I know, is people are going on and on and it is extremely popular. I've heard nothing but good things.

I'm going to look a fool, believe it.

A short but disturbing break from all things cake

2009-06-29T20:11:00.002-05:00

Is it wrong that I find this absolutely hilarious??

.... and pay special and close attention at the 1:10 mark.... WTF.

Wilton Course I - Cake 2

2009-06-22T17:25:00.005-05:00

Cake 2 is done! Originally this cake was to be clowns but we were given the option to do flowers and because the clowns were a little hokey (and I would probably never do them anyway)- I chose flowers. With my own flare, of course.

I veered a little bit. We were shown how to do a shell border but .. me no likey .. So, I did dots instead. I also thought it needed something else, so I added big pink polka dots for fun. Next week is our final cake for course 1 and then I move on to bigger and better things like gum paste and royal icing and fondant - woot!

Family Fun

2009-06-21T14:48:00.009-05:00

This Guinness Chocolate cake turned out great - I sprinkled powdered sugar on top and it was good to go. I will definitely be making this again, everybody loved it.

This picture cracked me up. We had bought some corn to throw on the grill and after everything was said and done Det realized we forgot about it .. that is what he is saying in this picture. He is wiggin about the corn.
The divine PK, or Andrew if you will, jumped in and showed Det how to fry up some chicken livers and hearts. - eh, no, I did not partake in that whatsoever. Apparently, Det grew up eating this kind of thing. I dunno. Anyway, everybody met and loved PK. I can't imagine anybody not loving Andrew, he is one of us now. Look at him work the stove!

Det inherited the family smoker last weekend and decided to have his family over for a smoked chicken dinner this weekend. Well, I decided to invite my family too. This marked the biggest get together at the house yet and it wore me out. I had simply planned to make a potato salad and jalapeno coleslaw to go with the chicken. Nothing too extravagant or fussy. -except I added in some cracker crack (highly addictive chocolate toffee crackers), a chocolate Guinness cake, fruit skewers, caprese salad on a stick, and queso (always the queso). I also cleaned the house to within an inch of its life all in the same day. It was fun but exhausting... my poor feet haven't hurt so much in all my 32 years. - and Det isn't one for foot rubs.

It was all worth it in the end for some good food and time spent together. Everybody went home happy and well fed - and I proceeded to wind down with a LOT of wine.

Wilton Course I - Cake I

2009-06-15T14:14:00.004-05:00

Retro? Yes. Corny? Oh yah. Can I pipe stars like a mutha now? You betcha.

When you start off learning cake decorating and the basics, I've learned that the cakes are somewhat old school - I think to get you use to using piping bags and how to hold your hand etc etc. I'm going with it! Hey, it's more than I could do a week ago...

My first cake from my very first cake decorating class is now complete. I made a lemon cake to give to my father in law because it is his favorite cake (suck up). I'm also glad he had a very simple name to write on the cake - bonus.

Next up? Clown Cake. Be prepared.

The big 32nd Birthday throw down. I frosted cake and ate some pizza.

2009-06-14T08:23:00.013-05:00

I only managed to get pictures of our drinks on Friday night...the burgers and the corn turned out great, hence the no pictures.

I married this.

I know this is an unflattering picture of Det but it is the only shot of the pizza I got. I was too busy pigging away to get a shot the awesomeness of our food. I'm seeing a pattern.

For our wedding last year, my dad bought us a supped up grill that was frankly, bad ass. We had grilled on the deck and initially were bringing it back into the house afterwards because we were afraid of getting it stolen since there are no privacy fences in our neighborhood. The remodel began and we got lazy so the grill remained on the deck and lo and behold the grill got stolen. I was livid and briefly thought about calling every pawn shop in the city to track it down. We had it all of 3 months. I still get sick when I think of that... it was oh... only around $1000.

My point is. I have been on Brian to get a cheapy grill so we can at least cook out this summer (hello!) and he has been resistant because he wants and outdoor kitchen with a built in grill and yada yada... which is great but THAT isn't happening for years (if ever). Sooooo guess what I got for my birthday from Brian???

A Weber Grill!

Now, we are not grilling on the deck - just the side yard and locking it up in the garage. Friday was the day to test it out so we made jalapeno cheese burgers with spicy ranch sauce and grilled onions. We also had the best grilled corn in the world, along with a pitcher of Sex on the Det Dock (sex on the beaches w/ amaretto - love my amaretto) for me and Tami. The Potato Clan joined for some boat time and fishing too. Eat, drink, boat, fish. Repeat. This is my life.

This is a long post. I've been a lazy blogger and gotsa catch up...okay, moving on. My mom and I started cake decorating classes last week and our assignment was to bring a frosted cake to the next class. We learned the proper way to frost and bake a cake. Saturday was spent in the kitchen making more butter cream frosting than I thought possible ... we frosted our first cake and they are now primed and ready to be decorated. We had wine too, of course. I mean.... we are the Ladies of Ski Island. We can have our cake and drink our wine too.

We finished the evening with a simple birthday dinner at The Wedge Pizzeria. It is my absolute favorite restaurant in OKC. Tami jooshed with some balloons and bought me some flowers - my favorite, white tulips and hydrangeas. She then topped it off with some cupcakes from Cuppies and Jo. I had a lemon cupcake that was diviiiine.

The Potatoes had Grant and Grant's brother for the night so you guessed it - they came over to fish after we returned from the restaurant ..something to do with hog pellets the night before ? I dunno... while I slept, the caught a mammoth fish out of the lake. Brian woke me up at least three times to tell me abut this fish. I'll let the pictures do the talking.

Ciao Chickens!

Det, Jess, and all the rest

Part 1

Rolling the Dice

Ello!

Thanksgiving.

Let Freedom Ring

On a lighter note

IN

late night blogger

OU Tami

Sheba Redux

right. on.

Surprise!

Summer

Because I love a good quote

Sheba

Hello

Insanity

sneak peak

The Hangout Music Festival Part 2: Video Edition

The Hangout Music Fest/Gulf Shores 2010

because I love a good quote

Mothers Day Celebration Cake

Happy Weekend!

Cinco De Mayo

The Dets turn 2!

Easter Weekend 2010

Because I love a good quote

Cruisin 2010

Pistols

Sugar Stache Update

Things I'm loving right now.

For a good time call...

Because I love a good quote

The History Museum

Couch Envy

Valentines Day Weekend 2010

I love love.

Stuff

Show Boatin'

Par-tay

Weekly Weigh In/Archive Skinny Pic

Let Me Introduce You

Gimme

GOAL: 128

The truth is.

Happy New Year!

When you are married to an engineer..

Christmas 2009

Au Revoir, friend

Because I love a good quote

Det Jess Design Files

My Christmas ADHD got in the way of the blog

For something so innocent and pink it is pure evil

Det Jess Gift Guide - Volume 3: Stocking Stuffers

Because I love a good quote

Christmas Cheer

Thanksgiving 2009

Det Jess Gift Guide Volume 2: Etsy

Because I love a good quote

The Det Jess Gift Guide - Volume 1: Men

Design File

Just for fun

Gobble

Because I love a good quote

Aren't we all hustlin' just to get by?

Archives

Because I love a good quote.

Halloween Party 2009 (warning! a ton of pics)

Be still my heart.

We be bakin.

My Designing Dilemma

Because I love a good quote.

Old School.

Hey ...Psst...

Halloween/Fall Punkins

A baby of sorts.

Sneak Peak

I think I'm too old for this..

Scottsdale 09