Celebrations

Tonight I will be celebrating with the best friends I could ask for.

May you have a safe and fun celebration ringing in 2013!!  

Hump Day

That's right... be jealous.

Hubby Jack himself has nominated me for a Hubbies Award.  I'm thinking this is his ploy to get me to answer the blog design questions he sent quicker.  I promise, HJ, I'll get to it. Life has been crazy busy lately.  If you hadn't noticed I've been busy riding a trolly around town making reindeer do inappropriate {yet hilarious} things in people's yards.  

Exhibit A:

Thanks for the award, Hubby Jack.  I'm honored that you think I'm a nice person.  This award has taught me that I need to show my true colors more often.  

So, in the spirit of me being a kind hearted person, I want to wish you all a Happy Hump Day.  Hump, hump, hump, hump.  See you soon, Rockstars!

I've Been Nominated!

In order to accept the award there are a few rules you must follow

The Rules:

1. You must thank the person who nominated you for the award.

2. You must write eleven facts/things/tidbits about yourself.

3. You must answer eleven questions that were given to you from your nominator.

4. You must nominate eleven other bloggers who have 200 or less followers and tag them in your acceptance post.

5. You must create eleven new questions for your nominees to answer in their acceptance post.

6. You must notify your eleven nominees on their blog, so they can accept their award and pay it forward.

7. You must not nominate the person who nominated you.

8. After all of this is done, you may add the Liebster Award Button to your blog.

So, here we go...

I have been nominated for the Liebster Award!!  I'm so excited!  Thanks to the fabulous Mrs. K. Scott from No Rest For The Weary Mommy for the nominating me for this prestigious award.  This is a dream I have had since a very young age.  I would also like to thank the academy {okay, so maybe I've always wanted to say that}.  Seriously though, this blog thing is something I started as a way of communicating with R while he was away and I was unable to talk to him. I never dreamed it would connect me to so many awesome women and one Hubby Jack.  Thank you all for sticking around to read my thoughts.

11 Random Facts About Me...

1.  The first time I saw the ocean I was 15 years old and in Australia

2.  My job requires me to wear athletic shoes, however outside of school {unless I'm at the gym} you will rarely see me in athletic shoes or flats.

3.  Besides R, very few people know everything about me.  It takes a long time for me to trust someone enough to have a "no filter" status.

4.  I love to shop, but would rather spend my money on someone else than on myself.

5.  My favorite colors are grey and teal.

6.  My #1 hobby is photography.  It is perhaps my favorite form of self expression.

7.  I cannot hula hoop.

8.  I can make balloon animals - call that my hidden talent if you will.

9.  My hair color is not natural - You're shocked, I know.

10.  I want to go sky diving.

11.  Sometimes my favorite place to be is at home.

My 11 Questions from Mrs. K. Scott...

1. What's your favorite holiday? 4th of July.  I LOVE the fireworks and the patriotism that surrounds that holiday.

2. How many, if any, siblings do you have? I have one older brother.  I also have two brother-in-law's and a sister-in-law.

3. What's your favorite place to eat out?  My all time favorite place to eat out is at The Shed in Mississippi, here at home I like Biaggi's, an itallian place.

4. What's your favorite website?  ebates.com  

5. What's your favorite gift you have ever received?  Plane tickets to Florida just after R and I stated dating.

6. What household chore do you hate the most?  Folding laundry.  I don't mind washing it, but loathe folding it.

7. What's your favorite book?  The Bible

8. What's the best thing you have ever purchased for yourself?  A massage - I definitely need to get them more often.

9. What's your favorite guilty-pleasure show?  Jersey Shore and watching my cousin on Real Housewives of NYC last season. - yes, that was name dropping, in a way.

10. How old were you when you got married and had kids?  We were both 23 when we got married.  No kids yet.

11. If I gave you $1,000 what would you spend it on?   Bills - being an adult is over rated sometimes.

I Hereby Nominate The Following Ladies For This Prestigious Award...

Leigh Ann from Elle Noel

Allie from Counting Our Cupcakes

Brittney from Smart Girl Style

Melissa from Our Barker Bunch

Marcy from The Mustache Diaries

Darci from Strongly Feminine

Megan from This Is The Story Of A Girl

Annie from One Crazy Mama

Mrs. D from When Does Mommy Get A Nap?

Veronica from V Watts' Thoughts

Rebecca from Just Another Blog

My Questions For These Lovely Ladies...

1.  Chocolate or Vanilla?

2.  If you could go any place in the world, where would you go?

3.  When it comes to eyebrows, plucking or waxing?

4.  Are you a morning person or a night owl?

5.  Dogs or cats?

6.  How many tattoos do you have?

7.  How many of the 50 states have you been to?

8.  Hot dogs or hamburgers?

9.  Are you a righty or lefty?

10.  If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money?

11.  What is your hidden talent?

Post it up!  I can't wait to read your Liebster Award acceptance posts!

What I've Been DIY'ing

This one's for YOU, Melanie!!!!!

Last week I mentioned picking up a hutch that a friend made for me.  It took MUCH longer than I thought it would to prime, paint, and put polyurethane on it.  However... IT'S DONE!!!!  ... well, minus having knobs on the doors.  The knobs I bought at Hobby Lobby were too big and I haven't made it back up there yet.   But anyway... here are a few pictures of it sitting nicely in it's new home....

Before Priming

AFTER!
Dimentions are 32" high,  24" wide, and 12" deep
Paint colors are Sherwin-Williams Grizzle Grey and  Raindrop

I'm waiting on a picture of my sister-in-law and I for the frame.  :)

I LOVE the way it turned out.  It won't always sit partially on the carpet, however, until Christmas is over, that's where it will be.  

Now, on to my favorite recent DIY....

Last week, my parents came over to help me decorate for Christmas {I do not enjoy doing it by myself} and I mentioned in our next house I would like to have lights above my cabinets.  My dad, being the smart engineer type that he is, said it would be easy to do now.   FABULOUS!!

We discussed the needed materials and off I went to Menards. 

The next evening my Dad came back to help drill the hole {I wasn't up for the task of splitting my cabinets by myself}.

For starters you will need one of these.  I picked this up the week before at Menards for $9.99.  It comes with three wireless outlet adaptors, the remote, and a battery.  My only complaint is the thickness of the outlet adaptor.   It sticks out from the wall probably two inches... then when you plug something into it, it sticks out even more {this the reason my hutch is sitting partially on the carpet}.  I swear a man invented these... if a women had, the outlet on the adaptor would be in the bottom to prevent it from sticking out farther from the wall. Men.

We {read: my dad} drilled a hole in the top of my cabinets right behind the area where the doors meet so you don't see it. This is the cabinet right above my microwave.  There is already an outlet in there for the microwave to plug in to.  The plug comes off of the lights, so we only needed a hole about the size of a nickel. 

We reattached the plug to the lights, plugged it in, and voilà!!  Lights above the cabinets!!

What kind of lights did I use, you ask???

Good old rope lights.  I got these {30 feet worth} at Menards for $14.99. That was my only investment in this project.  I'm happy with the way it turned out.  I wish I could have lights on top of the cabinets on the other side of my kitchen, but there isn't an outlet over there.  I don't have as many cabinets over there anyway, so it's alright.

BEFORE:

 AFTER:

The wireless adapter and remote work PERFECTLY for turning the lights off and on without having to get up in the cabinet.  

So there you have it.  My super easy, cheap, DIY project.  The lights are great for nights when we come home late {read: being out with friends}.  They don't get hot and provide just enough light so it's not pitch black when walking into the house.  

Moody Monday.

Dear Monday,

We are no longer friends.  Actually, we never were friends, I lead you to believe we had a good relationship, when in fact I have not cared for you for a long time.  Sorry, I'm not sorry for deceiving you.

This morning, however, you took my dislike for you to a whole new level.  When my alarm went off at 6:20 you decided to speed up time.  Somehow the minutes from 6:20-7:40 FLEW by this morning, thus causing me to be late leaving the house, with wet hair pulled up in a messy bun.  In addition, my plan to blog about my latest DIY had to be put on hold {sorry, Mel} due to me not having time to take the proper pictures, instead I spent time frantically running around the house trying to find something to pack for lunch {which got forgotten on the counter} while letting Fenway out to do his duty.

I have NO jewelry on, which is usually not a big deal, but this weekend I made a deal with my ladies at school that I would start "dolling up" my usually ensemble of sweats - today's ootd is my classic black yoga pants paired with a simple long sleeve plum shirt.  Intentions were to pair this with some fun teal earrings and a teal necklace.  {Who says the pe teacher can't wear jewelry?!?}  Day 1 of "operation jewel up Mrs. Hoppus" was a fail.  Thanks a lot, Monday.

In addition, someone {certainly not me} decided today would be a good day for Aunt Flow to visit {sorry, Hubby Jack, this is what you get for being the only male reader}. Thank goodness I was slightly prepared for her.  And by slightly, I mean not at all. {"Hello, I will be late to school.  I need to make a quick stop on my way....  Yes, I'm okay, just not prepared for Aunt Flow to visit."}

Lastly, my throat is killing me and I have a nice manly voice going on right now.  This isn't necessarily your fault, but I'm going to blame you anyway.  Hope you don't mind.

All that being said, I'll give you another chance to redeem yourself next week.  Until then, piss off, Monday.

SWW

• So what if I have NO idea what I want for Christmas.  I got the most beautiful ring from R and  I am one happy girl!  And... I love surprises!  {You're all welcome to send one, should you feel inclined.}  
• So what if I have been coughing my brains out for the last 4 days when I go to bed at night.  It's not like R wants a decent night's sleep or anything.  I get this crap every year at this time.  ("Hello, Doctor.  Can I please make an appointment to get a shot in my a$$ and a Z-Pak?  Thanks.")  Tomorrow is the day I break down and go for that yearly visit.  
• So what if I have a box of well behaved white wine, that also looks like water and has no flavor, in my fridge.  The alcohol content is still there and the looking like water part could work to my advantage.  Well played, Franzia, well played.
• So what if I have a minor girl crush on Kristin and Nancy Clue.  Those two CRACK me up!!! I could die a happy girl if I got to meet them.
• So what if my new outfit of choice is my charcoal Anything Goes Tunic, mustard Lenore scarf, and Holly leggings, and boots.  If you don't own anything from Kiki La'Rue you are missing out!  Becka is a fabulous gal with even better customer service!  
• So what if I'm looking forward to spring!  Melanie and I have been discussing the possibilities of a STL, Indiana blogger meet up.  Aly and Holly, are you in?? 
• So what if I just named dropped a million times.  A girl has to give shout outs to her people. 
• So what if it's taking me longer than planned to paint my hutch.  Fingers crossed it gets finished tonight.  Homegirl is tired of parking outside. 

Weekend Recap

Hey all!  Just warning you in advance, this is not my most exciting post.  It was a busy weekend and I don't have many picture to share.... yet.  I have a few projects in the works that I'll post pictures of when they are done, but for now, here you go.....

Friday I had a much needed girls night with some gals from school.  We did a little jewelry and Pampered Chef shopping as well as some wine drinking and LOTS of laughing.  It was a blast!  I can't wait to do it again!

Saturday morning was my first 5K.  I did the Jingle Bell Run with some of the gals I was with Friday night.  It was SO much fun!  I'll definitely run another 5K soon!  It was also a humbling experience.  As I was running, I approached a man with Cerebral Palsy.  This gentleman was  not even a mile into his walk as I was coming around for my second lap (we ran two laps around a local university campus).   Here I was, able bodied and running, thinking about how the cold air was hurting my lungs, and this guy was out there breathing in the same cold air, struggling to walk the 3.1 miles.  I decided at that point that my time wasn't important.  I stopped running and walked for probably 200 yards with this gentleman.  He was kind, he was appreciative, and he was optomistic about finishing his race.   I ended up finishing my race in 31:40, and that was just fine with me.  I met a wonderful new friend and had a great time with the friends I went to the race with.  

This is my running buddy from school.  I should have had my antlers and Rudolph nose on.
Sorry for the blur... her 8 year old son took the picture.

Our team, the Roanoke Racing Reindeer.  We were the second highest fundraising team for the Arthritis Foundation.

My brother works for this bank, so naturally I had to take a picture with the truck and send it to him.
I'm sure he'll put it in his office.  

That afternoon was my Thanksgiving dinner with my Dad's side of the family.  We shared a lot of laughs and memories of my Grandma.  All in all, I'd call it a successful day.  

Sunday, I went to church then worked in the nursery during the later service.  Then we went to my Mom's parents for lunch.  That evening I came home and primed the hutch I had made.  

Last night my parents came over for dinner and helped us decorate for Christmas.   They are coming back tonight to finish and my Dad is going to help me put lights on top of my cabinets.  Pictures to come.  Also, I'm hoping to get my hutch finished tonight.... I'll post pictures of that finished product as well.

My new Sephora goodies should arrive tomorrow -- fingers crossed for complete products and not dust... 

Happy Tuesday!!!  Just 13 more school days until break!!!

The Good, The Bad, & The Poorly Packaged Eyeshadow

First the good:

I have been looking for something to put in my entryway.  Currently, there is a small half circle table that my Dad built sitting there.  It's a cute table, but it's too small.  So three years ago my hunt began.  I found a few things I liked, but nothing that I wanted to spend the asking price for.  The two weeks ago it hit me, "Call Rusty {a guy I used to work with}, I bet he could build me something."  So that's what I did.  I drew up a quick sketch of what I wanted and off to Rusty I went.  He was fast and VERY affordable.  

Here it is....

Obviously unfinished.

I am going to paint it a charcoal-ish grey and the inside of the shelf will be a light teal-ish blue.  I also found some fun knobs at Hobby Lobby for the doors.  My goal is to get it panted this weekend. Pictures to follow {The walls will be painted a light grey over Christmas break}.

Next the bad: 

We had a snowman and Christmas tree casualty at our house Tuesday night.  

R was getting the Christmas stuff out of the attic and accidentally dropped one of the bins.  The bin broke into a million plastic shards - and my snowman and tree didn't fair much better.  The good news is with some gorilla glue, surgery is being performed and the snowman is about 2/3's of the way back together.   I'm not sure if I'll be able to fix the tree.  

While getting the Christmas decorations out of the attic, R discovered the little, grey, furry friend who had taken residence in our garage.  

BAM!  Not anymore!  Homeboy wasn't willing to pay the rent.   

For the record, I do wish there was a more humane way to get rid of him.  They don't make live traps small enough for him to not escape. I refuse to buy those sticky pads to catch critters, that's just mean.  

Now for perhaps the most sad story in my trilogy:

If you follow me on Instagram (@ahoppus), you saw my excitement over getting home last night to some new Sephora goodies awaiting at my front door.  It was later than usual when I got home and I was pumped to tear open that box and explore my new mask pretty enhancers.  Inside the box was 2 eyeliners, a mascara, some free samples, and a pallet of eyeshadows that I had high hopes of using this morning.  Can you see where this is going?

Once I opened the box, it was obvious it was not going to be good.  The box was roughly the size of an average shoe box with one crumpled bit of paper to cushion my products.  My eyeliners and mascara faired just fine while rolling around in the box, however, my pallet of eyeshadows was not so lucky.  Either the postman had a grand time using my package as a maraca, or employee number 4257 needs a lesson on how to properly package things.  With little hope, I opened the eyeshadows to find a plume of dust.  Womp womp.  I was SO bummed.  

However, the good news is this... I called the people at Sephora and the lovely Cindy was FABULOUS in taking care of my problem.  She is sending me a new pallet and also a ton of samples and "some other goodies," as she worded it, for my troubles. I have never ordered anything from Sephora {I'm usually too impatient to wait on the shipping}, but I must say, their customer service was outstanding.  

I would have taken a picture of the mess that was my Sephora box, but I had eyeshadow EVERYWHERE when that box opened.  I was too disappointed and annoyed to think about taking a picture.  Fail, I know.  

Fingers crossed my new package is cushioned better.  Until then, I'll stick with the same I've been doing. 

Tomorrow is my first 5K!  I'm doing the Jingle Bell Run with some ladies from school.  Be watching Instagram for pictures.  Then, tomorrow afternoon is our Thanksgiving with my Dad's family.  You can read more about them here.

Happy Friday,  Rock Stars!!

My Inner Snob

Alright gals, here's the deal.  R sees me as a laid back, girl-next-door type that doesn't get all hyped up about material things. His thinking is probably because I pay the bills and as long as I'm still buying things that "just appear" around the house sane he knows we still have money {and the fact that I can hold my own with his guys while throwing back a few Miller Lites}.  

While there are a lot of things I am laid back about there are other things that bring out my inner snob.  So, here we go.  I realize this makes me look incredibly unlikable, but we all have our things.....  Here are a few of mine {what, did you really think I was going to list everything for you?  I would like you to come back, thankyouverymuch.}

DON'T...

...use fill-in-the-blank invitations.  There are so many cute {and affordable} options out there that look professional.

...leave your dishes in the sink.  Ask R how many "tutorials" he has gotten over the years about how to open and load the dishwasher.

...buy cheap shampoo {trust me, your hair will thank you}.

...leave your clean laundry in the basket {that's why you have a dresser.... use it}.

...wear pajamas out in public.  Unless you are going to Walmart and want to fit in, that's not a good look.

...over tan!!  While having that sun-kissed glow is nice, being an oompa-loompa is not attractive. Period.

...buy cheap shoes.  If you're a heels girl, like I am, your feet will thank you for getting the better shoes.

DO...

...buy store brand cereal {especially if your husband and/or kids eat as much of it as R does}.  It tastes the same as the expensive stuff and usually you get more.

....buy your wine in a box {I don't know who the genius was that discovered 3 bottles can fit into a box, but I'm pretty sure I have a huge crush on that person}.

...use an eyeshadow primer - creased eyeshadow isn't a good look for anyone.

...use quality skin care products {my mom instilled in me the theory that it's okay to spend a little extra on your skin}.

...buy good sheets and bath towels.  Nothing is better than climbing into a bed with soft sheets or getting out of the shower and wrapping up in a fluffy towel.

...treat yourself to the occasional massage.  You're worth it.

So there you have it.  Am I a terrible person for having these opinions?  What is on your Do and Don't list? 

I Ate Mope

Being a teacher I hear all kinds of jokes from my students.  Most of them are not at all funny {or even make sense}, but occasionally you get that one that makes you pee a little from laughing. 

 Just me?  Hmm...

Well anyway, here is that one.  

Student:  "Knock, knock"

Unsuspecting Teacher: "Who's there?"

Student: "I ate mope."

Unsuspecting Teacher: "I ate mope who?"

If you've read this more than once, say it out loud.  

Now, don't pretend like you didn't laugh. 

Happy Hump Day, Rock Stars!

You Gotta Love Them

Thanksgiving is over, unless your part of my family... in that case we still have one get together this coming weekend.  My Dad's family is more spread out.  By spread out I mean north central Indiana, southeastern Michigan, and northeastern Indiana, central Indiana, and Chicago.  We seem to have a hard time getting everyone together so usually our family gatherings are about a week after the actual date.  

This year we are going down to my grandparents property {about 25 minutes southwest of my crib} and having out usual crazy get together. These usually consist of my grandpa, my parents, R and myself, my brother and SIL, two aunts, two uncles, and a random amount of cousins.  Sometimes the all come, sometimes just a few come.  Usually it turns into a giant game night with many laughs and the occasional prayer similar to the one Aly's aunt provided.  More often than not there is some kind of "hidden" adult beverage consumed by one of my family members who seems to think we don't notice all the trips out to the car or the aroma of booze seeping out of their pores.  

This weekend we are supposed to be going through my grandma's possessions to get the house ready for my cousin and his wife to move into.  {Side note: The land the house is on is the same land my grandma grew up on.  I think it's totally awesome that it's staying in the family.}  Therefore there will probably be some tears from one of my aunts, who is perhaps the most sentimental person I have ever met.  

My family is far from perfect, but guess what?  Your's isn't perfect either.  My family is my world. Regardless of our disfunction, we love each other usually and we have each other's backs.  

Ahh, family gatherings....  Here's hoping I'll have a good story to bring you all after our get together!

Perhaps My Most ADD Post Yet

There are many blogs I read daily.  We all have our list of bloggy friends that we have formed connections with.  Why is it that we obsess about the way that person's voice sounds?  C'mon, admit it.  I know Holly and I aren't the only ones. That girl creeped my blog until last week. Now the mystery is over. Guess I'll have to rely on my Claire Danes good looks wit and charm to keep her around now.  

I will blog stalk you like no other hoping you post a vlog and I can finally know how your voice truly sounds.  Until then, I have a made up voice for you in my mind.  Nine times out of 10, the voice I picked for you in my mind is WAY off.  Every once in a while I get it spot on.  

So, knowing all of this, why did it take me so long to post my own vlog?? Aside from the fact that I had NO idea what I was doing {shout out to Megan for not thinking I was batshit cray-cray with my million questions}, I HATE the way my voice sounds when I hear it played back.  I am very self conscience about it.

While I'm on the topic of being self conscious {read: my ADD is kicking in}.... Can we take a minute to discuss my whole body?  It's no secret that I carry my weight around my hips and I have a booty that gives the illusion that my former occupation was driving a bus.  This poses a HUGE problem for me when lake season rolls around.  This is going to be the year that I am proud to wear a bathing suit.  Mark my words.  I will work my bus driver butt off to feel good about myself during lake season next summer.  Now if only I would be brave enough to post before pictures.....

Back to my original rant {see, ADD}, now that you all know what my voice sounds like, I'm a little excited to do another vlog.  R said he might make an appearance in the background of my next vlog if I record it at home.  Great... just what I need.  A grown man doing the "I'm sexy and I know it" wiggle, wiggle, wiggle, yea dance in the background of my vlog.  I'll be sure he does it in his full Military uniform while holding a big gun just for you Nancy Clue.  

Alright, I need to get this Monday started.  Hey, before I go.... I need to change my blog. I'm thinking about getting in touch with Hubby Jack and seeing if he can hook a Claire Danes look alike girl up.  Is it worth it for all 17 of my readers though?  Thoughts?

Happy Monday, ladies!!!!!

My First Vlog - Link Up

Two posts in one day... Say whaaaa??? I just HAVE to link up with my girl, Holly to talk about Thanksgiving.

This is my very first VLOG!!

Observations:

-I talk with my eyebrows - A LOT

-My voice does not sound like that in real life

-My eyes appear to be squinty in this video.  Definitely not the case.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!

The Kid Table

Ever since I can remember there have always been two tables at holiday meals with my Dad's side of the family, the kid table and the adult table.  That was all fine and dandy when our ages ranged from 6-13 -- flash forward 22 years {I fall in the middle of the age range, let's not assume I'm older than I am} and the image you will see at our holiday get-togethers is still a similar scene, except now the "kid" table consists of a bunch of 27-35 year olds {and our spouses} and there has been a new kid table added for my cousin's kids.  The adult table is still in the dining room, the "kid" table is still in the living room, and the legit kid table is usually closer to the adult table than it is to the "kid" table.  Truth be told, we like it that way.  We have been invited to sit at the adult table on many occasions, but we like having our own "kid" table.  We enjoy each others company and I can probably guarantee our conversations are far more fun and mature colorful than the "real" adults.  

One of my favorite memories over the last 30 years is the laughs we have shared until our sides hurt and mashed potatoes came our of my our noses {I kid....ish} at the kid table.  

So this Thanksgiving, I raise my glass of cardbordeaux and toast to my cousin's and our spouses and the bond we have formed while sitting at the kid table.

While you spend time with your family this weekend, please take time to remember those overseas who cannot spend the holiday with their family. {Shout out to my BIL in Afghanistan - We love you, Reed!}

Happy Thanksgiving all!