Buffy the Slayer of Vampires

We all have our guilty pleasures, and Buffy is one of mine. I saw my first episode in high school and I've been hooked ever since. Not only is the show full of drama, action, & suspense; it's also surprisingly hilarious.

Buffy Summers is The Vampire Slayer
"Into every generation a Slayer is born: one girl in all the world, a chosen one. She alone will wield the strength and skill to fight the vampires, demons, and the forces of darkness; to stop the spread of their evil and the swell of their numbers. She is the Slayer."

When Buffy Summers is expelled from her high school for burning down the gym (it was full of vampires, although no one else knew that), she and her mom moved to Sunnydale, CA. As fate would have it, Sunnydale happens to be on top of a 'hellmouth'. As in, literally, the mouth of hell, a place where demons and evil are constantly drawn. She constantly has her hands busy with killing bad guys, but she does manage to make some friends along the way.

Willow
Willow is Buffy's first friend in the 'Scooby Gang', as they like to call themselves on the show. She is smarter than most super computers, and that's before she graduates high school. She easily hacks into secure government websites & translates ancient gypsy magic into computer codes. She also tries her hand at magic, and becomes pretty darn good at it. She grows into a very powerful witch, although that does present a problem when she turns to the dark side for revenge when her lover is murdered. Which brings me to my last tidbit about Willow, she becomes a lesbian after her long time boyfriend (and werewolf) Oz leaves her.

Xander (aka Alexander)
Xander is the goofy, loyal friend who has no special power or abilities, but who goes out and fights vampires and demons anyways. He's also fairly unlucky in love. Unfortunately he's constantly getting dates with women who try to kill him before the evening is over. He finally finds love with a 1000 year old ex-demon, but that turns out to have a bitter-sweet ending when he leaves her at the alter. But to the end of series, and quite often the world, he's a man you can count on.

Giles
Giles is Buffy's Watcher, which means he perfects her fighting skills, teachers her demon lore, and supervises her missions. For the old man of the group, he sees quite a bit of fighting action. In his youth Giles was a bit of a hell-raiser, but he grew up he decided to tone down his magical mischief and become a watcher. His past does come back to bite him in the 'arse' a few times, but he pulls through with some help from Buffy & the gang. While he could be seen as Buffy's boss, they have a more father/daughter relationship. We find out a few seasons in that he's got a really great voice, which is reinforced in the musical episode (which is AWESOME)!

Angel
While most vampires are considered evil and soulless, Angel is in a different category. At least NOW he is. In the beginning he made a name for himself (he was called Angelus then) by being one of the most vindictive and sadistic vampires of his day. When he destroyed a gypsy woman with his special skills her people decided to fight back. They cursed Angel with the thing they decided would give cause him the most pain, his soul. This turned his carefree torturous killing spree in a river of regret, remorse, and painful memories that threaten to turn him insane with guilt. Until, one day, he finds a reason to go on...

Buffy. They quickly become inseparable, and write a tragic love story. Tragic because of the other half of the gypsy curse. It reveals that Angel's price for gaining one moment of 'true happiness' is losing his soul. Again. Bad luck for Buffy that she happens to make Angel very, very happy. So Buffy & Angel ride the roller coaster ride that is their relationship until they finally yank off the band-aide and Angel moves to LA (which is the start of his spinoff show, 'Angel'). He reappears whenever Buffy needs him, but sadly the star crossed lovers never manage to find a way to be together.

Faith
The only way to have a new slayer called is to have the current slayer die. And well, Buffy has a bad habit of dieing. The first time she dies, even though it was just for a minute, a new slayer was called. While that slayer was Kendra, she didn't last very long and along came Faith. The big draw back to Faith is that she's a little criminally insane. She throws her cards in with the Mayor (who's trying to end the world) and ends up in a coma courtesy of Buffy. Eventually she comes out of it, and after causing some trouble she runs away to LA. Which, if you'll remember, puts her in Angel's territory, and of course, the spin off, 'Angel'.

Anya
Anya looks amazing for her age, she's 1000. She became a vengeance demon after a bad break up, and tortures men for centuries until she meets her match in Buffy's Scooby Gang. When she tried to grant a double edged wish for the school's backstabbing head cheerleader she ends up trapped in the body of a 17 year old girl in Sunnydale. She lacks basic human manners like tact & a good sense of humor, but that doesn't stop her from finding a relationship with Xander. While she can be selfish and a touch annoying, I can't help but laughing at her awkward ways.

Spike
Spike or William the Bloody is an old friend of Angelus's (the scary, evil version of Angel). He's already met and killed 2 previous Slayers and he's set his sites on a third when he meets Buffy. He goes in and out of the series giving Buffy headaches until he becomes a permanent cast member after a group of government demon hunters put a microchip in his brain to stop him from harming humans. His new handicap causes him to work with Buffy instead of against her.

Dawn
Dawn is somewhat confusing. Let me start from the beginning. Buffy is an only child. However, one day a group of monks have a desperate need to give 'the key' (aka an ancient powerful ball of energy) to Buffy to protect from the evil god Glory. To ensure that she will protect it at all costs they re-write history and turn 'the key' into Dawn, Buffy's bratty little sister. Confusing, I know.

I wanted to share some scenes from my favorite musical episode, Once More With Feeling. Xander accidentally evokes the talisman of a musical demon and turns the entire town into a Broadway musical.

Buffy singing 'Going Through The Motions'
Scooby Gang singing 'I've Got A Theory'
Spike singing 'Let Me Rest In Peace'
Giles singing 'Wish I Could Stay'
Anya & Xander singing 'I'll Never Tell'
Entire Cast 'Walk Through The Fire'

Ok, that seems like a lot, if you're only going to watch a few I recommend I'll Never Tell, Going Through the Motions and Walk Through the Fire. :) Either way, I'm a sucker for musicals and I love this one! If you're intrigued by Buffy you can watch the entire series on Netflix instantly right now!

Look at me, I'm dancing crazy!!!!
(......that'll make more since if you watch the I'll Never Tell song)

PMS: Pregnancy, Motherhood & Sisterhood

When I was in grade school I remember my sister Danielle sitting me down in our living room because she'd decided to read me The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. The problem was I had no desire to listen to her read a book that was CLEARLY uncool. Don't worry, I dodged that bullet by putting my fingers in my ears and screaming until she gave up and went away. Yes, I know what you're thinking. Well done me. ;) When your older sister has 6 years on you she tends to try to mother you. While this drove me crazy when I was little, I don't know what I'd do without it now.

Photograph by http://www.annarasmussen.com/
Danielle is my theater loving, well traveled, big dreams older sister who's always got the answers to my questions. And if she doesn't she can find them on her iphone in 15 minutes or less! She grew up in Texas and moved to Utah when it was time for college. Soon after she met her husband Tom and 6 years later they got married. :) In between the hello's and I do's she broke several hearts and earned a bachelors degree in Psychology.

When I moved out to go to college I found myself 20 minutes away from her and Tom with an open invitation to dinner. Since then she's taken care of me every time I've asked her to, and several times I was too proud to ask. She covered everything from dinner to laundry to groceries to boys, always willing and cheerful. As I've mentioned a few times before my sister is very wise, and has won the loyalty of my husband's stomach.

photograph by http://www.cristinelson.com/
Something else you'll need to know about her is that she's very passionate. When she makes up her mind on something she goes for it full force. So when she got pregnant with their first daughter she decided she needed to get all of the information she could to prepare for the big day. She started reading books, researching doctors, and exploring her options. I can tell you that just about everyone who knows her was shocked to hear that she'd decided on a natural childbirth with a midwife. I myself have known from a very young age that I would need a very large, very powerful epidural and a well trained MD.

photograph by http://www.cristinelson.com/
So I admit I doubted her sanity a little, but she persevered. I, unfortunately, ended up in the same room in the birth center when Danielle gave birth to Ainsley. The delivery went great and she had no complications, although needless to say it was a while before I let Tad touch me again. :) Anyways, back on point. Danielle had her 2nd daughter this last summer, and this time she opted for a home water birth with a midwife. This time around I was pregnant and due a month after her so she asked me to come to one of her birth class that she went to once a week. While I couldn't help picturing myself being force fed wheat grass smoothies and learning chants about mother earth from women who would gasp in fear when I revealed my intentions in getting an epidural I, for some reason, agreed to go. Luckily I was pleasantly surprised, the birth class was more of an informal party where pregnant woman and their husbands could feel comfortable discussing the questions and concerns they might have. I was also surprised at how much I enjoyed myself, although I was ready with my answer should anyone try to suggest a natural birth to me!

Now, after 2 great experiences Danielle has decided to start her own Birth Class. She's gone through the rigors of getting certified (which is surprisingly tough), and is starting her first class this summer. Today she's agreed to share with us some great information about what she's doing, and why you might be interested in learning more about it.
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What made you take your first birth class?
I was a little freaked out, as I think most first time moms are :) and going to a class felt like a way to get a handle on what was going on. And I knew my mom had really fast labors and wasn't able to get pain meds in time when she had her kids and I wanted to find out about all I could do to deal with the pain in case that happened to me too.

What's your favorite thing about them?

Honestly, spending one night a week with my husband talking about this big thing that was happening. It seems like life gets so busy, it was so nice to have a specific time each week that made us slow down and focus on us and the baby. I really think it helped us grow closer. And we learned so much! I felt like my husband understood more of what was happening to me, and how he could help. I definitely felt more appreciated.

What's your least favorite thing about them?

Well, the first birth video I ever saw totally freaked me out. lol. Though looking back I think I really needed to see that. I needed to know exactly what was going to happen and that it CAN work, lol.

What's something you learned that really surprised you?

Just how well designed the female body is. It's amazing all the little things a woman's body chemistry and anatomy does that helps this process. I mean, we GROW PEOPLE in our tummy's! How crazy is that, lol. But seriously, the more I learn about pregnancy and birth the more amazed at us I become. Girls Rock!

What made you want to do a class of your own?

There's just so much information out there that isn't general knowledge. I'm excited to be able to pass on genuinely useful information that can make a big difference in such a huge event in a persons life. In our fast paced lives today, we often don't make time to really learn about birth. We generally spend more time researching what digital camera to buy than having a baby. We figure our doctor will let us know what we need to know, but the 10-15 minutes you get at each appointment doesn't leave a lot of time for teaching. I'm, obviously, a big fan of natural childbirth, but what I really want is to empower women to make informed decisions to get the kind of birth they want.

photograph by http://www.cristinelson.com/

Why should someone take a class like this?

I think a class like this is a great fit for a lot of people. If you are looking for a natural childbirth experience, it offers great support and guidance. If you aren't sure you are up for going au natural it's a great class to learn all your options and what risks and benefits are associated with each of them. Even if you are dead set on getting those drugs ASAP this is still a great class to take, because it is about so much more than how to handle pain. We also talk about:

• Pregnancy exercises and nutrition
• Postpartum care
• Newborn care
• Breastfeeding
• How your partner can be an active participant (in pregnancy & birth)

and so many other things that are important no matter what you choose to do about pain relief. It's also a great place to ask those millions of questions you have when you are pregnant. A teacher doesn't offer medical advice, but she's a great resources for reliable and helpful information. Plus, giving birth can be a little scary and the more you know, the less scary it is. Ralph Waldo Emerson said "Knowledge is the antidote to fear."

In my experience, yes the doctor's only spends 10-15 minutes with you, but the ladies in the waiting room spend at least an hour. ;) Also, I think it's a lot easier to ask the questions you have when there's a room full of other soon to be moms who are asking questions too. You don't feel quite as dim-witted about not knowing everything already.

What advice would you give someone who's looking for a class to take?

Find a comprehensive class which goes into depth about pregnancy, birth and will cover breastfeeding topics and issues. If you really don't have time for a ten week class some teachers will offer a weekend crash course. I would also try and see, by email or on the phone, whether you click with this teacher. Does she listen to you, respect you, and do you feel she's knowledgeable and up to date when she talks about her classes? Do you feel comfortable with her and feel good talking to her?

photograph by http://www.cristinelson.com/

What is a typical class like?

The classes I teach are two and a half hours long, once a week for 10 weeks. Some people are surprised at first by how long they are, but as they near the end they can't believe its almost over and feel like there's still so much to talk about. :) There are usually 4-8 couples, all due within a month or two of each other. We usually spend some time getting to know each other, talking about any big questions they are having at the time, and then in each class we discuss different topics. We play games, we watch videos, we practice exercises and comfort measures (like showing partners good places to massage or apply pressure to relieve the aches and pains of being pregnant as well as in labor). We share complaints and suggest remedies. We laugh and talk.

And eat snacks!

Any advice you have for expectant mothers?

Gather as much knowledge as you can, form your philosophy/beliefs about birth and then go for it. This is your body and your baby and your birth and you only get to do this birth once!
Some books I recommend are:

"Your Best Birth" is a great book that gives a well-rounded view of all your birth options

If you are interested in really investigating the natural birth world, I loved Ina May's Guide to Childbirth, which is definitely more natural childbirth minded. The first half is all natural birth stories and the second half is full of great information, helpful advice and suggestions and just great explanations on how the body works in birth. Other author's I recommend are Henci Goer and Penny Simpkin, among others. You can find a list of 'recommended reading' on my website.

*Any extra you want to add?

The in depth, longer classes may cost more, but as in life, you generally get what you pay for. My husband likes to joke that they are way cheaper than an epidural, hahaha. Be sure and check with your insurance company, a lot of them will pay for part or all of childbirth classes.
You can go to http://briobirth.com/ to find out more about what I teach and to see if there are teachers in your area. If you are interested in contacting me, you can email me at danielle4birth(at)gmail.com and you can find out more about me at http://www.danielle4birth.blogspot.com/

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Thanks Danielle for taking the time to answer my questions. As always, you're the best!
Remember to check out the Website for her class.

Pick a Side In TV's Duo's of Sexy Guy's

Most love triangles have one thing in common. 2 awesome guys. How is a girl supposed to choose between 2 good things, I ask you? Today I've decided to suck it up and make my choice. Or choices. :)

PSYCH
Shawn vs. Gus
SHAWN-A little more than slightly irresponsible, and a little less than humble. Shawn's a loveable slacker who's finally found his calling in life. Although he's had his big boy pants for a while, he's just now learning to be an adult. But most importantly, he's hilarious in a highly sarcastic, referencing random media, and poking fun at Gus way.
GUS-On the other hand, Gus has been acting like an adult since he was in grade school. He's a nerd, who has no idea that he's a nerd. He's also very loyal. No matter how many times Shawn steals his car, pulls him out of bed in the middle of the night, or puts him in a life-threatening situation he always stands by him.
The victor is:

Shawn
When the cards are down I will always choose someone who can make me laugh. :)
Shawn & Gus's Musical Debut
SMALLVILLE
Clark vs Lex
CLARK-Ok, so I think pretty much everyone knows the good points to Superman, but let me do a quick review. He's incredibly handsome & magnificently muscled, as well as being genuine, and of course in possession of out of this world powers. Despite having the weight of the world (literally) on his shoulders he manages to be strong and confident along with a little insecure and naive when it comes to the women in his life.
LEX-Ok, so we all know who Lex turns out to be, but I have to say that I could have easily fallen for the Lex you meet in the first few seasons of Smallville. He's a little arrogant to be sure, but he's desperately searching for a way out of his father's footsteps. You see him trying time and time again to come over to Clark's side of the line. I think it's that desire to be better that makes him just the kind of guy I used to love, hard on the outside, but soft on the inside!
The victor is:

GOT YA! Trick question!
Of course the answer is
Oliver
He's the billionaire playboy who has won my heart. He's got staggering good looks, a quick wit, and large muscles. All things on my list of qualities for a top notch TV crush ;) Despite the fact that he was tragically orphaned at an early age, he managed to turn his anger into the Green Arrow. He works so hard to make people see him as a over-privileged rich boy that it's all too easy to miss the messed up kid he's trying to hide.
Oliver Queen's Charm
LOST
Jack vs Sawyer
Ok, so I only made it through the first season of Lost, which I'm sure will get me in trouble with a lot of you out there, but I did catch on to the Jack vs. Sawyer debate.
JACK-While he's the responsible, nice guy of the island, he's struggling to overcome the hand that life dealt him. Regardless he's handsome, sweet, caring & passionate.
SAWYER-Here's another man in our list who's been orphaned by tragic means. He's 95% rude & selfish. The other 5% contains hard muscles, a sexy accent, and a wicked smile.
The victor is:

Sawyer
So I might have gone with Jack, but since I don't have all the information yet I'm gonna go with my friend Jess & pick Sawyer. I don't think I could go too wrong with the guy in this picture :)
Sawyer the Gentleman
VAMPIRE DIARIES
Stefan vs Damon
STEFAN-Turned into a vampire without his knowledge or consent, Stefan is trying to live his life as normally as possible for a 162 year old teenager. He's full of love and passion and he's given it all to his girlfriend Elena. While he's usually the dark & brooding type, I love him most on the rarer occasions when you get to see his spontaneous, excited side.
DAMON-He's pretty much his brother turned inside out. He displays his fun, wild side to the world (with a handful of sarcasm thrown in) and keeps his real feelings under the surface. Only sharing them to a select few who manage to get past his cocky walls.
The victor is:

Damon
While I think Stefan is a great choice, when you put him up against Damon it's really a no brainer. He could bite me anytime!
Damon's Wisdom
GREY'S ANATOMY
McDreamy vs McSteamy
MCDREAMY-So I've been a Patrick Dempsey fan since his Can't Buy Me Love days (awesome 80's movie if you've never seen it), and Grey's Anatomy is no different. He's a brilliant brain surgeon who's also charming, confident, and has great hair! He's an ever hopeful optimist who is constantly attempting (and often succeeding) at doing the impossible.
MCSTEAMY-When we first heard of Mark, Derek's ex-best friend who had an affair with Derek's wife, Addison, you're filled with rage and disgust. That is until he actually makes an appearance at Seattle Grace Hospital. If I was a cartoon my eyes would have popped out of my head! He's one of the top plastic surgeons in the country, although he doesn't seem to need any himself. His scruffy face and strong jaw had me before I'd even noticed his muscles. On top of the whole 'I'm incredibly gorgeous' benefit package, he's also got a boyish charm that melts my heart. As the show goes on he learns more about what's really important, and, though it's hard to believe, that makes him even hotter!
The victor is:

McSteamy
By now you may have noticed a weakness I have for the misunderstood men of Primetime TV. McSteamy is no exception. I'd bring home his dimples any day.
Meet McSteamy Here
SUPERNATURAL
Dean vs Sam
DEAN-When his mother died before he'd entered grade school Dean (and Sam) were thrown head first into a world that every kid has never known, but always feared existed. His education was not in math & english, but in knives and black magic. He grew up knowing he'd never have the only thing he really wanted, a normal suburban life with a house, a wife, and a kid. So he takes solace in what he can, killing demons, eating food, and meeting women. He's hilariously confident and sarcastic, not to mention staggeringly handsome. His love of classic rock, classic cars and practical jokes makes him all too loveable. Although he keeps most people at arms length he'll go to the depths of hell (literally) to protect his little brother Sam.
SAM-He was only 6 months old when his mother died so he has no memory of what his life could have been. He was raised in the same crazy demon hunting world as Dean, but he walked away to go to college and change his life. His brief vacation from monsters and death didn't last long before he was forced to rejoin the ranks. He believes in finding good in everyone, hopes to find a way back to a normal life one day. He has the same self-sacrificing sense of family that Dean does, and does his best to keep his older brother from harm. He also has the same love of pranks! He's genuine and has a much more mature view of women that gives him extra points.
The victor is:

Dean
Once again, the cocky one with boyish charm has won out. I love a man who's a MAN!
Awesome Dean video here

So tell me, do you agree?

3 Steps to Beat Your Junk Food Cravings

I don't know about you, but I am a slave to my snack drawer. I can't help myself from dipping into it every time I walk by. This has recently presented a problem in that the side of my closet that houses the clothes that actually fit me is rapidly dwindling. So I was glad to find these tips from, who else, Oprah. :)

Like a pesky piece of gum on the bottom of your shoe, you can count on cravings sticking around for a while. And women struggle with cravings even more than their husbands or boyfriends, thanks to hormonal changes that occur around the menstrual cycle and during pregnancy. But there is hope! Use this advice from Bob Greene and TheBestLife.com to conquer your cravings for good.

Obviously, junk food cravings wouldn't be a problem if we craved healthy fare like produce, or if the answer to withstanding temptations was as simple as willpower. Unfortunately, cravings are a little more complicated than that.

First, there's a physiological component, suggests research from Brian Wansink, Ph.D., author of Mindless Eating. Cravings are most likely embedded deep in our DNA; when we indulge a craving, the body releases a surge of feel-good brain chemicals called opiates. No wonder we keep coming back for more!

Well at least I don't have to blame myself anymore.

There's also a social aspect to cravings. Dr. Wansink found that cravings for comfort foods vary by gender, thanks to a slew of genetic and social cues. For example, men tend to be attracted to meal-type foods like burgers, steak and pizza. Men say these foods make them feel taken care of, like they're the center of attention.

Tad's more of a chips and ice cream guy.

Women, on the other hand, are more apt to experience hankerings for snacks and desserts—foods that require little preparation or work. You probably won't be surprised by the list of foods most commonly craved by women: chocolate, salty snacks and ice cream (in that order), according to a study from Tufts University in Boston. The good news is that you're not powerless over the urges, and you don't have to totally deny them, either.

It never occurred to me that I snack on the things I do because I don't have to prepare them. But it makes total sense. I can't believe I never put that together.

If you craved broccoli, it wouldn't be a problem to eat right all the time—but you don't. Use these tips to get in control of your cravings.

Check Your Mood
Many experts have noted that feeling bummed out, lonely, depressed or sad can fuel a craving for junk food. But surprisingly, the opposite is also true, according to Dr. Wansink's research. When you're celebrating, it's easy to feel compelled to reward yourself with food. Make an effort to find non-food rewards. Treat yourself to a manicure or new running sneakers, for example.

I'm totally guilty of 'rewarding myself' with york peppermint patties......And of eating my feelings.

Plan AheadSocial situations like parties and sporting events can trigger cravings even when you're not hungry, Dr. Wansink's research indicates. Just imagine what a football game would be like without enjoying hot dogs, beer and wings, or going to a wedding without having a couple glasses of bubbly and some cake. You don't have to avoid these foods entirely, though. Instead, you can enjoy a small portion without overdoing it. The key to doing this is to think about the temptations awaiting you and make a pact with yourself: "It's okay to enjoy a taste, but I only need a couple of bites to feel satisfied." You could even let your partner in on your pact, to make yourself feel even more accountable.

I constantly find myself rushing through meals or snacks and not really tasting them. I think if I took more time to enjoy what I was eating I wouldn't feel like I needed so much of it. :) That's a tip I got from my sister who read French Women Don't Get Fat.

Improve on the Original
Some foods trigger palpable reactions when we taste or smell them—lasagna might remind you of Sunday night dinners from your childhood; deep-dish pizza might take you back to your first date with your spouse. Dr. Wansink's research has found certain foods can actually help define who we are. Although it may be fun and soothing to revisit memories via a tasty meal, there's no reason to let it derail your diet. You can enjoy your favorite dishes—without packing on pounds—by using lower-calorie ingredients like reduced-fat cheese or fat-free sour cream, and keeping portions moderate.

I hope these tips help you in your battle against yourself. Good luck!

The Easter Bunny & Bridget Jones

Happy Easter!

I hope you all had a great Easter Sunday, we sure did! Wes got to do 2 Easter egg hunts and play all weekend with some of his favorite second cousins! Not to mention the amazing Easter Dinner my grandma made for us. SO GOOD!

So all I wanted tonight was for something to make me smile.
And this always does.

Bridget Jones's Diary
I am very much in love with this movie. This is the movie I pull out when I'm having a bad day. Although let me warn those who haven't seen it yet that it is rated R, so you may want to get it edited or wait until it comes on tv to watch it. The language is a little rough, so I like it best when they cut out the worst of it.
Bridget Jones is the character that girls everywhere have been waiting for, she's our 'every woman'. She's a far cry from the size 0 goddess with perfect hair, expensive clothes, and who always knows the right thing to say that we've all been bombarded with over and over again. She's slightly overweight, a little frumpy, a victim of verbal diarrhea, and incredibly loveable! Not to mention her off-kilter mother who keeps setting her up with man after man in an attempt to get Bridget engaged so she'll have something to brag about to her friends. There's something very endearing about watching her blundering ways.
She jumps into a relationship with her boss, Daniel Cleaver, who happens to be Hugh Grant (an ALL TIME favorite actor of mine! Notting Hill, Music & Lyrics, About a Boy, can it get any better than that?!). What I love most about Hugh's role is getting to see him as an arrogant, cocky bad boy, instead of his usual timid, bumbling nice guy. LOVE IT.

She also keeps being thrown together with Mark Darcy (Colin Firth). They used to play together as small children, but when they met as adults things did not go as smoothly. Somehow they both manage to offend each other and they start the beginning of a very 'pride&prejudice' relationship. (which makes sense because this movie was made from a book that was based off of the novel Pride & Prejudice)

Now Bridget and her Diary have to sift through the lies, rumors, and embarrassing incidents to decide who she can trust with her heart.
Take a look at my favorite scene HERE!

Shows Tad Loves

So as you might have noticed, I'm a movie person. :) I know, I hide it well.
Today I want to share with you some of the shows that remind me of my sweet, crazy husband.

RUSH HOUR

This is one of Tad's 2 favorite movies. We own all 3 of the Rush Hour movies and Tad can watch them over and over again and bust up laughing every time!

SHANGHAI NOON
This is Tad's other favorite movie. Yes, he's a Jackie Chan fan.

The OC
Ok, so this is not one of Tad's favorite shows. This is the show that reminds me of Tad before we started dating. When I met Tad I had a couple of super awesome roommates who were obsessed with The OC. :) Yes Laura & Alexis, I mean you! So every week we'd all watch the socialites of Orange County play out their drama together. Now while the OC wasn't a show that Tad would DVR, he did appreciate Seth Cohan's sarcastic humor. :)

THE ITALIAN JOB
For our first date Tad took me to Arby's (his favorite fast food, my LEAST favorite)....(but he didn't know that at the time), and then we watched a movie at his apartment. And that movie was The Italian Job. Mark Wahlberg, Yum :)

FRIENDS
We bought the entire collection of Friends for our 2nd Christmas together, and we've said many times that it was one of the best gifts we ever bought. I can't even count the number of times we've watched them all. You give us a line from friends, and we'll give you the next 3 :)

PSYCH
We started Psych after my sister Roxanne (totally awesome, totally crazy) told us to. And we've been thankful ever since. Shawn Spencer + Burton Guster = Brilliance! This is Tad's show of choice to watch before bedtime.

SMALLVILLE
Last year we got a little obsessed with Smallville. In just under 6 months we bought the first 8 seasons. Although most of which were purchased with awesome Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales!

WHAT ABOUT BRIAN
This is our current favorite show. You can watch it instantly on Netflix, and it's become a fast favorite. It's got a lot of 'guy humor' in it, but is still female friendly. It's almost like getting a look into a man's brain. (although, let me warn you ladies, it's not always pretty).

What do you love to do with your family?

The Best Fruit Salad Ever

A few years ago we had dinner at some friends of ours and they served the best fruit salad I'd ever had before. They told me the recipe and I can't tell you how many times I've used it. There are 3 reasons why I love it so much:
#1-It is ridiculously yummy
#2-It's so EASY to make
#3-You can make it sugar free and it is still ridiculously yummy :)

INGREDIENTS:
Strawberries (approx. 1/2 pkg)
Bananas (approx. 2-4)
Mandarin Oranges (approx. 2 sm cans)
Cool Whip (sugar free if you like)
Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix (sugar free if you like)

DIRECTIONS:
Slice up strawberries & bananas & put them in a bowl with the oranges.

In a separate bowl mix together the pudding mix and the cool whip.
(I usually use a small container of cool whip and 1/2 - 3/4 a small pkg
of pudding mix, but you can play with that to get it how you like it)

Stir cool whip mixture into fruit & enjoy!
PS-The banana's don't keep very well so don't make an excessive amount