A Bit of a Problem

My name is Lauren and I am addicted to ice cream. Whew, it feels good to let that one out. Y'all have probably figured out that I have a wee bit of a sweet tooth. I mean just take a gander at my foodie page, a good 50% of the list is comprised of sweet treats! If we want to get down to the root of it, the truth is I love ice cream and when I can't have ice cream I fill the void with other sweets. I told you it was a problem! I mean, look at our freezer:

 In my defense, our local Lowe's Foods was closing and was practically giving it all away. I couldn't just say no, I might hurt their feelings. As you can see there are no real favorites, we eat just about any flavor in this family. I do enjoy a good bowl of mint chocolate chip every now and then while the mister could kill a container of chocolate chip cookie dough in a sitting.

So, now you know my weakness. Want me to be your friend? Offer an ice cream date. Want me to commit a crime? Just place a big bowl of ice cream in my hands and I'll be willing to do anything. Pathetic? Yep. Am I ashamed? Nope.

Please tell me I'm not alone in my crazy. What's your favorite flavor?!?

Monogram Mania

Like any other good Southern girl, I love anything and everything monogrammed. After all, I am the girl who had a "monograms and margaritas" wedding shower to celebrate my impending nuptials. What greater way to celebrate my new name than to plaster it over all sorts of new home goodies?! I've always said, "if it can fit a monogram, I will find a way to put one on there".  So when the fabulous ladies of Marley Lilly asked if I would review a few of their products, I jumped at the chance!

Never heard of Marley Lilly? Well, be prepared to fall in love! This brilliant company has taken some of our favorite things in life and made them that much better by providing them to us in fun colors with beautiful fonts. Their website is organized in such a way that you can find the perfect gift to shower a friend or family member in a matter of moments. The hardest part? Deciding what color to make the monogram. Are you interested in promoting your sorority, school, organization, or club? These stellar ladies also offer group packages to showcase your allegiances!

I was so excited to receive the following products and can't wait to use them out and about:

What better way to keep my favorite drink chilled?

I'll never have to worry about my sunglasses disappearing again!

Be sure to stop by their facebook and Twitter pages to let them know you love their products as much as I do. Also stop on by their blog, The Monogrammed Life, for fun ways mix and match their products!

Cake Cookie Bars

What's one to do when they have a box of cake mix but want to do something different than a boring 'ol cake? Get creative that's what! This sweet treat is a compilation of a few recipes I stumbled upon and turned into my own. Let me know what you think!

Ingredients

1 box white cake mix

2 large eggs

1/3 cup oil

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/2 stick butter, cut into small pieces

 Directions

Heat oven to 350. 

Grease a 13x9 baking dish.

 Beat cake mix, eggs and oil in a large bowl until blended.

Press 2/3 of the batter in pan.

Microwave condensed milk, chocolate and butter in a bowl for 1 minute. 

Stir until smooth. 

Pour mixture over crust. 

Top with teaspoonfuls of reserved cake mixture.

Bake 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned. 

Cool; cut into bars. 

Enjoy!

Friday's Letters [08.10]

It's a fantastical Friday to link up with Adventures of Newlyweds!

Dear coffee, What would I do without you? You are the boost that gets me going in the morning, and the little oompf I need again by afternoon. If it were not for your awesome sauceness I would probably only make sense 5% of the time. Thanks for all that you do and keep on rocking it.

Dear house fixer upper people, I totally get that y'all have a long list of places to visit and people to please, but a four hour window? Really? With the few precious days I have left before school kicks back into gear there are 34229843 things on my to-do list, all of which seem to need to happen away from the house. What are the chances y'all could coordinate and come on the same day? Or, even better, actually come at a reasonable time?

Dear Cori H., Congrats, you are the winner of a copy of Mission Possible! Be on the lookout for an email with shipping details:-)

Dear readers, Over a hundred followers?! Wow. I am honored that y'all care enough about my incessant rambling to want to read more. I am touched. Be on the lookout for another giveaway to recognize all of your awesomeness in the coming weeks!

Dear Davido, Thank you for not only understanding, but for also getting my crazy. I know I am not always the easiest person to live with, what with my need to always have ten projects going at once and my total inability to ever sit still. I really appreciate you and your way of reminding me to chillax.

Dear leopard shoes, How did I possibly forget your existence? You are super cute and comfy, a rarity in shoes. I apologize for my negligence. Get ready to rock this world.

Thankful Thursday-Holy is the Lord

 Holy is the Lord God Almighty
The earth is filled with His glory
Holy is the Lord God Almighty
The earth is filled with His glory
The earth is filled with His glory

-Chris Tomlin

Here are a few things I am thankful for today. . . 

early diagnosis

As much as the whole relapse thing stinks, I am grateful for the early diagnosis. When I remember how bad things were before, I am even more thankful for the early catch of it and aggressive treatment.

passion

I am so grateful for the passion for Christ from those around us. David and I are blessed to know some awesome people whose hearts are in a stellar place. I am thankful for their passion, drive, and motivation to spread His word.

readily accessible healthcare

I often take for granted the fact that I can just call up the doctor and get an appointment, or at the very least some guidance with my issue. So many others don't have that. I am so thankful for the care I am fortunate enough to receive when I need it most.

support

If you follow me on Twitter you may have seen allusions to a big presentation I had earlier this week. Not going to lie, I was absolutely terrified to present to a room of roughly 30 of my colleagues. I am pleased to report that not only did I survive, but people even told me I did well! Whew! I am very thankful for the open, gracious hearts of my peers:-)

patience

I am super thankful for the patience of my husband. The steroids mess with my brain and make me very loopy to the point of you may have to tell me the same thing three times before I really get it. My husband has been so patient with me even though I keep making silly little (and super annoying!) mistakes when it comes to scheduling house fixes. I am one blessed lady.

summer storms

Does it get much better than a big blowout storm that brings 15 degree temperature drops? Nope. 

What are you thankful for this week??