Relationship Wednesday: Would you marry a stranger for love?

What is the key to falling in love & having a long and successful relationship/marriage?  If there was a simple answer to this question, more relationships would last!

A few months ago Fyi, TV launched a new show, a social experiment, called "Married at First Sight"...

    .. To be honest, I thought it was the most ridiculous idea that I had ever heard!  How could complete strangers fall in love and have any chance of having a successful marriage!?

Over a few weeks leading up to the big premier I heard peoples opinions as it advertised, and decided that I wanted to watch at least one episode .. maybe it was curiosity!

With the number of dating websites that have popped up the last few years, it is obvious that many people are seeking love; but how many would actually consider binding into a legal marriage to someone they wouldn't meet until the reached the alter!?  and After 5 short weeks would they stay married or get a divorce!?

Many people showed up initially to the meeting, not knowing the full details of how this experiment would work and what they had to agree to.  It was interesting to see the reactions and surprisingly every one didn't walk out once they knew. (lol)  I don't think that I could go through with anything like that.

Among those who decided to take this big chance to find their soul mate experts tested and interviewed candidates, matching them based on many areas; and finally came up with 3 couples to use for this social experiment.. But would any of them decide to stay married after the 5 weeks or would they get a divorce?

I can't lie, after watching the 1st episode I wanted to watch the 2nd too! :)

It amazed me how these couples grew as they went from getting married, to their honeymoon, to moving in together, and finally deciding what to do at the end of the 5 weeks.

On last night's 6 month later show, it was interesting to hear their thought on the experiment; and what they believed made a successful relationship/marriage work (or not work)...

Relationships are about communication, supporting one another, being strong when the other is weak, and loving the little things in my opinion; and the couples that stayed married also pointed most of these out in the ideas on what makes it work!

Season 1 seemed to be a hit for the Fyi, TV show "Married at Fist Sight" because the are searching for individuals to participate in the next social experiment now (Singles Wanted).

What are your thoughts... What makes a relationship work? Would you consider going this route to find love?

Inspiration Tuesday: Believe in Magic?

Today I want to share with you all an inspirational quote; hoping to make this a Tuesday ritual...

"Those Who Don't Believe in Magic, Will Never Find It!" - Roald Dahl

Inspired by the words I read on a Pinterest post on the Red Band Society page, I decided to make this image and share the powerful words with you!


Life is hard, but believing that Magic exist will allow us to hopefully find our true gifts, reach goals, and live a happy and more inspired life.

Red Band Society, a new series that starts tomorrow on FOX, shows how inspiration and even happiness can be found; even in the hardest triumphs of Life!

This has inspired me to try my best to see the positive and search for the magic that will allow me to focus more on the positive; and find my true calling!

Hope you all can find your Magic too!!

*Have a great day & live Life to the fullest!

Juicy Rotisserie Chicken

Tonight's dinner is looking tasty in the Rotisserie Oven and it is looking GOOD!

About an hour to go and we'll be able to enjoy this Juicy Rotisserie Chicken!  I love cooking them, but it is somewhat time consuming; therefore, I only get a chance to do one every so often.

BUT.. waiting on it to cook is well worth it!


The chicken is SO tender and juicy, it just tears right off the bone!



     My Elite Cuisine .8Cu. Ft. Toaster Oven with Rotisserie was a Birthday Gift; and I have to admit it is one of my favorites!

      So far the only part I have used is the Rotisserie oven and warming buns in the top, but there are a lot of recipes that come along with it to try in the future!

     Does anyone else have this oven?  If so, PLEASE share your favorite meals you cook with it!

Foolish Choices: Sneaking Out

How do we get our teenagers to not make the foolish choices that we made growing up?  I know that I didn't always listen, and things could have turned out so badly in the end!

I got a lecture from my mom today.. Yes! I'm almost 40, and I still get this (lol).  We were discussing some advice I gave to my teenage daughter; and she reminded me that she gave me the same advice and I didn't listen. (lol)  I remember times I sure wish I would have.. It was so terrifying!

When I about 15 I went home with a friend from school... whom, My parents would have NEVER allowed me stay with if they knew her dad was never home.  Even though her sisters were older and acted like a mom in most cases.  My mom wouldn't have allowed that situation overnight without an adult home!

At the time,  I thought she was paranoid, but as a mom now.. I see her point!!!

Anyways..  My friend and I decided that it would be COOL to walk about 1 1/2 miles up the road to the store at about 11 o'clock at night out in the country.  ((NOT A GOOD IDEA))  I guess because we had done it in the day time, we assumed it wouldn't be any different.

As we walked down the long, dark country road a car or two passed by.  With not very many houses, I become a little weary  of the situation and wanted to head back.  However, I didn't want to sound like chicken or a big baby ((I had a rep to uphold, lol, I'm sure if you've been 15, you understand what I'm saying)).

Over half way there we see a car coming up the road and hear the music blaring.  I became uncomfortable and a little fearful as the car got closer; and so did my friend!!  We knew that we had not made a good decision and that we weren't going to ever try it again.. IF we made it back home alright!

As the car got to us it slowed down, almost to a stop!  There were 4 or 5 boys/men (not sure) which sounded drunk, hollering out the windows, and throwing stuff.  I don't think that I have ever been scared-er than I was in that very moment!!

They past-us-by and started to slow down more, like they were going to come back.. SO, we took off running into the field and stood behind some roadside brush and trees.  They rode past us 3-4 times before they ever stopped.  we ended up sitting there for about an hour longer just to make sure they were coming back, before we turned to make our way back home. During these days, cell phones didn't exist, and we couldn't call no one unless we made our way to the store.

This foolish choice could have had TERRIBLE consequences.. Thankfully, they did not!!

I told my daughter this story in order to scare her in some way, I mean, we have to THINK about what could happen.  Especially, when you're young!  Parents tell you "No" for a reason (lol), even if it doesn't always seem to be a big deal to you!

*My question to you all, is:  What were your foolish teenage choices? and How do we keep our kids from making them?

Romantic Wednesdays: "Romantic Buttons"

What are your Romantic Buttons?  What are your partners?  Do you know what they are!?

I was reading an article earlier that said "We all have Romantic Buttons, and knowing your partners Romantic Buttons could help you with a partner that is being cold and distant".

However, I think that these questions are better known 

to keep the fire burning... 

Many people aren't romantic by nature, but their partner knows this about them (I'd hope).  However, even when this isn't the persons nature, something sweet and/or out of the normal will be romantic to their partner.

Knowing the 'romantic buttons' will give you an advantage when you are trying to some them some extra love-n-care..

Simple things can make your partner melt-into-your-hands... I think would include (but not limited to):

• Sweet gestures.. little notes, texts, of something that lets them know they are your 'one', when you're not together.  
• My husband used to work out of town; so, I would always stick a note in his bag before he left.  Sometime during his trip he would find it; and it made him feel loved and miss home a little.  I think the little things like this help connect a relationship on some new levels.
• A text out of the blue that says "Thinking of you!"  (If this is something that wouldn't normally occur)
• A foot rub... I don't know about all of you, but there is nothing better than a good foot rub/massage.  It's like heaven (lol).  My husband seems to feel more relaxed and enjoy one as well.  However, this be something that you or your partner could hate.. knowing this is key! 
• Full Body massage... will leave your partner relaxed and you may even get one in return!  This is not only a relaxation tool but could also be a romantic one as well if you know their romantic buttons! 

Try to make them feel loved & wanted, in my opinion, is an important key in any relationship, but know what your partners' romantic buttons are (what turns them on, so to speak) is as well!  Yes, these things are important to know when the other is cold and distant (mad.. lol); but using them to bring you closer is never a bad idea either.. I think!!  What are you all's thoughts?

Wow, I did it!

I have never finished anything big that I started, so it seems; but four years ago I started a journey and tonight I finished it!  It's almost bitter-sweet!

I was a stay-at-home mom for a very long time, but when the kids both went off to school I found myself having way too much extra time on my hands.  I wanted to get a part-time job, but only one form of transportation, no particular job-trade,  and young children I was somewhat lost and out of opportunities.

A friend of mine at the time was going to school online and suggested that I check into it; so, I did.  After talking to a counselor off and on a few times, in March 23, 2010 I decided to take a leap and do something that I had wanted to do for a long time.. Go back to school!

The first 6 months of school were fairly easy, since they seemed like refresher classes and classes that were a lot focused on what each person thought.. and I was getting the hang of managing my time to get everything accomplished; and feeling proud of myself!

Classes got difficult after a while, online math isn't no joke; but I pulled through (some how) and finally finished my Associates Degree January 29, 2013!

Deciding to go on to get my Bachelor's wasn't an easy decision, but with some conversation I was convinced it couldn't hurt anything!

Things got harder and I pushed myself to the limit many times to get assignments completed and learn the information that I needed to.. and I showed myself that I could do much more than I ever believed.  I struggled; yet, I was driven to learn so much more!!

Tonight I submitted my very LAST assignment... Wow, I did it!  I completed my Bachelor's Degree!

It is so exciting to be finished, to have finished such a huge goal, and I am so proud of myself for sticking it out even when things got tough; however, I am so terrified and excited at once about what comes next!

~Regardless of what comes next or in the future, this is one moment that I will always treasure forever!!

Ordering Flowers Online

I'm not one to order/purchase online; however, I did recently due to  situation out of my control!

My brother-in-law passed away a few weeks ago and I wasn't able to make it to the funeral.  He lived a few hours away and my local florist costs to get a flower delivered there was a little outrageous in my opinion.

I tried finding a Florist in the area and the prices were steep, to say the least.  I came across Flower Delivery Express during my search and the flowers looked beautiful; however, I was a little skeptical because you never know if you'll get what you paid for when you order online (or with someone new)!  

After much debate, I decided to purchase a Easter Lily for $39.99 at Flower Delivery Express; and my sister told me that the Lily was beautiful!  :)

I'm glad that things were as they appeared on the website and the flower was delivered on time!!  I will definitely go with them again in the future if I find myself in the same situation; however, they were a little cheaper than my local florist so I may decide to try them again for local delivery!

Just thought that I would share my experience with you all; and let you know that I was pleased with the service I received from them.

You Never know when you may need a good flower service; and knowing a company has worked out well for someone else is always nice to consider (in my opinion).

Have you ever shopped with Flower Deliver Express?  If so, what was your experience like?  If not, next time you need a service, check them out; and let us know what you think of them!

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**This post is stickily my opinion, based on my experience; and I have not been paid to say so and I am not affiliated with them either!