Lovin' My Gifts

Hey there! Christmas was spectac! Not just because I racked up on some lovely material things, but because I got to spend it with my love nugget. We both were very blessed this year, and loved the time we got to spend with each other, and our families.





Now we are looking on to the New Year that is soon to be upon us.
What are your Resolutions? I'm looking forward to setting new goals for my Twenty-Twelve. Becoming a wifey will require a few additions to my list... I'll let ya know those soonly.

Have a Happy New Year's Everyone!

It's a Wonderful Life

So, Christmas is upon us Tiny Tim! Ugly Christmas Sweater Parties galore, Elf on a shelf is in full swing, and Christmas music fills every retail store for hours on end. (Mine especially it seems) Not that I am complaining, I love me some Mariah Carey Christmas. I think I have all my Christmas shopping done, it was all online, and I have nothing to show for it yet, besides a dwindling bank account. So, let us hope it was worth all the anxiety!

An overview of my favorite Christmas traditions, would include:












There are so many good memories associated with Christmas for me. I hope that they fill your household as well. I'm very excited to be spending the 2nd Christmas together with Mr. Hare. Planning for the wedding has been an added stress during the holiday blitz, but it is starting to come together more and more. Delicious!

Unveiling

TaDa! So happy to have my Save-the-dates, I couldn't keep it to myself any longer. They will be on their way to many a household very soonly. I am in the wedding spirit as the countdown continues to Mrs. Hare.

As the Christmas countdown also begins, I am brain-storming for the perfect present for my fiance, that happens to be on the nice list. Wish me luck.

I hope everyone had a splendid Thanksgiving btw. I made a delicious Thanksgiving dessert called Cinnamon roll cake. YUM!

Cake:
3 c. flour
1/4 tsp.salt
1 c. sugar
4 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 c. milk
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. butter, melted

Topping:
1 c. butter, softened
1 c. brown sugar
2 Tbsp. flour
1 Tbsp. cinnamon

Mix everything together except for the butter. Slowly stir in the melted butter and pour into a greased 9x13 pan. For the topping, mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Drop evenly over the batter and swirl with a knife. Bake at 350 for 28-32 minutes.

Glaze:
2 c. powdered sugar
5 Tbsp. milk
1 tsp. vanilla


While warm drizzle the glaze over the cake. Enjoy!



Keep it real Bloggers! Until next time.

Wedding Countdown!

The Save-the-dates are here and I could not be happier with them! Round one of engagement pics are taken and being edited, I'm so lucky to have such a talented sista! Getting more and more excited as we now slide into 6 months out!

Super Spooks!

What another fabulously fabulous Halloween! I love it...Me and the Hubby to be were a Lioness and Lion Tamer combo. He pulled it off well. Thanks Nugget!

As for my sweet nieces, they rocked it out at our Halloween party! We had a Disco Girl, Zebra Diva, and Fancy Nancy! They are so funny. So glad to be the Aunt to such beautiful, sweet girls!



Happy Halloween and Spectacular Spooking!

Shimmylaroo

How crazy is my life right now. So, Absolute Fitness has officially taken over my old gym and I am so stoked about it! Group Fitness Manager is my title and Group Fit is on the rise, and we are launching new classes next month. I am also the spokes-lady for the radio ads we are doing, so listen up to Magic 98.5 starting next week!

As for wedding news, pinterest and etsy are taking over my every spare moment! I must say, it's super addictive.

Justin is currently in ATL, GA. He will soon be close to Cooke-vegas again we hope! We're getting a taste of long-distance and it's super lame and I have a new found respect for those that do it! But he is still sweet as eva. I like that he says those unexpected sweet things without being prompted or kicked under the dinner table. Major props to a wonderful thoughtful man that you are! (ALL THAT)

I'd like to send a shout out to my buddy SHAUZY! He likes it when I blog. This is a picture of him planking the shredder at work.


So, next week I am doing a Halloween sleepover with my nieces, and we're painting pumpkins, making caramel apples, and telling ghost stories. They love their Aunt Gigi~!

That was one of my New Year's Resolutions was to be a better Auntie. I'd say I've done pretty good on that promise. Speaking of New Year's Resolutions, I need to review that list fully. I hope I have accomplished everything, if not, I now have 2 1/2 months to do so, wish me lucketh.

See you foxy bloggers again soon!

~Wedding Wonderland~

Journey to being a bride. Oh boy. Let me tell ya. When you hear the words "Wedding Wonderland" I personally thought, awh, all my problemos solved. It's a wonderland for heaven's sake. Boy was I wrong. It was a white snowy bliss alright, and as I tried on beautiful gown after beautiful gown, I slowly was sinking back into utter wedding confusion along with sticker shock! Sure enough, I am still without a dress, and still on the fence of which one is THE one. Sheesh.

Anyways, so next month is HALLOWEEN! I'm so stoked. It's my favorite holiday, after my Birthday of course. But I already am scheming up the perfect couples costume for me and the soon to be.

Justin's parentals house flooded the other day, and it was one of the craziest things I have ever saw...




Oh yeah, and my sweet lil niece asked me to drive her in the Baxter parade this past Saturday! What an honor to escort the Putnam County Little Miss Beauty Queen!



P.S. Last week my sweet fi brought me breakfast in bed. Can you say "She's gonna marry that boy somedayyyyyy" :)

Wedding Carni Fun!

Just thought I would share a few beauty glitz and glam ideas I saw at the Bridal Show.

Bridal Shows, Royal Winnings, and Bourbon Dinners!

What a flippin week! WOW-O

So, my Mom and I went to our first bridal show over the weekend, and fun fun stuff occured! I got to enjoy the photobooth experience, which I initally had already ruled out for the reception, but they are so much fun, it's hard to say no. Also, My Madre and I had fun laughing and talking, and tasting, and participating. I signed my name and email over and over and over! We walked round and round, attended the fashion show, checked out the reception sample tables. Highly recommend these wedding carnivals if you are ever in the market.



I signed up at a culinary fiasco of sorts, and low and behold, won me and the hubby-to-be, a trip-aroo! We did have to attend a meeting, of Royal Prestige culinary cookware, which was pleasantly fun, and refreshing. We ended up purchasing our very first cookware set together, and I am so so excited to get it! We also got a China set, wine glasses, knives, utensils, aprons, 2 engraved champagne flutes, 2 wedding bands, and an all-inclusive 4 night stay out of the US, and a 2-night stay in the US, presenting us with our options for OUR HONEYMOONER! It was really a fun night, not only did we get all our great gifts, but an experience I'll never forget. Me and my boo's first united decision to purchase house wares. Who woulda thought.


Further more, I got an uber super cute necklace while I was in Kentucky, and I'm super stoked. Justin and I got to go to the Red Mile Horse Races with his brother, Josh and sister-in-law Ryan, one of the last nights I stayed there. Super cool. Didn't win big, but I got a lucky streak comin for the next time, I just know it :)

The Power of Funnel Cake

Oh What a Night! Had a great time in Kentucky. We ate at Giuseppes in Lexington. Wine, Appetizer, Dinner, and Dessert. Magnificent little spot to hit if you are ever in the area.

I am now bound and determined to find my dress once again. I am ready for Wedding Dress Battle. Bring it.

**Topics of Worth**

Justin sent me FLOWERS to work this week!

I ordered a Samsung Galaxy Tab, and a Pink Paisley SKINIT. woop woop.

Working life is a lot more boring and mundane than I would like, but the pay keeps me coming back for more.

As some of you may know, my beloved NFC gym is closing at the end of this month, and I'm sad about it. However, this morning I checked in to the new CROSSFIT place in C-ville, and I'm pretty sure that's a go.

Blogging drains my noggin.

I found a new makeup that is perfecto for me! Pur-minerals Check it out if you have a spare moment!

Funnel cakes are calling my name at the Fair.

So, I know this was not very informative on any particular subject, but Love is Alive and well in the bubble of bliss. And that is what matters most. right? :)

Keep it real Blog Dogs. See ya next week with something more intense status.

One Year Anni!

Ok, I know it's not an official One Year Anniversary of sorts, however I am proud to announce as of August 8th, 2011, Justin and I have been dating/courting/engaged for one Yeario! Pretty exciting situation if you ask me. Although I know after marriage will it be the MOST titillating. So, for the weekend, I am heading out to KENTUCKY to see my Boo. I'm excited for the reservations and accomadations to dine at some fancy Dan restaurant to celebrate, as well. Details will come.

Alright, dress situation has hit a wall. I have decided to take a break from wedding dress chaos and enjoy my next few days off at work concentrating on other sources of contemplation, and start fresh. BTW, the Cookeville Hobby Lobby (or online) has all their wedding gear 50% right now, so I took full advantage of that yesterday by picking up a few knick-knacks like guest registry, matching pen, and frame.

Update to this post, soon to follow.

If you're not OVER the TOP... then you're UNDER the BOTTOM!

A Motto I try to live by. In other words, Live your life like nobody's watching (besides the "One" that is always watching, and no I am not referencing Santa Clause). Make the most of your days.. Things I like to do and always want to make time for in my commitment to my future husband... Showing my feelings to Justin, Let him know he is appreciated, always let him know I'm so so attracted to his outside appearance, as well as that inner goodness! Send those sweet texts. Write those notes. Send that ballin' pair of Nike Running Shoes he wanted in store, but didn't get, and surprise him when he is 2 1/2 hours away. You know, those types of things. Keep the fire sparked, and the love on lock. Giving is a big BIG part of a relationship, and yes I may be young spittin this type o wisdom, but I know this from experience. Being selfish in a relationship, and life in general, will continually bite you in the rear. Straight talk. The best things that have occured in my life, have come with patience, some tough criticism of my own self, learning to put others before my self, and a little help from Joel Osteen never hurt anybody. Just sayin. So, basically, all of this ramblies is the equivalent to Always stay positive, Know that you gave your best, did your best, and embark upon any and all life's adventures with a good to great attitude to conquer. God is a necessity, not an option.

I will say some of this could spur from the people that constantly have a negative attitude towards the idea of marriage, and cause my nightmares at night, where I'm at home with 5 kids crying and screaming, and constantly calling my Husband's phone with no reply! Ahhhhhh, Wake up. Whew. But anyways, engaged jitters I suppose. This coming from the "career" girl. The goal oriented, would be a missionary traveling the world before I expected to see myself getting married to the Man of My Dreams, and bearing his children. But here we are. And I could not be happier. So, Justin Hare (a faithful follower of Hoppin with the Hares), just to let you know in advance, you sir, have changed my life completely. Turned me upside down, and back around to a life I never thought possible for this ole girl. You complete my heart, make me want to strive for providing a life for one another and our future little Hares. You're an amazing, AMAZING man, I need you for now, and want you for always. I always will do my best to impress you with my cookies, and cakes, and late night bakes. Always want you to notice my new dress, or that extra highlight I added to my do (just for you). And I in-turn will always look forward to your phone calls, telling me all the details of your rigorous day, have a date-night, where I'll pay (occasionaly), and tell you how great you look after a 3 mile run/hike on any given day. In summary, I want our marriage to reflect who we are as people, and Over the TOP is how it's gonna be Justin Hare! (are you reeeady?) xoxox


Bloggers keep your pants on. Next week I will have updates on dresses!

Ballin' on a Budget!

This is one of my favorite sayings as I shop-hop, and debit-dip. So, this of course comes to mind while I'm Wedding Dress hunting. Unfortunately, the particular gown I am gazing so intently at, is well outside that "ballin" budgetary. So, my question is, Is it really really worth it Ladies?? They say #1 rule is, Do NOT hold back on "the" dress. I'm a no regrets kind of girl, so I'm thinking SPLURGE-TASTIC of course! We'll see what happens officially, but that is the current status for the White Wear = Pending.

On to the next topic, US! We went and tasted cupcakes at a possible cake vendor, and Vanilla Bean Dream is delicious. I be-dazzled my iphone this week, and I'm super stoked about it. I cooked Rosemary pork-chops last night for dinner and it was a party for my taste-buds. If you ever need a pretty quick dinner fix, try it sometime!

Loads of love. Text me, send me flowers, bring me a smoothie. Whichever. :) See ya next week.

Rosemary Pork Chops!

1/2 cup soy sauce 1/4 cup water 3 tablespoons brown sugar 1 tablespoon dried rosemary, crushed 4 (6 ounce) boneless pork loin chops
Directions
In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the soy sauce, water, brown sugar and rosemary; add pork chops. Seal bag and turn to coat; refrigerate for 3 hours.
Drain and discard marinade. Place the chops in a greased 11-in. x 7-in. x 2-in. baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 30-35 minutes or until juices run clear.
Prep Time:
10 MinCook Time:
30 MinReady In:
40 Min
**Nutritional Analysis: 1 pork chop (prepared with reduced-sodium soy sauce) equals 281 calories, 11 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 96 mg cholesterol, 359 mg sodium, 3 g carbohydrate, trace fiber, 39 g protein.**

On My Days Off...

So, the venue is officially booked! May 5, 2012 is the date and 5 pm is the time! Whitestone Inn B&B Baby. That's our spot. So, task #1, complete! Moving right along to Bridesmaid's dresses, Groomsmen's tuxes and such. Oh yeah! And I found a dress that I must must try on...It's a Maggie Sottero...So that is also happening this week in Cleveland, TN. Wish me Luck!

K, so I have to mention that Justin and I went out Saturday night with his friends, and had a B-L-A-S-T! Given that I had to get ready with no hair brush, bought an entire outfit right before we were going out, and had to get ready in 30 minutes, I think I did pretty dang good! Rugged Wearhouse Baby! hahahha...Memories made for sure. And that's something, Married or Not, I hope we can always do. Go out and have fun. I think that's super important. People even that night said "you're to fun to get married", I say whatever, I'm married cuz I'm fun! hahahh

Toodles Poodles, We'll catch up next week.

What about US time!

So, how about this for making sense...The more steps you take to spend the rest of your life with someone, does it take time away from one another now! How does that work! My weekend has involved wedding options, wedding decisions this, wedding decor that, and how much did I even see my future hubby-to-be, very very little! What can ya do!... Let's ponder on that for a uno momento... Couples Massage! YAY. This weekend is so gonna be the opposite of last, SWITCH IT, CHANGE IT, RE-ARRANGE IT, as I like to say! Being pro-active is the peanut butter to my nanner! Gotta love it.

In conclusion, My weekend was super uber great, and productive. Venue. Check. Date and Time. Check, Check. Quality time spent with Mom and future-to-be's-Mom. Check. And now massage scheduled for my Mister. Done and Done. See you next week.

Be Crazy!

About the one you love...that is. I learned this lesson of life this past weekend as I witnessed love grow, and beautiful, breath-taking sites! My soon-to-be additional parentals (in-laws sounds so outdated) renewed their vows after 35 whopping years of marriage! Incredible to say the least, along with my Parentals with 36, I'd say me and my future husby have some GREAT GREAT examples for la married life. I was very inspired to hear the words Papa Hare had to offer to his offspring and the ones they love. When he gave advice for a lasting marriage he said, and I quote, "Be crazy about the one you marry, and the times you're not, draw closer to God." What an amazing outlook and words-of-wisdom to follow! Lovin this!


In other news, We may have found our Wedding locale as we ventured across the country-side this weekend. Jaw-dropping, unforgettable kind of beauty people. So wish me luck as I try to sort out dates, pros and cons, and most importantly, PRICE! Woo-hoo...Sing it with me, Goin to the Chapel and we're gonna get Marrrrriiiied :)

Just the Beginning :)

Alrighty! Here it is. My very first attempt at keeping a consistent blog. Emphasis on the "consistent". I suppose I should go ahead and clarify, I am not yet a "Hare", but in less than a year, I will take my new last name, and so life will begin as Jana Hare :) My fabulous fiance, Justin Hare, proposed to me just 3 weeks ago, and I became inspired to document this exciting chapter of my life. So, here we are.

I suppose, what's most important to me is, I want to always remember the feelings I have right now, and never forget the love I have felt so strongly for this amazing blessing I've received into my heart and life. I was never one to believe in love, I always thought of myself as a career oriented, free spirit type, however, Mama didn't raise no fool either. When you meet a man this genuine, this sincere, considerate, honest, patient, and loving, kind of man. It makes you stop and realize, those desires of your heart. Those deep down hopes and wishes and prayers that you said all along, the answer suddenly appears, and you realize God does have an amazing plan for you, that you may never expect, but we just have to be ready for it, and ready to open our eyes to something good, and know how to embrace it.



So, to begin, let's just keep it simple. I am inspired to notate my life, as it is now, and continues forward. All the in betweens may be visited, I don't know that for sure yet, but I do want to express, these are the happiest days thus far, and many more are to follow...So let's begin our journey, Hoppin' with the Hares!