Bob's Taco Station in Rosenberg, Texas

Recently, Bob's Taco Station was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. This is a BIG DEAL for this small town! I grew up out in that direction, so I know. It was even featured in the local paper.

The coolest thing about this, in my opinion, is the fact that Guy Fieri was there on the same day that my favorite brother and sister-in-law got married!

In fact The Husband (who was the best man), took Stew to Bob's that morning for breakfast. When he saw the line and the signs saying that Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives would be there that day, he called me. He knows I watch the show and knew I grew up out there and would be excited to know that Bob's was being featured.

They featured the Carne Guisada, which is awesome. You can get the recipe here.

This is a video some people made there that I found on YouTube:

Since 1991, Bob's Taco Station has been making the people of Rosenberg happy. Now, Bob's is finally getting the recognition they deserve!

Way to go, Bob's!

Kate Gosselin's New Hair

I wonder... Was it the Halloween wig that made her decide to change? Or maybe she's going through her mid-life crisis. I don't know, but either way I think she looks better! What do you think?

(via)

This was her 'debut' on the cover of People...

Kinda looks like a less-hot version of Gretchen from Real Housewives, huh?

(via)

This is a few days later... No stylist.

Not as cute, but better than the short cut!

The Little Couple

I love this show! I can't explain why, but I do. They are just adorable together and so sweet to each other... and they live in Houston. It's fun to see familiar spots in random episodes.

If you haven't caught this on TV, I suggest you try to soon.

MIA

I know, I know... It's been a while. It's just those darn holidays get me every time!

I hope you all enjoyed your holidays as much as I did. I did a lot of cooking (not baking) and spending time with family and friends.

I also worked through the holiday season. I was off Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Day but that was it. I worked all of the other days. (poor me!) There's just something about being pretty much the only person in a huge building that is a bit odd. It was so quiet! So quiet that this Monday was total chaos with everyone back from their time off. Craziness. Although, I have to admit that I seem to function better with craziness in my life.

I received a phone call from my dad last night that my mom is in the hospital. She's been diagnosed with congestive heart failure and a respiratory infection. Any and all prayers are appreciated. We need all the prayers we can get at this point! I just hope that she has a full and speedy recovery.

Happy New Year all! This January marks the beginning of a busy time for my family. My Hubby turns the big 3-0 on Friday! We'll probably keep it low-key and just go out to dinner or something.

The Kid is currently preparing for two major events: the SAT and her first cheer competition. All to go down this month.

I'm sure you're wondering why The Kid is taking the SAT... Well, my smarty-pants kiddo's standardized test scores caught the attention of the people at the Duke Talent Identification Program. They invited her to participate in the 7th grade talent search by taking the SAT for free. We're super proud and hope she does well. The very least she'll walk away from this with is experience in taking the SAT, which will hopefully make her less nervous to take it when the score really counts.

I leave you with some pictures of The Kid opening presents on Christmas morning:

Deputies launch a crackdown on illegal street racing.

Finally! The police are doing something about the illegal street racers on Westheimer, west of Highway 6. I've been stuck behind these idiots on my way home from visiting family that lives out west.

What they do is slam on their brakes and slow down to about 20 miles per hour to get lined up, then punch the gas to race. They do this over and over again down Westheimer. If you're doing the speed limit and get stuck behind them, it gets extremely frustrating.

I'm just glad that the sheriff's office is finally doing something about it. Hopefully, they'll stop racing in this area. It's so dangerous.

Time Flies...

What is the deal? It seems like Christmas is coming too fast this year. I'm not ready for it.

As I pulled my turkey out of the deep freezer last night to thaw in the refrigerator, I realized that it's here. Then New Year's will come and go... It is all starting to slide downhill.

Is it my age? I'm celebrating my 3rd year of being 29... Maybe that's it. They say time seems to fly as you get older. But I don't feel older. I guess I do: 12-year-olds do that to you.

Oh, well. I guess I'll have to get used to it.

Here's to getting old!

Facebook Funnies

I recieved an email from a friend with a bunch of Face Book Funnies that I just had to share. You can click on them to make them larger.

Friday Fill-Ins

1. No, we will NOT be traveling from family to family on Christmas Day.
2. There is nothing better than sitting with coffee and talking with a good friend at the old b kitchen table.
3. I watched the steam rising from the hot cup of coffee and thought: I wonder how it would feel to just jump in there.
4. Eventually, everything is going to be okay.
5. I'll take a weekend off, please.
6. Neutering should be mandatory for anyone on welfare that continues to make babies they can't take care of themselves, at least from my point of view.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to doing nothing, tomorrow my plans include doing nothing and Sunday, I want to do nothing!

I Met The Pioneer Woman!

Although I'm sure it wasn't as good for her as it was for me. Ha!

As some of you are aware, Ree Drummond is the author of a wonderful blog named The Pioneer Woman. She came to Houston on Saturday, December 5th to promote her cookbook, The Pioneer Woman Cooks.

It was pretty cool. I'm thankful I had a blue signing line pass! I was about the fifth person in line and there were a lot of people wanting her autograph.


I really expected to see other Houston-area bloggers, but alas: I didn't. If you were there, wish I would have seen you. If you weren't, you missed out.

The Kid was the official HoustonGurly photographer for the event. She scuttled up to the front of the crowd during the q&a to shoot this gem:

Here I am actually talking to Ree!

Not that I said anything great... I actually stammered a bit. I couldn't think of anything to say! I didn't even mention that I have a blog or that she was my inspiration. So sad. Ree was super sweet and still smiled for a picture with me even though I was such a geek.


The Kid was right: She is so pretty in person! Me, on the other hand... I didn't even bother putting any makeup on. What a great idea! Notsomuch. Especially when you know you're going to be in a picture. I never cease to amaze myself.

Thanks for coming to Houston, Ree! I can't wait to read your hotel post... I'm dying to know where you stayed and what you thought about Houston.

The Weather

Okay, it's about time I address the freakish weather we've been having here in Houston. The fact that meterologists are predicting the possibility of snow in the forecast for Friday is not only insane, but crazy!

I must say that I have been enjoying the cooler weather, though. It has given us a reason to burn small fires in our little fireplace here at home, which doesn't happen often in Houston. I feel totally justified for having a fireplace in such a normally hot climate! I just really enjoy a nice, crackling fire on a cold night.


Snow? Really?!?! The last time we had snow in Houston was about five years ago on Christmas Eve. It was pretty much a Christmas miracle, but it didn't stick. My family and I took Thunder out for a walk while it was coming down just so we could play in it. We even had a snoball fight! (We had to scrape the snow off of cars to make the balls, but we had fun damn it!)

Needless to say, The Kid is super excited about the possibilty of snow. It's all she and her friends have been talking about. I guess time will tell.

I promise to take numerous pictures if it does snow on Friday and there will definitely be a post about it if it happens! :)

Perry's Steakhouse & Grille

Last Spring, The Hubby received a $50 gift certificate to Perry's as a thank you from the other parents for coaching The Kid's softball team. We're the worst at using gift certificates... They end up either completely forgotten or expired.

Not this time! We decided that we were definitely going to try Perry's. I'd heard that they were pretty awesome. So, we went the Friday after Thanksgiving.

First, we didn't realize that it was so freaking expensive! The initial tip-off was that D was asked to remove his cap the minute we walked in. Uh-oh. We thought we were just going to an early dinner at a decent restaurant. We didn't know it was fancy! We got there at 4:00 pm and were sat immediately. I think we were the first customers of the day.

The Kid was immediately impressed. She was a little perturbed that I didn't warn her we were going to a nice restaurant and she didn't feel appropriately dressed. Since when does she listen to my fashion advice anyways?!?! Whatever.

As D was trying to fix his 'hat hair' at the table (which The Kid found hilarious), we perused the menu. Whoa, Momma! We were all a bit intimidated by the prices at first, but eventually said "What the heck!" and decided on our orders.

For starters The Kid got the caesar salad, The Hubby got the wedge salad and I ordered the lobster bisque. It didn't take long for these to arrive at our table along with 'tuscan bread' and butter.

All I can say is, "Wow!". I was impressed with the lobster bisque... the flavors were so full and amazing and they all came together nicely. Not to mention the rather large chunks of lobster that were in the bisque. I about filled up on the bisque alone. The bread was super crusty and stellar. I had a bite of The Kid's caesar salad and was blown away... again, the flavors just jumped out at you. They were strong, but they all went nicely together. There were even pine nuts on the caesar salad. I've not seen that done before, but The Kid thought it was fantastic. She ate every last bite. I didn't try D's wedge salad. It didn't appeal to me. However, he did say that Carino's has a wedge salad that is better.

On to the entrees... The Kid ordered the 'Symphony Kabob' (med-rare), D ordered the 'Double-Cut Lamb Chops (med) and I ordered the 'Prime Ribeye' (med-rare). It took a while for these to come out, but that was okay. I was super excited to try the steak!

Or orders finally arrived and everything looked fantastic! So much so that I took pictures on my Blackberry. I must say that The Kid's looked the best. She did some great ordering!

D's Lamb Chops

My Steak

The Kid's Kabob

After all of the picture-taking, I finally got down to business and cut into my steak. Hmmm... That sucks: it's more well-done than medium rare. Okay, maybe it's just the end that's like that... Let me cut into the center of the steak. Oh, man! This really sucks, now!

Mind you, I NEVER, EVER send food back to the kitchen. Have you seen this clip from the movie 'Waiting'? I won't let that be me!

So, I usually wait until the end of the meal to tell the waitstaff anything negative about the food. Even then, I try to be nice about it. This time, though, I'm thinking about how much this steak is costing us ($37) and that this is supposed to be an upscale restaurant and the starters were SO good... maybe I need to give them the opportunity to make it right.

So, I call a manager that happened to be walking by over to the table and just say, "I ordered my steak medium-rare and this is what I got." I pulled apart the piece I had just cut and he immediately reached down and took the plate from me and made a comment like "Oh, my! This is unacceptable!" Then, we were swarmed by our waitress and another manager asking if they could bring me anything else in the meantime. I said no thanks, as I didn't even know where I was going to put the steak when it came out anyways.

While my steak was being re-fired (thank you Hell's Kitchen for the terminology), I got to sample D's lamb chops (excellent and perfectly cooked) and The Kid's kabob (the steak was perfectly cooked and the shrimp and lobster were to die for!)

Finally, about 10 minutes later, my steak arrived perfectly cooked this time. I could only eat about a third of it because I was so stuffed by then!

The real surprise came when we received our bill. Because of the over-cooked steak, the manager credited my steak and all of our starters. That totaled over $70! So, our $200 tab was reduced by about $70 and then the $50 gift certificate brought it down to about $70 total. We didn't want to be ugly, so we tipped $60. The waitress rocked!

All in all, it was a good experience... but I wouldn't go back. I'd rather go to J. Alexander's where I can wear whatever I want, it's slightly more affordable and get prime rib perfectly cooked every time!

Ten on Tuesday

Okay, I'm finally doing Chelsea's Ten on Tuesday!

1. What was the last concert you’ve been to?

The last concert I went to was Aerosmith & ZZ Top. The Hubby and I went with my friend, Riley, and her husband. It was a blast! I did a post about it here.

2. Is it easy to make you cry?

Unfortunately for me, yes. I cry at movies, weddings, family get-togethers, sad stories, commercials… You name it, I’ve probably cried because of it. I’m one of those heart-on-her-sleeve women. Sometimes good, sometimes notsomuch! Not good example: job review and/or transition. (That’s another story that I’ll probably never spill here!)

3. Do you ever feel like people underestimate you?

Actually, I do… and it pisses me off! No, I’m not stupid because I am blonde. I’m actually pretty damn smart, thank you! I promise that the dye did NOT seep through to my brain.

4. Name 7 completely random things that you like:

The smell of grass, a baby’s laugh, coffee, Texas, being a mom, smiles and this blog.

5. What’s your favorite reality TV show and why?

I have to pick one?!?! I am a reality show junkie! The Hubby cannot and will not attempt to comprehend my weird attraction to such nonsense. He seriously thinks I’m mental for enjoying any/all reality shows! I love Real Housewives… doesn’t matter what city, I watch all of them! I’ve watched episodes of pretty much any reality show you can name. If it’s on, a ‘reality show’ and I’m bored, I’ll watch it! But I actually DVR all of the Housewives episodes, so I guess that’s my favorite.

6. What is your favorite hair care product?

Hair care… Hmmm… I would have to say: dye! I love to get my hair dyed. I go darker in the fall and get blonde highlights in the spring and summer. I like the change and am happy that I cover my gray. (Yes, I have a few stray grays!) The Hubby says it’s like going to bed with a new woman each time I change it up!

As for regular care, I like Garnier Fructis Color Shield Leave-In Conditioning Cream. I use it every time I wash my hair. I like that it feels like its protecting my color and it de-tangles my hair.

7. What’s your favorite song at the moment?

Hmmm… Good question! I love music and listen to many genres. I’d have to say that 'I Gotta Feeling' by the Black Eyed Peas is my favorite at the moment. That song is associated with so many cool and happy things in my memory, including the Oprah video:



8. What’s the number one thing on your Christmas wishlist?

Le Creuset cast iron cookware. I don’t own any and would love to have some!

9. Have you ever lost your cell phone?

Have I ever! I've lost many a cell phone. Mainly back when I was in my 'partying' phase. I left them behind, dropped them in toilets, lost them in my purse... Now, though, I've gotten better. I haven't lost one in a while *knocks on wood*.

10. Did you attack the hordes of shoppers for Black Friday?

Not just no, but HECK NO! I've ventured out for Black Friday ONE time many, many years ago. After almost being trampled and getting elbowed over the last mini-rc car, I vowed to never put myself through that again! And I've kept my promise to me. :)

Here's the Mr. Linkey Link...

The Craziness Has Begun

Well, it all started Friday... We attended a fundraiser for the local high school baseball team: Coaches, Chili and Cold Ones. Hmmm. Unlimited keg beer and a silent auction. Two of my biggest weaknesses. Drank too much, won a beautiful framed tapestry, went home and passed out.

Saturday, my friend Shay and her family came to hang out. They got to our house a little after 7 pm and we adults stayed up past 3am playing Yahtzee, Spades and Dominoes. Good times, good times! Needless to say, Shay and her family spent the night in the guest room.

We all woke up at about 10 am on Sunday to my Hubby making breakfast and mimosas! It went downhill from there... Shay and I are drinking enthusiasts. We had fun, but Monday morning came too quick!

Monday night, the Texans played and my Hubby hosted his Monday Night Poker game at our house. It's all good until the guys start yelling and cheering at the TV! I finally fell asleep, but awoke this morning to a big ole' mess. Guess I'll be cleaning that up later... I had to get to work!

Now, we're getting The Kid ready for the Thanksgiving Day Parade. She has practice tonight from 8 - 10 pm, practice tomorrow from 9 - 10 pm and has to be ready to go on Thursday at 6:15 am! In case you didn't know (and you probably don't), she normally crashes out at 9:00 pm. So the next few days should be interesting. Hopefully, all goes well and we have nothing but happy memories.

Thankfully, my family is an understanding bunch... They let me off the hook this year in the cooking department. All I have to do is show up after the parade and chow down. Woo-hoo! I'm looking forward to Thursday afternoon. Relaxation can finally begin.

I'll have pictures and/or video of the parade for my next post. :)



Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Ramblings

I’ve had a lot, yet nothing going on lately. A lot in that, I have been sick and exhausted. Nothing in that, nothing exciting has been going down at my casa these days.

Last Friday, I left work early because I was miserable-sick. I went home and ended up cleaning my house. I know, I know… What! A re-tard! However, it did somehow make me feel better. I felt better knowing that it was done and that I wouldn’t have to worry about it over the weekend. Besides, I couldn’t officially take a bunch of meds and go to sleep because I had to pick The Kid up from school.

We went to my parent’s house on Saturday so that the Hubby could fix my parent’s car that has been leaking oil. My sister and her boyfriend came and cooked up some yummy hotdogs and hamburgers. In all, the ‘rents got their car fixed and we all got to visit for a bit. It was all right, but it would have been better if I had felt 100%.

Sunday was stay-home day for me and The Kid. I relaxed, cooked some sausage and cheese manicotti, cooked venison for stew this week and did laundry. What a relaxing day! No, really. It was nice. No visitors, I didn’t answer any phone calls and I got to do what I wanted to do when I wanted to do it.

This week I’m feeling better and am looking forward to getting back to normal. You know how when you feel like crap for so long, then you get better and it feels great? Yeah. I’m looking forward to THAT!

Not So Hot...

I know it's been a while since I've posted anything. It's just that I seem to have gotten what everyone else has. Sick, sick, sick.

As I wallow in my own self-pity of sickness and snot, please allow the following video to crack you up.

Things I Choose Not To Live Without - Beauty Edition

Everyone has a list of things that they can't live with out.
Here is my 'Beauty Edition':

Estee Lauder Advance Night Repair - This stuff is awesome and not greasy at all! My skin just drinks it up.

Aveeno Positively Radiant moisturizer w/SPF 15 - Super affordable and available everywhere... It doesn't leave my skin too dry or too oily. I finally found what works for me!

Olay Total Effects Cream Cleanser + Blemish Control - Again, affordable and easy to find. This cleanser has really come through for me.

DKNY Be Delicious - My Husband bought this for me a few years ago for Christmas. I've received numerous compliments on it since and it has become a MUST every Christmas!

Bath Junkie - Fun and cute store where you customize the scent and color of all types of bath products. I could drop a fortune in this store!

What are some of the things you can't live without?

McGang Bang

Okay... I know what you're thinking: I'm weird.

Yes, yes I am.

On my FaceBook page, I noticed an update regarding one of my friends having a McGang Bang and loving it. I was intrigued... so, I Googled it!

What I discovered was that it's a McDonald's McChicken sandwich wedged in the middle of a double cheeseburger. I HAD to have one!


(via kucgs/Flickr)

Eat Me Daily has an entertaining history of this wacky sandwich.

So, off to McD's went my Hubby to gather the ingredients. I eagerly awaited his return with much anticipation.

I was disappointed. I ended up removing the chicken and just eating the plain burger.

That was totally overrated!

Funnies...

Just some funnies I got in an email today...