Taking the Plunge

JW and I are a little in the dark ages when it comes to cell phones.  We've never had smartphones or a data cell phone plan.  Well, we have decided to take the plunge...

 A couple of weeks ago we ordered the new iPhone 5.  I don't know anyone who doesn't love their iPhone, so we are joining the club.  Our new phones were not supposed to arrive for another week, but I received an email today saying they had shipped and should be in tomorrow!  We are pretty excited.

You know I already started looking for cases to make mine look stylish.  Here's the one I ordered.

Source

Watch out world... the Hance's are getting tech savvy! :)

Pinterest Addicted

We all know that social media can be addicting.  Pinterest is my new weakness.  I've blogged about Pinterest before.  It's this social photo-sharing site that allows you to create themed boards by pinning photos.  You can pin items from websites, and then the photos are linked to the website where the photo came from.  You can also search for certain themes of items on Pinterest or scroll through recently pinned items by your friends.  This is one of my favorite things to do.

Some of my boards are just for inspiration, some are recipes I want to try, and some have items from shopping online that are on my "wish list".  JW discovered how handy Pinterest could be in shopping for me around Valentine's Day.  I made him a board that I could pin things that reminded me of him to.  A few days later I noticed he had learned to pin and was pinning things he wanted to his board.  I love it! 

I am a list girl.  I like to write things down so I don't forget them or have to keep thinking about them.  It makes me feel organized.  I currently have a list on our refrigerator of movies I want to rent from Redbox and ones I want to go see in the theater.  We have a grocery list in the kitchen drawer, a menu of meals for the week on the fridge, and I have many lists at work.  Pinterest is a fun way to make a virtual list, if you will, and to be creative.  You can see my boards here.  Be careful if you decide to create an account.  It can get addicting!

http://pinterest.com/ahance/

Waco Bucket List

With our time left in Waco now at about 6 months, JW and I have decided to make a list of the things we want to do while this city is still our home.  (If you missed our news about plans for after Joey graduates, see this post.)  I have lived in Waco for almost 7 years and Joey has been here almost 3.  We have really come to love this community, and are certainly going to miss it.

So, here's our list so far.  I'm sure we will add to it over the coming months, and hopefully will be able to check some things off.  Whoever said there is nothing fun to do in Waco?  I'd certainly beg to differ!

• Go to a Baylor Theatre production- We have gone to a few shows at Baylor before and they are always really good, but haven't gone to one in a long time.  They are doing the play, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde January 31- February 5th, so we plan to get tickets and go next weekend.
• Visit the Waco Mammoth Site- This public park opened at the end of 2009 for people to view the dig site where Mammoth bones were discovered back in 1978 and we have never been to check it out.
• Go to a race at the Heart O' Texas Speedway- We pass this dirt race track on I-35 north of Waco and every time we do, Joey has made a comment that he wants to figure out what kind of racing they do there and go to one.  They host racing events from March - September, so we can go to one.
• Visit the Texas Ranger Museum- This one is for JW.  He records shows about things like this on the History Channel all the time and enjoys learning about the history of law enforcement.  This hall of fame and museum is right up his alley, but we have never been.
• Go to the new Waco Downtown Farmers Market- This is new to Waco as of last November, and we haven't been to check it out yet.  Vendors set up downtown from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Saturdays. 
• Walk around the Carleen Bright Arboretum in the spring.  We have driven by the arboretum several times, but have never stopped to walk around it.
• Waco is getting a water park.  Hawaiian Falls Waterpark opens Memorial Day weekend this year.  Maybe we'll find some kids to borrow and go check it out. :)
• Waco has two wineries and we haven't visited either one of them.  TCV Winery and Valley Mills Vinyards both do tours and tastings, so we plan to check them out.
• We want to rent a canoe or kayak and paddle our way down the Brazos River.
• Go on a horseback ride at Brazos Bluffs Ranch.  I stumbled across this place online once when I was looking for fun date ideas.  It seems like a really neat place.  I would really like to do one of their horseback rides along the Brazos River and up to the bluff overlooking the surrounding countryside.
• You probably know one of our favorite "Waco things" is the zoo!  So, this is not a new one for us, but we plan to visit the Cameron Park Zoo a few more times while we still live here.  It is a great zoo!

We are also taking advantage of as many quick trips to Dallas as possible while we are still here.  We have a lot of great friends in the Dallas area and making the 1.5 - 2 hour drive to visit them is nice compared to the 4+ hours we will be from them once we are in Houston.  We are looking forward to the opportunities and plans that God has for us ahead, but want to live fully in our last months here.  Stay tuned for posts on some of these bucket list things as we check off our list!

A Chocolate Pick-Me-Up

Was it cold and rainy where you are today?  It sure was a soggy and dreary day here.  I am making this hot chocolate for me and the hubs tonight.  Yum!  What a way to end to a yucky Monday, right?  And, The Bachelor is on tonight, so things are looking up!  Chocolate and drama... all a girl needs.  :)

Joey has "Big Trial", which is a mock trial that is the culmination of PC 1, 2, and 3 tomorrow and Wednesday.  Prayers for him to have clarity of mind and to do well would be much appreciated this week!

Delicious Hot Chocolate

recipe courtesy of Pioneer Woman

Prep Time: 5 Minutes

Cook Time: 15 Minutes     Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups Milk
• 2 cups Half-and-half
• 1 cup Good Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips
• 1 teaspoon Sugar (optional) 

Preparation Instructions

To make the basic hot chocolate, combine milk with half-and-half in a small saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, then stir in chocolate chips. Stir until melted (though there will still be lovely particles of chocolate throughout.) If it’s too chocolatey for you, splash in a little more milk. If it’s not quite sweet enough for you, add 1 teaspoon sugar. Serve in mugs with whipped cream.

VARIATIONS
Orange Hot Chocolate: Add 4 slices of orange rind as you warm the milk mixture. Add a splash of orange syrup if you have it, but it isn’t necessary.

 Raspberry Hot Chocolate: Add 3 tablespoons raspberry syrup to the hot chocolate. Drop a couple of raspberries into each cup.

Mint Hot Chocolate: Drop 1 to 2 miniature peppermint patties into each mug before adding hot chocolate. Stir to melt.

Mexican Hot Chocolate: Substitute 2 discs of Abuelita chocolate for the chocolate chips. Simmer cinnamon sticks in the saucepan with the hot chocolate. Add 1 cinnamon stick to each mug before serving.

Garnish any and all variations with whipped cream or chocolate shavings.

Season Premieres

Before you proceed in reading this blog you must promise not to judge...  Promise?  Okay.  It is finally time for the fall TV season to start, and I'm pretty excited!  :)  Over the past couple of years with Joey in law school I have accumulated quite a list of shows that I like to watch, and over the next couple of weeks they all come back into my life!  Alright, here's the list:

Parenthood

Dancing With the Stars

Castle

Body of Proof

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

Grey's Anatomy

The Mentalist

CSI: NY

Private Practice

Bones

The Good Wife

The Closer

Woo hoo!  I'm giddy with excitement.  Now the challenge will be getting the DVR programmed so I don't miss any.  Joey has a few shows too, but I definitely rule the TV these days.  Really, he would watch almost anything on the History or Discovery Channels (not that he has much time to occupy with TV lately), but these are his favorites:

Top Shot

Pawn Stars

American Pickers

Of course watching the Texans play every week and Sports Center at any time of the day are high on his list as well.  So, you don't think any less of us now that you know what fills our DVR, do you?  I hope not!  We all have our guilty pleasures, right?  :)

Summer Reading List

With summer coming to an end, I thought I would share the books that have traveled with me and occupied my time over the last few months.  As you will see, I am on a John Grisham kick.  My grandpa has collected all of Grisham's books since I can remember.  I have memories picking out the newest release with my mom to give Grandpa for Christmas or his birthday.  A few months ago he emailed me and said he was getting rid of his collection and asked if I wanted them.  I was thrilled to accept his offer and have been enjoying them ever since.  Thanks Grandpa!

I enjoy reading a couple of books at a time- usually a non-fiction and a fiction, and choose which to dive into based on the mood I'm in.  I typically fly through the fiction ones because I get hooked and have to know what happens.  I love when I get near to the end of a book and end up staying up way too late because I can't put it down.  I'm sure you can relate!

So, here was my reading list this summer, and I would recommend any of them if you're looking for a good book:

A Love that Multiplies by Jim Bob & Michelle Duggar- I was interested in this book because of this family's show on TLC that I watch, 19 Kids and Counting.  Don't get any crazy ideas... I don't anticipate having 19 kids, but have come to respect and love the way this family loves the Lord and shows it in the way they live as a family.  They have a neat parenting style, and the results certainly support their methods.

Cold Tangerines by Shauna Niequist- This one was a birthday gift from Shay, and I really enjoyed it.  It's a collection of short stories that Shauna Niequist writes about her life.  It was uplifting and fun to read.  Niequist has a unique writing style that makes you feel like she is sitting with you talking.

The Runaway Jury, The Rainmaker, The Partner, and The Street Lawyer by John Grisham- They are all great legal fiction.  I loved every one. 

The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren- Joey and I read this one together while he was out of town working for several weeks.  We learn a lot when we read a book and discuss it together, but I have to admit we only made it about half way through this one so far.

And here is what's next on my reading list:

Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Emma, and Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen- I bought this collection of four novels on our trip to Brenham earlier this summer.  It is a beautiful book, for one, and I wanted to read some of these classics.  I read Pride and Prejudice in school and love the movie, but haven't read the others before.  So, I plan to dive into these classics soon.

Desert Gift by Sally John- This is the second book in Sally John's Side Road series.  I have read all of Sally John's books and always enjoy them.  She is a Christian Fiction writer, and her books usually have a little romance in them- which I am a sucker for. 

The Testament by John Grisham- My love affair with Grisham books continues... this is just the next one on my list.  I have been reading them in the order that they were published.  I'm sure that this next one will not disappoint.

Was your summer accompanied with any great reads?  I am always looking to add to my list.  Let me know if you have recommendations.  Lord knows I have plenty of time to occupy during the evenings while Joey is in PC... especially right now.  Summer TV series's have ended and my fall shows haven't started yet!  What's a girl to do?

DWTS Finals

Tonight was Part 1 of the Dancing With the Stars finals, and I am finally decided!  I have really had a hard time ranking my top three.  They are all so different, so it's been hard.  I like all three of the stars that made it to the finals, but Hines and Kym have risen to the top as my favorite!  I just love the energy and genuineness they always bring, and their free-style dance tonight was really fun!  The judges have Hines & Kym and Chelsie & Mark tied at first, so the viewer votes will determine the winner.  All my votes went to Hines.  The results are on tomorrow night, so we'll see!

The Last 5 Dancing

Dancing with the Stars is what I look forward to on Monday nights.  I love the live music, the great costumes, the lights, the excitement and sometimes drama of a live show, and the overall energy. The judges are of course also a big part of the entertainment on this show.  Though Joey does not watch the show with me, he even laughs at the boisterous comments from Bruno when he sees bits in passing.  I love Carrie Ann's honesty and the way she emotionally connects to the story of many of the dances.  Len is usually very fair despite his super traditional preferences in choreography, and his British accent just makes him  fun to listen to.

 This season did not have me as excited as others have when it comes to the celebrities that would be dancing, but I have come to love the Final Five.

Chelsea Kane & Mark Ballas

Chelsea has been one of my favorites from the beginning.  I didn't know who she was before the show, but she is a star from the Disney Channel.  I think she is just so cute, and the routines that Mark choreographs for them are always really creative.  He definitely thinks outside of the box and their edgy performances never fail to entertain, but have sometimes gotten them flack from the judges.  I am rooting for Chelsea and Mark to go all the way!

Kirstie Alley & Maksim Chmerkovskiy

Who doesn't love Kirstie?  She is hilarious!  I love watching the segments from her and Max's week of practice.  She is definitely motivated and works hard, but she can laugh at herself which is totally refreshing.  She and Max have had a few mishaps during live performances, but the way Kirstie deals with them make her a winner.  She cracks me up and I am rooting for her to stay around!

Romeo & Chelsie Hightower

Romeo is known for his swagger that he brings to the dance floor.  Even in technical ballroom dances he finds ways to make it his own and let his personality shine through.  I think that is what makes viewers love him.  He is young, but works hard and always has fun.

Ralph Macchio & Karina Smirnoff

Ralph is one that I did not recognize when the show started.  His claim to fame is his role as the original Karate Kid.  He is now a dad in his forties and doesn't look like much to worry about in this competition, but has been on the top a couple of weeks in this season.  He works hard and has great technique.  He is an actor, so most of the time his performances are good too.  We'll see how far it can take him!

Hines Ward & Kym Johnson

Hines and Kym are both so cute!  Hines is a football player for the Pittsburgh Steelers and has a surprising gracefulness on the dance floor.  I think of professional football players as intimidating and rough, but Hines is the opposite of that on this show.  He always looks like he is having fun and his smile lights up their performances.  He is a hard worker too.  More than once there have been clips of him practicing his steps at home in the evening with a pillow as his dance partner.  Hines just seems like a nice and genuine guy.  I am definitely rooting for Hines and Kym!

So, the top three that I would love to see in the finals in a couple of weeks.... Chelsea, Hines, and Kirstie.  We'll see!  I am off to see how they do tonight.... 

One of those days...

Are you living a life of chaos? I can totally relate to this song... it was definitely a Monday! Love this new one by Franchesca Battistelli. Turn it up!

Hey Y'all!

I really love watching Paula Deen on the Food Network. Love just radiates from her kitchen as many times her family and friends are on the show cooking in her kitchen with her. She emblemizes southern hospitality to me, and I chuckle almost the whole show because she is such a hoot! Not to mention, I love her kitchen and all of her products that she uses. Many of them are for sale on her website, but are sometimes pretty pricey. Her pewter measuring cups are my favorite. One time Trisha Yearwood was on her show and after she admired Paula's measuring cups, Paula gave her a set of the measuring cups and spoons! I was pretty jealous.

The kitchen is definitely the center of her home just as I hope mine will be one day. I love the memories I have in the kitchen with family and look forward to making many more. Anyways, Paula's recipes are delicious and last night I made this one:

BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Ingredients

Dry Rub:

- 2 Tbs. salt

- 2 Tbs. black pepper

- 2 Tbs. dark brown sugar

- 2 Tbs. paprika

- 1/2 Tbs. cayenne

- 4 lb. shoulder pork roast

- 2 cups apple juice

- 1 cup apple cider vinegar

- 2 Tbs. Worcestershire

- 1/2 Tbs. liquid smoke

- 1/2 Tbs. garlic powder

- 6 hamburger buns (I used hoagie rolls)

- BBQ sauce and cole slaw (optional) to garnish

Directions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.

Mix the dry rub ingredients in a small bowl. Sprinkle dry rub all over the pork roast, pressing into the pork. Cover with plastic wrap or place in a ziplock and refrigerate for 2 hours.

Combine liquid ingredients and the garlic powder in a large Dutch oven. Place pork in the oven and tightly cover with aluminum foil then lid. Roast for 4 hours or until fork tender and shreds easily. Brush the roast with cooking liquid every hour. (I only ended up cooking mine for 3 hours, so make sure to check it every hour when you take it out to pour liquid on it.)

Remove from oven and let stand until cool enough to handle. Shred the pork with forks into bite size pieces. Serve on buns topped with BBQ sauce and cole slaw. Here's a picture of my yummy masterpiece:

We ate our sandwiches with baked beans (my version of my dad's amazing ones), and ice cold peach tea. It was an All-American meal that really hit the spot! Enjoy!!!