Scott's First Blog Post!

Today, I have a very special guest blogger here.... my boyfriend Scottie!! Last week, Mrs. T Naturally started a series called "Blog Outside the Box" and this week she put up a linkup post having someone else write a post about living with you/being with you whether it's your boyfriend/hubby, or your mom, siblings, friend, etc. It took a lot of Scott to do this as he doesn't care much for writing, but it is so sweet!

So, please give a warm welcome to my other half with his first blog post!

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Hello my name is Scott and I am the lucky guy that gets to come home to Miss Maggiano and Huxley every evening.

I have spent the last four years of my life with Amanda and it seems to get better and better. When we first met I was crushing big time she trained me as a new employee at Dave and Buster sports bar, her being my superior and being so beautiful almost made me feel like I didn’t have a chance. I had to chase Amanda for several months before she let me take her out, I knew she was a one of a kind! 

I’ll never forget I came to Dave and Buster off duty with some friends to watch a Cowboys Packers game and Amanda was our cocktail waitress. At the end of the night after continues flirting I went to pay my tab and left a much higher tip then what the bill was. She tried not to accept it and I said "you are just so beautiful!"  Soon after I think she finally let me take her to the Oasis on Lake Travis after that she could no longer deny my charm. ; ) 

I feel extremely blessed to have her in my life. Amanda, Huxley and me make a great team. We go out to see live music, watch football, and have a great time just chilling at home watching tv.

Something you most likely don’t know about Amanda is that she literally laughs sometimes in her sleep it is the most precious thing ever. She never remembers what the dream was about and denys even doing it most of the time but it makes me happy that she laughs in her sleep... laughing is good for the soul.: )

I am so happy for Amanda that she gets to share her love for life and cooking with you all. It brings her so much happiness!  Since she has started blogging with you gals my taste buds have never been so satisfied! Thank you for reading and I love you Amanda. 

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Thank you so much babe for writing this, I love you! Your words are so sweet and I can't wait to spend many more fun years with you! :-)

Here is a pic of our little family to close out the post! Happy Friday!!

I LOVE DVR

With all of these new series premieres these past two weeks, Scottie and I have come to fall in looooove with DVR! Here are some shows we are lovin' right now.

THE X FACTOR

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The X Factor is surprisingly really good. A lot of it reminds me of American Idol, but it's just those singers that audition in front of thousands of people (not to mention L.A. Reid, Nicole from the Pussycat Dolls, Paula Abdul, and Simon!?)... the singers that are good and get cheered on and voted for - I cry during this show lol! It's like we are watching someones dream come true for the first time. Can't wait to see what happens next! (this below video at the end made me cry like a baby...)

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TERRANOVA

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We had only recorded this first episode of Terranova just to see what it was about. It was extremely suspenseful from beginning to end! Basically, the story-line follows an ordinary family on a journey back in time to the prehistoric Earth as a small part of a daring experiment to save the human race. It starts in 2149, and the world is dying. Everything is overdeveloped and overcrowded, and most plants and animals are extinct. So this journey is to try to rebuild civilization and have a second chance to get it right this time. Little do they no it's not the paradise they were expecting... So interesting - we recorded the whole series!

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THE PLAYBOY CLUB

I have a feeling this is going to be one of my favorite shows this season. The Playboy Club! This is a crazy series! I missed the first week, but you bet it's recorded for the full season. It basically centers the bunnies and the patrons from the original Playboy Club in Chicago in the 1960s. So suspenseful, sexy, and I love it!

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BAD GIRLS CLUB

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I don't normally watch the Bad Girls Club, but this season is very special to myself and Ruthie, as we are good friends with and went to high school with one of the bad girls! I am nervous as hell as I watch this because our friend, Cheyenne, is in the middle of a bunch of crazy girls in this house in New Orleans! I remember when Chey and I were working out at the gym just a month before she left to record the show she was kind of nervous too, but was so ready to take it on. I love this girl! You guys should watch it and support her! :-) love you Chey! You can follow her on twitter @ShaeBaby07e.

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ONE TREE HILL

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Okay. So I know One Tree Hill's new season isn't out until January, but I had to do this. This show has been almost like a plague to all the girls in my family, all my girl friends, and to some of the blog girls like Courtney from Sweet Tooth Sweet Life, and a lot of my girl friends at Dell. At first I thought this show was a goofy show that I wasn't about to watch. Well, my friend Olivia ALWAYS made me watch it when I came over and eventually what do you know? I bought seasons 1-7, and am now about to buy season 8. I've watched every episode made because it is so addicting. I mail my mom and sister the seasons when I'm done watching them. It's crazy! The show is basically a realistic soap opera about 20 something people. Sophia Bush is one of my favorite rising actresses and plays "Brooke" in this show - and is a young successful designer who is strong minded, caring, and hilarious. She even does one of my favorite dances, the Molly Ringwald dance...

I highly recommend it, but don't make your men watch it -- Scott hates it... haha!

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Last but certainly the most important one... 

***NFL FOOTBALL***

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From fantasy football to watching my Saints play, there is a huge bond with myself and football. I grew up with 4 boys so there was nothing but sports, wrestling, and basketball in our house. I loved every minute! So yes, every Sunday you will see me with a laptop and a beer in my hand cheering on my fantasy team and watching games with Scottie! It's seriously my favorite time of year!


We also watch House Hunters, Family Guy, Seinfield (duh who doesn't love the Elaine Dance!?) and the OCCASSIONAL Conan when there is a fab celebrity on... but these are my favs!


What shows are you loving right now??? I want to know so I can catch an episode!! 


PS. Stay tuned for a post from Scottie tomorrow as we link up with Mrs. T Naturally!!

Louisiana Love

Today I'm linking up with Michelle over at The Vintage Apple for "Oh, How Pinteresting Wednesdays!" I just found out yesterday that Scottie and I are taking a road trip to my home town, Baton Rouge, at the end of October. I've been trying to visit for a while but our work schedules have been so busy and haven't been able to go. I planned most of the year to get this time off to go so I can see my Dad, as it will be the 1 year mark of his going with the Lord on Oct. 31st. I can't believe it's been a whole year...

Another reason is to stay at my mom's new house she just bought and has no idea how to decorate it! I have been trying to get her on Pinterest but I guess we'll just have to decorate together!! Super excited about that.

Lastly, for as long as Scott and I have been together (4 years and counting...), we've never been able to go to Lousiana together, so guess who is about to meet my whole fam?! His family and mine are a lot alike and both come from real small towns so I think it's going to go great! :-)

Plus the LSU TIGERS are ranked #1 right now (ahhhhhh yeahhh!!)
Geaux Tigers!! Tiger town is going to be awesome!

So for today's link up,
my theme is going to be "Louisiana Love".... enjoy!


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 I can't wait to go home!! :-)

Before I get back to work, I am also linking to my older brother Jeff's blog as he is training for a marathon race that he has started in honor of our dad and raising funds for the Esophageal Cancer Education Foundation. Basically raising money to help the research of this cancer, as most of everyone who finds out about having this cancer they are already at stage 3, like my dad who only found out 6 weeks beforehand. Check out his blog below, I am so so proud of him!

Forty Years and Running

ECEF Fundraiser Page!

I am so proud of my brother for all of his hard work!

If you think that's awesome, look at my sister-in-law, his wife Jennifer. I have to brag on these two as they are a power couple! Jennifer is an amazing author of two books about Single Parenting and her journey as she grew close to God and she has appeared on the 700 club show twice and travels around the US encouraging and helping Single mothers all around! Below is a link to her blog which can lead you to her books, videos, etc!

Jennifer Maggio

Check out her #1 Amazon books here and here!

I am so lucky and blessed to have such amazing siblings who are so close with God and encourage others and make such a huge difference in peoples lives! I can only hope once I earn my RN degree I can start doing the same. For starters though, Ruthie is going to be so excited that we are attending a church for the first time in years, and it happens to be Gateway!

For so long I've never turned the radio station off of Christian music because it brightens my day and I can't even describe the connection I feel to my dad when I listen to it. I can be enjoying my day thoroughly driving to the mall or to work and start tearing up with all the love I have for God and my dad when I hear it in music. It's amazing... and I'm so excited to extend that horizon and start growing closer and closer within the Church. :-) EEK!

Sorry for the long post but I felt like I just had so much to say!! hehe... have a great day everyone!

Who are you? From A-Z

Since I am still with no camera *tear*, today I thought I would take advantage of this little game I saw on beautiful Amy Rene's blog, "Crazy, Random Happenstances." <<-- her blog is so cute! (and she has a giveaway going on right now!)

This is a great little "get to know you"game.. so here is the A-Z's of me!!


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 A. Age: 22
B. Bed size: We have a Queen size bed right now but I am hoping we can get a King size once we have a bigger place or a house.
C. Chore that you hate: Dishes if they haven't been rinsed already and cleaning the bathtub. It's so awkward moving around!! lol
D. Dogs: Oh you better go check out little Huxley right now. :-) hehe! Our cute little 13 wk old Boston Terrier.
E. Essential start to your day: Walking Hux in the morning, breakfast with either coffee or diet coke, and a shower!
F. Favorite color: Shades of green, burgundy reds for home decorating and some purple
G. Gold or Silver: I have always been a White Gold or Silver kind of gal, but I've just started wearing a little gold and I like it!
H. Height: 5' 5"
I. Instruments you play: I used to play the piano as a hobby and clarinet in school, but I can't play jack anymore lol. I sing!?
J. Job title: Business Sales Consultant/Account Manager for Small Businesses... exciting I know!
K. Kids: None yet! Not for a few years.
L. Live: Austin, Texas baby!
M. Mother’s name: Margaret, but she goes by Ellen to family (middle name) and "Mama" to me.
N. Nicknames: Let's see.. Panda (my little brother Colin and my friend Olivia call me that) Amanhigh (umm.. that was back in high school don't know where that came from eek! haha my girl friend Krista still calls me that...) and my coworkers call me "Maggio!" or "Maggiano!" <--which is part of my blog title :-)
O. Overnight hospital stays: None for me since I was a baby! I used to get bronchitis as a baby every single December until I was about 5 which is also my birthday month.. I'd be there for weeks. Now I am never sick!..... *knock on wood*
P. Pet peeves: Slow drivers, people that drink out of the milk jug, people that don't wash their hands after using the restroom, people that aren't grateful or are snobby. List could go on...
Q. Quote from a movie: One of my all time favs: "Janice, I apologize to you if I don't seem real eager to jump into a forced awkward intimate situation that people like to call dating. I don't like the feeling. You're sitting there, you're wondering do I have food on my face, am I eating, am I talking too much, are they talking enough, am I interested I'm not really interested, should I play like I'm interested but I'm not that interested but I think she might be interested but do I want to be interested but now she's not interested? So all of the sudden I'm getting, I'm starting to get interested... And when am I supposed to kiss her? Do I have to wait for the door cause then it's awkward, it's like well goodnight. Do you do like that ass-out hug? Where you like, you hug each other like this and your ass sticks out cause you're trying not to get too close or do you just go right in and kiss them on the lips or don't kiss them at all? It's very difficult trying to read the situation. And all the while you're just really wondering are we gonna get hopped up enough to make some bad decisions? Perhaps play a little game called "just the tip". Just for a second, just to see how it feels."
-Wedding Crashers
R. Right or left handed: Right
S. Siblings: I have 1 sister Maddie (13yrs), and 4 brothers (crazy!) there is Jeff and Chris (40 and 34), they were my dad's kids before he married my mom, and then Nick who is 20, and then my little step brother Colin... you can see them on the Who's Who page!
T. Time you wake up: Usually 8am on weekdays, but my work schedule is changing to 7am starting Monday so it WILL be 5:30am (eek!) and as late as I can on weekends, but that ends up being about 9am lol.
U. Underwear: Private!! Actually, depends on the day... I hate panty lines, though. And that's all I'll say there. **taking that exact answer from Amy haha**
V. Vegetable you hate: Omg I can't stand Eggplant, Asperagus, Mushrooms, or Olives. Dude you don't even have to tell me - I'm a disgrace to my Italian origin. haha
W. What makes you run late: Me! Not only do I procrastinate a lot, but I'm pretty sure I procrastinate procrastinating. I am organized, but lazy. For some odd reason I work better under pressure so I tend to always still be JUST on time and always meet my deadlines by the deadline lol!
X. X-Rays you’ve had: Dental, and my Neck as I got hurt in high school and damaged some vertebrae in my neck and upper back.
Y. Yummy food that you make: Duh everything! You can see all my masterpieces right here.
Z. Zoo animal: Tigers and Pengiuns! I'm an LSU tiger and have loved tigers all my life, but pengiuns melt my heart with their cuteness!!


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 I recommend everyone to do this! It was fun and hopefully you know me a little better :-).

Date Week

Last week, I had a pretty stressful week... working late trying to crunch in numbers to hit my goals for the end of this month, tons of meetings early in the mornings, my camera died, and worst of all... hit a bump in the road with my favorite person in the world, my boyfriend.



Sorry, I had to use this pic of us as it is too hilarious. Taken at the Pecan St Festival in ATX
...after many drinks of course.

After this insane week, on Friday night I got a text from him. Wish I had an iphone so I could capture it in a pic and post it, it was so sweet. To sum it up, Scott said it had been a hard week for the both of us, and he would be so honored if I could let him take me to dinner, and he'd pick me up at 8pm if I said yes.

I don't know about you ladies in relationships, but isn't it 100x more romantic when they ASK you to dinner over a phone call or text? Like a first date?!

So after work I had attended a Mary Kay party my girl friend Mandi hosted, and stayed for just a glass of wine and some facials, but got home in time to pretty up and get ready for this date.

When he picked me up we went to Carinos, it was close by and I was in the mood for a good hearty meal after eating practically eating nothing but PB&J's and HealthyChoice soups all that week.



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 When we got there Scott chose to order us a bottle of wine! Ow Ow! This never happens we are beer drinkers by far... My favorite Red Wine is Pinot Noir because of the distinct taste and strawberry/pomegranate after taste instead of the dry aftertaste some red wines give. We had Mirrasou.



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It was a delicious wine! The only problem with me and wine is I love it toooo much. ;-) For as expensive as they sell these wine bottles, I had to pace myself to keep it at one! lol but it went great with dinner.

Usually you'll want to eat red meat with wine, but I really don't follow those standards as I'm not a huge fan of white wine at all. Scott ordered the Homestyle 16 Layer Lasagna and I ordered a Chicken Bowtie Festival. It's a combination of Chicken Bacon and Bowtie noodles tossed in an Asiago Cream Sauce with tomatoes. I order it every time... it's amazing! My favorite part of Carinos as well is their Bread and Roasted Garlic crumbles in an Olive Oil/Balsamic Vinaigrette.



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Carinos was fun because we finally got to sit down and enjoy a nice meal and be able to communicate with each other about the issues we were having, and even though they may not be completely resolved, it's nice to know we both are dedicated to working this out together and build our relationship even stronger.

Saturday and Sunday were spent watching football and visiting our family friends, Roger and Colin.

On Monday it was back to work, and what did I come home to?
An immaculate home with a bathed dog and Smokey Mo's BBQ! Oh, and Monday Night Football!! It felt so nice to not have anything to do when I got home but kick off my shoes grab some dinner and relax with my man.



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On Tuesday I get another text from the loverboy, asking me on another date! As this is obviously not very usual, I could tell he was really taking something I had said about us not going on dates just the two of us very often and I wanted more quality time very seriously, so I texted him and let him know we didn't have to go out all the time! He of course texted back and let me know that he understands, but he was really craving the endless shrimp at red lobster. Haha I'd never been so I said yes. :)

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Again it was so nice to sit down and be able to talk about just anything going on and have a great time. I am almost 100% certain we did not talk about work or stress related topics at all. Isn't that so nice? Ahh I love it. I love him.

Yesterday I started my new schedule which will be 7am-4pm (yikes! hello starbucks!) and as some of you know he works 1pm-10pm. Talk about completely opposite schedules. I'm in bed by the time he gets home! Well I tell you what, I was home and just ate some leftovers and when he got home late he did too. Since I was in bed watching TV fallin asleep he came in and watched tv with me until I was konked out and went and played Madden with some buddies online. Did I mention he brought me home a present??


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 Apparently the Israeli girls at work have been beggin him to get this straightener for me from HerStyler. From what they say it is 10x better than the Chi, doesn't damage your hair, and Scott said she's done so many tutorials in front of him, he literally straightened my hair last night and sold me on it haha. It was absolutely hilarious and so sweet! I also got some high-end shampoo and conditioner. Did I mention I have the sweetest boyfriend in the world?? Be jealous ;-) Jk.

I just have to say this week of dates has been so great for our relationship/friendship and am totally braggin on my hunny! He really has stepped up and is wanting to make things so much more romantic and fun between us. Sometimes work and stress in our lives can take us away from what's really imporant... and he's made me feel so special and closer to him as a friend and as his lady.

Oh How Pinteresting: Home Decorating Edition

Today I started my new work schedule - 7am-4pm. Holy cow I am tired! Good news is we have a Starbucks cafe in our building about less than a minute of walking distance away. Well, that could be a bad thing too... I am in love with the Pumpkin Spice Latte and seem to be buying one every day lately. I need to start bringing my to-go coffee cup to work! Anyway, still get weekends off yay and work has been stressful but super productive lately which makes me feel good. :)


I wanted to do a Home Decorating Edition with the Pinterest link-up today as I feel like I have all these great ideas, but I never put them to good use in my home! It's still just as bare as it was when I moved in...in April :(. I know! I'm terrible at these things! So here is where I'm going to post some ideas, and you're gonna have to help me stay motivated to get my house lookin' home-y already!


Click here to follow me on Pinterest!



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I like the mirrors hanging on the wall behind the couch. I have a huge wall above my big couch, and have yet to find the wall hanging I feel would compliment the big wall, so maybe mirrors would be a better fit.



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This is a frame with no backing with the sticker letters. What a great DIY project for a nice wall hanging! I literally have one big wall hanging photo collage deal I got from Kohls, so more picture frames around the house like this or with pictures in them would definitely be a good thing...

Where do you usually get good deals on frames?



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Tell me this isn't another adorable DIY Picture hanging key holder. Now, it'd be too small for us for the key holding because of our gi-normous wall, but I think it'd be cute in the bathroom to hold necklaces.... no?

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I absolutely love the clean, fresh neutral look of this bedroom. We have bedroom furniture, but still need an actual headboard, and some decor! Even our comforter is older, I was looking at some duvet covers to put over our down comforter.... I feel like all these new awesome bed sets are either too silky, or too rough!



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Who doesn't want to just jump on this bed!??! Looks amazing! I love the lamps, the comforter spread, and the wall hangings.

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 I am in love with this wine rack. I've been looking for something like this for so long! We are purchasing a dining room table (finally) next weekend from Garden Ridge (love this place) and I feel like this would compliment it tremendously! Our apartment isn't all that big, so keeping a million wine and liquor bottles in the kitchen is getting really cluttery! Now, I just need to find it and purchase this baby!


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I know this isn't anything extravagant, but I need this for my living room! I love the basket idea... There is a huge sale at Garden Ridge for their baskets in matching fabrics/different sizes same fabric.



So those are some ideas for now, there's tons more in my mind but I couldn't find a picture for on Pinterest! Back to work, hope everyone is enjoying their Hump Day! :) XOXO Click the pic below for more of Michelle's "Oh, How Pinteresting" link up posts!!

This Week's Recipes

I haven't had my new camera delivered yet, so I thought I would post some recipes that I am planning to make this coming week! I wanted to hold off on making new recipes that I want to take pictures of because I don't have any way to take the pics :(.

So here is a look at some ideas I got from Pinterest to make next week:



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 Some may have seen these yummy treats on Ruthie's blog when she made them for sweet Ernie! I was definitely intrigued, and can't wait to make them next week for my little chunk of cutness, Huxley!

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I've been wanting to make these for some time now! You place ham (or bread/toast works too) into a muffin pan and fill it with egg, spices, sausage etc... and put in the oven for a few minutes. Easy and cute idea for my quick early morning breakfasts!

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This is going to be my star recipe of the week! I'm all about stuffingh chicken breasts with yummy stuff as you can see here. I started following For the Love of Cooking when I found this on Pinterest. So in love with all her home-cookin' recipes!!


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This picture doesn't do it the justice it deserves, but this is Enchilada Lasagna, a faster and easier way to have enchiladas, and the other pics I saw from Pennies on a Platter were so delish!

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I am a huge fan of Tuna. Growing up my family would eat Tuna Sandwiches with french fries on Friday nights during Lent... My dad used to make them soo soo good with all the right seasonings! This is a SKINNY Tuna Melt from Weight Watchers I found on Pinterest. Does it not look amazing??

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Just got the ingredients for this fall time favorite, Pumpkin and Cream Cheese muffins! Oh lawwdy, these will be gone in my house within two days tops. Yum!!



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 This is an easy easy Crockpot recipe posted on my girl Ruthie's blog, Salsa Chicken. Scott and I are always looking for an easy yummy hearty meal, and this is jackpot for a weeknight entree.



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 This is a Summer Veggie pizza I got off of Courtney's blog over at Sweet Tooth Sweet Life and have to try it! I'm a huge fan of Boboli Pizza as you can see here and here. You'll definitely be seeing me try new recipes associated with pizza as it is one of my favs! :)


What new recipes are you wanting to try or planning to make this week??