Thankful

Today, I'm thankful for:
* The sunshine
* Sonic Happy Hour
* My husband's energy
* A beautifully mowed yard
* My dog
* An easy-going boss
* Dancing with the Stars
* My blog

What are you thankful for today??

Finding the Positives

My goal this week is to find something positive in each day and not dwell on the negative. Last week was rough and I was grumpy and I didn't like it. So, this week, it's all about the warm fuzzies!

As I've mentioned, we're going to be launching a new website in four to six weeks, leaning more towards the six week mark ;) Anyways, we have approximately 120 pages that compromise our site and today, I got ONE page done! Yes, that is right, I'm excited about ONE page because it is a start! Now, I sort of feel addicted or that it is a big game because I want to accomplish more and more each day from here on out. I might be reflecting on this post in a few weeks and cursing myself, but for now, I'm going to consider it an accomplishment!

Tonight, I'll be trying out a new class at the Y called PiYo which is a combination of pilates and yoga. I figured I made it through the Yoga class last week, so I'm sure I'll make it through this too. The positive thing is that I'm getting out and exercising and I'm excercising with friends, which is even better! The negative part might be that I'll be really sore tomorrow, which to some exercise fanatics is positive, so I'll try to view it that way too, at least for today ;)

A New Do and A Precious Face

(This is the new do, not the precious face!)

I got a new do last week. I decided to grow my hair out, but wanted some kind of "style" because I didn't like how it was just hanging in my face. So, my stylist decided to cut some bangs, and I absolutely love them! It is very easy to style and most importantly, it doesn't feel like I'm all hair. I'm not so sure Brandon likes the bangs, but I think they're growing on him.

And, here's Koby. He tells me he hasn't been felling the love on the blog lately, so he and Brandon had a little photo shoot yesterday.

Evidence of the Snow

We definitely didn't get the amount of snow like my parents did in Pratt or Brandon's parents in Garden City, but it was still pretty bad. We got ice first with snow after that and ended up with about six inches of accumulation all together.

Here are a few pictures from our house:

Making A Move

Well, you might think I'm crazy, and I might agree with you, but I'm starting another blog. I've decided that I feel guilty if I clog this blog with recipes and decorating decisions and such, since it was initially intended to be a blog about Brandon and me (and Koby). So, in an effort to be a little more focused and not feel bad about posting about food and pillows and my decorating dilemmas, I've started Domestic Haven. Cheesy - yes, but it will bring me much joy!

So, come on over and take a look!

5 Random Things From Today

Because I've had time to sit in the house and reflect on life, here are five random things from today:

1. My husband feels empowered while driving his truck in 4-wheel drive. Nothing is too big for him.
2. Turkey sausage just isn't the same as real sausage when making biscuits and gravy.
3. The neighbors pounding on their frozen car can indeed be heard from inside our house.
4. If you are unsure about the stupidity level of the movie "Paul Blart, Mall Cop", you should run with your intuition and avoid seeing the movie.
5. Time spent relaxing with nothing to do is quite refreshing!

Warrior

I took my first Yoga class last night and my friends Ali and Emily joined me. I went into the class thinking it was not going to be too difficult, but about ten minutes into the class, we were doing a series of moves that started with downward dog, went into a few differnt version of the plank and back to downward dog and then into warrior and so on and it just about killed me. I kept thinking "If this is just the beginning, I just might die by the end," but thankfully, it got a little bit easier. At one point we were doing the "Happy Baby" pose (go google it) and I couldn't keep from snickering. Maybe it was the fact that we had a male teacher who was demonstrating happy baby?

By the end, I felt pretty good, but left knowing I was going to be a bit sore this morning and sure enough, my shoulders are tight. I'm not going to rule out Yoga in the future, but I think I'm going to try out a couple of other classes too.

As I sit here and type, that blizzard I mentioned yesterday is making its way into town.

I believe we have freezing rain now and it will eventually turn into the snow. I wouldn't mind the snow if we didn't have to have the ice first - YUCK! But, I know we are not going to get hit near as bad as those in Western Kansas, so I'm not going to complain too much ;)

Also, just an update on my "Day Off To Do List" - I slept in until 9:30 a.m.!!! Woo Hoo!!

A Day Off

Tomorrow, I was planning to take the day off and my mom and I were going to go shopping for our living room. We had a lot on the schedule - fabric for a chair, a rug, accessories for the buffet, lamps and a canvas for above the fireplace (Disclaimer to my husband - We weren't going to buy all of this stuff, just browsing and scheming). However, the impending blizzard has put a kink in our plans, and I have to use this vacation day before Easter or I will lose it, so I'm working on a plan:

1. Sleep in (Ha, it won't happen, but I like the thought of it)
2. Pick up the house (or I won't be able to focus on anything else)
3. Watch Food Network and HGTV
4. Plan and make a nice dinner and have it ready when Brandon comes home from work
5. Scour the internet for color schemes and ideas (since I can't do it in person)
6. Bake chocolate chip cookies - it just seems like the perfect time
7. Throw the ball countless times for Koby, who will be totally thrilled that I'm spending All. Day. Long. with him
8. Organize our closet
9. Make a menu plan and grocery list
10. Layout Brandon's sports "stuff" and devise a plan for where we'll hang some of the pieces in our basement

So, this will be my day tomorrow. What would you all do with a day off in the midst of a blizzard??

Tweet! Tweet!

Have I ever mentioned that I love my job?!?! Well, just in case I haven't, "I LOVE my job!". When I started at the Chamber, I knew that we would be rolling out a new website (which is set to launch in about a month or so, fingers crossed), but what I didn't know (but probably should have assumed) was that we would be integrating social media into the site.

So, part of my job these days has been to familiarize myself with different social media applications - Facebook, blogs, YouTube, Flickr, LinkedIn and Twitter. I already knew about most of these things, but I didn't know too much about Twitter. As I've been lurking on some local twitter sites, I've discovered the power of this little social media outlet. Yes, it is pretty much like texting (although you don't have to have a phone that is Twitter capable, it can be done from the computer), but it can reach audiences in ways that traditional media just can't and Thursday, I'll be attending a Twitter seminar over my lunch hour to learn even more. I'm very excited for this opportunity and while I'll be twittering on behalf of the Chamber, I've decided I will also Twitter for myself, too.

Now, I can just hear my mom saying "Tessa, you need to be careful with these things," because she told me that over the weekend regarding Facebook. But, I firmly believe social media is all about responsibility. Why would I put something out there that I wouldn't want my mom to know, let alone the entire world?!?!

So, if you have Twitter and would like to follow me, just follow the link to the right. And, if you don't have Twitter, then this blog can be your one-stop-shop and you can catch up with me here!

Tweet! Tweet!

15 Minutes of Fame

****EDIT****

My dad told me today it was slightly embarassing for a cattleman's daughter to enter a chicken recipe in the newspaper. He said he was thankful my last name isn't Bohn anymore.

So, I was flipping through the Wichita Eagle this morning (which is part of my job, by the way) reading about the new 13th Street bridge and then was intrigued by a pancake article in the Local and State section. As I was reading about the 30+ pancake topping options, my eyes glanced to the left-hand section of that page and suddenly, I noticed my name, printed, in the paper. I was taken by surprise for a moment until I realized what my name was in the paper for.

You see, I subscribe to the Eagle's food e-newsletter and several weeks ago, the food writer was asking for people to submit their "go-to" recipes - you know, the ones that are a safe bet for any crowd. I just happen to have a perfect recipe for that, so I thought "Heck, why not send it", and so I did. A few days later, the food writer replied to my email with something along the lines of "Mmm, that sounds really rich, but delicious". I thought he was probably just being nice (after all, he does sort of know me through my uncle Tom) and didn't think much of it after that. Then, low and behold, there it was today "Tessa Brungardt, who works for the Wichita Chamber of Commerce, says she modeled this dish on one she enjoyed at Bravo in Kansas City." - needless to say, the recipe was my Chicken Rigatoni.

So, there you have it, my 15 minutes of fame!

Six Months From Today...

...We'll be here:

We found a FANTASTIC deal online and we booked our flight and hotel yesterday! I absolutely CAN'T. WAIT. I spent most of yesterday researching tours, restaurants and Broadway shows. I also tried to find out how to get tickets to shows like Rachael Ray, David Letterman or Good Morning America. I've been to New York twice and Brandon has been once, so we're going to try to do some "not-so-touristy" activities as well and really just try to experience the city together!

So, for those of you who have been to NYC, tell me about it! For instance, I think Megan should tell about seeing this man in real life:

Another New Recipe

So, I believe this is my second food-related post in about two days, but I had to post this recipe for whole wheat pizza dough (courtesy of my sister) - it was AWESOME!

WHOLE WHEAT PIZZA DOUGH

Prep time: 5 minutes
Start to finish: 15 minutes To make ahead: The dough will keep, in a plastic bag coated with cooking spray, in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Ingredients

1 3/4 cup whole-wheat flour
1 package quick-rising yeast, such as Fleischmann's RapidRise
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon sugar
1/2-2/3 cup hot water (120-130°F)
2 teaspoons olive oil

To make:
1. Combine whole-wheat flour, yeast, salt and sugar in a food processor; pulse to mix. Combine hot water and oil in a measuring cup. With the motor running, gradually pour in enough of the hot liquid until the mixture forms a sticky ball. The dough should be quite soft. If it seems dry, add 1 to 2 tablespoons warm water; if too sticky, add 1 to 2 tablespoons flour. Process until the dough forms a ball, then process for 1 minute to knead. I put the flour, yeast, sugar and salt in the food processor to mix it up, but then transferred it to the mixing bowl on my stand mixer fixed with the bread hook attachment.
2. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Spray a sheet of plastic wrap with cooking spray and place it, sprayed-side down, over the dough. Let the dough rest for 10 to 20 minutes before rolling.
3. Roll out to desired thickness and place on a greased cookie sheet or pizza pan and bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.
4. Top partially baked crust with pizza sauce and desired toppings and finish baking until cheese is melted.

I don't really make homemade dough, because I'm always afraid it won't rise, or I'll kill the yeast or something. But let me tell you, this was so easy!

And, this was me being dramatic for photo purposes!

Warning: Shallow Post Ahead!

Okay, I think I've confessed my strange addiction to celebrity gossip on this blog before. But, in case I haven't - I have a strange addiction to celebrity gossip. For example, as we're planning our trip to NYC (note, another item on the list - hip hip hooray!), I've been digging deep into my brain trying to recall some of the restaurants, shops, neighborhoods, etc. where a lot of celebrities hang out! I would just die if I ran into someone famous while we were there!

So, with all of that said, I have stumbled across something that has consumed far too much of my time recently - celebrity Twitter sites. And, I know for a fact that they are legit because I've heard a few of these people discuss their Twitter sites on TV shows like E! News. And others take pictures with their iPhones that not just anyone would be able to take, for instance in their homes or on their vacations. So, for your viewing pleasure, I've listed several twitter sites below. To view the sites, just type in www.twitter.com/ and then the name listed :)

mrskutcher
aplusk
johncmayer
giulianarancic
RyanSeacrest
ChrisCuomo (he's on Good Morning America)
SamChampion (again, on Good Morning America)

Okay, well, that is about all I have today. I told you this was a shallow post...

Friday Night Dinner

We've had a long week here at the Brungardt household and I haven't cooked too much, so a nice dinner was certainly in store for us! Cooking is really a stress reliever for me, so it was a perfect way to wind down tonight.

The Menu:
Ranch Style Chicken (We grilled ours rather than pan-frying it in bacon grease.)
Sauteed Asparagus
Roasted New Potatoes
Tossed Salad

Here is a picture of my plate, but have no fear, I barely made it through half of my chicken!

This was a really great chicken recipe, so I would highly recommed you try it sometime!

Thursday Thoughts

Wow, I can't believe it is Thursday already - this week has just flown by! But, I'm not going to complain :) Since I haven't been posting much this week, here is a run down of thoughts for today:

* I was in Topeka yesterday for a legislative reception. It was fun to be a part of that world for a few hours, but I'm not sure I could live that life every day. I'm sort of amazed that people actually choose to be a politician.
* I had to buy new work shoes today. After yesterday, I'm tired of my old boots!
* Our small group is doing a really great study right now! It has really made me think about all of the ways the devil tries to infiltrate our lives.
* Yes, I watched The Bachelor this week. And yes, I knew ahead of time what was going to happen. But, I think I might be the only person who liked Molly. Actually, Jillian was my favorite, but Molly was second. And, I do feel sorry for Melissa, but from what I gather, she knew ahead of time it was coming. You know, everyone was so mad at Brad (the guy who didn't pick Deanna) for not picking someone, and then Jason picks someone, but has a change of heart and everyone is mad at him, so really, you can't win. Now, I'm not advocating for the show, it is TV after all, but you get my point.
* We got our love seat and new buffet in this week, but we haven't downloaded the pictures yet. However, I'm very pleased with both pieces! Now, I need to accessorize!!
* I tried another new recipe this week - Oatmeal Cookie Brownies. They were okay, nothing to die for.
* It was 84 degrees today! 84! In March!! And, to celebrate, I wore cropped pants and cute peep-toe flats to work :)
* Currently, Koby is at the foot of the bed snoring. I just love that dog!

How well do I know my Husband?

(I copied this from another blog.)

1. Your spouse is sitting in front of the TV, what is on the screen

2. Who takes longer showers, you or him?
Me - he is in and out.

3. What is one food your spouse doesn't like?

4. What would your husband say is the first thing that caught his eye about you?
My mad flower arranging skills :) No not really, I think he would probably say my smile!

5. Where did he go to high school?
Garden City High School, home of the Buffalos

6. What is his shoe size?
10.5

7. If he was to collect something, what would it be?
George Brett stuff and baseballs

8. What is his favorite type of sandwich?
Umm, maybe Turkey with cranberry sauce, veggie cream cheese and provolone - it's a strange new love for him. However, in college, he survived off of ham, American cheese, mustard and mayo.

9. How does he take his coffee?
He doesn't.

10. What is his favorite cereal?

11. Where did he go to college?
First, he went to FHSU and played baseball. Then, he transferred to K-State to major in construction science.

12. What is his favorite sports team?

Hence the George Brett collection

13. Where was your first date?

We went to dinner at Coco Bolos in Manhattan (and I devoured my entire meal) then we went to a KSU v. OU Big 12 Championship watch party and K-State won!

14. What is something I do that he wishes I wouldn't?
Clap, snap, hum or tap to the rhythm of a song while we're in a car.

15. What is his heritage?
He is PURE German!

16. You bake him a cake for his birthday, what kind is it?
It changes from year to year, but this year it was yellow cake with chocolate frosting. Last year, I think it was chocolate with strawberries and cream filling.

17. What could he spend hours doing?
Golfing, playing Wii, watching stupid movies...

18. What is one unique talent he has?
Brandon is very athletic and he can pretty much play any sport, even if he's never played it before.

19. Where is his favorite place he has traveled?

20. What is a clothing item he would never wear?
Skinny Jeans!