My Cousin Rocks!

I am really not as cool as she makes me out to be but, she wrote about me anyway. My cousin Katie rocks!


And so on,
Elizabeth

Yoga Olympics 2050?

Well looky here! I am not quite sure how I feel about yoga becoming an Olympic sport but what I am sure about is that I need to start practicing!

I found this article on The Wall Street Journal this morning about the popularity that yoga has become."Going for the Gold in Yoga." Check it out!

It has always been one of my goals to start practicing yoga, or I really want to practice hot yoga. My cousin Katie and I decided to do some hot yoga or Christmas break. Ever since then I have been hooked! Well, obviously not that hooked because I did not follow through with my yoga but, after reading this article I am feeling inspired!

To the studio with my yoga mat (that I need to buy) we go!


And so on,
Elizabeth

WSJ - Good Investment for Me!

Hello it is the end of February and I have not written on this thing in SO long. Please accept my apologies because I know you have been dying for my wise written words.

Anyway, I have made it one of my goals or resolutions say you will to be more engaged in the news. Ever since I came back from Washington this past summer I have found myself interested in elections, foreign policy, and this crazy amount of debt we are in. It kind of always secretly annoyed me that all my mom watched as I was a child was Fox News (now her favorite is MSNCB - those stocks) but here I find myself doing the same thing. Call me my Gail!

More than ever (maybe it is just my maturity kicking in) I feel just how important it is to be aware of the world and what is going on. Whatever is going on in Washington is/will be effecting ME! Not only that, but here I am graduating college in May and don't I want to be able to hold a mature conversation with my co-workers? So, I bought a subscription to The Wall Street Journal, that my teacher may or may not have suggested, and away I went. I must say, it is the best investment I have made in myself in a long time.

That was a very round about way to finally get to my point. Tonight I was sitting on my couch, in my conversational area, in my room, in Norman, working on my public relations campaign paper that is due tomorrow, and watching Hannity. On Hannity they conducted a focus group with a group of conservatives and they were discussing the GOP primary race. Well, the first thought that crossed through my head was I want to be on TV and in that focus group. (I know, Elizabeth you will never be an actress)! But based on the questions asked my second thoughts were these:

1. Whoever wins the GOP race I will vote for in the general election, whether it is Romney, Santorum, Gingrich, or Paul.
2. I enjoy the debates. They are healthy competition between the candidates. It is important for the public to see these candidates hash it out and vie for our vote. Presenting their points, defending their answers, and having friendly debates are a critical component to the opinions that the public forms about each candidate.
3. I do however do not like this cattiness that has popped up. I feel these recent jabs at one another are too, not to the point. They need to speak closer to the issues that are so needed to be fixed.

Who do I want to win? Well let's just say I have two candidates that are still vying for my vote.


And so on,
Elizabeth Jones

The 21 Rules of Surviving a Super Bowl Party

Today is the day. The Super Bowl is here.

Here is a funny article that I found, enjoy Super Bowlers!

The 21 Rules of Surviving a Super Bowl Party. I particularly like the sush-ing rule..

Have fun watching the Super Bowl, whether your favorite thing to do is watch the game, watch the commercials, or eat the dips!


And so on,
Elizabeth

11 Things to Know at 25ish

Here it is, looming before me, my last semester of college. I have not had a total freak out about graduating quite yet but, I suspect it is coming soon.

Here is a great article that one of my friends showed me. I am trying to hold these words close to my heart (easier said than done) as I am quickly coming upon 25. I am just getting a little head start I like to think! 11 Things to Know at 25(ish)

I not have only showed about everyone I know this article but I have also posted it in every status I have; Twitter, Facebook, and Linkedin.

Enjoy!


And so on,
Elizabeth

Bizzell Rave

Yes, we did it. We attended the legendary Bizzell Rave. My only regret is that I did not crowd surf!
Last year during finals week OU students gathered together and synced their music together and raved in the library. It was supposed to be a silent "rave" but that did not work too well. Last year we did not attend probably due to our laziness so this year we decided we needed to go! Since after all it is our last year!

So at 10:30 on the dot along with hundreds of other OU students, to take a little study break from finals, we raved in the library!
Now we will go down in history just like the rave. BOOM BABY!


And so on,
Elizabeth

Hot Spinach & Artichoke Dip

Here is the recipe to my Spinach and Artichoke dip that I made for the Christmas Party!

Ingredients:1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach
2 (13 3/4-ounce) cans artichoke hearts
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1 cup grated pepper jack cheese
Add a little garlic powder to add some flavor (Your call on how much)

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a casserole dish with nonstick spray.
2. Heat the spinach in a microwave oven on high for 5 minutes and squeeze dry. Drain the artichoke hearts and coarsely chop in a food processor.3. Combine all the ingredients except the jack cheese in a large bowl. Stir well. Scrape into the prepared casserole dish and sprinkle the jack cheese on top. Bake for 30 minutes. Transfer to a chafing dish and keep warm over a low flame. Serve with bagel chips or pita chips (which is what I used).

So, I do not have a picture of the final product. But from one food lover to another it is definitely worth making!


And so on,
Elizabeth

Happy Birthday Ma!

Happy birthday to my momma!!

My friend @jillekemp is always looking out for me. I can't believe she would think I would NOT know my MOM's own birthday! This is the lovely text message I received in the morning.

How could I forget, my loving always nut of a momma, who I love so much birthday! I can't wait to get home and cook all the wonderful dishes we have planned! The other day I was on the phone with her for 1 hour while she was in the grocery store. We were discussing all the yummy foods we are going to cook while I am home! (I decided that I want to learn to cook).


And so on,
Elizabeth

Tis the Season!

Tis the Season for Holiday parties and the whole shabang!

This Friday we had our annual Secret Santa Christmas Party! Now that we are all not living in the Theta house anymore and I am not able to go snuggle with one of my friends in the middle of the night if I were to have a bad dream (I have never done that, but now that I am thinking about it I wish I had!) we find it difficult for all of us to get together. Our schedules are all so differnt and not to mention CRAZY so little things like our Christmas Party are always exciting to look forward too!

SO, thanks to Alex, such a little party planner, she sent us e-vites and our Secret Santa. It is a requirement that everyone bring their gift and a tasty treat!

I opted to making spinach and artichoke dip that is cooked in the oven. Goodness I am such a whiz in the kitchen!(Obviously, I was not in my Christmas outfit yet).

Jilly made queso, duh.
Alex brough some puppy show.
Emily made white chili..YUM!
Taylor brought toffee bars.
Lofo, classic oreos.
Kinnon, guacomole.
And Kara and Erica of course brought the wine. Let the fun begin!

Fun Fact: Kinnon is obsessed with Beyonce. Whenever I walk into our house I can tell Kinnon is home by the noise that is playing.. "Single Ladies" "Love on Top" I know all the words.

Anyway, Emily had Kinnon for her Secret Santa. So Emily got Kinnon the Beyone DVD of her live performance. We popped that sucker into the DVD player and the rest was history. We watched, sang, and danced ALL night long.

I got a scarf from my favorite little ricky! It is SO NY.
Our Christmas Party was a hit and SO much fun as a little break from studying for finals!Boy, do I love my friends!


And so on,
Elizabeth

Happy Turkey Day!

Happy Turkey Day!

You never know what to expect with a Jones Thanksgiving, or really any day of the year. Here is the text message that I received along with everyone else in my family about our Thanksgiving.She did not stop there. She then proceeded to call me and as soon as I picked up the phone she began laughing. She knew what my response was, one big large eye roll over the phone. The saddest part about this text message is that when I showed my friends they said Elizabeth, this is something that you would do. OH NO! I am turning into my MOM.

Thanksgiving started early for me and my cousin Katie. Bright and early at the Turkey Trot that is held every year in Dallas! This is my battle wound from the race. I tripped and ate it. The parakeet hands (that is what my friends call them because they are so small) were injured. I was running and the ground was uneven. With 44,000 people I was doing a lot of dodging and weaving, so I guess it was bound to happen to someone. I was actually upset with my cousin because she told me that a cute boy behind me was going down to help me back up. Why didn't she push me back down when I was already down!

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the year. It is full of family, friends, and food. A few of my favorite things. There is no stress of presents and holiday parties, which don't get me wrong are always fun. But Thanksgiving is just a relaxing fun and marks the beginning of the best time of the year!

Sometimes I feel we do not give thanks enough for everything we do have, no matter how big or how small it is. Right now as I am in the midst of trying to figure out what I am going to do with my life and how I am going to do that, putting it broadly, I really do not give thanks enough. Really I should be so thankful, even though sometimes I like to throw myself a pity party.


So this year when I came home I am thankful that I have this bundle of joy to cuddle with when I go home.
I am so thankful that I have this group to come home to and know that things will never change between us. But I am also thankful that I have a new group at college.

I hope everyone had a great and thankful Thanksgiving!


And so on,
Elizabeth

Full Hearts. Clear Eyes. Can't Lose.

This weekend was a whirlwind of fun. Well, except for the practice GRE test I took Saturday morning. I am kinda at that point right now where I have NO idea what I want to do. So, as a result I am swimming in the deep end of the pool and clinging on to anything that sounds appealing. My thought process so far about going to grad school is that I have an extra 1 1/2 years to decide what I want to do. See, doesn't that sound tempting? If you have any ideas about what I should do with my life please send them my way!

After the test we had a roadtrip to Lawton, Oklahoma to see these two get married!Congratulations Teea and Jordan! She made a beautiful bride and it was filled with yummy food and plenty of dancing on the dance floor. Geeze louise, my life is filled with people either getting engaged or married. One day mother, one day.

The cherry on top of my weekend was the Emmy's. I am a big sucker for anything entertainment. It's true. True life, I secretly wish I was famous. I could not be any more excited that Ty Burrell and Julie Bowen won from Modern Family. It was no surpise that Modern Family and Mad Men as a whole came away with the two big wins. But the second cherry on top was that Friday Night Lights, the best television show ever created, won two Emmy's. Coach Eric Taylor won best actor in a drama series. Full eyes, Clear hearts, Can't lose. Oh it gives me chills every time.The boys from Entourage presenting. If only there was another season..

I can not wait for all the new television shows that premier this week! Happy Monday!


And so on,
Elizabeth

Happy 1/2 Birthday!

In this household we celebrate all birthdays, even if it is just your half. Just the other day me and one of my oh so lovely roommates Emily...decided that celebrating our half birthdays would be so much fun to do. Hello, who would not want another reason to celebrate the birth of the two of us! Now I do not know if you know this but I am a GREAT talker, dreamer, but not doer. So here we were talking about what a birthday party celebration we would have, including a theme of course, when she looked at the date and goes, "Oh look! My half birthday is just in a couple of days!" Whoopsie, I talked too soon.

So last night I was washing my face, putting my acne medicine on, popping my retainer in, you know just my normal nightly routine for getting ready for bed when I received this little text message..The day was upon us, her half birthday. That little weasel, of course she would remember. Your wish is my command!

So this is what she got. I grabbed my printer paper and highlighters and got to work making signs for all over the house pointing her in the direction to her special surprise. (I had no idea what was going to be her special surprise. I just figured I would write that there was one).I thought this one was especially funny.

So yes, there was a surprise after all. I wrote a sweet little note telling her that her surprise were infinite hugs and kisses from yours truly. Oh, and a half bottle of wine from our kitchen. Aren't I so sweet?

So happy half birthday emily. I only hope that your real birthday can be as special as your half was!Just getting ready for the career fair this morning. She is just as happy as a clam.

Oh and I must tell you that I did get up early this morning. I am currently drinking coffee and watching the Today Show. Look at me go!


And so on,
Elizabeth

Meg's Engaged!

This weekend was nothing short of wonderful. One of my dear dear friends got engaged! Now if I am being honest she genuinely is one of the coolest girls I know.

So here is the story: Megan, Stephen (her fiance now), and a few others went to Grand Lake Saturday morning to spend the day at Stephen's grandparent's lake house. All together there were eight of them. They went tubing and basked in the sun all afternoon I am sure. That evening they got all dolled up and made a delicious meal of chicken, wedge salad, kabobs, and I can not remember what else. Here comes the good stuff. The plan was for Stephen to take her on a walk and that was when and where he was going to pop the BIG question. So after dinner and a little persistence from Stephen, Megan gave in and went on a walk with him. He told her he had something to give her and held up a red journal. Now, Stephen is a romantic in the first place so this was not very suspicious. In the journal were letters that he had written since the first time he told her he loved her in February. As they were talking by the lakeside he started reading those letters and well I bet you can guess the rest.

Our part: Stephen wanted to throw her a little surprise party once she got back at the house with all of their friends. Geeze he is good! Grand Lake is actually about three hours away from Norman and we were suppose to get there at 8:30. So we hopped in the car and headed out on a little road trip! WAHOO. Really though, they are one of my favorite things to do. Along the way, we had to stop and get the ultimate road trip food, McDonald's. Since we were suppose to get there when it was dark, it would not be right if we did not get lost. But do not worry we caught it early. Once we were there and got the cue to enter the house the team began to work. The boys hung streamers, while the girls laid out the snacks. I will just let the rest of the pictures explain the rest of the evening, since pictures are much better than words.

The whole surprise gang.Waiting for them to arrive.So excited!

Right when she walked in the front door. She had no idea we were there yet. This is my favorite!SURPRISE!Telling her mom! Her brother and dad did not want to tell her mom the day she was getting engaged because they did not think she could keep a secret (haha!).Our ring pops do not compare to her bling.Telling the story.

We then went back to Kasey's lake house and had a sleepover. Saturday night was perfect. I am not even a cry-er and I wanted to so badly because it was so darn touching. Megan and Stephen are so cute and I can not wait for them to bein their next stage in life together.


And so on,
Elizabeth

Morning Time Bliss

I have come to the realization this morning, after my twitter tweet was such a trending topic, that I am not alone when I say morning time, coffee, and the Today Show are the greatest. Look at how cute I am in the morning! (Hello, duh, I am jOke-ing).
And I twit," I just love the morning time! A little coffee and the Today Show, what could be better?"

Within the minutes the retweets I received were:

@AlisonABeck: Sleeping? (Obviously a hater on morning time. Do not mind that one).

@Vivianclair: @klgandhoda are my main girls

@jenlempges: agrees too!

@AmandaAStaley retweeted @jenlempges: Nothing!!

Now let's face it. There is a fairly large chance that I am going to to need a nap this afternoon to make up for my early morning. But it is a nap I am willing to take. The morning time is just so relaxing. I like to picture myself getting up, making my bed, getting caught up on email, and watching the news. I even find that I am so much more productive when I get up early. Now I am not saying by any means that I I am a frequent morning-er. I always think, I will get up early and go run. Yep, nope, that has not happened. But a girl can dream right? Maybe one day my fairy-tale morning will become more of a reality. Until then, I will just have to cherish this wonderful morning that I had today.


And so on,
Elizabeth

Boomer Sooner!

There is nothing like the beginning of college football season! BOOMER SOONER.
Game day festivities started off with a little Saturday game day brunch at Theta. (I am feeling very nostalgic this year being a senior and not living in Theta. I go to the Theta house almost every day because I miss it so much. I am sure everyone thinks I am nuts. Oh well, I am.)

Then let the tailgating commence! The game did not start until 7 p.m. but we Sooner fans like to start early. We started waltzing down Lindsey Street at noon. Lindsey, for you non-Sooners, is the main street that goes right through campus and by the stadium. If you want to be a name tailgate, then you will be on this street. It was by far the best game day yet. I can already tell it is going to be a great season!

Oh and I suppose I should give a shout out to those Baylor Bears. They won against TCU. (Baylor is where my cousins go/went to school and where my mom prayed that one of her children would go). Sic'em Bears!

We won by the way against Tulsa...of course. Only 17 days until the next home game. I think I can, I think I can..


And so on,
Elizabeth

Wynter Gordon, ROCKS.

This girl really, really rocks. Take a listen for yourself.

Since I do not know how to upload a video quite yet THIS will just have to work. And I just can not get over that FRO!


Happy listening!


And so on,
Elizabeth

Long live the Mockingjay!

After one month of living vicariously through Katniss Everdeen and literally dreaming about being the Mockingjay I have finished The Hunger Games.


They are Must reads. Must reads. Must reads. Must reads. Must reads. Must reads. Must reads. Must reads. Must reads. Must reads. Must reads. There is simply nothing else I can say about them. The Hunger Games are easy reads and once you start you just will not be able to stop.


Finally I can begin my homework for school. Long live the Mockingjay and District 12!


And so on,
Elizabeth

Jill entered, Jill won

With the first week of school behind us. It is never too early for a little Dallas vacation! I had a great weekend with my friend Jill, courtesy of KISS FM. Yes that is right, Jill entered and won.

But first off I had this sweet care package sitting at my front door Friday morning from my cousin Katie. It was a happy senior year/let's plan a trip to Austin soon to visit William surprise. She is too good to me!
So Jill entered, spontaneously, a contest online with KISS FM earlier this summer. Well the week before last she got a call saying she won! It included a free trip to stay at the Hotel Palomar for two nights in Dallas, airfare to and from, and two tickets to see Patrick Stump (the ex-lead singer of fall out boys) at the House of Blues. So obviously I volunteered myself to go with her for a VIP weekend. What are friends for, right?

Look we matched going to the airport! I knew it was going to be a great weekend from that point. (Please do not judge my appearance though, I was a little tired).
One of the perks about the hotel was their wine tasting from 5 p.m. - 6 p.m. in the lobby. The perks of being 21! (I am still getting used to it). We decided to get a tasty strawberry and watermelon sangria. Do not worry we got the receipt too. Friday evening we ate at one of my favorite restaurants, Mi Cocina. In fact, we made a three hour dinner out of it. Hey, we had nothing else to do. So we did what we do best, people watched. We sat in the balcony and all around us were couples who were unmarried. After brooding for a few minutes about not having a boyfriend we began dissecting the relationships based on their body language. If only there was a major for people watching.

Saturday morning we were at the pool by 9:51. We made a day out of it not leaving until 3 p.m. Other than the bees thinking I was a flower because of my colorful swimsuit for a bit, it was fabulous! They had a nice infinity pool and once again we let our eyes do the watching. We also got a lot or reading done. I am telling ya, that pool was our territory by the end of the day.

For dinner the Kemp's took us out to dinner at Neighborhood Services Tavern. It was delicious! Look at those nice burns.

Then it was time for the main attraction. The House of Blues to see Patrick Stump. Hey, hey, hey! Who knows maybe he will be the next biebs but, older version of course?? (Insert emoji winky face). The contest would not be complete without getting to meet the man of the hour of course. Even though we are not really familiar with him, I must say he is a phenomenal musician. He has range in his voice like no other and even came out playing the trumpet.
But before he came on stage there were four performers before him. Rockie Fresh, John West, and Wynter Gordon.They were all great. Wynter Gordon was our favorite though. Look at that FRO! She rocks.

So from a fun weekend in Dallas, we are fried. (Literally).


And so on,
Elizabeth