Saturday, December 31, 2011

Pretty As A Princess

Last night was the wedding of Charlie and Cody. It was absolutely beautiful and everything you would expect from the happy couple. The night was filled with love and laughter. A wedding that I will never forget. She looked like a pretty princess.

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We have always joked about our "Nativeness". It was fitting when I told her she looked like a pretty she simply asked: Like Pocahontas? Yes, Charlie, just like Pocahontas. I am so thankful to have such wonderful soroirty sisters to share my life with.

Friday, December 30, 2011

Buttons & Burlap, A Pinterest Craft

I have some of the best friends a girl could ask for. Today I have the opportunity to see a lot of them! This evening one of my sorority sisters is saying her I do's to her high school sweetheart! She has a very special place in my heart. We both grew up in Osage County and share a mutual love for that beautiful place!

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A beautiful Oklahoma sunrise!

Speaking of beautiful, here is a picture of my Christmas present from my best friend, Kristin! She is so darn crafty!  I would never be able to pull off something like this, but she does it with such ease.  I have this sitting on my office desk and I must say, it adds some glam!

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So shabby chic!

If you haven't realized it by now, it's Friday! Not to mention, the last Friday of the year!

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Dutch Apple Cheesecake

On the last day of Christmas vacation, my true love gave to me...a day filled with a shopping spree. A big thank you to my mommy and daddy for the gift cards!

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Currently, I am resting my feet at Cheesecake Factory where I just enjoyed a slice of Dutch Apple Cheesecake. Heavenly, I think so!

Monday, December 26, 2011

Christmas Joy

When you are a tiny human, there is nothing more exciting than Christmas morning. I remember not being able to sleep with anticipation of Santa coming and bringing lots of gifts for my siblings and me to open Christmas morning. We wait upstairs waiting for our parents to give us the green light to come down. This was usually around 6:00 a.m. Christmas morning, talk about early birds!



Well, now that I have grown up...a little of that excitement is gone. However I still have an eight-year-old brother, Jack to keep the childlike Christmas excitement in the Long household. What does a right-year-old want for Christmas? I think the list of "don't want " is shorter. He has been pretty good all year long, and I think he was even on the nice list with Santa this year.


Friday, December 23, 2011

Christmas Gifts

There is something about the holiday season that just puts you in a good mood! I have been smiling today nonstop! I just like smiling; smiling's my favorite--good ole' Buddy the Elf.



Any who! Yesterday I was baking up a storm! Ended up making around eight dozen cookies. Hobby Lobby had the most adorable holiday tins, so I snatched up a handful of them. After the cookies were-were done, I stuffed the beautiful tins with the cookies. Some of the cookies are for friends, families, co-workers  and local businesses.




Thursday, December 22, 2011

Working With Color

It’s amazing how a few things can change your whole outlook.  This morning I am talking about my current work environment.  It went from being drab—to fab with a few simple steps.  To me, it is all about personalization.  Since you are spending countless hours of your day in your office, you should make it as much you as possible.  Just keep in mind that it needs to be welcoming and friendly.


Since I work with kids, I figured it would be fine for me to have a fun color scheme.  So, I went with my favorites—pink and lots of colors!  Cupcakes are something that I just adore—why not incorporate them into my office decor?  I say why not!  Obviously, I am not an interior designer by any means and I do not claim to be.  The void of color and fun in my office was the deciding factor in all of this.


Thursday, December 15, 2011

Son of a Nutcracker

The most wonderful time of the year might as well be renamed the busiest time of the year.  It has been absolute madness around here, and I have loved every single minute of it!  Not to mention, I can watch Elf as many times as I want without being judged since it's Christmas time!



The Shawnee Christmas Parade was towards the beginning of the month.  My kids worked hard on the float for almost a week.  The overall theme of the parade was “A Storybook Christmas.”  We went for something nontraditional like the nutcracker.  Everyone had a different part, and the weather cooperated—it was not extremely cold that night, and I am so thankful for that!  They ended up winning the 2nd place in the best use of theme category!


This Saturday I am having the first ever ugly Christmas sweater/Christmas cookie exchange party with my 4-H’ers.  I have been getting inspiration from Pinterest and cookie cookbooks! Yesterday I read this all time favorite. I cannot wait to see what the kids come up with. It should be a great time.  I am just really excited to have a few days with family, and I am ready to relax!





Friday, November 25, 2011

Pumpkin Pie

The day after Thanksgiving, I have a lot to be thankful for.  My family had a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration yesterday filled with good food.  Family gatherings around my house seem to always have a common underlying theme—food; lots and lots of good food.  With that said, this brings me to the point of this whole post.  Pie!  My mother is the best pie baker I know.



Lauren, my little sister is a Sr. in high school and a cheerleader.  In conclusion, my whole family is  off to cheer loud for the Pawhuska Huskies.  We are playing in the third round of high school football playoff tonight.  Nothing like being famous in your hometown!


Monday, November 21, 2011

Cowboy Nation

Friday I spent the day with two of my favorite people within Oklahoma Cooperative Extension—Greg and Cathleen.  They made the visit to Shawnee to help me understand all of this paperwork that the deadlines are vastly approaching.  Cathleen keeps up with me on all avenues of social media.  We both share have an obsession with Pinterest.  With that said she recently came across something that I had my eye on and decided to make it for me.  It was the perfect office warming present a girl could ask for.



I am so lucky to have such great people to work with.   There is something special about the bond of the Oklahoma State family, and I could not be prouder to be part of it.  Last week the Cowboy family experienced very tragic losses.  I know that we are strong, and everyone will be supportive and uplifting during this hard time.

"The bell still chimes, though no one hears. The fountain still flows, though now with tears. America's brightest orange will shine once again- lighting the way for the four, as it did for the ten."


Sunday, November 20, 2011

Blu Fine Wine & Food Brunch

I have almost always had a slight obsession with breakfast.  I think it goes back to childhood.  Growing up my mom always had the kids prepared a great breakfast.  She knew how important it was for us to have breakfast to help kick-start the day.  There would be days where my mom would make pancakes in different shapes and colors.  My favorite is red and green pancakes on Christmas morning!  Speaking of Christmas, 35 days until the big day!


Now being a grown up, I still try to have breakfast every day, even if it is something as small as a breakfast bar.  Since the weekends are wide open most of the time, I try to have a better breakfast—brunch.  Sundays are my favorite day, for this reason, take one look and you will know why.


Thursday, November 10, 2011

Chats Over Coffee

Friends are very important in our lives; each one of them bringing a different perspective from their own walks of life.  If we allow ourselves to be open-minded and listen to what they are saying, we can learn something truly beautiful.

Sunday afternoon I was in Bricktown sitting at Starbucks waiting to meet a friend.  While I was waiting, I started talking with a family made up of a: mom, dad, and a little girl.  The mom (who is an OSU graduate) is an avid blog reader; she said she reads her favorites daily.  She also knew where Pawhuska is and knew a few people from there because she worked with them during college.  The little girl being the birthday princess who might have been the most darling five-year-old I have ever seen.  Also, her favorite princess was Belle; she was like my tiny human soul mate (in a non-creepy way of course).  She was meeting with her aunt and uncle to receive her birthday present.  Then off they went to the movies, to watch Puss in Boots.  What a small world, something as tiny as a friendly conversation with a stranger, can put such a smile on your face.  I love meeting new people, especially when they have ties to OSU.  It's amazing how that bond can bring people together.

Shortly after my chat with my new friends, I found myself on the phone with my dear friend, Olivia.  She was on her way, and we were giggling on the phone while I was trying to give her directions.  For those of you who know me, you can understand what kind of struggle that truly was.  After a: turn left, no--turn right, and a simple u-turn we were reunited at last!



Please note the spelling of her name....eh yeah

We caught up on each other’s lives, telling one another the good, bad, and the ugly.  However, I must say there is hardly any drama in our lives.  Who would have thought that removing certain things from our lives would bring us each so much happiness?  That to me is a constant reminder that no one should ever settle for anything less than their ideal version of perfect.  I am so proud of each and every one of my friends; we are growing into such beautiful, mature, adults.


Monday, November 7, 2011

Fresh Frog of Bel Air

Hi, my name is Lindsey and I have a problem…I cannot get enough of OPI nail polish!  I am not sure if it is the witty name or the use of ample amounts of glitter that gets me the most.  Whenever I walk into a salon and see an OPI nail polish display, I stop in amazement.

If you don’t know what I am talking about, I am guessing that you are probably a boy and I commend your efforts for reading my blog—you must be a dear friend or you wouldn’t even waste your time.  Girls reading this, prepare your eyes for what you are about to see!



Without further ado—meet the Muppet Collection!  I snatched up the Rainbow Connection and the Fresh Frog of Bel Air. 

What are you waiting for, pick up your purse and run to the closest salon to pick up your bottle—I see you drooling!


Friday, November 4, 2011

Just Charming

Being around tiny humans on a normal basis and an owner of an iPhone; it is very important that I have a case for my phone.  Let’s be honest, our phones are sometimes more important than our best friend or man friend (no one takes offense to this please, hear me out).   For crying out loud, we spend almost every waking moment with them: checking out Twitter seeing what is happening in the world, posting a pin on Pinterest of your dream wedding, or just Facebook creeping on someone who just uploaded a photo album with an interesting name.  However you choose you to use your phone is up to you.  My personal fixation: social media overload.



Today my new phone cover finally came in and I absolutely love it!  Hunting for the perfect phone cover can take a while.  It is an accessory and something we have with us all the time.  For all, we know it could be someone's first impression of us.  Maybe I am looking to deep into the whole matter, but that is just my nature.  We will see how long this one lasts before it gets broken by me or a tiny human.


Monday, October 31, 2011

Buh-Bye Birthday


Today is the last day of my birthday month.  This time, tomorrow it will be history, 23 is down in the books.  I must say that it is not as bad as what I thought it would be.  Cheers to being: 23, young, and fabulous!



I went home and spent some time with my family, which was long overdue and very enjoyable, glad I had the opportunity to do so.  Jack Long, who is now eight years old, continues to grow every time I see him!  He is growing up so fast!

I missed OSU homecoming weekend, and everyone could not understand why…I mean don’t get me wrong, I love homecoming as much as the next person.  However, I have worked nonstop since I have started my job; I wanted some time to relax and take a deep breath.  With that said, I am sorry if I missed you while you were in town.  There will be many more occasions for us to get together and catch up.  I received many picture text messages from you all, so I feel like I didn’t even miss a beat!  Thank you for that!


Thursday, October 13, 2011

Step Right Up


This month has been jammed packed with activities!  Currently, my Jeep has three different pairs of shoes, two umbrellas, and an oversized duffel packed with goodies.  Needless to say, I have been living out of my car because I am always driving to the next event.  The State fairs have come and gone; I will daydream of deep-fried treats on a stick until we meet again next fall.



Last night I went to the F.A.M.E. tour to see Chris Brown with Hannah.  It was the most fun I have had in a long time.  We channeled our inner high school girl, screamed at the top of our lungs, danced like crazy and didn’t pay anyone else any attention.  It was the definition of a blast.  It was so nice spending time with Hannah, we got to catch up like we never missed a beat.  Friends like that are one in a million; I am lucky to have a whole group of them—my Alpha Delta Pi sisters.


Sunday, October 9, 2011

Cowboy Boots to High Heels

What an incredible weekend filled with love and good friends.  I made the transition from cowboy boots to four inch high heels.  I spent the whole day at the Tulsa State Fair watching some of my kids show.  I ran into my favorite Starbucks in Tulsa, changed out of my stock show clothes into wedding attire.  It was an impressive transformation, to say the least.



Last night I got to see one of my oldest 4-H friends say her I do’s.  Jessie Long and I have been friends since we were 13 years old.  It was love at first sight; we had the same last name and kind of resembled each other.  During our 4-H career, we had almost everyone believing that we were cousins of some sort.  We had a lot of fun playing that card on people.  We served on the same district officer team and formed this almost sister like relationship.  Some people in your life are unique and rare, and to me—Jessie is just that.  No one will ever be like her; she is so unique and unusual.  She embraces her bold personality, and it truly is captivating.


Chers to you Jessie, may you, and your husband have many years of happiness; may the love you feel today grow with each day that passes.



Monday, October 3, 2011

Warning, May Cause Office Dance Party

I finally figured how to have a party in my office.  I am not going to lie, doing this may cause you to shut your door and have your own private dance party.  I was tempted a couple of times today and decided against it—I am trying to work on my big girl imagine.  That might make me take a couple of steps back to people just thinking I am a “sorority girl.”   Being one, I don’t think that has the negative connotation but in the workplace, it’s hard for people to take me seriously.  So thus, grown up Lindsey was born.

Back to having a dance party in your office…Britney Spears Pandora station.  This will put an instant smile on your face and will lift your spirits to making the normal Monday blues disappear.


Another thing that will put you in a great mood—mail!  Who doesn’t love a personal hand-written note that is made just for them?   I have some of the most amazing friends and family that anyone could ever ask for.  You really know how to make a girl feel special.  Thank you, Haley, for your sweet and encouraging note!

Thursday, September 29, 2011

State Fair Of Oklahoma

Tuesday I spent some time in Tulsa.  Even though it is still an hour away from home but it feels so close.  There was an instant smile on my face as I became closer to Green Country with every passing mile.  I am so partial to the North East part of the state; I think it is one of my most beautiful places on the face of the earth.  Being away from it now, I look back on growing up and think about how spoiled I was.  Oklahoma has many different looks, but nothing can compare with the place I love the most.  Enough about me going on about God’s Country…

Things have been going great; I could not be any more excited about all of the opportunities that lie ahead of me.  The only thing that is a challenge is finding the balance between work life and social life.  Right now I have no social life; work is all of my life.  With that said, there are nights that I am working late with the youth—and seeing their smiling faces makes it all worth it.  I hope they are taking away useful skills and life lessons out of everything.

I will leave you with this, my two favorite exhibits from the state fairs.  First is one that caught my eye at Tulsa and the other is from Oklahoma City.  Both very different but extremely amazing, sometimes I am so surprised by what youth can do!




Saturday, September 17, 2011

County Fair Time



I will start with saying that I am so glad that County Fair and State Fairs only come once a year.  As much as I love deep-fried food and cotton candy, I wouldn’t be able to handle it if it happened year-round.  There is a lot of work that goes into having a fair that I have never seen until now.  It was a great experience.  During the county fair, I received my first hug from a 4-H’er.  It was a magical experience that made my heart melt—that is why I wanted this job.  To make a difference in someone’s life like so many people have done in mine.


Today has been an all about Lindsey day.  Growing up my mom designated specific days for us; having four children, I think that is a must.  For example: if one of us needed to get jeans for a stock show or we had a trip coming up, it would be that child's day to get things while shopping.  Usually we all ended up getting things but that is a different story...


My day began with waking up whenever I felt like it because during the week I wake up very early to get to work.  Then I got around in no hurry, I took my sweet time.  For lunch, I had an amazing mushroom and Swiss hamburger accompanied with shopping!  Could not have asked for a better day!  That is exactly what I needed to recuperate. I am ready to take on another week of work.

Friday, August 26, 2011

Big Things Happening

The second week of work is behind me and things are going well and I could not be more fortunate.  The past two weeks have been full of nonstop action.  Work is never going to be dull, I can almost guarantee that and that is a good feeling.  I am still trying to get acquainted with everyone within the county and 4-H program.  Everyone seems to be pretty welcoming, so that is a positive.  I am looking forward to this weekend; I am worn out, mentally and emotionally.

I am not going to bore you with the details of the past two weeks.  I will give you a life update with pictures.  I feel like it is way more fun anyways!


Felix (my jeep) has now hit 60,000+ miles!  What a milestone in his young life!  Ps, I was the passenger when this occurred, so I was not taking pictures while driving.

Here are some of my 4-Her's filming a commercial for the Pottawatomie County Fair.

For three days straight there was a rainbow out on my drive to work.  Just goes to show after every storm there is a rainbow.

Here are some of my 4-Her's volunteering at the United Ways Days Of Caring.

A lot is going on in the office; I am trying to prepare for the Pottawatomie County Fair, OKC State Fair, Tulsa State Fair, the Achievement banquet, and district leadership conference.  The next few weeks should be filled with all kinds of fun activities for me and my 4-Her’s.  I encourage you all to like Pottawatomie County 4-H on facebook!

Friday, August 12, 2011

First Monday At My New Job

Monday I begin my big girl job and I couldn’t be more excited.  For those of you who have been around Cooperative Extension, you know nothing says Extension Educator like two things: attending conferences and having a phone glued to you at all times.  My phone has been blowing up the past few days with warm welcomes for all kinds of people.  It makes me happy to see everyone’s excitement.   What do you know, my first two days on the job I will be sitting at an in service and I am the only one from my office attending.  Exciting stuff, right?

I am trying to think of things that I need in my office for decoration.  The obvious ones being: my diploma framed, my Ag Leadership coffee cup, OSU gear, and well…that’s all I can think of.  I really have no idea what direction to take with this.  For all of you with big kid jobs, what are your favorite things in your office?   I do welcome any and all: fresh flower arrangements, chocolates, stamps, and stickers….etc.  I just keep thinking back to how Dr. Weeks had a couch in her office, it made it really inviting to visitors.  I want people to come hang out with me in my office.  We all know I like to talk…yeah.


This little work of art is on my wish list!  I think it is adorable and would fit perfectly in my office!

Today is the last day of Jered’s internship in Tulsa!  This weekend we will be celebrating him being complete with his internship and the beginning of my new job.  I think that a very exciting weekend is upon us!

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Job Offer

This Osage County girl is making Pottawatomie County her new home!  I just accepted a job to become the 4-H Youth Development agent there and I could not be more excited.  Shawnee seems like a great community, I cannot wait to become part of it!  Tonight I am meeting with my best friend Kristin to celebrate over dinner!  I start this upcoming Monday and for the first two days, I will be attending a conference.  I cannot wait to see what the future holds for me and what kind of doors are open.



Thursday, July 28, 2011

Rainbow Cupcakes

This heat is making it unbearable to do anything else besides stay inside.  It is almost like a snow storm because that cabin fever feeling is coming over me.  This morning I had the urge to get into the kitchen and make a cupcake that I have never made before.  My friends have always tried to get me to make these and for some odd reason until now, I have been intimidated by them.  Overall, these take some patience and a careful hand.  The finished product is so worth it.  I would have loved these as a small child; the colors are so bright and fun!  What is not to love about a colorful cupcake?  They are so great I had to share the recipe with you!

Rainbow Cupcakes

Makes 12 regular sized cupcakes

Ingredients:
3/4 cup Self-Rising Flour
3/4 cup Granulated Sugar
3/4 cup Unsalted Butter, Softened
2 Eggs
1 1/2 tsp Vanilla
3 tbs Milk
Red, Blue, Green, and Yellow Food Coloring

Directions:

  1. Start by pre-heating your oven to 395 degrees.

  2. In a large mixing bowl, use the whisk to beat sugar into butter until creamy and fluffy. The mixture should be light in color.

  3. Slowly stir in eggs and flour, making sure each is thoroughly stirred in. Mix in Vanilla.

  4. Stir in milk 1 tablespoon at a time, stirring thoroughly after each tablespoon is added.

  5. Divide mixture evenly into each of the smaller bowls.

  6. Add food coloring in this manner:

    Bowl 1- 8 drops red

    Bowl 2- 8 drops yellow, 4 drops red

    Bowl 3- 8 drops yellow

    Bowl 4- 8 drops green

    Bowl 5- 8 drops blue

    Bowl 6- 8 drops blue, 4 drops red

  7. Line muffin pans with muffin cups. Starting with purple, spoon batter evenly into each of the muffin cups, spreading slightly. Continue layering, with blue,  green,  yellow, orange, and then red.

  8. Bake for 20 minutes at 395 degrees.




I frosted them with a fresh whipped cream, it’s very simple and easy to make.  Plus it looks like a little cloud for your rainbow that you just created.  I hope that you bookmark this recipe and try it out sometime for yourself.  You will not be sorry that you did!

Monday, July 25, 2011

A Real Life Middle Sister


This post is going to be about my little, Kayla Grant because the she inspires me.  If you have never had the opportunity to meet Kayla you are missing out.  I am not sure if it is her deep swoop bangs, her sarcastic humor, or her love of black and gray clothing that makes her stand out in the world of Barbie dolls.  She is an individual and not afraid to embrace it; I truly admire that about her (even though she may not know that).  Well the cats out of the bag, Hey Kayla-You are awesome!

In other news, I am on a personal mission to make a wreath out of wine corks.  One I can keep up all year round and make fit the seasons.  With that said, I am on a wine tasting mission because I want to know every cork that will be on my wreath.  Wine is intimidating to me.  I think it was because I was always trying sips of reds.  Not the best way to jump into the wine scene if you ask me.  With much consideration I have been venturing in the white section, trying simple ones to begin with.  I have made some progress in the past couple of months.  I feel like I am finally able to have a greater appreciation for wine.  I don’t make a face after each sip like I did when this whole thing  first started.

Here is how Kayla ties in, this past weekend I came across this bottle.  I was intrigued and could not let this bottle pass by me.  This particular middle sister, tiny stick figured girl with attitude just like Kayla Grant, a real life middle sister.



So here is a toast, I raise my glass to all of you middle sisters out there!  You have been in a tough spot until now.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Fabulous Grownup Life

Sometimes life comes at you fast and things happen when you least expect them to.  For example: being grown up.  One night while in college you are hanging out with your sorority sisters on the couch, laughing hysterically while watching YouTube videos about kittens.  Out of nowhere, all of a sudden wahhhmmmo (cue Jaws Music)!  You are out in the real world, looking for a job, moving, and then working your life away like a slave.  All of this really makes me wonder, is this what it is all come to?

Here is my stance on this whole situation: Being grown up is as fabulous as you want to make it.  So here is a toast to all things glamorous, wonderful, magnificent, and everything in between! With that said, I am going to enjoy a cupcake and get a good laugh in while watching kittens inspired by kittens.



Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Pray For Rain


Here is a preview of the "s'more" cupcakes!

Oh hey there sassy blog readers, fancy seeing you here!  The past week has been a little crazy in the life of Lindsey.  However today things are slowing down a little bit.  This afternoonI had enough time to get in the kitchen and create a cupcake recipe!  I wanted something that felt “summery” since it has been over 100 degrees for the past couple of weeks and thus the “s’more cupcake” was born.  If you don’t live in Oklahoma I am sure you cannot believe this, so here is some evidence to make this claim a little more clearly.  I took this last week while in Stillwater when I was in the process of packing up my apartment.


I also took the liberty to go to Eskimo Joes one last time as a Stillwater resident.  I ordered sweet pepper bacon cheese fries and ate them all by myself (it was like a slice of heaven)!  I was that girl but I am totally fine with it!  These are two of the things that I am going to miss the most—Eskimo Joes and “my” Starbucks.


Look at that cheesy goodness!  You know you want to hop in your car and drive to Joe's right now!

At the beginning of the week I had the opportunity to see some of my favorite sorority sisters.  I got to spend some quality time with Kristin.  Then off to brick town to go to an event to remember Emily Woods.  It had such a great turn out and I think that they made a good start with her memorial scholarship.  Sometimes all a girl needs is a dinner date with good friends just to catch up on what’s going on in the world around them.  At any rate, the job search continues; five interviews this week alone!  Things have been a little sporadic and it is keeping me on my tip-toes that is for sure.