Ten on Tuesday (61)

This week’s questions come from Erin from Erin B. Inspired. They actually sort of depress me because it makes me think about all that I don’t like about my house. Don’t get me wrong, I’m thankful for it, it just needs work. The kind of work that we can’t afford. Regardless, go visit Erin and thank her for her questions!! They are great questions if you aren’t a Debbie Downer.

1. What type of home do you currently reside in? (house, apartment, etc.)
A house.

2. If you could completely redecorate one room in your home, what room would you pick, why, and what would you do to it?
Redecorate? Probably my living room. Although Stephen would probably never let me completely change it. We have dark wood beams, painted wood paneling (aka: smooth walls), and trim with a giant redish brick fireplace. It’s nice but not great. It just looks dated. It’s a lot like Young House Love’s new house. I’m anxious to see what they do with it.

But if we’re talking renovate? My kitchen. Completely renovate. We’re talking cabinets and walls and flooring. It’s probably just worth it to get a new house.

3. What is your favorite place to gain inspiration for your home decor style?
Most of my stuff is hand-me-down so I can’t really say I have a style. See? This topic is not good for me.

4. What is your favorite piece of decor in your home?
My red china cabinet. It is beautiful.

5. What do you want visitors to feel when they visit your home? Do you think your home gives off that feeling?
I want them to feel comfortable. No, I don’t think we’re there. Partially because my dog spazzes every time people come over and partially because I don’t know how to keep a clean house. I’ll get there one day. Ughhhh.

6. Describe your home in one word and explain why you chose that word.
Adequate.

Is that awful? Yes it is. I need to work on this contentment thing.

7. What are some predominant colors or patterns in your home?
I have a lot of green. I really like green.

8. What is your favorite room in your home and why?
The nursery! DUH! Here is the post with the nursery pictures.

9. Do you take a hands-on or DIY approach to projects around your home or do you enlist or hire help?
Stephen usually tries to fix things and he usually he can. But if it’s a tough one, we call our home warranty people and get someone comes out to help us for a mere $55.

10. Where is your favorite place to shop for home furnishings?
Under the Christmas tree on Christmas morning. Most of my stuff is hand me down or gifted. Although our amazing recliner and dining room table are from Rooms To Go. They are very grown up!

Your turn. Maybe y’all’s answers won’t me as depressing as mine.

Ten on Tuesday (60)

First of all, a very happy birthday to my bestest friend, Lyndsey!!!! I love you, Z!!

These questions came from yours truly.

1. What was the number one item on your Christmas wishlist?
I didn’t really have one. I always like to get Chapstick in my stocking because it helps replenish my supply. I usually get enough at Christmas to last until around July. I also wanted some boots. 

2. Did you get the number one item on your Christmas wishlist?
Yes. I got several packs of Chapstick, probably enough to last until close to July. And I got some brown boots and a gift card to Cavendar’s so I can go buy new cowboy boots. I’ve had mine since I was 16. My feet are not the same as they were back then and they hurt hurt hurt. Also my cousin cleaned out her closet and gaveme a pair of boots that she doesn’t wear. It was a pretty boot-tastic Christmas!

3. How long has it been since you’ve had a pedicure?
I can’t even remember. I was on maternity leave, so yeah, it’s been a while.

4. How cold is it in your city today?
Today it is supposed to be in the mid-sixties here in Houston, Texas. Yesterday was disgusting, it was in the 40s.

5. How many pillows do you sleep with?
One. And it’s one of those fancy contoured ones. I love it.

6. Can you roll your tongue?
I most certainly can!

7. Do you always buy the same mascara or do you try new ones each tube?
I used to always buy the same kind. I sold Avon and always used a certain one of those. I quit selling Avon at the end of my pregnancy because I couldn’t remember anything and it stressed me out to even think about it. So now I try random ones. What’s your favorite?

8. What’s your favorite cookbook?
The Google

9. What was your first pet?
When I was little we had a dog named Megan. (My parents actually wanted to name me Megan but they decided not to when they realized it would rhyme with my last name. I’m forever grateful.) My first pet that is actually MINE is my dog, Rookie.

10. Do you wear jewelry on a daily basis?
I wear my wedding ring every single day. I usually wear a watch and a necklace. I rarely wear anything more than that if I’m only going to work.

Your turn. Link up!

Ten on Tuesday (59)

These questions are from Sarah at Simply Sarah.

I’m a bum and I didn’t answer them this week. I KNOW I KNOW. It’s just that I had presents to wrap and Christmas cards to finish and mouths to feed and babies to cuddle and milk to pump and mail to read and it was all just TOO MUCH.

But the show must go on, so here are the questions and Mr Linky is down there at the bottom.

1. Do you do any volunteer work?
2. Do you have night and/or morning ritual?
3. Would you rather exercise or diet? Why?
4. If you would rather exercise, do you prefer going to a gym or working out at home?
5. What do you think is a huge waste of time?
6. What is one way you save time?
7. What is your current obsession?
8. What is a current obsession you can’t wait to pass?
9. Are you currently reading a book? If so, what book? Would you recommend it?
10. Since we had the 90s question last week, what’s your favorite songs from 00′s?

Here you go!

Ten on Tuesday (58)

These are from me again. I came up with these questions when I was so insanely tired that I don’t even remember them!

1. What is your favorite kind of cheese?
Very hard question. (Then why did you ask it, Chelsea?!) I love all cheese. I really love goat cheese and blue cheese and feta. OH FETA. That’s probably my favorite. But also gorgonzola and mozzarella. OH and brie!

2. Do you prefer fudge with or without nuts?
Without. I’m a fudge purist.

3. How do you feel about cats?
I feel annoyed by them. I will never own an animal that I only get to play with when they feel like it. I AM THE BOSS. Also, I hate how they ruin your pants by kneeding your thighs.

4. Meg Ryan or Julia Roberts?
I love me some Julia Roberts but I LOVE me some Meg Ryan. I wish on a daily basis that Meg had never injected her lips with a liter of collagen.

5. Do you wear a watch?
Yes I do. It’s big with fake diamonds around the face (one is missing) and a rubber white band. I love it. It was $17.

6. What are a few of your favorite songs from the 90′s?
So so many. VH1’s series on the top songs of the 90’s is one of my favorite things ever. It was on over the weekend so Stephen and I watched a bit. Pretty much all Spice Girls music makes me happy. Oh and Backstreet Boys, Alanis, and all that rap that white kids liked to sing (Jump Around, Waterfalls, No Diggity, Gettin Jiggy Wit It, etc.).

7. Do you like scented candles?
Some of them. Most of them give me a headache. I like the pumpkin and holiday scents. But really, I can only take them in small doses.

8. What do you like on your hamburger?
What the heck kind of question is this? Why would I ask this? There used to be a burger joint by our house (before Ike came and destroyed it) that had a burger called The Squealer. It had bacon mixed it with the meat. Yes ma’am! I love that. I love bacon and cheese on my burgers. I also love carmelized onions. And avocados or guacamole!

9. How often do you cut your fingernails?
ALL THE TIME. My fingernails grow so fast. I have to cut them at least every other week.

10. Do you sleep in socks?
Only if I’m really cold when I go to bed, but that’s rare.

Your turn!

(Apparently Mr. Linky worked for several of you this morning. Their system is now down. If it doesn’t work, leave your link in the comments.)

Ten on Tuesday (50)

This week is all about working out. I don’t work out, so I’m choosing not to answer these. Just imagine “N/A” as my answer to each question.

Go visit Ashley (<– link) to see her answers and to thank her for her questions. If you’d like to submit some questions (and I’d very much appreciate it), you can email me at chelsea (at) rootsandrings (dot) com.

Oh and also, I accidentally said that last week was week 50. I was wrong, it was actually week 49. I don’t think that mistake ruined any lives, but I wanted to apologize just incase.

I changed my mind, I’ll answer.

1. What does your work out schedule look like?
It looks blank.

2. What is your favorite machine to use at the gym?
The television.

3. What is your favorite class to take at the gym?
I’ve only ever taken one class and it was yoga. I like yoga but I prefer to do it by myself… without an instructor that listens to Dido and talks about breathing out bad energy.

4. Where do you shop for work out gear and clothing?
I don’t. But a few of the items on my draw from SEVERAL years ago are from Target and Old Navy.

5. If you can’t go to the gym, do you have a favorite outdoor activity?
My favorite thing to do outside is lay out on the beach. Or sit by a pool with a cold beverage.

6. What about a favorite work out DVD? If so, please share!
Biggest Loser Yoga. It’s actually pretty hard.

7. Are you more active now or when you were in high school?
In high school FOR SURE.

8. How has your dieting/working out philosophy changed since high school?
I don’t really have a philosophy about working out. I just don’t enjoy it so I don’t do it. Although I think I’m going to need to whip out The Shred or Biggest Loser Yoga if I ever want to fit into my pre-baby clothes. I told myself I wouldn’t even think about losing weight until I hit the 6 week mark. That’s on Thursday… so I may need to start thinking about it.

9. What do you do while working out– (i.e., day dream, read, listen to music, gab with a friend)?
Cry and whine.

10. What working out resolution would you like to make for yourself this year?
To do it, at least a little bit. I don’t want to hate my new mommy body, but I also don’t want to obsess about looking like I did pre-baby. (It took 9 months to put on, I’m giving myself 9 months to get it off.)

Link up!

Ten on Tuesday (50)

This week’s questions come from my friend Molly (<– click to visit her). I would say that she is a real life friend, but she isn’t… yet. But don’t worry, we have it in the planner to meet. The theme of this week is Figuratively/Literally. Creative! I love creative themes!

Enjoy.

1. What keeps you up at night? (figuratively)
Unsure future… mostly revolving around money. How will we get another car? Will I ever make more than I do? Will I ever be able to be a stay at home mom? Are we ever going to be able to afford to update our house? Etc.

2. What keeps you up at night? (literally)
Currently, Jansen. Although he doesn’t really keep me up. He just wakes me up. I guess he keeps me up for about 45 minutes and then he mostly lets me go back to sleep.

3. Where do you want to go in life? (figuratively)
I just want to be a stay at home mom. A GOOD one. That’s it. That’s all I aspire to be. I want a good group of friends that Stephen and I have a good connection with and things in common. (Kids, faith, interests, etc.) I want my kids to be happy and healthy and have hobbies that they enjoy.

4. Where do you want to go in life? (literally)
Disney World, New York, California (wine country), Greece, Italy, France, Spain. Most of these are for the food. I also want to go on several more cruises.

5. Have you ever bit off more than you could chew? (figuratively)
Yes. I am really bad at saying no. I have this problem with feeling like I’m letting people down. Last year I actually backed out of a commitment for the first time. I had agreed to lead something at church but I was worn out and spread too thin, so I backed out. It was awful and wonderful at the same time.

6. Have you ever bit off more than you could chew? (literally)
Naturally.

7. Is the grass really greener on the other side of the fence? (figuratively)
Sometimes, yes. Not all the time. I think there are families out there that have it better, although I wouldn’t swap lives with them. I may swap houses and bank accounts, but not lives.

8. Is the grass really greener on the other side of the fence? (literally)
I don’t know. Our grass is pretty green.

9. If you can’t stand the heat, do you get out of the kitchen? (figuratively)
No, like I said before, I have a problem with no wanting to let people down. So if it involves others, I don’t quit. If it’s just me, sometimes I do. Which is why I don’t knit, I quit my vision therapy, I’m not in shape, etc. Some things are too hard!

10. If you can’t stand the heat, do you get out of the kitchen? (literally)
No. I just turn down the AC, drink some water, and whine about it. I rarely leave the kitchen.

Here’s Mr Linky!

(One of you asked me where you can find the questions before Tuesdays. See the Ten on Tuesday button on the right sidebar? If you click it, you can find the upcoming questions and all of the archives.)

Ten on Tuesday (48)

I didn’t remember to post the questions until about 8:20 last night, so I’m not sure how many participants we’ll have. Sorry about that y’all. My brain is elsewhere.

This week’s questions come from Elizabeth at Balentine’s Day. The theme is Favorites. Enjoy!

1. Growing up, what was one favorite item that you had to have with you at all times?
As a baby, it was my DiDi. (Pronounced Die Die.) They were just old burp cloths/ cloth diapers. I used them as my security blanket. I wasn’t attached to anything as a kid.

2. Being an adult, what is one favorite item that you have to have with you at all times, and what happens if you do not have it with you? Do you lose your sanity or just go back home to get it?
Chapstick. I cannot be without it. If I happen to forget it, I absolutely have to stop to buy a new one. This is a non-negotiable.

3. Where is your favorite place to be to just hide away from everything and breathe for a moment?
In my house. That’s pretty much the only place I “hide.” If I need to hide from my whole life, I take a warm bath with a glass of wine. It’s My Time.

4. What is your favorite thing about your partner? (If you don’t have a partner, then someone who is very close and will always be in your life)
That’s really hard. I think my favorite thing about him is that he is extremely thoughtful. He always opens my door. He randomly rubs my feet. And he’s thoughtful when it comes to the other relationships in his life too. And also, he’s hot.

5. What is your favorite thing about your job? (If you don’t have a job, then what is your favorite thing that you do during your day?)
My favorite thing about my job is that I get paid.

6. What is your favorite lesson that your parents taught you growing up? Looking back, is it something that you want to use to teach your children when they reach that age?
I was raised in a Christian home and they taught me many valuable spiritual lessons. However, I think one of the most important things my parents taught me is money management. As a little kid I got an allowance and I gave a portion to church and a portion to savings. This has stuck with me and it’s now an important part of Stephen’s and my life. We will definitely teach our children this lesson. There is way too much debt and materialism in America these days. It’s disgusting. I hope our kids don’t get sucked into that world.

7. What is your favorite song, that will always bring a smile to your face and make you think of something happy?
I don’t have a favorite song but Cheyenne by George Strait is one of my favorites. I also love most David Crowder and Chris Tomlin songs.

8. What is your favorite things about being an American? (If you not American, what are you proud of in regards to your country)
I have no intelligent way to answer this. I’m sure I should say something about freedom and liberty, but I don’t know enough about other countries to know if life here is that much better.

9. What is your favorite meal that reminds you of being a child?
Apricot chicken or my mom’s meatloaf.

10. Name 3 things that other people would say are their favorite thing about you.
Stephen loves my legs… but I’m hoping that he’s the only one that thinks that. I don’t know. I’m dependable, a good listener, and a great emailer!

Here’s Mr Linky.

Ten on Tuesday (46)

Okay so don’t get mad, but I didn’t participate this week. I’ve been spending very minimal time on the computer (I don’t even want to think about how scary my Google Reader looks right now) so I decided I’d post the questions and Mr. Linky, but I wouldn’t participate.

This week’s questions are brought to you by Sarah of Life at a Different Pace. (I forgot to tell her that I was using her questions, so hopefully she checked.) Everyone go visit her. Also, wish her a happy belated birthday, it was yesterday and I missed it. So in an effort to be a better friend (she’s a real life friend), I’m sending all of you over there to wish her a happy birthday on my behalf. Would you do that for me? Sorry Sarah!

1. Favorite way to travel (plane, train, automobile, etc.)
2. Where’s your favorite place to travel to that you’ve been to?
3. Where’s the place that you want to go but have never been?
4. Do you deal with traffic well?
5. Ever had an emergency while traveling?
6. Do you have a passport? What countries have you been to?
7. Are you’ve light packer or do you pack everything but the kitchen sink?
8. Do you take the fastest route or the road less traveled?
9. Do any activities on the road? (like road games, reading, sleeping, etc. )
10. Use a paper map or GPS?

Here is Mr. Linky.

Ten on Tuesday (45)

First of all, let me say that I’m thoroughly disappointed that there weren’t more participants last week. It was a lot easier than it looked and it was so much fun to see everyone’s pictures. Any feedback? I’ve heard from some people that they’d like to do picture posts again. I need thoughts and feelings, please.

This week’s questions were submitted by Ashley at Ashley’s Antics. Go visit her!

1. Pretend it’s Monday morning–take us through a day in the life of you.
My alarm goes off, I push snooze. Repeat a couple times… cursing the Monday gods each time. I finally roll out of bed, shower, do my makeup and hair, get dressed, pack lunches, make toast with PB, and then hop in the car. Stephen drives us to his work, then I take the car to my office. Then I do whatever it is that I do at work. I stop and eat lunch at my desk from 12-1, this is non-negotiable. I work until 5:00 then drive to Stephen’s office to pick him up, then he drives us home. I get home and make dinner. Depending on what’s going on, we hang out at home or go do whatever it is we need to do. I usually have Bible Study on Monday nights but we don’t during the summer so I’ve just been watching the How I Met Your Mother, Rules of Engagement, Big Bang Theory lineup.

2. What’s your favorite reality tv show?
The Biggest Loser. But since that’s not on right now, I have to say Chopped or any other reality show on Food Network.

3. What motto do you live by?
I don’t live by any mottos.

4. If you knew could you try anything and not fail, what dream would you attempt?
I’d open a used bookshop slash bakery slash coffee shop. There would be big comfy chairs inside and nice shaded comfy areas to sit outside. It would have delicious cupcakes and mini cheesecakes. And we’d have pumpkin spice lattes year-round.

5. What was your first job?
I was a hostess/busser at a local cafe. I didn’t really like it but I liked the idea of working and making money. One day the manager told the only male host that he was the only employee worth anything around there. I quit the next day.

6. What is your current job?
I do billing and other administrative type work for a construction company. It is very glamorous.

7. What would you call yourself if you could choose your own name (and you cannot pick the one you already have)?
This is a very hard question. I really like my name because it’s not common at all. I’d want some other not common, not weird name. I can’t think of any… I think Chelsea is the only one that exists.

8. What musical instruments can you play?
HA! Next question.

9. Is it easier to forgive or forget?
Forgive. Forgetting is very, very hard.

10. What is one food you’d never want to taste again?
There are several things I could do without. Lentils, fish, okra, cooked spinach, olives, and anything mushy (tres leches cake, bread pudding, squash, etc.)

I was boring today. Sorry. I hope you’re more interesting!

Also, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY SISTER!!! I love you. You’re getting old.

Ten on Tuesday (44)

For each of the following, take a picture. This is a chance for us to get a literal glimpse into each other’s lives. Feel free to skip a question if it doesn’t apply to you or it’s too personal. You can include explanations if necessary.

I chose to leave out explanations.

1. Your house.

(Clearly not a recent photo…)

2. Your shower.

3. The inside of your refrigerator.

4. Your pet.

5. Your favorite pair of shoes.

6. The most comfortable seat in your house.

7. Your favorite cup or coffee mug.

8. Your laundry room.

9. The view from your office chair.

10. Your spouse/significant other/roommate.

Here’s Mr. Linky.