Seven Years!

This weekend has been all about being thankful. Today what I'm most thankful for is saying yes to being Steve's girlfriend seven years ago. Yep today marks year Seven of being with my boy.

I was told by one of Steve's high school friends this last weekend that Steve is a rare gem and I need to polish him up and put him high on a shelf, show him off and just be grateful to have him. {oh boy, this friend may have had a few beers} I'm not even sure he knew what he was saying, but I do know I have a rare one and am darn lucky to have found Steve 7 years ago. 

Here is a little look back at us though the years. 

Steven I love you and I am so happy to now be your wife!

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

Today

Thanksgiving Vlog Like A Boss

Hello, nice to see you this Friday. Glad you woke up from your food coma and made it through the crazy crowds of Back Friday shoppers. I'm writing quick to link up with Ashten for Vlog Like A Boss. Remember last week when I talked to my computer for almost 10 minutes...Well this is a lot shorter and I brought in a few cuties for my "movie".

Little disclaimer before you watch, I didn't tell them what to say at all, just told them, we were going to record a fun movie! I hope you enjoy and are having a great Thanksgiving weekend!!

Cheers Friends!

Today is my Friday and I can't even explain to you how excited I am to have a few days off work. At my old job I would have had to work Friday but now, not only do I get a jean day on Wednesday but don't have to work Friday! 

The hubby and I are traveling to his aunt's house about 4 hours away and then from there driving about 3 hours to my parent's lake home then Sunday back home 2 hours from the lake. Hopefully my new wheels can keep up and bring me to some shopping centers on Friday! 

I hope you all have a wonderfully thankful holiday and eat lots because calories don't count on holidays!

Now before I forget it is Cheers not Jeers linkup with my BBF Casey.

Cheers to Ashten. Now this girl is super duper awesome. I don't even think I can type all the reasons she is amazing {Happy Hour Hangout : Vlog Like A Boss : Warner} and I hope someday I can meet her in real life because we could be AmAzing friends! CLICK HERE FOR ASHTEN'S BLOG

Cheers to Meg. Now Meg is kinda great okay maybe a lot of great. She says it like it is and could very possibly drink more beer than my husband. Today her post is amazing and she is amazing and I really really want you to go to her blog … NOW! CLICK HERE FOR MEG'S BLOG

Final Cheers to The Florkens. Now this is a husband wife blogger team {Kate & Adam} and they are so darn cute. I've had the privilege of chatting with them in at Happy Hour and just can't get over their accents! You will not be disappointed with these two because even though they are new to blogging they did their research and did it right! CLICK HERE FOR THE FLORKENS BLOG

Link up with Cheers not Jeers and let us know who you love in blogland right now!

November - Boy Behind Mrs. Laura Beth

I would love to welcome my Husband to the Blog. This is part of the Boys Behind The Blog Series, so I sat down on Saturday afternoon and asked Steven some questions.  

1. Who is your favorite band/musician?

My husband is a lover of music. He blew threw $30 in iTunes gift cards in less than 5 minutes last week. He listens to a huge variety, and says some favorites of the moment are: Blake Shelton; Imagine Dragons; Journey and Daughtry. We could have stayed on this question for hours and he would never run out of artists! 

2. What was your first CD/tape?

"I have no idea, maybe When The Sun Goes Down by Kenny Chesney" 

3. Who was your first concert?

"Garth Brooks with Mom and Stacy at the Fargodome" I'm so jealous of him … I love Garth!

Source

4. What is your favorite Thanksgiving food?

"All of it" I made him expand on this a little bit so these are some of his 'must haves' - cheesy hash-browns, stuffing, gravy, cheesy green bean casserole! This is making me super hungry, I can't wait for Thursday!

5. Finish the sentence: I am thankful for…

"Fantasy Football, Beer, and my Laura Beth!"

Photo taken by my SIL Stacy - Thanks!!

I'd like to thank my hubby for answering these questions with very little fuss, I love you sir!

Lash By Ash

Have you ever seen a woman and said "Oh her eyes are so beautiful" or "I want her lashes"?! I don't think it is just me, a persons' eyes are one of the first things I notice and I know eyelash envy is not something only I have! 

A few months before my wedding one of my good friends told me she was going to start a new business … Applying Eyelash Extensions. My response was probably something like "oh interesting, good for you" not really knowing what it was {why couldn't she be a masseuse or something?!} or if I would ever go to her for it. Yep, little did I know how many women got false lashes  and as a result how many more people I questioned {especially celebs} if their lashes were real or not! 

As Lash by Ash {name of her business} was taking off, Ashley said I needed them for my wedding {I was very hesitant} and she thought my bachelorette party would be the perfect test run to see if I liked my look with them. I FELL IN LOVE! They made my eyes pop, were so beautiful {not fake looking} and my hubby's brown eyed girl was STUNNING! 

Photo by Milestones Photography

I recently got my lashes done again right before my best friend's wedding and fell in love all over again. This time I brought my camera and did some before and afters. 

Ashley owner of Lash by Ash now has her own store front and she has put so much of her heart and soul into this place and I am so proud of her! It is amazing, the decor and ambiance make you feel so classy and beautiful then you get to walk out of there even more stunning than you were when you walked in. Ashley does such an amazing job and I'd recommend her 1000 times over! 

If you don't live in our area, well then it kinda sucks to be you because she is the best! My advice, though, find someone in your area and try these out because you will LOVE the way the lashes make you look and how easy they are. When I can wake up and already look like I curled and put mascara on that makes my morning routine so much easier! 

Please check out her site for more info on lash extensions

Vlog Like A Boss

I did it, I vlogged. If you are unfamiliar with that very odd word, it refers to video blogging … someone was just clever and combined the two words. My lovely friend over at Always Ashten has created Vlog like a Boss and I finally decided to link up. I'm thinking this is horrible so please leave me some feedback and let me know if you would like to see more vlogs on Mrs. Laura Beth.

If you Don't want to hear me talk … Here is a quick recap:

:finished 4th week at new job:

:loved catching fire:

:im in a wine club:

:looking forward to a blogger get-together:

:zombies trashed my apartment:

:secret santa is coming up:

:photo shoot this weekend:

:mr gatsby threw a great party:

:hoping for a hangover free weekend:

:excited for thanksgiving:

:my sister is starting a little business:

Have a wonderful weekend friends!

Cheers Friends!

Currently I'm watching The Hunger Games in preparation for Catching Fire tonight! I'm so excited for this second movie but really wish I could have had time to reread the book. 

Although I could sit and talk about this series all night that isn't the purpose for this post. 

My lovely friend Casey has started a great link up. A way to show encouragement instead of negativity. Blogging should be something fun and enjoyable so here are a few of the people I want to say Cheers to! 

First to Casey for coming up with this brilliant idea. She also has become such a great friend and someone I'm honored to know in Blogland. {Click Here For Casey's Blog}

Second to my Fellow North Dakota girl Samantha. Although our paths never crossed and we went to college in the same town I'm so glad to have found her in Blogland and have the possibility of a blate at the lake {I can't wait}. Also so glad she is okay as she was in an accident this past weekend. {Click Here For Samantha's Blog}

My last cheers of this week is to the boys at The Young & Brave Foundation. These guys have started a nonprofit for the benefit of young people with cancer. "Always LOVE" has become their battle cry because with LOVE, absolutely anything is possible! {Click Here to visit The Young & Brave Foundation}

Please go check out these lovely people above and excuse me while I go cheer Katniss on! 

"May the Odds Be Ever In Your Favor"

Now Link Up With Casey & Share Some Cheers Not Jeers!

Fall Cara Box

Cara Box. 

Cara (car-rah) noun : beloved friend

Awesome things in the mail + Meeting new women + Encouragement = Cara Box

You should participate in this amazing swap. I love finding new women and new blogs. Kaitlyn has really started something great here!

This has turned into a quarterly swap and I think I really like that aspect, saves a little money and you really get to know the ladies more. 

My partners this month … Krista from Life Somewhere in the Middle and Lindsay from Nickel City Pretty. 

I had such a good time getting to know these ladies more. I was able to send Krista her Cara Box so don't forget to check out the goodies I gave her.

Lindsay sent me my wonderful Cara Box, check out my goodies!

First that personal stationary is so cute … Might have to frame it! 

• Knee high socks, she knew me so well and I didn't even tell her they were my fave socks
• Cute fall tissues - these are going in my car and purse
• Pumpkin candle - I ran and put this in my bathroom before I even took a picture of the goodies haha as you can tell I was excited, it smells amazing
• Catnip Mice - for my fat cats :-) I can't wait to play with them
• Purple Glitter Tumbler - This now graces my desk at work! My favorite color I love it
• Pumpkin Spice Coffee - Heaven … mmm I love this stuff

Thanks again Lindsay you spoiled me and I'm glad I have found a new blog and person to follow!! 

Meet the Lady behind hooley with a 'z'

I am so excited to introduce you to this lovely {breast cancer research supporting} Minnesotan. Yep you heard right, this next lady I'm going to introduce you to only lives 4 hours from me! 

Say hi to Erin from hooley with a 'z'

Erin and her Mister Man are soooo cute

Erin makes mouthwatering soup {and even shares her recipes}

Erin does hair tutorials

Erin has faith

Erin is a TWINS fan

Erin makes a mean cocktail

Erin is a laura ingalls wannabe

I am so happy Erin took part in the inaugural happy hour hangout because now I have a real blate possibility … did you say Twins game and IKEA?! I'm In! 

Seriously go check Erin out, say hi and tell her Laura Beth sent you!!

Are you paying attention?

This is a guest post I wrote a few months back and I feel it is relevant again.  With Thanksgiving approaching and now with my new job I'm reminded to step back and take everything in!

Today, I wanted to talk a little bit about Paying Attention. To what? You may ask. Well I picked up this book at a rummage sale a few weeks ago, it is quite inspirational and makes you take a few steps back and really think. This chapter talks about paying attention, reflecting on what you have and stop thinking about what you want. 

I think this can be true in so many aspects of our lives. Wishing you had more than you need and not giving thanks for the people or things you already have in your life. I think this is true for me right now with my blog. I keep thinking I need this HUGE following when in reality I need to start reminding myself it isn't the followers that matter {don't get me wrong you people are beyond amazing and I've made some lasting friendships} but instead I need to keep writing for me, making this blog my journal outlet and a place to look back on in 20+ years and smile at everything I had. 

I need to start doing some living during the week instead of being attached to my blog, my computer, my phone or other technological devices. I need to go for a walk and take in the beauty that surrounds me. I need to spend some quality time with my dear husband. I need to start taking more photos just for me to enjoy. 

If only I could sit here and drink wine every night - My life would be complete

So, let me ask you ... Are you paying attention? 

Ask yourself: What are you thankful for? Who or what have you been taking advantage of? Don't loose sight of the important things in life because you never know what God has in store for your tomorrow. The relationships you make in life will be with you always, don't toss them aside when your life gets to be too much, you may need them one day. I came across a great quote today "Your body of work won't hold your hand while you're lying on your deathbed" just another reminder that we need Our People because our 'things' won't be there for us in the end. 

Meet a Rural Rookie

It is time for you to meet another one of the lovely ladies who has donated to breast cancer research. 

Say Hi to Nikki from Rural Rookie. 

I met Nikki in the first ever Happy Hour Hangout and I'm so grateful for this group of ladies we are now a part of! {We have an exclusive 'you can't sit with us club' and some of the best new friends a girl could ask for}

Nikki is optimistic

Nikki has the cutest puppy

Nikki can drive stick

Nikki doesn't believe in 'dieting' {and she ROCKS it}

Nikki goes outside her comfort zone

Nikki is now a country girl

Nikki's mood is dampened but she is hopeful

One thing I did notice is Nikki & her fiancé need more pictures of themselves {come to ND honey and I'll hook you up}

Nikki makes me smile and I'm so happy I have found her in blogland. She is beautiful and loves wine and I'm telling you to go check out her blog now! http://ruralrookie.com

Cheesy Chili Mac

The weatherman just said 'cold & chilly night' and 'snow' all in one sentence. I don't like it … at all. This North Dakota girl isn't ready for the 's' word! 

I will admit though, one nice thing about the cold is all the delicious warm comfort food. I threw this chili dish together yesterday and was quite pleased with it. It has been approved by The Hubby and The Father-in-law so I hope you enjoy it as well. **Notice how I combined our favorite foods : Meat & Pasta!! 

Cheesy Chili Mac

What You Need:

Ground Beef - 1 Pound

Noodles - 7 oz {noodle of your choice I used Rigatoni}

Chili Powder - 1 Tablespoon

Rotel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies - 1 Can

Stewed Tomatoes - 1 Can (15 oz) Drained

Sliced Olives - 1 Can (4 oz) Drained

Pinto Beans - 1 Can (15 oz) Drained

Chopped Onion - 1/2 of Onion {I used the equivalent in minced onion}

Minced Garlic - 1/2 tsp.

Velveeta Cheese - 1/2 Pound

What To Do:

Brown beef with onion and garlic. Drain any excess grease from meat. At the same time boil your noodles according to package directions & drain. Next, in a large pot or crockpot combine all ingredients, heat until the cheese melts and the chili is heated throughout. 

Now bundle up and enjoy your warm bowl of Chili Mac! 

Linking up for Taste of Tuesday with Ashley & Jessica

Meet Mrs. Thomas

Over the next few days {let's be honest, might be weeks at the rate I've been blogging} I'll be introducing you to some of my favorite ladies. And as you are reading these, keep in mind this isn't something I've been forced to do as a result of them sponsoring me … I really love these ladies! 

Also not because they have donated to Breast Cancer Research - but they do kind of ROCK for that! 

First up is the lovely Amber from Mr. Thomas and Me. 

I wish I remembered the exact day I stumbled upon Mr. Thomas and Me, however, I do know what kept me there. On her About Me page there was a photo of her and a John Deere Tractor {caught this farm girl's attention} and then the next picture, her with a glass of wine. Yep I knew, then and there, we had the great potential to be long lasting friends! 

Contrary to her photos Amber and her hubby (aka Mr. Thomas) are not farm kids but instead Cali kids, she says she is from a small town but I'm thinking it is a little bigger than my small town with no stop lights. 

Amber is a God fearing woman - I admire her.

Amber has a sense of humor mixed in with a little sarcasm. 

Amber makes the most out of the hand God has dealt her. Not letting anger overcome her.

Amber is Beautiful. {Mr T. and her compliment each other so Perfectly}

Amber enjoys Art.

Amber Says YES. 

Amber is a songwriter.

Amber is my Friend. Not just some fictional lady on the internet. She is real. She is a reminder of why I blog. If you haven't already said hi to her, Go Now! Tell her Laura Beth sent you!