Giveaway - I love this!

This is one of my favorite blogs to read, I found her blog through another one of my friend's blogs. If you love to entertain, love people, or just want to learn this blog is filled with so many fun ideas, tips and tid bits! I love reading it daily, it's so fun and I've gotten many great ideas and inspiration from just reading.
There's a little giveaway going on, if you love free stuff and good things go here and check out her blog, and sign up for yourself!
Have a blessed and Happy day! The sun is shining here in Minneapolis, and that is AMAZING!

Neighborhood Watch

Orion and I now live in this cute little town home development which doesn't even feel like a development really. It's an older one, with a lot of trees and a pond. Sunday afternoon Orion met the neighbors when he was coming home from softball practice. He came inside and told me all about the ladies on our little block that he met. These little old ladies are truly something, they told us that they watch out for the whole neighborhood, and gave us the skinny on the houses around us. One things for sure, nothing gets by these ladies. Yesterday, one of the ladies was very concerned when the cable guy came to our house to set the Dish up that he was installing cable for the whole block...isn't that funny? I laughed so hard when she was talking about property lines for the houses. We now have this community of people who watch out for each other, they seem like really nice ladies. Maybe tomorrow they will bring us apple pie!

We've Moved!

It's official, we've finally moved! We moved this weekend on Friday. Friday morning we got up early (6am) because we had to get the moving truck. There was a little mix up with the reservations, instead of getting it for 48 hours we only got it for 23 hours! Needless to say we both we're a little frazzled and didn't quite know how we were going to get it all done in 23 hours. So we had a change of plans instead of moving Saturday we moved everything Friday. We met Daniel (our Realtor) at 11:30 am, did a final walk through and then at 12:30 pm it was finally time to head over to the title agency and sign our loan docs and get the keys to our house! Such a surreal feeling driving over there, feeling like "this is it!" We're buying a house for real, are we really doing this? When we walked into the conference room Darren was there (our broker), it was like gangs all here! Such a good feeling to have both Daniel & Darren there, who have helped us so much along this process and made it so easy and wonderful.
We signed all the papers, got the keys and by 1:30 pm were headed to OUR NEW HOME! With a long day ahead of us we were really excited! It was rainy outside Friday afternoon, and I didn't feel like moving in the rain, I just wanted it to be done. Orion quickly reminded me that we had to get it done! We got a head start before the movers (aka: our friends) came to help us get all the big stuff. Orion and I were quite a team, I piled up all the boxes and he moved them with the dolly into the truck!
Friday afternoon the guys came to do all the heavy lifting, while I went over to the house and cleaned. We got it all moved it, took a dinner break and had some pizza and then it was off to do more moving getting furniture out of the way so we could paint.
We spent Friday night in our new house, it was weird sleeping in some other place. I don't do well with new places. It was so weird waking up Saturday morning in a "neighborhood" I could hear birds chirping, later that day kids running around and dogs barking. It's not like apartment life at all, you can't hear anything.
Saturday morning was again an early start for us, as we had to have the moving truck back by 8 am. We were up at 6 am putting gas in the truck and getting breakfast. Then it was off to the apartment again to get more stuff. We locked ourselves out of the house on Saturday morning, because I grabbed one key and not the other, and didn't know Orion locked both locks. Orion climbed through the window and got us in! Then to make it worse, we locked ourselves out of the garage where all paint supplies and boxes were. So we couldn't get started on anything because it all was locked in the garage. Eric broke into our garage with his credit card! (some security we have huh?) And we started the adventure of painting our bedroom.
We finished the bedroom sometime late afternoon, and had just enough energy left to start taping off the kitchen and living room areas to paint the next day. Sunday again was an early day, but we finished the kitchen painting and I finally got to put that all together. It was nice to finally UN pack something. Our house is pretty much bare, and is all drop clothed off for painting.
But, the best feeling is that it's "ours", something that we get to do ourselves. Even though we are so tired today, it's been so much fun being able to do what we want with our place! It's been a fun adventure even though we got locked out 2 times already! :) Tonight it's more painting for us, we're going to try and finish the living room so we can finally put things together and live a little bit in our home.
I know this was long but, I just wanted to share about this experience! It's so nice to come home and know that it's all ours. I feel truly blessed to be able to have a house this nice, and to make it ours.

A Little Ditty.....

I found this cute little ditty on a blog I like to read often, so I thought I'd take a break and give it a go....

I give you money and send you into the grocery store to pick up 5 items. You can only pick one thing from the following departments...what is it?
1. Produce: Red Delicious Apples
2. Bakery: bread
3. Meat: chicken breasts
4. Frozen: Fridays Potato Skins
5. Dairy: Milk

If I was to listen in on your conversations throughout the day, what 5 phrases or words would I be most likely to hear?
1. What time is is?
2. I love you
3. This is Andrea.... (as I answer my phone at my job that never stops ringing)
4. What do you want for dinner? (to Orion on our way home)
5. What else do I have to get done today? (to myself...yes, I talk to myself often! Out Loud!)

Let's say we're heading out for a weekend getaway. You're only allowed to bring 3 articles of clothing with you. So, what's in your bag?
1. Sassy Bra & Undies
2. Flip flops
3. A fun Sun Dress

So, what 3 things do you find yourself doing every single day, and if you didn't get to do, you probably wouldn't be in the best mood?
1. Morning coffee
2. Reading my Bible, and having time for devos
3. checking my email...I'm a junkie!

We are going to the zoo. But, it looks like it could start storming, so it'll have to be a quick visit. What 3 exhibits do we have to get to?
1. Dolphins
2. Lions
3. Food Court.....does that count?

You just scored tickets to the taping of any show that comes on t.v. of your choice. You can pick between 4, so what are you deciding between?
1. Grey's Anatomy
2. American Idol
3. Dancing with the Stars
4. Rachel Ray

You're hungry for ice cream. I'll give you a triple dipper ice cream cone. What 3 flavors can I pile on for ya?
1. vanilla
2. mint choc. chip
3. cookie dough

We're talking a 3 hour block with nobody around. What 5 activities might we find you doing?
1. Spa Day!
2. Taking a Nap
3. Scrapboooking
4. Reading all the books I want to catch up on
5. Decorating my house

Someone stole your purse...in order to get it back, you have to name 5 things you know are inside to claim it. What's in there?
1. My pink planner...it's my life
2. My silver wallet
3. My cell phone
4. A full pouch of lip gloss
5. Gum

You are at a job fair, and asked what areas you are interested in pursuing a career in. Let's pretend you have every talent and ability to be whatever you wanted, so what 4 careers would be fun for you?
1. Author
2. Singer
3. Ballet Dancer
4. Photographer
5. Party Planner

If you could go back and talk to the old you, when you were in high school, and inform yourself of 4 things, what would you say?
1. Wear a suit to your Rose Queen interview!
2. Don't talk so much in class, it'll save you lots of trouble and Parent Teacher Conferences
3. Once you graduate, life is going to fly by so fast!
4. Pay more attention in Chemistry class....

Only 3 More Days!

It's getting so close now, I am getting VERY excited! We are still packing the apartment up, and making all the arrangements for electricity, water, etc. I never realized all that would go into buying our first house. The process of looking at houses was pretty painless but the paper work and all the preparation that goes into a mortgage is amazing!
I think I've signed my name about a million times, it's good practice for me since I haven't quite got down signing "Andrea Worley" to things. Everything considered we are excited to be moving on Friday, and about this house our home! I can't wait to paint! We will be busy Worleys from now until we are done moving! If anyone wants to come move boxes just let us know!

#6

This fall I'll be making my 6th trip down aisle as a bridesmaid in my friends wedding. Not only is this my sixth time but this wedding is so special it's taking place on my birthday! October 18, 2008 one of my good friends will get married, and I will turn 26! I can't think of a better way to spend my birthday than celebrating in such a joyful way with friends and watching Orion and I's two friends get married.


I really love being a bridesmaid, I love weddings, getting dressed up fancy, and seeing my friends so happy and so in love. I love helping my friends make their wedding day special, and being there for them on such a great day!

Orion and I are both in this wedding, I'm super excited to walk down the aisle with him in our coordinating out fits!


And even though I have a closet full of bridesmaid dresses this time I get to wear a great dress, in a color that I haven't yet (chocolate brown).

(My fun dress)

It's really going to be a fun time. The wedding is taking place in New Hampshire, Orion and I are going to make it a long weekend and spend some time on the East coast for my birthday as well. I'm really looking forward to this wedding, it couldn't of happened to two better people.

Picture Perfect!

Today was a ton of fun for me, I got to do wedding stuff with one of my best friends. Anyone who knows me knows how much I love weddings. I especially love being in my friends' weddings and helping them with their special day! Today I got to go wedding dress shopping with Jessie. It was a ton of fun, and she's going to be a beautiful Bride in her dress. She looks stunning! We ( Me & her Sister Kayla) got to try on bridesmaid dresses. Jessie chose a really pretty bridesmaid dress in Truffle! And after 5 trips down the aisle (coming on the heels of my 6th) I am super excited for this dress, it's not like any of the others I've worn and it's chocolate brown! How wonderful.

My highlight of the day besides all the fun we had at the bridal shop was taking engagement pictures with Jessie & Jimmy. It was a pretty perfect day for pictures. I took them over to Loring Park in Minneapolis and we got some pretty fun shots. They are both beautiful people, and such a great couple it was pretty easy for me. Plus, I got to shoot in some locations that I've never done before. They all turned out to be pretty amazing, it's hard to choose just one favorite. So here's a couple of my favs:

Ok, so I have a few favorites! It was privilege to be able to capture some great pictures for some amazing friends of ours! I truly can't wait for their wedding! Check out more of Jimmy & Jessie at www.andreaworleyphotography.ifp3.com

It's A Boy!

He's finally here!

Collin Curtis Mills

April 19th, 2008

Born at 10:45pm

8 lbs. 11 oz.

20 inches long

I'm the proud Aunt to Collin Curtis Mills. This is my sister's 3rd child, and we've been waiting for him for a long time! He's already made quite that grand entrance already. My sister has two other little girls, her births with both of them from water breaking to birth was about 3 hours each. I've never heard of that, and most preggo don't have a baby in 3 hours. But, I guess my sister was lucky the first two times.

Late Friday night my Sister's water broke and when I called her early Saturday morning I figured that she would have had the baby by then with her track record. Much to my surprise he still was not here. Her contractions weren't very close and I could tell by talking to her that she was tired already and wished he was here.

Finally at 8pm I called again, still no baby! One thing is for sure he doesn't seem to want to come out. I finally got a call at 11:15pm from my Mom telling me that he was finally here! He has tons of hair, looks like his Daddy and hasn't cried at all. Baby, Mom and Dad are all doing well. I can't wait to get home to meet the new little guy, and to find out what life is like with a nephew! It's going to be fun, pictures are on their way!

Getting There!

With only 8 days left before the BIG move we are feverishly getting ready and trying to pack. Between the past couple weeks it's been crazy with being in Iowa for the weekend, and then District Council for both of us, I admit our focus hasn't been on packing! We are feeling the crunch now! Even though we live in the 1 bedroom apartment it's truly amazing how much stuff you have. This isn't my first time packing, and moving; in fact I've moved so many times in the last 2 years that I'm feeling like a pro! I know just how to pack, and how to pack it to get the most of of your boxes! Yes, folks I think it's a gift.
There are so many things to take care of, I know we're making progress and we'll get there. I don't enjoy the process of moving...something about it just doesn't motivate me at all. But I know the feeling of signing our mortgage and getting the keys is going to be enough motivation to make our house our home!
That's the fun part, and that's the part that I am most looking forward to. Walking into the house for the very first time, and knowing that it's all ours! We're starting a new adventure and a new chapter in life, and we're so excited!

Going to the Chapel!

Orion and I are so excited for our friends; Jimmy and Jessie! They just got engaged, and will be married this fall. They really are a great couple, and Orion and I have had the privilege of knowing them separately and now as a couple, they really are fantastic together! Jimmy even let Orion and I help with the proposal. We are really blessed to have friends like them in our lives. It's such an exciting time of life, and we know it couldn't of happened to two better people. We're excited to spend the next couple months with them as they plan their wedding, and their lives together. Many congrats go out to them!

The Bride & Groom

Jimmy & Jessie, we wish you all the love and happiness in the world. May your marriage be founded on God's love, and blessed in so many wonderful ways. We love you, believe in you both, and support you on this wonderful journey!

We can't wait to spend your wedding day with you this fall!

Giving Back!

Orion and I pretty much go to the coolest church in the world, and we LOVE it! This past Sunday Pastor Elizabeth did something really cool. During the offering time she was talking about finding creative ways to give back, and give to God.
Drum Roll...... she cut off 11 inches of her long brown locks! It was pretty amazing, and so fun to watch. Here's a little video; enjoy!

My Pageant ReSale

My Pageant Resale is a collection of items from my pageant days that I've decided to sell in hopes that another lucky gal would have some great success just like I did from these items. 

Items will be taken down after being sold, and new items will be added as they come.(I'VE GOT A BIG CLOSET TO CLEAR OUT!!!)

These items are sold on a first come first serve basis. If you are interested in an item please email me with the item desired, if you are the first to email about the item I will then send you a Paypal request for payment and ship it out to you for FREE! 

Please email me at andreaworley[at]live[dot]com 

Cassandra Stone size:8 (beading all over bodice, fades from light to dark turquoise)Worn twice for a pageant.

Sean Mehta navy blue fades from light to darker blue, allover beading, backless. Size: M Worn twice for a pageant. 

Alyce Designs size:6 (white beading, with daises scattered all over the bodice, full tulle skirt and chiffon) Worn once. Great for a Teen Pageant. 

WinWear Suit size: 6 Worn twice in a pageant. 

Mainframe Green Suit size: M Worn once. Great for a teen pageant. 

City Triangles Red Suit w/ black piping size: 9 (runs small) Winner of Interview Award. Worn once.

Colorifics size: 8M 

Wildrose size: 8.5 

Blue Silver Dress Size S Collection blue/silver off the shoulder (great for a Teen) size: 6 Won title in this dress. 

White Michaelangelo Crystal Studded Shoes. Heel 1 inch high. Size 8M 

Black Mossissmo Shoes. Never worn, only to try on. Size 7.5 Perfect for talent or Opening number.

Weekend In Review

Jocelynn & Alexia listening to music

This past weekend we traveled home to Iowa, for a very special girls birthday. My niece Jocelynn turned 5 years old last week. It's hard to believe, but it's true. My sister is 9 months prego, and livin' large these days. So I decided to give her a break and throw my niece a little party. "Pretty in Pink" was the theme, and so it was created with all things pink, even the cake!

Jocelynn Faith

We had a really great party, with lots of family, and lots of cake to be eaten. She's so BIG now, I can't believe how much she's grown in just one year. My nieces truly are both amazing little girls, and one of the hi-lights for me when I get to come home. They always have something new to tell me, or show me. And, they say "Annie" in the most adorable way!

Made by Annie

My Cousin Jeff and his wife Stacy had an adorable baby boy 4 weeks ago. We were able to meet baby Brody for the first time this weekend! He's pretty cute, he looks like a little man already. It was so fun getting to hold him, he slept mostly. But every now and then opened his little eyes to catch a glimpse of who was holding him. He's super cute.

Us with our new cousin, Brody

We had such a fun weekend at home with family! We finally got to view the proof of our wedding album. We spend a little time on Saturday morning at Gregory Photography going over our book. After the long wait, I'm happy to say the book is amazing and goes to print next week. We'll have it in two weeks. So excited to finally have wedding pictures.

Now it's off to pack the apartment, we only have two more weeks till moving day. Toodles!

To view more pics from the weekend click here

Home Sweet Home

This weekend we are headed home to Iowa right after work for the wonderful 3 hour trip! I'm so excited because I haven't been home since Christmas. I enjoy going home whenever I can, I come from a tight knit group. So it's hard to be away even though I only live just across the border. I've seen my Sister and my Mom since then but none of the rest of the family. I'm so excited to see my "little" brothers, who aren't so little these days considering they are much taller than I am.

Home

This weekend we're celebrating my nieces 5th Birthday! Yesterday she turned five years old, I can't even believe it. I was reminiscing with my Sister last night about the day she told me she was going to have a baby, and the day Jocelynn (my niece) was born. So much has changed since then, she's pretty adorable and she shares my love for shoes!

Jocelynn Faith

It'll be one exciting weekend! My sister is very prego and due on April 28th, we're getting closer and closer to have a newphew! I'm also looking forward to seeing my cousin Jeff's new baby boy Brody! With all these new additions it's exciting to make it home.

Toodles!

In Full Swing!

This weekend was a big weekend for me and the rest of the committee for Miss Twin Cities. It's 10 weeks from the day when the new Miss Minnesota will be crowned! We're getting excited to see Angie on stage in June. This weekend was the Miss Minnesota Workshop weekend when they turn in all their paperwork, get to meet the rest of the contestants, etc. It was a really long but fun filled Saturday afternoon. The committees spent all morning in sessions, and the girls spent time getting to know each other and did a fun Project Runway event. Saturday night we all went to the Evening with the Stars gala, showcasing all the former Miss Minnesotas and their talents. It was a ton of fun, and a great time spent with Angie and the Miss Twin Cities committee. Here's a few pics of the event. Visit the Miss Twin Cities website for more pics and info.

All of us at the Saturday night gala!

Angie & I at the gala!

Miss Twin Cities Committee & Angie!

bright & sunny!

You've all probably noticed my status update for the week has been my feeling about the 8 inches that we got on Tuesday morning that continued into the evening. It was over 50 degrees in the Twin Cities on Monday, the last time the Twin Cities was at 50 degrees was in November! Can you believe it? It's crazy. But today I am happy to report that not only is it 55 degrees in the Twin Cities, it's bright & sunny!
I wore my new spring top today, I have a spring in my step, and I'm looking forward to the snow melting once and for all, and seeing more days like today in the future.

a little fun!

Kathy (Miss Twin Cities Director) showed me this amazing little tool where you can make your own crossword puzzles, or word searches. I love both those things, and it may be a little geeky but the thought of being able to create my own for whatever reason seems so fun. I messed around a little today with the different sites, and they really are a lot of fun. I've been thinking of a really cool game that we could play at the birthday party we're planning for my Mom this summer, and I think that making a crossword puzzle from things in her life is just the ticket! I made a little crossword today for hubby using hints from "our story." We'll see if he can figure out all my clues. I'll let you know how it goes.

Recipe Box

I came home last night and as I always do I catch up on my cooking shows from that afternoon, my favs; Semi-homemade, 30 Minute Meals and Everyday Italian! Last night it was Sandra and everything semi-homemade. I've been pretty hooked on her for a while. She does everything so simple, and it reminds me of the way my Mom cooks. She adds a great flair to everything she does. And makes something not so seemingly fantastic, absolutly wonderful. And, I love her table scapes, she did a really cool black & white themed one last night. It made me want to run out and buy all new dishes! The show was called Midnight Musical, and she made some awesome recipes. I can't wait to make these for Hubby! Take a look; these amazing Balsamic Roasted Onions ;

with a Potato Souffle

and finished it off with the main dish; a Bleu Cheese Crusted Filet Mignon

If I didn't already have a roast going for dinner I would for sure make this. I think I'll save it for a "special" occasion or maybe just a night for the two of us.