Dreamtowns.

America's Top 10 Dreamtowns was released today, in an article that boasts the best places to live outside the city. Minnesota's own made the list, and topping the list was Torrington, Conn. Got me to thinking about the towns that I would consider on my "dream list." There are those town that just get you, that are small, quaint, or you just feel good when you visit. There are a few towns that I love. I am a small town girl, but I love the big city too. I've enjoyed living in the burbs these past few years. Here's what made it on the national list:

America's top 10 dreamtowns
1. Torrington, Conn.
2. Bozeman, Mont.
3. Lexington Park, Md.
4. Lebanon, N.H.-Vt.
5. Helena, Mont.
6. Kalispell, Mont.
7. Mankato-North Mankato, Minn.
8. Oak Harbor, Wash.
9. Stevens Point, Wis.

After seeing there's, I decided I'd make my own top 10 list. A list of the places if I didn't call Inver Grove Heights home, I would for sure love to live in one of these great places: see if you agree with me! (these are not in any order)

Andrea's Top 10 Dreamtowns:

1. Cottonwood, AZ

2. State Center, IA

3. Stillwater, MN

4. Santa Moncia, CA

5. Boise, ID

6. Fort Meyers, FL

7. Owasso, OK

8. Janesville, WI

9. Dallas, TX

10. Medford, OR

Headed to THE HILLS!

It's coming back, season 4 of The Hills starts next month! Aug. 18th, I will be glued to my t.v. eating popcorn with my best girls watching The Hills! I'm hooked and I'm so excited it's back. Lauren, Whitney, Audrina, Lo, and Spiedi are all back!

Here's a little taste of what's to come:

Enjoy the trailer as we wait for the premier!

Weekend in Review:

This week was crazy & stressful! This weekend was busy but so fun. Here's a little re-cap of my weekend:
- Friday afternoon, I took Bentley for his 1st vet visit! He's ok, mild ear infection. I learned all these tips, tricks, and things about puppies. Since I am admittedly clueless when it comes to this puppy madness. And, I am excited for August when we enroll Bentley into "Puppy Kindergarten." Yes, that's right folks. Here's a few things I learned at the vet:
1. They have insurance you can buy for your pet! Seriously, they do! Who knew? Did you know this?
2. They have a class called, "Puppy Kindergarten" and we are going!
3. There's a lot more patience that goes into having a puppy!

- Friday night, my brother and his girlfriend came up to visit us and stay for the weekend. It was such a blast hanging out with them.

- Saturday, I spent a lazy day at home with Bentley while Hubby worked at the hotel that morning. I hung patio lights, and read my book, and cleaned. Saturday afternoon we hooked up at the MOA to visit with our friends who were visiting from Oklahoma. We had dinner with my brother and his girlfriend, before heading off to our youth night. Saturday was jam packed with stuff.

-Sunday, we had an amazing morning at church. Ate lunch together at the house, and chilled. Before saying good bye to my brother & Jess. I'm so glad they came to stay. It's been so cool to see my brother mature in the last year and a half. I'm pretty sure his girlfriend Jess has something to do with it too. He'll be 20 in September, and I can't even believe it. He leaves in October for basic training for the Air force. I'm so proud!

- Sunday night, we headed over to the hotel to see all our friends from Ok. I love them all, they make me want to move there. They are all such a huge part of my Hubby's life, it's always a blessing to be around them, they are such awesome friends! And I got to hear some great stories about my Hubby! Thank you Kevin & Ann!

- Sunday night after seeing friends it was back home to get Bentley. More puppy training to be had!

I'm pooped this morning! It's been a long weekend. We're gearing up for another great week. Wednesday we have the Youth Wii Tournament, and this weekend we'll be headed to Wisconsin to visit friends! I am so excited to see my BFF! Her baby girl turns 1 and we're going to celebrate!
More to come! Toodles!

In the Bag!

Hubby and I often times have the conversation consisting of my purse or my bag as he likes to call it. Mostly it's a conversation about including these questions:

"What's in that bag of yours?"

"Why do you have so many bags, can't you just have a few?"

"Do they all have to be so big?"

And the last is more of a comment rather than a question really:

"I think you should get rid of some of them, you have to many."

Well, here's the deal; if you are a lady you get this. No explanation needed. If you are a guy in general you probably don't. I am a girl; a girly girl! I love my bags/purses, and shoes and my dresses! My collection began when I was a girl going to garage sales with Grandma and buying purses for 50 cents, and shoving as much as I could in them to carry around the house while I played house, shopping, and anything else I could come up with. When I was a kid I made "fake" money and color coded it any everything. To which my Grandmother found lying around her house after I had made my purchases and put them in my bag!

Here's the thing; I cleaned out my closets last June before I got married and got rid of quite a few bags. Only to buy 3 more on our honeymoon! (he, he, he) He's dealing, and learning to appreciate the big bag, especially when he wants to sneak in PB & J and Gatorade into the movie theatre!

So I decided to let you take a look inside my bag, and finally answer once and for all the question: "What's all in there?"

This is my bag: I got it on my honeymoon.

Here's the goods: my wallet-that I bought at the Bridge Shop. Love it. My day planner I am attempting to go paperless! But it's so hard to let go of.

Currently reading this book, my notebook for when I need to write down stuff, and gum! Nuff said!

I have this pink pouch: it holds the necessities like gloss, and pain reliever.

My gadgets: my Dell Ditty D.J., my Blackberry..I like to call it my Pinkberry. And my USB drive.

A view from the top of my bag!

There you have it!

Must Read!

So my latest and newest indulgence is the blog ever so titled; Working Girl. I am a working girl, and since my exit out of college in 2005 I have been working ever since. I have since decided that being an adult is over rated, that if I could work for myself one day, I will. My friend Jessie and I are often talking about inventing something so we can work for ourselves. Don't ask me what...we haven't gotten that far! I've had some great jobs since then, and some not so great. Now I am currently in a job I love, and hope to be at for a while.

Working Girl, is an amusing little blog about the lives of two working girls in the city. I love it so far, and am enjoying their musings and ramblings about life, work, co-workers, commutes, etc. Makes me laugh, appreciate my job, and say to myself: "exactly what I was thinking."

If you are a working girl, I am sure that you will love this blog. Read Up, enjoy!

news flash.

My friend Meghan she's on the news! She reports it to be exact! I was surfing her news website this morning like a stalker, and came across some of her work. I must say that I am so very proud of her.
It brings me back to days in high school our Senior year going to college visits together, and planning our futures. Once upon a time we were going to attend the University of Iowa and be roommates, and having the same major. In the end we both ended up following our dreams and going to out of state colleges. And life is so different I think than we thought it would be when we were eighteen.
Today, I'm so happy to see her living her dream. As I watched her clips online this morning I couldn't help but think she's doing what she set out to do. I'm so proud, she's a wonderful friend and I am glad to see her doing well.
Meghan, if you read this: I think you're amazing! Come back to Iowa soon and visit, better get come to Minnesota and see me!

To view some of Meghan's clips click on the links below:
Organ donation
Tyson food donation
Cellphone fact or fiction

A new idea.

This is my new favorite link! http://www.savingdinner.com/ I never know what's for dinner, it's a saga every night. I love to cook, but I hate the pressure I feel sometimes. I love this site because there's tons of free stuff, menu planners, grocery lists for specific dinners and more.

My newest favorite is the dinner options to make that you can freeze. What seriously could be easier than making something and having it ready when you want it? I'm hooked. Click on the link above and get hooked too!

Something Blue.

We're going for it, we've decided to re-do the upstairs bedroom. When we first moved in we thought the upstairs was great, we loved the paint color that was already there, and I think at first after painting the whole downstairs and our bedroom the thought of tackling something else wasn't exciting at all. After living there 2 months we've to do a re-vamp! Last month we tackled the office. And it looks wonderful, I love how fresh and calm it is in there. It makes paying the bills all the more soothing. If you need a re-fresher on what our office looks like click here.

So now we're on to the bedroom. I had this idea for a beachy themed roomed. With light blues, and white crown moldings. Orion has these ships that he bought on our honeymoon that will be perfect accents to this room. Here's a few ideas that I've been coming across for this room:

I love the blues used in this room.

The color & moldings are perfect! This is my vision!

I am also entertaining the idea of stripes on one wall, with two different shades of blue. What do you think?

I love this, so fresh, clean and calming. I also love the molding around the windows. I think I'll add this too.

The Power of a Praying Wife

As I told you I am reading for my first book in the challenge, The Power of a Praying Wife. So far, I like it and I am learning a lot. Learning a lot about my husband, and myself and how I respond to him and how that effects our marriage. It's such an easy read with short chapters, which makes me like it all the more. One of my biggest revelations through reading this book has been; I don't encourage my husband enough. As I've been reading about all these ways and areas to pray for him I realized that I could be doing so much more than I am. Can there ever be over kill, when it comes to encouragement and prayer?! I don't think so. And I realized that some of these areas that are so important to our husbands, I don't pray enough or some I hadn't even thought about to pray for or concern myself with. So needless to say I am learning a lot. It's awesome. Any way, I can help my Hubby be the person God created him to be I want to do it. I've been learning there's always something to encourage him about, there's always something I can find to praise him for, and to let go of some of the things that "really don't matter" and focus on what's good instead of something negative. It's been an eye opener. If all the books I read during this challenge or after open my eyes, make me think, and make me a better me; I'm up for it!

Get Glowing!

This is my alternative to, "I have an office job, and sit inside all day, no time for tanning."

I've found three great ways to achieve that summer glow, while I sit inside during the day. I like to pretend I have a tan! Shh...don't tell!

Here they are in order (first to last) of what I feel works the best!

Strike Gold! This is by far the best, doesn't streak, goes on even. And gives the best instant results. It's about $15. If you get the Bath & Body while they are having their summer sales you can score it for about $5. I stocked up.

Jergens Natural Glow. This takes a little longer to see results, but I still love it. And at $6 a bottle it's cheap. And, if you got to their website you can print off a coupon and get even more savings. How can you beat that?!

Mark's Instant Vacation Sunless Tanner. They have a formula for face & body. It works great, no streaks, and you can see where you put it on. It's tinted for this factor. Regularly $8 but on sale now for $4.99. I love it. You have to order it, so it takes a little longer, but well worth the wait. Get it here!

Glimpse.

If pictures are worth a thousand words, then these are worth millions. Here's just a few pictures taken from Monday! They make me laugh, smile, and ponder all at the same time. If you could show your whole day through pictures, what would they look like? Enjoy! Seriously? What's going on here? Can you guess? After the game! Perhaps, a new hat is in order! Maybe he is pondering the game they just played!At home, with Bentley finally!

Up for the Challenge!

My Husband loves challenges, he's the most competitive person I know. And I love him for it. We occasionally make wagers on things that usually result in him doing laundry for a month. Last night we both were sitting on the patio reading our respective books and sipping tea. Ahh...such is the good life! Orion asked me, how many books I thought I could read before the end of the year. I love reading, and to tell you the truth, I used to read a lot more. Some where in the craziness of life, I haven't been reading nearly as much as I would like. And so, the challenge has begun! Hubby and I decided that we'd have a challenge to see who could ready the most amount of books before the end of the year.

Each month we'll keep a tally & record of what books we read, and see who's the winner at the end of the year. I'm excited, and up for it. It's motivating me to read the books on my shelf that I bought that I haven't yet broken the binding on. We haven't yet decided on a wager, maybe it will just be the sheer joy and excitement to read more than Hubby! That's reason enough for me. Currently I'm reading: The Power of a Praying Wife. So far, I love it. It's such an easy read, with short chapters. Right now it's a little repetitive on some things I feel like I heard in marriage counseling, but either way I think it's always good to hear those things over and over.

Keep up with me; each time I finish a book and add a new one I'll have what's on my current reading list at the bottom right of my blog. Follow along with me, during my challenge. And maybe take up a challenge of your own.

Check it out!

Natalie Grant she's one of my favorites! I met her a couple years back and she's just delightful, real, honest, and down to earth. I keep up with her, the babies, and life on her blog. She gave me a shout out on her blog and now I'm sending it right back! Check out updates on her at:



Happy Reading! Have a blessed day!
oxoxo-

Sunshine & Summertime

So, I am sitting here at work. Looking out my window and wishing it was already 4:30pm! It's such a wonderful day outside, and I wish I wasn't stuck inside and rather outside enjoying it. I miss those days as a kid when you had nothing more to do in the summer than go to swimming lessons, and chill out at home. Where did those days go?

Here's a couple things running through my mind today:
- I'd rather be at home with Bentley.
- I'd rather be enjoying the sun, and getting some sort of tan before summer is over.
- I need to seriously re plant some flowers, since all my others died.
- I am looking forward to having my brother come up and stay with us next weekend.
- I am missing my family terribly.
- I am looking forward to church on Sunday, seems like forever since I've been there.
- I miss those days in college when you worked part time in the summer, and woke up late!
- Being an adult is so over rated!
- I wish I had time to read more.
- Will there still be sun to enjoy when I leave work?!!?!

So I am rambling and avoiding mostly.... ahhh... back at it!
oxox-

Looking Forward:

Here's a few things that are coming up that I am looking forward to. You'll hear about them all in a future blog I am sure!
~ Labor Day weekend with the Family.
~ My little Brother visiting next weekend.
~ Miss Twin Cities Pageant this fall.
~ Jimmy & Jessie's wedding, also this fall.
~ Trip to Boston
~ Turning 26!
~ Miss America...yes, I am going! And I can't wait.
~ Crusin' next summer.

Stop the Maddness!

After hearing numerous news reports, and discussions with my Hubby and other friends I've decided that the Packers should let Bret go. So what he came back? So what he's undeceive about his retirement. He's a football player, that's what he does. Just let him play, or let him go. That's what I say. This blog was inspired by my co-worker & friend Rhiannon, who this morning said the funniest thing about this topic. I will share it with you:

"Brett Farve becoming a Viking is like having a tea party with Satan."

Yes folks, that's right!

Now it's your turn to decide. Maybe you don't care, but you have to admit the whole this is just very interesting. My take: If the Packers don't want him to play, let him go so he can play with someone else and continue the game he loves!

I Will Not Be Moved.

I love the words to this song. It's such a great anthem.

Watch it. Love it. Live it.

Natalie Grant is one of my favorites. Her songs get me right where I'm at, and she's such a down to earth gal. Which makes her even more loveable and real.

Then & Now

What a difference a year can make!

Us Then:

July 14, 2007

Us Now:
July 14, 2008

Meet Bentley.

We have a new addition in the Worley house; our new puppy Bentley! Orion surprised me for our anniversary and got me a puppy. As you already know I'd been dreaming of a new puppy for sometime now. Orion had me quite fooled that he wasn't ready, and that he didn't want one. Well, this is one of the best gifts ever.

We adopted Bentley from an animal rescue in Iowa this past weekend while we were there. This rescue shelter rescues dogs that have been affected by natural disaster, floods, tornadoes, etc. They came all the way from Texas to rescue dogs from the flooding in Iowa. How cool is that? One of the dogs was Bentley! He was 1 of 3 cocker spaniel pups rescued. I never knew adopting a puppy was going to be such work, but the shelter really wants to make sure the dogs go to a good home and won't end up back in the shelter again. After a day and a half of filling out the application and waiting we finally got work that we could take Bentley home for good! He made the trip all the way home from Iowa with us. Now he's home, and we're learning what it means to have a brand new puppy! We're working on potty training, if anyone has any tips...they are welcomed! Neither Orion or I have ever had dogs before, so we are learning it all first hand. He's such a chill puppy so far. The first day he wasn't really into going for a walk, but I think he's getting used to everything. Yesterday we took him out for a walk, and he did so well. I'm super excited to start the training, and spend time with him. I wish I could bring him to work with me! See more pictures of Bentley here!

Happy 100th Post!

This is my 100th post since I've been blogging on blogger. Although I've been blogging for much longer via myspace. Can't believe it's been 100 since I started. I must have a lot to say! :) Just wanted to say thanks to those who read and follow along with me on this little adventure I call life. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and comments! Happy reading and happy blogging to you all!

Celebrating One Year of Wedded Bliss!

Yesterday was my one year wedding anniversary! Wow! A year has flown by so fast! The whole day I kept thinking, remember where we were this day last year?!!?! It's hard to believe that one year has gone by since we said, "I do." Orion and I spent the day together relaxing and remembering our wedding day.

Our weekend leading up to was a lot of fun. Here's a little re-cap:

Friday, we woke up late drove to Iowa for the weekend. Rolled in about 4pm. Checked into our wonderful hotel suite. Chilled before dinner. Then met my sister, Mom and step-dad for dinner.

Orion and I all checked into the hotel

Saturday, had breakfast together, went shopping, played a round of mini golf. Which I won! The headed off to dinner at Flemmings, then took a walk around the lake district, and of coarse took pictures.

Orion and I after a round of mini golf!

At Flemmings for dinner.

Sunday, we packed up to head home. But, not before getting my anniversary gift from Orion. What you might ask? Well, I'll tell you! A PUPPY!!! Yes, that's right. I was so excited. I'd been asking, wanting and desiring a puppy for a while. Orion just kept saying that it wasn't the right time, and he wanted to wait, etc. He's good..totally had me fooled and feeling like he didn't want one.

Me with Bentley.

Monday, we spent the day chillin' and hangin' out. I ran errands with Bentley and Orion washed the car. Later that night we headed out for dinner. Orion took me to Ruth Chris's downtown. This place is special to us, since this is the place where we got engaged. We headed back again for our anniversary. It was so good, and I was stuffed! When we got back to the house we cracked out the top of our wedding cake to partake! Let me tell you it wasn't as good as it was a year ago. But, I still loved taking part in a tradition! Year One: July 14, 2008

eating the top of our wedding cake.

Taking four days to celebrate was a lot of fun. I wish O and I could chill out everyday together, and not have to work. :) I'm such a lucky girl to have married my best friend, be so in love, and love every minute I get to spend with Orion. He's such a great husband, and this year has been one of the best years of my life. We both have grown so much in this last year, I can't wait to see what next year holds for us, and the year after that, and years to come! Check out more pictures from our anniversary here.

I love you Orion!