Five on Friday

I'm linking up for another edition of Five on Friday, a weekly post about 5 random things on my mind! 

--ONE--

Do you ever run into bloggers that you follow in person?  There is one particular blogger that I love (she has a much larger following than me) and lives in my area.  I spotted her and her family at Target one day a few months ago.  I didn't say anything because I felt like a stalker, which is silly since we both just happened to be at Target.  Just this week I spotted her husband at the grocery store.  I certainly didn't say anything to him either, but I'm pretty sure he thought I was weird since I kept looking at him.  In my defense I just wanted to see if that was really him.  

I don't know why I suddenly get shy.  A blog reader of mine once came up to me at an area event and introduced herself.  It made my year!  That's what you sign up for when you put yourself (and your pictures) in the blogosphere. 

Has this happened to you before?

--TWO--

We celebrated Tucker's birthday on Monday!  For those of you new to the blog, Tucker is my now 10 year old chihuahua who I adore.  He's been with me since he was just six weeks old.  Naturally, we celebrated with treats and singing. 



Puppy cookies

Look how excited Tuck is for his presents

--THREE--

The Houston Moms Blog website launch and Launch Party is THIS TUESDAY!  The launch party is from 5:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. at Pomp & Circumstance in River Oaks.  It's free and there will be lots of yummy goodies and cocktails.  Wanna Go?  Sign-up HERE and then tell me you're coming so I can look for you!

--FOUR--

Can't believe my little guy is 17 weeks today!  The good stuff this week is that Jack now loves his Bumbo seat, sitting up, shoving things into his mouth, playing with his Oballs, squealing in delight and looking at his surroundings.  The bad this week is that he hates being cradled like a baby (preferring to be propped up looking around), long afternoon naps, and sleeping through the night. 

--FIVE--

I'm thinking about cutting my hair even shorter.  I've had every hair length under the sun so it's not a matter of will I like it on me...I LOVE short hair.  I'm just wondering if I am just being impulsive or am truly ready for a change.  Any advice or suggestions?

Current long bob - Long & curly - Awful Shag - Long and highlighted

Mid-Length Bob - Long with side bangs - Chin length bob - Another current

Short Bob - Posh Bob (and attitude) - Short Layers - Long Layers

 

Pinterest Project UPDATE: 8 Slow Cooker Meals in 1 Hour

We ate 2 of the 8 meals this week for dinner and here are the results...

Introduction Post about Prep Process
Recipes and Shopping List from SixSistersStuff.com

BBQ Spareribs - Success!

We will definitely make this meal again.  The meat was so tender and flavorful, albeit not very appetizing according to the picture above.  Just take my word for it.  Jason did add hot sauce, but he does that to just about everything so I don't take offense anymore. 

It was suggested to be served with a cheesy hashbrown casserole, but one glance at the recipe and I got overwhelmed so instead I served it with a side of mashed potatoes, green beans and rolls.  Yes they were instant and canned...working mom here, don't judge. {even if I didn't work, let's be honest, they would still be instant and canned}

The recipe made so much that we ate the leftovers the following night as a BBQ Sandwich served with chips and fruit.  I may or may not be lying about the fruit. 


Chicken Broccoli Alfredo - Just Okay

I will make this one again, but with some changes in the way I prepare it.  The recipe said to cook on low for 4-6 hours.  I forgot to let it thaw for 24 hours so it was still pretty frozen when I placed it in the slow cooker. I let it cook on low for 8 hours.  Not sure if this was where I went wrong or this is just how it is, but my broccoli turned to mush making the alfredo sauce a yucky green color and thicker than it should be.  The chicken was perfect though. 

All in all, it tasted okay, but not our fave.  Next time I will just slow cook the meat and sauce.  Adding the broccoli and other veggies at the end when I make the pasta.

I served it as suggested with fettuccine and a salad...again, I may or may not be lying about the salad.  Bad wife.  Life isn't always perfect is it!

--

Two meals down and six to go!  I plan on making a few more next week and will report back!

I look forward to catching you tomorrow for Five on Friday!

Hair Product Review: BaByliss Nano Titanium Portofino Dryer

{Cue Angels singing from Heaven}

My hairdryer (Hot Tools) bit the dust a few weeks ago so I took a leap of faith and purchased the BaByliss Nano Titanium Portofino Dryer hoping it would solve all of my life's problems.  Maybe it didn't solve every problem, but it certainly has worked wonders on my hair.  I'm a true BaByliss convert.  Yes, it is expensive, but for someone who blow dries their hair almost every day it's worth it. 

There are other BaBylis models out there...some more $ and some less $.  This seemed to be the perfect choice for me.  I even sought advice from a hairstylist who thought the Portofino is the best model available for non-professional use.  I was also very happy that this particular model comes with four detachable parts: 3 different sized concentrators and 1 diffuser. 

My hair is naturally very wavy and very thick.  I like to wear my hair smooth and straight.  To achieve this look in the past, I've had to blow dry it straight using my dryer and a round brush.  Then follow that with a hair straightener (especially for muggy Houston days).  The entire routine took me between 30-45 minutes depending on my hair length and how long I let it air dry. 

I've also tried every dryer and hair product under the moon: Chi, Hot Tools, serums, oils, etc. 

I've used my new dryer for 2 weeks now and I'm in love.  It has cut down on the dry time and has completely eliminated my need for a straightener.  I'm able to achieve perfectly straight and smooth hair that stays that way all day with just the dryer and large round brush!  Even on days when I'm running late and just have a few minutes to blow dry, my hair looks good.




Before

 

After

I purchased my dryer at my local Ulta store, but you can also order online with free shipping on all orders over $25!

I was not compensated in any way for this post by BaByliss or Ulta (I wish). 

Pinterest Project: 8 Slow Cooker Freezer Meals in 1 Hour

I'm sure many of you have seen the pin "8 Slow Cooker Freezer Meals in 1 Hour."  This was so appealing to me since my time with Jack after work is precious.  I hate spending that time cooking dinner when I've been gone from him all day. 

I have never made a Pinterest recipe...I'm not much of a cook (that's an understatement), but this one called me. 

This post from SixSistersStuff.com includes everything from the 8 recipes, to a shopping list and suggested sides. 

This past weekend I was determined.  I grocery shopped on Saturday for all of the meat, produce and ingredients I didn't already have.

Sunday after Church while Jack was napping and Jason was watching football, I put it all together!  I will say that instead of 1 hour, it took me almost 2 hours (cleanup included).  I'm sure the next time I do it, I'll be quicker.  I would also recommend doing it with a partner if possible.  That would drastically make things move quicker. 




The night before I gathered all of the ingredients together and labeled the freezer bags

On prep day I bagged all of the meat first

All done!  You just dump the ingredients in with the meat and freeze.

I now have 8 meals stored in my freezer ready to go!  I plan to do blog post followups to let you know how the actual meals turned out.  So stay tuned...we are eating this first one tonight: BBQ Spareribs.

Has anyone else tried this or other Pinterest Freezer meals??  Follow me on Pinterest so we can share recipes!

Five on Friday

My favorite day of the week is here!  You would think that Saturday is my favorite day, but really it's Friday because of the excitement and anticipation of the weekend.  There is nothing better than going to bed on a Friday night!  Am I right?

--ONE--

I bought Jack's Halloween costume yesterday!  I know, I know...it's a little early and slightly pointless since he will be too young to Trick-or-Treat, but Halloween is a big deal in our household and I'm just so excited.  Any guesses on his costume?  I'm not ready to reveal it yet, but no one will be able to handle the cuteness!

Hint:  His nursery gives it away!

--TWO--

Do you like Vampire Weekend?  Their third album, Modern Vampires of the City which released May 2013 is so amazing!  I really wish they were coming to Houston this year.  They were so awesome when Ash and I saw them a few years ago.  Simply happy music. 

--THREE--

This week Forbes put out their 100 Best Websites for Women, 2013.  Many sites I know and love are included like BlogHer and The Bloggess while others I'm super excited to check out like I Want Her Job.  I love lists! 

There is a bit of controversy that a certain site (Get Off My Internets) made the list because a large portion of the site's content is dedicated to making fun of mommy bloggers and other crazy blog posts.  I found the site funny when I browsed it yesterday, but I only read a few pages.  Thoughts?

--FOUR--

 

I can't wait to wear my new Stella & Dot bracelets that I purchased from a neighbors trunk show.  If I had more time (ha) I would totally sell Stella & Dot because I love it so much and wear it all the time. I don't have time, but if any Stella & Dot sellers out there want to partner with The Perfect Catch Blog send me an email: chelsea.purifoy @ yahoo

--FIVE--

 

 

Have you discovered the Beautiful Mess App yet?  It lets you add all kinds of fun doodles to your pictures.  I've been having fun with it this week as you know if you follow me on Instagram @ChelseaPurifoy. 

Oh Happy Day

Jack's Baptism Day was so special and beautiful.  I was a very nervous mama...really just anxious that Jack would have a meltdown (or a blowout) during his special moment in the spotlight.  We were the only Baptism so all eyes were on us.  All worked out and Jack was an angel!  He did great through the service and was a happy camper during the actual Baptism.  The only time he lost it was during pictures, but rightfully so.  We have a huge family so lots of picture combinations!

 

After church all of our family and friends came to our house for lunch and cake to celebrate!  It truly was a perfect day. 

 

Jason and I are so lucky to have (finally) found a church home that we love and can raise Jack in. 

 

 

Jack's Godparents Mauri and Chris

 

 

...Told you there was a lot of family combos!

Happy guy once pictures were over!

Party time!

Jack wasn't feeling very social during lunch

 

What a lucky little boy to have so many people love and support him. 

Five on Friday

Hello Friday!  So happy to see you again.  Time for some 5 of Friday!

--ONE--

This weekend I can't wait to read local Houston Blogger Megan Silianoff's book 99 Problems But a Baby Aint' One.  I missed her book signing last week, but purchased her book on Amazon and it's due to deliver today! 

--TWO--

I signed up to attend the Blog Elevated Conference in Houston this September.  This particular blogging conference is geared for people interested in making money through their personal blog or blogging professionally for a company.  I am excited to attend!  Anyone else planning on attending?




--THREE--

Baby Gap has some super cute items right now.  Boys are just as fun to shop for as girls!  Gap's stuff is just "so Jack" as my girlfriends would say.  I'm especially loving the Le Marais Collection.

--FOUR--

It's Houston Restaurant Weeks this month!  Jason and I normally go crazy during the month of August eating out at all the hot Houston restaurants, but this year we haven't taken advantage yet.  My how times have changed!  Our big dining experience of the week is usually at the local Chili's!

I'm excited to eat at Tony Mandola's with the girls this week!!!  I peeked at the menu and I'm most excited about the dessert options...Bread Pudding or Banana Key Lime Pie???

--FIVE--

The launch of the Houston Moms Blog is getting closer!  All of the contributors had a meeting and photo shoot yesterday!  It was so great to meet other local mommies who share a love of blogging and social media.  Get excited for the sites launch on September 3...we have lots of great giveaways and posts planned!!!  Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to get the inside scoop before launch day. 

{Special thanks to Momma's Gonna SNAP Photography for our amazing pictures}



Photography by Mommas Gonna Snap Photography

Weekend in Pictures

My boys before dinner at Chris & Jenni's on Friday night

Love my little man

Jack getting love from Chris & Jenni's pup Ruckus

Saturday morning smiles

Pajama day playtime.  He loves staring at himself in the mirror.

Yummy chicken tostadas with mango pico for Sunday dinner made by my hubby

 

Hope you have a great Monday!