5 on Friday (Fun Fact Edition)

Is it just me or do the weeks seem to be going by way to fast? I mean, if I am being honest, lately I have been feeling like I can't keep up...there is so much to do and not enough hours in the day to do the things that I feel need to be done! But I can't complain to much. I have a job that is keeping me busy and provides security. I have a family that I talk to just about everyday. I have friends who continue to show me genuine friendships. And I have a boyfriend and a little furbaby who show me so much love it's hard not to get excited about what the future holds. I just had to get that out, y'all. It's been pulling on my heart lately but when I get frustrated with what I am facing, I just have to keep reminding myself to look at the positive things in life. So thanks for letting me vent sweet readers. :) TGIF! Now how about that link-up that I always look forward to on Fridays?!

ONE
I have NEVER seen The Sound of Music. That is, until last night when I watched NBC's The Sound of Music Live! Carrie Underwood and Stephen Moyer stole the show in the live telecast of the beloved family classic, based on the original Broadway musical. I was extremely impressed with how well the cast did and was blown away by everyone's voices.

TWO
Every year, Will and I try to travel somewhere new to ring in the New Year. So far, we have sipped on champagne and celebrated in Raleigh, Washington DC and Asheville. But this year, we decided that we are going to stay in Charlotte because we want to save money and NYE just so happens to fall on a week night so it really wouldn't work out for us to travel. But there are two positive things that come out of our staying put. The first is that Will and I will still get to welcome 2014 with open arms in our new city together and secondly (and most exciting to me) we have agreed to use our saved money to take a trip to NYC sometime in March or April!!! I have never been to New York and can hardly hold in my excitement. I have already started doing research and making lists of all the places I want to go and Pinterest has been such a big help already. Closer towards the time that Will and I get ready to go, you betcha I will be writing a post or two asking for recommendations of places to go and things to do ;-)

THREE
I am a photography lover. Ever since my birthday, I have been playing with my new camera nonstop and while there has been a lot of trial and error, I have been having fun with it. I think Miller is enjoying it quite a bit as well (I get him to Model for me and he has been getting treats galore)! Next week I'll be sharing some bloopers of photos gone wrong and photos I think have turned out pretty good for this first time DSLR camera owner!

FOUR
"May the odds be ever in your favor". That's just one of the well-known lines from the popular movie The Hunger Games. This weekend, WILL brought up the idea of us having date night and going to see it, so of course I said yes! I'm anxious to see all that happens in the second movie along with the drama that may occur with the characters Katniss and Peeta.

FIVE
I hardly cook, but I want to learn! Lately I have been craving a good ole' baked potato. Not just a plain one...I'm talking about the kind that is loaded up with cheese, sour cream, and bacon! So I thought I would end today's post with a simple, yet delicious recipe for that lip smakin' good baked potato! If you are like me, you may be a beginner in the kitchen, but don't worry because this recipe is easy and pretty quick to make with very few steps so there isn't much room for error to occur! Bon Appetit!

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

2. Brush both sides of the potato with butter and place on an un-greased cooking sheet.

3. Bake potatoes in the oven for about 30-40 minutes or until they are slightly browned on both sides (make sure you turn/flip the potatoes over at least once while in the oven).

4. When potatoes are ready, take them out of the oven and slice them open.

5. Top them off with bacon and cheese.

6. Put the potatoes back in the oven until cheese is melted.

7. Once cheese is melted, take them back out and put a small scoop of sour cream on top and vola!