Betcha Don't Know This

Steel yourselves. Those of you with weak stomachs, look away.
I may give the cool appearance of awesomeness, but here's the secret....I'm not.

The proof is in the pudding...

Favorite TV show

#1 - Frasier

Maybe it's because of my psychology/counseling background....

no, this show is just THAT good.

Gets me every time.

AND...

 #2 - Murder, She Wrote

I have no defense.

I love JB Fletcher.

I forget I'm watching DVR'd programs and therefore don't ffwd through the commercials; Yet always try to ffwd through live tv


source





I wear mud masks and scare my pets

I tweet things like this:

"The Civil Wars, a book on 16th century piracy ('Arg' not creative infringement), and a cup of tea. Happy #nationalcoffeeday"

Speaking of coffee.....

Favorite Autumnal beverage

Green Tea

source

I'm NOT a pumpkin/spice lover. At all.

AND I don't like coffee.

Shock and horror. I know.

I paint in denim (always a bad idea)

*mural from an elementary school library circa 2002*

This makes me cry

Btw - First voice you hear is Matt Chandler, my pastor.

We've been members of The Village (named after the town we were in...not some weirdo cult thing) for almost 6 years, but about 2 years ago Matt had a seizure and found out he had malignant brain cancer. This was the video shot mere days after his seizure and shortly before his brain surgery.

 

Hard to believe nearly 2 years have gone by.

Today, after 18months of chemo and several of radiation, Matt's MRI was clear and he is cancer free.

If you're interested in reading/knowing more you can google/youtube him or check out the church's website here.

I didn't mean for this to feel like a plug of any sort...I just hope it might encourage any who need encouraging. 

I (recently) discovered that Regis and Kelly are awesome too!

At my Momma's

Light Timers!!!!

source

Need I say more.

I married this hunk

Oh wait. HE might make me cool.

Maybe.

Wow we look young...5 years goes by fast.

Any funny, embarrassing, or otherwise entertaining self-disclosures you want to make?

Don't leave me hanging.

Baklava

I've been a kitchen maniac lately.  I love to bake, but don't like having the goodies in my house...mainly because I WILL eat them...all. I came up with a solution though and it works brilliantly.  When I bake I now allow myself a treat or two but (before my inner fattie can protest) I send them off to work w/ David.  I'm happy, David's happy; his co-workers are happy. I'm bringing the love.

I'm not sure when it happened but David's co-workers have begun asking when the next round of sweets will be heading their way...and some even request particular goodies.  I never mind.  In fact, I get really excited when someone asks for something special. It gives me a reason to bake without the guilt. 

That's what happened this week.  George the Greek (there are two George's at the dealership so this has become our little descriptor) asked if I could make Baklava.  Why certainly Georgie old boy! I'd never made it before but was pumped to give it a shot. 

I couldn't be happier with how it turned out. 

Baklava

Recipe adapted from Allrecipes.com

Yield: Approx.  24 servings

Prep-Time: 30 min.

Cook Time: 45-50 min.

• 1 (16oz) package phyllo dough (mine had 2 individually wrapped, 9x14in. sheet sets) You can also make your own dough...I usually prefer to do this...but I'd never attempted phyllo dough and knew it was super delicate and challenging so I used the pre-made stuff instead. 
• 2.5 cups chopped walnuts (you can also used mixed nuts of your choice, pistachios are also popular)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• a dash of ground cloves
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup raw sugar (white also works fine)
• 1/2 cup raw honey
• 1 tsp Mexican vanilla

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Butter the bottom and sides of a 9x13 metal pan.
2. Thaw/prepare dough according to package directions (I only used half of the package). *Note: it's very important the dough doesn't dry out. Do not skip this step.*
3. Toss nuts with cinnamon and cloves, set aside. Place 2-3 dough sheets in pan, brush with butter. Continue until dough is 6-8 layers thick. Sprinkle 3-4Tbsp of nut mixture on top. Layer with 2 sheets of dough and then butter. Repeat, alternating the layers until you are out of nuts. Make sure to keep 6-8 dough layers for top.
4. Brush top layer with melted butter *I forgot this step*. Using a VERY sharp knife, carefully cut rectangle or diamond shapes, making sure to get all the way to the bottom of the pan. *This step is tricky so be careful* Place in oven for 45-50 minutes or until nicely crisp and golden.
5. While the baklava is still baking (with about 30 minutes left in bake time) combine water and sugar on stove top. Boil until sugar is dissolved. Add honey and vanilla, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally (it should be fairly watery and still have some foam...that's ok.)
6. When baklava is done, immediately remove from oven and pour hot sauce evenly over the top. Let cool completely. Do not cover or it will get soggy during this process.

I cut my pieces small enough to place into cupcake wrappers. This helps in transportation (since these were going to work w/ David) and ease in eating since it's rather gooey and sticky.

Look at all that goodness.

David and I had a sample.

Ok, so we had 2 samples.

Have you tried any new recipes lately? How did they turn out?

Dummies

I came home yesterday to find this lovely note on our front door. Apparently, in my absence, the mutts chewed through our back fence and decided to hang out on the neighbors back porch for a few hours. Say what?
My friend Jessi was like, "well at least the animal control officer said 'please'". Haha. She's much kinder than I.

There was no question as to who instigated this dastardly deed. I instantly knew Marley Nigel was responsible for the mayhem. Sammy rarely misbehaves and has NEVER eaten wood...hello, because that's dumb. This is Nigel's 3rd fence destruction. He needs help. I think he might have pica.

Poor David had to work late and didn't get home until after dark. After thinking he had the appropriate supplies to fix the hole he soon discovered he was mistaken and had to make a 9pm trip to the Home Depot. I felt so bad for him. Other than keeping the hoodlums out of the backyard until he was finished, there wasn't much I could do to help.

This hasn't been our kind of week. Last was worse...but still.
I'm ready for a vacation.

Good thing tonight is Women's Bible Study (Sermon on the Mount pt 4).



How's your week going?
Any unexpected or fun things happening?

Back Troubles Can't Hold Me Down

If I'm not sick these days, I'm injured. So frustrating. This has really thrown off my workouts but I'm still trying to do something every day, even if it's minimal (like getting off the floor and walking to the kitchen..ha! sad but true).  The other night I did this BOOTY workout.  I chose it because I knew I wouldn't have to get off the floor.  And hey, a workout is still a workout and it WAS tough. My buns were on fire. Fire I say! Love it.
And y'all know I already love the TIU girls.

Meet the Beach Bum workout.

It hurt so good.

Hit it hard ladies.

You are stronger than you know.

Hope you all have a wonderful Monday!!!

A HUGE Thank You

I'm not sure what the proper blogging etiquette is for things like this, but I need to send a ginormous "Thanks" to those of you who've pinned my recipes (particularly my snickerdoodle/pumpkin cream cheese) to Pinterest and/or made them on your blogs.  I have been floored by your kindness and just can't find the words to tell you how appreciative I am. 

Thank you so much!

I have been so excited/overwhelmed that anytime I run across someone who's pinned my recipe on Pinterest I'm like "Thank you soooo much!". Haha. I'm so awkward. Some of you have even let me know you've made them and/or reviewed them on your blog and I've tried (hope I haven't forgotten anyone) to stop by and say thanks.  You've even had some great additions/adaptations to the recipe too which is really fun and exciting.  I learn from you all.

It's easy to forget that other people read my little ramblings here so it's been such an honor to feel all the lovin'.

Keep it coming. I really love hearing from you!

So thanks again for reading and giving me such a big virtual hug.  Please consider this my Texas-size hug right back at ya.
Hug it out.



 

Have You Ever...

Almost had a finished post only to accidentally hit something and delete the whole thing? Ahhhhh!
Yep, just happened to yours truly.
Grumpy gills, right here.

Instead of retyping what promised to be a great post (seriously y'all missed out), I'm just going to stick to the bare bones.
Sorry. I just don't have the time...ok, or the patience.

Today is another recipe day.  It's chilly here and I decided to make homemade spaghetti and meatballs last night because it's one of my favorite comfort foods.  This recipe is a great base for any red sauce so feel free to adjust it to suit your preferences or tastes.  It does take a lot of time, but it's not difficult (you can even adjust this to a crock-pot).


Remember: Don't be intimidated by making your own sauce. You can do it and I hope this simple recipe gives you a great start.


Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
Makes 14-18 servings (it makes a LOT...I usually freeze half of the sauce to use later)
Prep-time: 15 min
Cook time: 4-6 hours on stove top

• 3 (29oz) cans Hunts tomato sauce
• 1 (29oz) can tomato puree
• 1 (6oz) can tomato paste
• 1 Tbsp parsley
• 1 Tbsp oregano
• 3 bay leaves, whole
• 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 Tbsp basil
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp fresh ground black pepper
• 4 or 5 garlic cloves, whole

Combine all ingredients in a large saucepot on low heat. After cooking for at least 1 hour, taste and adjust seasonings if desired.  Cook for 4-6 hours.  About 30 min before serving cook pasta of your choice according to package directions. Using a ladle, spoon desired amount of sauce over cooked pasta (you will have LOTS of extra sauce...I usually separate it into another container and freeze it for another day when I don't want to make it.) Remove garlic and bay leaves before serving.

Dump all the ingredients in the stockpot.

Stir together....and wait.

(This is where we're heading)

But we've got a meat-a-ball to make first......

Meatballs
10 servings
Prep-time: 20 min
Cook time: 3.5 hours

• 1 lb organic lean ground beef
• 1/2 c breadcrumbs
• 1/4 c milk
• 1/4 c grated parmesan cheese
• 1 Tbsp parsley
• 1 Tbsp oregano
• 1 and 1/4 tsp Worchestire sauce
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl by hand. Roll meatballs to about the size of golfballs. Drop raw meatballs into sauce. Simmer for at least 3 hours.

 Ingredients.

raw meatball.

Plunk those babies in the sauce and let them cook.

The sauce gets the great meaty flavor. The meat gets all the saucy flavor.
Yuuuuuuuuuum.

Warning:

Do not sir for at least 1 hour to give the meatballs time to firm so they won't fall apart.

Now we savor.

 (I likey the parmesan)

I Sneezed and Then I Screamed...

Yes, you read that right.
Yesterday I was getting ready in the bathroom, sneezed...and then fell to my knees. Thankfully the brute strength of my arms caught me, but (since I never just sneeze once) I was nearly crippled after the succession of 3-6 sneezes (think I blacked out).

Why you ask? Well, I threw my back out. I'm 27.
Hello old age. I heard you were a dirty player but had no idea you were such a scoundrel.

As I type this I am lying on flat on the floor (upholstered items are too painful/soft) with an ice-pack under my lower back, rolled up sofa pillow under my neck, and laptop on my stomach.
comfy.

Speaking of comfort. I know it's not technically fall yet (tomorrow) but I made chicken soup for dinner the other night and it was sooooo good.  I felt all cozy and tingly and warm inside. Mmmm.
It's a very simple, no frills recipe, but given the fact that I was still feeling a little sick it was exactly what I wanted. It's a great base recipe to spice up or tweak to make it a little more special.  It's perfect for the crock-pot too.

Homemade Chicken Soup
Yields 8-10 servings
Prep-time: 10-15 min
Cook time: 4-6 hours, can be less if you increase the heat

• 1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2-3 medium sized carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 organic boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1.5 c water (to start)
• 1.5 c organic, low sodium chicken stock (to start)

In a large stockpot cook the onions in the olive oil on med-high heat until transparent. Add the carrots and celery and cook until tender (you wanna get all those great veggie flavors out first). Add the chicken and wet ingredients (enough to just cover the veggies/chicken) and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally with lid on. *I took the lid off about 1/2 to 3/4 way through the cooking time. You may also want to add more water depending on how you like your broth.*  Salt and pepper to taste (it will likely need salt...but taste as you go so you don't overdo it.)  Remove any solids that float to the top with a slotted spoon or a strainer before serving.

Serve with warm rolls and a salad for a great veggie-packed meal.

I like a lot of pepper.

Cucumber, Romaine, and Carrot Salad

Sister Schubert's Rolls...Mmm

Enjoy!!

Here She Is America...

Finally the time has come.
Today I have a very special treat for you - my first guest post! 
Meet Ania Deptuch. 




She's the visionary behind these pictures and is a possibly the most talented person I know.  We've been friends since third grade and although opposites in a lot of ways, she is one of the funniest people on the planet and I love her like a sister. 


I was in the hospital our senior year of high school...Ania was the entertainment.

me, ania, megan

Hiking in New Mexico w/ our other bff, Megan.

fondue night - me, Megan, Ania

The night I got engaged.

serious faces.

 



Even her bathroom is stylish...and look at little Mazzi.

fwends

She makes me do this alot.

sno-cones!

She's really pretty too. :)

Ania (pronounced "On-Ya") is currently working on getting her second degree in fashion but dabbles in all kinds of art/design. 

Look at her first gown!  I die.




she draws/sketches (keep an eye on the dress on the left)



And then she makes it...what?!




She paints. Incredible.





She makes these out of plastic bottles.
I. kid. you. not.





She creates these boards.




And this is what she does with her photos...amazing (but Ania, no more driving and picture taking mmmkay?)


So without further adieu....please welcome my friend Ania. 
Take it away loser. :)



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

STEP INTO MY CLOSET

THE BAD ASS GIRL
-Electric blue leggings, Forever 21
-Vintage plaid shirt
-Faux leather jacket, Urban Outfitters
-Skull print scarf (staple in any bad ass' closet), Alexander McQueen
-Color block purse, Zara
-Christian Louboutins, because why the hell not!?

THE DAINTY FEMININE GIRL
-Tailored, puff sleeve cream blazer, Victoria's Secret
-Button up shirt with tie around the neck, Forever 21
-Black a-line skirt, Express....Add black tights to look even more Parisian!
-Pale pink mary janes!, MIA shoes
-Vintage brown leather purse, because brown and black will always go together!

LETS GO VINTAGE..

Both of these looks have a vintage, summery feel. It's TX, we've got at least another month to get away with these looks, if not longer. Both of these looks can be spiced up for fall too. Just add tights and a little bootie and a cardigan, and you are good to go. I could even see myself in the floral dress at the State Fair. Although I'd much rather wear my "bad ass" look, weather permitting. Last year at the Fair, I wore tights with a floral print and I could've made the Guinness Book of World Records for most stares by people in one day. I got more weird looks that day than I do when I go to the mall w/out a bra. I guess all those Texans thought I had tattoos all over my legs.

Anyway, the blue dress is from Urban Outfitters (on sale) and the floral is from Forever 21....perhaps poor quality clothing but, a cheap and quick way to build your wardrobe. It's a good place to shop when you are on a budget and you need something that you can layer with your other great pieces in your closet. It's floral dress heaven in there. Both purses are vintage. I bought both shoes at Anthroplogie. The white and silver wedge (I am starting to love silver) are Seychelles, and I can't read the label on the yellow ones because I've worn them to death. Fun ways to accessorize....tie a little handkerchief around your neck or pin a bow-tie to the top of your dress or shirt. I love finding other ways to add to my outfit other than jewelry. Anything goes in fashion, as long as you own it. Let them stare!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

I love that last sentence: "Anything goes in fashion, as long as you own it. Let them stare!"
Oh and I know this girl...she wasn't kidding about the bra thing. It's like she's a hippie or something. tmi?

Thanks Ania.

Ily!!

Amazing right? She's incredible y'all. If you want to see more of what this chick's got up her sleeve check out her new blog HERE.  It's still a work-in-progress as she gets it up and running but it's gonna be sooooo good and she let us get a sneak peek at one of her first posts. You can also find her on Pinterest...and if you want to purchase some of her art contact her for pricing info (very reasonable).

Creative people operate on another plane...it's not fair.