Fall Goodie Swap!

Hi, strangers!

Hope you've all been doing well since I announced my less frequent blogging. 

Guess what? I got to participate in a Fall Swap with another blogger...none other than Brittany from The Lady Lawyer! (yes, she is a lawyer, I work for a law firm...meant to be!)

I really enjoyed getting to know her a bit through email and through exploring her blog. If you have a few minutes, I would seriously recommend doing so! She's got great style inspiration and some drool-worthy recipes.

Celebrating the 4th in Style

Happy Independence Day (tomorrow)!

Isn't this a fun holiday? I love the colors, the food, the activities, and the drinks. It's all fun, and it's all patriotic. I also have to mention how important it is, while grilling, eating, and having a great time, that we remember the reason for this fun holiday. It is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from Great Britain. And as much as I love the royal family, I sure am grateful for that!

Plants That Can Grow in Hot Sun

One of my favorite parts of summer is seeing beautiful yards. I love walking through the neighborhood (and running during my half-marathon training) and seeing green grass that is well trimmed and edged, nicely shaped bushes, and other treats like flowers and hanging plants. These houses inspire me to work on our yard. In hopes of making it look a bit more "summery," I purchased two hanging ferns about a month and a half ago. I hung them from our front porch, and smiled at them every morning as I drove off to work (call me crazy). 

All American Progressive Dinner: Jalapeno Pimento Cheeseburgers

Summer is just around the corner, which means Memorial Day is upon us. Can you believe it? And Memorial Day means picnics, swimming, grilling, fireworks, and relaxing. Those are pretty much all of the best summer activities all rolled into one day!

If you're trying to plan a Memorial Day menu (or haven't even thought about it yet), we are here to save the day! I've teamed up with Jaelan from Making Mrs. M and Olivia from Snyders Tell All to bring you an All American Progressive Dinner! So get your pen and paper ready for your grocery list, and prepare for a major drool-fest...

My leg of the progressive dinner was the entree. There are so many options out there that would be wonderful, but really, what says "AMERICA" more than a classic cheeseburger?

To pump it up a notch, I decided to make some jalapeno pimento cheese for a kick. And let me assure you, it did not disappoint! 

Let's get started by making the pimento cheese.


Ingredients:

• 2 cups extra sharp Cheddar cheese
• 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (trust me, use Duke's)
• 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp. onion powder
• 1/4 tsp. ground cayenne pepper
• 4 oz. diced pimentos (drained)
• 1 small (seeded) minced jalapeno
• salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

• Put all ingredients, except the salt and pepper, into a large bowl and blend with a mixer or by hand. If mixing by hand, be sure to press down on the cream cheese to be certain it gets incorporated evenly.
• Add salt and pepper to taste.
• That's it. Seriously.

The rest of the recipe is simple - just grill your burgers using your favorite seasonings (we went with salt, pepper, and garlic powder so we didn't steal the pimento cheese's thunder), and add toppings as you like. Lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo, mustard, ketchup...get creative and add some bacon, sauteed mushrooms, potato chips, whatever you want! The world (burger) is your oyster.

Here is how mine turned out. It was really messy to eat, but aren't all of the yummiest things? It was husband, sister-in-law, and brother-in-law approved.

What do you think? Do you have any Memorial Day recipes that you love?


Be sure to hop over to see Jaelan's homemade vanilla ice cream and apple crumble pie (droooool) and Olivia's Red, White, & Blue drink AND a bonus second drink recipe, a Beerita!!



Until next time - - 

A Spring Activity I Love

I'm not sure how the weather is where you are, but the past few days in SC, we have enjoyed some afternoons in the mid-70's, and it's been glorious. Finally, the weather is at a point where I can get outside and get my hands dirty.

One of my favorite spring activities is caring for the lawn. It's one of things that you can really enjoy the fruits of your labor, and it's instant gratification! Who doesn't love that? 

I love getting those nasty weeds out of the ground, cranking up the lawnmower and making the grass pretty, edging to get it all pristine, and finally blow all of the scraps away with the blower. It's relaxing and enjoyable! I just have to be sure I lather up in sunscreen. 

When the weather warms up, I just start itching to get out there and getting to work. 

.....

If Spencer is reading this, he is probably scratching his head...

Well, APRIL FOOLS, y'all. Puh-lease. If you know me, you know none of this is true. I'll plant some things that will hopefully look nice, but I have cut the grass once in my life, and that resulted in blisters on my hands. I do, however, love sitting in the sun and watching Spencer mow the lawn. That man looks good with tools and yard equipment! Hubba hubba. 

Happy Hump Day AND a happy birthday to my friend and work buddy, Kristi (no April Foolin')!

Until next time - - 

Krispy Eggs: An Easter Treat

Happy Monday!

It's good to be back. Sorry for leaving you hanging last week. Things have been really busy around here, but thanks for sticking with me.

Can you believe it's almost April? I feel like March never actually happened. Where is the time going!?

With the arrival of April, means Easter is around the corner. I love Easter. Pastel colors, egg hunts, a delicious lunch, and most of all, the meaning behind the holiday.

This year, Spencer and I will be going to see my family in eastern Tennessee. Saturday will be spent watching the kids race for eggs, eating great food, wonderful fellowship, hugs, laughter, and sadly missing my Aunt Linda. This will be the first gathering since her service in February, and I expect it will be a little bittersweet. 

Since we are traveling, I have signed up to take sweet and unsweet tea (who actually drinks the unsweet? C'mon. You're doing it wrong) which requires zero temperature control needs. Guess what else? We will be eating lamb. Lamb! One of my very favorite foods, but unfortunately don't have often since it's kind of pricey. I hope nobody else wants any, because I might sneak it away into a remote corner and devour it in secret. Shhh.

Another Easter food favorite? Deviled eggs. I know there are many creative takes on the popular finger-food, but I must say, I'm a big fan of the classic deviled egg. Also, I wonder how they got their name. Any ideas?

Speaking of eggs, I think I might make a "surprise" dessert to take to TN with us. I say "surprise" because some of my family members read this blog. Really, though, it's just an excuse to make (and eat) rice krispie treats.

This recipe is from The Pioneer Woman, who I adore and like to pretend I am BFF's with. Is that weird? I don't think so either. You can find the original recipe here.


Krispy Easter Eggs
Prep Time: 20 Minutes Cook Time: 5 Minutes Difficulty: Easy Servings: 12


Ingredients:

• 4 Tablespoons Butter
• 1 package (10 Ounces) Mini Marshmallows
• 6 cups Rice Krispies
•  Assorted Sprinkles
•  Small Chocolate Easter Eggs
•  Plastic Easter Eggs

Directions:

• In a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until melted. 
• Remove from heat, then add rice cereal and stir until well coated.
• Lightly spray interior of the plastic eggs with non-stick cooking spray. If mixture is too sticky, you can also spray your hands. 
• Fill both sides of the plastic egg with rice cereal mixture, slightly over-filling one side. 
• Press chocolate egg in the center on one side of the egg, then close the plastic egg to shape it. (It should be full enough to meet with a little resistance as you close it.) 
• Gently release the rice cereal egg from the mold, decorate with your choice of sprinkles and set aside in egg crate until set.

Can I get an "amen!"?

Until next time - - 

Mexican Progressive Dinner: Frozen Margarita Pie

If you missed the first two posts in the Progressive Dinner I'm doing with Christine from The So-Called Homemaker, click here to see the Black Bean & Goat Cheese Appetizer Recipe, and here to see Christine's Chicken & Black Bean Enchiladas. Yum!!

Today, we're finishing up our dinner with dessert and a cocktail, naturally. Keep reading to see my Frozen Margarita Pie, and when you're finished, be sure to click over and check out Christine's Pineapple Margarita recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups lightly packed small white marshmallows
• 2/3 cup half and half
• 1 tsp grated lime peel
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/4 cup tequila (I used Margaritaville Tequila Silver)
• 1 cup whipping cream
• 1 1/2 tbsp white granulated sugar
• Store bought chocolate or Oreo pie crust
• (Or make your own crust by grinding 20 thin chocolate wafer cookies in a food processor, and adding 2 tbsp melted butter to the crumbs. Put the mixture into a pie dish and use your fingers to press it down around the bottom and edges of the dish.)

Directions:

• In a pot, melt the marshmallows and half and half together until smooth.
• After the mixture is melted, nest the pot into a bowl of ice water and stir often until cool.
• Once cooled, add the lime peel, juice, and tequila and stir occasionally until the entire mixture is cold.
• In another bowl, combine the whipping cream with the granulated sugar, and with a mixer, whip until the cream thickens and forms soft peaks. 
• Pour the cream and sugar mixture into the cooled pot, and fold together until well mixed.
• Pour the entire filling into the pie crust, and freeze (uncovered) for about an hour or until the center is firm to the touch. Then add the lid or wrap in plastic wrap and freeze until solid (at least 2 more hours, but I froze overnight).
• Before slicing, let the pie sit approximately 10 minutes so it can soften slightly.
• Eat plain, or add whipped cream and chocolate syrup like I did! Either way, it's delicious (trust me, I tried it both ways). :)

What other Mexican inspired desserts do you like, or would you love to try?

Don't forget to check out Christine's Pineapple Margarita recipe here!

Until next time - - 

Mexican Progressive Dinner: Appetizer Quesadillas

I am beyond excited to be teaming up with Christine from The So-Called Homemaker to put together a virtual Mexican Progressive Dinner! Over the next two days, Christine and I will cover four recipes for you to create a delicious and fun fiesta!

Today, I'm kicking off the dinner with an appetizer: Black Bean & Goat Cheese Quesadillas. The beauty of dishes like this one is that if there is an ingredient that you aren't fond of, you can either replace it with something else or leave it out altogether! It's so easy to customize to your own taste. 

(Be sure to follow the link at the end of this post to see Christine's entree recipe today!)

I'm sharing today the recipe I used.

Ingredients:

•  1 can (13.5 oz.) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 6 oz. goat cheese
• 1 medium tomato, chopped and seeded
• Kernels from 2 ears of corn
• 1/4 of a red onion, diced
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 6 inch corn tortillas

Directions:

• In a large bowl, mash the rinsed and drained black beans with a fork until about half are mashed and half are still whole. 
• Add the goat cheese, tomato, corn kernels, red onion, and cilantro to the bowl. Season with salt and pepper, and stir until the goat cheese is well incorporated with the other ingredients. The mixture will be very creamy, as you can see in this picture.

• Once the mixture is ready, heat a cast iron skillet or an electric griddle to medium heat. Spread the mixture onto a corn tortilla - use as much as you wish, but remember that the more filling they have, the harder they'll be to flip without filling falling out!
• Place another tortilla on top, and place in the pan.
• Once you begin to see grill marks appear on the bottom, flip it over to heat on the other side. It is finished when both sides have some grill marks, and the mixture inside is warm.
• Cut into wedges and serve warm!
• You can serve with a side of sour cream or salsa. We substituted sour cream with Greek yogurt, and it was delicious!

Be sure to head here and read all about the entree recipe from Christine: Chicken & Black Bean Enchiladas!



Until next time - - 

Valentine's Day Q+A with the Hubs

Since it's both Spencer's birthday week AND the week of Valentine's Day, I thought it would be appropriate to round out the week with another post where I include my awesome husband. Monday I wrote about our wedding dance and Wednesday was a post to celebrate Spencer's birthday. Today is a bit different, however, because this time I involved Spencer by asking him some questions. 

In today's post, I'm sharing his answers - in all of their honesty! Our relationship is of course "not always rainbows and butterflies (it's compromise that moves us along" - name that song), but I'm blessed to have married a man who is committed and in it for the long haul, through the good and bad, and who is willing to work on himself and be open in communicating what he needs me to work on. And that, my friends, is about all you can ask for in a marriage!

Q: What do you remember most about when we first met?
A: We had a bunch of people over to my apartment my junior year of college. I had definitely spotted you earlier in the night but then we ended up standing in line together waiting on our upstairs bathroom. I introduced myself and that was it for the night. I have always taken things pretty slowly, I think more of a confident approach as opposed to timid slow. The rest is a long story, but that was the first night.

Q: Was there a specific moment you knew you loved me? If so, what was it?
A: I don't have a specific moment. We went through quite a lot together over a couple of years and the culmination of your support and commitment eventually got me there. I did have the first sight feeling the first night. I saw you and saw how you handled yourself around other people that night. After getting a feeling for your personality (quick judgement) and your obvious good looks, it definitely crossed my mind in a casual way that maybe you could be the one.

Q: Describe how you felt the moment you proposed.
A: I was definitely a little nervous, but I think the way the night of the proposal unfolded with the bad weather ruining my initial plan made me kind of relax and just try to make the most of it.

Q: What is the hardest part about being married, and how do you work through it?
A: The hardest part about being married is definitely just meshing our 2 different personalities. I am the one that can be by myself in the Man Room with a record on or just relaxing the majority of the time. You need more communication and cuddling, which I totally understand, but it does take a conscious effort and more energy that what I naturally have. I know I have work to do in that area, so as long as you are patient then we can work through it.

Q: Love Languages - do they work?
A: I think for sure they work. The essence of them is just understanding each other's personalities and how to give the other what they really need. Honestly, I don't know that I have much of a "love language." I am a pretty easy going guy that tries to take things as they come without having many expectations from others. Don't get that confused for me not putting expectations on myself. I know you need more attention to your "love language," which I am working on. The things I naturally lack are the things you need so it takes some serious work and energy. The most important thing is that you know I will always love you, which anyone should be able to make come across after years of being together.

Q: What do you look forward to the most about our future?
A: I look forward to seeing as much of the world as possible and sharing different experiences with you and any children we may have. Exposure to different cultures and experiences have been the best way for me to gain my perspective on life. I like when my own perspective and convictions get challenged and the only way for that to happen is to be faced with different views and environments. It either helps you change your perspective or makes it stronger. If it makes it stronger, then I can still appreciate why others see things the way they see them, even if it differs from me.



So there we have it! The husband Q+A, just in time for Valentine's Day. 

I'm curious - how would your spouse or significant other answer these questions? Do you have more similar personalities to one another than Spencer and I have? Are you like us and have to work at it a bit more? What do you do to show him or her your love?

If you aren't familiar with the Love Languages, I cannot recommend learning about them enough! You can find the book here (affiliate link) or go here to take a quick test. If you and your significant other each take the test, you can get the book and each learn how to express love in a way that the other needs to feel it. It's invaluable!

Plans for this weekend? 

Spencer and I are heading to Charlotte to spend a weekend away. We're also using the opportunity to get Piper's second round of shots done, since all of her shots are provided by the rescue in that area where we adopted her. Poor thing doesn't know they're coming. I feel like a mother taking her child for vaccinations - wah! (That's not an invitation to comment about vaccinations, autism, and your opinion on that matter - please don't). 

Whatever you do, I hope it's a wonderful Valentine's Day, whether it's spent with a spouse, significant other, family member(s), friend(s), or even a quiet night at home relaxing. I love you all and appreciate you reading this little blog!

Until next time - - 

Merry Christmas!

Source

Wishing you and yours the Merriest of Christmases! Take the time to connect with loved ones; to hug them, share memories, make new memories, and cherish each second you get to spend with them. I know I will be.

Here's a reminder about why we celebrate this special day:

"In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,  and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told."

Luke 2:1-20

Christmas Cookies!

On Saturday night, I enjoyed a sleepover with our niece, Reagan. As any Christmas-time sleepover should, we made and decorate Christmas cookies!

I took the lazy easy route and used the pre-blended sugar cookie mixture by Betty Crocker. Just add butter and an egg!

The first batch we did drop cookies (which requires more butter). We rolled them in our hands and then into colored sugar.

Note: If you decorate before baking, you must use sugar! If you try to do this with regular sprinkles, they will melt in the oven.

We rolled the dough and used cookie cutters for the second batch. With the help of of my sister-in-law, Jessica, and the extra cookie cutters she brought, we had plenty of shapes to choose from! We baked those cookies and as they cooled, we went to pick up Chinese food (because what else do you eat during a girls' night?). 

After they cooled, Reagan brushed them with pasteurized egg whites and while they were sticky, we doused them with more colored sugar!

They turned out beautiful, and more importantly, delicious!

Until next time - - 

Christmas Movie Night In

Are you obsessed with Christmas movies like I am?  I'm telling you, once Thanksgiving is over, my TV is glued to the Hallmark channel and their continuous run of Christmas movies (the cheesier the better, in my opinion)!

Of course, even better than the Hallmark movies are the classics. I have a list of movies that I must see every Christmas season. Below are a list of my favorites. Be sure to scroll down and let me know which one I should watch tonight in my PJs. :)

In no particular order...

It's a Wonderful Life

This movie is the one that Spencer and I watch every Christmas Eve as we sleep in front of the Christmas tree. This year we will be spending Christmas in TN with my family, so we will have our Christmas Eve together on Monday night. This will definitely be playing (bonus: Spencer bought it for me when we were engaged on DVD. And it comes in B&W AND color!!).

Elf

No other Christmas movie makes me laugh as hard as Elf. Will Ferrell is excellent as Buddy the Elf, and I don't think I can ever get tired of it! He's so innocent and sweet - a perfect family movie!

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

We watched this ALL the time as a kid. It's a total classic, and just not Christmas if this doesn't get played on our television at least once!

The Polar Express

The Polar Express perfectly captures the magic of Christmas that we all experienced (and hopefully still experience!) as children. It's a sweet story, and based on a book that is just as great. Also, the animation is incredible.

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

Is it truly Christmas without the Griswolds? Not really. This hilarious movie makes me thankful for a normal, uneventful Christmas! While it might not be suitable for all ages, it's definitely a classic in my book.


There are many, many more great classic Christmas movies (Miracle on 34th Street, A Christmas Story, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Home Alone, etc. etc. etc.), but these 5 are definitely on my list of "must-watch" movies this season.


Help me out - which Christmas movie should I watch tonight? Let me know your vote in the comments!


*The links in this post are affiliate links. Thanks for any and all support of this blog!


Until next time - -