The Busy Girl's Blog

Shrimp Scampi

2015-09-21T14:23:00.000-07:00

When your pregnant and you want pasta -- you get pasta:

Now, being pregnant and just barely out of my first trimester, there are very few things that I can stomach these days. My life saver throughout the first trimester (and let's be honest I am still queasy 4 months in) has been carbs. Anything carbs stays down and keeps me and my baby full and happy.

So the past Sunday, when we were driving home from church and discussing what to have for dinner, I insisted that we have pasta. But not the tomato and meatballs stuff we had the other night, but shrimp scampi!

On the drive home from church I stopped at the local grocery store and got everything I needed for shrimp scampi.

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 of Spaghetti (we used wheat)
1 lb of Shrimp (or about 16 shrimp)
4 Tbs. of Butter
4 Tbs. of Olive Oil
2 Green Onions Chopped
2 Cloves of Garlic (chopped thinly)
1/2 cup of White Wine
Juice of 1/2 a lemon
Salt and Pepper
Parsley Chopped, to taste
Parmesan (to top)

Directions:

1. Boil a large pot of water for the pasta -- Cook 6-8 minutes to al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper or any other seasoning you prefer. (The Urban Farmer likes to season with brown sugar)
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt two table spoons of butter with two tablespoons of olive oil and combine. Saute the green onions and garlic until the green onions are translucent.

4. Add the shrimp to the pan with the green onions and saute till the shrimp are pink and remove. You are going to throw them back in at the end, so it is okay if they are not cooked all the way.

5. Combine white wine and lemon into the pan and bring to a boil.
6. Add your additional two tablespoons of butter and olive oil and bring to a simmer. Stir to combine all ingredients.
7. When the butter is melted, add the shrimp back in and cook five minutes. Then add the pasta into the pan. Add Parsley to taste.
8. Remove from the pan and place in a serving bowl. Top with Parmesan cheese to taste and serve.

I served my shrimp scampi with homemade Italian bread and topped my pasta with LOTS of Parmesan cheese (you can never have too much cheese).

Let's just say the recipe was delicious and mommy and baby were pretty happy with this delicious shrimp scampi recipe.

God Does have a Plan

2015-09-21T13:05:00.002-07:00

I fully believe that God does amazing things in people's lives and if something is meant to be it will happen. My life over the last year is the perfect example of that.

At the end of June 2014, the Urban Farmer and I were settling into our lives together as husband and wife. To be honest, not much changes from dating to being married, but we were enjoying our time together and our first month and a half of being married.

Although things were moving along and being newly weds was wonderful, the Urban Farmer and I were ready to move, yup, you got that MOVE!

Now, long before I met the Urban Farmer and while I was in college down in Florida the Urban Farmer bought a foreclosure, town home in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. Since buying it, he had fixed the place up, and together we had made it our home.

But living in a 1200 square foot town home was not where we wanted to start our family. But, living in the pricey, D.C. area offered few options for us young and live kids. We could live farther and add onto our already 45 minute commute, or live closer and move from one town home to the next. In a sense we were trapped by the Housing market with no relief in sight.

Then in July, my boss offered me a position in my company's Virginia Beach office.

While this sounded like a great opportunity, was I sure the Urban Farmer and I wanted to pick up our entire life and move to the other end of the state? At first, the Urban Farmer was against the idea -- but as we thought about it more, it sounded like a great opportunity.

This was a great promotion for me and I really wanted to take it, but I was a newly wed, and now I couldn't take this promotion without the Urban Farmer on board. So I began to pray that God would give me an answer on what the next step was. I felt at a crossroads between my career and my marriage and although the Urban Farmer was my first priority I wanted to be able to "make and eat my cake too." I needed an answer from God and a miracle.

I spent many of nights and time talking to God, praying and reflecting on this promotion. I put all my faith in God and was sure that he would have an answer.

With moving, the Urban Farmer would have to find a new job in order to make this work -- and with the job market not as good as D.C. we thought that the results would be less than desirable for him. He had a good job, and had been with the company for over 6 years, and was happy. With his job such a major factor -- the move looked like it wasn't going to go through.

And with God's amazing plan in our life, the next thing we know, the Urban Farmer found out that his company was opening a branch in Virginia Beach and if he wanted, he would have a job there. It was a MIRACLE.

We were so blessed to have everything fall into place. Within a month, everything came into place for the Urban Farmer and I to relocate to Virginia Beach. God had done such an amazing thing in our lives and we were so happy that things worked out amazingly for us to move to Virginia Beach.

So in your own life, when you are feeling like nothing is going right, or that you are stuck at a crossroads my suggestion would be to put your faith in God, pray and know that He has a plan. I have always found in my life when I give myself to Him he always has the answer.

My advice to you, when you are at a crossroads in your life or faced with a difficult decision, say a prayer and hand your life over to God and let Him put your plan together.

A Picture of us at our New Home in Virginia Beach

Will the Real Busy Girl Please Stand Up?

2015-06-19T19:20:00.000-07:00

Now, unfortunately, I must admit something up front... as someone who wanted to share my story with the world, or just my friends and family near and far, I have failed you. I have failed to really share who I am, my thoughts and my beliefs for one real reason, FEAR.

Now, I know that sounds pathetic and cowardly, but that is the real reason. For fear of not being accepted, fear of "offending someone" or worst, fear of starting drama.

For these reasons, I must apologize.

But today, I leave that fear behind and come back as a more thoughtful and provocative writer.

Not someone scared of what others may think, but someone ready to share her thoughts, wisdom, funny stories and beliefs with the world.

I plan to devote myself to publishing the blemished, no make-up true Busy Gal.

Sometimes things won't be pretty, but I hope by sharing the truth and the real me, that I may write a blog that I actually enjoy to write and something that I am proud to share with the world.

I ask that you join me on this journey and be patient as I figure out life, love and blogging!

As I share my life with you, I hope that you catch on to my humor (sometimes I don't get it myself), accept me for my beliefs and join me in learning from my failures. The truth and life are far from pretty, but it's the journey that makes it all worth it.

If nothing else, I hope that to those of you that visit me in my little home on the internet, feel the warmth and hospitality that I hope to provide to everyone whose paths I cross.

So, over the next couple of months, my little home on the internet will be going through some changes (Just like my home in real life, but we'll cover that later). I ask that you be patient, give me positive feedback when deserved and try to sugar coat the bad feedback.

But for now, I welcome you to my internet home. Feel free to be nosy and go through all my stuff (I do it in your home).

Thank you for sharing your time with me and allowing me to share my stories with you.

XOXO - The Busy Girl

Oh Hey There Stranger...

2015-06-15T19:29:00.000-07:00

So, it is 10 at night, and as I toss and turn in my bed and listen to the gentle snoring of my husband, I remember that over three years ago I started a blog to chronicle my life, falling in love and everything in between.

Then, as I do with most of my responsibilities in my life -- I forgot about it.

Now here I am, three years later, with nothing to show for it but 70 posts on a blog that are providing un-solicited (and probably not doctor recommended) self-help from a person who see nothing wrong with spending an afternoon binge watching Netflix (we all do it... right?).

So, like I did in 2014 and 2013, I will attempt to revive my blog.

For the maybe three people in the world that enjoy my endless ramblings, you are welcome.

For the other five billion people in the world that will continue to live on never knowing that this little sliver of the internet exist, I hope that one day, for one second, this lover of life (that's ME) that we may cross paths on the internet or in real life and that we both for a second add something positive to each others lives.

But until we meet again, or I remember that I have a blog, I wish y'all good night!

Crock Pot Chicken Caeser Wrap

2014-06-27T16:04:00.000-07:00

If there is one thing this Busy Girl likes more than Italian Dishes (and rum) it is EASY dinners. With our crazy work hours and schedule the last thing in the world I like to do is make some CRAZY gourmet meal and spend ALL night cooking. I hope you concur. If you find time to make a gourmet meal AND do everything else in your day I would LOVE to know your secrets!

So, I LOVE chicken, and I LOVE Cesar salads. So I tried to take an oldie and switch it up a bit.

What You'll Need:

3 Chicken Breast
1/2 Cup of Water
1/2 Cup of Caesar Dressing
1/4 Cup of Parmesan
A Couple Sprigs of Fresh Parsley
Salt and Pepper to Taste
Romaine Lettuce Diced
Wheat Tortilla

Directions:

1) Place the 3 Chicken in a Crock Pot with 1/2 a Cup of Water. Season with Salt and Pepper to taste.

2) Turn the Crock Pot on Low and Set for 3 hours.
3) Take two forks and pull the chicken apart to let it shred.
4) Once shredded, add the Caesar Dressing, Parmesan, Parsley and Salt and Pepper to taste and combine.

5) Keep the Crock Pot on "Keep Warm" and let sit for an hour.
6) When you're ready to eat, heat up the tortilla. Place the lettuce on the tortilla and top with chicken.
7) Roll-up and ENJOY!

What is your favorite Crock Pot Recipe?

Pesto Bruschetta Chicken

2014-06-16T19:55:00.002-07:00

My Italian self has been CRAVING pesto I knew that it was that time again to start cooking up something Italian.

Now, because it is June, and I spend every weekend in a bikini, I thought for my sake (and the sake of everyone who may see me in a bikini) that a pasta heavy meal was not in the cards. So, I thought to mix an old recipe with some of our 2013 variety pesto, to make some Pesto Bruschetta Chicken.

Normally I would take you through a picture tour, but since I forgot, we're forgetting the picture book today, I hope you forgive me...

Here is what you will need:

3 Chicken Boneless Chicken Breast

6 Ounces of Pesto

1/2 Cup of Fresh Grated Mozzarella (you can use the bag stuff.... I won't tell)

1/2 Cup of Cherry Tomatoes

Olive Oil

Balsamic Vinegar to taste

Directions:

1. Generously cover the bottom of a casserole dish with olive oil.

2. Use a knife to butterfly (cut in half longways) the chicken. Place the chicken breast in the oiled casserole dish.

3. Divide the pesto in half. Take a spoon and generously cover the inside of the chicken with pesto. Fold the chicken and place the remaining pesto on top of the chicken.

4. Place the tomatoes on top of the pesto with mozzarella.

5. Cover your casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes at 350 degrees. Depending on your stove, it may take an additional 5 to 30 minutes to cook the chicken thoroughly.

6. When the chicken is cooked thoroughly (No pink or translucent appearance when the chicken is cut in half. The chicken should feel firm and have no hint of rubbery feel to it when poked.) pull it out of the oven and allow it to cool for 5 to 10 minutes.

7. Before serving, top with balsamic vinegar to taste.

The Urban Farmer and I enjoyed this dish with a side Greek salad, some Italian bread and wine.

Results:

The Urban Farmer is REQUIRING me to make this for him AGAIN. We both enjoyed this dish! And most importantly, I got my Italian kick.

Tonight, I can go to bed knowing that all is right in the world.

What is your favorite Italian Dish? What have you been craving lately?

How the Busy Girl became the Busy Wife

2014-06-16T19:20:00.002-07:00

How the Busy Girl became the Busy Wife ...

And Other Wives Tales (and excuses) on why I have Neglected my Blog

A long time ago, I was just some gal in my early twenties who thought it was a GREAT idea to start a blog and chronicle my crazy, beautiful life. Well hear I am, over two years and 67 posts later, and I am still working on getting my blog started. Some may call it an epic fail, but for me, I like to think of it like a diet -- Every time you fall of the wagon, you gotta get back up and try again!

So here I am today round 3 (or maybe 4, 5 or 6) of reviving my Blog.

But in all honesty, I have been VERY busy. Last time I wrote on here I was just some young Busy Girl, trying to figure out life and love, today I write you as a Busy Wife who is STILL trying to figure out life and love (and now MARRIAGE). But I hope that as I navigate through this crazy beautiful life, you come along for the ride. Sometimes you may laugh, other times you may cry. Or you may just find that in 2 weeks I stop posting on here again (if so, I am sorry I have wasted your time, yet again) but in the end I hope that by sharing my ups and downs, you laugh at my jokes, cry when I fail and in the end we both learn a little from each other.

XOXO,
The Busy Wife

(Love our wedding photos? Check out Gronde Photography -- they are AMAZING!)

Wedding Planning: Right after the Engagement

2013-11-07T18:27:00.004-08:00

When the Urban Farmer and I got engaged it was AMAZING how quickly people started asking us questions.... Have you picked a date? What are your wedding colors? How's in the Bridal party?

Now getting engaged is a whirlwind of emotion and excitement! You are so excited and happy that you feel like you are on cloud nine! For me, those first couple days of being engaged was so overwhelming, I did not even know what to do.

Now, since the Urban Farmer and I were camping that weekend, it meant that we got a little time to enjoy the engagement before we started to share our excitement. For any future couples to get engaged, I highly recommend that you take a little time to enjoy your engagement by yourselves.

I know how exciting it is to call your family, your best friend and your sorority sisters, but those couple hours where we got enjoy being engaged alone were some of the best moments of the engagement.

After the Urban Farmer and I left our little piece of Heaven on the New River, we went and spent some time at a winery together and alone.

Us at the Winery!

Then on the way home we started to call people to share with them our exciting news.

Of course, I told my parents right after we got engaged, but the Urban Farmer had to tell his family, and we both had friends to tell.

Now, since the Urban Farmer's Mom, sister and brother lives 30 minutes from us, we both decided that we were going to tell them in person.

So while driving home, the Urban Farmer and I called close friends to tell them our exciting news.

Then, the Urban Farmer called his Dad to let him know.

Then after that we told his family.

And this may sound surprising in today's day and age, but we didn't put anything on Facebook for two days! Crazy I know. Most people do it immediately.

It wasn't that we were trying to hide our engagement or keep it a secret, the truth is we wanted to do things our way. We wanted our engagement to move at our own pace and to enjoy the privacy. Remember your engagement is about the both of YOU, not anyone else.

Now I love all the Facebook love, but I was already overwhelmed.... I didn't need to add anymore to it.

When we finally told social media and Facebook, the Urban Farmer and I had an outpouring of love from our friends and families. We were both surprised and happy wit how many people were happy with us.

After sharing our engagement with everyone it was time to focus on the next part -- wedding planning.

In my next couple of posts I would like to share with y'all my experiences planning. The happiness, the tears and all the emotions in between. I hope that you will enjoy reading this exciting part of my life with you.

Love,

The Busy Girl!

Engagement Photos

2013-11-07T17:12:00.001-08:00

Not to long ago, the Urban Farmer and I got our engagement photos done.

Living in the D.C. area, we thought that we would do our photos in the city that we love so much. Now the Urban Farmer and I got VERY lucky, our photos were taken two days before the government shut down and all the monuments closing! We should have played the lottery... I know!

Well I hope you enjoy viewing some of our Engagement Photos!

"Zombies" Video

2013-11-07T16:54:00.001-08:00

If you haven't checked out the Urban Farmer's band, Old Rag Mountain Remedy's new song! If you like Zombies then you definitely will like this song!

Plus, the Urban Farmer is playing the Bass in it!

https://www.cdbaby.com/m/cd/oldragmountainremedy

Recipe: Potato Bacon Soup

2013-11-05T19:11:00.002-08:00

So the weather is cooling here in Northern Virginia. Sweater weather has set in and soup season is upon us, therefore the Urban Farmer and I are celebrating with one of my FAVORITE soups... Potato Bacon Soup!

What you Need:

6 Slices of Bacon
1 Small Onion
8 Red Potatoes
1 Clove of Garlic
6 Cups of Chicken Broth
3 Tbs. of Flour
1 Cup of Milk
1/2 Cup of Half and Half
1 Tsp. of Salt
1 Tsp. of Pepper
1 Tbs. of Fresh Minced
Grated Cheese to Taste

Directions:

Slice Bacon to Bits and add to a soup pot. Cook over medium heat until bacon is crisp.

Had to use my soup pot. Waiting for my Dutch Oven for my Registry

Remove bacon and set aside.

Remove most the grease, but keep a little for seasoning.

Dice onions and garlic. Peel potatoes and dice.

Replace pot on stove over medium-high heat. Add the potatoes, onions and garlic. Cook for five minutes.

Add salt and pepper to the pot.

Pour broth into pot. Turn on high to reach boil. Allow to boil for ten minutes until the potatoes are tender.

While the potatoes are cooking, mix the flour and milk in a separate bowl. Combine till smooth.
Pour into soup and cook for five minutes.

Remove half of the soup and place in a blender. Blend until completely smooth. Combine blended soup with pot.

I know, I know, I need a new blender. Ugh!

Stir in half and half.

Pour into bowls adding fresh, minced parsley, cheese and bacon.

Yes, the Urban Farmer and I have a Fresh Parsley plant in our kitchen. We LOVE Fresh Parsley!

The yummy soup!

Results:

Sooo yummy! The Urban Farmer and I not only had one bowl, we had TWO! And they were both utterly DELICIOUS! I will definitely be making this soup again for us over the winter.

Recipe: Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip

2013-11-05T18:11:00.002-08:00

The Urban Farmer and I brought a dish to a party recently. I know that the Urban Farmer loves his Buffalo Chicken so I wanted to make him some Buffalo Chicken Dip!

What you need:
2 Cups of Buffalo Chicken (I used the leftovers from my Buffalo Chicken)
1 Package of Cream Cheese
1 Cup of Ranch
1 Cup of Cheese

Directions:
Add all the ingredients into a Crockpot and stir.

Put on High for one hour.

Serve with crackers.

Results:

We had NONE left. Always a good sign of any dish you make! Will definitely be making this again!

New Zombie Song!

2013-10-30T19:33:00.001-07:00

As promised, I have Old Rag Mountain Remedy's new song! If you like Zombies then you definitely will like this song!

Plus, the Urban Farmer is playing the Bass in it!

https://www.cdbaby.com/m/cd/oldragmountainremedy

Recipe: Crockpot Buffalo Chicken

2013-10-30T19:12:00.002-07:00

As the fall weather comes creeping in, there is nothing this girl loves more than Corckpoting. The idea of coming home from work and the gym and having dinner all ready is PRICELESS. Plus, you don't even have to light a candle that night the whole house smells delicious!

Well, because I had 3 pieces of boneless chicken, and I had a craving for buffalo sauce, I knew that there was something that HAD to be done.... Buffalo Chicken!

Now this is the easy fabulous recipe you and your family will enjoy!

Here is What you Need:
3 pieces of Boneless Chicken
1 Cup of Buffalo Sauce (divided)
4 Tbs. of Cream Cheese
1/2 Cup of Ranch

Directions:

1) Put the boneless chicken in the crockpot. Add 1/2 a cup of Buffalo Sauce.

2) Cook crockpot on low for 7 hours.

3) Thirty minutes before your ready to eat, add the other 1/2 cup of sauce, the cream cheese and ranch in the crockpot. Mix together.

4) Before serving, pick apart with a fork.

You can serve these however you want! I like mine on a wrap with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese and of course, more Ranch!

Enjoy!

Love,

Busy Girl

Halloween Costume

2013-10-30T18:02:00.000-07:00

So here it is, Wednesday night. The Urban Farmer and I have a Halloween party Saturday and we are without costumes... Dun Dun Dun!

After three Halloweens together, this was going to be our first one actually being together and we wanted to have an awesome costume. But like what everyone worries about as the leaves start to change... What do I wanna be for Halloween?

The Urban Farmer and I searched the internet high and low looking for a Halloween costume. We thought about everything from Zombies, farmers, Batman and Robin; believe me we thought of it ALL.

Then one day, while at work we came across pictures of beer costumes and a light clicked on.... We are going to be a bottle of Dos Equis and the most incredible man ever.

Now, this idea came to us Wednesday, we had to have the costumes by Saturday. So, we ran out to the party store to get our costumes.

Of course, the Urban Farmer had an easy costume. A suit and a beard -- done.

Me not so much...

I went to the fabric store and got green and red fabric.

Then I sewed. But did I start Wednesday night? Of course not!

First my sewing machine had to break the bobbin holder... in HALF! So after a meltdown, and buying a new bobbin holder, I knew I only had one choice -- I was going to hand sew my costume.

Next, I had to take Thursday not to sew, but to lay around and watch "Hocus Pocus" (yes I have my priorities straight).

Then Friday came along and it was crunch time. I spent FOREVER hand sewing my costume. Then stitching on the red Dos Equis letters. Then began doing the gold part.

Although it took forever, I would do it again! Our costumes were a hit! And we had a WONDERFUL time.

So my advice for those of you wanting to sew your own costume?

1) Start EARLY! Like seriously, next year I will start thinking about my costume in March. Now you don't have to start early, but at least think about it more than three days before the party.

2) Remember your hips are bigger than your hips. Now I know that this is not the same for everyone but the idea is to pay attention to what you are doing. You don't want to end up like me, barely able to sit all night!

3) Think outside of the box! Now everyone goes as the french maid or the nurse but how many people go as a bottle of Dos Equis? Exactly! Now be creative and eat ice cream for dinner... because life is about the things you do, not the things you don't do.

Love,

The Busy Girl

Recipe: Corn Avocado Salsa

2013-10-27T18:40:00.000-07:00

This is my new favorite party dish. A lady at work makes this every so often and I find myself downing 20 chips with this salsa it it that good!

Here is What you Need:
4 cups of fresh or frozen Corn Kernels
1 Tbs. Taco Seasoning
1/2 Tbs. of Pepper
2 Tbs of Vegetable Oil
1 Bell Pepper (cut up)
1/2 Cup of Onions (cut up)
1/4 Cup of Fresh Cilantro (cut up)
1/2 Cup of Fresh Lime Juice
1/4 Cup of Orange Juice
3/4 Tbs. of Salt
2 Avocados (cut up)

Directions:
1) Add oil to a pan over medium heat. Add the corn, Taco Seasoning and Pepper. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until corn is slightly golden. Remove from heat and let cool.

2) While the corn is cooking place the pepper and next six ingredients into a bowl and stir. Add the corn and mix thoroughly.

3) Cover and chill for 30 minutes. (Hint: I find the longer you let everything soak in the better)
4) Just before serving, mix the avocado into the dip. (Hint: I add a little extra salt before serving to give it a little more POW!) Serve with chips.

ENJOY!

Love,

Busy Girl

New Blogger Alert!

2013-10-24T20:28:00.001-07:00

So after hearing me talking about Blogging I am happy to welcome my sister, The All American Girl, to the world of Blogging!

Although she just started, like tonight, keep her in mind on your travels through the internet

http://allamericangirl04.blogspot.com/

Recipe: Butternut Squash Risotto

2013-10-24T20:24:00.000-07:00

About two weeks ago, the Urban Farmer and I headed out towards the mountains. Living so close to the city sometimes we feel the need to get away from the hustle and bustle of our day to day lives and go and breathe some fresh air.

With no destination in mind on this chili Saturday, the Urban Farmer and I drove through the country side watching the rolling hills and taking in the colors of fall when we came across one of the Urban Farmer's favorites The Giving Tree.

Nestled in Linden, VA, the Giving Tree is a great little country store with organic, locally grown fruits and vegetables. They are now raising their own pigs and chickens (They even have blue eggs!). In additional to the fresh produce the store sells the work of local craftsman, including art, jewelry, home goods, etc.

While we were there, some gorgeous butternut squashes caught the eye of and the Urban Farmer and I, and we new we wanted to get one! His idea was to eat it, my idea was using it for decor -- he won this time.

So after two weeks of sitting on our counter, I decided to make Butternut Squash Risotto. My sister (The American Girl) has been making this dish for weeks and has told me, "I had to try it!"

Here is what you need:

1 Medium size Butternut Squash (cubed)

2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil

1 Teaspoon of Chilli Powder

3 - 1/4 Cup of Chicken Stock

1 Tablespoon of Butter

1 Large Onion (chopped)

2 Cloves of Garlic (minced)

1 Cup of Aborio Rice

2 Teaspoons of Dried Rosemary

2 Teaspoons of Oregano (I used Fresh)

1/2 Cup of Wine

Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions:

1) Place the cubed Butternut Squash in a Cast Iron Skillet.

2) Top with Olive Oil, Chili Powder and Salt and Pepper to taste.

3) Let cook at medium for 20 minutes or until soft, stirring occasionally. (You should be able to cut the squash with a wooden spoon using minimum effort)

4) Remove from heat and allow squash to partially cool.

5) Place Squash in Food Processor along with 1/4 cup of Chicken Stock and blend till smooth. (You want it to look like Orange Mashed Potatoes)

I know, I know I need a new Food Processor, but it is on the Wedding Registry (Wink, Wink)

6) In a pot, place the rest of the chicken stock (3 cups) and the Squash mixture. Allow to cook for 5-10 minutes on low or until it reaches a slight boil.

7) While the Squash mixture is cooking, place the butter in the cast iron skillet on medium heat. (I used the same one because come on, who wants to do more dishes)

8) Add the onion and cook till it smells.

(Mmmm I love the smell of onions!)

9) Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes.

10) Add the Rice, Rosemary and Oregano to the skillet.

11) Add half a cup of your favorite wine to the skillet and allow to cook for 5 minutes or until the wine has absorbed into the rice.

I had to use cooking wine because, let's be honest, wine doesn't last in our home to long.

12) Slowly, combine a big spoonful of the Squash/Stock mixture to the skillet. Allow rice to absorb all the squash mixture.

13) Continue this until all the mixture has been absorbed.

14) Allow to cook for an additional 5 to 15 minutes or until the rice is soft.

15) Scoop into a bowl and garnish with cheese, rosemary, salt, pepper or whatever your heart desires!

Garnished mine with Fresh Grated Parmesan!

Review:

This definitely wasn't a simple recipe to make the first time. After working a 10 hour day and making this I am completely ZONKED! I will definitely have to try this on a Sunday or a day that I find myself with more energy to stand over the stove for more than 5 minutes!

To be honest, I was actually very scared to try this recipe. I am definitely a frozen pizza and bananas type of girl and do not like being out of my comfort zone when it comes to food, so making butternut squash almost sounded disgusting and crazy to me. But believe me, I am SO GLAD I tried it. The dish turned out delicious and it is actually pretty healthy for you!

Try the Dish and let me know what you think!

Love,

The Busy Girl

Recipe: Fall Candy Bark

2013-10-20T18:31:00.000-07:00

My Older Sister and I

This weekend I went down to Hampton to spend time with my older sister and her husband.

Time with my sister usually involves baking, wine, Disney movies, wine, shopping and wine... You get the picture.

So Friday night, we went out for dinner and a drink at a bar. After being stalked by some creepy guy and having a couple drinks we were ready to get home and get baking!

What were these two semi-buzzed sisters going to make you ask? The answer: Fall Candy Bark!

This is an easy recipe that can be done with your kids, your husband or even your sister on a girls weekend.

This recipe comes compliments of my Older sister. <3

What you'll need:

A box of graham crackers. (At least one of the packages inside the box if not two, depending on how big your pan is)
8 ounces of Semi-Sweet Chocolate
5 Oreos*
1/2 bag of M&Ms*
1 cup of Pretzels*

*NOTE: These are suggested toppings. Feel free to use Reese Pieces, Peanuts, Pistachioes, etc.

Directions:

1) You will need to create a double boiler. Take a medium size sauce pan and fill it with an 1/2 an inch of water. Place a glass bowl into the pan. Ensure that the water in the pan DOES NOT touch the glass bowl. there should be a tight seal on the bowl and pan and about an inch from the water and the bowl. Once the water begins to bowl, place the chocolate into the bowl to melt. Stir occasionally.

2) While the chocolate is melting, lay the graham crackers on a baking sheet. Cover the whole area of the baking sheet. This will be a bit of a puzzle so lay the graham crackers the best way they will cover your pan.

3) Begin to chop up your toppings so that they are broken down to little pieces.

4) Turn off the stove. Take the chocolate (Caution: The bowl WILL be hot) and spread the chocolate over the graham crackers covering them evenly.

5) Add your toppings to the chocolate. To ensure that they stick make sure that they are on the chocolate good by pushing the toppings down on to the graham crackers

6) Place your bark in the fridge for an hour.

7) Pull out after an hour and break the bark down to small handheld pieces.

8) Enjoy!

Recipe: Crockpot Hot Dogs

2013-10-18T19:53:00.000-07:00

Crockpot Hot Dogs?

I never knew this could be done, until I had no choice.

You see, today at work was BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS and I am on the party committee!

Since we almost ALWAYS have pizza, we decided that we should do something different. Now it is Fall and it is starting to get cold so nothing would be better than ... Chili!

And when someone says chili around me my brain goes ... "HOT DOGS!" Just ask my mother, that was the first word I ever spoke.

So, my job today was hot dogs. But lunch was at 1, and I leave my house at 7:00 a.m. I was stuck with a party planners Rubix Cube.

I thought that my trusty Crockpot could save the day... But how?

I took to the internet. Reading Blogs, recipes and maybe a Buzzfeed Article or two but, I found a way to cook hot dogs in the Crockpot.

Normally, the Urban Farmer is my guinea pigs... today, it's my coworkers.

Here is what you need:

Hot Dogs (As many as you want, but I would suggest a large quantity.)
A crockpot
Buns
Fixin's

Directions:

1) Set up your crockpot and dump your hot dogs into it.

2) Turn the crockpot on. If you have more time, I would suggest low for four hours. If your in a hurry, high for two. (Note: I did low for four and "Keep Warm" for 1 due to my failure at keeping time).

3) Now walk away. Put in a day of work, cheer on your kids soccer game, watch the First Half of the Football game with your grown child (the Urban Farmer).

**Note: Not required, but if you would like, take a fork or tongs and mix around the hot dogs at least once. The ones closer to the rim will be warmer and may even have a burn mark on them, therefore I suggest mixing them all up every so often.

4) When ready to serve, make sure that they are the temperature that you want.

5) Put on a bun, add your fixin's of choice, and enjoy!

Review:

When I told everyone in the office I made the hot dogs in the crockpot they were SURPRISED! I made 26 hot dogs for 16 people and only 4 were left. I call that a success. Definitely wasn't the BEST hot dog I have ever had, but if you had to make a bunch of hot dogs really quickly, and don't have the time to watch them boil or grill them -- this it the PERFECT recipe.

I can see me using this recipe in the future to feed a starving group of Urban Farmer's friends or a crop of kids. It's easy and gets the job done.

Enjoy!

Love,

Busy Girl

Nightmares of a Bride

2013-10-17T17:33:00.001-07:00

It happened again.

I am suddenly awoken in the middle of the night. I sit up panting with sweat running down my face. I check my cell phone to see what time it is, its 2:27 a.m.

I sit up in my bed, going back and forth on whether it was a nightmare or reality. "Definitely a nightmare," I think to myself.

No, it wasn't a nightmare where I was naked in front of a crowd or was being attacked by a man eating creature... It was another wedding nightmare.

I know, I know, wedding nightmares just sound silly!

But this wasn't my first one, and I fear that it won't be my last one. With seven months till our wedding day I am sure that many more are to grace my nightmares.

The one that woke me up the night before was just like the one I had before... I was there on my wedding day with no shoes. The grommsmen weren't wearing tuxes and I forgot to send out the invitations. The wedding was a MESS!

Now with seven months to go, what shoes I wear on my wedding day should not wake me up in the middle of the night -- right?

At first I was worried that maybe my nightmares were a bad omen, and in all honesty I was kinda scared to tell anyone about them.

Then, while talking on the phone this morning to my OLDER sister/ Matron of Honor I asked her, "Did you have nightmares before your wedding?"

She calmed me down to inform me that it is a normal thing every bride has and that I have nothing to worry about. She continued by telling me that most her nightmares were of things that she had not gotten done yet.

In fact, she said that one nightmare she didn't even have flowers at her wedding. She said that at that point in planning her wedding, she was in the process of picking her flowers and that is why she had nightmares.

"Phew!" I thought.

With one of the biggest days of my life seven months away, I have a feeling a lot more crazy bride nightmares will be keeping me up in the future.

Now, my plan to ease the nightmares for the next seven months? Work hard to get everything done, take a bath and relax every so often and have a glass of wine (or three) and, with in time, the day will be here and the Urban Farmer and I will be starting our happily ever after.

Love,
Busy Girl

P.S. What type of nightmares did you have before your wedding? Did they ever go away?
What type of dreams are other brides having?

Relationships and Stockholm Syndrome

2013-10-10T18:15:00.002-07:00

If you live in Northern Virginia, you are probably feeling how I am right about now... like a Duck. With the non-stop, cold rain for the past two days there is nothing else in the world that I want to do but lay around and do nothing.

And tonight starts my fourth night of watching Walking Dead and I think the Stockholm Syndrome has began to set-in.

At first I didn't mind watching all the blood, guts and zombies. And the truth is, the story line is pretty good.

Then, I began to dislike it. Watching all those people die and turn in to zombies is not my cup of tea. I mean I am the girl that runs out of the room when there is even a little splash of blood on the TV (and I thought I wanted to be a nurse... ha!). And by last night, I was done! I couldn't stand to watch another second of the show. EVERYONE was dying and I swore if I saw another zombie eat a person I was going to hurl.

But tonight, after taking care of the things that needed to be done, my still injured Urban Farmer wanted to lay on the couch, prop up his knee and watch the "Walking Dead". And I happily complied.

This just goes to show, that the Stockholm Syndrome has started to set-in. :)

During our Church mandated pre-marital counseling, we were explained that marriage is like Stockholm Syndrome and, at the time, the Urban Farmer and I just laughed it off like it was a joke.

Although we both laughed at the time the truth is, they were right.

No, I don't feel like a hostage in my relationship -- in fact, I am very happy in my relationship.

Now I don't mean this in a negative way at all, so before you jump to a conclusion hear me out.

Two people come into a relationship with different likes and interest. What makes a relationship is having things in common that you like to do together, golf, dance, reading, something! But those same two people also come into a relationship with their own likes, interest and dislikes.

When I first started dating the Urban Farmer I was fresh out of college. My interest involved partying, meeting Frat guys and staying out at bars way too late. The Urban Farmer was 29. His interest involved music, gardening and being outdoors. As you can tell, very different.

Then the Urban Farmer and I started dating.

I shared him my interest of going to D.C., bike riding and wineries.

The Urban Farmer shared his interest of kayaking, camping and music.

Then, over time, the Stockholm Syndrome began to set-in. Me, Miss Prissy Pants, actually started to enjoy things outside, such as camping and kayaking.

And my rough Urban Farmer, developed a like for fine wine and enjoying the city that he grew up in but never took the time to enjoy.

Now obviously, a relationship isn't about liking EVERYTHING the other one likes. The Urban Farmer obviously likes gardening. I on the other half, have no patience for gardening, I'll help but I want my tomatoes NOW, not a month from now. While I on the other half love trashy reality TV, I can catch the Urban Farmer glancing at an episode of Dance Moms every so often with me, but at the same time he reminds how the stuff is rotting my brain (he's probably right).

So, aspects of a relationship can be Stockholm Syndrome in the sense that when your "stuck" with someone for a long period of time, eventually your going to like stuff the other one does.

In a relationship you learn to like things you don't normally like, it's not that your significant other is forcing you to, or that you are compromising yourself in a relationship, but that you find that you care about someone so much you just want to be with them.

Whether it be swing dancing, hiking or underwater basket weaving, just being together is an important part of the Urban Farmer and my relationship.

Therefore, tonight as I snuggle up on the couch with my man and watch the fourth night of zombies eating people's faces, I remind myself that no matter what I do, I want to make sure that I am snuggled up next to my Urban Farmer for the rest of my life.

Bring on the Stockholm Syndrome!

Love,

Busy Girl

Working Progress

2013-10-10T16:22:00.002-07:00

As promised, I am slowly, but surely working on this blog. So wish me luck and please be patient during this time. And I hope to be all caught up shortly!

Love,

Busy Girl

Zombies + ER = Love?

2013-10-09T19:11:00.002-07:00

If you asked me what the show "The Walking Dead" was on Monday morning, I would tell you it was some show that came on TV that everyone talked about and it had to do with Zombies.

And that was all I knew.

I know, I know. I don't watch "The Walking Dead". But if it makes you feel any better I only learned about "How I Meet Your Mother" in January, and the names "Sons of Anarchy", "the New Girl" and "Keeping Up With Kardashians" all don't mean much to me either.

The truth is, the Urban Farmer and I DON'T watch TV much. Our normal day involves going to work. Hitting up the gym or happy hour, then making it home around 7. Giving us enough time to have dinner together and then pass out. (Sounds like a fun couple -- I know)

The only reason we have cable is because it came with the internet, and I love watching "Dance Moms".

So, as you can tell, the Urban Farmer and I are not "in tune" with popular culture.

Now the Urban Farmer plays in a band, called Old Rag Mountain Remedy (ORMR), that for the most part play rock, blue grass and whatever they would like to play. About three weeks ago, ORMR recorded a song about Zombies -- because like every other warm blooded, beer drinking guys they think Zombies are the sh*t.

While recording this song, the Urban Farmer heard about said show called the Walking Dead, but like me, he had NO idea what it was about.

Now, my story brings me to Monday. My loving Urban Farmer had a knee injury and was "Down for the Count" but since he is like me, nothing is going to make him sit on his butt for a couple days to allow his body the rest he needed to recover, I had to pull out the BIG GUNS.

On Netflix, there are seasons 1, 2 and 3 of the Walking Dead, and I thought just maybe, if I put on an episode he would relax and let the recovery time occur.

I CREATED A MONSTER!

Non-stop, for the past 48 hours, I feel like my life has been about the show.

Now, not to offend the 90% of the internet that is DEVOTED to Zombies, I am in NO way dissing the Walking Dead or Zombies. In all honesty I have enjoyed the first 24 hours of this "Marathon" that we have been having.

But at this point in my "Zombie" journey... I am spent.

If I have to see a dead person or guts one more time I may scream! I would kill for an episode of "Sex and the City" right about now (told ya, not keeping up with the times).

You know how when you watch too much of something, it starts to become your real life -- that is where I am. I feel like Rick, Lori and Carl may get a Christmas card from us and if I see Shane out in public I'm going to pick up my cell phone and pretend to be pre-occupied.

Even yesterday, when I took the Urban Farmer to the ER for his knee he starts to remind me how the story starts off in a hospital and that we are not safe from the Zombies. I proceeded to remind him that both my knees work fine and I will be able to run a lot faster than him (if that's not true love, then I don't know what is).

Yup, you heard that right, I had to take the Urban Farmer to the ER. Which brings me to the real reason I wrote (This is the part where those of y'all reading for zombies just go ahead and skip to the end).

The other day I had to take the day off of work to take the Urban Farmer to the ER. His knee was the size of my head! And after 3 and a half hours, a X-Ray and some shots, we got to come home and the Urban Farmer got to watch more "Walking Dead".

But as the doctor requested, he is getting all the rest and relaxation that he needs to feel better.

Now, I am just hoping and praying that the rest will have my Urban Farmer up and ready to go for the weekend.

But isn't that what love is about? In our vows, the priest told us that we will promise to love each other in sickness and in health. And although I think the Urban Farmer is taking this whole in "sickness and in health" thing a little to seriously -- sitting there in the hospital room with him by my side reaffirmed me how committed to this man I want to be for the rest of my life.

I know that one day we will be back in the hospital. Maybe next time it will be me sitting in the bed giving birth to our first child, or him with another injury. Either way, love is knowing who you want sitting next to you in one of your most vulnerable moments. And I will ALWAYS chose the Urban Farmer

So although the other day I had to take a day off of work, and sit in the ER for 3 and a half hours I would do it again in a heart beat for the Urban Farmer.

So tonight, while the Urban Farmer gets better and enjoys watching season two of the Walking Dead, the Busy Girl is calling it a night, thinking of her love and praying that she does not have a Zombie dream!

Love,
Busy Girl

P.S. You know that Zombie Song ORMR is working on? I hope to have the link to the song on here once they get it on-line. I promise you, it is the best Zombie song you'll ever hear!

One Year, Two Day Anniversary

2013-10-09T18:27:00.001-07:00

Today marks my one year, two day Anniversary of ignorning my blog.....

No, this is obviously not something worth celebrating.

But if you know me, I take any occasion to have a glass of wine and celebrate life, so today I want to celebrate this crazy thing called life and my commitment to a "RENEWED" Blogging Journey.

You see, I started this blog as a journey to try to figure out this thing called blogging and sharing part of my soul with you.

The truth is, I have always liked blogs and see these Stay at Home Moms or College Students writing down their life for the world to see, and ACTUALLY having people (like me) wanting to read it! I've spent hours reading about people I don't knows kids, their exercise tips or how they are an elegant chef, and I have just been AMAZED! I envy those who have time to write a blog and have a normal life. Most days I barely have the time to do my hair.

And this, my friends, is obviously where I failed.

I let my life take over and forgot about one of the few things that I enjoy, Writing.

To be perfectly honest, I can't find time the time (or let's be honest the motivation) to jot down my thoughts and feelings in a Blog. And to be even more honest, something about exposing yourself and every good and bad aspect of your life can be scary.

Although I like to think it, I'm NOT perfect.

I bust my butt everyday to make my life seem perfect by sweeping my flaws under the carpet in fear of what the world might think of me if they knew that I look like a zombie in the morning. Or the fact that my mother would kill me if she knew that I had a pile of clothes on my couch and another sitting in the dryer for the second night in the row. (In all honesty I don't think the Urban Farmer knows either)

So tonight, on my one year and two day anniversary of forgetting about my blog, I raise a glass of wine to myself, and to you (the one of three people who reads my blog) and toast a new start to the Busy Girl Blog.

I promise, to be raw and honest and blog about something I enjoy.

I am NO Rachel Ray, Martha Stewart or Gillian Michaels (although I wouldn't mine being them for a day). I am plain old me the Busy Girl. And I look forward to sharing what parts of my life that you choose to read, and which parts you'd prefer to skip over.

But at the end of the day, I wholeheartedly hope that enjoy my blog and my life.

Drink up!

Love,

Busy Girl

Drinking my celebratory glass of wine... Did you have one?

Cheers! (Look even no make up... I am taking this being honest stuff maybe a little too seriously)

Okay you caught me, a little too much wine and a little too much fun with my webcam!