You Never Know What You're Gonna Get

Look Who I Just Found In The Pool...

2011-10-14T10:50:00.000-04:00

A BABY TURTLE! I've seen bugs, frogs, a rat, and a snake in the pool before, but this is my first turtle. Isn't he so cute?! He kept swimming around trying to avoid the Polaris. I got him out with the pool net and returned him to the lake. Hope he does better this time around!

Publix Savings 10/06/11

2011-10-08T11:12:00.000-04:00

Hey Everyone! This week I did ok at Publix (not really great). Here are the stats:

Publix Savings

Spent: $92.93 Saved: $50.19 /// 35% Savings

When combined with the savings I had last week (Spent less than the $87.50 allotted for each week), I am still good with the budget. This week I didn't use very many coupons and a lot of the sales I took advantage of were not BOGO (50% off). I stocked up on some beef, since we have chicken already at home. One thing I can never turn away from is those Stoffer's Family Size Meals. They go on sale for $3.99 (usually $6.29) every once in awhile, so I like to get them then because they are great for when you have guests or just don't feel like cooking a meal (pop them in the oven and they are done!).

This was also my first week ever getting a rain check. I got to the store later than I wanted to (spent too much time at Walmart) and some of the sale items I wanted were out of stock (especially one that would have given me overage). So I thought today was the day to try out Publix Rain Checks. You just go to customer service with the ad and tell them what things you want and how many. They write you up a rain check that is valid 30 days after the issue date. So, if you have coupons that aren't expiring soon you can just wait until the product is back in-stock and get it then. Hopefully everything I wanted will be in stock next week!

Instead of writing everything out that I got, I took the lazy route and made a video. All my coupon match-ups for the week were found HERE at Southern Savers. Have a fun time saving this week!

Max On Life by Max Lucado

2011-10-07T16:36:00.001-04:00

As a writer and ministry worker, Max Lucado has received many questions throughout his life. Max On Life is a collection of one hundred and fifty of these questions and his answers. The questions are divided into different grouping such as Hope, Hurt, Him/Her, ect. There is a little something for everyone in this book.

I love that Max bases all his answers on scripture. My favorite thing about the book is that if I have a problem with something in my life I can look up a question that's related to what I'm going through and find a scripture to reference. Obviously, since he answers so many questions the answers are short (about a page each). I feel like this is a good reference book (a start), but doesn't go in detail or at length on any subject. Whole books can be written on just one of these questions or topics.

While I did like the scripture and his writing is easy to read, it took me awhile to get through this book. Questions that I had were very interesting to me, but many I could not relate to or I already knew what he was going to say. I would give this book a 3 out of 5 stars.

"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”"

Taco Stew from The Crock Pot Girls

2011-10-04T15:36:00.000-04:00

What's better than a crock pot meal? Easy prep and delicious food--- yes please! I was looking at the Crock Pot Girls on facebook and saw they had posted a YouTube video for their Taco Stew. All I had to do was brown the ground beef and then throw all the ingredients in the pot. I added some onion chopped into small pieces because I had some leftover from another recipe. That was the only thing I changed. I had to cook it on high for 4 hours since I started late. The only thing left to do once it is done is scoop some into a bowl and add cheese, sour cream, and Fritos. Mmmm. Eric even said it kinda tasted like his moms chili.

Here's the Youtube video--they have all the ingredients listed at the end of it.

Publix Savings 9/30/2011

2011-10-03T15:14:00.001-04:00

Over the last couple of months I have become a couponer. Nothing crazy like you see on Extreme Couponing. We get two papers delivered to our house every week. I cut out all the coupons and organize them in my coupon binder. Then I use SouthernSavers.com to match up the coupons I have to the weekly deals (I usually just do my grocery shopping at Publix once a week.). It's all about matching sales (especially BOGO) with coupons to get great savings.

At Publix in coastal Georgia it is a little easier to save than in Florida. All coupons .50 and below double at Publix (and Kroger). So if you have a coupon for .25 then it will double to .50 and a .50 coupon would double to $1. Also, our BOGO sales are 50% off, meaning you don't have to actually buy one to get one free (you can just buy one for 50% off).

I'm pretty sure at all Publix's you can combine a Manufacturer's Coupon with either one Publix OR one competitor's coupon (each Publix has a different list of grocery stores within a certain proximity that they consider a competitor--see your local Publix for its competitor list). If your coupon's go over the amount that the product is listed at then you get overage. You can use this overage to apply to another item in your cart.

Eric and I are trying to stick to a budget, so couponing is a great way to help us meet our goals. We have allotted $350 per month for groceries (about $87.50 a week), but would like to try to spend under this amount.

Here is how I did this week: Publix Savings

Spent: $81.92 Saved: $102.05 /// 55.5% Savings

On Sale:

5 Sara Lee Frozen Cakes (50% off + 3 $1 off Sara Lee Sweet Goods product RP 8/07 + 2 $1 off Sara Lee cream pie printable coupons)
6 Green Giant Frozen Vegetables (BOGO + 2 $.60/3 Green Giant frozen boxed vegetables SS 9/11)
1 Publix Sour Cream
1 Publix Shredded Cheese
1 Ranch Style Beans
2 Del Monte Canned Tomatoes
1 Publix Canned Whole Corn
2 Publix Half Gallon Ice Cream
1 Old El Paso Taco Seasoning Packet
1 Boar's Head Deli Sandwich Meat
1 Fiber One 80 Calorie Cereal ($2 off General Mills Fiber one cereal Publix coupon (Yellow Advantage Flyer) + $1 off General Mills Fiber One 80 cal cereal Printable. Free + .50 overage)
1 Oatmeal Crisp Cereal ($2 off General Mills Total, Oatmeal Crisp, Wheaties, Basic 4, Raisin Nut Bran or Clusters Publix Coupon (Yellow Advantage Flyer))
1 Cottonelle Bathroom Tissue 12-pack Double Rolls ($.75 off/1 Cottenelle Toilet Paper, 12 pack or (2) 4 packs SS 8/14 or 9/11)
9 Nabisco SnackWell's Bars (BOGO + 9 $.75/1 Snackwell's bars SS 6/26 or 7/31)
2 Vanity Fair Plates 14 count ($1/2 Vanity Fair dinner plates, dessert plates, bowls, or hot cups Publix coupon (One Stop One Store booklet) + 2 $.55/1 plates RP 8/14)
3 Betty Crocker Hamburger, Chicken, or Tune Helpers (BOGO + $.75/3 Betty Crocker Hamburger, Chicken, or Tuna Helpers SS 8/7)
2 Nabisco SnackWell's Cookies/Brownie Bites (BOGO + $.75/1 SnackWells, any variety SS 6/26)
2 Planter's Nutrition Bars (BOGO + $.75/1 Planter's Nutrition Bars)
4 Pace Chuncky Salsa (BOGO + $.75/2 Pace Jars SS 8/28)

Not On Sale:
1 Olay Moisturizer ($1 off coupon)
1 Bag Fritos
1 Arrid Deodorant
1 Publix Eggs
1 Ranch Seasoning Packet
1 Sprayway Glass Cleaner ($1 off Publix Coupon + $.50/1 Manufacturer's Coupon)
1 Can of Publix Pinto Beans
1 Clean and Clear Face wash ($1 off Clean and Clear Product Manufacturer's Coupon)
1 Perdue Ground Chicken (1lb.)
1 Gallon Public Milk
2 Baking Potatoes
1 Onion
5 Bananas
1 Betty Crocker Cookie Mix ($1 off Betty Crocker Muffin or Cookie Mix Publix Coupon (Yellow Advantage Flyer) + $.40/1 Betty Crocker Cookie Mix SS 8/07)

I also used a $10 Publix Giftcard I received in the mail via rebate for spending a certain amount during a ConAgra promotion.

Thanks to the Savannah Savvy Shopper for her coupon classes!
(Also RP stands for the Red Plum insert in the newspaper and SS stands for the SmartSource insert in the newspaper. You can find most of the Publix coupon booklets in the spinning holder right when you walk in or ask Customer Service (sometimes they hide them there so people won't take more than one).)

Busy, Busy, Busy

2011-09-29T20:13:00.000-04:00

Wow! So much has happened this past month. Back in August, for our anniversary, Eric got us tickets to visit New York City in September. I loved the city...but more on that later! First I wanted to post some pictures from some other things that happened this month.

September 3-5: Mrs. Karen, Selena, and the nieces come to visit!

We always love it when family comes to town! We all hung out at the house relaxing most of the time. The kids got to enjoy the hot weather by swimming in the pool and eating frozen fruit bars. We also went out to Uncle Bubba's Oyster House and Wormsloe Historic Site.

September 9-10: Steven's Birthday!

I am so glad we made it down to Florida for my (not so little any more) brother's birthday. We sang and had lemon filled Publix cake on Friday night and then went out for lunch at Clark's Fish Camp the next day.

Steven and I shared the swamp platter. Nothing better than frog legs and gator tail!

Eric decided on the 3 pound prime rib. What a huge piece of meat!

With all of our recent travels, we have seen some amazing sunsets! God's creation is truly inspiring.

A Nice Surprise

2011-09-14T18:02:00.000-04:00

Today I received this at my house (all pretty and nicely packaged)...

My prizes from My So Called Homeschool Life's 16 Month Planner Package Giveaway!!! It always makes my day to get a package in the mail! Everyone should go check out her blog. She has fun blog posts and a couple of giveaways going on right now. Thanks so much Ruthie!!!

9/11 Always Remembered

2011-09-11T18:55:00.002-04:00

Source: PhotoDu.de Thomas Anderson

On 9/11/2001, I was at the dentist office getting my teeth cleaned. I was sitting in the dentist's chair watching television when someone said to turn the channel to the news. I watched the aftermath of the first plane crash, then saw the second one hit.

I can not believe it has been 10 years since this attack on the United States. My heart goes out to the friends and families of those who were killed. I am so thankful for those people who put their lives on the line to protect and save lives. We will always remember.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

2011-09-07T13:49:00.000-04:00

I just finished The Help by Kathryn Stockett this past week and would highly recommend it. The novel is about three very different woman from Jackson, Mississippi in the 1960's who come together to work on a project that will cross social barriers of the time. They decide to risk their safety because they are fed up with the way "things are".

My friend Lindsey suggested I read the book and I flew through it pretty quickly. It made me really think about how glad I am that some people are brave enough to stand up for what they know is right (even if the consequences of them doing so are brutal.). I can't wait to go see the movie ( I always like to read the books first because they are usually better than the movies. My one exception so far - The Time Traveler's Wife. (that book was very depressing)). Anyone seen the movie yet??? I heard it's been at the top of the box office the last couple of weeks.

Baby Shower Fun and More...

2011-08-31T15:27:00.000-04:00

I am so glad everything turned out well this past weekend. I stayed busy planning Brittney's Baby Shower with Selena, while battling our upstairs A/C unit which decided to stop working on us for another week (we just had it fixed two weeks before). Praise the Lord it got fixed yesterday morning! Sleeping on deflated air mattresses and a couch meant for one is not the best way to get a good night's sleep.

Thursday we went out to the beach, so Eric could enjoy surfing the waves created by hurricane Irene. I was so nervous he was going to bonk his head on a rock and I would never see him again. Surfing is fun to watch, but way to risky for me. I just don't like to take risks (at least those kind). I didn't worry as much once he got some friends out there with him. I'm really glad he got to go though. He's been wanting to get back out there for awhile.

My Surfer

Saturday was the big day-- Brittney's Baby Shower!!!

I was so mad I forgot my camera, but I did take a few (poor image) shots with my phone. The party was great! Lots of people came to celebrate the coming of baby Cody (and brought many wonderful presents along with them!). Good food + Good Company + Presents = A Fantastic Time! Lol.

Selena and I were so proud of our diaper cake we made. I'm definitely not a crafty person, so we were surprised it came out so cute. It was pretty easy to make too. I rolled all the diapers and rubber banded them. Then we divided the diapers into 1:2:3 portions and rubber banded them together in the shape of cake layers. We bought a palm tree decoration from Party City which we stuck through the top "cake" layer" and connected all the layers with a wood dowel. Then we hot glued ribbon around each of the three layers. I printed animals on the computer and Selena laminated them and cut them out. Then the animals were hot glued to the ribbon and the other decorations were placed on the cake (the stuffed monkey on the tree and the travel size baby items). WahhLahh-- A Gift/Decoration Combo that is sure to impress!

Diaper Cake

Present Table

The Guests

The Cake

Brittney and Baby Cody!

I am SO excited for the arrival of baby Cody! He is going to look so handsome in all his little outfits. :) Thanks to everyone who helped out and came! I love you all.

Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room

2011-08-15T18:08:00.000-04:00

I finally got to visit the much talked about Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room when my good friend Namrata came to town. Want some true southern cooking? This is your place. Every weekday masses line up in front of the old boardinghouse to get a taste of the delicious food they can smell from the street.

As 11:30am approached, Namrata and I headed down the beautiful tree-lined path to take our place in line for lunch. We waited about 1.5-2 hours. The dining room is open Monday-Friday, 11am to 2pm. The sun was hot and the line seemed endlessly long, but every person leaving the dining room encouraged us by saying it was worth the wait. And who better to judge than those who have already waited? :)

Once we got inside, we were seated at a table with 7 other people (I think each table holds 10). You sit and dine with strangers, which actually is kind of fun (unless you have awkward people at your table, lol.). They bring out tons of sides and meat to eat, along with sweet tea to wash it all down. I couldn't get enough of the bread- it was warm, buttery, and oh so good. You just pass the bowls around the table, sharing everything with your neighbor. I tried to get a little of everything on my plate, but it was just too much food! You definitely want to come hungry!

After the main meal, they bring out dessert. There was barely room for my banana pudding, but I stuffed it in there some how. Overall, I thought the place really lived up to what I had heard about it. I thoroughly enjoyed my southern cooking, though I'm not sure my stomach was happy that I put so much of it down my throat!

If you are in the Savannah area on a weekday, this is definitely some grub you are going to want to indulge in! Just don't forget to get there early and bring cash because they do not accept charge cards!

On a completely different note, Namrata went fishing with me and caught her first fish! And this was probably the first fish I think I've ever had to take off the hook by myself, so I was very proud of the both of us! :)

Also, yesterday was my one year anniversary with my hubby! I am so lucky to have met someone who can put up with me! He is kind, patient, loving, and so many other things. I am excited for everything we will experience together in the future (including our anniversary celebration vaca in New York coming up soon!).

Fishing at Sunset

2011-07-15T13:46:00.000-04:00

I'd like to thank God for all the blessings and troubles I have in my life. I know that I am stronger and closer to Him because of them.

Eric and I have had many visitors over the past couple of weeks and it has been great spending quality time with friends and family. Thank you for visiting us! I love exploring our new city with ya'll.

Then there are the lazy days when no one is here (Not that we don't tend to be lazy when people are here too, lol.). Eric comes home from work and we can take the boat out for a fishing trip at sunset. I've gotta say, sometimes I love fishing and sometimes I find it quite boring. This past outing I really enjoyed it (catching a couple fish probably helped). The lake looked amazing as the sunset over the water. I caught 2 brim and a small bass.

Look at God's splendid creation!

Hawaiian Tropic® Shimmering Summer Skin Soiree

2011-06-02T13:19:00.001-04:00

I haven't been updating as much as last month because we have been in the middle of moving (and didn't have internet at our new place for a while). We finally got through the process of purchasing a house and are now happy, first time home buyers! It just so happened that my Hawaiian Tropic party ended up being scheduled the same weekend we could start moving into our house (we were supposed to close 2 weeks earlier). Though it was a bit much to think about, everything went great (except for the weather) and our friends and family were able to hang out, try the new Hawaiian Tropic products, and visit our new house!

I applied and was accepted to do a Hosted Party for Hawaiian Tropic® brand Shimmer Effect Lotion Sunscreen and After Sun Lotion through Crowdtap.com. I received:

For the Host:
-Stylish metallic gold beach tote
-Hawaiian Tropic® brand Shimmer Effect Lotion Sunscreen and After Sun Lotion
-Schick Quattro® for Women® razor
-Loofah
For Guests (10 each):
-Eco-friendly tote bag filled with Hawaiian Tropic® Shimmer Effect Lotion Sunscreen and After Sun Lotion sample packettes and product coupons
-Schick Quattro® for Women® razor coupon

The party started with pizza, cupcakes, chips, fruit, and drinks. Each guest received the bag above with samples, coupons, Girl Scout cookies, Bath and Body Works lotion and body wash.

A few of us headed to Kroger to meet the Deen Brothers who are currently promoting their new book, The Deen Bros. Get Fired Up. We got our books autographed and got to tell them about our Hawaiian Tropic party! :)

Once back at the apartment we sampled the Hawaiian Tropic® Shimmer Effect Lotion Sunscreen and After Sun Lotion. I for one was pleasantly surprised by these products. I really thought these "shimmer" lotions would be better suited for pre-teens because they love sparkle. I thought it would be a little much for some one older, but I have to say I love it! The sparkles are small and really do highlight your skin tone! The sun catches the sparkle just right.

Everyone really liked the smell of both products. The sunscreen is great because it has UVB/SPF with UVA to help protect skin. The after sun lotion is great because it not only smells good, but also leaves your skin moisturized after a shower so you can keep your tan longer. The only thing we did not like about the product was that it was a little hard to get it out of the bottle. Nothing bad to say about the product itself though!

After sampling the products, we decided to try them out at the beach even though the weather was not looking good. Let me tell you...it was NOT good beach weather! lol. It was pretty funny watching all of us out there getting pelted with ran and sand while the wind blew crazily.

If you would like the opportunity to express your opinions to brands, sample products, and give to charity--Then Click Here to join Crowdtap!

Disclamer: I received products listed above to review and share with friends through Crowdtap. I was not compensated for this review and all opinions are my own!

Bro's Prom 2011

2011-05-07T18:08:00.000-04:00

My little brother is all grown up. He's graduated and starting college soon. Don't you just love these pictures?

Prom 2011

Kraft Foods: Almond Chicken Dijon Recipe

2011-05-06T16:47:00.001-04:00

Ever since my friend, Kristina, and I discovered the Kraft Recipes website we have been fans. What I love about Kraft Recipes is that they are easy, don't usually involve a whole lot of ingredients, and delicious! They have videos, showing you step by step instructions for many of the recipes, and a "Healthy Living" section filled with recipes that are more figure friendly.

One such "Healthy Living" recipe that my husband and I love is their Almond Chicken Dijon. This is SO easy to throw together and stick in the oven. If you are a fan of dijon mustard, mayo, chicken, and almonds then this recipe is for you! Basically all you do is spray cooking oil on a 13x9 baking dish, wash chicken, put equal parts dijon/mayo (mixed together) on the chicken, sprinkle with slivered almonds, and transfer to the oven! The chicken comes out moist and full of flavor! The crunchy almonds on top just add that extra something. :)

For the Kraft Foods Almond Chicken Dijon Recipe - CLICK HERE!

I used sliced almonds and it still came out great. This is before I stuck it in the oven.

After. Just add some side dishes and you are ready to eat a yummy meal! (I think my plate needs a little more green though, lol.)

Easter Sunday

2011-05-01T21:53:00.000-04:00

Easter Sunday is always a great celebration! What are we celebrating? That after Jesus died on the cross for the sins of the world, he rose again three days later! Our God is alive! Church, joyous occasion, food, family...what could be better?

Review: Playtex® Sport Body Wipes

2011-04-28T21:40:00.000-04:00

I applied and was accepted to do a Sample and Share for Playtex's new Sport Body Wipes through Crowdtap.com in exchange for my honest review of the product. I received:

3 packs of 4 Playtex® Sport Body Wipes (For myself and friends to try)
1 Playtex® Sport Body Wipes Pamphlet

Description of the product: Playtex® Sport Body Wipes are designed to be tough enough to remove dirt and sweat, but gentle enough to use on your entire body. The wipes can be used to clean yourself after workouts, practice, or any time you want to feel refreshed. Sport Body Wipes come as individually wrapped wipes and provide a simple way to feel fresh, clean and confident all day, every day.

Review: I have been looking for a product like this for a long time. I always feel icky leaving the gym and I'm not able to rid the feeling until I get home to take a shower. The sweat dries on your skin and it's gross, so I was very excited to try a product that could keep me smelling good and feeling comfortable until I'm able to get to a shower.

The first thing I noticed about the product is that it comes in a small, convenient, and stylish package. It was easy to open (was perforated and labeled "tear here") and fit well in my purse making it accessible in times of need (gym, the beach, day trip to the zoo, working outside, ect.). I also loved the pink and green coloring (my wedding colors!).

Before I used the product, I decided to do a dance workout DVD to get nice and sweaty.

Don't think I usually smile during workouts (except when the lady on the DVD tells me too!), that is all for the camera. ;)

After my workout, I tore the package open and applied the wipe to my body. It felt very cool/refreshing and smelled clean (a cool cucumber fragrance). I was hesitant to use it on my face because it is such a sensitive area, but I went ahead and took the plunge anyways. It seems to work great on my skin (including my face); no irritation or breakouts from the use of the product.

My body felt great after the product dried. The wipes are alcohol free and therefore don't dry your skin out like other similar products. They also did not leave my body feeling sticky. I felt clean and smelled good...exactly what I would want from a body wipe.

The wipes themselves are soft and durable. They are a good size and can cover a large amount of area on your body. You can flush them down the toilet or throw them in the trash can when you are done.

Overall, I love the Playtex® Sport Body Wipes! They did their job of making me feel clean and refreshed, wiping away sweat and dirt. The only thing I would change would be for the wipes to come in a variety of scents. While I enjoyed the scent it came in, I would prefer a floral scent. (Though once the wipe dries on your skin the scent is very faint anyways.)

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If you would like the opportunity to express your opinions to brands, sample products, and give to charity--Then Click Here to join Crowdtap!

Disclamer: I received Playtex® Sport Body Wipes to review and share with friends through Crowdtap. I was not compensated for this review and all opinions are my own!

Treasures of Fort Pulaski and Tybee Island

2011-04-23T20:18:00.001-04:00

With the recent weather change, I can't think of anything much better than soaking up the sun while discovering new places and sights. My brother, Steven, came to town this week and we had great fun exploring Fort Pulaski and Tybee Island. It was our first time visiting Fort Pulaski and we were impressed by the beauty and history of the fort. It was Steven's first time to Tybee Island and my fourth. Every time I go to the island I discover something new. This time I was amazed by the kiteboarders flying across the water, horseshoe crabs, and starfish. The marine life will "wow" you and the people couldn't be nicer.

Here's some photos from our day trip:

Fort Pulaski

Steven firing off a canon

Living Quarters

Horseshoe Crab

Here's a link to some awesome, upcoming events happening on Tybee Island - CLICK HERE!!!

Disney on Ice

2011-04-20T10:38:00.000-04:00

April 9th, 2011: Disney on Ice!

The family was able to get together for an afternoon showing of Disney on Ice two Saturdays ago! Everyone in this family LOVES Disney, so expectations were high. The overall opinion of the show was that is was ok. Those who had seen it last year said it was better then. The plethora of characters was superb, they just need a more interesting story line to tie the whole show together. The theme was "celebrations", but it all seemed a bit thrown together haphazardly. The kids liked the show, but kind of got a little bored in the middle. And the skating was ok too...We've seen better at theme-parks like Bush Gardens and SeaWorld...though I can understand most of the characters not being able to do much in their big costumes. We still had a lot of fun though and would go again. My $10 cotton candy was delicious, lol.

Exploring Savannah & Tybee Island

2011-04-13T14:04:00.000-04:00

I absolutely love exploring Savannah/Tybee Island with family and friends. There is always something to do and the areas are gorgeous! Since I didn't update in March here is a gathering of pictures taken out and about during February and March.

Brookie Bites!

2011-04-08T17:36:00.000-04:00

Brookie Bites are a dessert lovers dream come true! I found them first on the Veater Family's blog about Valentine's Day recipes, which directed me to the creator's website - Inside BruCrew Life. I made them back in February for Valentine's Day, but I think they are perfect for any occasion (just decorate them a little differently!).

So what is a Brookie Bite and how do you make them?!? Well...get ready for this...a Brookie Bite is a cookie/brownie ball dipped in chocolate! Check out the recipe on Inside BruCrew Life here! The images on her blog are AMAZING and will make you want to drop everything and make this delicious treat RIGHT away!

I was afraid the recipe would be too complicated, but it is fairly easy (just a little time consuming!). While mine did not look as aesthetically pleasing as the originals on Jocelyn's blog, they sure tasted good!

First, I baked chocolate chip cookies and rolled them into balls. I used the chocolate chip cookie recipe on Inside BruCrew Life, but used 3 tablespoons of vanilla extract instead of the coconut extract (just how she tells you to make them in the Brookie recipe blog).

I decided afterwards that maybe I should have put less chocolate chips in the dough (or maybe even leave them chocolate chip less) because it was quite messy rolling them in balls, lol!

After the cookie dough balls hardened in the freezer, I smashed brownie around them. I just used a box mix for the brownies.

After the cookie dough/brownie balls hardened in the freezer I melted chocolate and dipped them in it! At first I used semi-sweet chocolate chips, but ran out and started dipping them in milk chocolate. I actually liked the milk chocolate ones more because they were less rich (and this is A LOT of chocolateyness to handle!).

I dipped the balls one at a time, removing them with a spoon. After putting them back on the pan I placed a sweet tart on top. I think it would look great with any mix of colored sprinkles or small candies! Change it up for whatever occasion you want to make them for!

Thank you Jocelyn for making this dessert! It might just change some lives. ;)

Not Posting

2011-04-06T13:18:00.001-04:00

Here I am yet again not updating my blog consistently. I constantly take pictures for blog posts and then never actually write them. Over the next couple days I am going to try my best "not" to update my blog (and maybe that will better result in me actually updating it). It's a Jedi mind trick that may just work.

Eric and I have been keeping busy. We are in the process of buying our first home in a very quick fashion, so much of our time has been devoted to getting documents ready and other such stuff. We have also had a lot of visitors on the weekends (pictures to come). I always love getting to check out something new when I go out with family and friends. Recently, I have gotten to check out: Tybee Island Light Station and Museum, Carey Hilliard's Restaurant, Alex Raskin's Antiques, and The Tea Room, Savannah.

Next time someone comes to town I am going to finagle them into touring the Mercer-Williams house with me! Downtown Savannah is looking SO pretty this time of year!

Mercer-Williams House

Living Life on the Weekends

2011-02-16T22:26:00.000-05:00

It seems to me that little happens during the week (except for Eric working hard everyday) and everything happens on the weekends. Weekends with nothing to do are a rarity in this household. They usually involve driving and a full day of events. I kinda like it that way. I enjoy hanging out with family and friends, especially when I get so little social interaction during the week. (Though I have joined two small groups at church and met some pretty awesome people.) So, since very little happens during the week...here is what has happened the past two weekend---

February 4th & 5th, 2011: The Saucedo Family Comes to Visit!
Friday night we all enjoyed dinner, talked, and played the game of LIFE (If any of you know what I'm talking about...Eric was the Kristina of the game! lol.). Saturday we walked on the river, then had lunch at Paula Deen's The Lady and Sons restaurant. I find it funny that the locals kind of disdain the place, but everyone else really wants to go there. After lunch, we headed out to Wormsloe State Historic Site for Colonial Faire and Muster. Basically, people dressed up and acted as if they were in colonial times. We got to see them set off the canons (which were very loud) and sell stuff like fox tails in their stores. We also got lost in the woods and weren't sure if we were going to find our way out, but luckily we picked a right path at a fork in the road...which saved us going down a three mile trail in the opposite direction we were looking to go. I would highly advise they put up some better trail markers or something. After we got "un-lost" we headed home to cook some humongo steaks for dinner. Mmm...and that was the end of the Saucedo's stay.

The Saucedo's on River Street

Lily and I on the road leading into Wormsloe Historic Site...the trees were absolutely gorgeous!

Our colonial friends showing us how to set off canons

Eric and I

The Girls

February 11th & 12th, 2011: Owen and Jenna's Wedding Festivities

My old roomie, Jenna, is now married and off on her honeymoon in St.Lucia. This past weekend had two whole days filled with wedding activities (and well...the actual wedding of course!). Friday consisted of the bridal luncheon/spa experience, rehearsal, and rehearsal dinner. Saturday we had the wedding day preparation, the wedding, and the reception. Everything turned out absolutely beautiful and I am so happy for the two of them.

Bridal luncheon/Spa Day: Family friends turned their garage into a spa...pretty awesome, huh?

Kristina getting her nails done

The Bride and I in Our Spa Robes

Rehearsal Dinner Madness--Kristina and I unknowingly got practice being a bridesmaid when we showed up to the rehearsal with the same dress!

The bride getting her hair done for the wedding

Bridesmaids

Make-Up Time

The Beautiful Bride

Showing off the cake

Bride and Groom

Much love to everyone!

Christa

EatBetterAmerica - Chicken and Orzo Supper

2011-02-06T21:49:00.000-05:00

I love eating home cooked meals. Not only can you save a lot of money, but I feel like the meals are usually more nutritious. One website I turn to for recipes is EatBetterAmerica. They have "healthified" versions of food you know and love. Recently, I tried their Chicken and Orzo Supper...and loved it! It was SO easy to make and Eric thought it was good.

I had never tried Orzo before and was pleasantly surprised by it. It looks like enlarged rice, but is actually pasta. It was great that it could cook in the skillet with the broth and chicken and then by done in 10 to 15 minutes. Also, I love fresh veggies like zucchini in my meals. The canned Italian-style stewed tomatoes is an easy way to add flavor and another veggie.

I suggest you try this recipe out next time you want to make a fast, delicious meal for your family!
Chicken and Orzo Supper - CLICK HERE!

Finished product after Parmesan Cheese is Added

Happy New Year...a little late...

2011-01-27T13:49:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year! I know, I know...I'm a little late! I can't believe that January is about over and I have been living in a new state for almost a month. Moving should be a punishment for those that commit the highest of crimes. Seriously. If packing and unpacking aren't enough, add not knowing a soul except your husband and not knowing what to do with your life in the mix. Go from having a full time job and friends you see every day to waking up at 6am to pack your husband's lunch and not having any interaction with people (except for maybe a quick chat with the apartment office staff or the grocery line bagger) until said husband comes home from a hard day of work at 6,7, or 8pm.

Don't get me wrong. This is what we wanted. We are very thankful that Eric was able to find a good paying job and get his career off to a kick start. It's just hard. Change has always been hard for me. And while I know this is a necessary step to figure out what God has planned for me, it doesn't change the fact that this is a challenge. A challenge I know I will overcome. At least we didn't have to move to Wisconsin.

With that little rant said, I am VERY blessed and excited for what lies ahead for Eric and I in this beautiful new city. I have already been encouraged this morning because while writing this blog, I checked my e-mail and saw that I have a place to volunteer next Monday. Yay for meeting new people! :) And I feel just writing this has been therapeutic in itself. lol.

I definitely want to start blogging more. I really enjoy sharing my ideas and experiences with people. I also enjoy interacting with fabulous people from all over the country. I seriously have met some really cool people through blogs.

So, what have I been doing since the move?! Well, trying to unpack and get settled for one. It's hard for me to even have the gumption to create a "home" here though. We have a short-term lease for five months and are (hopefully) planning to buy a house beginning when the lease ends. So knowing it is a very big possibility that we are going to have to move yet again does not really inspire me to get this place settled. I know I need to try a little harder than I have been.

As for the apartment itself, it's great! It's an absolutely beautiful two bedroom, two bath in a nice area. The only thing that had me worrying a little at first is that the previous renter said the place is haunted by a little girl. Before we had even signed the lease she told us that when her husband was out of town the little girl would sit on her bed and wake her up in the middle of the night. Who tells some one this before they have signed the lease?! Believe me...I have a way of frightening myself using my imagination...I don't need any ideas implanted in my brain to grow into new ways of scaring myself. Needless to say, we still signed the lease and have had no little girl sightings. Until...we went away for the weekend and came back to find our bedroom looking like this----

Eric and I are the neatest, tidiest people one could know. That is why we know the little girl did this to our bedroom. lol. Oh moving.

On another note- It's been great to accommodate our first visitors! I love seeing friends and family! First, my mom and brother came and then Eric's dad. We are looking forward to many more visits!

Steven and I in Downtown Savannah

Confederate Memorial in Forsyth Park

Paula was very excited to be hanging out with mom.

Eric and his dad at Uncle Bubba's!

Have a great Thursday everyone!

<3 Christa