Winter Blahs.

I don't do well with this weather! I get the blahs.

My hubby's favorite show is Flying Alaska. Have you seen it? It is a pretty great show but it just makes my hubby want to move there. He could handle it. He could handle the cold and the hunting for your food and the months that the sun doesn't shine. Not me! I need warm weather and to be able to run to McAlister's for my iced tea and macaroni and cheese and I NEED the sun to shine...often!

Just a few Little Happy Links!!

Have you seen all the great blog posts this morning? It is really interfering with my goal of "moving out" of my master bathroom!

I thought I'd post a few here so you can be distracted too! Then, I won't feel so bad. ;)

Decor Chick She has a guest blogger today, Emily A. Clark. I LOVE her photo wall in her office!

I Heart Organizing I need to make one of these for my hubby's phone and keys. Anyone up for an Ikea trip!

Our Humble A{Bowe}d I may have to do this one! I keep all my old calendars for reminiscing {{happy sigh}} and this would be efficient and take up less space!!

Of course, I must link to House of Smith! This was my first blog love!! Isn't the plate a great decoration for Valentine's Day!!

Teachers...need a craft idea...check out Frame Fanatic!

And, for all you 365ers, Becky Higgins Project Life. Completing an entire album in one day! FYI, PL books are 30% off til January 31st!

Ok, I'll stop! You could really spend the entire day blog hopping! Not that I have or anything! ;)

Have a great Friday!!

A Completely Random, Not Worth The Time To Read it Post

Do elevators tumble like a dryer in anyone else's dreams?

For as long as I can remember, I have had recurring dreams about elevators. Specifically, them plunging toward the ground with me trying to blindly guess when it will hit impact so I can jump and therefore save my life. Seriously. What does that mean?? And, more importantly, would jumping really work?

Recently, my elevators have started to go not only up and down but forward and backward and "sideways and slantways and longways and backways and squareways and any other ways you can think of. And up until now I've pressed all the buttons.....except this one."

Sorry, I slipped into my Wonkavator fears.

As I was saying, my elevators have started to tumble. And I'm pretty sure I'm the only one with this problem. 

I was having terrifying elevator dreams quite often when I came across an article that said one of the side effects of ibuprofen is nightmares. You should take the time to read all the side effects of ibuprofen... innocent, helpful ibuprofen. It's secretly evil (for me at bedtime anyway). No more ibuprofen to help me sleep.

I really have no clue as to why I felt the need to blog about dreams and elevators but my time is up. Same appointment next week for my therapy session?

Pioneer Woman Wednesday Recipe #4

PW's Potato Skins...is there really even a question as to how this story ends?? Is there ANYONE in the bible belt that DOESN'T love potatoes and bacon???

Looks like the horse is eyeballin my potato skins. :)

The one thing about bacon that annoys me, other than it's not a healthy vegetable, is that it takes too long to cook. By the way, whoever came up with baking it in the oven is a (high pitched voice...) G E N I U S!! But, I needed something faster so I googled it!

**Who knew "google it" would become an everyday phrase. In elementary school, we would have thought it a silly, goofy word that meant one of my friends was looking all googly eyed at a boy.  Nope. It's a million dollar word I wish I would have thought of.**

I was hoping to link to the video I found but of course, I can't find it now! But, HERE is the same info. You just have to actually read it. Sorry.

Imagine my delight when I heard bacon could be done in 8 minutes in the broiler!! So thankful for answered prayer! Yep, I pray about everything...even bacon!

Broiler on high. 4 minutes. Flip. 4 minutes. DONE.  

The edges were a bit crispy but I like crispy bacon and it was great for this recipe. I'll have to tweak it for future meals. My family like theirs a bit less crispy than I do. 

Ok, on to the potatoes. I just removed the rack that I cooked the bacon on, drained some but not all of the grease and plopped my potatoes on the pan. Everything tastes better cooked in bacon grease!! 

Baked 30 minutes, flipped, baked 30 more minutes and they were perfect. Scooped out the middle, oiled and salted, 7 more minutes on each side and ready for the toppings! 

I only fancied up half of them. Us girls at the Manor LOVE the fancy stuff. The boys, not so much. The little blessings each had one and gave me the thumbs up. I'm glad cuz their mouths were full. James did ask for his favorite condiment, ranch dressing. MUST be Hidden Valley, one of the few things I am brand loyal on!! The hubby came home and went straight for the plate and ate the remaining plain ones within a couple of minutes. 

I am thankful for such a yummy appetizer because dinner was *oh so exciting* leftovers! 

And, since it was Treat day Tuesday, I resorted to a favorite, fluffer oreo cupcakes.

They are so stinkin yummy! I LOVE cupcakes!! The only thing I love more than cupcakes is frosting! But, these don't even need to be frosted, they are that good! I had two of them! And, so I hit the treadmill...twice! I just decided to ignore the fact that there was enough batter left to eat it by the spoonfuls which I did! If it ain't cooked, it don't count!!

Now, off to move out of my master bathroom because I just KNOW you are dying to see more of my mess! ;)

I'm pretty sure...

 I'm pretty sure that when the Hubby gets home tonight and tries the Pioneer Woman recipe I'm making AND the Tuesday Treat I made, he will ask me to marry him all over again! And, after having the experience of being his bride for almost 17 years, I am absolutely going to say YES! I'm pretty sure I still got the better end of the deal!

Are we living the same life?

I have had many moments when I am reading a blog where I think, "that sounds like me exactly" or "yep, I know what she's talking about" or "been there done that." And I have gotten messages from several of you telling me the same thing about my blog (thanks! I love feedback).

If you think about it, there's not many new ideas out there, just ones that get passed around and shared. I think that's exactly how it should be. I have learned great tips and tricks and advice from many people through the years. Things that have made life easier or more fun or more productive.

So, instead of competing and wishing anything other than good for people, take it all in! Use what you can, pass on the rest. Do what improves your life, your family's life and the lives of those around you. Share your knowledge and ideas. You never know who you will help along the way.

If you want to try something new but your friend just did the same thing and you don't want her to think you are copying her...get over it! She got the idea from somewhere too and it never hurts to tell someone they inspired you! We all need a little happy encouragement.

While there are a few boundaries, for example, if someone is trying to sell their craft and use their talent to earn extra income for their family, or really have reinvented and tweaked an idea into something great that they are trying to market, there are plenty of ideas to share and take and make your own.

So, my wisdom to pass on for today is...

BE BOLD. BE COURAGEOUS. TRY SOMETHING NEW. THANK SOMEONE. BE INSPIRED. AND...make a treat for someone today. After all, it is TUESDAY TREAT DAY!!! :)

I Moved Out!

I couldn't take it anymore. This is going to be a long, detailed blog so you might wanna grab your coffee (hot tea is my preference) and Fruit Loops. Settle in and let me explain.

No worries! Hubby and I are right fine! It's the clutter and STUFF that I can't take anymore! It is a recurring theme with me right now. So, I took on my laundry room. Here are my embarrassing before pictures. Don't judge me. ;)

Catch all counter top. Teddy Bear that no one wants, baby doll that needs to go in the keepsake box, broken candle and broken "A" from the sleepovers, cake decorating stuff, coupons, sales ads, mail, books, tax papers.

Left Drawer- Kids homework supplies Right Drawer- Ipod accessories and general office supplies.

Left Side- Paper shredder, extra school supplies, cash box for garage sales, price gun (doesn't everyone have one?), extra pens/pencils. Right Side- Old checkbooks, receipts, old markers from xray school (left/right), Ipod boxes, past years Christmas cards and cards from my brothers funeral, xray ce credit books, Eat This books, store and restaurant coupons, past years calendars, and misc.

Hooks for jackets and backpacks but has bags, aprons, fold-able laundry basket (still there from the cruise), lunchboxes, yoga mat, shelf liner, boxes and broom.

Sorry for the bad picture. It's the only one I got of this area. Extra cereal, tools, spray paint (it lives here when it's too cold in the garage). 

Laundry detergent and stuff, vacuum bags and hose, tape gun, vases, medical book, carbon monoxide detector. 

Medicine cabinet. Believe it or not, I just cleaned this cabinet up a week or so ago and added the small drawers. I still wasn't happy with the mess.

  "Lucy, you got some splainin to do!" I used to be SO organized! I blame my little blessings! They started walking and not picking up after themselves and...ok, ok, it's all of us. Life happens. I need the bumper sticker.

One thing I have recently learned is that when something life changing happens, your home reflects how the inside of you is feeling. Can I get an AMEN!! It's been a pretty crazy time in our lives the past 3 years (a story for another time) but I finally feel like myself again and myself likes things ORGANIZED!!

So, why did I say I moved out?  It is my philosophy that to truly clean, declutter and organize, you must move out of the space. Completely. So, that's what I did.

Can you believe ALL THIS was in my small, little laundry room? Oh my! This picture is why I sent my hubby a text that read, "ok, don't freak out when you get home." ;)

I went through each and every item. I had to rethink why I kept things. I asked the questions, "do I love it" "do I use it" "have I used it in the last 6 months?"And, when I lost my focus and automatically started putting things in the keep pile, I walked away. It took a couple of days to get through it all, in between all the normal daily activities and duties.

From the table being entirely full and stacked high, this is all I kept! This and the laundry detergent and dryer sheets I had already put away. 

My garage sale, giveaway,  trash and recycle piles. You can't fully appreciate from this picture just how much I threw away! It was WONDERFUL!

When I was ready to put the keep things back in the laundry room, I rethought the places they had previously lived and the containers I had always kept them in. I changed a few things around and I am so more than "just a little happy" with the results. I present to you, my laundry room;

Totally clear counter top. I wish there was another place to keep the laundry basket but no such luck.

Tape gun, label maker, Ipod and cell phone accessories, general office supplies. AND, an empty drawer!!

Cash drawer and price gun, extra school supplies, kids daily supplies needed for homework, old checkbooks, Christmas cards and funeral cards (didn't change this since I had already gone through them at Christmas), old calendars,old church picture directories,  xray ce credit books and paperwork, store and restaurant coupons.

"Keep" school papers, tote one-vitamins, tote two-lunch boxes and reusable bags, spray paint.

Laundry supplies, change jar, vases and vacuum supplies.

Totes- extra medicines. Bottom shelf-medicines we use. 

The hook wall is completely empty from all coats, backpacks, aprons, etc etc. It feels so wonderful to walk through there now. It was definitely worth the effort.

We contemplated repainting and making some changes to the laundry room since it was completely empty but decided against it for right now. I don't want to be derailed from cleaning out the other rooms in my home because of home improvement projects. Besides, it will be so much easier now moving everything out when we do decide to do it.

One of the things I did accomplish that I had been putting off all this time was to organize my "time capsule." I keep all my old calendars and a few papers from here and there with interesting information on it like how much our bills were in our first house and Jimmy's salary when we were first married. I have just been putting them in a pile under the cabinet and knew I'd get to it sometime. Well, I took the time. I put them all in order. I had duplicate calendars some months so I combined them and threw the extras away. I put them all together in a binder in date order. Now, I have a time capsule we can easily add to or look at and reminisce.


Everything has a place and everything is in its place. **HAPPY** Onto the next room!!

Breaking News! Clean Refrigerator!

 Yesterday, as my Broccoli Cheddar and Creamy Potato soups were simmering on the stove, I realized I was lacking leftover space in my refrigerator. So, I emptied it, completely.

I wish I had gotten a BEFORE picture but I just started pulling things out before I could help myself!!

SIDE NOTE**I don't remember if I have mentioned this on Just A Little Happy before but my goal this year is to get rid of 40% of our obviously prized possessions that we throw in closets or cram in drawers STUFF, room by room. Why 40%? Well, I know there's AT LEAST that much STUFF that I see on a daily basis but I was too afraid to say 50%! **SIDE NOTE COMPLETE

 So, once I started with my clean slate, I knew I should apply the 40% rule to this too. I clean the refrigerator regularly but that usually means just wiping the shelves down and throwing away the questionable leftovers. The same things that we MIGHT use get put back on the same shelves time after time.

"NOT TODAY, " she said with her hands on her hips and super cape flowing behind her.

Ok, here's a little test for you. Go to your refrigerator and pick up a bottle of salad dressing and check the expiration date. I'll wait....(insert Jeopardy theme song here)

I KNOW! I had expired bottles too (at least I hope I'm not the only one)!! One by one, each product got a expiration date scan. I was surprised at what I kept in my refrigerator just because it was habit to have it there.

Here's all the things that didn't make the cut! Notice the WW cream cheese next to the french onion dip! ;) Oh, and the Pringles can...I happened to come across it in the cabinet COMPLETELY EMPTY. Oh, my sweet little blessings!

I don't know about your house but here at the Manor, we have a crazy phenomenon that occurs where items reproduce in the fridge. I guess if it doesn't jump into your arms when you open the door, you automatically get a new one to open.

Anyway, I am more than happy with the finished product and the Broccoli Cheddar soup. The Creamy Potato, not so much.

Pioneer Woman Wednesday...Recipes #2 AND #3

Week #2 and I'm still with it! On the menu for today is Pico De Gallo and Guacamole!!

I'm glad I looked ahead in the cookbook because you MUST make these things together, according to the Pioneer Woman!

Today was pretty straightforward although it was my first time doing anything with cilantro and avocado. Chop equal amounts of onion, tomato and cilantro. PW and Ana (in the cookbook) say this is the key.

Chop a little jalapeno (I'm a pro at jalapenos now!) and squeeze a little lime in. Throw in a bowl and mix! Easy breezy!

For the guacamole, I have high standards! My friend, let's call her Brandye...because that's her name, makes the most amazing guacamole! She is required to bring it to any get together that involves Mexican food!

Let's just say the PW must know me cause this was the simplest thing ever to make! Slice the avocado, twist, hit the pit with a knife (I knew that from watching a little Rachel Ray), scoop, add salt and mash. The End. You would have gotten a chuckle out of the whole "remove the pit" part. They make it look so easy on tv. I'm lucky to still have all 10 fingers (and toes for that matter)!

Now, the Pioneer Woman says to mix the guacamole with the pico de gallo and dive in! I was all for that but knowing my family like I do (as well I should), I decided to just mix my portion and leave the decision up to them on how they wanted to venture in!

My James didn't want any part of the guacamole but he did try a bite. He liked the pico and ate some but I think the cilantro threw him off. No surprise seeing as how my little blessings love their weight in Pace Salsa. My hubby wasn't a guacamole fan either but I knew that. He LOVED the pico though and ate a bowl full! My other little blessing somehow bypassed Rule #2 of having to try everything I make. Her social schedule was full and didn't allow her to bless her parents with her presence on PW Recipe Night!

All in all a great success!

Introducing Wordy Girl Designs

Yesterday, I was reminded of one of my favorite quotes; "Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

That is exactly how I feel about my January! Instead of my normal planning, waiting, more planning, I've jumped in with this blog and now Wordy Girl Designs.

I have always loved words, numbers, initials and especially names and subway art is all the rage right now. So, I thought I would combine both and create personal art. *Thanks to the family and friends that encouraged me after they received the art as gifts.*

These are painted and distressed pieces that measure 11 x 8.5 (more sizes and designs to come). I will custom create them to fit your family.

Please visit Wordy Girl Designs on Facebook for more information. HINT* There may be a giveaway soon!!  Happy Treat Day Tuesday!!

What Fabulous People Do With A Monday

Apparently, they grocery shop!

With half of Monday wasted due to a to do list that wasn't cooperating, I decided to scrap the big plans for today and get back to basics. One of my goals is to get consistent with menu planning. When I take the time to do it, the week runs smoother and we spend less on groceries and eating out! It's really not that hard, it's just the doing it part that gets left undone!

I used to think that lists were a waste! In the time it took for me to write what I was going to do for the day, I could have had two things on the list already done. I've changed my story!! If I don't write it down, you might find me sitting on the couch, staring into space.

So, after starting the menu plan, checking my pantry and freezer,  consulting with my facebook friends and texting my hubby (whose reply was "I'm happy with anything you do!"-very sweet but not helpful), I threw on my ballcap and headed out to conquer the world!

 

Three stops is what it took to accomplish the above. Aldi for produce - roma tomatoes, yellow onion and avacados. Walmart for the majority (am I the only one who had never heard of white pepper??) and GFF to stock up on hamburger meat and chicken breasts. 

So, as I sit here, still in my ballcap and eating a Lean Cuisine Pizza, I am feeling very accomplished. At 4 pm I won't have to answer the kids question of "what's for dinner" with "whatever you can find". I do believe that makes me a candidate for mother of the year. 

Doing a Drive By with Young House Love

Am I the only one who loves driving around and peeking in people's open windows to see how they decorate?? Aw, come on, fess up! My hubby and I also like going to open houses, even though we aren't looking for a house. We're just out looking for inspiration. Nothing wrong with that!

I feel slightly decor challenged. I think it's more that I am afraid of messing up or doing something wrong (there's that perfection thing again) so I do nothing at all. It's crazy to hold back because we have ended up loving the projects we have tackled, both in our first house and this house. And, who's to say what a mess up is or if something is done wrong?? It's our house, if we love it, it's all good (totally giving myself a pep talk here)!


Ok, let me get to the entire reason for this post. One of my favorite blogs is Young House Love (but don't peek yet!). I have watched them update, quite fabulously I might add, their first smaller home.

They are now in a new home and in the beginning stages of adding their own touches! The best part? They post it on their blog, www.younghouselove.com, for all to see! So, instead of driving and looking for open windows (which is creepy now that I think about it), we can sit in our pj's and snoop as much as we want.

Here is the link to Young House Love's video tour of their new home. I can't wait to see what great things they do and what inspiration I can pull from their talent.


Happy Weekend, All!!

Pioneer Woman Wednesday...Recipe #1

My rules for this adventure:

1.  Make EVERY recipe in the book (not looking forward to the seafood ones). 
2.  My hubby, little blessings and myself MUST try at least one bite of each recipe. 
3.  I will laugh at myself, learn new things and finish a better cook than I started!!

BBQ Jalapeno Poppers

 
Not a great recipe to start out with seeing as how my hubby, little blessings or myself have NEVER had a jalapeno in our lives! I pressed on (refer to rule #1 and #2).  I was certain to wear my gloves because I didn't want anything on my body anywhere to burn in the middle of the night (refer to page 14 of PW Cooks). The recipe was easy enough to follow, even for a novice.

The only issues I had were having to run to the store for more bacon (ugh, hate it when that happens) and trying to figure out a way to let the bacon drip and not get the peppers soggy! I went through a couple of choices then upon studying the PW's pictures (don't you just *LOVE* that she adds a pic of every step), I noticed something that looked familiar. I dug in the bottom of my cookie sheet drawer and pulled out this nifty little pan!

 I don't even know what it's called! I *think* it came with our stove? Anyway, I was happy to have the same thing the PW uses. That makes me a cook, right? Well, after an hour and the kitchen smelling surprisingly good, here's what I made...

\

On to rule #2. I was completely prepared to have to pay my little blessings $1 each to try a bite!  My daughter came in first, offered to try one and grimaced as she picked it up. She bit into it, chewed, said it was too hot and spit it out. Ok, well, she tried it! Next, my son. He's the pickier of the blessings so surely I would have to pay him. NOPE! He picked it up, studied it, took a bite and chewed. He thought a minute and decided he wasn't sure about it at all! Ok, two down. My turn. I think I was more apprehensive than they were. I have my tastes all set. I like what I like and no use changing something that's not broken. Do I get to pay myself $1?? My first bite...I liked it! I, of course, like the bacon and cream cheese and the pepper wasn't as bad as I expected. I finished one and started another. My daughter was curious and thought maybe she was missing out so she asked for another one! WOW! I think her and I agree...we like it but the pepper isn't something we are used to. How many times do you have to try a new food to like it? I think I could learn to like peppers. 3 down, hubby left. I was in the other room when he came in from work. He walked in with a pepper in his hand, chewing! 4 for 4 and I saved all my money!! It was official... 3 to 1 likes! Recipe #1 is in the books! No, really, it's in her cookbook. Page 14 and 15. Try it!!

Introducing...Pioneer Woman Wednesday!!

photo from Pioneer Woman Cooks

I'm pulling a Julie & Julia and cooking my way through The PW's Cookbook! I wish I could come up with a catchy, fun name but there's not alot you can do with Laura & Ree (If you think of something, let me know).

There will be those SHOCKED that I am doing this because before last year, I HATED to cook. I did what I had to do to make sure my family didn't starve but I didn't like it one bit (my family should be thankful I love them so much)!! I'm the one who would bring any of the given items to a get together: ice, pop, heat and eat rolls, cups, plates or restaurant bought chips and queso. I seriously had visions of someone eating my cooking and getting food poisoning and cursing my name! I just knew I would never be invited anywhere ever again!

I'm not really sure what changed. I've had a few "what's happened to you and who are you?" questions. But instead of analyzing it, I'm just going with it and having fun! Look out world, Laura's cooking (might be a 2012 prophesy)!!

Tuesday Treat Day!!! Yippee!!

The thing I *LOVE* most about blogs are the great ideas I have come across and have incorporated into my own world. Home decor from House of Smiths, Young House Love, and Centsational Girl and yummy recipes and desserts from Picky Palate and Mommy Hates Cooking (wish I would have thought of that title), Annie's Eats, and Lynn's Kitchen Adventures.

With all the great desserts and treats I was drooling over (and frankly, needed a GOOD excuse to make), I came up with Tuesday Treat Day. Every Tuesday when I pick the kids up from school, I have a treat waiting for them in the car. Or, I take them somewhere to get a treat, like frozen yogurt or a Sonic drink. They *LOVE* it! They want Tuesday to be every day and it makes me *BEYOND HAPPY* that when they are grown and have their own kids, they will look back and have these great memories.

Not to mention that a friend or two has benefited from Tuesday Treat Day...it makes everyone JUST A LITTLE HAPPY!!  

**Happy Tuesday Treat Day**

Fluffer Oreo Cupcakes

Easy Peanut Butter Cups

Mummy Munch

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cupcakes

Musings from my friend, Ghost Writer.

In an attempt to poke fun at me for starting a blog and not understanding WHY IN THE WORLD anyone would want to talk about the mundane details of their day, my friend sends me "blog updates". For your enjoyment, I give you Musings From Ghost Writer;

Captains log 1.10.11
Today we have steered the vessel at full steam ahead. As we look into the future it's potato soup for dinner and a nice fire to rest by. If my trusty Hank were still here, he would rest on the floor next to me, looking up to me with the inch and a half over bite. I'm sure he is somewhere still wondering why it is he can't get a full drink of water without half of it running out on the floor. Cheers to Hank!! Where ever you are.

I've started a blog...WHAT?!?!

Ok, so I finally went with the nagging feeling in the back of my head "you should start a blog" "you could put that in your blog" "you have stuff to say" "you've always wanted followers" (tee hee)


Well, this is how I feel now

"I've started a blog" "I don't have anything to put in the blog" "I have nothing to say" "I still want followers" (tee hee)  I do have plenty to say and great things to show you from other blogs I enjoy following. I guess what I am telling you is that you never know what's going to show up here.

Stay tuned....

Goals...It's all fun and games til someone gets left behind

Very soon, a group of deserters my friends, aka The Circle, will be leaving for a fun filled friend trip to Vegas. My hubby and I will be staying home.  Here's the thing... we have a list of goals we want to accomplish and sometimes we have to play adult and skip something we really want to do for the bigger picture. We could have easily afforded the trip and paid cash (no lingering credit card bills at our humble abode). Instead, we made the decision together to skip this sure to be exciting adventure. It's no fun being the ones left behind but even as they pack and are ready to be patted down and strip searched fly the friendly skies, we are still happy with our decision. We'll catch the next Circle adventure and I'm sure you'll hear about it here.

Only fitting....

Here's what I am making for Treat Day Tuesday next week! YUM!! Chocolate Chip Oreo Cookie Sandwich