Bubble and Brown

First off, I don't ever get to watch the Rachael Ray Show. Not because I don't have time. But because our local NBC station carries it. And the station has a horrible signal. Since the entire change in signal during the summer, well there has been no NBC signal in the area.

I never, ever get to see The Rachael Ray Show. And I kind of miss it. I didn't really watch it in Florida. But it was there if I wanted to. But recently, we were somewhere were I was able to watch the show. And I really do enjoy it.



I also seen this set. And I checked online. It's $40. And I love it! It comes in a variety of colors. But I really do like the blue. And I can see myself using it for a variety of reasons. Now, I just need to bring myself to order it. When I was talking to my mother-in-law about it, she told me that they sell Rachael Ray products at Sears. I'm going to check the next time I go to the mall. ♥E

More Scarves

I'm pretty sure that I've become addicted to scarves. Or at least YouTube videos about scarves and scarf collections. I really want to go shopping for more scarves. They're just a fun accessory. And so incredibly easy to wear. I must confess, I went to Wal-Mart and picked up a few of their $5 scarves. They are a nice addition to my wardrobe. ♥E

Holiday Makeup

I'm really getting into the holiday spirit. And watching all these YouTube videos is making me want to dress up every day. Even if I'm just spending my days and nights at home. But I'm really enjoying it.

I wish I was better at makeup. I'm nowhere near Manders. But after watching some videos, I'm feeling a little adventurous. And I want to try this look. What do you think? I don't think it's too dramatic. And I'm pretty sure I can pull it off. I just need to practice. ♥E

Christmas Cookies in a Jar

Earlier this week, I was looking for a good cookie recipe. I really wanted to bake cookies. And I'm going to admit it, we still haven't finished unpacking. So I couldn't find my holiday recipes. I decide to go looking around All Recipes. And I found this recipe.



I immediately thought that this idea would be great for some holiday gifts. For our friends. Who doesn't like a good cookie? And even for some of our family. So I'm going to get started. I have a bunch to make! But I did manage to bake some cookies for Paul and I. They were delicious! I think you should try out this recipe too. But if you're not into sweet cookies, I'd half the chocolate chips. ♥E

Ingredients

1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup quick-cooking oats
1 cup orange flavored dried cranberries
1 cup vanilla or white chips


ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract


Directions

1.In a 1-qt. glass jar, layer the sugar and brown sugar, packing well between each layer. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; spoon into jar. Top with oats, cranberries and chips. Cover and store in a cool dry place for up to 6 months.

2.To prepare cookies: Pour cookie mix into a large mixing bowl; stir to combine. Beat in butter, egg and vanilla. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Drop by the tablespoonfuls 2 in. apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 375 degrees F for 8-10 minutes or until browned. Remove to wire racks to cool.

Options

Paul and I have been doing a lot of thinking. And a lot of talking. We have so many options ahead of us. Lots of things having to do with our future. And I'm pretty sure, I'm going to stop looking for a job.



You see, Paul is making a good salary, with his new job. We're better off now then we were when we both worked. And there is really no reason for me to work. And I'm enjoying being home a lot. I think Paul is also enjoying it. Because I'm definitely doing a lot more around the house.

I've always cooked. But now, our meals are a lot more thought out. And I have to say this, they're a lot more yummy. I've also been experimenting with baking. And I'm doing a lot better.

But the biggest point for us, is that I get to travel with Paul. Whenever he travels for work, I get to go too. And I think that's important. Since Paul is gone about half of the week. When he is on the touring schedule.

We also want to start a family in the next 2 years. So this is a good option. No more working for me. We can afford it right now. And there are really no jobs available. So I get to stay home. And take care of my husband. I really enjoy being home. And being a housewife. We have lots of options ahead of us. And I'm glad that we have these opportunities ahead. Life is really good for us at the moment. ♥E

Shopping

Of all the things I could miss about Florida, I miss the shopping. There is nothing around here. We live in a small town, 5 minutes away from a slightly larger, college town. Where we went to school. And there is a large city about an hour away.

But there is nothing around here. I miss H&M the most. Recently, they opened up a Forever 21...an hour away. The closest stores to us are Wal-Mart, K-Mart, and Target. We have no TJ Maxx. No Nordstorms. No Outlets. OK, there are some about an hour away. But they are small. Not really anything good there.



I miss the Outlets in Florida. I miss the cute boutiques. And the shops like H&M, Charlotte Russe, etc. I would think, they would have shops like that here. Based on the local economy. But nope. So I sit here, and miss Florida. For the shopping. Something I never really appreciated when we lived there.

Even with both of us working, we didn't have this kind of money either. We're not rich. But we're definitely more comfortable, than we were a few months ago. Honestly, I feel like going on vacation to Florida. I really do miss the stores. Why can't we have decent stores in the desert? We don't even have a MAC store! ♥E

Sunday Stealing: Junk Food

For some reason, I'm feeling extra lazy today. That's not a good thing. Because Paul has to work today. And all I want to do is stay in and watch movies. But we really need to get going. We really have to enjoy today's event. It will be a while before we get to come to one of these again. And I need to get some Christmas shopping done. How are you doing with your shopping? Here is my Sunday Stealing. ♥E



Who...

Is easy to love? Yes, as long as you find the right person to love.

Do you just wanna smack? No

Do you trust? Yes

Do you talk to when you're alone? I think I do sometimes.


What...

Dangerous things do you do while driving? I get side tracked sometimes. Either by the scenery or music on the radio.

Are you allergic to? I have seasonal allergies.

Is Satan's last name? I don't know.

Is the freakiest thing in your house? Nothing


When...

Is it time to turn over a new leaf? We just did.

Will you be all that you can be? I'm trying to be that right now.

Is enough enough? When things are not changing.

Do you go to the dark side? Never.


Where...

Are your pants? I'm wearing them.

Is your last will and testament? In our safe.

Is your junk food stash? In the pantry.

Is Carmen Sandiego? I don't know. I was never good at that!


Why...

Was the Lone Ranger alone? I don't know.

Was The Scarlet Letter scarlet? Maybe because it was easier to see, and resembled blood.

Are musicians sexy and plumbers not? I think because musicians are more mysterious.

Are there no seat belts on school buses? Because the seats are all padded.


Would you...

Swim the English Channel for a doughnut and coffee? If not that, what? No, I'm just not that into donuts and coffee.

Forgive someone who deliberately hurt you? It depends.

Rather believe a lie if it hurt you less than the truth? No, I would rather know the truth.

You still be alive if you were sucked out of an airplane window? I don't know. Maybe.

I'll Just Hold On

I just love this song. It really makes me smile. I think about Paul every time I hear it. I like the softer side of Blake Shelton. After following him on Twitter, it's crazy to hear a song like this from him. But I really do enjoy his softer music. ♥E

Rocky Road Candy Bar

Do you see that delicious goodness? It just makes me smile looking at that picture. Yes, a few weeks ago, maybe even months ago, I had my first one. And now, I'm a little addicted. It's wonderful! I've had Rocky Road ice cream. But this is different. It's just like the marshmallow fluff covered in a mix of chocolate and nuts. Wonderful! If you haven't tried one yet, you are definitely missing out! ♥E

Dutch Oven Peach Cobbler

This looks so yummy! I just can't help myself. I'm thinking of making this soon. Like as soon as I buy the ingredients. All these cold days have me thinking about yummy treats like this. No wonder people pack on the pounds in the winter.

Anyway, this is one of Paula Deen's amazing recipes! Is anyone else in love with her show? I am! I'm highly addicted. And there is not a thing that she makes that would fall into the "healthy" category. But that's OK. Everything is so yummy! ♥E




Ingredients

2 (16-ounce) cans sliced peaches in heavy or light syrup, or in fruit juice, your choice
1 pint fresh blueberries, optional
1/2 cup baking mix (recommended: Bisquick)
1/3 cup sugar
Ground cinnamon

Topping:
2 1/4 cups baking mix (recommended: Bisquick)
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted
1/2 cup milk
Cinnamon sugar (1/4 cup sugar combined with 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; store in an empty spice shaker jar; shake well before each use)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.


Spray a Dutch oven with vegetable oil cooking spray

Drain 1 can of the peaches. Combine both cans of peaches, including the juice from the undrained can, the blueberries, if using, the baking mix, sugar, and a sprinkling of cinnamon. Place this mixture into the Dutch oven.

To make the topping: Combine the biscuit mix, sugar, butter, and milk in a resealable plastic bag. Drop bits of dough, using your fingers, on top of the peaches. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.

Place the Dutch oven into the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crusty.