Needing Something Light

How were everyone's holidays? Ours were amazing! In fact, we're still in Texas, visiting family. My amazing MIL has gotten me hooked on Pinterest. Just where have I been? This might be my favorite site ever!!

We've been cooking and baking a lot. Honestly I'm starting to feel a little stuffed. Like we've had a bit too much good food. You know, holiday food. Filled with lots of yumminess, and calories. I'm craving something delicious, and light. So is my MIL. We took to Pinterest, for a little inspiration.



Doesn't this look wonderful? We thought so! And since our men are fully engrossed, in all things sports, we're completely involved in all things food. Don't tell them, but tonight, we're having a super healthy meal. With this as dessert! If only the link had worked, but it doesn't look too tough, to duplicate. I can't wait to have some fruit!! ♥E

Sunflowers

There are fields and fields of sunflowers out here. Paul and I went for a drive this morning. Every color, every size you can imagine! It makes me want to grow a bunch at home. They just make me smile. For as far as you can see, there were sunflowers. It was beautiful! ♥E

Love 'Em!

I just love this episode of GH! Luke and Tracy are such a cute and unexpected couple. This has to be one of the best scenes on GH in a long time! Early in this episode when Luke tells Tracy, "I want you anyway I can get you," it made me smile. It was so typical of of Luke.

But this scene it was so sweet. I really did enjoy it. You know, until Tracy got sick. I've been watching GH since I was 13 or so. It has always been one of my favorite shows. Now if I could just catch up. How did I get this far behind? ♥E

Up on the Ridge

I just love this song! I get so excited every time I hear it. We're definitely going to have to get Dierks Bentley's new CD. I'm really into this song. Our friends were jamming the other day at J's. And they were playing this song. It made me want to dance. ♥E

Pretty Little Liars

Lola kept talking about this new show. And because we have similar tastes, I decided to check it out. I really like this show. I know that probably sounds nuts. It's probably targeted at pre-teens. But it's cute. And I like to see what the girls are going to be wearing. Their styles are all unique. But they wear some nice pieces. There you go, a new favorite of mine. ♥E

Bones

Do you ever watch Bones? Like I mentioned here, we didn't watch a lot of TV for a long time. Many years actually. So I'm not up-to-date with a lot of popular shows. But I'm slowly catching up.



I couldn't sleep on Saturday night. It was a bit annoying actually. I was awake all night. And well into Sunday morning. Instead of waking up Paul, I headed downstairs and watched some TV. One of the shows was Bones. And it is really a good show!

I checked out the TV schedule, and I will definitely be watching more episodes. Just not at 4AM on Sunday mornings. :) I'm also going to keep my eyes open for the Bones DVDs when they go on sale. I really like this new show. ♥E

Best Lemonade Ever

We're really enjoying the time at home. It's not really a vacation from work for Paul. But more of a "regular" work schedule for Paul. He's working from Monday-Friday. And we're not traveling. We also have the weekends off.

Therefore, I've decided to focus a lot more on being a "Happy Homemaker." :) Starting with jazzing up what we're eating and drinking. Paul has been enjoying the last few weeks. New recipes. And I found this yummy one on All Recipes.



It's really yummy. And if I hadn't decided to juice all the lemons, I might make this way too often. But it was a bit of work. Either way, it was delicious! But I'm thinking this good be a nice treat a couple of times a week. ♥E



Ingredients

1 3/4 cups white sugar
8 cups water
1 1/2 cups lemon juice


Directions

1.In a small saucepan, combine sugar and 1 cup water. Bring to boil and stir to dissolve sugar. Allow to cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate until chilled.

2.Remove seeds from lemon juice, but leave pulp. In pitcher, stir together chilled syrup, lemon juice and remaining 7 cups water.

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.

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

I Want to Go Scarf Shopping

I found Trina and her videos a while back. And I love them! I also found her blog. Again, one of my favorites! She is such a sweet and stylish lady.

This video is one of my favorites. I adore her scarf collection. It makes me want to head to the store immediately! I want to buy a bunch of scarves. And I really wish we could go shopping with Trina. Have I mentioned how stylish she is? And how much I love her style! That last scarf is my favorite! I went searching high and low for it, but I never found it...

Lola is someone else who loves scarves. And she always has a cute one on. I'm telling you, I need to go shopping. It's so super cold out. So unusual for this area. And I'm starting to really miss the Florida weather. But I think I just want to go scarf shopping. :) ♥E

It's Beginning to Feel...

A lot like Christmas! Paul has been working on the lights outside for about 2 days. We're getting ready to put up our Christmas tree. It just feels amazing! I LOVE this time of year! It makes me feel like a kid again.

And we've been indulging a bit. I've been baking cookies and making hot chocolate. But it's just perfect for the cold weather that we've been having. I'm so excited! Little by little, I've been putting up the decorations in the house. Like the Nativity Scene and such. But the tree is the highlight of our decorating. I can't wait. I've even got Christmas music playing in the background. :) ♥E

Houndstooth Scarf

I'm a fan of houndstooth. I have houndstooth peacoat, that I begged Paul for, when we were still in college. And I've managed to collect some other items over the years. But while we lived in Florida, there was not a whole lot of Houndstooth around. Or winter wear for that matter.



But here, I've seen some nice items. Unfortunately, every time I go to buy a scarf, they're either stained or torn. I really want one. I guess I just need to keep my eyes peeled. Maybe I should start looking online too. ♥E

Cherry Cobbler

Yes my friends, I made Cherry Cobbler tonight. Using a recipe from All Recipes. It was super easy and fast! When the mini cobblers were bubbling and hot, we added a scoop of vanilla ice cream.



It was the perfect treat for Paul and I. Especially on a cold night like this. I made 6 mini cobblers. And I just put 4 in the refrigerator. I can't wait to have leftovers tomorrow! ♥E



Ingredients

1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling
1 (4.5 ounce) can refrigerated buttermilk biscuits, separated
1 tablespoon butter or margarine, melted
2 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

Set aside some of the pie filling, including five cherries, for garnish. Divide the remaining filling among five ungreased 6-oz. ramekins or custard cups. Top each with a biscuit; brush with butter. Combine sugars and cinnamon; sprinkle over biscuits. Bake at 375 degrees F for 14-18 minutes or until biscuits are browned. Top with reserved pie filling.

Love This Decor!

Can I admit that I love the decor in Carly's living room? And in Robin's. I'm looking at turning one of the bedrooms into an office for me. Or just a room for me to hangout in. I like the color pallet of both rooms. Now I just need to decide which one I like more.

I like the light and airy feeling of Carly's house. The cool tones. It's just amazing. And Robin's, the dark and inviting colors. Love them! I'm so inspired. I think I need to sit and talk to Lola about all of this. Where do I begin? ♥E

Mini Wedding Cakes

Last night, Paul and I went to Freed's Bakery. And we each got a mini wedding cake. They were delicious! Oh my goodness! Lola kept telling me about them. And she told me that when you're in Las Vegas, you have to try one.



She was right. These were the best little cakes ever! It's a good thing that I don't live in Las Vegas. Because I could see myself going to Freed's Bakery weekly. Honestly, they're that good! If you're ever in Las Vegas, you need to go to Freed's Bakery. In my opinion, it's just as important as going to the Strip and shopping at the Outlets. ♥E

Eastwick

As much as Paul and I didn't watch TV before, we're seriously making up for it now! And Eastwick is one of my favorite shows. I just think it's cute and quirky. I like the characters and the story lines.



Every week, I look forward to watch a new episode. I hear that there is a book. I might have to pick it up. I love to read. But I don't know if it will ruin the series for me. I did that with Lipstick Jungle. And it sorta ruined the show for me. Until it was cancelled. But I really like this show! ♥E

I Love Fall!

There is something about Fall that I just love. It's the beautiful color of the trees. The sound of the leaves as you walk. The yummy foods. And all the fun holidays. Fall might just be my favorite holiday!



Early this week, we carved pumpkins. And started to decorate for Halloween. So much fun! Paul and I were like little kids. We even roasted the pumpkin seeds. And ate plenty of Candy Corn. :) I'm telling you, I love Fall!

And tonight, I made a big pot of veggie stew. It was so good. And we had lots of good bread to go with it. I'm telling you, there is something about the cooling weather, and all the warm things that go with it. I'm going to go cuddle up with my husband and a cup of apple cider. ♥E

My Amazing Husband

I'd been telling Paul that I needed a haircut. And he told me that I should make an appointment. So after asking a few people, I decided on place to go. Lola is really the one to thank. She suggested Barragans.

I made an appointment. And I figured I would get my hair done. Last night, I began to think about having my nails done too. But I wasn't sure. But when I got to my appointment today, Paul had called ahead.



He scheduled a day of pampering for me. And had paid for everything! When I called him, he told me that it was a bit of a birthday present. Tomorrow is my birthday. Don't I have a wonderful husband? I think so!

I had my hair done, a mani-pedi, and my eyebrows done. It was like heaven! And just when I thought I was done, I had a facial and a massage. Paul met me for a yummy dinner in the city. And we came home.

Right now, Paul is making me a yummy dessert. He is such an amazing husband! I'm trying to think of something amazing to do for him. For his birthday. Even if it's still months away. I love Paul so much! ♥E

Vanity Set

I really like this vanity set. It's from Target! And is about $170. I really want to buy this. I've always wanted a "real" vanity table. In Florida, I used a small table. Almost like a TV tray. And I had a rickety chair that we found when we moved into that house.



But now, I want something nice. So Paul and I are going to go look at our local Target. I hope they have it. I don't want to have to pay the shipping if I don't have to. If not, maybe the big city, about an hour away, has it. I just hope so! ♥E

The Guy Not Taken

A close friend of mine gave me this book a while back. Say 2 years ago? I don't exactly remember when. I started reading it almost immediately. But I was lost in school and work. After 2 stories, I put the book down. The book somehow got lost in the shuffle.

Last Saturday, I found it. I was going through our bookcase. Sorting through old textbooks and novels. And I found my book. Paul and I had decided to stay in Saturday. He was lost in his work. I was just going through random stuff around our house. After lunch, I curled up on the couch and started reading.



This is the first book by Jennifer Weiner that I have read. Both Lola and Vi have read many of her books. They rave about them. As a good entertainment book. Because the 3 of us tend to get lost in nutrition journals and diet books.

The Guy Not Taken was a good entertainment book. It is a collection of short stories. Like I said, I had started reading this when I first got it. But I put it down. Last Saturday, I read almost the entire book. Until I realized I needed to make dinner. I put the book down. Once again, I got lost in the week. But this morning, I finished it. And I am happy that I read it.

Sometimes you just need to read something for the pure entertainment factor. This is one of the those books. Like the Shopaholic books. If you are looking for something to pass the time, this is a good one. I was laughing and genuinely enjoying my read. I will definitely be reading more of Jennifer's books! ♥E