Here he is with his proud Momma!
Such a big boy!
Austin all dressed to support those HOGS!
Love him!
See.....told you he was the happiest little guy!September 18, 2009
Baby Love!!!!!!!
I love my nephew so much it's hard to imagine the love I will feel for my own children some day. He is the happiest little guy in the whole world! I hate that it will be 3 more months before I see him again (I bet I don't make it that long, I'll crack). He loves his Aunt Jonnie too! Just see for yourself.
Such a big boy!
Austin all dressed to support those HOGS!
Love him!
See.....told you he was the happiest little guy!
Such a big boy!Austin all dressed to support those HOGS!
Love him!
See.....told you he was the happiest little guy!
September 17, 2009
Dinner Spanakopitas
I'm delighted to be participating in my first EVER "Show Us Your Life" over at Kelly's Korner!
I saw this recently on the Food Network show, Barefoot Contessa. I have to admit that her show isn't my favorite BUT I do love her cookbooks. They are great! And so is this recipe if you love spinach. When I saw the recipe I thought it would be too complicated for me, but it's super easy, however you will need to devote a little bit of time to it. Still it's worth it. So enjoy. I am just going to link to the actual recipe for Dinner Spanakopitas to make it easy, but I will upload my pictures and let you know that I substituted slivered almonds for pine nuts. I'm not a big pine nut fan, but thought a little crunch would be nice, so I tried almonds and I probably could have added some more. I actually only ate one of the spanakopitas that I made and froze the rest for a rainy day. I loved the melted feta cheese with the spinach....yummmmmmy! Thanks for stopping by.
Side note, do NOT be afraid of phyllo dough. It was my first time using it and I actually impressed myself! :)
There are two things I learned from writing this post. #1: It's NOT easy to take pictures of food and make it look good enough to eat. #2: #1 might be because I need a better camera!
I saw this recently on the Food Network show, Barefoot Contessa. I have to admit that her show isn't my favorite BUT I do love her cookbooks. They are great! And so is this recipe if you love spinach. When I saw the recipe I thought it would be too complicated for me, but it's super easy, however you will need to devote a little bit of time to it. Still it's worth it. So enjoy. I am just going to link to the actual recipe for Dinner Spanakopitas to make it easy, but I will upload my pictures and let you know that I substituted slivered almonds for pine nuts. I'm not a big pine nut fan, but thought a little crunch would be nice, so I tried almonds and I probably could have added some more. I actually only ate one of the spanakopitas that I made and froze the rest for a rainy day. I loved the melted feta cheese with the spinach....yummmmmmy! Thanks for stopping by.
Side note, do NOT be afraid of phyllo dough. It was my first time using it and I actually impressed myself! :)
There are two things I learned from writing this post. #1: It's NOT easy to take pictures of food and make it look good enough to eat. #2: #1 might be because I need a better camera!
September 16, 2009
I can't help it......
I am IN LOVE with this young man. Someone told me I don't have to feel bad because he's not as young as I think and they were right. He's 21, so now all I need to do is figure out how to get to Hollywood and get rid of Vanessa. Ha ha. Just kidding, but he is a looker! (And he can sing AND dance, a man after my heart).
Taken for granted
Since moving, I've been doing a lot of thinking and soul searching (as I'm sure you could tell from my last post). And here are a list of things I realized I have taken for granted.
My car. Someone tried to steal my car a little while ago and it was out of commission and cost me $500 to get fixed. I used to constantly complain about how crappy my car was and it was always trashed. Well not anymore, I gave it a good cleaning the other day at my sister's and will keep it that way.
My ability to pay my bills and my job. I kept thinking while I was working in Little Rock about how I needed to find a better job, how I wasn't at a place I envisioned myself being at career wise, when in actuality I was in a great position that had tons of potential. I also used to complain about paying the bills...now I worry I won't be able to pay them.
Dreams. I somewhere, somehow forgot how to dream and set goals for myself. Something that was always going on in my head. I attribute this to my lack of finding a job and just letting myself get down, but no more!
My health. I used to be the most active person AND I enjoyed it. I haven't treated my body very well and that needs to change!
The ability that God gave me to make something of myself. Lately, I have felt lost, without a clue, feeling sorry for myself and as I was driving home today it dawned on me that I used to possess this amazing ability to turn negative or potentially bad situations into good things, opportunities to grow. I haven't done that with my current situation and I'm a little ashamed. I always get so upset when I see people who act or say that they deserve something in life (money, wealth, love). I mean we ALL deserve to live our best lives, but it's also up to us to use what the good Lord gave us, our abilities. And for a last couple of months I've been moping around thinking that I deserved for someone to just give me a job....ahhahaha. Silly me, I guess I forgot what hardwork was too! So I am coming home with a new attitude and I'm ready to embrace the adventure.
Hope you are too!
My car. Someone tried to steal my car a little while ago and it was out of commission and cost me $500 to get fixed. I used to constantly complain about how crappy my car was and it was always trashed. Well not anymore, I gave it a good cleaning the other day at my sister's and will keep it that way.
My ability to pay my bills and my job. I kept thinking while I was working in Little Rock about how I needed to find a better job, how I wasn't at a place I envisioned myself being at career wise, when in actuality I was in a great position that had tons of potential. I also used to complain about paying the bills...now I worry I won't be able to pay them.
Dreams. I somewhere, somehow forgot how to dream and set goals for myself. Something that was always going on in my head. I attribute this to my lack of finding a job and just letting myself get down, but no more!
My health. I used to be the most active person AND I enjoyed it. I haven't treated my body very well and that needs to change!
The ability that God gave me to make something of myself. Lately, I have felt lost, without a clue, feeling sorry for myself and as I was driving home today it dawned on me that I used to possess this amazing ability to turn negative or potentially bad situations into good things, opportunities to grow. I haven't done that with my current situation and I'm a little ashamed. I always get so upset when I see people who act or say that they deserve something in life (money, wealth, love). I mean we ALL deserve to live our best lives, but it's also up to us to use what the good Lord gave us, our abilities. And for a last couple of months I've been moping around thinking that I deserved for someone to just give me a job....ahhahaha. Silly me, I guess I forgot what hardwork was too! So I am coming home with a new attitude and I'm ready to embrace the adventure.
Hope you are too!
September 15, 2009
A quarter century crisis
Yes, I think that would be an appropriate name for my situation. Forgive now for the random thoughts that are about to follow.
I believe that no one should be with someone if that means changing who they really are. Or if they aren't/can't be their best self. (Disclaimer, this has nothing to do with my relationship, just thoughts I've had recently).
Will I EVER get a stinking job??????????????????? How long can one person be broke?
Is it ever really too late to pursue your dream? No, I don't think so, but does it still apply if your dream is always changing or growing? I still hope the answer is no.
When do you really figure out what you want to do with your life, is it when you finally find it? Or do most people just settle for a job they are content but not happy with? Because this girl won't stop until she finds what really makes her happy.
What's crazy to think about is that almost every feeling or thought that I've had about relationships or love or life in general someone else hundreds of years before me probably had too, just according to the generation they were living in. It blows my mind that once upon a time, Abraham Lincoln thought his heart was so broken that he didn't know if he could bare to take another breath. It equally blows my mind that as much as I will try to prevent these same feelings for my children they will still experience them.
Do you truly think that there is someone out there that has no regrets? I would do my life all over again the exact same way but that still doesn't mean I wouldn't have some regrets!
Do you ladies ever think about adopting kids? Just wondering.
And finally I will sum up my random thoughts with this. I have the best sister, nephew and brother-in-law that any one girl could ask for. I love my sister with all my heart (I know I've mentioned this before). Sometimes I think about feeling sorry for myself because of things (by things I mean feelings and emotions) that I lacked from my parents and I realize that God gave me those "things" through my sister. Someone to laugh with, someone to look up too, someone to support me, someone to tell me that yes boys aren't always nice, but you deserve better, someone to sing me to sleep when I was scared at night. Someone to love me for me. So thank you God so such a wonderful blessing! And thank you sister for being that blessing.
I believe that no one should be with someone if that means changing who they really are. Or if they aren't/can't be their best self. (Disclaimer, this has nothing to do with my relationship, just thoughts I've had recently).
Will I EVER get a stinking job??????????????????? How long can one person be broke?
Is it ever really too late to pursue your dream? No, I don't think so, but does it still apply if your dream is always changing or growing? I still hope the answer is no.
When do you really figure out what you want to do with your life, is it when you finally find it? Or do most people just settle for a job they are content but not happy with? Because this girl won't stop until she finds what really makes her happy.
What's crazy to think about is that almost every feeling or thought that I've had about relationships or love or life in general someone else hundreds of years before me probably had too, just according to the generation they were living in. It blows my mind that once upon a time, Abraham Lincoln thought his heart was so broken that he didn't know if he could bare to take another breath. It equally blows my mind that as much as I will try to prevent these same feelings for my children they will still experience them.
Do you truly think that there is someone out there that has no regrets? I would do my life all over again the exact same way but that still doesn't mean I wouldn't have some regrets!
Do you ladies ever think about adopting kids? Just wondering.
And finally I will sum up my random thoughts with this. I have the best sister, nephew and brother-in-law that any one girl could ask for. I love my sister with all my heart (I know I've mentioned this before). Sometimes I think about feeling sorry for myself because of things (by things I mean feelings and emotions) that I lacked from my parents and I realize that God gave me those "things" through my sister. Someone to laugh with, someone to look up too, someone to support me, someone to tell me that yes boys aren't always nice, but you deserve better, someone to sing me to sleep when I was scared at night. Someone to love me for me. So thank you God so such a wonderful blessing! And thank you sister for being that blessing.
September 1, 2009
To blog or not to blog, that is the question.
And the answer is I'm not blogging. :) Not because I don't want to, but I find that being currently unemployed means that any free time I have should be spent writing cover letters and applying for jobs. Endless amounts of jobs! I know that the "economy is bad" and that "times are hard" and that "job opportunities are saturated with applicants". But come on people. I mean I'm not asking you to pay me 6 figures.....just enough so I can live (at least at the moment, I'll take the 6 figures soon though). No, but seriously I've been having a hard time finding a job. It's very trying and can really get a person down, but thankfully I have a wonderful boyfriend and the greatest friends and sister who are all very positive and uplifting when I complain about this. Okay I'm done with that discussion. Moving on.
I get to go home this weekend and have a good stay!!!!!!!!!! Well a week, but I feel like I just won the lottery or something. From the above mentioned statement of being jobless this trip is very much a luxury and I couldn't be more excited. I need a familiar face to laugh with, hug, and sing very loudly with while we ride around in the car. I need to kiss my sweet nephew and eat something that my sister cooked. I want to see cows and see people waving to strangers as they drive (yes, occasionally I mistake this for the bird). I want to be back in the great state of ARKANSAS!!!!!!!!!!!! Having only been in New Orleans for a short 2 months, I already know that no place else will ever really feel like "home". Not like Arkansas does at least. And although I hope to learn new things and experience new adventures here in NOLA, I still wake up everyday and think of all the people, places, and things I love and miss about Arkansas. So in other words.........I'm very eager for Friday to get here so I can hit the road!
I'm sorry but you can't tell me that you wouldn't miss that face too! He's the best thing in the whole wide world.
August 24, 2009
Every little thing
It seems like lately I've been thinking of everything. I mean everything random that is.
For instance, today I thought about all the students going back to school and then I thought of all my years of going back to school. I think about all the good times and bad that came with each year and I briefly thought of how I would like to be going back to school too. Note the keyword, briefly. But I think a part of me will always want the feeling of the first day of school and all the things that lead up to it and that come from it. New school supplies and books, new friends and teachers. But I'm sure the feeling will pass and then I'll be glad I don't have a paper due next week, or that group member who can never meet, or those surprise quizzes.
But to all of you teachers and students who are going back to school, I hope it's a wonderful year and good luck!
For instance, today I thought about all the students going back to school and then I thought of all my years of going back to school. I think about all the good times and bad that came with each year and I briefly thought of how I would like to be going back to school too. Note the keyword, briefly. But I think a part of me will always want the feeling of the first day of school and all the things that lead up to it and that come from it. New school supplies and books, new friends and teachers. But I'm sure the feeling will pass and then I'll be glad I don't have a paper due next week, or that group member who can never meet, or those surprise quizzes.
But to all of you teachers and students who are going back to school, I hope it's a wonderful year and good luck!
August 17, 2009
and now the rest of the story....
So the talk went well. I told Jake that when he was ready sometime that day that I would like to talk to him about something I think is very important. And the result is that I have a plan and a HUGE weight lifting off my shoulders. It's truly amazing.
Okay moving on. I have a recipe to share. I found it in "Family Circle" April 1, 2009 magazine. And really I'm sharing it because my friend Jamie LOVES tortellini as much as me and so I think she will enjoy this and so will you. It's very simple and super fast.
TORTELLINI SOUP:
3 cups vegetable broth
3 cups water
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (in a packet)
1 package (9 oz) cheese-filled tortellini
3 large carrots, peeled and sliced into coins
3 ribs of celery, thinly sliced
3/4 pounds ripe plum tomatoes (about 4), seeded and chopped
1 bag (6 oz) of baby spinach
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
1. In large post, bring broth, water and Italian seasoning to boil. Add tortellini and simmer for 3 mins. Add carrots and celery and simmer additional 4 mins. Stir in tomatoes and spinach ans simmer 2 more mins or until veggies are tender. Serve with Parmesan cheese.
Okay so here's somethings I did different. First off, I accidentally poured in the entire package of Italian seasoning which was (according to the package) 8 1/8 teaspoon servings. However I just added more broth and water and it still turned out wonderful. Because there's no meat, I used a bigger portion of tortellini's. And I used canned tomatoes (the garlic, oregano, and basil seasoned ones). I also added some chopped white onions. I hope you'll give it a try and if you add anything that you feel makes it better....please let me know so I can try it. Sorry by the way that I don't have a picture (I bet you could google it).
Moving on.
I made some curtains for the window that line both sides of our front door. We are trying to save on the electric bill and the light would be blinding in the afternoon once we got home. So here's a before:
Happy Monday!
Okay moving on. I have a recipe to share. I found it in "Family Circle" April 1, 2009 magazine. And really I'm sharing it because my friend Jamie LOVES tortellini as much as me and so I think she will enjoy this and so will you. It's very simple and super fast.
TORTELLINI SOUP:
3 cups vegetable broth
3 cups water
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (in a packet)
1 package (9 oz) cheese-filled tortellini
3 large carrots, peeled and sliced into coins
3 ribs of celery, thinly sliced
3/4 pounds ripe plum tomatoes (about 4), seeded and chopped
1 bag (6 oz) of baby spinach
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
1. In large post, bring broth, water and Italian seasoning to boil. Add tortellini and simmer for 3 mins. Add carrots and celery and simmer additional 4 mins. Stir in tomatoes and spinach ans simmer 2 more mins or until veggies are tender. Serve with Parmesan cheese.
Okay so here's somethings I did different. First off, I accidentally poured in the entire package of Italian seasoning which was (according to the package) 8 1/8 teaspoon servings. However I just added more broth and water and it still turned out wonderful. Because there's no meat, I used a bigger portion of tortellini's. And I used canned tomatoes (the garlic, oregano, and basil seasoned ones). I also added some chopped white onions. I hope you'll give it a try and if you add anything that you feel makes it better....please let me know so I can try it. Sorry by the way that I don't have a picture (I bet you could google it).
Moving on.
I made some curtains for the window that line both sides of our front door. We are trying to save on the electric bill and the light would be blinding in the afternoon once we got home. So here's a before:
And here's an after:
Jake picked the fabric and I didn't like it when we were in the store, but he let's me win on so many things that I thought it was more than time for him to win one. And I had to tell him that once they were up I absolutely loved them! He did a great job.
And lastly, I made up a mantra for myself....is that strange? I felt like I needed one for when life throws me curve balls. So I'm sharing it with you and hoping your shares yours with me, if you have one.
I am young, smart, successful, and financially stable.
I read somewhere that even if your aren't these things currently (financially stable), you should still say it as if it is in the present. Because you want these things to happen now, not in the future. NOW! :)
Happy Monday!
August 15, 2009
Debt.....how did you find me?
That question is not true, debt didn't find me, I found it. How? By not truly knowing the value of money. I love you mom and dad, but I can honestly say you didn't help me out in this department. SO, why are my thoughts on debt at this particular moment?
I recently moved to New Orleans with my boyfriend for his job. Which is great, EXCEPT I currently still do not have a job (we've been here a month and a half) and I still have a mountain of student loan and credit card bills to pay. THEN I found inspiration.
Her name: Janie
Her blog: Janie out of debt
Why she's inspiring: Well just read the blog and you'll see. Janie decided to take control of her debt and pay it off before she got married. I relate to this because this is exactly what I want to do. I don't want to come to the next chapter of my life only to bring baggage for my wonderful (hopefully) future husband Jake. Money is a huge part of divorce in this country and I want to give my marriage ever fighting chance!
So if you feel overwhelmed, like you have no clue where to start, or just that you need to know that you can do it, please head over to her website and get inspired like I did. Yesterday I went out and bought a $1 notebook and started answering the questions she presents at the end of each post. Then I wrote down all my debt and today, well today I'm gonna come clean with Jake about it so that he can know I am working on our future. Wish me luck, I'll let you know how it goes!
Happy Saturday!
I recently moved to New Orleans with my boyfriend for his job. Which is great, EXCEPT I currently still do not have a job (we've been here a month and a half) and I still have a mountain of student loan and credit card bills to pay. THEN I found inspiration.
Her name: Janie
Her blog: Janie out of debt
Why she's inspiring: Well just read the blog and you'll see. Janie decided to take control of her debt and pay it off before she got married. I relate to this because this is exactly what I want to do. I don't want to come to the next chapter of my life only to bring baggage for my wonderful (hopefully) future husband Jake. Money is a huge part of divorce in this country and I want to give my marriage ever fighting chance!
So if you feel overwhelmed, like you have no clue where to start, or just that you need to know that you can do it, please head over to her website and get inspired like I did. Yesterday I went out and bought a $1 notebook and started answering the questions she presents at the end of each post. Then I wrote down all my debt and today, well today I'm gonna come clean with Jake about it so that he can know I am working on our future. Wish me luck, I'll let you know how it goes!
Happy Saturday!
August 5, 2009
Good stuff
So I love to read blogs! I'm sure most of you do too, hence the reason you are here! :) Well I have a few good ones for you to check out if you're interested.
1. I love to cook. Correction: I love to try to cook. I dream of having really elaborate dinner parties for my friends, but since all my friends currently live in another state (the greatest state in the U. S. of A.) I have to settle for cooking for myself and Jake. And so I've recently found some fun recipe blogs, here are some of my favorites.
http://lickthebowlgood.blogspot.com/
http://shelbymaelawstories.blogspot.com/
http://thekitchensinkrecipes.com/
2. I have no fashion sense.....NONE. Never have and hopefully will someday! This lack of fashion sense goes both with clothes and home decor. However to make-up for my lack of fashion sense I have great friends!
http://jenndaveholland.blogspot.com/
http://jennlovesshoes.blogspot.com/
3. Sometimes I feel like God reminds me just when he needs to of his unending love for me. Lately I've been trying to be positive about the job search and move, but it's been hard. I have been praying lately for God to open my eyes and ears to his presence and let me hear and see his love more. And today I read this post. I read this blog off and on (it's Kelly's dad from Kelly's Korner) and it was just what I think I needed.....a reminder! Enjoy.
http://fbcflippin.blogspot.com/
And let me leave you with a picture of a lady who is in love with a very little man!
1. I love to cook. Correction: I love to try to cook. I dream of having really elaborate dinner parties for my friends, but since all my friends currently live in another state (the greatest state in the U. S. of A.) I have to settle for cooking for myself and Jake. And so I've recently found some fun recipe blogs, here are some of my favorites.
http://lickthebowlgood.blogspot.com/
http://shelbymaelawstories.blogspot.com/
http://thekitchensinkrecipes.com/
2. I have no fashion sense.....NONE. Never have and hopefully will someday! This lack of fashion sense goes both with clothes and home decor. However to make-up for my lack of fashion sense I have great friends!
http://jenndaveholland.blogspot.com/
http://jennlovesshoes.blogspot.com/
3. Sometimes I feel like God reminds me just when he needs to of his unending love for me. Lately I've been trying to be positive about the job search and move, but it's been hard. I have been praying lately for God to open my eyes and ears to his presence and let me hear and see his love more. And today I read this post. I read this blog off and on (it's Kelly's dad from Kelly's Korner) and it was just what I think I needed.....a reminder! Enjoy.
http://fbcflippin.blogspot.com/
And let me leave you with a picture of a lady who is in love with a very little man!
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