Thursday, December 31, 2015

My favorite {PINS} of 2015!

I enjoy cleaning up my Pinterest boards in order to prepare for a new year. As I was going through them I thought - why not share my faves with you?  Here are some of my favorite finds from 2015.

The Fat Magnet!

Fat Magnet. The cool new gadget easily removes fat that floats around on the surface of soups, sauces, gravies, stews, chili and more.:

I saw this and laughed.  Then I realized it is a real item.  Supposedly this thing sucks the fat off the top of various foods you can make.  I didn't opt to buy one but I still think it is a little funny.  Pin it here.

Cutting Ingredients in Half

How to Cut a Recipe in Half ~ Printable Guide:

I like this because I need it and math isn't my strong point!  Pin it here.

This simple eating in the car hack (forget the article)

Bring a shower caddy for easy eating. | 29 Simple Road Trip Hacks You Need To Know:

Saving your car during a road trip eating moment.  Just remember it, don't worry about pinning it!

A must to make for lunch or dinner

Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Pita.

This is a slow cooker Greek chicken pita.  This is really freaking good.  Pin it here.

Corn Dip (Save for Super Bowl)

3 cans sweet corn with diced peppers, drained (also called Fiesta corn...11 oz each) 1 can chopped green chilies (7 oz) 1 can chopped jalapeno peppers, drained (6 oz) 1/2 cup green onions, chopped 1 cup mayonnaise 1 cup sour cream 1 teaspoon pepper 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1 package shredded sharp cheddar cheese (16 oz) 2-3 bags of Frito Scoops:

My dad's gf makes this and it is to die for.  Save it for your next get together/work function/weekend.  Pin here!

And now for some quotage....
Make a difference :):

Can't stop laughing!!:

Salt Water Heals Everything  inspirational beach quote  http:/www.abeachcottage.com:

I choose you ..:

Time to get ready for 2016!

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Wednesday, December 30, 2015

What's Up Wednesday

I was going to skip this but it is so fun to be able to look back and see what was up!  So here's the last one of 2015....



What we're eating this week?

Monday I collaborated a little bit with good ole Martha Holmes.  We had dirty rice and succotash with crusty Italian bread.  Very good, actually!

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday....burgers, chicken pie, steaks.  I know, I know so freaking healthy!

What I'm reminiscing about?

Not a thing!  The holidays are pretty much kaput and we're gliding into a new year, let's do this.

What I'm loving?

Having my house back!  I mean this as in the decorations are pretty much packed away and I'm loving having my regular old non-decorated-for-the-holidays home back in action.  It also allows me to figure out how to get creative with it in a new year.


What we've been up to?

Breaking new toys!  Being totally relaxed and enjoying the break from school and staying in our pajamas way too long during the day.

What I'm dreading?

School starting back - and having to get out of those pajamas early and on out the door!  I'm also dreading winter arriving in North Carolina - I mean it is bound to happen at some point.  (I hate winter.)
 

What I'm working on?

Ideas with the house, ideas about my financial/occupational future, trying to decide how many vacations we can cram into 2016!

What I'm excited about?

A new year!!!  Some people get nervous over the start of another year but I really think it is a super fun time.  We can plan and try new things and maybe get around to things we didn't do in 2015.

What I'm watching/reading?

I've been watching my fair share of HGTV.  I need a new Netflix or Amazon show so you guys give me some input!
Over Christmas week I read Mary Kay Andrews' Christmas Books.  Now I'm reading: 

What I'm listening to?

Nothing in particular.  The Christmas music has stopped so I need to find some new jams.  I did listen to some old Rage from my high school days and was all into it - as was my three year old (oops!)

What I'm wearing?

Honestly?  This week I'm in stretchy pants and t-shirts and hoodies.  Keepin' it real.  I got some cute stuff for Christmas I cannot wait to rock it when I get to working again.

What I'm doing this weekend?

<crickets>  We were going to go see the Panthers but they lost last weekend.  That means we aren't going.  I'm hoping we'll do something fun maybe get a little kid break and go out to dinner (hint, hint, love.)  I would like am impromptu date night!
Image result for i am boring

What I'm looking forward to next month?

Hmm...January is pretty quiet around here. I do not have anything planned to do but maybe the bestie and I can squeeze in a craft date.  A date night with the hubby (second time I have mentioned that, noting) would be nice!

Anything else?

I hope you had a great holiday!  I also hope you have a very healthy and happy 2016.
















Tuesday, December 29, 2015

2015 A Quickie

A quick flashback of my year....it has been HUGE.

January 2015
Our first month back in our home.


February 2015

A great month of love...
The hubby and I went on a retreat weekend for Valentines, I was introduced to one of my most favorite wines, and the downside?  It snowed - a lot.  Poor Little Man cut his thumb open in the snow, yucko.

Handsome Devil (US) California Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

March 2015

A lot of time with my friends in March!  From painting parties to meeting one's new and then gone beau.  It was a blast!
The hubs and I also celebrated our wedding anniversary and his acceptance of a new job offer!
March was amazing!


April 2015
We were busy people!
We began sowing the yard and deciding on what we would do around the house.  We spent LOADS of time outside and I ate that up with a spoon.  The kids loved being back outside too.  Spring break was amazing - we had so much fun together going to the movies and playing.
But the best part of April?
Finally going fishing.

May 2015

Back to camping!  May was a fun month because you have that whole excitement of the impending summer.  Oh and we bought a new truck in May.


She became a fishergirl in May 2015.


June 2015

My daughter completed first grade!  We had a fun beach weekend with Nana.  Summer camp started (first year for us).  Oh and we camped again :)




July 2015

Was swimming, swimming, swimming.


August 2015
Our last week at the OIB rental. 
Time to get back to school...
Little Man turned 3!



September 2015
Planning for Fall...
Our baby girl turned 8!

October 2015:
Craft dates
Football games
Fall pictures
Halloween!





November 2015:
Adult birthday trip
Thanksgiving Celebrations
Christmas Tree Trip
Friendsgiving



December:
Christmas celebrations
Gift exchanges

















Monday, December 28, 2015

Christmas (#shared)

Today's recap post is mainly just pictures!  I hope you had a merry one.  Here's ours at a glance.


Too tired to correct the collage!  Our regular Christmas Eve celebration at the in-laws.  I'll have to tel you how that Chocolate Pen thing does in a few weeks!

The kids really racked up.

We also got a load of Carolina Panther paraphanelia to get us all ready to cheer them on to maybe just maybe a BIG game?!?!?!


Santa came!
I think they were both happy with what they were left.
The kids enjoyed the scooters inside, outside, and all the time!











My grandma!  She looked so pretty for Christmas.  She truly has some amazing caregivers.  Ms. Chrissy gave her a pretty manicure, did her hair and make up, and clothed her in a nice Christmas outfit.  We are thankful for such loving care that Chrissy, Robin, and all the other ladies show her each day.






The day after Christmas?
Double ear infection for the little man.
A birthday party for the diva.
And TONS of sunshine to enjoy!