Fill in the Blank Friday

1. My favorite place I've ever traveled to is New York. Italy is somewhere I'd love to go someday.
2. I pass the time on a plane(or bus, or car ride, or train) by reading, sleeping, eating, or playing games.  
3. My three must-haves when I travel are snacks, comfortable/cute clothes, & money. Hah!
4. My favorite travel companion is my mom or hubby. Love to travel with them both.
5. The craziest thing that ever happened to me while traveling is 1.) going through the mountains where there is no gas stations and running out of gas! 2.) Having a panic attack on a cruise around Manhattan and never leaving the dock. 3.) Passing out on a train in Denver & waking up in some strange woman's arms with a huge bruise on my chest. (more on these stories later..)
  
6. The most exotic food I've ever tried while traveling is rocky mountain oysters, alligator, shark, and bear.

7. If I could live anywhere else, I'd live wherever my hubby is.. "Home is where the Army sends me.."
 
8. I've been to different 14 states in the U.S.

 Happy Friday!

Precious Girl

This precious girl is my niece from my hubby's side. But I've claimed her as mine from day one (before the hub's and I were together.) She was born on my mom's birthday and is a crazy little sticker. My mom has called her "stinky" forever. Her mom is probably going to kill me, for her blog name. But it's definitely Stinky.

Stinky has strep. She stayed home with her Nanny (not Mr. Army Man's mom) today instead of going to pre-school. She got to keep A-man's iPod home to help cope. ;) A-man was not thrilled according to my SIL. But he got a movie after school, no worries! On my way to school, Stinky got ahold of the iPod touch and face timed me 7 times! She is a mess! She told me she didn't feel better when clearly you could tell she did! Hah! And all she wanted to do was talk to her Umpa _____! Of course she calls me but wants to talk to him! Lord, help me!

I love this amazing little girl and my whole family. Isn't family the best!

French Onion Soup

A good friend requested this recipe for her husband, one of his favorites. I made this is culinary school and for my mom over Christmas break. She loved this recipe, but my brother, Farmer Boo said it tasted like soup with slimy worms (the onions) in it. Hope your try it out and your take is better than his on this amazing recipe.

You'll need:
2 oz. clarified butter
2 lbs. yellow onions
4 oz. dry red wine
1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves
48 oz. brown stock
salt and pepper, to taste
8- 1/2 in. french bread slices
Gruyere cheese, grated

Place a 3/4 quarts pot over medium heat. Add butter, melt. Caramelize onions until brown. It will take about 45 minutes. Don't burn. Add wine and thyme and reduce by half.

Add stock, simmer, season. Simmer 25-30 minutes. Taste. Adjust seasoning. Ladle into oven safe bowls (ramekins are good for this) place two slices of bread on top. Add desired amount of cheese. Place on sheet pan. Broil until bubbly. Enjoy!!

Scallop & Corn Chowder

I just made this for Mr. Army Man he is feeling somewhat under the weather..

You'll need:
1/2 med. white onion
1 stalk of celery (optional)
2 potatoes
1 can creamed corn
2 bags of baby scallops (they come in frozen section & are in tiny packages.. sold for like 99 cents a pack)
1 cup of milk
1 cup of chicken stock
1 T. paprika
salt & pepper
garlic powder
1 T. butter
1 T. flour
Cut up all veggies.. Dethaw scallops beforehand. Add butter to a large soup pot. Melt and add onion, celery and potatoes in a small dice. Sprinkle with flour. Cook until soften. Add chicken stock. Add seasoning. Add scallops. (wash & drain). At the end add the milk. (can use heavy cream, but I use soy milk.)

*I cut my celery up into a small dice and put them in tuperware or a plastic baggy and freeze. Just remove and throw into pot. I do this because I never use a full bag of celery and there is no point in wasting. Also do this with green onions.

Book Club Friday

This is my first time to link up with Heather @ Blonde.. Undercover Blonde for her Book Club Friday.

I've got three books to share.

1. The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks

It was about a Marine who found a lucky picture while stationed in Iraq for one of his many tours. He began on this long journey to North Carolina to to find the woman in the picture and to find the true meaning of being "the lucky one."

This book is being made into a movie and will be out in theaters on April 20th, starring Zac Efron.

2. 365 Deployment Days: A Wife's Survival Story by Sara Dawalt

This book regardless of if you are military of not is a must read! It is a wife's tale of the year she experience while her husband was away. This book is raw and rare for someone to truly express how they fill. It teaches you how most military wife's feel, me included. It shows us her sorrow, joy, and everything in between. It taught me the right and wrong way to deal with things and that at the end of this journey everything will be okay.

3. Faith Deployed: Daily Encouragement for Military Wives by Jocelyn Green

This book gives you tips and Bible verses of things to help you stay/be encouraged while deployed. It gives you tips on things you can do to get through it with Christ. Over all a great book that has helped me tremendously and that I will reread while my husband is away.

I hope you all check these books out. Regardless of if you are military or not. It helps to see things from there perspective instead of just saying to that person "you are stronger than I'll ever be.. or how do you do that.." Some of the things I've heard too often to count. Happy Friday y'all!

My New Car

Everyone was so shocked when I got my new car on Tuesday, but nobody knew that we've been looking for about four months for that perfect car to come along. We've been looking at Volvo's, Hyundai's, and pretty much anything that gets good gas mileage. I found a great deal on a midnight blue 2011 Hyundai Sonata and I am completely smitten. Just look at this little baby!

Isn't it gawgeous? And it came with all the amenities! Blue tooth calling, satellite radio, roughly 35 mpg highway, the seats pump up (for the vertically challenged/ME!) and the steering wheel goes in and out (instead of just up & down)... Need I say more. The dealership we bought it at also gave us 10% off for being a military family. Go Army! And they also have a policy for military where as long as you own the car, you have free interior/exterior cleaning for your car as well as free oil changes. Did you just say free oil changes?? yea.. That was my response! As many miles as I put on my car, this will come in handy often. I'm so happy I got a new car. Let's just say someone is a lucky man for getting me this little baby. ;)

Dreams

The past two nights I've had some pretty serious dreams. I keep dreaming about my hubby and me having a baby.. Not that I'm preggo in my dream but that we already have one. Last night I was reading "her" a bedtime story and she was crawling all over our bed. Playing with daddy and totally not paying attention to the story. No big deal. She is clearly "his" child! But the other one was about changing diapers.

Not that we don't talk about having babies, because we do but we know it will be in the future... 2-3 years away. He is eight years older than me so it is always in the back of my mind that he is going to be an older father and that I'm sure we'll get tons of looks from other parents at school. But our love is unique and clearly "age is only a number."

I'm ready to have one at any point. I know the great joys of being one by hearing my mother and his talking about how unconditionally they love us, and all the great stories of showing that love. I can't wait for all the good times and bad. But I want to have a good job/income before we start down that path. Of course I have names picked out, but those are a surprise. And I don't want someone taking my cute names. Ha!

When do y'all think is a good time to have babies and when will you begin your family, if you haven't already? Hope y'all have a great day! Hopefully your not working!

Accessory Blog Swap

I entered an Accessory Blog Swap through Jessica @ Stilettos and a fishing pole. It was so fun talking and emailing with the lovely lady she paired me with to swap our goods. We had to buy a totally cute accessory with our swapper for twenty-five dollars (not including shipping) & blog about it! Let's just say Summer from Famous... in my own mind did well!

I got my package in the mail a couple of days ago. And opened it to find this cute little bag:

A cute little card.

Handwritten & so sweet!

And my cute accessories:

Didn't she do well. Check out her cute little blog by clicking on her title above. Here's the amazing lady behind the blog & the accessories.



Loved this photo from her blog! :)



Next time you see a swap, participate it's fun and you always get to meet new people and see some unbelievable blogs. And get your blog out for others to view and read into your little life story! Have fun ladies, life's too short! And I can't wait to wear my new orange jewels. 

Back At It

Today was my first official day back to school. Class started Monday, but I'm off Monday and Tuesday of each week. (Thank God!) I'm in my third quarter of school at the Art Institute of Raleigh-Durham for those of you just now tuning in..

I'm taking Introduction to Plated Desserts aka baking & pastry, Quantitative Literacy (math), & Food and Beverage. A full load. Baking and pastry today was a nightmare from hello.. Anyway I made homemade biscuits and accidentally mixed up baking powder and baking soda. Needless to say it didn't turn out right and I got talked to like a dog. Great. First day in.. I messed up and my chef doesn't like me...

So I treated myself with some presents at Ulta.. Most of which were on sale.. So I also got Chinese take-out. Haha! Look at what I scored today!

In the bag: Jaico K-Pac shampoo, conditioner, hydrator and reconstructoner. Coach Poppy roller-ball. Two black flower hair clips. Elastic headbands. OPI nail lacquer called..steady as she rose.

Steady as she rose

Pretty clips. I cannot wait to wear.

The K-Pak for $9.99 and the OPI was $3.99 so excited. I really needed a pick me up today and this sure did it! Hope y'all had a wonderful Wednesday! Luh y'all!

And the winner is..

And the winner is..

Half Bath

A couple of months ago, we kept getting complaints from our neighbors about our two labs getting out of our yard and into their trash, yards, and whatever else that was left out and accessible to them. We had two biches not so nice neighbors come to our door. One called the sheriff canine unit on us. Great. Our new neighbors don't like us...

We got a pen they dug.. chewed.. escaped. Lord! Help us? So we put them in our downstairs bathroom. We've done it before on those REALLY hot summer days. No biggy right?.... Wrong! I came home to a pool in my floor. Standing water and inch or so deep. I open the bathroom door to wet dogs, huge holes in my wall, busted pipe under the toilet, my door/frame scratched up, and my door handle chewed up. And of course dog hair everywhere.

Needless to say here comes the Facebook posts/texts to everyone asking if they want two labs (together or separate) we've got to get rid of them. Mind you.. We have a fully fenced in yard. They were con-artist. UGH! So we got rid of one.. The male who was the chewer, antagonist, and the "Don" of the dogs. Like they say, " if you run with the dogs, you'll act like a dog.." So.. That leaves us with the gorgeous yellow female, Libby. Mr. Army Man said I had to keep one for protection while he is on his extended "business trip."

So anyway.. This leads us to today.. Fixing the half bath downstairs.

Before

With mud

After (3 coats of paint later)

 

Tomorrow I will be going to get some white paint for the baseboard.. They look terrible. But I am so happy that we can finally use our downstairs bathroom some three months later. Let's just say I am lah-azy! Now gearing up for my first week back to school! I can't wait.. I'm sure I'll be posting lost of luscious recipes.. All sweets. I can't wait for my first day of baking and pastry! Luh y'all!

Pulled Pork Crock Pot Ed.

What do Memphian's love more than pulled pork? Nothing....

Ladies you'll need:

A large crock pot
1 coke (I used coke zero, but could use Pepsi, or whatever brand you have. Also root beer would be delish.)
1 Boston butt
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 Tbsp. Tony Chatchere's Original Creole Seasoning

Place the butt in crock pot. Pour coke over the butt. Sprinkle the cinnamon and some of my man man Tony. Let the butt cook for about 5-6 hours until tender. Pour liquid out of crock pot. Let butt cool. Pull or chop meat. Add back to crock pot.

Then you'll need:

Rendezvous Famous Seasoning
Paprika
Cinnamon
Packet of apple cider
5 squirts of your favorite BBQ sauce
1 canned beer
5 big squirts of spicy brown mustard
1 big splash of apple cider vinegar

Once you've added the butt to the pot again. Sprinkle heavily with the Rendezvous's seasoning. Mix paprika, cinnamon, the packet of cider and all remaining ingredients to a bowl and stir to combine well. Pour over butt and coat well. This mixture needs to cook for about an hour to cook out the beer taste.

Hope you all enjoy!

Birchbox

Mr. Army Man ordered me a Birchbox when he got home. We were watching "Julie and Julia" and he said if me ordering this for you will get you to shut up for the rest of the movie you can get it. Needless to say I did as I was told. LOL! And boy I am excited. Then he got frustrated with me because everything I said when he started talking to me I mouthed. :)  That's called love.



I am so excited to get my first package! Now it's all about relaxing and enjoying our time together on the couch with Scrabble and the dog! Happy Weekend y'all! And don't forget to sign up for my give away! It ends Monday..

Night at the Movies

I have been to the movies several times in the past few weeks. Twice with Mr. Army Man and once without him. The first of which I saw on Christmas Day with my parents, brother, and his new girl. We saw New Year's Eve. It was really good. A must see. I would definately go watch it again if given the opportunity. Everyone was related to one another in some form or fashion. Not only that but it had a great little twist at the end. Overall a great movie.



On New Year's Eve, Mr. Army Man and I went and saw We bought a Zoo. It was a enlighting, heart-breaking film. Matt Damon's character took on a huge undertaking for the benefit of his family. It melted my heart. I don't want to give away the story. (As I almost did!) THIS IS A MUST SEE!!!



Tonight, we just left the theater from seeing Sherlock Holmes, A Game of Shadows. All the reviews say it is a must see film. I don't disagree but I would probably wait until it came to Redbox/Netflix. The action wasn't as good as the previous film and the story line didn't make as much sence as I thought it would. Some of the actors I'm sure they paid high-dollar for were unnecessiary. Maybe if I watch it again I might understand it better. But it was not my favorite.



Now scurry along and go to the movies! Much love!

Beef Tortilla Soup

Just made this recipe tonight. We haven't eaten yet! But it looks YUM! Hope we enjoy it and y'all do too!

You'll need:
1 lb. ground beef/turkey/chicken (I used turkey)
1 pkg. of taco seasoning
2 cans of tomato soup
6 large soft tortillas
1/2 cup cheddar cheese
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Pinch of cinnamon & garlic

Brown meat, season with salt and pepper. Add the taco seasoning (no water needed.) Add the two cans of tomato soup and fill the two cans with water, add to the pot. Break apart the tortillas into bite sized pieces. Add the red pepper flakes, cinnamon and garlic. Simmer. Once ready to serve top with cheese.

Give Away

I've almost reached the big twenty! I know to some of you that may not sound like a lot but to me it's amazing! I didn't start my blog get followers but I love that y'all support me!

I've decide to host a give away. Are you excited or what?? I'm thinking a small Mary Kay goodie bag. You can enter twice.. Here's what you can do to enter:

Like my Facebook page and comment saying you have, & follow my blog and post a comment saying that you do. The deadline to enter will be next Monday, January 9, 2012. Good luck ladies!



Reflections of 2011

This past year I've:

Been to New York.

Graduated high school.

 

Got the best dog ever for graduation.

Became a blogger.

Enjoyed wedding festivities.

 

Married my best friend.

We bought our first home.

Started my dream at The Art Institute of Raleigh-Durham for Culinary Arts.

Found out Mr. Army Man deploys soon.

Most of all I enjoyed a great year with those I love and those that love me. Hope this year turns out as good as last. Although I already feel like all my dreams have come true. It's going to be a tough year without my husband but I know I can do it and he will be with me the whole way. I love you, babe.

Happy New Year to all of you!