Cleaning up the Fridge

Time to revamp the old fridge

We have a fridge that we are thankful for because it was given to us! One day I'd love to have a side by side or something fancy but for now, it keeps my food cold and that's all that matters. It has the metal shelves in it that allow anything and everything to leak and drip to the bottom shelf. I wanted to find a solution to this and Google provided several. There are actually "place mats" for the fridge but at a nice price. I found a blog that used board and contact paper and that sparked my thought of place mats. Of course someone had done this so I just used theirs for inspiration. Here is the outcome!

I also corralled all of the lose condiments and placed them in a basket to give it a cleaner appearance. I love the outcome and it feels so much better!

Snack Box

While I was on the cleaning up the fridge rage, I made a snack box of pre- prepared lunch options for me. I need quick and easy snacking and this was the way to go! I've placed enough for the entire week of fresh veggies + cheddar cheese and it's worked great! I plan on doing this every week of some sort to help portion and make lunch a little easier to prep every day.

Oaklawn Horse Races

Oaklawn

This weekend we got to go to the horse races at Oaklawn in Hot Springs with a fun group of friends! It was so exciting, Charles and I have never been. We did bet on one race and he won (only because I let Morning Lily, my horse beat his 3rd pick) just because we'd win more money that way. We made a day of it and had a blast. After the races, we went to eat at Fisherman's Wharf on Lake Hamilton and it was so delicious! I forgot to take pictures there but here are a few of our day!

We definitely plan on going back in the future!

Using Betty the Mixer

Betty is hard at work around here

Betty, my pink Kitchen Aid mixer has been hard at work around this house!

Garlic Knots

Let me tell you these were melt in your mouth amazing! Recipe is found here:Mine aren't as pretty but don't judge-they were good!

Just for 2 cupcakes

I've been making these for about a year now and I have to be honest, they're so good I normally double the recipe to make not 2 but 4 cupcakes! I forgot to add that I make my frosting according to the taste..I don't follow her recipe exactly because some days I think it needs more milk, other days more sugar so adjust accordingly.
Recipe for 2 (or 4 if you double) cupcakes

I added the m&m's because I only had a few minis and thought they were cute and tasty!

Chocolate Brownies

It seems though I have an obsession with chocolate! I wanted to use what I had in the kitchen so I came up with brownies using white and regular chocolate chips.  It's a simple Hershey's recipe you can find here: Hershey's Brownies
I changed the recipe a little by instead of adding 2 cups of white chocolate chips, I did 1 cup + 1 cup of mini semi sweet chocolate. We of course ate this with Blue Bell homemade vanilla ice cream . It was so delicious!!

Snowflakes & Weddings

Door Decoration

This year, I'm attempting to do something different each month for my front door. For January I decided my homemade Popsicle stick snowflakes were fitting and maybe it'll encourage mother nature to bring me snow!

Here is a picture of my inspiration from here:Inspiration

Here mine is!

Bridesmaid Time! 

I talked about Jamie getting engaged in my catch up post...well guess what...

I get to be a bridesmaid for her wedding this summer!! I can't wait for all of the fun festivities to begin and to celebrate Trey and Jamie's wedding!

School Starts

2nd semester....here I come! 

I wanted to make sure to include a post about my second semester at teaching at UCA. It has started off CRAZY! I'm going to remind myself here what I mean by that. I have never seen so many people not take care of their business when they should have! We have advanced registration for a reason...to register for the semester early so you can get the courses you NEED to graduate! I didn't have much time to work on my own courses for the amount of people we had to squeeze into classes, search for, and so on. There are some situations that I'm not referring to for example transfer students--I get that but the ones who are seniors and just simply NOT taking care of their business...goodness gracious. Enough of that rant and on to the exciting things!

This semester I am teaching a new course that I'm really nervous about. FACS 3372, Personal and Family Finance. This course was the MOST beneficial course I believe I took in school, which is why I'm nervous about having the responsibility of teaching it I think. I have great co-workers who have helped me SO MUCH so that I'm not completely starting from scratch. I just hope I can impact someones life in a positive manner through this course-it's beneficial for everyone.

I am also teaching FACS 3360-Consumer Problems in Clothing, which I had last semester but we've moved to a new edition of our book so it might as well be brand new! I have to say this is my favorite course because I love getting to talk and hear others opinions about fashion, marketing, and influences. It's so much fun and I'm thankful this is the last class I teach of the day, I definitely look forward to it.  The other course I'm teaching is FACS 3311-Resource Management. I had this one last semester and it went really well but I'm hoping to change a few things for the better this semester, but so far so good!

Along with those 3 courses, I'm also in the process of learning how to supervise the interns, teach a Senior Portfolio course, and provide an independent study, oh and advise!  This semester is sure to be busy and stressful, but I'm learning that I can handle it and to NOT stress because I just have to stay calm. I should mention that I'm also learning how to pack simple, quick snacks for lunch because my classes are all on Tuesday/Thursday back to back. I'm in the same room from 9:25 (class starts) to 1:30 (class ends)! I will survive and it'll be a great semester, my students already seem great! I know I'll have a sad post come May when we're done but for now-I just need to finish up blogging so I can go and work on lessons for the week!

Granola Bars

Trying my hand at homemade...

I pinned a recipe on Pinterest a long time ago for homemade granola bars and finally made them! I can't say it was a complete success, but it was probably something I did. The original post is here and hers looked a little different. I'll go back and try again at a later date but for now mine eat just fine even if they sort of fall apart.
 

The ingredients + nutella

 Here's how mine turned out after we finished cooking them and pressing them into the pan. We added a little Nutella to ours so that we could have chocolate included! I cut them and stored them in individual snack bags and keep them in the fridge to maintain their shape. We might add more peanut butter and include chocolate chips in the melting process to help "bind" them more. We'll see but at least I know exactly what I'm eating!

                     

New Year-2014

New Years Eve and New Year 2014

This year we didn't do anything terribly exciting to most people because Charles worked that day & had to work the next day. We decided it would be spent indulging in all of our favorite "finger foods" even if it was just us. Our menu included:

• sausage balls
• meatballs in BBQ sauce (Sweet Baby Rays that is)
• pretzels-homemade
• cheese dip & chips
• and of course...coke and cream soda

We were attempting to make it to midnight to see the ball drop but Charles lost that game around 11:00 p.m. for good. He'd been dozing off before that but he was down for the count at 11:00. I forced myself to stay just to see it drop, even though that meant I had to watch Miley perform...sometimes I just am disgusted by her-at least she was covered! I did make it and took the glasses off shortly after and rang in the new year with some good snoozing! 

 Resolutions

I didn't make any resolutions really that I can think of...or if I did I must not be accomplishing them! I just want to continue to do what I have been while trying to make a difference in the moments I get the opportunity.  Some things that I would like to work on include:

1. Stop feeling like I have to do everything that's on my list...it'll be there tomorrow is what I'm attempting to do. Sometimes it's hard to let my OCD down and just enjoy life! It's passing by really quick and I'm fully aware now that I have a niece and nephew in school (I mean COLLEGE)! 
2. Cook more at home-yes I am blogging and I can admit I don't ALWAYS cook. I just ruined one of the stereotypes of bloggers! We've gotten very relaxed at just pushing it to the next days dinner and running to grab something
3. Attempt to make working out more of an enjoyable outlet-I HATE THE GYM currently. I became a member thinking it would change my feelings..nope still hate it. I hate that I feel like everyone is judging me (even though Charles says they aren't). I just really don't like going-I'd rather walk and talk outside for miles before picking up a weight. But..starting tomorrow-I will TRY to incorporate it more--not be someone set on loosing a certain amount weight but being a healthier me. They say you are your healthiest when you're 25, well that's coming in November so I better get busy! 

That's what I'm working on...Charles on the other hand claims he doesn't have anything...yea right he just doesn't want me sharing here probably!
Well enough with this post..on to the next!

The last post for 2013...even though it's 2014!

Catching up continued..

Fall 2013-Teaching 

Last semester was my very first semester of teaching and before I begin the new semester, I want to remember my very first one before it gets jumbled with this new one!

What I taught:
FACS 3311-Resource Management
FACS 3360- Consumer Probelms in Clothing
FACS 1370-Interior and Apparel Construction I

Every one of my classes last semester were pretty fabulous! I want to remember that feeling and passion I have of helping people learn forever so that I can make a difference! My sewing class was by far my favorite...even if you are not technically suppose to have favorites. There were only 12 in the class and that was pushing it as far as room goes, we became a little family that bonded and celebrated together. My favorite memory is from my birthday...they got a card and all signed it and brought in cookies to share with me! I loved them and how I got to see the progress and excitement come alive for something that not many people care about anymore.

Overall it was a great semester and I learned what to do and not to do...but there's always room for improvement and I plan on doing just that with my new semester!

Leah and Kevin are having a baby!! 

My very best friend Leah (the one who got married a while ago) is having a baby this year! Here is how I found out...and I KNEW she was pregnant before she ever told me, guess that's why we're best friends!

Samuel Murphy

Last year, Sammy decided to give us a big scare! He got sick in June one evening and had us up all night worrying about him. We took him as soon as the vet opened that next morning, long story short, he had an inverted nipple that was infected! Who even knew that this could happen!? So we got that removed so now he's down to one :) During that time, we also got some of his bad teeth out so now he's a few teeth less but just as happy and doesn't miss a meal! Here are some pictures of his big outings for the last few months of the year.

His monkey costume for Halloween! He goes to work with Charles often and needed to participate in the festivities!

Since he goes to "school" with his dad now (Charles' work) he had to have a backpack....and of course it had to have his name on it! His gramps and pawpaw sent this to him, with a blanket and treats as well!

We got a Bass Pro Shop in Little Rock that allows pups to come and shop! Here is Sammy with his Dad in the fishing section.

Casey and Jayson's Wedding! 

This year, a very sweet friend and sister of mine got married! It was a beautiful wedding and fun reception. We wish them many years of happiness on their new journey in Houston!

This is what you get for taking this picture =)

Photo booth fun with Jamie and Trey!

Branch Out Painting 

A very good friend asked me to go to Branch Out Paint Bar in Conway this fall. I've always wished I could paint just slightly and they made it possible! Here's my progress during our adventure.

Jamie is ENGAGED!

One of my very special friends and sisters is now engaged!! I'm so happy for them and can't wait until the big day this July!

Homecoming at UCA 2013

I couldn't update without a post from homecoming! It was terribly rainy and cold on the day but we suffered enjoyed our day anyway with sweet friends Kraig  and Anna, and of course precious Bell Ivy.

My 24th Birthday! 

I can't believe I'm 24 already! Time is going by SO fast!! For my birthday this year, I was super blessed to spend it with the people I love! On my birthday, Charles got stuck in horrible traffic on his way back from work so I did a little shopping with little (Anna) at Bath and Body Works. After, we went and ate our absolute favorite (Charles made it for this) El Parion. The next day, Charles took me to Little Rock where we went and spent my gift card he gave me at Dillard's for new boots! We also ate at Pei Wei (another favorite) and went to the Oscar de la Renta exhibit at the Presidential Library. It was a beautiful day and we had a great time!

My parents also sent me flowers to my office for my birthday since they couldn't be here and they were beautiful!! I was completely surprised by this and enjoyed them for a while! I opened my other presents when I went home for Thanksgiving.

Pumpkin Carving

This year we were invited to a pumpkin carving party one Sunday afternoon at Erica and Lyndon's house! It was so much fun and we carved the cutest (in my opinion) pumpkins ever!

Christmas 2014

Finally! I've made it to Christmas, which means I'm not behind toooo much since it's just now January! This year was wonderful in terms of family, food, and friends at Christmas. Charles and I were very fortunate with some very nice presents! I must brag on him for getting me my dream mixer..without even asking for it!! He gave me a Kitchen Aid mixer that is Flamingo (or hot pink)! She's beautiful and yes, I named her Betty, after Betty Crocker! I'm just starting my journey to learning all of the wonderful things you can do with a mixer! He also gave me my very first piece of jewelry this year...and no it's not what everyone is thinking! A monogram initial ring that I've been wanting forever, only his was way better than the ones I've looked at. Just for memory sake, I got him a Go Pro Hero 3+ Black edition camera (all of those things matter when shopping for it). Funny story, when you're looking for the "black edition" it's really not black, it's still silver! This year for decorations, I went a little more shabby chic with burlap and chevron (2 of my favorites). At my parents house, we ate steak, potatoes, salad, and rolls for dinner and it was just delicious. After we ate and rested for a bit, we played Just Dance 2014 and nobody was excluded, everyone had to dance!! It was a great Christmas and holiday season spent with so many wonderful people!

Charles completely spoiled me this year by sending flowers to my office the week of finals at work. They were to congratulate me on my first semester of teaching and help me to get to Christmas break!

Christmas Pictures!

May your new year be merry and bright!! It's been a great year 2013 and I'm looking forward to the next.