Sunday, July 28, 2013

Potato & Chicken Sausage Pot Pie

Recently I created a recipe to use up apple-chicken sausage that I purchased on a whim. I loosely based my idea on this recipe found on the preppy paleo's blog. Below I will explain how I did it step by step since I changed it tremendously!My recipe also feeds a crowd, as it makes two pot pies! Its very hearty and can be easily adapted to fit any taste bud!

Ingredients

2 Packages of apple-chicken sausage
1 Bag of small potatoes (red, butter, or mixed work well)
2 Bag of frozen mixed vegetables (any variety you like)
1 Onion
2 per-packaged frozen pie crusts (defrosted)
2 rolled pie crust tops (defrosted)
Margarine or butter
Salt and pepper
Garlic powder
Italian seasoning
2 tbsp flour
2 Cups of water or chicken broth


Step One:

Boil potatoes whole for 10 to 15 minutes.

Step Two:

While potatoes are boiling, in a large pan melt a tbsp of margarine or butter. Cut the sausage into bite size pieces and cook on medium heat until they are starting to brown. While they are browning, cut onions into bite size pieces. Be sure to stir the sausage occasionally so they don't burn. Remove sausage and set aside in large bowl.

Step Three:

Add another tbsp of margarine to the same pan and add the frozen veggies and onions. Cook until everything softens. Add spices.

Step Four:

Cut the potatoes into bite size pieces and place into large bowl with the sausage.


Step Five:

Add the flour to the mixture and cover the veggies completely. Add the first cup of liquid and stir, adding more to make it the proper thickness. Add salt and pepper to taste.


Step Six:

Combine vegetables and sausage mixtures in large bowl and mix well. Split the contents between the two pie crusts. Cover the pies, using water to help the edges stick after pressing. Cut slits in the top of the pies.

Step Seven:

Back the pies at 350 degrees for approx. 35 minutes or until golden brown. Enjoy!





Sorry for the rough pictures, I was using my phone!

Friday, July 26, 2013

Daydreaming: The Shopping Trip of a Lifetime

"So, while I was vacation we stopped at a mall..." This is how the best shopping adventure of my life began. I had no expectations of how this event would turn out, yet it was better than I could have imagined.

The mall was not unusually large or busy, but they had a store that we don't have in our area. I have now built a deep love for the store Debs. If you have one, you are a blessed woman. They have an online store, but its not the same to me. The sell both straight and plus sizes in highly fashionable styles.

I almost died when I saw they were having a sale on all their already marked down clearance. I don't know how long I stayed in the store... minutes... hours... days. I was lost in clothing delight. For $50 I got SO much clothing and a few pieces of jewelry to go with it. Here is what I racked up:
  • 2 Blazers
  • 1Shrug blazer
  • 1 Pair of skinny jeans
  • 3 bracelets
  • 1 Necklace
I could have stayed longer, shopped more, and left on a high, but my husband came in and demanded I leave.

I now have cravings and at times withdrawals from the event. My husband's promise to bring me to one closer to home has turned into an almost daily pleading to go. It was just that good!

What is you favorite place to get a shopping "high"?

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Things I HATE

There are very few things, especially people that I can say I HATE. However, I do have a few. Since I spent an unusual amount of time looking at useless news articles, I feel like sharing those things with you today. 

10 Things I HATE


First, I hate discussing politics. I hate it more when the person doesn't agree with me.

Second, I hate to sit and watch tv for any length of time.

Third, debt collectors. I don't hate the person so much as the job they do.

Fourth, bank fee. Curses on bank fees!

Fifth, I hate student loans. Lies! They were not the "good" debt I was promised.

Sixth, being awoken every night for 8+ months. Henry, get it together now!

Seventh, dry feet. I especially hate the feeling of dry feet against many fabrics.

Eighth, I hate hard beds. I can't sleep and my back hurts!

Nine, I hate seeing my kids hurt. Truthfully, I hate to see any child hurt. I once told my mother I couldn't go into social work because I would end up in jail.

Ten, ingrown hairs. Along with this I should include hair growing in unfortunate places, pimples, calcium bumps, black heads, and hang nails.


A few things I dislike but I dont feel strongly enough to hate...

 

  • Canned mushrooms
  • Bad breath
  • Being told to calm down when I am angry.
  • The silent treatment
  • Bad drivers
  • Painful shoes
  • Uncomfortable bras (this is almost hate worthy)
  • Removing nail polish
  • Broken nails
  • Being alone
I hope you feel like you know me better now! I certainly feel better. 


Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Promised Pictures

I know I promised a few pictures from yesterday's festivities. I like to keep my word whenever possible, so I loaded them up just for you! I even stayed up late to do it!




Since I was up and loading photos, I figured I would share our new professional photos as well!















Tuesday, July 23, 2013

I'm Bringing Hankies Back

So, I have now found my new "thing". I think ladies should again carry handkerchiefs, or at least I should! I used to, when I traveled. I would purchase them all over the world. Who knows where they are now though. So, I had so order a few super cheap from ebay and hope for the best. When I say a "few" I mean I ordered 58.... from China.... don't judge. They came in sets of 29 and they were very cheap, so I took a chance.

Anyway, what old-fashioned things do you wish would come back in style? I love to do what I want fashion-wise, so I will rock it if I love it!

Many people say I am an "old soul". I act years beyond my age more often than not. This unusual combination has been my struggle as of late. Its hard to be in your mid-twenties and have people believe your nearing your forties due to behavior and maturity. I'm glad to be mature but I don't want to risk aging myself out of a full life!


Alternate Title: Happy Birthday Mom.

My mother celebrated her birthday today. We went over for dinner and lounged around. Benjamin sang for her and we all ate way too much cake. I plan on sharing a photo or two tomorrow. The lack of photos is why the title didn't stick today!


free glitter text and family website at FamilyLobby.com

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Heather, the blogger behind Desperately Seeking Sanity. She won the giveaway for the Soft Lips lip gloss!

Thank you for all my entries this time!

As many of you know, Sundays are church and family days. If you want to have a glimpse of my day, please read my recent post over at Missionary Manda's Musings.

Missionary Manda's Musings

Friday, July 19, 2013

Lately: Story time and VBS

My apologies for the low number of post this week. I believe that I mentioned that we have Benjamin in VBS this week and it throws off our whole nightly groove. In fact, I haven't posted my devotions at all this week on my other blog. Sunday, after announcing the winner to my giveaway, things should get back to normal again.

However, I do want to share a little bit of what you are missing. So, I have brought some pictures to share!

Story time at the Library



Vacation Bible School






Review: Lifeway Kefir

I recently received my very first item from Influenster! I was so excited when my coupon for one free Lifeway Kefir product came in the mail. Of course I had to go use the coupon the same say and get started tasting and sharing my experience.

First off, let me say that I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes. It was completely free to me. I was also sent a coupon for a future purchase, which I used at the same time as getting my free product so I could taste more flavors. On to my review...


I tried both the blueberry and raspberry flavors of low fat Kefir from Lifeway. On their label they refer to themselves as the "tart cousin of yogurt," and I must agree. My first sip was a bit of a surprise to me. It was a refreshing, lightly sweet and fruity flavor. The texture was smoother than yogurt, but also more tart. Actually, I rather enjoyed the tartness. Don't get me wrong, I love yogurt. I especially like the sweet flavors, but my tastes range and I can enjoy many.

I think that these Kefir smoothies will make a great quick morning, run and go breakfast. This is useful for me during the school year because I am usually in a rush. I also think it would be an awesome base for adding fruit and making a fuller smoothie drink. The raspberry came off a little more tart than the blueberry. I am looking forward to trying their other flavors as well. They also have frozen Kefir (much like frozen yogurt), that I had hoped to try. The store I stopped at didn't carry it.

All that being said, I would definitely purchase it again, but only for myself. I shared some with both my husband and my two year old. My husband agreed that it was a lot like Greek yogurt in some ways. However it was less dry, thinner in texture, and smoother. He loves Greek yogurt; I am not a fan. That made this more up my alley than his. My two year old made a crazy face because, like I said, its tart. Still, he labeled it "yogurt," which means he would at least attempt to try it again.

However, I think everyone in my family is up to try the frozen version! I can imagine it would make a delicious frozen treat. I have to keep my eye out for it now. I'll update you when I do try it.

Just a reminder, I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes. Thank you Influenster and Lifeway Kefir for the oppurtunity!

Remember!

Tomorrow is the last full day to enter the giveaway! Please make sure you check it out and enter to win some Soft Lips lip gloss!




Wednesday, July 17, 2013

I want it delivered.

Did you know that you can have just about anything delivered to your door? Even better, you can have monthly subscriptions to have things delivered?! I think its amazing. As you know, I am apart of a few such websites. However, there are so many. I can't afford to be apart of them all at this point, but I feel like sharing. Below is just a few that are super cool that I have found.

Grab Bag Love. Delivers grab bags of all sorts of things! I mean really?! I want one. Around $25 each
Julep. Delivers trendy nail polish and other skin related products. Approximately $20 a month
Love With Food. Delivers gourmet samples. Approximately $10 a month
Citrus Lane. Delivers children's items based on age. Starting at $21 a month
Mynt Box. Delivers fashion costume jewelry. Prices range but you can get two pieces for $20 a month.
Ipsy. Delivers 4-5 full or travel size samples a month in a makeup bag. I am a part of this one and love it! Only $10 a month.
Gwynnie Bee- Like Netflicks for plus size clothing. If you are a size 10 plus, you must check it out. Try it for 30 days free!

These are just a few. You can order all sorts of other things online too. From diapers to shampoo! Have you found anything interesting you can have delivered? If I could have (or afford) my way, I'd get something awesome on the mail daily!

Thank you to my new followers from the Bloggy Moms July Blog Hop! I look forward to more visiting and visits!

All week my oldest son is in VBS, so I get home late. I apologize for late or lacking posts! I will do my best to keep up.

Be sure to check out my giveaway! Its easy... just do it!


Monday, July 15, 2013

100th Post!

How lucky is this?! My 100th post falls in my birthday month! I'm so excited that I am not even sure how we should celebrate this fact. I'd have a party and invite you all, but that's a little impossible. So here is what I did do today! I used something from my recently arrived Glam Bag to pretty up my tootsies!

Speaking of the Glam Bag, if you are interested in joining in on the beauty product fun, you can join on ipsy. For ten bucks a month you get 4-5 awesome beauty products in a cool little makeup bag. They are usually full or travel size. I promise its worth it. I LOVE getting stuff in the mail. Here is what my recent selection looked like.


I love the lip crayon and nail polish. They are such fun colors! I have also used the COOLA sunblock as well. It was great as well. I look forward to giving the eyeshadow and hairspray a try!

Other than looking glam-tastic today with my new products, I also got to show off some Gwynnie Bee over the past few days. Here is a little glimpse!



 I'm sure you are very aware by now how much I love this company. They have spectacular costumer service and they keep new clothes coming in all the time! Let's just say I have over 90 things in my virtual closet at this point. I will have to be with Gwynnie Bee for a lifetime and I would still not get to try everything I love.

 If you are size 10 plus, I would highly recommend it. Still on the fence? The first 30 days are completely FREE. However, once you try, you will get hooked!




Now, on to how we shall celebrate this 100th post. I'm up for ideas. This is the week of the hundredth post, so lets make it a week of celebration and fun. I mean, its still my birthday month too! Let's party!

My husband suggested I do a GIVEAWAY! I think that is a fabulous idea! How would you like to receive lip gloss from one of my all-time favorite brands for lip-balm? Soft Lips now has a pearl gloss. It still has the same great 10 spf, but it has lovely, pink, sheer coverage. Here is how to grab it!

  1. Follow my blog. If you already do, you have a head start! Comment below that have. (1 entry)
  2. Like me on Facebook. Comment below that you have. (1 entry)
  3. Come up with one creative way you think we can celebrate my birthday month and/or 100th post and tell me in a comment. (1 entry) If I use your idea you get 2 entries!
Good luck everyone! Remember to include your email address so I can notify the winner. This giveaway will be randomly drawn on Sunday, July 21! Have fun!











Sunday, July 14, 2013

Book Review: How Do You Tuck In A Superhero?




Over my vacation I read How Do You Tuck in a Superhero?  by Rachel Balducci. My expectations were completely opposite from what I got, but that ended up being a GOOD thing. I went into the book expecting a true “self help” style book. What I got was real life stories that gave me a true look into the life of raising boys.

Her stories were honest and real. Many made me laugh out loud, while others brought me to tears. It is a very enjoyable read. She uses a dose of humor to share what the crazy life of raising five boys is like.  One of my favorite things is the small quotes she includes throughout the book from her boys. You really feel like you are getting to know her and her family. 

If you are raising (raised) boys of your own, you will relate and enjoy her book. It gave me some insight of what my boys may be like as they grow. I find this especially helpful since my oldest is only two. I look forward to finding and reading more books from Rachel! 

My Life Raising (and) Living With Boys

 

Friday, July 12, 2013

Family Vacation!

Here is a look at the fantastic vacation we had this week!

One of the first things we did was craft! Benjamin made a Super Green Lantern Batman bear. 
We also did a lot of swimming during our time away.
Of course we did have some down time...
We also enjoyed playing on the playground. Benjamin and Henry both loved swinging. In fact, it became a family event!
The water park is a pretty big attraction where we went, so we had to stop there as well!

After a long day of water, we spent a little while playing in the arcade!
I wish I had pictures for everything else we did, but I was so busy being a part of it that I forgot! Of course we rested some, played a lot, and did plenty of eating!

Looking Forward


Still to come: a look at the best shopping trip of my life and the book I read on vacation! I also want to talk a little about my birthday and the most recent Glam bag from ipsy! I have so much to catch you up on that it may take a few days until we get deep again!

Thursday, July 11, 2013

So Glad To Be Back!

I have missed writing terribly! We just arrived back today from a four day family vacation. We enjoyed ourself and I had the most successful shopping trip of my life. Enough said! I hope to get some photos and stories up tomorrow, but today is going to be mostly me getting back into the swing of things. To get started, I have a topic I wish to discuss, getting (or mostly looking) older.

So, as you may remember, during the school year I had several people mistakingly think I was in my 30s or 40s. However, I just this week turned 26. I want to know what I about me makes me look (seem) older than my age. I also want to know what will reverse some of this. Its not that I want to seem like a stupid, immature, college student, but I want to come across younger than my mother's age.

This is where you come in! Suggestions? Ideas? Please... anything. I will be glad to try and write about it, if it seems like it might work for me.

Anyway, I have several days' worth of posts from our vacation. This will include my awesome shopping experience, my most recent purchases, the new Glam Bag from Ipsy, a book review, my birthday, and many more.

I hope to see many, many comments of help and suggestions today. I'm glad to be back!

Saturday, July 6, 2013

Its Good to Be Alive

It really is good to be alive. I have a story no one would believe. Yet, I will share a little of it with you today.

I shouldn't be here today.
I should not be alive.

If you don't believe me, listen to this:

Before birth I was almost aborted, but saved by my brave mother and loving Papa.
As an infant I had severe Meningitides, which leaves many permanently marred and some dead.
As I teen I had seizures, traveled into dangerous lands (during wars), and feared nothing.
As a young adult I flat-lined and spent over a week in the CCU.
As a married adult I continued to have heart issues and had a pacemaker put in.
Today, I live with constant pain and my heart has help.

I AM STILL ALIVE!

Someone once told me, "When you come through a lot, it means God has big plans for you." My response to that is, "These must be some HUGE plans."

I don't always live as thankfully as I should for everything I have gone through, for everything I am. However, I am telling God and the world now that I am so thankful He made me such a strong woman. There are so many more situations that I didn't even include that show just how amazing the fact I am here today is.

Tomorrow I turn 26 years old. Its been some kind off life and I have a long way to go!

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Happy Rainy Independence Day!

America and I share the same birthday week! Its a beautiful thing to live in a country where I can believe ans speak freely. We had an absolute blast celebrating today. We lounged around, went to the fair, ate a yummy dinner with dessert and did our own fireworks. After it all, we looked up patriotic songs on YouTube and went to town.
 As you can probably tell, we got rained on all day. Still, I couldn't have asked for a better 4th of July with the family!


What did you do for America's birthday? Fireworks? Eat Watermelon? Grill?



Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Out of the Mouth of Babes

My son made my day today. My husband and I had two separate shopping cart in CVS today as we picked up a few things we needed to head on vacation on Sunday. Benjamin was in his and Henry was in mine. We shopped separately for most of the trip, but when I did catch up to my husband, Ben called out to me, "oh, mommy your pretty." My day was MADE! Couldn't help but feel happy the rest of the day. He is my sweet little man.

Memories


One of my all time favorite birthday memories comes from my 14th birthday. I did all the planning and it made me appreciate it all the more. My 13th birthday failed to meet my expectations and desires, so I was determined to make my 14th fantastic. I planned a superb luau party. I had everything you could need, leis, Hawaiian music, appropriate games such as limbo, perfect decoration of flowers and outdoor lamps. I even learned some hula basics. I had numerous friends come. In fact, I cant remember ever having more before or since then.

It may be that party that created my passion in creating fantastic parties. I love to plan parties- birthdays, weddings, get togethers, etc. With even a small budget and a little idea, I can create a masterpiece.

What is your favorite birthday (party) memory? Do you enjoy planning events? I'll be out of town on my birthday, should I plan something for our return? I'm open to ideas!

Looking Forward


I'd love to share some of the awesome parties I've had over my years. I may even sure about a few of my favorite parties I have planned.

Heads Up! I will be out of town starting on the 7th of July until the 11th. There probably wont be any posts during that time. Please keep commenting and I'll be back and full of ideas by Friday!


Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Second Runner Ups & The Intangables

Yesterday I gave you the 5 most wanted things off my Want It! list on Pinterest. Today I will cover the 5 second runner ups and the things I really want that money can't buy.

Runner Ups 

1. Amanda Logo Clutch by Tory Burch
2. Color wheel Umbrella
 3. Moss Terrarium Necklace 
4. Tank night dress with lace back (cute and sexy!)
5. Total body support pillow

Intangibles


1. For Henry to sleep through the night.
2. A good job for the hubby
3. Freedom from pain. I doubt I've mention that I suffer from Degenerative Disc Disease. My back is in constant pain. It makes lifting and caring for my children painful and life generally more exhausting.

4. Health for my family. Both my mother and my husband's mother suffer with mutiple health related issues and pain.
5. For the world to come to Christ. That being said, I'd like to get back on the mission field.
You can learn more about that aspect of my life here.

Looking Forward


Later this week I'd like to look back at my favorite birthdays in the past. I would also like to share my least favorite and the times when things went all wrong!