this says it all

I came across this post today and just thought it was one of the most beautiful things I've read in a while. I confess to stalking this blog but she hasn't updated for some time. This post, however, was so worth the wait. She has found the words to describe so much of what's in my heart right now and I was left feeling encouraged when I finished reading this. Enjoy.
http://katemcdonald.wordpress.com/2010/02/08/the-judean-desert/

Scentsy

For Christmas, my mom gave me a wonderful gift--a Scentsy warmer! I had never even heard of these items but absolutely fell in love with the products. They are wickless candles and are safer because they use a bulb to heat the wax. Furthermore, they are sooo much stronger than any other candle that I've had. I can turn it on in my living room and it smells up the whole house. It is truly fantastic. So, I decided that I wanted to get involved with the company and have now set up my website so that I can sell Scentsy products. You can see that here: https://stephanieshuler.scensty.us/

Don't worry friends...I am not going to beg you to host a party or anything like that. But, if you'd like to, I would love to do that with you. You do get really good perks for being a hostess (: The other cool thing is you can order online straight from the website if you'd like.

Allright. Check it out for yourself!!

too good not to share

My friend Tara has introduced me to some recipe blogs and I have enjoyed trying out a few recipes. Last week, I couldn't help but make this recipe for Bacon Cheeseburger Chicken. It is delicious, and I'm not even a big fan of bacon. And it's not particularly healthy but sometimes you just don't care about that. The other great thing is that it's easy and only uses a few ingredients. So check out the recipe below..but I also suggest visiting the link to see step-by-step instructions complete with pictures.

Bacon Cheeseburger Chicken

2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, split
1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
1/2 cup Ranch dressing
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 lb bacon (or bacon bits)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a large skillet, heat oil & butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts, and saute 4 to 5 minutes each side, until lightly browned. Place browned chicken breasts in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover with teriyaki sauce and dressing. Sprinkle with cheese and top with bacon bits. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink and juices run clear.

tis the season

I think about blogging a lot. There have been times where putting my thoughts out here has been so freeing. But right now, I just don't have that much to say. But I thought I would ease back into blogging with a list. I love lists, however, they are kind of a cheat when it comes to creating a new entry.

Since it's the Christmas season, here are the top ten things I love about this time of the year:
1. Christmas cookies with Hillary and Melissa. We have done it two
years now...here's hoping it will be a tradition!
2. My Christmas tree. I debated whether or not it was worth it for me to put
it up, but I did and it makes me so happy everyday.
3. Hot chocolate. Enough said.
4. Looking at Christmas lights.
5. My mom's famous "trash" recipe.
6. The feeling of magic, excitement, and giving in the air
7. Cheesy Christmas movies...especially the ones on Lifetime--ha
8. Making homemade Christmas cards and just crafting in general.
9. Seeing my Aunt Gina's Snow Village display. Seriously--it is out of control!
10. Celebrating the gift of Jesus

I will try to get back into the swing of things. Until then...

fall

My favorite season is slowly arriving. I love everything about this time of year. For the past couple of years, I've hung a little Fall "welcome" sign. Well, I happened to see this site. The yarn wreaths are absolutely adorable. Since I don't have $50 to spend on a fall wreath, I decided to try to make my own. I started it a few weeks ago but just finished it today. And while it's not as cute as the ones at Knock-Knocking, I like it. Here are a couple of pictures....although, I think it may be a little too small for my door. Happy Fall!!

Restaurant.com

So you might say I'm a little obsessed with saving money...and you'd be right! But I'm convinced that once you really experience the high that coupons can give you, you'll be hooked.
One site I learned about a while back was Restaurant.com. This is a website where you can buy gift certificates for restaurants at a discounted price. For example, you can get a $25 gift certificate by only paying $10. A lot of the certificates have a minimum that you have to buy and might add gratuity. BUT, it is still a great deal. The other cool thing is that this site is always having promotions so that you can get even more savings. I got a $25 one to Agave for only $1.25. What's the catch? Well, the point of this site is to get you to try new and perhaps obscure restaurants that you may not go to otherwise. You aren't going to find chain restaurants here. And, you can't use it on alcohol in most cases, but other than, it's legit. Melissa and I tried it out this past Friday and rang up quite a bill....we got queso, two orders of fajitas, and sopapillas all for a grand total of about $37. So after the certificate, it was only $12 total. Well, almost...we won't talk about the margaritas that we had... :)
Give it a shot...it would make for a cheap date night or a great dinner for 4.

love this site

Ok...I have blogged before about how I have this identity crisis about not fitting into any category. Just about 95% of my friends are married, mommies, etc. And I still get sent to the kid's table at family functions even though I'm 30, own a house, have a job, etc. Do I sound bitter? Those aren't my intentions...I'm just occasionally frustrated with this extended "season". I am just really interested in things that are not usually associated with single-working adults, but rather mothers of young families. Like couponing and saving money. I get a high every week when I get free stuff at the grocery store, Walgreen's, CVS, etc. One of my problems in this area is organization. Imagine my excitement when I saw this video blog yesterday on how to organize a coupon binder! I love this post: http://hip2save.blogspot.com/2009/09/follow-me-monday-coupon-organization.htmland
I also encourage everyone to check out hip2save.com
It's amazing!!! Enjoy.

my next thirty years

Oh, how I loved that Tim Mcgraw song when I was in college and 30 was far off in the distance. I thought it was so clever and witty. Now that I am officially in my 30s, I'm not sure what to make of this new decade. The one thing I am grateful for is that God doesn't allow us to glimpse into our lives 10 years down the road. I am quite certain that my 20 year old self would absolutely freak out if I knew where I would be at 30. And, let's be honest--this was not my first choice. But, it's just fine. I can't help but hold out hope that some of my most exciting life moments are going to happen in the next ten years, and I have to admit that being 30 gives me a sense that I'll be taken a little more seriously :)

One of my goals was to take a picture everyday of my 30th (31st?) year. I bought a camera but I keep forgetting I have it. My family has never been into photographing our lives so I guess that rubbed off on me. I will try to remember that I have the camera and document all of the excitement that this year will hold.

A Must Watch!!

I just found this awesome YouTube video called 'Love Story Meets Viva la Vida'. It is an arrangement of both songs played by two guys on the cello and piano. It is beautiful and I can't stop listening/watching it! I happen to love both of these songs and they go together very well. The pianist and arranger, Jon Schmidt, was inspired to do this because his little girl loves "Love Story" by Taylor Swift.
Anyway, enough of my chit-chat...watch it for yourself and enjoy!! **be sure to turn off my music player on the side of the page ;)

winding down

Well, it's almost that time. Summer is coming to an end in a few days. In a weird way, I am excited to get back into a routine and have a job to go to each day. For the first time in a while, I am getting to stay in my same subject area and grade level! So, I will hopefully be able to recycle some stuff from last year and not feel like a first year teacher for the 8th year in a row :) But, there will be one slight change...I am now the math department head. Yes, what a nerdy title to hold, however, it should be a nice challenge and there is even a tiny stipend involved. Yea!

Since my last post, a lot has happened. First off, my sweet friend Melissa got married last Saturday. Words cannot describe how breathtaking Melissa looked on hr big day. Her dress was seriously on of the most gorgeous wedding dress I've ever seen. I wish I had a picture but she was a beautiful bride. Next up is Hillary, who I know will be stunning as well!!! I can't wait to see Millary become official ;) **Hillary--you need to start a blog now**

A lot has also happened around my house. It turns out that I did need foundation work. It was pricey. The good news is that the work is guaranteed for a lifetime. Just as I was digesting that, more bad news came in the form of a plumbing leak. Ouch. Thank goodness for savings! It's good to have all that taken care of but I could have easily used that same amount of money to redo my fireplace and my floors. That part stings a little bit. Oh well...in due time. All I know is that I am never leaving my little house because I do not want to inherit the problems of another home :)

This summer has been expensive, but, I will be challenged to really tighten up my budget and reevaluate where my money goes. I think the biggest changes will be with little things and unplanned, though small, purchases. Today I sold some books at Half-Price Books and got $29 for them. I got to clean out some clutter and get paid for it! I think my new thing is going to be to simplify. I don't want to acquire a lot of stuff, but rather, learn to enjoy what I have. I am ready for this challenge and to see how much I can save with some simple lifestyle changes.

Sorry for another rambling post, but that's all I've got right now. Here's to the last days of summer....it has been a hard, but good one. Oh, and if you know any kids in my area who need math tutoring, please let me know...I'm looking for a little extra income :)

most boring blog post in history

I am fairly certain that no one will read this all the way through, but I am just writing to make myself feel better.
Summer has been pretty good so far...nothing super-exciting going on. That's allright, though. Things are picking up this weekend with a trip to New Braunfels!! I can't wait (: But, before I get to go have fun, I have a potentially big day ahead of my tomorrow. I noticed some movement in the brick outside my kitchen window last week, so I am having an engineer from the foundation company come out tomorrow morning for a look. Hopefully, it will not be bad news, as foundation repairs are not cheap. Maybe I'll just need mortar for the crack. Then tomorrow afternoon, I have a dentist appointment. I just went in March, but I am on a "special" plan where I have to go 3 times a year b/c my gums have receded a little bit--nice, huh? I think I have a cavity on one of my molars, but maybe it's just a stain. However, now I'm worried that I will need a crown or something b/c that tooth has already been filled. Hopefully that won't be the case. I have been flossing twice a day for the past few months and really taking care of my teeth...maybe it will pay off. It's weird to realize that everything gets older and some things just can't be reversed. I don't like that feeling!!!

So, I am hoping for good news from the engineer and from the dentist. Frankly, I don't want to spend any extra money on any of these things. Sometimes it feels like getting ahead is impossible because of life's little surprises.

But I do have New Braunfels AND a dinner date with Melissa and Hillary tomorrow night, so there is something to look forward to. I will try to be back with some happier, more exciting updates very soon!!!

Hillsong is Coming to Dallas!!!

Well, I have written many, many blogs about my love of Hillsong United. The other day, I was trying to remember my first encounter with Joel Houston, er, I mean, Hillsong United. When I was a junior in college, my roommate Mandy convinced me to try out for Music Ministries. I made it, even though I think about just everyone who tried out did. Anyhoo, that year, we wore the tar out of a song called "Everyday". For those of you ORU alums, you know you can testify that we sang this every chapel. Guess that the director, Arlie Whitlow, took the title of this song literally.
I have been to three Hillsong concerts. The last one was a fun little road trip with Michelle to Houston a couple of years ago. Well, guess what?!?!? They are coming to Dallas on August 25th!!! I am sooo pumped about this!!! The last one was so great so I can't wait to see what's in store in August. And, maybe this will be the time I get to meet Joel (see a couple of posts down for a pic) and he will fall madly in love with me. Haha. Then, I can move to Australia and be much closer to my favorite Australian (by way of Cali), Rebekah :) If you would like to go, let me know...tickets are on sale July 10th!!

swagbucks

Ok....I first heard about this while blog-stalking (come on, you all know you do it!!)
I then learned more about this from the Money Saving Mom and thought that I would give it a try. Well, after just three weeks of using swagbucks.com as my search engine, I have earned 50 swagbucks! Now, i can either trade that in for a $5 amazon gift card (or other prizes)or, I can keep saving for something bigger. It really is so easy, so I encourage you to try it. You can usually win between 1-3 a day just for searching! So easy. Anyway, if you sign up use the little banner in the upper right hand corner of my blog and I can earn bucks. Then, you can get people to sign up under you and you'll earn from those people. It's kind of like a pyramid scheme except you don't have to buy anything. Give it a try!

called out

Well, Michelle called me out yesterday that I had fallen off of the blog wagon. She's right. I have. The other day when I ran, I had so many different blogs in my head. But, they are just not coming to me naturally. I guess I could blog about my summer plans. Or about how I am now less than three months away from a new decade and how I have a list of things I want to accomplish.

So, because I am not in the full blogging mode, I'll cheat with a random list of thoughts and happenings. Hopefully, I'll be back in action soon with some clever stories or deep reflections on life :)

**Hillsong United has a new album. It's good though not my favorite as of yet. But, i always need time for them to grow on me. And I still want to marry Joel Houston.


**I finally got my Etsy store running. It's www.kiwicloset.etsy.com--a separate post is coming on that!

**My goal is to workout everyday this summer in some way and to try some new classes at Lifetime.

**I want to do something different to my hair but don't have ideas. I'm in a couple of weddings in the next few months so might need to keep it longer for that. But, I really feel like chopping it off a bit. Suggestions are welcome!!

**I need a camera. Anyone have any ideas on a good, inexpensive digital camera?

**I finally have a weed eater so I can stop avoiding my neighbors! Yardwork is not one of my favorite pastimes, but I can't justify paying someone for it.

**I'm excited to see "My Sister's Keeper". My mom just finished the book so I am hoping we can have a little date when it comes out. If you haven't read it, you should. So good!!

**"Saved by the Bell" comes on TBS in the mornings! The other day I caught two classic episodes: The one where Jessie gets hooked on "Uppers" and the one where Mr. Belding's brother comes into town to take over the school trip. Love that show!

**And finally, my little heart is on the mend. What a hard lesson this has all been, but good is coming from it. Maybe I can't see the big picture now, but I will. And I will be glad to look back one day and realize that God's plans are far better and bigger than mine.

Oh, one more thing...
I read Psalm 105 from the Message today and was encouraged particularly by this one verse: "Keep your eyes open for God, watch for his works; be alert for signs of his presence." I really like this and hope you do too!


I can't think of anything else right now...but don't give up on me ;)

stay tuned....

In a week or so, I hope to debut some of my little products that are ready to be ordered! I just finished an apron order and now I have some free time to work on my applique stuff. Today, I found some great new fabrics and am ready to play with them. Still working on a name for the business...thoughts??? Just to remind you, here are two designs you can request. You can get them on tshirts, onesies, burpcloths, canvas tote bags, etc. The possibilities are endless!! I also have boy stuff but need to get some pictures :)

one month....

...has passed since I last blogged. I am back...but not for long. Nothing that I say in this post will be very encouraging or upbeat, but I hope to get back into the groove of blogging soon.

And to those of you who are reading this who know what's been going on the past few days, thank you for your incredible patience and listening ears. Thank you for praying for me, telling me that you love me through and through, and that there is better for me on the horizon. Sometimes our choices lead to hurt that seems to come out of nowhere, and it is a harsh reality that we may never get the answers or closure that we need. But the end of the day, I always know that I am loved and that means more to me than any of you truly know.

There is this old Cindy Morgan song (for those of you who used to kick it old school with the CCM) called "How Could I ask for More". These particular lyrics kind of sum up where I'm at right about now...
So if there's anything I've learned
From this journey I am on
Simple truths will keep you going
Simple love will keep you strong
Cause there are questions without answers
Flames that never die
Heartaches we go through are often blessings in disguise

I am ready to see what blessings will be revealed....and I am trusting that it will be worth all of the tears :)

comfort food

Last week, The Pioneer Woman posted a macaroni and cheese recipe on her cooking blog. It looked delicious. And I followed the directions perfectly. Apparently, I am not adept at making a roux because the texture of my cheese changed upon baking and curdled.
So because I had not mastered the Mac 'N Cheese, I embarked on a quest to find a delicious, homemade recipe that did not require a roux. After much research online, consultations with friends (thanks Carrie!), I finally found a recipe that seemed to fit my requirements. It was delicious and as many of the reviewers state, it is just as easy as making the Kraft version.

Give it a try...you won't be sorry. I followed this recipe exactly as-is except that I used 5 oz sharp white cheddar and 5 oz of Extra Sharp cheddar. If you don't like sharp cheese, then I am sure it would work well with mild cheddar.

Stove Top Mac-n-Cheese by Alton Brown

Ingredients

* 1/2 pound elbow macaroni
* 4 tablespoons butter
* 2 eggs
* 6 ounces evaporated milk
* 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
* 1 teaspoon kosher salt
* Fresh black pepper
* 3/4 teaspoon dry mustard
* 10 ounces sharp cheddar, shredded

Directions

In a large pot of boiling, salted water cook the pasta to al dente and drain. Return to the pot and melt in the butter. Toss to coat.

Whisk together the eggs, milk, hot sauce, salt, pepper, and mustard. Stir into the pasta and add the cheese. Over low heat continue to stir for 3 minutes or until creamy.

i have a crush...

...on Tony from "Dancing With the Stars".
I just think that he is so cute and fun. I know that he is married with children but he is still fun to watch on the show. He seems like such a great guy!!

I don't have a ton to say but there is a lot on my mind. Tomorrow is TAKS day. So that means that everything I've done this year will be judged on April 28th, 2009. Kind of sucks, but I hope that my kids pull through and do something incredible. Here's hoping.....

Today was pretty great. I got up to work out, went to school and taught, came home, finished two aprons, mowed the lawn, made a dinner, and am now just relaxing and watching some DWTS. My favorite night, however, is Tuesday because I'm really getting into "American Idol". I love Danny but he needs to step it up. I think that Adam will win and it would be well-deserved. We shall see...

Allright. Oh, I almost forgot...I planted 20 nandinas this weekend. My poor little flower bed has been neglected for the past 2 years so it was time. If you have any gardening advice, please let me know! My parents don't have the greenest of thumbs so I'm sure I'm doomed to kill everything. But I would really like these plants to thrive ;)

I'm so deep

Yes, I know my latest posts have been full of sage wisdom and insight-ha. Today is not different.
While talking to my bestie, Rebekah, I made a comment about how I thought my eyebrows were sparse and thinning out. I have never been an over-plucker. I just clean up a few strays here and there. Lately, I have noticed that the maintenance on the brows has been less and less. This is great for saving time, but bad if I am, in fact, losing my eyebrows! I refuse to be one of those ladies who draws their eyebrows on with a pencil.
So, I did some research and found that a lot of people had favorable things to say about the Bare Essentials Brow Kit. Off to Sephora I went after work on Monday. The kit was a little pricey, but, I must say I am pleased with the results. It's just a powder that you apply with a brush and it also comes with a clear gel to "set" everything. It's fantastic! I have decided that any problem I have can be solved somehow, someway. This is just another example of that. :)

Two more name ideas

As I strolled through Target after school today, I was inspired by some produce. Instead of desserts laden with sugar, how about something a bit fresher? So here are two more ideas....

**Pineapple Punch
**Tangerine Lime


For these, I could use a little lime or pineapple emblem that could be my "trademark".

Maybe I should put up one of those fun little polls...hmm....