Friday Favorites

Happy Friday Friends!

As always, I'm glad that the weekend is upon us.  Can you believe that this is the last weekend of January?

Linking up with 3 of my favorite bloggers Andrea, Erika and Narci to bring you today's

Friday Favorites

One
I mentioned this favorite on Wednesday but it is worth mentioning again.

My Black and Decker Wi-Fi-Enabled Slow Cooker

purchase online here

Once the cooker is synced with your phone (or any device), you have complete control of cooking right at your fingertips.  For me, it has been great---not having to travel home at lunch to start dinner and the hubs doesn't have to rush home in the evening to turn it off.

...now if only they could come up with a way to get the ingredients in the dish for me

Two
Portable Bluetooth Speaker

purchase online here

I received this as a "White Elephant" gift at my brother's during Christmas.  I didn't realize how much I needed this in my life until I got it home.

Pre-bluetooth speaker---I would carry my phone throughout the house, usually stuffed in my robe pocket, with the volume maxed out so that I could listen to my favorite tunes.

Post-bluetooth speaker---I just turn up the speaker volume and can listen most anywhere throughout my home without any baggage.

It even notifies me of a text or phone call.

#electronicallyignorant

#thatsme

Three

Adult Lunchables...

or at least that is what I call them.

Hillshire Snacking Small Plates

The perfect portion for lunch, super convenient and easy to transport!

Four

I stumbled across this in my Facebook feed a few weeks ago and let me just say...WOW!

Give it a listen, you will not be disappointed.

And the joy on her face...it's contagious.

And...that's a wrap for today's faves.

Y'all have a great weekend and we'll see ya next week!

Until Next Time,

Heather

What's Up Wednesday

Hey, Hey, It’s Hump Day!

Two more days and it’s the WEEKEND…

I totally feel like I just wish my life away; always looking ahead to the next Friday.

 

Today, instead of looking ahead; I'm going to look back over the last few weeks with 

Be sure to check out my hosts to see What's Up in their neck of the woods...

Mel, Shay & Sheaffer

What we’re eating this week…

On Monday I tried a new slow cooker recipe, Sesame Garlic Chicken, from Justine and it was a hit with the entire fam.  I added some boil in the bag rice and an egg roll and it was an easy peasy quick meal for a Monday night.

Tuesday calls for Tacos!
A couple of weeks ago I came across this at the grocery...



I don't like chickpeas therefor traditional hummus isn't something that I like either but when I saw this, I knew that I had to give it a try.  You just add a can of rinsed black beans into your food processor along with this packet and mix to your desired consistency.
It is a great addition to Taco Tuesday!

Tonight we will be having BBQ Chicken, Mashed Potatoes and Corn.

For breakfast I am still in love with Sargento's Balanced Breaks

Add a boiled egg and I am full until noon.

I also recently discovered Belvita's Breakfast Sandwich, Vanilla Yogurt Creme; and it is YUMMY!  It is like having dessert for breakfast.

Speaking of dessert...I'm in love with Starbuck's Chocolate Marble Loaf Cake.  It combines my love of pound cake AND chocolate.  #can'tgowrong #except490calories #yikes

What I’m reminiscing about…

I have to say "nothing" at this time.

#boring

What I’m loving…

My new crock pot/slow cooker.

Ya'll...it is Wi-Fi-Enabled.  I can start it, stop it, warm it, set my cooking time all from the app on my phone.

It's the best thing since sliced bread!

What we’ve been up to…

A whole lot of nothing!

After the busy-ness of the holidays, it has really been nice to not have any plans.

What I’m dreading…

Dismantling the Christmas tree

I know, I know...it's January 25 and my tree is still up...#badluck but I just HATE to take it down.

In my defense, I did put away all of the other Christmas decor.

I've had the idea to call it our Family Tree and leave it up all year...what do you think?

What I’m working on…

This little blog of mine.  I have some improvements, small changes that I'd like to make but figuring it all out can be overwhelming.
To all of you have "been there, done that", what/where is the best source for information?

I need a "Blogging for Dummies" book...

What I’m excited about…

Spring!

...the beginning of softball for AB

...camping season

...gardening

What I’m watching…

With all of the free time that I mentioned earlier, I have been binging on Netflix.

Zane and I finally finished The Ranch

...horrible language but oh so funny!

I also completed both seasons of  Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce.

NOT family friendly but I loved the story line of these women and the undying friendship that they created amidst life changing circumstances.

I am also finally caught up on

The only downside to that is that now I have to wait on (& stay awake for) Tuesday night.

What I’m reading…

Plans to read the following:

Yes, I know I am a bit late on this one but I haven't seen the movie so I'm jumping in now.

I am a huge Nicholas Sparks fan and have heard great reviews of his latest...

I'll be utilizing the library for this one so it may be a few weeks before I can begin but I'll be sure to keep everyone updated.

What I’m listening to…

Google Play Music is getting a workout this month.

What I’m wearing…

Nothing to take note of...

Through the week it is all about business casual and then on the weekend it is yoga pants and t-shirts (that is if I even change out of my pj's).

What I’m doing this weekend…

I have yet to make any definite plans for the weekend but I'd love to get in some hiking.  The forecasted high temp for Saturday and Sunday is 50 with plenty of sunshine so it'll be nice to get outside and move a bit. 

I have been wanting to hike Dukes Creek Falls Trail in White County.

It is a 2 mile out and back, moderate trail.  Hike in to the falls, have a picnic and then hike out---sounds like a WINNER to me!

What I’m looking forward to next month…

Valentine's Day


 Well that about does it for this installment of
What's Up Wednesday

Until Next Time,

Heather

Lasagna anyone?

I love lasagna, who doesn't, right?

But I hate the time required to make it.  There is so much prep work and then it takes forever to bake in the oven.  And I don't know about you but the finished product is always so questionable...is it too watery, did it firm up, did the noodles burn, did the cheese melt?

So you can imagine my happiness when I stumbled upon a recipe for 

Crockpot Lasagna.

Foolproof!

Each and every time!!

I found this recipe in a Kraft Food and Family magazine.  It dates all the way back to 2009.

If that isn't a testament to how good this stuff really is, then I don't know what is.

Slow-Cooker Lasagna

Ingredients

1 lb. Ground Beef

1 jar Spaghetti Sauce (26 oz)

1 cup Water

1 container Ricotta Cheese (15 oz)

2 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded), divided

1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated), divided

1 Egg

2 tbsp. Italian Seasoning

Lasagna Noodles, uncooked

Directions

1.  Brown the ground beef in a large skillet; drain.

 2.  Stir in Spaghetti Sauce and Water.

I like to first add the water into the empty sauce jar and slosh it around to ensure that I get ALL of the yummy sauce out of the jar.

3.  In a separate bowl, mix together the Ricotta, 1.5 c Mozzerella, 2 tbsp Parmesan, Egg and Italian Seasoning.

I should have mixed this in a colored bowl...
this picture is terrible; but you get the idea 😖

In your slow-cooker/crock pot...

4.  Spoon a bit of the meat sauce into the bottom of your cooker; top with a layer of noodles (uncooked!), cheese mixture, meat sauce...

noodles, cheese mixture, meat sauce.

Continue to layer until all ingredients have been used, ending with meat sauce.

Top with the remaining 1/2 c mozzarella and parmesan. 

Cover.

Cook on low for 4 hours.

Meat Sauce

Noodles

Cheese Mixture

Enjoy!!

Until Next Time,

Heather

Talk About It Tuesday

Linking up with Melissa and Tricia for MY first installment of

Talk About It Tuesday

Let's talk kale...yes, kale.  That leafy green cabbage lettuce looking vegetable that is among one of the healthiest vegetables being cultivated today.

I ❤ kale.

It all began late last year when I discovered this pre-packaged salad kit...

I would add grilled chicken to the mix and this became a go-to lunch for me.

The kale stands up to the dressing so much better than lettuce and taste better too.

One of my New Year Goals was to live a healthier lifestyle.  Luckily kale fits right into that goal so I have been on the lookout for other ways to enjoy this green.

As you may already know...I also ❤ soup and thanks to Trisha Yearwood I can ❤ them simultaneously.

Kale Soup

Recipe courtesy of Trisha Yearwood

Total Time:  1 hr 5 min
Prep:  15 min
Cook:  50 min
Yield:  6 servings
Level:Easy

Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound fresh chorizo
4 Yukon Gold potatoes, cubed
1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups chicken broth
1 pound kale, stems removed, leaves torn into 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
Kosher salt and black pepper

Directions
Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Brown the chorizo in the oil, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the potatoes, onions, garlic and chicken broth.
Simmer until the potatoes are fork tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Reduce the heat to low, add the kale, and cover. Cook until the kale wilts, 7 to 10 minutes.
Uncover, add the Parmesan, and heat through for about 5 more minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Adapted from "Trisha's Table: My Feel-Good Favorites for a Balanced Life" by Trisha Yearwood © Clarkson Potter 2015. Provided courtesy of Trisha Yearwood. All rights reserved.
© 2017 Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

I have also discovered that baked kale chips are a great alternative to potato chips.
They don't smell so great #reallytheystink but they taste good and will definitely satisfy a "salty" craving.

Not only that, they are easy to make...

Crispy Kale "Chips"

Recipe courtesy of Melissa d'Arabian

Total Time:  45 min
Prep:  25 min
Cook:  20 min
Yield:4 servings
Level:  Easy

Ingredients
1 head kale, washed and thoroughly dried
*I use the pre-packaged, already cut bag of kale but do be sure to trim off any of the hard 'ribs'
2 tablespoons olive oil
Sea salt, for sprinkling

**I also like to add a little pepper, garlic and onion powder

Directions
Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F.
Remove the ribs from the kale and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces*. Lay on a baking sheet and toss with the olive oil and salt. Bake until crisp, turning the leaves halfway through, about 20 minutes. Serve as finger food.

Recipe courtesy of Melissa d'Arabian
© 2017 Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Also, just be sure not to OVER bake the kale; you want it crispy but not burnt.

Do you have any great kale recipes?

What is your favorite way to enjoy kale?

Until Next Time,

Heather

Monday's Motivation

I don't know about you but I struggle with staying motivated.

I have these great ideas, hype myself up about what it will take to accomplish said idea, set it into motion and then lose all motivation to continue or see it through until the end.

This happens in many areas of my life;

~nutrition

~exercise

~blogging

~daily devotional

~schedules/weekly planning

...just to name a few.

Really...I could go on and on.

And to be completely honest...when the motivation subsides I begin to slack off, eventually forcing the idea into the back of my head, often making excuses but always leaving me feeling like a complete failure.

So...

in order to help combat this problem I am going to begin a weekly series called

Monday's Motivation

and what better day to need a little extra push.

#amiright

#imright

My hope is that this weekly reminder will inspire us to keep pushing forward, keep fighting the fight, provide the inspiration and motivation to pull through that moment when you feel like you just can't keep going.

I invite everyone reading to join in with your own motivational quotes, stories, tidbits of inspiration.

Feel free to add in the comments below.

January 16, 2017

Today's motivation/inspiration is in loving memory of:

Robert Weeks

December 19, 1953~January 11, 2017

Until Next Time,

Heather

11 days into...

...the new year.

2017

So I guess it's time to share my "resolutions" with you guys.  

A New Year's resolution is a tradition, most common in the Western Hemisphere but also found in the Eastern Hemisphere, in which a person resolves to change an undesired trait or behavior.

I use the term "resolution" lightly because I don't feel as if I am "changing and undesired trait or behavior" so much as I am choosing to improve upon areas within my life that I feel I'm not giving 110%.

Linking up with two of my favorite bloggers, Shay and Erika.  Be sure to head on over to their little neck of the internet to read about their new goals for the new year.

Let's get started...and in no particular order

~One~

A Healthy Lifestyle 

or more importantly...to be consistent in living a healthy lifestyle.  I can get on board with the 80/20 rule and do well for a couple of months and then BAM...fall right off the wagon.  It always seems harder to pick myself up after the fall and before I know it, it's been 6 weeks without so much as a walk around the block or a salad.

So definitely going to work on consistency!

~Two~

Be More Present

with family and friends.

This popped up in my Facebook feed yesterday and really struck a cord with me.  So often, as hard as it is to admit, this is us.  Now that AB has a tablet, it has become her as well.  We have a cupboard full of board games and yet we choose to be stuck silently to this screen.

For 2017, I want to be more present, more active, more talkative with my family and friends.  I want to look them in the eye and really "hear" them.

~Three~

Monthly Date Night

A couple of years ago Z and I had a standing monthly date.  At the beginning of each month we would choose a day, a night or both and take turns planning our activity for that particular date.  It was so much fun!  It set time aside for the two of us and gave us something to look forward to each month.  I miss that.  At some point during the business that is life, we got away from that.  I was reminded of how much I missed it, how much I enjoyed it and how much we need it during our Anniversary trip a couple of weeks ago.

Z doesn't know it yet but our first date of 2017 will be next Saturday, 1/21.  I don't have plans in place just yet...but I do have the date and that is a start!

~Four~

 Closer to God

Without God, without his son~our Savior; all of this other stuff does not matter.  

I am currently on the hunt for a great devotional to begin my day.  I am old school when it comes to books/reading...I like to hold the book, smell the book, turn the pages so I have got to take a trip into town to Lifeway Christian Bookstore for my purchase. 

~Five~

Blog

There are so many things that I'd like to expand upon within my little space of the web.  But first, I've got to learn how.  Technical, I am NOT.  So learning the "how to" will be a priority.  Secondly, I have got to come up with a plan for making the time to grow my baby.  I have great intentions but that's about as far as it gets at times.

Looking ahead for 2017 I've decided that the following quote sums it up best...

What are some of your New Year's "Resolutions"?

Until Next Time,

Heather