He Knows What's Going On...Even If You Don't

It seems the more people I talk to nowadays, the more I realize I'm in the same boat as many people. Everyone has their own situation of importance going on in their lives. To all of us, our own situation always seems a bit more detrimental than the other person's. Mostly because our lives are the lives we know the best, and also they are the lives we are most interested in.

The situation in which I am referring is that of figuring out what exactly your life (my life) is going to be. Where will I live, what will I do for work, who will I become friends with; all of these add up to the future. The thing is, I can never really know. All I can do is make one decision at a time. However, there is someone that does know, and can help me make the right decisions one by one. That someone is the one and only God of the Bible.

There are days I find myself curious, wondering, and frustrated at not knowing what is going on in my own life. The only way I can settle down and be confident that my life will be something is to look to my creator. He tells us that he has good plans for us.

Jeremiah 29:11- For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord,  plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Now I don't know what my life has in store, but I know it can be great. I know someone else is watching me, watching after me, and routing for me to do big things the entire time. So, that's what I'll try to do...big things. Just be comforted in the truth that He is always with you; and you can't truly fail if you have Him...you can only stumble a little bit. Don't worry, He'll pick you up and dust you off.

Food Is Love, Food Is Life

Ah, food. Something we all need to live, but something I love to make. Food is more than just a necessity, it is a passion and a creative outlet...a delicious one at that. Making food is making art, you start with nothing, just some plain simple ingredients when set on a counter alone, but once prepared and added together just the way you want, it's a masterpiece. Fabulous, just fabulous.

I love watching food network, it is inspiration at your cooking fingertips. It is my dream to be on food network. Whenever I watch it, I always seem to take a recipe they cooked and make it my own. I'll change a few ingredients and maybe the technique in which I cook it. By doing that, I've just created my own dish. I would say that is generally how new dishes are created, they were inspired by something else. To create, inspiration is always a helpful boost.

Last night I was inspired by my hunger, I made my own home-made Meaty Tomato Sauce. This idea was thought of off the top of my head, food network didn't aide in this idea.

This is the recipe for Meaty Tomato Sauce

Coat the bottom of your pot with olive oil and turn on the heat.

Chop 1.5 onions and drop in the bottom of the pot to start. They'll start to breakdown and all of the flavors of the onion will come out.

Mince 3 large garlic cloves. Add to the pot once the onions have started to brown and soften.

Once the onions and garlic have blended (cooked down a bit), add your choice of meat. Ground turkey, beef, or sausage will do the trick. I added ground beef, approximately 1lb.

Once the meat is added, season the meat with salt, pepper, and dried Italian seasoning. For fresh seasoning, use parsley, oregano, and basil finely minced.

After the meat has browned, add 16oz. canned tomato sauce, 1 regular sized can of diced tomatoes (with juice), and two freshly diced tomatoes. Stir everything until well incorporated.

Add more seasoning to pump up the flavor from the newly added tomato concoctions. Always flavor to taste. As in, stir in some seasoning and then taste to make sure the flavor is noticeable and delicious.

Let sauce simmer (about 45 min to an hour) until all of the tomatoes have broken down and all the ingredients are well meshed. The longer you let the sauce simmer, the better the flavors will blend. It could simmer for hours if desired.

Once ready, spoon over your favorite type of pasta and enjoy.

Sadly I wasn't able to take a picture, but it is delicious, I promise. I hope you enjoy.

 

How Will They Know It's ME

Applying for jobs has become an experience that I will call, uncertain. With every business switching to on-line applications, how do you set yourself apart from the rest? That is my question, but the thing is, I can't answer it. I prefer face-to-face interaction, and sadly, our society has fallen far from it. Everything has to do with the internet, hence my blogging right now. With the internet follows faceless applications and un-known personalities. Not so good for someone who gives great first impressions when handing in the application.

I recently had a job interview. To spoil the ending, I didn't get it. I received an e-mail the following day after I had sent in my resume to call in to schedule an interview. To my surprise, it was a much quicker response than I thought, also more so than my previous experiences. So, I called, scheduled an appointment, and picked out something to wear. I have work experience in certain areas, but I also haven't done a lot of things. The thing is, I'm an intelligent woman, I'd learn quickly if someone would just let me learn. Also, I am college educated which I wish would give me more credibility, but so far, I don't think it does.

So, I went in for the interview and the woman who first spoke to me and asked me some questions was very friendly and welcoming. Then it was time for her boss. She was the woman who made the decisions. I'll admit she was extremely intimidating. Probably why I didn't get the job. After she had explained the job and everything that went with it, it was my turn to speak. I was nervous, so nervous. I couldn't get my thoughts out in a mature and fluent sounding manner. Quite sad actually. I tend to offer myself as a good additive to any environment. I'll be honest, I wasn't so successful this time. This woman really made me nervous, I mean, she was a total shark. She also seemed to have a problem with the fact that I was freshly out of college. That didn't excite her, more annoyed her than anything I think.

All that said, if you're lucky enough to make it through the internet world to really meet an actual person that has reviewed your resume, my advice to you, especially a recent college graduate, would be...

*Think about what kind of questions the employer will ask and try to prepare your answers. The employer will always ask if you have any questions...try to come up with questions.

*Try not to be nervous. You are a capable, intelligent person I'm sure. So act like it and have some confidence.

*This should be common sense, but look nice and professional. No one likes a slob.

Good Luck job hunting to you and me!

Say Hello To My Little Friends....Haag n Dazs

  

The joy of eating ice cream definitely surpasses the joy of eating any other dessert. However, not just any ice cream, the famously creamy Haagen-Dazs. I can't create the two dots over the A, so forgive me. This cold little piece of heaven is a delight on any hot summer day. Really all you need is a spoon and the carton. Bowls are over-rated. And, if you can't find a spoon, just put your pointer and middle finger together, bend them, and start scooping. That idea is only for emergencies...I do recommend a spoon over fingers. Ice cream is cold.

Cold is why it is perfect for the season. Nothing cools you down like a nice cup or cone of ice cream. When the sun is beating down on you, it is almost like a shield...well sort of.  If you like an assortment of flavors, you'll find whatever it is your taste buds are searching for. So go grab some Haagen-Dazs and make it a great summer day.

HGTV Addicted!

My new TV channel that I have been hooked on is HGTV. No matter the show, I'm hooked. I could sit there for hours and watch and watch. I want to see the new beautifully finished products that the designers create from something that starts as awefully drab. When renovating, or just re-decorating your home, the price tag can wander from $1,000-$20,000; that's a big difference in some chump change. Some easy fixes that go along way are closer than you think.


1. A fresh coat of paint with a nice pop in color is the best thing you can do to spruce up your rooms. Just remember not to under or over do it.

2. Just as importnantly, if you use neutral colors on the walls, which isn't bad, just make sure they're not bland neutrals, and add some color with your accessories. Throw pillows, wall art, and bookshelf decorations can change the look of a room.

3. Make your space workable. Don't keep it cluttered, show your countertops so you can use your countertops (when cooking). Every house that has an open feel is more comfortable to be in.

4. Show off your big windows. Let the light in; don't hide a great feature to your room by covering the windows with over done paneling or curtains. Simply add something that comlpiments the windows and lets the light in.

Here are some images to give you ideas!

Oh The Possibilities...

A small depiction of the U.S. in words

At the moment, if I haven't already mentioned, I am looking for a new place to settle down for a while. I'm ready to branch away from this Florida life I've lived for so many years and see something different. Experience something different. Live something different. The problem??? The United States = gigantic. I've known of its hugeness all my life, that is part of the beauty, but when trying to pick a place to relocate, it makes it much more difficult. Determining factors in my opinion...

1. How close should I be to family- If my stay only lasts two or three years, then I can move back to the fam after my exploration is over.

Hmmm, which way?

2. What scenery do I want- I've lived near the beach most of my life, will I survive if landlocked?

Here seems soothing

3. East, Midwest, West, oh and, North or South- New area, new way of life.

The "you" is referring to direction

Everywhere seems to be a great option. There are new people to meet and new venues to visit. So really, wherever I end up I'm not missing out on anything. I still need to decide which venues and which people.

Summer Road Trips

There's no better time than summer to take a road trip. Weather is never an issue no matter where you are in the States, and it's an exciting way to take your summer vacation. All you need is a great attitude, a best friend(s), and MapQuest, unless you have a smart phone, which you probably do.

So recently I headed off on my own road trip with my best friend. We started our journey in Florida...first stop...Monticello, AR. The actual first destination was Stroud, OK, but we stopped in Arkansas after the thirteen hour drive to visit a friend of mine. Things to know about Monticello, AR...

1. It is a very small town, but it still has some charm with the old timey antebellum houses and the town square.

2. There are two high schools for such a small town...at least you can pick where you want to be educated.

Once we reached the town of Stroud, OK we saw a new style of life. We were visiting my friend's grandpa, now my grandpa (the friend is my husband), and grandpa happens to be a cattle rancher. He raises calves, gets them fat, and then sells them at an auction. Things to know about Stroud, OK...

1. This is a town of 1500 people.

2. The scenery is breathtaking.

3. Stroud sits on the famous Route 66.

This restaurant has been on Route 66
in Stroud for years and years.

From Stroud, we drove to Alamogordo, NM to visit my grandparents. We reached Alamogordo after being in the car for about 11 hours. Alamogordo is a city in the middle of the desert. There isn't much around other than the city itself and the surrounding mountains (which are beautiful). If you've never visited this area of the country I recommend it. The scenery is vastly different than anywhere else, and not only different, but beautiful in its own way. Things to know about Alamogordo, NM...

The mountains lining Alamogordo.

1. It is surrounded by mountains which you can drive up into to visit towns such as Ruidoso or Cloudscroft (they're great for shopping).  

2.  It is always sunny; it only gets about 6-10 inches of rain a year.

3. The temperature is hot, but the humidity is low.

Making this trip a road trip actually saved us money because plane tickets can be so expensive. Beyond saving money, it created more memories than a plane ride ever could.

Are You A Cowboy?

Today I went into a Western World store because I needed to pick up a few things. On my list was a pair of cowboy boots and a cowboy hat. While I was browsing around, I realized something...it is expensive to be a cowboy. All the things you need to be a successful cowboy really do cost a pretty penny. However, the outcome is good. Let me break it down for you.

Cowboy boots: $150.00  

Cowboy hat: $80.00

Wrangler jeans: $29.98

Belt Buckle: $19.99

Plaid shirt: $23.99

The feeling you have when being a true cowboy:  $Priceless$

It is all worth it; cause there's nothing better than a cowboy.

Dual Survival Or Daily Survival

So...I've been watching this TV show called Dual Survival. In short, it is a TV series based on two men that are put into extreme life or death situations in which they need to use their skills for survival. In the episodes that I've seen they have been in the South African wild, the dessert, the mountains of Montana during the dead of winter, and other various places.

As each episode progresses, the men find themselves in situations concerning shortages of food, warmth, and shelter; as well as safety from predators and traveling distance to safety and rescue. In this series you learn how to make fire, create traps to catch food, keep warm with nothing more than branches and the shirt on your back. The show is very informational. If I ever get caught in a situation outside of my suburban life, I have a higher chance of survival, or at least I think so. All I need is to do is carry a knife with me at all times...in case this type of situation arises. I believe I can survive. One guy in the show does everything barefoot; so I figure if I have shoes, I'm golden.

Now, this show is interesting and informational, but it probably will never have an impact on my life. There is a very small chance that I will be put in a situation where I need to make fire or find food for survival. You know what I will have to survive though? Every day life. The situations of daily happening. Some are happy, some exhausting, some aggravating, but they all will happen. No matter what geographical area I am in.

There aren't TV series to teach you how to survive life. However there is something you can refer to on daily basis...it's called the Bible. If you take a minute to read it, you just might learn some pertinent information of surviving daily life and all the hardships that come with it.  

A Bible in a language other than English. No matter the
language, it should be read. Get crackin!

.

Work It. Sweat It.Burn It.

Keeping the workout routine is always difficult. It is common to go weeks with vigorous, butt busting workouts and then somehow the laxness creeps in. Now it has been 10 days since your last work out. I know I have gone through these cycles, and I always regret it. It is important to keep up the workout.

Sometimes we go on our breaks because we seem to not have the time; or maybe we really don't feel like working out. There are some workouts you can do in short amounts of time that will give you a long lasting effect. These are good to know for those days when either we don't have the time, or we just aren't feeling it.

Try these two workouts that are time effective...

1. Jillian Michaels 30 Minute Shred: This workout is only 20 minutes...quick and easy, but effective.    

2. P90X: Depending on the workout they can range from 30-55 minutes. But you do have your choice, and you could do part of a longer video for a 40 minutes workout.

  Always remember why you should continue in exercise.

1. Exercise improves your mood
2. Exercise combats chronic diseases
3. Exercise helps to manage your weight
4. Exercise boosts energy
5. Exercise promotes better sleep

These are all things we need. So do yourself a favor and be active. You won't regret it.

Running Blind

Read this story...it's a good one!

It's quite a funny story I must admit. One of those in which you wish you had your video camera recording all the while. Sadly, the video camera was not part of the show. But I'll tell you the story. So just sit back and listen.

After a long evening of work I returned home, where to my surprise, my husband told me to change my clothes because we were going somewhere. A little shocked at the fact we were leaving the house at what was now 11 PM, I changed into shorts and a t-shirt with sandals to match.

On the car ride I thought of where we could be going. I predicted the beach for a nice night time stroll with the hubby since we were only a few lights and bridge away. When he pulled in the parking lot we were indeed in the midst of salty air; with the sand and shoreline in clear eyesight.

He grabbed my hand and we made our way onto and over the wood walkway to the gritty sand. Hand in hand we moved our feet forward down the beach. We talked about details that seemed normal for a married couple to discuss...our "future" if you will. Where we wanted to move, possible career paths to follow, you know, the norm.

Before I begin the funny details, I'll say my eyesight isn't so good in the dark. I suppose I should also mention that my husband and I are quite silly together, which is probably why laughter and ridiculousness are always hand in hand with us.

This is where it begins...the funny happening. We had reached an area where the sand would randomly sink down and the water went from an inch to three feet. The movement of sand had created little pools of water. We walked in between the pools and the surf.  As we continued walking we started to be trapped by the deep pools of water on our left and the ocean water on our right. The deep pools of water were pushing us deeper into the surf.

We finally reached a point at which the pools of water curved in to meet the incoming surf. There was nowhere to go. Either we had to walk through the deep pool or turn back around. I decided to turn back around. As I did, my husband turned to come with me. Then I had the idea to be playful and run...so he would follow and chase me. Remember now, BAD EYESIGHT AT NIGHT.

I started running, and I mean I was booking it. He started after me. I chuckled at his attempt to try and catch me. My feet had never moved so fast; they were like the feet of Fred Flintstone when he moved his car. Now, it was not just playful, but I had to beat him around the pools of water to safe sand just for the idea of victory. As I ran, I looked for higher sand. The pools could be seen because they showed as dark spots do to the depth of water. So I was looking for light colored ground. Yes, light colored ground meant safety.

I was on my last stretch when it happened. At full speed, I thought I had passed the last pool of water...I hadn't. I turned a right to get to the higher ground; like a duck in hunting season, I went down. I hadn't gone far enough around the pool of water. I took a step with my left foot and I found myself falling unbalanced three feet down into the water. My legs folded and I fell 70 percent submerged. My body jerked forward during the fall which made even my face hit the water for a split second.

As I sat in the pool of water sand was caked into my shorts, as it also covered the side of my body. My husband, watching the scene from behind, stopped and laughed hysterically. I sat there for a second in my shame. Then I rose. I had to laugh too though; it was too funny an experience to not give it a chuckle.

We started our way back to the car. The sand in my shorts was so much that I had to walk as if I had a saddle between my legs. So what happened next is understandable. I took my shorts off and I walked down the beach in my t-shirt and underwear with my head held high.

Stay Cool In The Summer Heat

Here in Florida, the heat and humidity are no surprise. Us Floridians have survived years of dripping-sweat-right-after-you-walk-outside, melting-as-you-sit-in-your-car-waiting-for-the-AC-to-cool-off, oh and my favorite, taking-an-afternoon-jog-and-not-being-able-to-breathe-the-thick-humid-air.

At this point it might sound as though no one should live in Florida. That is not the case friends. You just have to know how to live in Florida. And us Floridians, we know how to do it right. We know how to beat the heat. The beating takes place a little something like this.

1. Know how to enjoy an overly chilled glass of sweet ice tea when you can feel the heat.

2. Always be cool with a summer dress to help the breeze on your skin.

3. Never forget to use the beach. The wind will cool you, and so will the ocean water.

I hope I've given you some pointers on how to be a true Floridian. Now go out there and beat the heat!

Long Weekends With The In-Laws

This is why we celebrate Memorial Day. Remember who has fought for you.

Memorial weekend is now done and over. The mini vacation we all looked forward to has passed and now we're waiting for the next. July 4th is around the corner, so be prepared to purchase some kick butt fireworks and a new patriotic shirt to fashion for the day.

I don't know what you did for fun the past few days, but I went camping and boating with my in-laws. The weekend consisted of water shoes, sunscreen, and a nightly fire to keep the bugs away. I'll say I had an amazing time. I do, unlike many people, love my in-laws. Also my husband loves doing activities in the great outdoors; needless to say, he had an awesome time.

With all the laughter, good food, water sport activities, and the fact that I'm still alive, there is no complaining to be had. Though here are a few things I want to say.....

1. Chopping wood is a lot harder than you think. You may miss the wood completely and almost chop off your leg (I did this)

2. Driving a boat isn't so difficult, but you'll find that turning the steering wheel is harder than expected.

3. Killing a pygmy rattlesnake while camping...not that uncommon.

4. Water shoes for when you are walking in mucky water...always have them.

5. Keebler fudge striped cookies with a roasted marshmallow in the middle...delicious.

6. If your in-laws are making redneck jokes about themselves and the things they have done...they might have just a smidge of redneck in them.

7. Seeing an alligator in Lake George...very do-able.

8. Driving a jet ski = fun. Riding on the back of a jet ski = not as much fun.

9. Don't put the Brim (fish) you caught in a bucket of still water...they may die. I'm not confessing to anything.

My Favorite Things

We all have our favorite things. We look forward to when we can experience them. Some things may possibly be ridiculous, some not. The beauty of them? They are OUR favorite specifically. It doesn't matter if no one shares the same love for it as you, because you love it. It is YOUR favorite. No one can steal that from you. Hopefully you can enjoy your favorite things often. Here are a few of my favorite things.

1. A big bowl of ice cream (If partially melted..that's okay).

2. A pair of heels that make me feel sexy (They must be comfortable though).

www.payless.com/store/

3. A sweet soft kiss (Anytime, always good).

4. Burning the calories (Health is never overrated).

5. Obviously writing...duh (Letters mashed together create ideas; if you're lucky, they create brilliance).

Just Google It

It's a modern day necessity to use Google. A common phrase, "just Google it," when you don't know the answer. Yes, Google saves us...time and time again. But Google has more potential than you'd think. A simple Google search can find personal information including an e-mail address. Who would have thought, the power of Google can find you.  Google yourself sometime. Google someone else when you need to contact them. For just about anything...just Google it! Go ahead, I dare you.  Just be careful to not do anything you don't want people to know about; Google might relay your secret. So behave!

This post is dedicated to my friend Lutz.  Love you girl...and your Google skills!

Musical Makeover For The Day

Music was created for good purpose. It speaks to us on a deep level. So what I want you to do today is listen to your favorite CD, iPod playlist, or whatever other form of music distributor you have. Turn it on, turn it up, and jam out hardcore!  Here are two of my favorites! Enjoy!

Now go and have a jammin day. Let the music speak to you.

One Of Those Moments...I Love You

I Love You

Love occurs everyday. Sometimes we notice it, and sometimes we don't. It is when you realize it is happening that makes the moment special.  Sadly there are many moments we miss. They pass us, never to return exactly the same. We go on living never noticing they passed.  This post is for the moment(s) we notice. More specifically, the moment I noticed.

I'm married to a wonderful man. Even on a day where he makes me want to kick a hole in the wall, he's still a wonderful man. I have my moments where I drive him crazy. In life, and definitely in marriage, we all should be allowed a few free passes. At some point we will do something that bothers our spouse; though hopefully, most of the time spent together incorporates laughter, smiles, kisses, touch (in more than one manner), and vocal communication (sexy time is a non-mentioned-but-must-always-be-included pass time).  Back to my original statement...I married a wonderful man. I love him with every ounce of my existence; and I thank God for putting him in my life.

This is my gorgeous husband. 

This is the moment, the scene if you will...

I walk in the door from a finished day of work. I close the door behind me and Nick, my husband, has a big smile on his face to welcome me home. He approaches me as I place my things on the floor. Hugs are exchanged along with kisses. We move to the couch to sit down and chat about our days. As I'm talking he licks my face. He just licks my face!! So what do I do? I lick him back. Then the lick war begins. Spit is flying, our heads are bobbing (trying to get good angles), and we're laughing the whole time. As the tongue war moves to an end, I look at my husband. I admire him and all his ridiculousness. My thought going through my head...I Love You!!! I DO I DO I DO! Thank you for being a goober with me. You're a great husband.
 
Realize the moments. Each and every one. Enjoy them. Embrace them. Encourage them.

Yes I do!

  

No Money = Nice Home. Cheap and Chic Ways to Decorate.

You don't need a lot of money to love the interior design of your home. We have opportunity at our fingertips. We just need to use it and abuse it. And if you're not the most creative thinker in the bunch, fear not, you can get ideas from others.With yard sales, home improvement stores, antique stores, and multiple websites at our disposal, we have vast opportunities to create cheap and stylish living quarters. So let's do it!

To form new ideas, try walking around local artsy boutiques. You'll see cute decorations that are most likely very over-priced. The good thing is...you can probably make them yourself. Look around at the different decorations, get ideas, think of how you can make it yourself, or make it your own. I've noticed that using distressed window pains and chalkboard paint are quite popular. So why not blend them together. Here's an image to give you an idea.

To get this look spray chalkboard paint on the four pieces of glass and then let dry.  Use sandpaper to rough up the wood and distress the paint job. If there isn't enough paint already on the wood, add any color you choose in a streaky sloppy manner to give it the antique look. Still remember to use sandpaper to make it distressed. Before writing use, rub chalk on the four glass squares and then wipe away. Now you have a chalkboard window!

 When it comes to furniture...you need to search yard sales, antique stores, or thrift shops. For example, take a dresser that has potential, solid wood. All you have to do is strip it, sand it, add a paint color you love, and some stylish knobs (hardware). Easy Easy Easy!! Then you have a classic piece with a new look added to your collection.

Roll up those sleeves and get to work; cause you have some styling to do, for not a lot of money. Get excited!

Baking Out Of The Box...Making Boxed Desserts A Little More Homemade

There can always be a dessert cafe in your house

Personally I'm not one to promote baking from a box, so I won't try and talk anyone into box baking unless they have to. If you have the time I will always say to go homemade. Homemade allows for more yum and gives you bragging rights. But there are times when a box dessert is all you can muster in your busy life. If that is the case, let's bring some life into it. You can always add something to make your dessert seem homemade.

You may not have a lot of time, but you should have the time to add to a pre-made batter. Here are some ideas for sprucing up your dessert menu.

The other day I made cinnamon streusel muffins. I admit, I'm guilty of using Betty Crocker  for this one, but I wasn't in my own house. I did add some things of my own though.

For ideas to spruce up these muffins...

1. Add fresh cinnamon from the pantry

2. Add pure vanilla extract for that extra kick of flavor

3. For the topping, take your own brown sugar, butter, and oats (if you want some crunch) to mix and crumble over the muffins before baking.

4. If you are a chocolate lover add some chocolate chips for an extra yummy flavor.

 

Another dessert to improve out of the box is the cake that made carrots famous...carrot cake.
Just a few easy steps improve this cake by mouthfuls.

1. Add fresh shredded carrots to enhance the texture, color, and flavor

2. Fold roughly chopped walnuts into the batter for an extra crunch. They also add a boost of protein.

3. Don't buy pre-made frosting. Mix vanilla yogurt (Stonyfield Farms organic fat free vanilla) with powered sugar for a sweet, but healthier option.

 
 Take an extra minute if you don't have the extra half hour or the ingredients to make everything. Because no matter how short on time you are, I hope you can put a little extra effort to make it your own.

And remember...sometimes life should be a sweet surrender. As long as you make it delicious!