turkey bacon garlic mash & cheddar butter chicken//how to use leftovers.

Turkey Bacon Garlic Mash & Cheddar Butter Chicken

 

Usually, you list the meat of a meal first, but those mashed potatoes were too good to come in second place.

 

 

1.5 lbs Chicken Breast

1 cup Cheddar Cheese

10 slices Turkey Bacon

Garlic Salt to taste

2 tbsp Butter

EVOO

Homemade Mash Recipe

 

Preheat oven to 350.

 

Start by preparing the Mashed Potatoes so you can get to work on the Chicken while the potatoes are boiling.

 

NOTE: I cut my Chicken Breasts in half to make more pieces; if you don't want to, keep in mind your Chicken will take longer to cook/bake. 

 

Heat up EVOO (approx. 2 tbsp) on medium heat in a nice big skillet.

When the pan is super hot, add your Chicken and brown all all sides for about 2 minutes each side.  Note:  I even set my Chicken up on it's side if they're particularly large; it gives it a nice even color.

 

Meanwhile, cook Turkey Bacon according to package.  When it cools off, cut into small pieces and add to your finished Mash along with Garlic Salt.  We LOVE garlic, so ours was pretty heavy on it and it was the bomb.

 

When your Chicken has a nice even color and is cooked about half way through, add it to a baking dish and stick in your preheated oven for about 30 minutes.  When that's done, pull the Chicken out and add a small bit of Butter to each and pinch of Cheddar Cheese to each.  Throw it all back in the oven for another 20 minutes.

 

This was a super hit.  And the best part?  The leftovers made really nommy

 

Open Faced Sammies

 

 

I'm gonna go ahead and make a pretty bold statement that will blow your mind and change your life:

All leftovers taste good on homemade Texas Garlic Toast topped with Gravy.  All leftovers.

 

For this meal, you just throw the Chicken and Mash from the last meal in a pot and heat it together.  Try to shred the Chicken a little more to make smaller, bite-sized pieces.

 

For the rest of the meal, you will need:

1/2 loaf of good, thick bread

2 tbsp Butter

Garlic Salt

1 can Beef Broth (or 2 cups)

1/4 cup Flour

1/4 cup Cold Water

1 packet Swanson Flavor Boost (optional, but these are awesome to have on hand)

S&P to taste

 

Cut thick slices of your nice and fresh bread and spread a thin layer of Butter.  Sprinkle Garlic Salt over all slices - a ton of it if you're us - and broil until brown and delish looking.

 

Meanwhile, in a skillet, bring your Beef Broth to a boil.  In a separate bowl, wisk together Flour and Cold Water.  When your Broth is nice and bubbly, s l o w l y add your Flour mixture, wisking in the pan constantly.  Last, add that Flavor Boost and some S&P.

 

Assemble the sammies!

1 slice Texas Toast

1 scoop Chicken/Mash Mixture

Topped with some Homemade Gravy.

 

OMG!



happiness part one.

So, here goes...

Happiness is fleeting.

It's momentary and it's circumstantial.
Happiness is not joy.

We may find temporary happiness in money, clothing, children, spouses, or starbucks, but if the basis of our well being and the condition of our souls is dependent on these things - these things that can be taken from us at any moment - what are we left with?
Contemptment, hatred, disdain, and unhappiness.
So, why do we place such incredible value on things we can never keep?
What are you going to do if your closet full of clothes catches fire or is stolen?
What are you going to do if you lose your high paying job?
What are you going to do when it turns out that your significant other changes his/her mind?
What is going to happen to these things when your time on earth is done?
Consider your source of contentment.

If you sit down and really think about it, it all seems so silly, so shallow, and so pointless.

I am not saying that we shouldn't be happy.
I'm not saying that we shouldn't appreciate and enjoy what we've been given.
I'm saying not to need it.
I'm saying not to seek happiness in stuff or people.
Stuff goes away and people let you down.

Instead of seeking what might make you temporarily happy, seek joy in Jesus in the form of kindness, love, & sharing the Gospel.

At church last Sunday, Pastor Bob said something that was incredibly hard-hitting;
he said we are all one of three people:
1.  The person who doesn't know Christ.
2:  The person that does know Christ and goes on his/her way allowing others to drown because they're 'happy' the way they are.
3.  The person who knows Christ and wants others to know him, too.

I know I have friends who read my blog who aren't believers; inspired by my love for these people, I've chosen to make my blog more Christ-centered.
I also know I have friends who read my blog who are believers, but think "to each his own!"

Believers, let me ask you this:
If you know there is a hole in the sidewalk of the path your friend is walking, but they don't believe it's there, would you tell them about it anyway?
Non-believers:
Would you want your friend to tell you what they know about the hole up ahead?  Even if you don't believe it's there?

To be continued...


the 'me' generation.

So, here's the thing...

I've had a really hard time blogging lately.  The reason is because I have a different view of the whole blogging thing now.

When I stopped to focus on school, I also stopped reading most blogs in general unless something appealed to me on Facebook.  When I started reading them again, I was a bit startled by how many of the blogs I 'follow' are (seemingly) incredibly self-absorbed.  I actually can't read most of the blogs on my reading list anymore because I try to avoid things that cause me to feel negative and, honestly, I have gotten borderline frustrated while reading.

Before you get upset with me, I'm not saying ALL bloggers are self-absorbed and I AM saying that I have fallen under that category.  As unintentional as it may be, it's still there.  Something has just, very suddenly, started to rub me the wrong way.

So, basically I'm in a bit of a pickle here because I love writing and being silly and sharing my life, but

Am I patting myself on the back too much?

 

 

 

I know this has all changed because of my walk with Christ; that I can never share too much, so I'm cool with talking about it.  I also know that John Piper's "Don't Waste Your Life" is really speaking to me and LET ME TELL YOU it's been quite humbling and frustrating all at the same time.

It's not just in the blogger world, but every day conversations where I've started to notice how many people use the word 'I' or 'me.'  I've begun to notice how many people can turn conversation back to themselves, how many people make choices because based on what's easiest for them, and how many people get frustrated when things don't go the way they wanted them to.

Again, I'm not excluding myself here.
Every time I get annoyed about doing something that is for the better good of my family, there's a bit of selfishness involved.

We shouldn't do things for people because it's our 'role' or because we have to, we should do things for people because we love them.

The quicker we get away from thinking or saying "Why should I?" or "What's in it for me?" or "How can I be the happiest?" and begin by reminding ourselves that we should be driven by love, the less frustration, anger, and grudges we will have.

And that is truly freeing.

The good thing is, all of this is beginning to make me much more aware of my own actions and reactions to people.  The bad thing is, it's also beginning to make me much more aware of other's actions and reactions.

I know I can't control what other people do, but I can definitely change my own actions and I can encourage other people to consider others before themselves.

So, here's my encouragement:
Think before you act/react.

Is it really that serious that your significant other leaves dirty socks on the couch?  I mean, it's gross, but it's not that serious.
Should you really buy that super expensive shirt (or whatever) because you soooo deserve it...even though you can't pay your credit card bill?
Should you really tailgate the person in front of you for going slowly and pass them whilst giving the finger because they had the audacity to keep you up?  Are you really so special that it's okay to cut someone off because you have somewhere to be?
Do your kids really deserve to get yelled at for whatever slightly annoying thing he/she is doing today?
Does your coworker really deserve that attitude?
Does anyone really deserve that attitude?

Just for a day, try to put someone else's wants/needs before your own.
And don't just say you are, really do it.
Having a servant's heart isn't the same as not caring about yourself.
I know it sounds weird, but giving (physically and emotionally) until it hurts is probably one of the greatest feelings ever.

Stay tuned for my post on how the most important thing in life isn't to be happy.
GASP!



cheater chocolate chip muffin balls.

I promised to post these last week when I made them.

I lied and I'm very sorry about that.

My mom got me a cool little gadget for my birthday that will make quick treats even quicker!

I looooove that!

I cheated very much when I made these muffin balls; I didn't even use my own recipe for muffins.  Harris Teeter had these Martha White ones on sale for $0.99, so I grabbed a few.

Cheater Chocolate Chip Muffin Balls

1 package Muffin Mix (or your own recipe)

Whatever else the package calls for

Awesome Cake Pop Maker

I literally just greased up my Pop Maker with a little vegetable oil and waited about 5 minutes for each batch to complete cooking.

That's all I did!

This hardly counts as a real recipe, but I am way out of the blogging loop (thanks to school!), so it's a great start.



my pseudo sister, rachel.

Bridesmaid #4!

Rachel isn't a blood relative, but I call her my sister anyways.

She's brilliant, kind, beautiful, and I never thought twice about her being in my wedding.

Ode to Rachel

Girl is a smarty pants,

She makes me super proud!

She makes me do a happy dance

and by her I'm ever wowed.

She doesn't just stop at genius, though;

She's also quite a beaut.

When I brag about my sister,

Her whistle I gladly TOOT!

She's quite the spunky monkey

and makes me laugh like a nut;

She's the good kinda funky

and gets me out of my rut.

This picture will always be funny,

but you had to be there.

It's a memory with my Rachey

that we'll forever share.

Her hair is always a different color,

She likes to keep it versatile.

I liken her to my owl shirt

that used to always make me smile.

You're officially part of the family,

which might make you a little afraid.

I can't wait for you to stand by me

as my 3rd sister bridesmaid.

I love you, Rachel!

You make me so proud!

2012 so far.

If you recall, I made a

list of resolutions a billion days ago.

Then, I added a few more.

Let's update on those, shall we?

1.  I am not sure if I'd call myself a 'running freak,' and school caused about a 4 week exercise slump, but I am hanging in there.  I have been running/jogging/walking more than I ever have in my 27 (almost 28!) years of life.  That counts for something, right?

2.  Big Steve and I have done a better job at implementing date night.  We've had 2 weekends away from Stevie and a couple of nights out on the town together.  That is significantly more than we've even attempted since the little one was born.  Hecks yes.

3.  Spend $100 or less on groceries per month.  Well, I added up the money I've spent on groceries this year and it comes to around $960, which averages out to be about $150/month.  SOOO, that needs some work and is where keeping up with cash envelopes would really come in handy.  Mental note - check!

4.  I've been keeping up with school and focusing on the future 'school goals,' all while not failing chemistry.  Success?  I think so.  Microbiology is right around the corner, though...

5.  Sewing?  What's that?  Needless to say, I haven't made time for sewing...YET!

6.  I haven't taken Stevie to many fun places yet this year on Fridays.  I had so many plans to take him to the museums and to the zoo, but it hasn't really panned out that way.  I have, however, been making more fun at home with him.  I gotta get that kid out more.

7.  I added a last minute goal for the year to not to spend money on clothes.  I've 'window shopped' a lot, both online and in the store, but I've actually been very successful in this area.  I managed to get a hole in my beloved VS black yoga pants, so I bought a new pair at Target.  I also found some shoes that reminded me of my Grandma and purchased those.  That's it, though!  Totaling around $40 for clothes and we're already more than half way through the year!  I am particularly proud of this one.

8.  Channeling my emotions into something other than breaking down and crying has proven to be quite the challenge for someone who is used to crying over everything.  Luckily, God interfered here and gave me the obvious solution:  Him.

I was reflecting on my year and my goals and realized how strange it was that not a single one of my goals included Jesus.  Feeling a leeeetle bit humbled today as I write to tell you that the largest change that has been made in my life has been my walk with Jesus.

Sure, I've managed to stick to my goals, but we so often forget that everything is from Him.  Would I be able to have date night without family willing to watch Stevie so we can spend time alone?  Would I be able to go to school if I didn't get grants from the school to pay for my education?

Perspective is incredible.

I actually have so much to share here, so much that has been laid on my heart, and so much to write praises about.

My relationship with Christ will alter my blogging significantly.

I'll still be my charming, lovely self and I will still share my cooking skillz and $ saving tricks, but with a different ultimate goal in mind.

How cool that my little break from blogging has given me time to reflect on so much more than school and has added so much to my testimony of faith.

Well played, God.  Well played.

I'm feeling pretty excited about sharing it all with you, so stick around!

 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,  but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

2 Timothy 1: 8-10

spicy shrimp pasta.

Spicy Shrimp Pasta

2 lbs Uncooked Frozen Shrimp

1 cup Water

1 cup Vinegar

4 tbsp Old Bay Seasoning

1/2 box Whole Wheat Rotini

1 jar Alfredo Sauce

1 cup Spaghetti Sauce

2 cups Frozen Broccoli

Begin by bringing the Vinegar and Water to a boil in a large pot.  When boiling, add Old Bay Seasoning and stir in Shrimp.  Cover and let steam for about 3 minutes (or until pink).  This super easy recipe can be found on the back of your can of Old Bay Seasoning.

Meanwhile, bring another pot of water to boil and cook Rotini until al dente.

Drain and return to pot with Alfredo Sauce and Spaghetti Sauce.

Stir in Frozen Broccoli.

I peeled all the Shrimp for our dinner, but didn't add it to the pasta until after I set aside a few servings for Little Steve; it was a tad bit spicy for his tiny pallet.

The Verdict:

Must've been good because Stevie ate every last bite.

In other news - I should be back to blogging regularly starting next week!

I can't believe we're more than half way through 2012.

More than that, I can't believe how well I've done with my New Year's Resolutions.

To be continued...





giving my life to the only One who makes the moon reflect the sun.

HI FRIENDS!

Do you miss me yet?

I miss you, too!

No, Chemistry is not over yet (WOMP WOMP), but I only have 4 weeks left.

Yes, I am wearing a sweatshirt in the Summer, but it has sunshine on it, so it's fine.

I had a great time in Nashville.

Good music, good people, good food.

What's not to love?

I came back for a moment to share some ways God has been working in and around me lately.

Over the last two weeks (that have felt like several months long), two people I love have been faced with some serious difficulty.  Saying 'serious difficulty' is an incredible understatement, but we'll use it for lack of a better phrase.

I've cried, prayed, cried, and prayed some more for the majority of the last two weeks.

I cried when I got the news from both of them.

I prayed for answers to 'why' this is happening.
I cried when I didn't hear anything.

I prayed that I could take some pain from them.

I cried when God reminded me that He is in control and this pain is for a purpose.

I prayed to question why bad things happen to good people.

I cried when God revealed that none of us - 'good' or 'bad' - are deserving of his blessings and grace.

I prayed and PRAISED God for the gifts in my life and prayed to be used in these situations.

I cried when I realized He was already using me.

My sister and brother-in-law got some news that rocked all of our worlds at the beginning of last week, then my sister-in-law got some news that re-rocked it at the beginning of this week.

As unrelated as both things were seemed, I was floored when I realized how much they could get from one another - even viewing one another's pain/circumstances from afar.

I have never during my bumpy, hestitant walk with Christ felt such a need to glorify Him in all things, but it's sure there now.

I'm literally watching everything unfold.

No one, no matter how big or difficult the problem, is ever alone.

Nothing is coincidental with God; it is all purposeful.

My sister and brother-in-law were 'given' the support of people who have been there.
They were 'given' a chance to make her marriage stronger.

My brother-in-law was 'given' the chance to know Jesus more.

They were 'given' friends and family that offered tremendous support instantly.

They were 'given' the chance to praise God in this storm.

My sister-in-law was 'given' 4 children to love and uplift.
She was 'given' communication to put her at ease, if only for a moment.

She was 'given' an opportunity to move and start over (SOON!).

She was 'given' a mended relationship with her mother when she would need her most.

She was 'given' the chance to meet God in this storm.

We are all rich with something and it's very rarely money.

To those who can't walk, a person who runs is wealthy.

To those who have a learning disability, a person with knowledge is wealthy.

To those who can't concieve, a person with many children is wealthy.
To those who don't have a spouse, a person with someone to lay with and love is wealthy.

I've felt very little worry about anything these last two weeks.

I'm not sure if it's because the Spirit changing me or because, compared to others, I have no worries.

Maybe it's a combination of both, but some pretty in-your-face things have happened since I decided just to give it all up to Him:

- the sermon from Pastor Pat in TN was about Joy; finding joy in everything - even in trials

- I didn't pay my car insurance this month and was driving home late Monday and saw a deer on the side of the road.  Generally, I don't slow down.  Maybe because I want to get outta there or because I'm stupid, but something...or someone AHEM...told me to slow it down.  That deer looked right at me and ran straight out in front of my big old Explorer.  I was inches away from hitting him.

- I was feeling a little down about being broke as joke this week because I really wanted to do something nice for Big Steven for being such an awesome Dad and almost instantly got a text from my mom's friend that she had 4 tickets for the Nationals game on Father's Day in a close section AND we get to go on the field afterwards.

That's certainly not odd...

It's God.

I WENT THERE!

I keep going straight back to this passage from the bible every time I think about my sister, brother-in-law, and sister-in-law:

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ¹² Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. ¹³ You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. ¹⁴ I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity.

- Jeremiah 29:11-14

What a trip!  All of these revelations during 4 little days.

Until next time, Pfunky Griddle...



temporary hiatus.

I start my Chemistry class tomorrow and plan to take my TEAS test next Friday, so I must say farewell to you all for a little bit.

My class is only 8 weeks long, but it's twice a week from 5-10pm.

This will surely cause mucho stress on my little family, but we're good at crushing obstacles.

Chemistry is my hardest subject; I've never really 'gotten' it, but I must get an A.

Or I will die.

So, prayers and well wishes are welcome!

I'll see you in 8 weeks! 

We will have so much to catch up on!

CIAO!

grievances & sayonara.

After work yesterday was interesting.

And by 'interesting,' I mean 'hell.'

My allergies this year are absolutely ridiculous.

I started with seasonal allergies a couple of years ago and they gradually get suckier and suckier.

I can deal with the congestion and stuffy nose, but my eyes both itch and hurt.

So, I finally gave in (like I've done for the past few years) after 3 weeks of this nonsense and went to the store to get some allergy meds.

I took a sleepy Stevie to the store with me.
Worst.Idea.Ever.

My biggest regret is that I didn't video/photograph the lovely episode because, surely, this will be funny someday.  I'm still not laughing today, but someday I might.
Stevie saw some trucks/buses/car that he just had to have.

The stupid things were $6 each (holy inflation), so I told him he could have one just to get him to stop crying.

Normally, I would never have given in to this type of fit over a toy, but my eyes were on fire - much like right now.

So, we paid for everything and Stevie noticed I'd only bought him one bus.

He was NOT happy and proceeded to scream at the top of his lungs,

"I WANT MORE!!!"

I might have been embarrassed if my left eye wasn't swelling to the size of a balloon and I CERTAINLY would have returned the toy on the spot if I wasn't anxious to pop some pills.

He cried the whole way home, which is only like a minute and a half, but felt like an hour.

When we got home, I had to usher (read drag) him in the door as he kicked and screamed the whole way,

"GO BACK TO STORE!  I WANT MORE!"

Again, I would have gotten this on video if I wasn't about to flip totally out because I can hear my mom saying, "he would never do that, Suzie Q."

Annoying.

Big Steve realized that I was at the end of my rope and stepped in to calm Stevie down.

He even took him out of the room to play and closed the door behind him, which either means he's a considerate lovely man or that I was being a complete lunatic and he was scared.

Either way, the 10 minutes of silence and waiting for meds to kick in did the trick.

In other news, Big Steven and I are going white water rafting tomorrow.

I know.

I am both excited and terrified.

My sister's story about how she witnessed someone go overboard and thought it was so funny didn't reassure me at all.

Pray I don't drown.

If I do, it's been real.

Sayonara, folks.

crock pot sweet & sour bbq pork bits.

Sweet & Sour BBQ Pork Bits

1-1.5 lbs Bone Out Pork Chops
1/2 bottle Franks Sweet & Chili Hot Sauce
16 oz Grape Jelly
2 cups Frozen Corn

Are you ready for this?

Place your Pork Chops (can still be frozen!) in the bottom of your Crock Pot.
Add your Franks Sauce and Grape Jelly

Cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Add Corn 1 hour before serving.

Cut into bits and serve with a starch (we had potatoes).

By the time these are finished, you can cut the Pork with a wooden spoon.  They are THAT tender.

That's it.

No, seriously.

wth is in my purse?

I was reading up on/stalking Lindsey (from the Pleated Poppy) over on Kate's blog today.

I kept thinking two things:

1.  She is so dang cute!

2.  Her purse is super organized.

Then I thought it would be fun/terrifying to show you what's in my purse.

Here she is:

She weighs about 100 lbs and has multiple huge rips inside, likely from bearing such an enormous amount of crap.

Here are a few things that I consider for use in emergeny situations.

Miscellaneous toys given to Stevie that end up in my purse for ages and a bottle opener juuuust incase.

Toiletries.

No, I'm not joking and yes this is all really in my purse.

I have eye issues during the Spring in that they swell up like crazy, so all of that eye stuff seems necessary to me.

Rubber bands for my braces (sexy) and floss for my braces (also sexy).

Tissues, hair brush, lotion, chap stick, breath mint, smell good stuff, and a stain remover pen. 

Completely necessary.

Plethora of meds.

Yes, those are diet pills of a sort and no they don't magically make you lose weight.

They do give you tons of energy in a pinch.

Allergy stuff that I try not to take because I know it just makes the following Spring worse.  Plus, the ones in the bottle are expired.

Excedrin bottles that are filled with all kinds of things, none of which are actually Excedrin.

Tums?  These aren't mine.

Now I shall wait for my all natural amiga, Ott, to tell me to stop taking this stuff.

And I will tell her I will.

And the rest of it...

A planner that is still in the month of February, an file with coupons, misc. coupons for free or cheap stuff, pay check stubs, a notebook w/ pen, a heavy-a wallet stuffed with receipts I can assure you I will do nothing with, random papers that include, but are not limited to: info for our white water rafting trip next weekend, requests for transcripts, medical paperwork, and more.

And there you have it.

I promise I am organized in other areas of my life that do not include my purse or closets anywhere in my house.

Now go off and feel better about your cleanliness...

whatchu said?

By now, I don't need to tell you who Whitney is.

Unless you just started reading, then you can find her here for reference.

I tried to think of something clever to title my segments about the crap Whitney says on a daily basis, but I'm not clever so 'whatchu said?' is all you get.

It works because that's generally my reaction to her accompanied by uncontrollable laughing.

If you are funny (and not at the expense of others), I love you already.

To fully understand Whitney, think some combo of Jess and Rachel:

 

via.

via.



In response to me asking if she wants to make a video for my sister's birthday

(yes we still do that):

"can we dress up like the 80's/early 90's

  OOH we can make shirts thursdsay night

or we can just dress up and do the video

  like we're actually dressing up to make a music video"

"can we choreograph dance moves

  esp for at the end when it's all the drum beats"

"and lets not lip sync, lets real sing!"

" i'm gonna tease the shit outta my hair

  it's going to be awesome"

In response to dinner for Thursday (the night we plan to make the vid.):

"lets make it something easy so it doesnt take away from our dancing and craft time"

Some things never change.

And I sure like her that way.

More of these to follow...

women who ruin lives: the literature turned movie edition.

You may or may not have read my rants on women who ruin lives here, here, or maybe here.

As a lover of literature, or books as some may call it, I decided to do a special edition:

Women Who Ruin Lives:

The Literature Turned Movie Edition

Katniss.

via.

We'll start with my favorite female characater to date: Katniss.

On pretty much every level, I want to be you.

Not only can you shoot a bow better than any man in the Hunger Games series (or any man in NOVA for that matter), but you look dang hot doing it.

And that braid?  HELLOOO!

On top of your hotness, badassness, and intellegence, you get to have Peeta - arguably the greatest fictional character ever imagined.

I spent many a night dreaming about Peeta and his baking/decorating skills.

What a man!

And you have stolen him. 

Without even knowing the effect you can have, evidently.

To top it off, your back up plan is Gale.

via.

Oh, yeah.  Such a hard life you lead.

I don't feel bad.

Hermoine.

via.

First of all, when did you become a sassy woman?

Weren't you a little girl?

Like 20 movies ago?

Anyway...

You're a genius, a mud-blood (best of both worlds, if you ask me), and you have delicious wavy hair.

Then, after about a zillion books of making fun of Ron, you suddenly want him?

I don't think so.

I realize it took 7 books for Ron to actually prove that he has a brain, but it only took about 4 movies for this red-headed, blonde-brained tween to turn into a smokin' hot ginger.

via.

Am I right?  I'm always right.

But, ladies, you can't have him.

Apparently, Hermoine thinks she can waltz right in and take him for herself.

And she can because J.K Rowling said so.

via.

LE SIGH.

Bella.

Like you didn't know she was coming.

via.

This picture alone makes me want to cuss you out.

But, I love Jesus, so I won't.

Where do you get off making werewolves and vampires fall all crazy in love with you?

Furthermore, where do you get off getting all knocked up?

Why do you think you're so special you get to live forever?

Let me tell you this, Bella, you made one crucial mistake in your little world:

You chose one.

WHAT WOMAN IN HER RIGHT MIND WOULD CHOOSE?!

Take 'em both and let 'em fight amongst themselves.

When they fight, they generally take their shirts off, so this is a win-win situation.

You big dummy.

via.

The fact that you get to have one in real life makes you extra annoying.

Juliet.

First of all, congratulations to Claire Danes who isn't necessarily the greatest actress (I'm being kind here), but landed some awesome roles (My So Called Life and, namely, Romeo and Juliet).

You can now take your place next to Kristen Stewart and Kirsten Dunst (think Crazy/Beautiful).

I actually wanted my name to be Susana when Leo fell to his knees in the field to scream your name because 'Susan' isn't enough syllables.

I heard it in my head.

When he screamed my name, Susana, I'd come running and hug him and likely make out with him.

Actually, I'd never cause him such grief to begin with.

I get it.

The whole idea of the story is that you're both selfless and in love, but once Romeo was Leonardo (or vice versa), it just became stupid.

Why do anything to make such a hot man drink poison and die?

Maybe you didn't plan it that way, but I still blame you.

via.

On a side note, I'd like to thank the producers of the movie for making Shakespeare cool.

I've always thought he was cool (SHAKESPEARE FTW!) and, though it did nothing to help my popularity whatsoever, I felt like I had a leg up at this point in my life.

via.

I wonder who would win in a fight.

I'll take Katniss out of the equation because she's an experienced fighter and would kick butt, and I'll take Juliet out because, well, she killed herself once and I don't doubt she'd do it again.

Hermoine v. Bella?

Riddle me that.



pepperoni pizza mini pull-aparts!

Big Steven and I decided it would be fun to have my sister-in-law, Kelly (who you will be soon be getting an ode to), over every Wednesday with her kiddos and hubs for a family dinner and to show her that cooking can be super easy.

Kid friendly all around!

This is a more fun take on my Pizza Cups.

Pinterest has had all kinds of pull-apart ideas flowing around and the possibilities are really endless!

Pepperoni Pizza Mini Pull-Aparts

1 package Hormel Pepperoni - cut into small pieces (or you could get small pepperonis)

1 10 ct Refrigerated Biscuits

1 jar Pizza Sauce (or homemade)

1 cup Shredded Mozarella

2 tbsp Butter - melted

Garlic Salt

Preheat oven to 375.

Smoosh your biscuits and cut them into quarters.  Put a few small slices of Pepperoni in each quarter and roll into a ball.  Place 4 balls into one muffin tin side by side.  Repeat until you use up all your biscuits.

Next - and this is a job you can assign to the kiddos - put Mozarella on top of and in between each ball in each muffin tin to create a cheesy goodness inside when it bakes.

Combine Melted Butter with Garlic Salt (to your taste) and brush Garlic Butter over each muffin (also a great job to get kids involved in cooking).

Bake for 8-10 minutes and serve with warm Pizza Sauce on the side or on top!