Farewell Blog World

I'm leaving the blog world indefinitely. The Lord has put it in my heart that I need to focus more on my family. I feel like I've been spending too much time online and not enough time nurturing my relationship with Christ, being a wife, and being a mom. So, I'm going to get back to what is most important in my life. Even though I don't post that often, I do spend a lot of time surfing through other blogs and reading them.
I'm leaving my blog website up in case anyone would like a recipe from it or would like to read any other posts. But I won't be posting anymore after this and probably won't be reading other blogs either.
Also, for those of you who email me, I won't be checking email as often as I used to, so you might want to call me if you need to tell me something pressing.
I pray anyone who has stumbled across my blog has been encouraged by it and hopefully has taken something away from it.
God Bless!
~Beth

Recession Fashion

Kelly over at Kelly's Korner is doing a Mister Linky post on recession fashion. So, here are my tips for dressing for less in today's tough economy.

1. Shop consignment sales. We have two great children's consignment sales in our area twice a year: Rhea Lana and Duck Duck Goose. I went to both this year and got some great things for the kids. For my 7-year-old: 2 nice button-down Abercrombie shirts for $10 each, several pair of jeans for around $8, nice brown leather shoes for $8, and a lot more! For my 4-month-old: Lots of cute outfits for around $4 and some adorable brown sandals for this summer for $2!
It's also a good idea to clean out your old stuff and put them in the consignment sales. Then, you make back the money you spend, so the stuff is basically free! And you usually get to shop earlier than the public if you consign, so you get the first pick of the cutest stuff!

2. Shop e-bay. I love Gap jeans, but they usually run around $60. I know exactly what size I wear in them, so I go to e-bay and find Gap jeans in my size for around $8 plus shipping. I end up spending less than $20 on $60 jeans! And even if they're used, Gap makes great jeans that last forever. You can also usually find "lots" of cute tops in your size at a good price. And for the kids, my pastor's wife says she buys most of her baby's clothes on ebay and saves a ton of money.

3. Join Yahoo Groups. Yahoo has some great groups out there. One I love is freecycle. You give away stuff you don't use anymore (including clothes) to people in your community and you can also get stuff. I've gotten some great things from there. It's usually a really great place to find maternity clothes. There are also coupon trading groups. Someone might get a 15% coupon to JC Penney in the mail that they aren't going to use, so they offer it in the group and you can get it. This is a great way to save on new clothes.

4. Yard Sales. Especially if you go to the fancy-shmancy neighborhoods. They always have great stuff!

Do you have any recession fashion tips? Post a response here, or post them on your blog and participate in the Mister Linky at Kelly's Korner!

Fizz Keeper

This:



Is the "Fizz Keeper"

I got this the other day when I bought the Chef'n Palm Peeler. I wanted to give it a fair shot before posting my opinion on it. I've used it several times now and here is what I think:

We drink a lot of 2-liters. They always do fine until I get down toward the bottom of the bottle and then it always seems to lose it's fizz. So, I end up pouring about a glass and a half of the soda down the drain. I bought the Fizz Keeper, hoping it would solve my dilemma. Unfortunately, it did not. It did great at keeping fizz in the soda. But when I got to the bottom of the bottle, I poured a glass and there was fizz, but it looked different than the usual carbonation fizz and the soda was still flat. Also, the fizz keeper wouldn't make a good, tight seal on the bottle of Barq's Rootbeer.

So, when it comes to the Fizz Keeper, I say don't waste your money. It kept the soda from going flat until the bottle got low, but so does the bottle cap for me. Maybe if you take a little longer to drink your 2-liters it might work better than the regular bottle cap for you. But I don't know for sure because I didn't test it that way. We drink 2-liters pretty quickly.

Hope this helps!

Chef'n Palm Peeler

I got one of these the other day and used it last night. It is AWESOME! It slides right onto your finger, tucks into your palm, and peels anything. It even has a convenient potato eyer at the tip and is top rack dishwasher safe. I hate peeling potatoes and sometimes cut a little too much of the potato with the peel. Not with this thing. It peels the potato perfectly and it's soooo easy. It makes peeling potatoes a snap! I got mine at Kitchen Island in Cabot. You can also get them online at The Kitchen Store here: http://www.thekitchenstore.com/chpape.html

I got another goodie at Kitchen Island and I'll be posting on it once I use it and see how well it works.

Gray Areas

Ever come across a gray are in life that the Bible doesn't specifically speak of? If you are wondering whether you should or should not do something, and the Bible doesn't specifically talk about that particular subject...ask yourself these four questions to make your decision.

1. Does it promote edification? (will it unite or divide the saints?)
2. Can it lead to bondage or addiction?
3. Do you have an uneasy conscience about it? (probably a good indication you shouldn't do it)
4. Can it cause someone to stumble? (1 Cor. 8:9)

Our pastor gave us these four questions last Wednesday night. I know I'll be using them for the gray areas in my life. Will you?

Strawberry Coconut Cake

This cake was adapted from another type of cake I make. The other cake was made with a boxed cake mix, though. This one is from scratch and so much better! The other cake had pudding in it and had to be spooned out, but I needed a cake that could be sliced, so I changed a few things and came up with this and it's sooo delicious. And if you don't like the texture of coconut, don't worry, it's made with cream of coconut so there is no gritty texture and just the right amount of coconut flavor to compliment the strawberry.

Strawberry Coconut Cake

Yellow Cake Recipe from Better Homes & Gardens:
3/4 cup butter
3 eggs
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 3/4 cups sugar
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1 1/4 cups milk

other ingredients you will need:
one box fresh strawberries
one can cream of coconut (found near the mixed drink stuff in the grocery store)
1 tub cool whip


1. Allow butter and eggs to stand at room temp. for 30 minutes. Grease and flour one 13/9/2 inch baking pan; set aside. In a bowl stir together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.

2. Preheat oven to 375. In a mixing bowl beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Gradually add sugar, beating until well combined. Beat 2 minutes more. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Alternately add flour mixture and milk, beating on low speed after each addition just until combined. Spread batter into prepared pan.

3. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cook cake for 10 minutes. Remove from pan and place on serving platter.

4. While the cake is still warm, using a butter knife, cut several small slits about an inch into the top of the cake all around (about 10 slits). Spread about 1/2 cup of cream of coconut all over the top of the cake. Allow cake to cool completely.

5. Once the cake is cool, slice strawberries into thin slices and cover the top of the cake with them. Then, frost the entire cake with the cool whip. Serve.

Store in Refridgerator.

Make sure and leave me a comment if you try this and tell me how you like it!

Hollywood

For a list of movies that use blasphemy, click on Hollywood and God to the left.

My Friend at Conversations with a Cupcake

Click here to see a really cute video by my friend Brooke over at Conversations with a Cupcake. It's pretty funny, and you get a recipe out of the deal, too!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAObVcxbnYI&watch_response

If God is Good...

A common misconception is that if God is good, he will allow you into heaven because a good God would not send you to Hell.

Well, if God is good, then he must also be a good judge. We will all face judgement when we die. Imagine if you went to court for murder and the judge had all the evidence against you. Would a good judge pardon you for your crime? Of course not, he would sentence you to your punishment because he is a good judge. In the same way, God is a good judge and must judge us for our sins. Have you ever lied, stolen, cheated, etc.? Then you will be found guilty in God's courtroom. UNLESS you have the ultimate attorney. This attorney pays your fine for you and God then will say, "your case is dismissed, your punishment has already been paid." The attorney is Jesus. He paid the price for our sins on the cross so that when we face judgement, our case will be dismissed and we will move on to an eternal heaven where we will live with God. Now understand that this gift is not automatic. You must first accept it. "narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it" Matthew 7:14

It is so sad that "there are few who find it". But the reality is that most people are too selfish to turn from themselves, repent for their sins, and follow Jesus. Selfishness isn't always the issue, but it often is. There are many people who are afraid that following Jesus will change them, and they are happy just as they are. Let me tell you from experience, it WILL change you...but the change is for the better. I'm not saying it will make you have a better or happier life, but it will definitely change you for the better. Mostly because you will have an inner joy knowing that this life, with all its problems, is temporary and you have something to look forward to: eternity in paradise with your creator.

Want to accept Jesus as your Savior? Go to these links in order:
http://www.proverbs31.org/doyouknowJesus/doYouKnowJesus.php

http://www.proverbs31.org/doyouknowJesus/acceptJesusForm.php

http://www.proverbs31.org/doyouknowJesus/whatDoIDoNow.php

If you do this, please let me know. I'd love to rejoice with you!

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

This is what's for dinner at my house tonight. I sort of made it up myself a few years ago and it's delish!!

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

1 whole chicken
2 bags of boil in bag white rice
2 cans cream of chicken
One 15 oz. jar of Kraft Cheese Whiz
1 bag frozen broccoli cuts
salt and pepper
Shredded Cheese of your choice (I use colby jack)

Rinse the chicken and take out the neck and gizzards. Boil chicken until cooked through. Drain and let cool. Pull all chicken meat off the bones and pull into small strips of meat. Put in a large bowl.

Boil 2 bags of rice until done, then add them to the chicken. Mix in cream of chicken, cheese whiz, and broccoli cuts. Stir in some salt and pepper.

Put in a large casserole dish. Top with shredded cheese and bake at 350 degrees for about 30-45 minutes.

Serve with bread of your choice.

Tex-Mex Beef Enchiladas

These are so yummy! My family loves it when I make them.

Tex-Mex Beef Enchiladas

Yellow Corn Tortillas
1.5 pounds ground beef
1 can refried beans
1 large can enchilada sauce
Two 8 ounce packages shredded cheese (mexican blend or colby jack or cheddar)
1 packet McCormicks Chili Seasoning
Butter

Brown the ground beef in a large skillet. Drain grease and return to skillet. Add the packet of chili seasoning, the can of refried beans, and half the can of enchilada sauce. Stir together and cook until it is hot. Remove from heat and set aside.

Spread butter on each side of a corn tortilla. Cook it in a small skillet, turning until both sides are golden. Fill it with some of the beef mixture and shredded cheese. Roll it and put it in a large regtangular casserole dish. Repeat until the dish is full of enchiladas.

Pour the rest of the enchilada sauce into the remaining beef mixture and stir until well combined. Spread this over the enchiladas in the dish. Spread one whole 8 oz package of shredded cheese on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes, until cheese is melted and slightly brown.

Serve with tortilla chips and sour cream.

My Funny Stuff Blog

I made a new blog. It's all about stuff I think is funny. Go check it out, and get a good laugh.

The link is to the left.

Italian Roast Beef Sandwiches

This is what's for dinner tonight at my house. It's another quick and super-easy recipe. I learned this one from my dad.

Italian Roast Beef Sandwiches

1 Boneless Chuck Roast
2 Packets Dry Italian Dressing Mix
Hoagie Buns
Butter
Garlic Powder
Sliced Cheese

Brown the chuck roast in a skillet until the outside is nice and golden brown. Put it in the crockpot and fill with enough water to cover the roast. Pour in the two packets of italian dressing mix. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the roast falls apart. Pull the roast into shreds

Butter each side of the hoagie buns and sprinkle with garlic powder (or garlic salt if you like it a little salty). Put them in the oven on 400 until they are lightly toasted.

Put shreds of the roast and a slice of cheese on each hoagie bun.

I serve these with homemade fries.

Chris Sligh

I saw Chris Sligh in concert tonight. It was so much fun! He's really funny and has a beautiful voice. Afterward, he signed my CD and I got my picture taken with him. If he ever comes to your town, I suggest you see him. He puts on a really good show...plus he has a really cool fro.

Gigi's Apple Crisp

Yesterday was my 4 year wedding anniversary. The Lord has blessed me with an amazing husband who is also a wonderful father to our two boys. I love him so much and thank God continually for him.

We always get each other the "traditional" anniversary gifts. The 4 year traditional gift is flowers or fruit. So, he got me flowers and I made him an apple crisp. I use my mom's recipe and it is soooo delish! (the grandkids call my mom Gigi). It's nice and crispy and sweet. In fact, after this post I think I'll go have some!

(Warning: if you are on a diet...turn away now! This stuff is full of sugar and butter!)

Gigi's Apple Crisp

4-5 Gala Apples
1/2 cup sugar
1 tbs cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1/4 stick of butter
1 cup sugar
1 cup self-rising flour
1 egg
1 stick of butter

Peel apples and slice into wedges. Grease a rectangular glass baking dish. Cover the bottom of the dish with the apple wedges. In a medium bowl, mix 1/2 cup sugar, the cinnamon and nutmeg. Sprinkle mixture over apples. Cut the 1/4 stick of butter into small slices and scatter them over the apples. In a large bowl, mix 1 cup sugar and 1 cup flour. Beat the egg in a small bowl. Mix the egg into the flour/sugar mixture with a fork until it is crumbly. Spread the crumbles over the apples. Melt 1 stick of butter and pour over the top of the crumbles. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream on top.

Busy Mom Recipe: Dorito Chicken

I subscribe to daily email devotionals from Proverbs 31 Ministries. Today's devotional was called "Her children arise and call her busy". In the devotional the author writes that one day after telling her daughter she was too busy to tell her a story, her daughter said,

"That's okay, I'll tell you a story. Once upon a time," she began, "there was a very busy mom. She woke up every day and she was tired. She made a big pot of coffee and went into her room to pray. She prayed and prayed and prayed…but nothing happened. She did the laundry and went to Target and to the grocery store where she spent lots of money. She made dinner and cleaned the house. She went to help the homeless children. At the end of the day, she was still tired so she went to bed. The end."

That really hit home for me. I bet that's how my son views me as well. I really need to slow down and spend some good quality time with him and with the Lord each day.

So, for you busy moms, I have a great recipe. I'm making this for dinner tonight...it takes very little time and it's delicious! My mom always called it "Mexican Chicken", but I've heard several people call it "Dorito Chicken". Whatever you want to call it, here is the recipe...enjoy!

Dorito Chicken

1 Whole Chicken
2 cans cream of chicken
2 cans rotel
1 large bag of Doritos
2 bags shredded cheese (I use colby jack blend but you can use cheddar too)

Boil the whole chicken until done. Strain and let cool. Pick all the meat off the bone and pull into small strips. Put the meat in a large bowl. Mix in the cream of chicken and rotel. Stir in some salt and pepper.

Crush the Doritos while still in the bag.

In a large, deep casserole dish, cover the bottom with half the bag of Doritos. Cover the Dorito layer with half the chicken mixture. Cover that with half the shredded cheese. Then do a layer of the other half of Doritos, a layer of the other half of chicken mixture, and finally the other half of the cheese.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes.

Serve with Tortilla Chips.

Think about it

I want you to think about something. First, pick a person in this world of great status. Maybe it's your favorite actor, or the president of the United States, or your favorite singer. Just think of a person you would love to meet and have a conversation with. It has to be someone of this world, who is living right now. Do you have your person? I'm going to pick a person, too. My person is George W. Bush.

Ok, now imagine that person wanted to come to your house and sit with you at the kitchen table and have a conversation. I think if George W. Bush wanted to visit my house and have a conversation with me, I'd probably be very excited about it. I would probably clear my schedule so there would be no interruptions. I probably wouldn't say, "you know, George, I'm a little busy watching Judge Judy right now...maybe some other time." Of course not! I would be very interested to talk with him and probably would want to make our visit last as long as possible. What about the person you picked? Would you blow them off or cut your conversation short? Probably not.

Now, think about this question. When it comes to God, do you really believe, that what you believe, is really real? I mean do you REALLY believe it? Because if you REALLY believe that when you pray, you are meeting with the creator of the universe, the living God, you wouldn't have trouble praying daily...you would have trouble leaving your prayer! Think about it. If a conversation with someone of this world who you find fascinating would get you so excited that you wouldn't let anything stand in the way of it, how much more exciting should it be to speak with GOD?!

Last night, we started a weekly Bible study with our friends called The Truth Project. Let me tell you, it is really amazing. If you ever have the chance to do The Truth Project...do it. It will make you think about your faith in ways you have never thought before. And it will make you constantly question yourself..."Do I really believe, that what I believe, is really real?"

The idea about prayer really hit me. I struggle to have a daily prayer life. But if I really believe I'm speaking with God, why is it so hard? I think this concept is going to dramatically change my prayer life. Each day, if I choose, I get to meet with the creator of the universe...and THAT is more exciting than meeting with anyone else I can think of. I'm really excited that I have the privilege to speak with Him whenever I want...and I think now it's going to be hard to peel me away from those conversations.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

I've always loved homemade scalloped potatoes (the boxed ones are kinda yucky), but I never knew how to make them. I was so excited when my mom got me the new Better Homes and Gardens "Celebrating the Promise" cookbook for Christmas. I was looking through it and found a simple recipe for scalloped potatoes. I've made it twice with dinner and it's sooooo good. Don't forget to comment if you ever try a recipe from my blog and tell me how you like it. Here is the recipe, with some slight changes made by me.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

1 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup butter or margarine (I use real butter)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 1/2 cups milk
1 1/2 cups shredded cheese
4 medium, thinly sliced potatoes

1. For sauce, in a medium saucepan cook onion and garlic in hot butter until tender. Stir in flour, salt, and pepper. Add milk all at once. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Stir in cheese until melted. Remove from heat; set aside. Place half the sliced potatoes in a greased, shallow casserole dish. Top with half the sauce. Repeat layers.

2. Bake, covered, in a 350 degree oven for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake for 40 to 50 more minutes or until potato is tender and top is a nice golden brown. Let stand, uncovered, for 10 minutes before serving.

Beef Tips with Noodles

Ok, sorry I haven't been blogging regularly...I do have a newborn baby at home, so I think that's a legit excuse. I plan to get going on my blog regularly very soon. We're starting to get into a good routine around here, so it won't be long. Meanwhile, here is this SIMPLE crockpot recipe for you busy moms out there. It is sooooo delicious... my favorite thing to prepare for my family when I know it's going to be a busy day.

Beef Tips with Noodles

Put all these ingredients into your crockpot and cook on Low 6-8 hours or until the beef is tender.

2 pounds beef tips (I get the kind for stir-fry)
2 cans cream of celery
2 cans cream of mushroom
1 whole onion diced (I know it sounds like a lot of onion, but it doesn't taste onion-y, trust me)
One tbsp. salt
1/2 tbsp. pepper
1/2 tbsp. garlic powder

When the beef is tender, boil a pot full of egg noodles until they are tender, then mix them into the crockpot. Serve with Cornbread.

Enjoy!

Another Giveaway from Sunshine

My friend Sunshine over at Make Life Delicious is doing ANOTHER giveaway. Check it out HERE