Just Keep Pinning- Favorite Recipe's of 2014

We live in a world where Pinterest is always at your fingertips! I get on Pinterest almost every single day. Let's be honest my life wouldn't be the same without it ;) Today I want to share my top 5 favorite recipes I found on Pinterest. Visit my Pinterest board here to see all the recipe's I have actually made.

1.) Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice 

Get the recipe from Christy Jordan's Southern Plate here.

I actually just made this for dinner last night and it was a hit! I was able to put the chicken in the crock pot on my lunch break and when I got home (4 hours later) it was cooked. The chicken didn't dry out at all which was great. It made a very large portion so there is plenty for left overs. I will definitely make this again. 

2.) Smothered Chicken Casserole

Get this wonderful Recipe here.

 This was as delicious as it looks! I wouldn't categorize it as quick and easy, but every once in a while it is worth the effort! :)

3.) 3-Ingredient Easy Baked Ravioli

find the Recipe here.

The Title describes this perfectly. It was SO EASY! I mean literally 3 minutes of time to put it together and then put it in the oven. Seth and I are all about quick and convenient so this recipe is great for us.

4.) Hawaiian Ham and Cheese Sandwiches

Get the Recipe from Pip & Ebby here.

This recipe is a great way to do a sandwich a little differently. Instead of just your regular ham and cheese you get a delicious little baked slider. I would highly recommend this recipe :)

5.) Corn Casserole

Get the Recipe here.

Seth always teases me that I have an obsession with corn casserole, but its only because it's DELICIOUS! Seriously, it's supposed to be a side and I was eating enough for a full meal.

Hope you enjoy some of these recipes, I know I did ;)

Be blessed!  

Christmas Photos!

Hey All! Just wanted to put up a quick post showing some of my favorite pictures from all of our Christmas Festivities :) 

Can you tell she loved her Christmas gift ;)

The girls from work and me in our Christmas sweaters :)

My sweet little Hope

She was all smiles!

Got Grammy to pose for a picture :)

Yes I kiss my cat.. no shame

I promise he loves me, just hates pictures ;)

All the nieces and nephews were VERY excited for Christmas... can you tell

Also got some great pics with my sisters and mom :)

I was told Ana was my twin ;)

To read the story of this beautiful ring go here.

 Got some cute shots of Seth's 3 youngest brothers!

Sorry for the picture overload, but I couldn't resist sharing! Hope you all are having a relaxing weekend :) 

It's All About The Rings

Wow, so Christmas is over and boy was it busy! Tomorrow or Sunday I will give you all a run down (with lots of pictures ;)) of how Seth and I's Christmas went, but today I'm just focusing on the rings!

Laken and Bryan are Engaged!!

Future Mr. and Mrs. Elston!

 

Laken and I became Besties in 6th grade. We were the kind of friends that would spend HOURS on the phone with each other almost every day. We would talk about boys, make up ridiculous code names, and always have great laughs.  We have been best friends ever since! Sure there were years we fought and bickered, but just because we love each other like sisters ;)

On Christmas Eve Laken's boyfriend Bryan became her Fiance and I could not be happier for the both of them! It's always so great to see your best friends find forever happiness!

The Sweetest Gift

 

Just about 2 months ago Seth's Grandma Hull passed away. It was obviously a very hard and sad time for the family, and with the holidays it always makes it extra difficult. Yesterday afternoon we had Christmas with Grandpa Hull and he game me this beautiful opal ring as a gift. He told me that Grandma had wanted me to have it. It was one of the most amazing and emotional gifts I have ever received. I put it on right away and it hasn't left my hand since! 

So blessed to have gotten to spend so much time with all of Seth and I's families the past couple of days. We still have one more Christmas tonight and then its straight on to New Years!

Hope you all have an amazingly blessed day! :) 

It's Almost That Time Again...

 No, I'm not talking about Christmas. I'm talking about the fact that the next season of The Bachelor starts in just a couple weeks, January 5th to be exact! I love watching The Bachelor, it's so full of drama its addicting. Plus I never would have found Shay's blog (which is one of my favorites) without the help of The Bachelor. She is Sean Lowe's sister, and Sean was the best Bachelor of all time in my professional opinion ;)

 This year we are following Chris, the farmer from Iowa. He appeared on Andi's season and had his heart crushed when she sent him home. He is now back again looking for love. Today I'm going to share my top 10 favorite girls, based completely on their pictures and short bios I was able to read on them ;) I'm sure my opinions will change after the premier.

 Alissa:

 

Amanda:

 

Kara:

 

Kelsey:

 

 Tracy:

Trina:

 

Nikki:

Michelle:

 

Mackenzie:

 

Kaitlyn:

To see the full list of 30 girls go here.

Can't wait to watch The Bachelor with you all! Hope you have a Very Merry Christmas! 

And on a side note, I recently reopened my  Etsy Shop! Check it out here.

How To Take the Stress Out of the Holidays

The Christmas season is full of happiness, love, family, and unfortunately for many families is also a time of stress. As we quickly approach Christmas (only 4 day!!!!!) I wanted to share a few helpful ways to  reduce that stress.

Make a Schedule:

This year Seth and I have 7 Christmas celebrations, yes SEVEN! The thought of trying to fit that many get togethers in a few days span was daunting to say the least. We decided the only way to make it work was to make a schedule so we know exactly when we need to be where. Its a simple as this:

Christmas Eve: 

I work: 8:30-12:00

Seth works 11:00-3:00

4:00-6:30ish: Christmas at Seth's Uncle Mark's house

7:00-whenever: Christmas at my Grandma's house

Christmas Day:

9:00: Go to Seth's Mom's house for breakfast

10:00ish: Be at my Mom's house for brunch

2:00 or 3:00: Head over to Seth's Grandpa Hull;s house 

End the day at Seth's Dad's house

It still stinks that we have so many places to go, but it really reduces the stress to have a plan!

Fake it Til You Feel it

So you feel super stressed and not so Jolly? Well instead of pouting and making the worst of it, get psyched.  And why wouldn't you trust the advice of Mindy Kaling anyway ;)

Remember What It's All About

This is the most important way to reduce holiday stress. Take time out of the day to get away from all the hustle and bustle and spend time with the creator who it is all about. Take extra time to thank Jesus for who he is and what he has done for you. Pray for the things that are stressing you out and causing you to be uneasy, and trust me he will listen! 

I hope you take time to enjoy your Christmas instead of stressing over the details! Thanks for stopping by friends :) 

Have a blessed day! 

Had to share! Got a rare pic with the hubby ;)

Friday Favorites!

Wow, I am SO Glad it's Friday again! This week has been pretty crazy, busy, and full of me not having a voice. Today I'm thrilled to be linking up with a few of my very favorite blogs to read to do another "Friday Favorites". Check out Andrea's blog Momfessionals, Erika's blog called A Little Bit of Everything, and Narci's blog called Grace and Love.

1) My number one favorite thing about this week was reconnecting with a couple of my Besties!

 On Wednesday night Maddie and Stacie came over to my house to catch up. It was  so nice getting to chat about random things and laugh! No matter how long we go between seeing each other we always have a great time! Can't wait for our annual scarf exchange in January!!

2) The fact that Christmas is less than a week away!! If you need any ideas on Christmas treats check out my previous post here.

 

3) My Momma goes on my list of favorites this week. Yesterday when I was home sick she rescued me by picking up cat food for my cats, and bringing me all the essentials to feel better. Even as a grown woman I still always want my momma when I'm sick. Love you mom ;)

 4) Nyquil. Yep this is happening, Nyquil is on my list of favorite things. It is the only reason I have been sleeping the past few nights. I like to call it a "nyquil induced coma". Regardless what you call it, It is wonderful.

No I'm not a druggy, and yes I do love Ecards.

 Sorry all, but this is all I have for you today, blame it on the Nyquil or the fact that I still can barely speak ;). Hope you all have a FABULOUS weekend! 

Be Blessed!!