Exciting News

I just walked in from class but wanted to quickly share the BIG news. Sorry to disappoint a few of you, I'm not prego.

Many of you know about JD's long time passion to work in the video game industry. If you didn't know, JD has been talking about a career change into the video game industry for years. He began looking into companies and realized many video game companies are located on the west coast. There are a few here on the east coast but not many.

The career change began as a dream and through a lot of prayer, many late night discussions, and facing the unknown, he resigned from his current job after Thanksgiving to devote time, energy, and research into breaking into the video game industry. Needless to say, it is very hard to land a job without knowing someone.

All of this leads me to the big announcement that his prayers were answered and he finally got a job. He is now employed by Bethesda Softworks.

I am so proud of his ambition, trust in the Lord, and willingness to follow his dream.

Go get 'em tiger!!

Spring Wish List

I had a great birthday, and I am so excited to go shopping with my birthday cash! Thanks to my wonderful parents, gran, and mother-in-law, I am ready to hit the mall, cash in hand. I am stoked for two reasons:

1) I haven't really bought (received) any new clothes since Christmas.
2) I am tired of looking at the same old digs every morning in my closet.

I have a huge project due April 14th and to celebrate its completion I'm going on a shopping spree that weekend. To contain myself until then, I did a little virtual shopping. Here are a few things on my wish list. 

1. Toms

2. J. Crew Bag

3. New Sunglasses. Not necessarily this pair, but I'm thinking aviators.

4. Adele's new CD.

5. A summer dress or two.

6. New shorts, maybe this pair or something similar.

7. Makeup. Something to brighten me up for spring.

8. Lounge pants. Thinking either these or these.

Until then, back to reality which means working on report cards that are due tomorrow.

Anybody else want something new for spring?

Going Green Winner

Guess who will be walking away with all of these free goodies?

Using random.org...

 

The lucky winner is...

 

Who said, "Great blog! Going green is very important. I try to help the environment by recycling, and using reusable bags."

Thanks to all of you who of those who entered!! 

College Reunion

Before you read on, don't forget to enter the GOING GREEN giveaway. Seriously people, it's free. Who doesn't want a chance at free stuff?

I'm afraid if I don't write this post tonight, I won't have any other time this week.

This weekend we got together with all my college roommates and had a blast. I roomed with these girls for the majority of my college life. Even though a lot of us got married, we still get together and enjoy every minute of it.

 

After trekking all over DC with a visit to the zoo and enjoying a delicious dinner, we came home and had a few drinks, played a new board game, and made ice cream sundaes.

Who said adults can't have sleepovers too?

Going Green & A Giveaway

Last night JD and I went to an auction at my elementary school where the PTA organized themed baskets for a silent auction along with other ticket raffles to win. After stalking the Going Green basket,  I walked away a winner.

If I am being honest, I am not someone who goes over and beyond to "be green." Before you judge, I do the bare minimum of using a reusable water bottle, not littering, turning the water off while brushing my teeth, ya know the real easy ones, but I would say my attempt to save the Earth stops there.

So I was stoked when I won the Going Green basket filled with all sorts of new goodies. I have been wanting reusable grocery bags for a while now but just haven't bought any (I know, so horrible) and I got 7 in my new basket. Along with some eco-friendly cleaning solutions, three contigo water bottles, chemical free cleaning rags,  a new book, a ceramnic coffee mug, natural plates, wax candles and a few other items.

I thought spending $55.00 to support the PTA and help change my non-earthy ways was money well spent.

Now here's the good part. I'm going to share the wealth and host a giveaway. One lucky winner will receive a yellow contigo water bottle, a green fabric lunch box, and a reusable grocery bag.

 

Here's how to Enter:

• Leave a comment on this post (not facebook) with the words GOING GREEN and if you want answer the bonus question: "How are you going green?" or if you're like me "How would you like to go green?"

• If you read the blog and are not already a follower,  become a follower (click the button on the right that says Follow), and leave a second comment with the words, I'M A NEW FOLLOWER. 

• If you have a blog and mention this giveaway on your blog leave another comment with the words, I SHARED THE GIVEAWAY. Anyone can enter!

The giveaway closes next Friday the 25th at 5:00 pm. I will announce the winner next Saturday the 26th.

So, just like I say to the 5th graders, the more times you enter, the higher probability you have of winning. 

So go crazy for going green.

Cheddar Stuffed Potatoes

Since all I do these days is work, eat, and sleep, I'm back with another fun recipe. Are you getting tired of the recipes? Hopefully not. Yet again I got this recipe from my most recent Real Simple magazine. Drum roll please....cheddar stuffed potatoes.

Here's a picture of them baking away.

  

I've never made twice baked potatoes before because I imagined them taking a lot of work. This recipe was great because it only called for two potatoes and it's ideal for one or two people. We each ate a half and had plenty of leftovers. 

Recipe

Ingrdients:

• kosher salt and black pepper
• 2 large russet potaotes 
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 4 tablespoons (1⁄2 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 4 ounces cheddar, grated (1 cup)
  

Microwave the potatoes on high until tender, 10 to 12 minutes. 

Halve lengthwise and, preserving the skins, scoop the flesh into a bowl. 

Mash the flesh with the milk, butter, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper; mix in half the Cheddar. Spoon into the potato skins, place on a baking sheet, and sprinkle with the remaining Cheddar. Bake in oven for 25-30 minutes at 450 degrees.

I also added a dollop of sour cream and only used 2 tablespoons of butter. As you can see in the picture, I had to reinforce my potato skins with foil. All of my skins lost their shape but one. 

 

Paired with steak and green beans made for a simple and tasty meal. 

Chatham Hill

I stumbled upon this furniture site this week and LOVE everything about it. I love the aged look, the bright and bold colors, and durability of the pieces. The website does not include any prices but I'm sure they aren't cheap. Someday when I'm rich and famous own a home, I will own a piece of this furniture.  I put together a little mood board to show you some of my favorite pieces. Be sure to check out all of the furniture on their website.

Have a great weekend!

Chef Jder

With a few spare minutes, I wanted to drop in and say hello and share another recipe.

When my Real Simple magazine came this month, I was stoked to see, amazing slow-cooker dinners on the cover. We decided to try the spinach and ricotta lasagna and added all the necessary ingredients to the grocery list.

The plan was so prepare it Tuesday night, pop it in the crock pot Wednesday morning and have it ready for dinner Wed. night. Plans were changed when I was struck with another dreadful migraine Tuesday night and in bed by 8:30.

Fast forward to Wed. afternoon while driving home from work thinking to myself, what are we going to eat for dinner tonight? Pancakes? Grilled Cheese? Steak meal planned for Thursday?

When I walked in I was beyond surprised to smell yummy goodness and spotted the crock pot plugged in and steaming away. Chef JDer was hard at work in the kitchen again.  Seriously, this boy is amazing.

I made him pose and said, "come on, for the blog, pleeeeeeease?"

It was delicious! You should try it. I gotta find more recipes for that slow-cooker.

Just some thoughts...

I wish I had a fun project to share or a new recipe or some story about how I saved a few dollars but in reality I don't. It's been a busy and somewhat overwhelming past couple of weeks. Between migraines, papers to write, papers to grade and a few other stressors, I've had NO time for anything.

Thanks, Mollie what a great uplifting couple of sentences to read on Saturday morning!? I know, but stick with me. I read blogs likes it's my job and have been inspired by this, this, and this. Even though my blog is related to all things savings, inexpensive DIYs, etc, I've realized it's okay to let my blogging friends see me in real situations dealing with real life. Life isn't always filled with rainbows and puppies. It's okay to have rough moments, shed a few tears (even though I don't have tears), and rely on others for support.

I know God won't give me anything I can't handle, and I've been inspired to find the joy amidst these busy times. It's a simple thought but I am so grateful for my husband. His overwhelming support and kindness calm me at the end of the day. He's been cooking dinner, doing the dishes, he made me chocolate cookies, and even went to the grocery store last weekend while I stayed home to work.

When Friday came, our little condo looked like a disaster, like a tornado came through and I wish I had a picture to show you the unruly mess. On Friday morning as I was leaving for school, I asked JD to tidy up a bit. When I came home the house was spotless and I had to laugh when he said...

"You had every pair of boots you own under or around this coffee table, I found clothes everywhere, papers and books scattered, the bathroom was a mess, socks on the floor..." 

He made the bed, folded all my clothes, and put all my paperwork in a neat pile.

In the scheme of life, I have it great. I have a home, a loving family, a great job, amazing friends, and in stressful times, I appreciate what I often take for granted.

Thanks hubby for all that you do!

Happy Weekend!!

ps. have you heard that JD has a blog? Be sure to check it out here.