Oreo Bark

This is literally one of the easiest recipes I've ever made. It only takes two ingredients, about 10 minutes of work and the end result is delish!

Here's the recipe. This is a great dessert to have around for a reasonably sized solution to a sweet craving. It's also great on the go, which is why I made it (for the boyfriend to take on the road with him). Just throw it in a plastic baggie and enjoy!

Monday Motivation

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Sunday Sermon

Hunters

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Where were these things when I was walking schlepping to class in two feet of snow?!...?!?!

Dollar Store Deals

While living in a small town has it's perks, it surely has some downsides. One of them is not being anywhere near a name brand grocery store, or any name brand store for that matter. Our little market isn't terrible and when you can get stuff on sale, it's comparable to a giant discount store with gas perks and rewards that this one obviously doesn't have. We also have the privilege of being within 2 minutes driving distance from the largest Dollar Store in the state! Go figure. It has a freezer section and everything! It's like a mini Wal-Mart. I hesitated getting a whole lot of stuff from there, though, because, well, it's the Dollar Store. But I've found several things that can be a pretty good deal. And I was relieved to hear that I've been shopping wisely when I read this article. I definitely recommend reading it and then making more frequent trips to the smaller guys and steering clear of the big wigs. They've got enough business anyways. Why waste gas when I can get almost everything right here, and for a better deal?

Monday Motivation

I know I've posted this video before, but I love it so much. Miranda is darling in the beginning and brings tears to my eyes, as well as hope. I've been spoiled with getting to spend so much time with my other half the past few months and have definitely taken it for granted. Now that he's leaving for the majority of a month tomorrow, I'm getting a little sentimental. And blue. (So is Duke-he's not happy about his wrestle buddy leaving for so long and only having wimpy cry-baby mama around.) But it will be good. As my dad says, "Distance makes the heart grow fonder." We'll see. :)
Hopefully this motivates y'all to spend some more quality time with those that God gave to you.

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Spring Skirts & Dresses

I'm so over the cold and the snow and having to bundle up with at least two to three layers every day. What happened to kickin' your shoes off? I have to focus on not to taking out tables, chairs, a puppy and a stairway when trying to get some of my winter shoes off. So in dreaming of spring/summer, I've had my eye on some skirts/dresses to be worn out to eat with families, church, bridal showers (!), lunches with friends, etc. Here are some inspirations for spring shoppin'.

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Country

I received one of the highest compliments the other day when I was called a "southern belle". As soon as I heard, I called my Tennessee born and Texas raised mother, to inform her of one of her life's greatest accomplishments.
I've mentioned before the endearing term "half-breed" that my boyfriend has for me in regards to my father being a Yankee and my mother being a southern belle herself. I can't deny my southern soul. I can't shake the accent (boy, does it come out when I'm mad!). I long for the lifestyle. I love the traditions, standards, and characteristics that come with such a label. Needless to say, I was pleased. And in light of this, I thought I'd share some country/southern inspirations I've collected over the years.

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Monday Motivation

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 Time to wake up and get this glorious week started! Happy Monday!

Valentine (or anytime) Mani Ideas

As classic as French manicures are, sometimes it's fun to do something a little different, like an opposite French mani. Valentine's Day is a great excuse to dress up your mani. Here are some new ideas to try that can be varied with colors, glitter, stickers, etc.

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Menu Planning

In my quest to become more organized this year, I started menu planning. Not only do I get all my grocery shopping done for TWO weeks worth of meals in one trip, but I've been able to set and (for the most part) stick to a budget, which has saved time and money, both of which are super valuable right now. It's also been a great way to incorporate favorite meals, not be as repetitive, and try out new Pinterest recipes. I think it will be especially helpful when we go back to work. Not having to think of something to make then scramble to make it is going to be so nice.
Here's what my menu looks like. I print front and back to save paper. I simply write in what meals I'd we'd like to have and what ingredients I need that I don't already have on hand. Surprisingly, I usually only need about 20 items per two weeks, including the basics; bread, eggs, milk, etc.

Wk:	Meal	Needed Ingredients
One
Two
Three
Four
Five
Six
Seven
Breakfasts
Lunches
Desserts
Smoothies
Snacks

So this is a great way to cut down on what we think we'll eat but end up throwing away. I'll also share my grocery list with you. After menu planning, just write the ingredients you'll need to purchase in the section it applies to on the list. Example: milk, yogurt, cheese will all go under "Dairy". Pretty easy. And it makes it so nice when shopping. This saves a lot of time and avoids a random list which means missed items.
I hope this helps!

Dairy	Veggies	Fruit
{   }	{   }	{   }
{   }	{   }	{   }
{   }	{   }	{   }
{   }	{   }	{   }
{   }	{   }	{   }
Meats	Canned & Boxed	Breads
{   }	{   }	{   }
{   }	{   }	{   }
{   }	{   }	{   }
{   }	{   }	{   }
{   }	{   }	{   }
Frozen	Snacks	Baking
{   }	{   }	{   }
{   }	{   }	{   }
{   }	{   }	{   }
{   }	{   }	{   }
{   }	{   }	{   }
Breakfast	Paper Goods	Health & Beauty
{   }	{   }	{   }
{   }	{   }	{   }
{   }	{   }	{   }
{   }	{   }	{   }
{   }	{   }	{   }
Cleaning	Duke	Miscellaneous
{   }	{   }	{   }
{   }	{   }	{   }
{   }	{   }	{   }
{   }	{   }	{   }
{   }	{   }	{   }