Busy, busy, busy....

I know, I know...I've been 'gone' from the blogging world for over a week. Things have been a little hectic around here lately!

I've been looking for a new job, so I've been consumed with the job search and interviews. There is one position at a physician's office that I am really hopeful about. I had an interview Tuesday evening, and should hear something about it next week. I am praying exceedingly! A new job and change is what I need right now, for personal reasons.

My boyfriend's Granny has been very ill for over a year now. Between an abundance of doctor's visits and hospital stays, they have concluded that her small bowel needs to be removed. It is basically dead, which is why she has been extremely ill with her stomach. She has been on a feeding tube for over a month now, and we all take turns staying with her. Her surgery is scheduled for October 9th, so please keep her in your prayers if you think about it. I am praying for a speedy recovery and for the Lord to guide the doctors and nurses through her care. Regretfully, she may have to go into a nursing home...she will need 24-hour constant care. This has been very hard on my Stevie and his family. With me as well; I love Granny as if she were my own. And I love hearing her call me 'Sunshine'. I pray to bring her that sunshine whenever I can!!!

In between those situations, and just life in general, I have been a little aloof, and I apologize! I plan on putting on my creative hat and churning up more posts, recipes and pictures for you wonderful people :)

Blessings,
Sarah

Fall Wreath with Tutorial

Happy Friday, everyone! I am so glad it is Friday, my work week is finally over. Any plans for this weekend? No? Well, here you go. Make this fall wreath, and have something to smile (and brag) about!

Do you get appalled when you see the prices of wreaths in stores? Me too! You can make a beautiful wreath just like those you see in stores, but even more special because YOU made it. Yes, you.

Here is what you will need:

Get a wreath (any size you like) and anything you want to put on your wreath. I went to Hobby Lobby and got this wreath for $4.99 and these cute little pumpkin twigs for $1 each!

You will also need a wooden letter, or metal. Whatever you can find. Hobby Lobby had these wooden letters on sale. Woot woot. I also picked up a couple pages of scrap paper that I thought would look 'fall-like' but would also match up with my pumpkin twigs. These were only .59 cents each!

Last, but not least, you will need a pair of scissors, Mod Podge, some sponges, a glue gun and glue sticks. Now, get your creative hat on and let's get busy!

First, we are going to trace our letter onto the scrap paper. I flipped the paper over just so I could see the lines better, it doesn't matter really.

Viola, a cute cutout letter! Next, we're going to get this little beauty onto our wooden letter.

But before we can do that, we need to put some Mod Podge onto the letter. Just take one of your handy dandy sponges, dip into the Mod Podge, and rub it all over the letter. 

Okay, now we can place our cut out letter onto the real letter. If it doesn't fit perfectly, don't sweat, just wrap it around the edges. No worries here, friends. After you place it on there, you want to get more Mod Podge with your handy dandy sponge and slather the letter real good again. Don't be scared, just go for it.

Let that dry.

While this is drying, heat up your glue gun and get your area ready to glue on your cuties to put on your wreath. Arrange it however you like, play around a little. Get creative!

This is how I liked it, simple yet elegant.

Make sure your cute letter is dry before gluing it on your wreath! Then, place it on the side, or top, or bottom, whatever you decided. Mine of course will go on the side.

Isn't it purty? I rather think so myself. Now go, create and decorate. 

Have a wonderfully blessed Friday and weekend :)

Sarah

Fall Decor & Deep Dish Pizza

I'm lucky enough to live in a state where we can enjoy all four seasons.  Fall is by far my favorite of all.  There is a certain smell in the air, definitely cooler temps, and I absolutely love the change of color in the leaves. All the different oranges, reds and browns bring a smile to my face every year.  Around September and October every year, I take a drive up to the Blue Ridge Parkway to really see the spectacular colors and views. So beautiful. I will take plenty of photos this time around and post here for you all to see.

I've only gotten a little bit of decorating completed the past couple days. There are never enough hours in the day, ya' know? But here is a sneek peak of what I have accomplished.

Here is a front view of my mantel. Last fall, I got all of these goodies on clearance @ Hobby Lobby.  I just love clearances AND Hobby Lobby :)

This is a side table I have at the front entrance. Again, more goodies found at the Dollar Tree and Hobby Lobby.

I have also made a Fall wreath.  Tomorrow, I will post a step by step tutorial to make this wreath.

Now how about some Deep Dish Pizza? Or as we sometimes call in our home 'Dip Dip Pizza'. LoL, I got tongue tied one night and told Austin (my Beloved's youngest) that I was making Dip Dip Pizza. It's stuck ever since!

This recipe is another quickie but so good! 

Here is what you will need:

1 package (2 cups) shredded Pizza Blend Cheese, 1 Jar (14 oz) Pizza Sauce, Pepperoni, Pizza Dough (I use the pillsbury), and 1 pound of hamburger.

Directions:

Preheat oven to directions on pizza dough. Usually it is 400 degrees. Spray a casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray. Brown the hamburger and drain excess grease. Mix the pizza sauce in with the hamburger (like you would with spaghetti sauce).  Lay your pizza dough in the dish, using your fingers to push it around the edges. Spread your hamburger mixture on top of dough. Next, place all of the cheese on top of the meat, and follow with the pepperoni's. I usually line them all together in a row. 

Bake for 20 minutes until dough is cooked and cheese is nicely melted.

Here is your end result:

Lemme tell ya', this is so good! There were no leftovers (well, I slipped a slice for me to have for lunch tomorrow!).
I hope you enjoy. As always...

Blessings, 

Sarah :)

Manic Monday & Monterrey Chicken

Happy Monday evening everyone! I hope everyone had a blessed day.

Today started as a typical Monday. I got up, went to work anticipating a busy schedule as usual. Oh! I completely forgot to let you guys know what I do...
I work @ our local Hospital in the Patient Access department. I specifically pre-register accounts for outpatient procedures. Basically, I 'verify the patients insurance, make sure the orders match up with the bookings, and then run an estimate if the patient has a copay or deductible. I also work with outpatient pre-certifications. When I do this job, I check with the patients insurance to make sure that a precert number is not required for the procedure. If there is a authorization number needed, I am to get it so the insurance company will pay....completely bored? That's typical...
Upon arrival to work, my beloved text me to let me know that he had locked his keys in the car, and I have his extra set. This really wouldn't be a problem...but he works an hour and a half away from me. I had to ask my supervisor if I could leave earlier in the afternoon in order to run and help him into his car.
Let me tell you, I have the utmost respect for Steve (my beloved) now! I could not even imagine driving an hour and half to work each morning and then back home in the evening. The drive alone is tiring.
Needless to say I am beat tonight. I had planned on making my Deep Dish Pizza, but we stopped and ate @ Chic-Fil-A on the way home (yum!). I also stopped and picked up a pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks! (Note to self: must find a homemade recipe for this wonderfully delicious concoction).

However, I did make Monterrey Chicken last night. It was so simple and delicious! My only change that I will make in the future is to use regular petite diced tomatoes in place of Ro-Tel. Where I usually like Ro-Tel and use it in several recipes, with this recipe it was a little bit too much 'heat' for me. If you do not mind the heat, by all means use it!
Here you go my friends, I hope you enjoy!

Monterrey Chicken (adapted from All Things Simple)

You will need:

1 cup Shredded Colby & Monterrey Jack Cheese, 1/4 cup Real Bacon Bits, Salt/Pepper, 1/4 cup BBQ Sauce, 1 (14 0z) can Original diced tomatoes with green chilies (OR petite diced tomatoes for less heat), 3-4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (not pictured) and green onions (also not pictured).

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a cooking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Salt & pepper chicken breasts on both sides.  Spread 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce over chicken. Continue with cheese, tomatoes, bacon bits and green onions. Cook for 45 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked.

When finished I put an extra layer of cheese on each breast (I'm a cheese lover!). Serve with sides of either mashed potatoes, spanish rice, and any vegetable of your liking. I was pretty tired by the time yesterday evening came along, so I stuck with mashed potatoes and corn. Completely delicious and no leftovers. I call that a home-run!

I hope you and your loved ones enjoy this meal! It is seriously easy and so delicious. If you like it, let me know! I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, and any adaptations you may have made.

Stay Blessed, 

Sarah

Who I Am

Hello! My name is Sarah!  I decided to start this blog to have fun, vent, and to truly lead people to the Lord.  

I love to cook. I will often post recipes on here (if not daily) that I love and have been tried and true.  My family often calls me their little 'Rachael Ray', but I love Paula Deen & and the Pioneer Woman, too.  I'm also a pinterest addict (who isn't?!), and will post recipes that I have found and tried on there.

I love to read. You often will find me with a different book. I don't just read books, I consume and hoard them. I will also post books that I am currently reading and book reviews. I love all genres, I think. Although my favorite author is Stephen King. My favorite book is 'To Kill A Mockingbird'.

I love flowers and gardening, although I'm not very good at it. I strive to be like my Mom and Aunt who truly have a green thumb. The gene must be in me somewhere, even though I have yet to find it. I usually find plants that are nearly impossible to kill.

I love crafting. Anything from cross-stitching to scrap-booking, if I can cut it or paste it or totally recreate it, I'm all for it!
I'm an animal lover. I have two dogs, a Dachshund (Lady) and a German Shepherd (Cheyenne). Crazy combo, I know, but they love each other and have grown to be sisters. 

I am an old soul. I have often been told that I am in the wrong generation. I love everything 'old', including my boyfriend who is 13 years my senior (haha, I had to add that in). Love you, Honey.

If you have any questions about me or for me, or would simply like to get to know me better, follow me and my adventures. Leave a Legacy :)