Friday FaVes- a book, some recipes and a decorating Blog

Sharing with you some Friday Faves! Happy Weekend Everyone!

My dad gave all of us  this book for Christmas. Its one of those books that is life-changing. It is easy to read and so convicting!

These Cream Cheese Squares are so good and easy! Adding a little bit of cinnamon and sugar to the top would make these even better for my sugar-lovin' boys!

Twirly Whirly Pizza Roll-Ups. This is one of those recipes that you might want to wait until your husband is out of town! Or if your lucky like me and have a husband who LOVES pizza, then this kid-friendly recipe is for you. Look for the recipe here on one of my favorite blogs.

Looking for another Decorating Blog to read? Hop on over to Young House Love! I really love how they take older houses and remodel them. View their first makeover-home here!

Myron and I love to have Mexican on most Saturday Nights.  Its just a great time to have chips/dips, quesadillas, and try out a new mexican recipe while watching football the boys play!  This dip, "Paula Deen's Touchdown Taco Dip", is so awesome! My aunt first made it and we love it! ---its super easy,too! (We do NOt add all of the extra ingredients in the pic to our dip--so don't let that scare you off!)

Ingredients:

1 8oz cream cheese

1 pack of taco seasoning

Cheese (enough to cover the top)

1 Can of Refried Beans

1 4oz sour cream (optional)

Little bit of Salsa (optional)

Tomatoes (optional)

Whatever else you want to add

• Pre-heat oven to 350
• Spray a casserole dish with Pam
• Mix cream cheese and taco seasoning
• Add sour cream (optional)
• Pour this mixture into bottom of pan
• add beans
• add salsa
• add cheese
• add other toppings
• cook in oven for 20 minutes or until everything is melted.
• did I miss something, Aunt Kristi?

Awesome recipe- easy, cheap and so good!

One of my new Mexican Recipes (that I will share soon) is from my newly-wed sis, Jen. She has been cooking up a storm and lets me know when she finds a good recipe. This one is a keeper.

Doesn't it look good! Its not your typical "mexican" taste--so comforting and good!!

Look for it soon---

Easy Creamy Cheesy Chicken enChiladas. (I've made it twice in 2 weeks, it was that good and my boys loved it!)

Friday FaVeS!---Gifts, Family Fun, Decorations and Recipes!

Isn't this tree amazing? I love the fabric garland.

I love photography art. She has offered free downloads if you want to copy!

I have heard about this recipe from three different friends this week! My friend Amy gave me her recipe this morning so I thought I would share it with you.

Buffalo Chicken Dip
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
2 blocks (8oz) cream cheese
...1 cup Ranch Dressing
3/4 cup Texas Pete or any hot sauce
(more or less to your taste)
1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

Mix cream cheese, hot sauce and ranch dressing together well. Add chicken and 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese. Pour in a 9 X 12 casserole dish and sprinkle rest of cheese on top. Bake for 35- 40 minutes at 350 degrees. Serve with tortilla chips.
*Or you can put in crockpot.

I love a good magazine! Instead of baking cookies for some teachers on your list---try this. They would love it. (Believe me, it beats the the teachery- apple mug.=) Go here if you need more gift ideas for 5.00 or less!

When I saw this photo garland, I knew that it would be something I would love to try! I hope to start it next year! What a great way to display your family Christmas picture each year!

I am dying to try  this easy-do-it-yourself Christmas gift! However, it hasn't made it to the top of my list. (sorry, mom)  I can't wait to attempt this after Christmas!

Fave Ideas to do with your Family Over Christmas:

Recently, I had our mom2mom group over for a Christmas Party. My friend, Amy, gave a handout for some neat Ideas to do with your family over Christmas.....I thought I would name a few of my favorites here.

1. Start a Christmas Puzzle somewhere in your home. A puzzle table, placed in a quiet room is great for holiday visitors. Whenever guests want to get away from the action, they can retreat to work on the puzzle. It can be a great stress reliever and it is wonderful for those guests who always have to be busy doing something.

2. Challenge each member of your family to fill a box or bag full of clothes/toys to give away to a needy family. (Our mom's group loved participating in the adopt-a-child for Christmas!)

3. Do you love reading? I do! What was your favorite book you read this year? Buy it and give it someone you know would love it anonymously!

4. Several of my friends do this--and this is something neat that I would like to start with my kids! Have a special night where you all get in the van--- wear your PJ's--bring some Christmas Candy--or hot chocolate- Have some Christmas music playing-and go see the Christmas lights! My boys will love this!

5. We love to do this. Christmas is really a celebration of Jesus' Birthday! Why not have a Birthday party with cake and balloons for Jesus! My little Evan loves birthday parties---he knows that Christmas is Jesus Birthday! Celebrate it!

6. This one is one my favorites--The holidays can take their toll. Make a holiday tradition of recharging your own batteries. Gather your daughter/mom/best friend and head to the day spa for a much deserved pedicure or massage! (most likely this won't happen for me- but its a nice thought!)

Homemade Hot Chocolate

Leaving you with an awesome Home-made Hot Chocolate Recipe.

A lady in our church is known for this recipe!

Mix together and boil:

1 heaping tablespoon cocoa powder

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup water

Then add 1 quart of milk and stir!

Simple but awesome!!

Any other favorite ideas/recipes that you have read in blogland this week?

Friday Favorites....and a delicious recipe for Christmas Morning- (that you can make NOW and freeze)

So- my number one favorite this week- is my hubby, Myron! He has been extra helpful this week (he is always such a big help)--and he has even written me extra sweet emails and cleaned up the kitchen AND Done some laundry and put the kids to bed..and the list goes on! (what's wrong with him!ha) I love him to pieces and when thinking of my Friday Favorites- he came to mind. He's my BFF and my Soul Mate! Ok- enough of this sappy mess!ha

I am really into home-made gifts with meaning! Wouldn't you love to have this as a daily reminder to pray for your husband!! Go here to check this out! She will send you the project to download! Planning on sharing this with our mom2mom group!

I have been reading this blog for a long time now. She is probably one of my favorite "moms" to read after. They have 3 adorable boys and they adopted a sweet little girl a year ago. She also fosters children and just recently had to say goodbye to a 5 year old girl. She is very crafty and seems to have it all together (why can't I be like that!?)- and I really loved reading about this tutorial on how to make a t-shirt from material!! So cute! (she made the dress too and is doing a give-away on a custom dress right now!!) GO ENTER!

Need some ideas on ways to decorate your "nest" for Christmas? Go check out Rhonda's Party at Southern Hospitality. Hundreds of bloggers have linked up to her party and I have enjoyed looking for many ways to decorate my nest for my family! I loved drooling over reading about the way she decorated her Buffet. Stunning.

Need cheap but unique Christmas Art? Go here to download her free Art and then upload to your favorite photo center as a picture! This would be so pretty in a black or red frame in your kitchen, on your buffet or mantle! I love finding ways to decorate the Spiritual and Most important Side of Christmas!!

Ok. I am ending with this because A. I am hungry and B. I am trying to find unique Christmas presents to make for others. Yall...have you ever heard of the Pioneer Woman? I bought her cookbook last year and my hubby even looked at the pics with me! She is an amazing cook and these cinnamon rolls are to die for. Now, you may die while you are making them- or just by eating them- but it's so worth it. Yes, there are a few steps to them, but if I can do it- Anyone can.

They are the PERFECT breakfast for you to serve on Christmas morning. And let me tell you the best secret- they are even better frozen. I tried it (hey, she recommended it!) and they were awesome! Go ahead and make them all day next week and freeze them...and a wonderful, memorable breakfast is served on Christmas morning!

Find any Favorites this week in blogland?

Friday Favorites

Ok...so I am still here. We have just been all hit with the stomach bug. Lovely, I know. But we seem to be all feeling better and I have alot of "christamasing" to do- to get my nest ready for some Christmas Parties that are headed my way. While I have been nurse to my 3 kids   boys and their daddy--I have been finding somewhat of a "way to escape" by reading some of your blogs and finding some great Christmas ideas to tackle!

I have two downstairs in my garage just waiting to be touched, and that may *or may not* just happen tonight! But while we wait- Let's take the time to notice some of these fun projects and ideas!

I loved seeing the simple wreath that my friend, Julie, attached to a red picture frame to sit on her kitchen mantle. She inspired me to attach a wreath above my stove---so that happened this afternoon. I loved that she kept it simple yet very pretty!

I Love the monogrammed wreath at this blog. Honestly, isn't it adorable? This might just have to happen one day on my back door!

I am all about the way that she decorated her buffet using only items that she saw at Wal-Mart!

Don't you remember seeing this aisle when you were supposed to be only in-and-out to get some Milk? I have to stay away or it can become dangerous! This aisle at Wal-Mart is where she got most of her items and ideas. Love it!

I could go on for a while, but I will end with one of my favorite blogs...Click here to see how she decorated her buffet using items that she got 75% off at Target or the Goodwill. I Love all of the silver. And I love that with the a little bit of creativity and re-purposing you can use a handful-of-pennies to make something beautiful for Christmas!


I am now headed off to the garage to finish a project for my dining room that I found from "The Inspired Room." Check out her blog here!

Julie's Favorite Things Friday

I love to read blogs. All kinds of blogs about many different subjects.....parenting, decorating, money-saving, family-life. To me, its like reading a few good mini-books before I go to bed. I have learned so many different ideas and so many new crafts and projects that I can't wait to attempt! When I see something I like, I usually just add it to my "favorites bar". Well, I have decided that every Friday I will begin a series on my blog called "Julie's Favorite Things Friday." I will share links and pictures of some of my "favorite things" that I have read in "blogland" that week or maybe just some products or ideas that friends share with me that have become a fave.

By the way, I really don't watch Oprah, but I did see on a preview that she is going to be doing her BEST "Oprah's Favorite Things" episode EVER because this is her last season. In the previews it showed people hysterically crying and acting Wild over whatever her give-aways were--I might just have to tune in to see what that's all about. Anyway.

Without further delay...and because I know you are just on the edge of your seats (insert sarcasm here)- Here is my First list for "Julie's Favorite Thing's Fridays" .......
  
1. Paula Deen's Crock Pot Macaroni-N-Cheese  recipe. Let me just stop here and say that usually when you see the name "Paula Deen" in front of a recipe you know 2 things: 1. Its gonna be really fattening. 2. It's gonna be incredibly good.  Looking for a new side to add to your Thanksgiving Feast? Add this one. Your family will thank you!

2. Love Southern Savers!! This is my go-to for all money-saving needs. Restaurants, grocery stores, department stores, gift ideas- go here and Jenny from "Southern Savers" will usually have just what you need for a fraction of the price. My sister, Jennifer, and I will normally call each other every day to talk about the deals that are going on--whether it be in stores or online. Need some extra money for some crafts or furniture makeovers? Go here and I will be shocked if you can't find one way to save you some money that week!

3. The Nester. If you love to read blogs about decorating, then I know that you recognize this blog just by the picture of her living room. This lady is a genius. Always decorates so gorgeous and simple- yet her ideas are always budget-friendly. Are you new to reading blogs about decorating? Follow "The Nester"- you won't be disappointed!

4. Scarves. Who doesn't love a scarf. I will be the first to admit that I have no clue what is "in-style" or whats the "new thing". Its just not all that important to me anymore. However, I do like to buy some things that are classic. As far as I know, I'm pretty sure that scarves are still in-style?!? (right, sis?) Anyway, favorite place to buy them? Target. For 10 bucks (maybe a lil more or less) you can get you a great scarf that will make any outfit go from dull to sassy. A few tips from my Sis (she told them to me when I wore this type. Gotta love in-style-younger-sisters)- 1. Don't wear them too tight around your neck. 2. Don't buy them too skinny and short. Yes, I violated both of those.  

5. Pink Fresh and Clean Lotion and Body Spray. I'm a very picky perfume kinda girl. I can't handle just any fragrance and I rarely buy anything other than this great fragrance from Victoria Secret. If you are like me, and can't handle strong perfumes, You will definitely want to add this to your Christmas List. You will love the smell and the price!

Would love to keep going, but I need to go finish the last load of laundry to bed! Would love to read about some of your favorite things in the comments! I am linking up to this Favorite thing's Party!