Memorial Day - Five on Friday

 

I am so excited that it's Memorial Day weekend. 

That means 3 things:

1.  A 3-day weekend

2.  Great time with friends and family

3.  TONS of food!!!

So today, my 5 on Friday items are some great recipes that I found and want to try out for our Memorial Day BBQ.

{ONE} 

Appetizer

Warm & Creamy Bacon Dip

{TWO}

  Main Course

Jalapeno Popper Burgers

 {THREE}

 Side Dish

Grilled Vegetable Kabobs

{FOUR}

Dessert!!!

Berry Trifle

 

{FIVE}

 Beverage

Rosemary-Infused Watermelon Lemonade

5 on Friday

Emmalee was incredibly laid back and only cried when she was hungry.  She was one of the easiest babies I have ever known.  Madeline is different.  Madeline is a momma's girl and loves to be held by her momma.  She fusses quite a bit in the evenings and loves nursing, so it can make life and mothering a little more different than it was when Emmalee, not to mention the fact that I'm still trying to be a "hands-on" mom to Emmalee.  Having 2 is completely different than having 1, that is for sure! 

So today my 5 on Friday is all about the things that is making my life a little easier and manageable.

{ONE}

The Swing

I have the Sung-A-Bug Craddle and Swing and I LOVE it.  One of my favorite things about this swing is that it has a power cord that allows you to plug it into the wall so if you use it for hours at a time (as i do) then you're not constantly worried about having to buy stock in Energizer!  The swing also has several speed settings and can swing side to side, or you can switch it to a backward/forward motion setting.  Emmalee and Madeline both are "swing-babies" so this is one of my ultimate must-haves for baby.  I can sit Madeline in her swing just to "play" and look at the birds, or she'll nap here, so for me, this is one way that allows me some hands-free time.

{TWO}

SwaddleMe Blanet

  The swaddle blanket is my new BFF, y'all.  Emmalee was an incredible sleeper and I just swaddled, or tightly wrapped, her in a receiving blanket.  But Madeline is a wild-hands sleeper - she flails, like many babies do.  So I tried the swaddle blanket.  At first, she hated it and would scream.  Well, come to find out I was doing it wrong.  Once I watched a few videos and learned to tuck her hands down under her bottom, things improved - literally over night!  Now, Madeline loves being swaddled and sleeps GREAT!  She has consistantly (for almost 2 weeks now) slept for one 6 hour stretch, wakes and eats, then goes back to bed for another 4-5 hours.  So, I love the SwaddleMe blanket and it has greatly improved our quality of sleep! 

{THREE}

Moby Wrap

My personal choice for an infant carrier is the Moby Wrap. I was given a Boppy (sling style) carrier before Emmalee was born and she hated it, so I got the Moby.  Emmalee and I both loved it, so I've continued using it with Madeline. Since Madeline loves being held, especially in the evenings, I've been able to put her in the Moby and make dinner, fold clothes, play with Emmalee, etc.  It is definitely on my Favorites List! 

{FOUR}

Although Madeline doesn't have colic, I love Gripe Water.  It seems like Madeline ALWAYS has the hiccups - she had them 3 or 4 times a day while I was pregnant with her and she still has then a few times a day.  So, I always have a small bottle with equal parts tap water & Gripe Water that help so much when she has the hiccups, and can be a life saver when she is gassy. 

{FIVE}

My Crockpot!!

I LOVE my Crockpot, and if you have ever read any of my recipes, then you know I will cook just about anything in it.  This thing has been incredibly helpful in getting meals on the table.  I can put dinner on to cook in the morning (when Madeline naps the best), but can still have a reasonable dinner on my table with little effort by 6ish during her fussy period.  Its great, and I've been discovering so many great new recipes while I've been at home!  

So, what are some of the tricks or things you have up your sleeve to keep your life manageable with a new baby at home? 

Commenting Challenge - Day 5

I'm kind of sad this is the last day of Jenna's commenting Challenge.  I've had so much fun blogging, and "meeting" new blog friends.

Today's last blogging topic is you all-time FAVORITE meal - be it homecooked, Grandma cooked, or restaurant cooked.

When I first read the topic, I thought this would be a hard decision, but within a few seconds, I actually had my answer.  Its actually one of our family favorites - Salmon Croquettes!

My mom used to make Salmon Croquettes when I was growing up and I always loved them.  Then I grew up and got married.  When I really started "getting into" cooking, I subscribed to Cooking Light magazine.  One day I saw a recipe for Salmon Croquettes and was thrilled beyond belief!  So I made the recipe, hoping Brant would like them, and he LOVED them....and so did I.  It is now one of my favorite things to make!!!

This pairs perfectly with a side of grilled or roasted asparagus and side salad.

Here is the recipe from the Cooking Light Magazine! 

And of course, no meal is complete with out a decadent dessert!  My personal favorite, a good ole' brownie hot fudge sundae!!!  

Day 4 - Commenting Challenge

Today's topic on Jenna's Commenting Challenge is Christmas in July!  What a fun topic, or at least I think so!

I LOVE everything about the Christmas season: the sights, the sounds, the smells, the family,  and most importantly, the reason!  I remember my first Christmas after I had Emmalee and I was so emotional over celebrating the birth of my savior.  I guess as a new parent, I celebrated my child's birth in so many different way, but to celebrate the birth of a SAVIOR...now that is just incredible! 

I will say that this year's Christmas will be a little different having 2 babies girls in the house instead of just one.  I've already started buying present - yes, you heard me right!!!  That is part of the "reasoning" I used when I spent a "little" bit of money at the recent Remember Nguyen "4th of July" sale! I mean, my girls NEED coordinating outfits next spring/summer, right? 


But, if I could get one "big" gift for the girls, it would look something like this!

Emmalee LOVES being outside!  She loves swinging, sliding, playing - she loves it all.  I told Brant that I would love the get a nice swingset for our backyard so that she has a place to play. 

Now, what does this Momma want for Christmas, well I'm already getting it - a new kitchen!!! I am beyond thrilled that I'm getting the kitchen "facelift" that  I have been wanting for 3 years now! So in my book, I'm just happy with my new kitchen, and my sweet family of 4! 

But, the best gift I've ever received is this guy!

I mean just look at that sweet face!  When Brant and I got married I begged for a dog. He consistently told me "no," only because he had already planned for that to be my birthday/Christmas present.  I came home from work a few days before my birthday (Dec. 12th) to find this sleepy little 6-week old pup in my living room.  He has definitely been my favorite gift and is certainly my "firstborn".  Just take a look at our sweet Dax Honey Williams of Maxwell (and yes, that is his full registered name)!

So what are you hoping is under your tree this Christmas season???

Day 3 - Commenting Challenge

 

Today's Jenna's Commenting Challenge is all about Pintrest!  Let me be perfectly honest here: 
I like Pintrest.
I use it as a resource when I need ideas.
But I don't LOVE it like a lot of people do. 

Please don't hate me!

I think Pintrest is a fabulous place to get creative ideas, especially for holiday crafts, DIY stuff, parties and recipes, but I get one maybe once every few weeks and that's about it.  But I do love to get new recipes and treat ideas from it, and here are just a few of the items that I've made.

Like I said, I love that it has a lot of holiday ideas.  I made these items last Halloween for Emmalee.  She even got to help!

Fall Candy Kiss Acorn Treats - recipe here.

 

Graveyard Dirt Cake

 

Honey Apple Pork Loin - You can read the recipe and my review of it here. 

So again, don't hate me that I'm Pintrest-Rookie.  Show me how you use Pintrest - maybe you'll be the one of give me advise and make me a Pintrest-Pro!!!

 

Day 2 - Commenting Challenge

Well today's topic for Jenna's Commenting Challenge is:  What's your favorite TV show/series/reality show? If you don't watch TV, what about a favorite movie or book series? 

Having a 2 year old certainly limits some of the TV watching that goes on in my house.  I mean if we get serious, I probably watch Disney Jr. just as much as I watch ABC or CBS.  But, I do have a few favorite shows that are on my DVR so I can watch in my "down-time".  Here's a quick run down:

• Amazing Race
• Duck Dynasty
• Next Food Network Star
• Chopped
• Deadliest Catch
• Pretty Little Liars

Can y'all tell that I enjoy cooking shows?  I used to be a huge One Tree Hill, Gossip Girl and Vampire Diaries fanatic, but OTH and GG are off the air, and VD just doesn't interest me anymore.   

I'm also a huge reader.  I love to read.  Before I had Emmalee you could rest assured that my nightly routine involved a nice hot bath, glass of wine, and a good book.  Those were the days.  Since motherhood encroached upon me, reading has become a favorite pastime, but I still try to sneak in a chapter or two when I can.  

Some of my favorite books/authors are:

• John Grisham - I grew up wanting to be a lawyer, and even worked at a law firm for a little while, so I love legal/crime novels.  I'm just a sucker for them. 
• Mary Higgins Clark - I haven't read anything from her in a while, but she is still a favorite. 
• Karen Kingbury - I love her novels!  
• East of Eden - John Steinbeck - in my opinion, this might be one of the greatest classic novels of all time. 
• The Twilight Saga - Yes, I'ill admit that I loved the Twilight Saga books, and the movies.  And if you enjoyed them, then read The Host.  Stephanie Meyer did a great job on writing that one too. 

Do you have any other authors that I need to reading?  

Day 1 - Commenting Challenge

I'm so excited to be participating in Jenna's 4th Annual Commenting Challenge.  If you're stopping over through her blog, WELCOME! 

I'm Ashley.  

If you're going to read my blog, here is what you need to know about me.  First, and foremost, I love the Lord.  He is my rock, my strength, and my savior.  Second, I'm a wife of 6 year to this wonderful man, Brant. 

He is my very best friend, an amazing father, and I consider myself to be one lucky gal to have him.  He is also the father to my two sweet girls:  Emmalee Caroline, who is 2, and Madeline Grace who should be making her arrival in September of this year. 

This spunky lil' blonde hair, blue eyed tot keeps us on our toes and fills our home with laughter.  We battled infertility for 2 years trying to have Emmalee.  Our doctor could never quite determine the root cause of our infertility, but God had a plan.  She is certainly our little miracle.  So imagine our surprise in February of this year when we discovered that we were expecting number 2, and not even trying.  We are thrilled to be adding Madeline Grace to our family.

And the rest you need to know is this:  I'm southern!  Born and raised in the GREAT state of Texas, I love sweet tea and good white wine.  I love to eat and try new recipes, and you can always find me looking for new way to use my crockpot.  I'm a mom-blogger.  Why?  Because my family is my great asset and blessing!  I love sharing them with you - whether through joys or challenges. I discovered early on that the blogging-world is full of knowledge and advice, so lets help and encourage one another.

You can also find me on Twitter as awilliams0720.  I LOVE to tweet and kind myself using Tiwtter as my #1 news source these days!  Its an incredible community!

You can also find me on Instagram as awilliams0720, or on Facebook (there's a link to the left on the sidebar.).

Leave me a comment so I can follow you and learn about who you are.  I hope that we can be great blogging friends!!!

Favorite Picture Ideas

Today on Kelly's Korner "Show Us Your Life", she is talking about favorite picture ideas.  And in my opinion, there is nothing better than simply capturing life!  Not poses, not portraits, but life...the smiles, the laughter, the true emotion of seeing someone truly live in the moment.

When Brant and I got married, we had a wonderful photographer names Julie Robles. (now don't judge that I didn't use my sister because 1, she was my matron of honor and 2, she hadn't started her photography business yet!)  But Julie was wonderful and did amazing work.  But my most favorite pictures that she took were right after the wedding ceremony had ended.  As soon as we walked out of the santuary, she pulled Brant and I aside, and took us into the courtyard.  She said "You have 5 minutes to just think about what just happened.  You're married!  So I want you to take this 5 minutes with each other, and just reflect."  And so we did, but the moments she captured between us are, in my opinion, priceless.  

Crockpotalooza

 

Today is Crcockpotalooza Day on Kelly's Korner blog and I have to tell you that it is one of my favorite days simply because I am THAT in love with my crockpot!!!

Honey Apple Porkloin

A few nights ago I tried this recipe that I found on Pinterest.  It was sooo delicious!!!!  You can find the original recipe here because I changed mine up just a tad.

To get your pork loin ready, rub a little bit of olive oil on it to help keep it moist.  Make "apple-slits" in the pork loin - about every 1/4-1/2". Core and slice about 3 -4 large red delicious apples.  Cover the bottom of your crockpot with the apples, sprinkle some cinnamon and drizzle some honey over the top.  Put a thick apple slice into each slit. 

This picture is from the original recipe blog! I have no rights to this picture!

Put your porkloin in your crockpot. I sprinkled mine with just a quick shake of chili powder because I love sweet & spicy. Then, give it a GOOD drizzle of honey over the top.  Put the rest of your sliced apples on top and around the side of the pork.  Sprinkle with more cinnamon & honey.  Cook on low for 6-8 hours.

NOTE: I cooked mine for 8 hours, but I thought it was a little too dry at the top (although was incredibly tender, juicy & freakin' amazing at the bottom).  So next time I make this, and trust me there WILL be a next time, I will cook it for only 6 hours, then let my crockpot "keep warm" for another 2 hours until I get home from work.  Hopefully that will help the full loin stay juicy.

I served with mashed sweet potatoes.  Brant, Emmalee and I all three really liked this.  I gave Em some pieces from the bottom so she didn't get any spice from the chili powder. 

Hope y'all enjoy this as much as we did.  And head on over to Kelly's for more awesome crockpot recipes.

 And just FYI - this is the crockpot that I have, and I LOVE it.  It is programable and when the timer goes off, the cooker stays on "keep warm" until you turn it off.  Its perfect if you work outside the home (like I do) so your food doesn't cook too long, but it stays warm until you come home. 

 

Fall Favorite {Recipe}

 

Today's blogging event from the SITS Girls is you favorite fall craft or autumn recipe!  If you know me at all then you know that I'll post a recipe because I LOVE cooking. 

But for the recipe, one of my all time favorites that will fill your house with the most delicious smells and is perfect to hand out as a nice little gift...

Crockpot Apple Butter

Photo from marthatstewart.com

Y'all, this is probably one of my most favorite things to cook in my crockpot.  It is one of those recipes that I make the basic part of it, then you can add as much cinnamon, nutmeg, or whatever other spices you cant to add into it.  I love lots of cinnamon in mine!  Now, fair warning - this is an all-day or overnight "thing"! 

Also, I need to give credit where credit it due!  I got the original recipe from here, Stephanie O'Dea's original website where she used her crockpot every single day for an entire year!  She is probably one of my heros! 

Ingredients:

 --apples. 14 large apples fit in my 6.5 quart crockpot (you can use lots of different kinds - I used Granny Smith to add some 'tang', a few red delicious, and some fugi for a good sweet flavor.)
--2 tsp cinnamon 

--1 cup white sugar --1 cup brown sugar
--1/2 tsp cloves
--1 T vanilla

-- I also added 1 tsp of nutmeg 

The "How To":

1) Peel, core and slice your apples.  

2) Put all of your apples in your crockpot with 1 T vanilla. Cook on low for 8 hours (this is fantastic for overnight).  

3) Once its finished, your apples will be super mushy, so mash them up with a fork.  

4) Add in your sugars, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg.  Stir it all up. Cook it on low again for 4-6 more hours.

5) If you like your apple butter velvety smooth, then use a hand-mixer and smooth it all out.  This is so delicious. 

This will make approx. 3 large jars, or 4-5 medium sized jars.  

(NOTE:  as I said, I really like a lot of cinnamon in my apple butter, so I probably used closer to 2 TBSP when it was all said and done.  But you can add as much or as little as you would like. 

It Was the Best of Times...

I'm so excited to be participating with the SITS Girls for their:

Today's writing prompt is "School Memories."

To tell you the truth, I have most good memories about junior/high school, but my greatest memories are from college.  This is where I made some of the most amazing friendships of my life that are still growing today. 

This is a picture fro my junior year in college: from the left there is Jessica, me, Mary, Michelle and Jill.  If you show this picture to anyone of us, we would crack up laughing simply because of the memories this night (in particular) holds.  Fast-forward 10 years, and here we are again (with the addition of my sweet child hanging on my leg):

And NO - were did not mean to stand in the same order as the picture above - it LITERALLY just happened!!!

These girls ARE my school memories.  We went through boyfriends and breakups, laughter and tears, triumphs and failures.  We had classes together, we lived together, we stayed up until all hours of the night together, we vacationed together, we loved together, and we are STILL together! 

I can truthfully say that college was some of the best 4 1/2 years of my life.  Yes, there were heartaches, but the lessons and memories (not to mention the love of my life that I met there) will always be worth it!

Tasty Tuesday - Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

Not that I ever disliked oatmeal, but for some reason I am all of the sudden in love with it.  Maybe its because it is on-key for a low-point, but still delicious, Weight Watchers breakfast; or maybe its just because I actually "learned" how to cook it...and by learned I mean I just make up my own recipe and liked it!

So, I just thought I would share with you how I make a delicious, but simple and easy, Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal.



For 4 servings
Ingredients:
2 sweet apples (I use Gala or Fuji), diced (up to you whether skin is on or off). (This is a perfect opportunity to use that last apple or two that is a little too soft to eat, but you don't want to waste). 
3 TBSP of butter, Divided (1 TBSP & 2 TBSP)
1 1/2 Tsp Cinnamon
1/4 Tsp Nutmeg
1/4 cup brown sugar, divided (1/2 & 1/2)
Handful of nuts (I prefer almonds or pecans)
Optional:  Raisins (it is delicious with or without)
Instant Oats (Use per instructions on the box)

In a saute pan, melt 1 TBSP of butter.  Add your apples.  Cook for about 3-4 minutes to all apples to begin to soften.  Add in your cinnamon, nutmeg, 1/2 your brown sugar, and nuts.  Continue to cook on medium heat for about 3-4 more minutes.   You want your apples to be soft, but not mushy.

Cook your oatmeal per the instructions on the box or can.  Once its is completely cooked, add 2 TBSP butter, other half of brown sugar. Stir together.  Once mixed, add apples and nut (and any other ingredient you like).  Taste.  If needed, you can add a little more brown sugar or cinnamon to reach your preferred sweetness. 

Hope you Enjoy!

My Advice...on Marriage!

Today Kelly's Korner is going a blog-hop on marriage advice. If you look at my post from Wednesday here, you'll see that Brant and I just celebrated 4 years of marriage - and it has been the best 4 years of my life!

Although I am by far no expert on marriage, I do have a few tidbits I try to live by in order to make marriage a happy one.

1) PICK YOUR BATTLES
I hate fighting, and to me, there is nothing worse than fighting all the time. In marriage, I think you have to pick your battles. Don't fight over the small stuff because its just that - small stuff. I have a friend who gets mad (and stays mad) over the silliest things, yet she wonders why she can't have a long-term relationship. Who wants to be with someone who gets angry and yells because you didn't say "I love you" when they hung up the phone? So pick your battles wisely!

2) TREAT EACH OTHER WITH RESPECT
Respect is one of things that every one of us expects, but don't always give. As a wife, I have to respect my husband, but I also expect him to respect me. We value each others' opinions and listen to what the other one has to say. If you don't then our marriage would fall apart. How can you have a bonded relationship with someone if you don't have respect for them?

3) KEEP IT SPICY
I think, or at least I hope, this one speaks for itself. But just in case you need some help do on a date, have a night out (w/out kids), put one some "cute" pj's...the stuff that keeps is fun!

Friday Fives

Today, Beth at Just Me and My Life is having Friday Fives. Just for fun, I thought I would participate. Today's random questions:

1. If given a choice to skip work for a day, how would you spend the entire day?

I would lay out by one of these...

With a lot of these...

2.If you could start fresh, what profession would you choose?

I would teach high school students...either literature or political science.

3.What is your favorite candy or candy bar?

This is definitely a tie between Peanut Butter M&M's and Snickers with Almonds!

4.Have your ever ordered anything from an infomercial or bought an"As seen on TV item"?

5. Whats the movie you ALWAYS cry at??