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Saturday, March 31, 2012

Embrace your Freedom! {a giveaway}

Last year I went to a women's conference here in Baton Rouge. Kari Jobe led us in praise & worship, and Susie Larson was the guest speaker. 

It was fantastic. 

I can't believe that was August. I bought one of her books then, with the intention of giving it away on my blog. But I wanted to read it first. Don't worry, I didn't read the one I am giving away. It is still in perfect condition! (It's okay if you give away books you read... it's just that I'm not easy on my books...haha!) I FINALLY got around to reading her book on my kindle. It was a great book. 


Here's a little synopsis from Susie's website: "How do we move past our fears and the lies that keep us bound to our past? And are we really called to change the world? This message will challenge you to face down your fears, confront your insecurities, and encourage you to step out into God’s grander purpose for your life! It’s time we stop accommodating our insecurities and making rules around our fears. We possess all in Christ and He has made it possible for us to live with courage, boldness, and faith." 

Susie has been through some stuff, y'all. She has been abused, rejected & later had serious health problems. But it's through these situations that she found freedom in Christ. Her tiny stature shouldn't fool anyone - she is full of boldness from our Lord! I love her!


Here are some quotes from the book that I really liked: 

"True inner freedom hinges completely on our belief system. Our past doesn't determine our future, but what we tell ourselves about that past does... How we think about what we've done - and what's been done to us - will either lead us on the path to freedom or on the road to destruction."

"What we believe in this life directly affects how we live. That's why freedom matters so much. And freedom is possible in every season, every scenario, and every situation."

"I'm really irked when believers say, "In light of all the world's suffering, I'm not going to bother God with my little troubles..." Let me finish that sentence: "...so I'll keep walking through life with my head down, defeated in everything I do. I don't need to be free. I'll just be the martyr." Which, incidentally, trivializes true martyrdom. The problem with this martyr mentality is that it's a mindset of unbelief."

"If in our captivity we believe in God's word & His goodness, and if we refuse attitudes of entitlement and bitterness, then in a little while the Enemy will be pushed off our land. We'll look carefully for the place he once occupied, but he will not be there. Moreover, in that very place of loss and defeat, we'll enjoy an abundance of peace." (This one means so much to me right now.) 

Good stuff, huh? 

Susie's heart is in the issue of human trafficking, so she speaks a bit about that in every chapter, telling stories of those she knows who have been freed from that horrible life. She also includes a prayer & study questions at the end of each chapter.

If you would like this book, leave a comment below. You can tell me your favorite author or book or Bible Verse. Or just say "pick me!". ;) 

You do not have to have a blog to enter. Just make sure to include your email in the comment or check back to see if you won! 

I will pick a winner Friday evening (April 6th).

Friday, March 30, 2012

Fill in the Blank Friday!

Woot Woot! It's Friday! 

Orientation Week is over! Next up? Report Cards week! [yikes!]

SO happy it's the weekend! We had rehearsal tonight, but it got canceled at the last minute, which was FINE with me! I came home & CRASHED. Exhausted! Brad took a nap too, and he never naps!  Woke up & got online & of course, now it's nearing midnight & I'm wide awake! 

Well, not really. I could go back to sleep at any time. 

So tomorrow I have nothing to do until 7:30 pm... we have an event at work that I will attend. It's Earth Month at Aveda & they do all kinds of things to raise money for it. So on Saturday is our Cat Walk & several of our students will do hair/makeup for a model who will model for us. The event costs $10 in advance or $15 at the door & proceeds go to Earth Month. I will show up just to see my students shine! They will be judged & whoever wins - that team will go to New Orleans in April for a bigger event! 

So that's what I'm doing Saturday night. If i have a car, that is. My a/c may be getting fixed tomorrow. I sure hope so, because looks like Louisiana got summer early this year. Man, it's hot! It's actually beautiful these days, but too hot in my car! 

Sunday is church & later, rehearsal. 

For now, i think i will entertain you with a little survey. I know. You are beyond thrilled. ;) 

FILL IN THE BLANK FRIDAY

1. My greatest strength is I am an encourager. I see the good in people & always want to give them the benefit of the doubt. I forgive easily. 

2. My greatest weakness is I am very forgetful. If i don't write it down, it's gone. And I'm too last minute. I am organized & on top of things at work & with stage managing, but if it's something dreaded... like getting up in the morning, or making sure I have clean work clothes... yeah. It's not pretty.

3. People always compliment me on how I'm doing with weightloss. Which is nice. Even though, lately, I do not feel like it is deserved.

4. If you found me procrastinating, you'd probably find me playing Draw Something on my phone, browsing Pinterest, or reading blogs.

5. The most cozy place in all the world is my bed.

6. Something new I tried recently is this enchilada bake recipe from pinterest. SO DELICIOUS! 

7. This weekend I would like to relax...same thing I like to do every weekend. Haha. ;) I would also like to walk the lakes, get my car washed, and have the a/c in my car fixed!

Happy Weekend, Y'all!

Orientation Week!

Haven't blogged in awhile, sorry about that!

You know how i said I have certain weeks at Aveda? Orientation week, Report card week, Order week, etc? Well, this week is Orientation Week! My feet were throbbing last night from being on my feet for so long, but I am happy! It went very very well! 

We have orientation for the new students the last week every other month. I have to order a ton of stuff for it & one of the important items didn't come in until TODAY. The company shipped everything but their messenger bags. These are very important as we stuff them with their text books, highlighters & some of their cosmetology supplies. I couldn't give them that stuff with nothing to put them in! Anyway, it was an oversight on the company's part. They were super apologetic & got it fed-ex'd to me in time for orientation. THANK THE GOOD LORD! I got them today around noon, and my coworker Michelle helped me stuff them & I was good to go! Whew!

Let's back up! 

Orientation began on Wednesday morning at 8:30 AM. The staff had a meet & greet with them first thing & then they had different sessions all day long with different staff members. On Wednesday, I had a session with them from 2:30-3:30. It went very very well. Last time i had my coworker, Vince, with me in case they asked me questions i couldn't answer since I was brand new then. This time i was on my own & it went perfectly! Better than last time because I could expound on everything. Unfortunately, I have to give them the things they NEED to know but probably don't WANT to know - everything there is to know about how they can avoid getting on probation, what makes up their GPA for report cards, how to take a leave of absence, how if they forget to clock out they do not get those hours! How they can only miss a certain number of days per month, How they will be sent home if they are 1 minute late to school! (True story.) All that good stuff! Haha!

 Beautiful new students!

 This class is an EXCELLENT GROUP! To be honest, they aren't always. One particular class is full of people with strong personalities. It's the craziest thing, and it's not good, if you want to know the truth! But this class seems like a really good mix. Of course, they will be split up, because some are on a MWF schedule & some on a TTS one. Anyway, I'm very excited about them joining us. I have been bragging on them to other staff members, so i hope & pray they don't make a liar out of me!

Maya & Devon

We get graded by the students on our presentations & I got an A from everyone except maybe 2 people who gave me a B. Last time i got a few C's, so i guess I've improved! 

One person wrote by mine, "Sooo NICE!" :) They always only write comments about Jamie because she is AMAZING & cheerful & awesome, but this time I got my own little comment. HA!

So that was Wednesday. Thursday, my presentation is their last part of orientation. I have to take a picture of each of them for their badges. Last time I used Aveda's camera which is a brand I've never even heard of. This time, I brought my own. I took pics of them outside in manual mode. Yes, indeed. I edited them tonight & they turned out nice. It's silly to be so proud, because it's just for their badges, but it was fun. ;)

 Devon (such a ham!) & Melissa

I went around guessing their names looking at my roster. Like... "you must be Taylor. You're totally a Taylor. No? Okay, Nicole. You're definitely Nicole. NO? SERIOUSLY? Omg... Morgan? YES! Morgan! I GOT IT!" They were CRACKING UP. I used to always say I am good with names. The other day a student said, "You're not good with names are you?" & i said, "I AM! It's just too hard to learn so many at once!" But later i decided maybe she was right. I've always been good with names, but now it's been 3 full months & I STILL say to students, "What's your name?" It's getting embarrassing, I tell you! Sometimes I sneak a peek at their badge so i don't have to ask! Other times, their badge is flipped over & I have to go ahead & ask them. Ha! Oh-well.

ANYWAY... They were laughing at me saying I wasn't getting any of them right. But i did get Maya right! She was SO a Maya! ;)

After the badges, I have to make them sign 5 papers. 

Then they have to get in a line & pick up a tripod, their messenger bag & their wheeled duffle bag. 

Then they sit in a chair with a box in front of them (which i set out during their dinner break). We go through each item in their box & check it off of their checklist. These are called their KITS. They pay for it with their tuition. It includes EVERYTHING they need for cosmetology school. They get SO EXCITED. Someone always says, "It's Christmas!!!" ;)

 This is what you call: Organized Chaos

It's pretty crazy but it goes well. This was my second one & I felt like it went great. Last time i made the mistake of letting everyone go & then i cleaned up the mess left behind. NOT THIS TIME! I made them help me. :) But some finished early & helped as the others were still going through their kits. 

Lastly, I have them fill out the feedback survey (where i got my A's!). 

It was easy & fun & they had a great time. 

If I sound excited, it's because I am. I have always loved new people. Growing up, i loved a new classmate. I was just interested in their life. And wanted to be their BFF. Unfortunately, i was pretty shy, too, so sometimes I'd never act on those feelings! In church, i'd see a new family & get so excited but be too shy to introduce myself! I later had to get past that because new people need to feel welcome! 

Now, when a new face shows up to audition or to volunteer backstage at the theater... I LOVE THAT. I love to show people the ropes. And in all of my past places of employment, i've loved training people. So it's no surprise that i also love new students. Fresh faces. They're excited. It's pretty cool. 

So orientation went well! 2 down.... 490303 to go! Ha! 

I am loving my job these days. Thank you, LORD! 

NIGHT.

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Prayer needed!

Can y'all do me a favor? Can y'all pray for this beautiful girl?


Ashley comes from an amazing family. I grew up with all of them in church through my teens & early twenties. Her maternal grandparents were some of my biggest role models during that time. They had 5 kids, and Ashley is the daughter of their oldest daughter (second child), Anna. My sister was close to Anna & Rusty (Ashley's dad) through middle & high school. I was closer to her mom's younger sisters, Deborah, Abigail & Rachel (especially Deborah, since we're closest in age). And her mom's oldest brother, Danny, and his wife, Mackenzie, were big role models in youth group for me as well. (Got all that? Haha.)

 (so stinking cute, even on 'tacky day' at school!)

Well, i don't know how it all took place but Ashley ended up in the hospital a few weeks ago. And after many tests, she was diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia

This means she is going to need a Bone Marrow Transplant. 

They are hoping one of her little brothers will be a match. If so, they will be the donor. Ashley will be going to St. Jude's in a month. Until then, she is having blood transfusions twice a week. She was out of the hospital, but spiked a fever again so she is now back for 3-5 days. She needs your prayers!

 Ashley with her mom and brothers (photo credit)

{{{ PLEASE PRAY FOR HER HEALING! }}}

And for her family. Especially her mom & dad. And brothers. But the extended family as well. 

 Ashley & her little cousin, Canon (photo credit)

I keep remembering when Ashley was about 2. I was at a Bible Study or something at our youth pastor's house when we received news that Ashley had fallen in a pool and was being rushed to the hospital. The details are foggy, but i know that she almost died. I know they thought she wasn't going to make it and that if she did, she would be brain damaged. But we prayed & that little girl pulled through. God healed her. And she has been healthy & whole for the last 12 or so years since then!

But now she's going through this. And i don't know about you, but to me? This seems like a lot for an almost 14 year old girl to go through! She is a great girl, full of kindness & joy, and she loves her Jesus. I know she has faith that He will get her through!

{HOW YOU CAN HELP!}

-PRAY!!!
-Pray some more!
-Visit Ashley's website & donate money or buy a tee or bracelet. All proceeds are going to help make Ashley well. Anything extra will go to St. Jude's Research Hospital.
-If you're in Baton Rouge, you can give blood in her name, Ashley English.
-If you're in Baton Rouge, have dinner at Bistro Byronz on Tuesday, April 2nd. If you mention Ashley's name, a portion of your check will go to her treatment & recovery. (That is one of my favorite restaurants anyway.) :) 

Thanks for reading & thanks for your prayers!

*THANK YOU!*

Friday, March 23, 2012

Five Questions!

Haven't done one of these in awhile... 





Five Question Friday with Mama M!

1. If you were free to just hop in the car & drive, where would you go? Or, if you could hop on a plane & go anywhere, where?

I would hop in a car with a couple of girlfriends or my husband and go to Destin, Florida. I just would love a beach vacation right now! I also *really* want a day in New Orleans with Brad to go to the zoo & Cafe Du Monde & all of that. We're going in June for a wedding but it will be sweltering hot by then & not a good day for the zoo! But right now would be perfect!

As for the plane idea, there are several friends I would love to go visit! I'd love to go see Laura (& Kim & Rainey & the other Kim & Jen, etc etc!) again in Pennsylvania. And I'd love to go see my good friend Amanda in California! Haven't been out to visit her yet. I've also been wanting to go visit my friend Rebecca in New York State ... not to mention several friends in NYC, mainly Brittany K & Nolan!

I should start saving & knock some of these out... 

2. What's your most recently read favorite book?

"I've Got Your Number" by Sophie Kinsella. HILARIOUS.

3. What's your favorite spring break memory?

Oh, gosh. I can't remember. Long gone are the days of spring break!! I'd have to think on that for awhile, though, because i certainly had some fun times with girlfriends!

4. What do you put in your child's easter basket, or what was in yours growing up?

We always got candy & other little fun things... maybe a coloring book or something? Once again, i don't remember! Been awhile! 

5. Do you get a summer haircut? 

No... I prefer to keep it at shoulders or shorter year-round. I LOVE long hair on girls, but I just don't have the patience to handle my hair when it's long! Takes triple the time to dry...& drying my hair is my most hated task...besides maybe cleaning the bathrooms! HA! 

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

What I'm Loving Wednesday!

WHAT I AM LOVING THIS WEEK!

{ONE} 
Draw Something on iPhone

 
Lame, i know. But oh my gosh. This game has me CRACKING UP. Mainly because I can't draw. And the person I'm playing can see me starting over on a picture... it's pretty funny.

{TWO}
An easy work week.

Seriously. Man. Some coworkers are off this week & it's just been quieter in my office. Meaning I can accomplish more & stay focused. Also, it's not "orders week" or "orientation week" or "report cards week" - so i can just focus on all the little things that need to be done. A good thing! 

{THREE}
THEATER! Specifically Baton Rouge Little Theater!


I was worried I wouldn't get to stage manage a show coming up at my local theater, due to my new job. Two weeks ago I met with the director & told him i really didn't think i could do it. He asked me to just get him to auditions & we'd figure out the rest later. Then I had a great two weeks & decided I could do it. I may have a few days where i need someone to sub for me, but other than that... I think I'll be good. After auditions Sunday & Monday I got REALLY excited about the show. It's HILARIOUS! And, one of my bestest theater friends got cast as the lead. Only four actors... & i like working with smaller casts. I am EXCITED! The picture above is me & Ronald, who has been a good friend of mine since we were both cast in Beauty & the Beast (both of our first show there). I am so excited to get to do a show with him again!

 {FOUR}
 Embracing your Freedom, by Susie Larson

I am loving this book. It is really making me think & giving me a new perspective on some things. Love that! Stay tuned for a giveaway. ;) 

{FIVE}
AMERICAN IDOL


 
This just might be the best season. For real. Usually i think "they have some great singers this year!" & then when we get to the top 13 or so, i change my mind. This season? I am floored every week. They're ALL good, even the ones who aren't really my style. I love that many of them know who they are. My favorites are usually Hollie & Joshua, but tonight? COLTON & JESSICA. They blew me away tonight! 

I also have to mention that i am IN LOVE with the dress Elise wore! i LOVE that color! Wish I had a pic for you!! 

{SIX}
MY HUSBAND

I am loving Brad... I am lucky to spend everyday of my life with him. For real! This is an oldie but a goodie - one of our engagement pics from 2008!

So that is what I am loving this week. I'm also loving that I made to to work & back in one piece since we have had some CRAZY storms today! Including tornados... & the defroster in my car won't defrost the windows...making it hard to see. So thank you, Jesus, for your protection!

Have a great rest of the week, y'all!

Saturday, March 17, 2012

A little bit of miscellaneous!

1.) I spent this morning organizing my Pinterest boards. Just a little OCD with things like this! Have you noticed the Pinterest format has changed a bit? I like it!

2.) I worked a show last night at the Manship (I quit that job, but am filling in on a couple of nights where they really needed somebody.). Every time I work certain shows, I have a blog post going on in my head for days afterwards. I always wait, because I don't want people to know WHICH show (aka: audience) i am referring to. Don't know when it will be written, but the title will be, "Theater Etiquette". Only more clever.

3. I take these vitamins every night. One of those things they told me to take when i started going to the metabolic clinic. The other night, I nonchalantly asked Brad, "So, what's sublingual mean anyway?" His reply? "Under the tongue." Ohhhhh. I took a look at the directions. Let dissolve under the tongue for 30 seconds before chewing. So does this mean it's been ineffective seeing as how i have just been swallowing them all this time?! Ahhhh!


 4.) Got some funny pictures of me & Brad on my iPhone the other night. We were trying to take a "normal" pic. Ha! I love it.

 It's blurry but it cracks me up!

HA! We were trying to figure out something... I don't remember what now...

5.) I'm stage managing a show! I was very hesitant to do this, even though I promised the director MONTHS ago (before I started my new job). I talked to him about how stressed out i was about 2 weeks ago (before it got better) & he asked me to just get him to auditions & we can figure out everything else as we go. So i will do auditions tomorrow & Monday...& hopefully will be able to stay on throughout the run. I definitely plan to run the show for performances in May. It's just April I'm worried about - night after night of rehearsals. Eesh! So I'll have some back-up, just in case. I am thankful for a director who wants me to be the SM so much that he's willing to work with my schedule/stress-level. 


 The show we are doing is The 39 Steps, by Alfred Hitchcock! Four actors play a ton of parts. It's supposed to be full of suspense & humor. (Yes, I better get to reading that script! Ha!) I'm excited!

6.) My in-laws have been married 40 years TODAY! Happy ANNIVERSARY! I cannot tell you how much I love these two people. If anything happens to them, i will be devastated. They are kind, funny & easygoing. I always describe them as unpretentious. Can i tell you i love people like that? You can just relax & be you around them.  Sit down, make yourself comfortable, stay awhile. It's like that. I love them!

 
7.) I am loving American Idol this season. My favorites are Hollie & Joshua, who both had amazing performances last week. But so did several others. They're all good, some are VERY good & the two below (in my opinion) are just fantastic. I love it. Glad Shannon went home this week. She's a sweetie, but definitely the weakest link. These two? Amazing!

 8. Just realized I didn't blog about my sweet friend Lauren's baby shower last week! I went & played photographer. It was fun. I shot in manual the whole time. Got some good shots (& some "okay" ones, but that's okay. She thinks they're great and that's all that matters!). Look at that cute belly!


We had a good time. I brought her dinner Wednesday night, because her feet were so swollen it made me want to help out in some way! And as of Thursday, she's been put on bed rest! So pray for this little mama-to-be if you can! It will be hospital bed rest if her blood pressure doesn't go down!

9.) It's been HOT in South Louisiana. HOT!!  The a/c is going out in my car & yesterday I spent an hour on the interstate going about 5-10 mph. Did i mention the sun was SHINING DOWN ON ME?! When i got to the Manship, my pants were literally stuck to me. And my shoes. GROSS.

10.) Been reading lately. I finished "I've Got Your Number" by Sophie Kinsella and LOVED IT. It was a birthday present to me from my friend Laura. Now I am reading Embracing your Freedom by Susie Larson. It's so good, y'all. Glad to finally get around to it!


11.) So the weekend is good. Today is nothing but a LAZY DAY & i am enjoying it! I did put on some laundry & do a load of dishes, AND cook this delicious meal for lunch! Other than that? Pinterest, Facebook, Gmail & catch up on a LOT of blog reading!

{HAPPY WEEKEND!}


At the office...

So much to say! So much to say!

Other than a few recipe posts here or there, I think most of my posts have been about the mountain of STRESS in my life these days. However, I am very pleased to announce that work has gotten SO MUCH BETTER over the last two weeks. This is very good news as I was just about ready to throw in the towel. 

I looked like this...
This is me going, "I seriously cannot add another thing to my to-do list, okay?!?!"

I think I made this face way too often...scary.

Actually, it's this. THIS WAS ME. 

Was me. Past tense. No more. Have had two good weeks now! YAY!

Yesterday I told a coworker that it was my 9th good day in a row there. Because last Monday & before that? Awful. Migraines. Tears. Panic Attacks? Quite possibly a nervous breakdown. Geez Louise. 

I am not saying that things will be perfect from here on out. There will be days I work through lunch or that I work till 7. I did that this week, in fact. But it still was a good week! Those things will happen, but it won't be a DAILY thing like it was for awhile there! I'll have bad days like you have at any other job. But not to the point where i just don't know if I can do it anymore!

Someone asked me what changed. Well, it's a combination of events all occurring right around the same time...

1-I got a better handle on some things that I didn't understand before.

2-I caught up on some things that were holding me back. You know how when you're behind, you just keep getting MORE behind because new things keep adding to the pile? Well, I got caught up enough to where I can take some of these things as they come. 

4-I'm not making so many mistakes. Refer to #1.

5-When i do make mistakes, i catch it & know how to fix it.

6-I came to an understanding about the people there who didn't (don't) like me. The understanding goes like this: "It's not me, it's you." Um... I don't know how to say it any other way. I thought that if i just proved myself we'd be BFF's, but such is not the case. Fact is, I am doing a GREAT job & they are just making too many (incorrect) assumptions about how I am handling my job... a job that they really don't know anything about! I'm not trying to be mean here, just honest. I am thankful for this realization, because it has been QUITE freeing. I never stood a chance with them, and that's okay. Not my problem.

7-PRAYER! And lots of it! Pitiful, teary prayers, but still.

I also bought myself some cute office supplies. Which made me a little more organized. And my office a little more fun. Always a necessity in any cubicle-sized office. :)

So work has gotten better. And i am a much happier camper. 

And I have to tell you that I firmly believe that the main reason things have improved is because of YOUR prayers. Friends have been praying for me & i have felt those prayers. I can't describe it but some of you will understand what I mean. I have felt your prayers strengthening me. And I feel like God listened & came through for me. He is GOOD! So thanks to those who have prayed for me! Or sent me words of encouragement & love. You people rock my socks off. 


*pics from we heart it, google images & my computer. ;)

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup

Here's another recipe for you!

I made this tonight for a friend, but it's actually my 6th or 7th (or 8th? I'm losing track now...) time to make it. It's so good, you will want to make it again & again! It's a crockpot meal, but you do have to do a few things after it cooks for 5-7 hours. Nothing too bad though. I love it! My husband does, too!
                                 

Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup
{found on Pinterest}

Servings: Um...It fills up a large crockpot!

 2 (14 ounce) cans diced tomatoes, with juice
1 cup finely diced celery
1 cup finely diced carrots
1 cup finely diced onions
1 tsp dried oregano or 1 T fresh oregano
1 T dried basil or 1/4 cup fresh basil
4 cups chicken broth
1/2 bay leaf
1/2 cup flour
1 cup parmesan cheese
1/2 cup butter
2 cups whipping cream, warmed (or half&half)
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

1.) Add tomatoes, celery, carrots, chicken broth, onion, oregano, basil & bay leaf to large slow cooker.

2.) Cover and cook on low for 5-7 hours.

3.) About 30 minutes before serving, prepare a roux. Melt butter over low heat in a skillet and add flour. Stir constantly until it becomes thick and smooth. Slowly stir in 1 cup hot soup.

 Stir again, until it thickens and becomes smooth. Add another 3 cups and stir until smooth.

Add all back into the slow cooker and add cheese, whipping cream, salt & pepper. Add more basil & oregano if needed.
 This is the one I use. I just dump the whole thing in. It is the BEST!

4.) Cover & cook on low for another 30 minutes or until ready to serve. 

So good, y'all. So so good. :)

Nutrition Facts: Let's assume this dish serves 8.
Per serving would be: Calories-323, Fat-17g, Carbs-18g, Fiber-4g, Protein-7g. 

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Low Carb Chicken Enchilada Bake

Tonight I made dinner! I have missed cooking! With all the stress of my new job, I had been too exhausted to do a thing when I got home from work. But I had a good day today & yesterday, and most of last week was pretty good too! So tonight I was ready to get in the kitchen!

Low-Carb Chicken Enchilada Bake
adapted from Dashing Dish
{found on Pinterest}

8 servings

2.5 cups chicken, cooked & shredded (I just used a rotisserie from the deli!)
10 ounce can enchilada sauce
10 ounce can diced tomatoes (I used rotel with cilantro & lime)
1/2 cup salsa
6 ounces cream cheese
1 teaspoon enchilada or taco seasoning
14 ounce can black beans
4 high fiber tortillas
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1-1 1/2 cup chicken broth
Optional: Sliced black olives, chopped green onions

1.) Bake oven to 375 degrees. 

2.) Grab a 8X8 baking dish (Or whatever size you've got! But that's what I used.)

3.) Pour chicken broth in a small bowl. 

4.) In a medium bowl, mix chicken, cream cheese, enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes, salsa & taco seasoning. (This is the point where I realized I hadn't been taking pictures.) ;)

 5.) Dip 2 tortillas into the chicken broth and put it in the bottom of your baking dish.


6.) Top with chicken mixture.


7.) Top with black bean mixture (in original recipe this is mixed with corn, but we're not big fans of corn plus it's not something good for you if you are insulin resistant or diabetic... so we left it out.)


8.) Top with shredded cheese!


9.) Layer it all again. I actually forgot the tortilla in the middle, so it only has two on the bottom & one on the top. Oops! ;) After the last tortilla on top, top with more cheese, black olives & green onions (if desired). 


10. Bake about 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted. ENJOY!



Um...Brad just got THIRDS. It's pretty good. I had seconds. :) Very very tasty!

Nutrition Facts: (per serving)  Calories-284, Fat-14g, Carbs-17g, Fiber-7g, Protein-28g


Saturday, March 10, 2012

Wish List!

So. There are some things I want. Why am i doing a wish list post when i just had a birthday? Because I got birthday money from family & I want to spend it! 

There's some stuff I seriously NEED. Like, a bra. I mean... my favorite one broke. And the other one? Well, maybe i've lost weight in that area because it's too big and fits weird now. 

I also NEED a pedi (this might be a want. But i do work in a cosmetology school and if i want to wear open-toe shoes (which i do), they must be painted & pretty. So, it's KIND OF a need, right?).

But here is some other fun stuff I would love to have!


Source: etsy.com via Melissa on Pinterest

At my new job we can only wear black clothes, but we can accessorize with color. Because of that i started wearing scarves - and discovered my love for the infinity scarf. I have a red & black one. I want more! This one is cute.




I also love coffee mugs. And this one is so cute!


Source: etsy.com via Melissa on Pinterest


Um. I kind of love this new chevron stripe thing, I don't know why. It's cute. I like this purse. I need a new purse. It can wait a little longer, though. I usually use one purse until it falls apart! Ha!


Source: etsy.com via Melissa on Pinterest


I am always pinning clutches, but I don't think I've ever actually bought one. But i would like one. This is cute!




I've been into the dangly pretty earrings lately. But these posts are just way too cute!



Source: etsy.com via Melissa on Pinterest


This wouldn't go in my house at all. But one day i will have one where it would go. I love this. I would like it framed. It's unique. I like it!


Source: lulus.com via Mareah on Pinterest


Ohhh. Ohhhhh. Must have. What i need most right now is some new flats. I have 2 pair that are literally falling apart now. I wear my flats OUT! I like these. I love peep-toe shoes like this.

Well, that's enough for now. Time for bed!