Friday, December 30, 2011

My 2012 Resolutions

Hey friends! I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas! I really cannot even believe how fast this year is flying by. 2011 has been one of the best years yet! Although its ending on a super rocky note with the news that I'm in a relapse with my kidney disease, I know the Lord will take care of me and heal my body in plenty of time for our WEDDING! So, next up: New Year's Resolutions!

What's the New Year without resolutions!? They are a little nontraditional, but none the less, resolutions! Here are my goals to achieve in 2012.
1. Spend more quiet time with the Lord daily. I have a new daily devotional book for 365 days that I can't wait to start come January 1. After-all, our lives are nothing without Him, so why not spend as much time as possible in His word?
2. Clay and I to be debt free, aside from the house and my car (and maybe a new car for Clay!) This goal is for the BEGINNING of the year, more like a "First Quarter Resolution" that we can't wait to knock out!
3. Although there are many home renovations we would like to tackle, realistically not all will be completed in the first year of us being married. So, the kitchen to be redone and the carpet upstairs replaced would be HUGE accomplishments and we certainly hope to have them completed this year! The sooner the better ;)
4. Less texting, Facebook-ing, and Tweeting and more real conversations. The keyboard of my phone needs to go part-time instead of overtime!
5. This one may sound weird, but being more positive at all times and not allow the small, unimportant things to bother me. I more times than not, allow peoples negative words, or lazy actions effect me when honestly- who cares? Wish me luck on this one folks- I have a soft heart and I will need some extra prayers to get this one accomplished.
6. Become healthier. What a challenge this is. Although with relapsing again, this is a must. My 3 days a week work outs will need to be pushed to 4 or 5 and much more fruits and veggies! We'll see! Check back for updates on my progress....
So what are your 2012 resolutions? See you in 2012 folks!

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Just in case!

Just some motivational words because I was needing them and maybe you are too!







Happy Wednesday friends!

Friday, December 23, 2011

Feature: Casserole Queen Recipe

Anyone needing a DELICIOUS breakfast casserole recipe that's different than your traditional eggs, biscuits, sausage, and cheese? Well look no further my sweet friends! I have the most delicious recipe to share with you today!

Amanda is one of my sisters' friends that I met last summer when she invited us over for brunch at her house. She had the most delicious spread ready for us, but her famous spicy breakfast casserole was TO DIE FOR!! Im talking, better than you can even imagine, yummy! She has a blog with recipes she posts regularly. You must check it out!

She graciously agreed to let me share the recipe with you all. So here it is! Be sure to sign up for her blog to get her new recipe posts.

....and trust me, you won't be disappointed!

Ingredients:

(2) Bags of 26oz Shredded Hash Browns
(1) Tablespoon of Butter
½ Yellow Onion
(1) Teaspoon of Salt
(2) lbs. of Spicy Ground Sausage (I use Jimmy Dean Hot.)
(1) Red Bell Pepper
(1) Green Bell Pepper
(1) Cup of Mayonnaise
(1) Cup of Sour Cream
(8) Cups of Shredded Cheddar Cheese
(1) Tablespoon of Black Pepper
Directions:

STEP 1: Preheat oven to 350. Place both bags of frozen Hash Browns into a large roasting pan and spread them out evenly. Put in the oven for 30-45 minutes, stirring every 5-10 minutes, until thawed. The texture of the hash browns should be slightly sticky to the touch.

STEP 2: While you are waiting for the hash browns to thaw, start on your onion. Place 1 Tablespoon of Butter in a pan on medium heat. Take ½ a Yellow Onion, dice it, and add it into the pan with 1 Teaspoon of Salt. Cook the onion until it is translucent in color.

STEP 3: When your onions are cooked, add your 2 lbs of Ground Sausage to the same pan and turn heat on medium high heat.

STEP 4: While you are waiting for your meat to brown, get started on chopping your Red and Green Bell Peppers. Remember to remove the stem and seeds, and dice them into small pieces.

STEP 5: When the Hash Browns are thawed and the Sausage is browned, it’s time to combine all the elements. Add the Sausage and Onion mixture, diced Red and Green Bell Peppers, 1 cup of Mayonnaise, 1 cup of Sour Cream, 5 cups of shredded Cheddar Cheese, and 1 tablespoon of Black Pepper to the Hash Browns and mix together well.

STEP 6: Transfer the mixture into a 9x13x2 casserole dish. Top with remaining 3 cups of Cheddar Cheese and sprinkle with a pinch of Black Pepper.

STEP 7: Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, then switch to broil or 500 degrees for around 5-10 minutes to crisp and brown the cheese. Remove from oven and let set for 5 minutes. Serve, enjoy, and eat like ROYALTY!

I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas!!! xoxo

Monday, December 19, 2011

Tis the Season!

I absolutely love Christmas time! What a special day it is friends. I have gathered some super fun DIY projects on Pinterest to get your house in the Christmas spirit. It's crazy to think this is my last Christmas as a Neal!
Initial Ornament Wreath
Fake fruit dipped in glitter
Cut wedding/baby shower/graduation invitation and stuff in a clear ornament as a gift!
Instead of a tree skirt, use a galvanized bucket! LOVE this!
Christmas party favors
Ornament Christmas tree
Merry Christmas sweet friends! I hope you all enjoy this beautiful holiday with your friends and family, and most importantly rejoice in the Lord's birthday. More times than not, I think we get caught up in the bustle of Christmas and not the true meaning of why we are celebrating Christmas!

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Wedding Wednesday

Hey yall! Look at me, two weeks in a row remembering to share wedding updates! Although as the big day is quickly approaching, I have a feeling these posts will be very frequent.

Clay and I have been SO blessed during this wedding process with connections for the wedding. We really have some super talented friends! Like Clayton, who designed our wedding invitation suite and it is unbelievable, I'm in love obsessed. They really are a glimpse of our personalities.... fun, casual, simple, elegant! I really am dying to share the proof, but know I can't spoil the surprise. Check back in January after they've been sent out for a sneak peak!

A few things have been accomplished in wedding plans since my last post...
  • We selected the groom and groomsmens' attire for the big day-- LOVE!!
  • Reserved all of our rentals for the reception (eeeeek- so excited about the combo!!)
  • Have all my bridesmaids' gift purchased, except one. Love those ladies! Can't wait to shower THEM with gifts and appreciation
  • I bought my wedding ceremony jewelry! Thanks mom!!
Upcoming to-do's (I feel like this list is starting to really grow ;)
  1. Finalize ceremony flowers and reception centerpieces
  2. Address invites
  3. Finish up gifts for our special little people: 2 of the cutest ring bearers and the most beautiful flower girl!
  4. Dress fitting
  5. Music selections for reception and for ceremony
  6. Order the "other" favors
  7. Purchase Clay's wedding band (apparently, he already bought mine that he will reveal to me on Christmas!)
  8. Wedding shoes
  9. Purchase all the "items" for our OOT gift bags, with the exception of food items
Okay, if we had unlimited funds we would so be doing more favors! Check out these fabulously fun ideas:
The super-fun Photo Booth

Dancing Shoes! Comfy flip flops for the reception...
Sunglasses for your guests at the reception! So fun...
What favors did you have at your wedding? Or what are some of the most interesting/fun/bizarre favors you have come across at wedding receptions?!

Friday, December 9, 2011

Wedding not-so Wednesday!

I have been a complete slacker on updating everyone on wedding stuff. The truth is, not much is needing to be done. I feel like we have done a great job getting things accomplished early so this process never becomes stressful, only fun and exciting! A few updates to mention:
  • I had an amazing bridal shower thrown for me by the most fabulous hosts', Megan, Chelsea, Mindy and Halie! It was so perfect! Thanks again ladies, I love you all! (See the full post HERE)
Check out their monogrammed aprons!! (minus Chels)
  • My absolutely adorable flower girl, Shaelyn Jade, got her sweet sweet dress. I'm so excited to have her in our wedding!
  • Reserved the out of town guests hotel rooms
  • Rehearsal and rehearsal dinner plans are booked/finalized-- Thanks Mrs. Connie & Mr. John!!!
  • Ordered stickers for the out of town gift bags and the ties for the "goodies" inside, as well as reserved table signs for the reception from the sweetest Etsy shop, Tie that Binds.
  • Bartenders booked for the reception
  • Since I had to work Black Friday, my sister and mom were on a mission to pick out my veil at The White Rooms' "White Friday" sale! They hit the jackpot with scoring an amazing deal, my veil was $25!!!!!!!! Love bargain shopping:) Thanks ladies!!!
My upcoming to-dos are:
  1. Finalize Invites
  2. Order our favors
  3. Finalize the rentals
  4. Wedding day jewelry
  5. Wedding shoes
So to end with some very exciting news, CLAY SLIPPED and spilled the beans on our honeymoon!!! We are going to be staying at the all-inclusive Westin resort in...

Playa Conchal Costa Rica!!!!!!

Of course this is fabulous news for me that I got to find out early. He said he knew he wouldn't be able to keep it a secret because he was so excited!!!! I can't help but share some photos.....




Hurry up March 3rd!!!!!

    Only 85 days to go.....

    Tuesday, December 6, 2011

    Gifts!! Gifts!! More Gifts...

    "It's the MOST wonderful time of the year!"

    I can't believe we're rolling right on through December. If your anything like me, your scrambling around with less than 20 days to buy Christmas gifts for everyone on your list. I figured it would only be appropriate to post a mini-gift guide for everyone on your list from your dad that loves to grill, to the host of one of many Christmas parties you'll be attending this year. Good luck y'all!


    Kindle Fire, $199 from Amazon

    Monogrammed Grill Tools Set with Storage Case, $99.95 from Williams-Sonoma
    Monogrammed Beer Mug, Set of 4 $59 from Williams-Sonoma
    Mirrored Dresser Top Trays, $49 from Pottery Barn
    Women's Lodge Moccasins, $49 from J CREW
    Saddle Dopp Kit, $39 from Pottery Barn
    First Frost 2-Tier Beaded Server, $29.99 from Target

    Canvas Electronic Cases, $9-$24 from West Elm
    Happy shopping friends! I hope everyone takes the time to rejoice and enjoy the real meaning of Christmas.