Breaking up is hard to do...

Dear Facebook,

Today is a day I thought would never come. I loved you when we first met. You kept me distracted from school work, gave me pictures of my closest friends, and all around provided a good time. But as our relationship has grown older, it has also grown stale. I no longer respond to people I know when they want to be my friend or when they send me a message. I find your constant emails annoying. The feelings are no longer there. Remember, it's not you, it's me.

Farewell,

Ashley

Show Us Your Life- Desserts!

Kelly is hosting Show Us Your Life Friday again this week over at Kelly's Korner. This week's theme is your favorite dessert recipes.
I have to begin by saying dessert is my favorite part of every meal. I really love anything sweet, even if it's just something small. It makes me smile. Pie, Cake, Cookies, Candy.... yum.......

Chocolate Chip Pie
1 c. sugar
1/2 c. flour
1/2 c. butter
2 eggs
2 c. total of chocolate chips, coconut, and pecans
1 pie crust (I usually use oreo)
Mix together the sugar and flour. Melt butter and add to dry ingredients. Add eggs and mix until combined. Add in chocolate chips, coconut, pecans and stir. Pour into an uncooked pie shell. Bake at 350* for 35-40 min.

Cake Mix Cookies
1 box of cake mix (Funfetti is always great!)
2 eggs
1/2 c. vegetable oil
A container of your favorite icing (Or homemade if you like!)
Mix the ingredients and spoon onto a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350* for 10 to 12 min. Top with icing.

Dirt Cake (YUM, my FAVORITE!)
1/2 c. butter softened
1 pkg. cream cheese
1/2 c. confectioners sugar
2 boxes instant vanilla pudding
3.5 c. milk
1 (12 oz) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
2 pkg. Oreos, crushed
Gummy worms
Mix the first three ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth. Mix vanilla pudding, milk, and whipped topping in a large bowl and mix. Mix in butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar mixture. Layer in a large bowl. Start with oreos, then pudding, etc. I layer worms between each layer.

I hope you enjoyed the recipes! Have a blessed weekend! War Eagle!

Grey's Anatomy TOMORROW

So, I had resigned myself to not watching Grey's Anatomy this year. I had assured myself I didn't need to because nothing happened last year until the season finale. I go to show spoilers. I know who lives and who dies. Then I saw this. Holy cow.

Okay, I'll just watch the premiere....

A lot of trouble for a lb. of meat...

Brian was out of town last night and I have been itching to use a new dinner recipe from Kelly's blog last Friday, so I decided to cook a special dinner we hadn't had before. I ran to the grocery store to grab some of the ingredients on my way home. Once I unloaded the groceries, I realized I left the ground beef on the counter at the store. I was frustrated because I wouldn't have dinner ready when Brian got home and had I gone to Publix, they would have made sure I had ALL my groceries. Brian suggested I call the store to be sure they would let me have the meat I had already paid for. It seemed like a good idea, so I called- then realized I had no idea what to say. My witty statement to the girl on the phone was *I left my meat there. Can I come get it?* I drove back to the store and went to the desk to find out what to do. The man at the customer service counter told me to go grab some more meat from the back, so I headed back there. Half way back to the meat section I hear over the intercom *Customer who left the meat, please come to the front, customer who left the meat please come to the front.* I do a U-turn to an audience of 5 on the canned foods aisle, wondering if they know I am the "customer who left the meat." I came to the front where the man was standing with my original meat, scanning the front of the store like he lost his dog. Brian and I spent the whole drive home laughing that I was the "Customer who left the meat."

Once I got home, the meal turned out great! Who ever knew ground beef and tater tots would go so well together!? I guess it takes a little work to have a marvelous meal!

Decal Monograms Giveaway

So, I have LOVED the Decal Monograms Etsy shop FOREVER. I pretty much adore anything with a monogram, so this shop is perfect! I spend lots of time trying to figure out which decal I want and what I will put it on. She has SO many options! Well, I went to the her Etsy shop to pick out something for a wedding gift and there I see it, SHE HAS A BLOG! As a kick off for her new blog she is hosting a giveaway for a car monogram. It is so cute!

Sign-up for the giveaway ends tomorrow, so go check it out!

+ = Perfect!

Respond and Rework

Brittney at Far More Than Rubies tagged me for a Respond and Rework! Thanks Brittney!

Rules: 1. Respond and rework: Answer the questions on your blog, Replace one question that you dislike with a question of your own invention, and add one more question of your own. 2. Tag other un-tagged people.

What's your favorite article of clothing?

My navy blue dress. Put red with it and you are patriotic. Put orange with it and you have school spirit! Plus, I always feel cute!

What is your favorite board game?

I never played board games growing up. Then I met Brian. Board game is his middle name. And he is good at all of them. Now, I LOVE Taboo. Rebecca and I sat in the floor of my dorm a huge portion of our freshman year and asked each other the words. It was great. Cheating? Possibly.
What is your favorite holiday tradition?
I love Christmas! What a glorious time! My FAVORITE Christmas tradition is putting the ornaments on the tree. It was always a huge deal growing up. We drank egg nog and each had our own special ornaments to put on the tree. Now that I am married, it is still a big deal. Brian and I have given each other ornaments every year we have been together- dating and married. That’s 12 special ornaments to look back at and remember. It makes me smile.
What was the last thing you bought?

Art supplies

What are you listening to right now?

When Harry Met Sally- love that movie.
What is your favorite weather?
A rainy day. Luckily for me, because we have had about 14 of them in a row.
What is your least favorite season?

Summer. Woo, I don’t do hot well.

What's in your purse?

My calendar, my wallet, chap lip, my camera, coupons, and abou 97 pens.
Say something to the person who tagged you:

Hi Brittney! I am loving getting to know you through our blogs! Your posts are always funny and encouraging! Thanks for the smiles!
What is your favorite dessert or cool treat?

Dirt Cake
What did you want to become as a child?

A writer. But only because I was always reading wonderful books!
What do you want to be now?

A mother and wife.
What is your favorite song?

Then by Brad Paisley, but it changes so often.

Which is you favorite country/state, and why?

USA! As for state, I just love sections of our incredible country- the southeast is friendly and fun. The northeast is BEAUTIFUL! I love traveling to Maine and Vermont. They are just gorgeous pretty much any time of the year.

If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go?

So dumb, but probably Auburn. It’s the first “big” game of the season. Emotions are going to be high. Plus tailgating and Tiger Walk are happening as we speak.

What are your most challenging goals right now?

Serving my husband and being a wife who encourages him in Christ more than anything else. Also, using God’s love to love my class. Remembering they are God’s creation made in His image.

What is your 5 year plan?

Continue to love and grow with Brian and have babies!

What is your favorite sport to watch?

Football.

What show would you want to be a cast member on (reality included)?

Well, I’m not sure. I don’t really want to be in any of the shows I like, but I (embarrassingly enough) really like Grey’s Anatomy and Greek.
What is your favorite magazine?
Better Homes and Gardens!

What is your most prized possession?

My baby blanket “Blankie.” She’s not allowed in our bed, but she stays beside it.
Name one favorite childhood memory.

Traveling with my parents. We used to travel all over the US. It was so much fun and made so many incredible memories.

What is your favorite book of the Bible?

Genesis. God is so faithful, even before we had a Savior.
What is your favorite quote?
*But from that moment on, Hermione Granger became their friend. There are some things you can’t share without ending up liking each other, and knocking out a twelve-foot mountain troll is one of them.*

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
What is one country you aren’t interested in visiting?

Well, it's not country, but really anywhere in Asia. It’s just never been on my list, you know?

I tag...

Rebecca at The Taffs

Allison at Allison Unfiltered

Brittany at The VK's

Ginny at Grace of My Life

Kristen at The Edwards

Sonya at A Day in the Life

Show Us Your Life- Dinner Recipes

I am excited about this week's Show Us Your Life at Kelly's Korner! This week's post is our favorite dinner recipes. I am really beginning to enjoy cooking. I am not great at it. I don't do it near enough. But I really enjoy it. Hope you love the recipes!

.................

The first recipe I want to share is one I got in college. One of my friends made her mother's Mac and Cheese for something and I thought it was the most delicious thing I ever ate. I have probably made it a 100 times since I got the recipe. It's perfect for guests or for a nice meal with your husband!

Scrumptious Mac & Cheese

1 (8 oz.) pkg. elbow macaroni

2 c. cottage cheese

1 (8 oz) sour cream

1 egg, slightly beaten

1/4 tsp. salt

2 c. sharp cheddar cheese

Cook and rinse the macaroni and set aside. Combine cottage cheese, sour cream, egg, salt, and cheddar cheese. Add macaroni and stir well. Spoon mixture into a lightly greased 2-qt. casserole dish. Bake at 350* for 45 min. Serves 6 to 8 people.

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Another recipe we love is fried rice. I am a major fan of Chinese food. There is nothing better than an egg roll and hot and sour soup. Yum. My mom had this recipe from a friend who lived in China for a while. It's the closest thing I have found to restaurant quality.

Fried Rice

4 eggs

1 t. salt

2-3 T. vegetable oil

5-10 sliced green onions

1/2 pd. chicken

1 pkg. frozen peas

2-3 c. cooked rice

Mix the eggs until partly cooked. Remove from the skillet. Saute green onions, chicken, and frozen peas. Add soy sauce. Stir in cooked rice. Add eggs. Continue to saute until done!

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Finally, salsa. Brian and I have Mexican creations all the time. Either homemade quesadillas, fajitas, or tacos. The major ingredient for all of these is salsa. I am not a fan of store bought salsa, so this is a quick and easy recipe that is great for any Mexican treat, or simply for a party or get together. Everyone loves it!

Spectacular Salsa

2 cans Del Monte original stewed tomatoes (Do not substitute brands.)

2 jalapenos from a jar

1 t. salt

1 t. garlic

1 t. cumin

2 palmfuls fresh cilantro

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl. Use a blender to create the consistency you love!

........................

Now to my dilemma of the day- it was a student's birthday again today. We had chocolate cupcakes with chocolate icing and a crimson A (for Alabama) on top. I was seriously unsure what I should do. The immature part of me said "Ashley, don't eat that. You will be supporting the other team. Who cares if you offend a child." The more mature, chocolate loving part of me said, "You can't just NOT eat this cupcake. You have been cupcake depraved in school for the past 2 years. Ignore it. It doesn't mean they will win." The mature side won. I used my finger to smear away the A, then ate a delicious and wonderful cupcake. War Eagle.

I love my life.

I hope you enjoyed the recipes! Have a blessed evening!

Knock Off Knock Out and DIY Day

and

As I was browsing various blogs this evening, I found these wonderful events at It's So Very Cheri and A Soft Place to Land. I have been itching to share the new picture in my newly refinished bathroom and this seems like the perfect time!

Several weeks ago, I was over at Rob and Ginny's hanging out and spending time with friends. When I walked in, she had a new picture added to her entry way. I, of course, asked how she did it but could not figure out where I would put it. When we finally updated our guest bath, I thought *ding, ding* this is the day I have been waiting for! I quickly talked Brian into running to Hobby Lobby with me. I spent less than $5 buying white paint, off white paint, and 2 sized paisley sponges. I already had the canvas at home. I painted the background shiny white and sponged cream colored paisley designed on top. Next, I used stenciling paper to trace the words onto the canvas. Finally, I used black paint pen to darken the words and voila!Here was my result!

If you look closely, you can see the off-white paisley in the background. It was the perfect picture for our brown/grey, red, and white bathroom!

Hope you enjoyed my project! Have a blessed week!

Auburn's Offense

Yesterday was MAGNIFICENT. It was our first SEC game of the season against Mississippi State. Our defense really could have stood to step it up a smidge, but our offense was BEAUTIFUL. Our recievers and quarterback(s?) worked so nicely together. It was nice to see unity among the team. WAR EAGLE.

To prepare to watch the game at our friends Jared and Ashley's house, I made cupcakes. For my birthday, Brian gave me this awesome Auburn cupcake "tin." It is actually silicone, but who needs specifics. I have been dying to make cupcakes, but I didn't want to curse it before football started, then I didn't want to bring them to the game last week, so this week was the big premiere.

Here are the cupcakes BEFORE the icing.

Here they are with the icing.

And here I am proudly showing my works of art.

We are going to watch the VA Tech game with our Sunday School class next week, so I am prepared the make the cupcakes again. 2 weeks in a row, SCORE!

On a side note, I made Bakerella's Mini Maple Pancake Muffins for Sunday School breakfast this morning. They were delicious! I made 6 dozen and came home with none. Please don't think I cook this often on a regular basis, this has been an unusually kitchen filled weekend. I just wanted to share the recipe love!

Have a blessed Sunday evening!

Rojo and Game Night

Last night, Brian and I went out with a group of friends to Rojo. It is a delicious Latin/ American restaurant in the Highlands area. I had never been over there before and it was so much fun! We got pineapple salsa and black bean and corn salsa and queso which was a great way to start the meal. The pineapple salsa was INCREDIBLE. I am considering trying my hand at a homemade pineapple salsa- does anyone have a good recipe? Almost everyone got quesadillas and they were fantastic. If you are from the Birmingham area and are interested in a fun and tasty dinner date, check Rojo out!

After dinner, we came back to our house for Nertz and Speed Scrabble. I was trying to whip up a quick and yummy cookie to serve when everyone came over and I found this recipe for Cowgirl Cookies at Bakerella. They practically flew from the plate! 8 people ate 24 cookies in 2 hours. I say that's pretty impressive!

Brian and I are up for breakfast at Sunday School on Sunday. I am going to try this recipe for Mini Pancake Muffins on Sunday- I will keep you posted on how they turned out. Bakerella could be my new favorite blog!

I hope you have a blessed football Saturday!

Bathroom Makeover Labor Day Style

This weekend, Brian and I finally redid our guest bath. It is amazing what a new coat of paint, a new light fixture, and a different rug and curtain can do! I am thrilled with the changes!

Here are the before and after pictures...

Before

After

I LOVE it!!! We registered for the shower curtain when we got married and it is perfect in our new bathroom! I found the rug at TJMaxx for $10. We redid the entire bathroom for less than $100! Next stop, THE KITCHEN!

Have a blessed evening my friends!

Tuesdays Unwrapped

I must begin by saying, I've been a day late all week. I adore long weekends. I love having a Monday or Friday off to spend time with Brian and spend time with friends, but when the new week comes, I always get my days mixed up. So today, I will share my Tuesday Unwrapped because it really was a joy to look at the simple things and recognize how great my life is, whether it is Tuesday or Wednesday. For those of you who don't know, Tuesdays Unwrapped is brought to you by Chatting at the Sky . It is meant for you to slow down during those fast paced, tiring days, and look at the small, meaningful things of the day. I love it.

Today I stopped being stressed out about curriculum and about reading and writing conferences and about talking students, and ENJOYED my class. We played math games, brainstormed words, used real life examples to show the meaning of words, enjoyed computer games together, and simply got to know each other a little bit better. As the day ended in rainy day recess in the computer lab, one sweet child looked at me and thanked me for letting us stay a little longer in the lab. He didn't complain that we didn't go outside. He didn't overlook the fact we were supposed to leave 20 minutes before. He gave me a hug and thanked me. It was a precious moment that reminded me why I was there and how I can make a child's day great just by enjoying being with them. Children are such a blessing.

One of the many great things about Auburn football....

Brian and I were in Auburn yesterday for the first game of the season. We won and it was wonderful! I wasn't so sure about our new coach in the beginning, but he recovered VERY nicely by the end. I have decided that instead of calling him Chizik, which is actually his name, I will call him Chizzy. It makes me like him just a little bit more. Let's face it, I will always love Tommy, but all good things come to an end. Congrats Chizzy on your first win! War Eagle!

One of the things I love about gameday in Auburn is the clothes. Some of the girls have the CUTEST dresses and I always like looking at what people are wearing. Part of that might be because before 2 years and 1 game ago, I never chose what I wore to a game because I was on the flagline. Though we always looked beautiful, it wasn't exactly the same.

So in honor of all the adorable outfits I saw yesterday, here are just a few things I really like right now-

These are from Anthropologie...

And from JCrew...

Have a blessed and wonderful Labor Day weekend my friends!

This is it.....

Drum roll please...................

It's FOOTBALL SEASON!!!

What's not to love?

War Eagle!

Isn't it ironic?

Remember the Alanis Morissette "Ironic"? I remember singing it on the playground at Tender Years, my daycare growing up, for huge amounts of time. It was strange at the time (and even now) because I only listen to country. But for a brief amount of time, I listened to a couple of other types of music and somewhere through that, I picked up this song.

Well, after my post Monday night, I came down with bronchitis. I left school yesterday at 10:45 with a 101.6* temp. I went to the doctor where she proceeded to give me a shot, a prescription, and a suggestion for Mucinex. I left there to pick up my prescription where I learned Mucinex costs $21.99!!! One box of medicine FOR A SICK PERSON costs $21.99. Anyway, the school won't let me come back until my temp is gone for 24 hours, so here I am, blogging, reading, watching West Wing, and coughing my lungs out. Bronchitis isn't terrible, but I don't love it. I can't talk for more than 2 mins without having a coughing fit, and I love talking!

One of Brian's roommates from Auburn left for Africa last week (a week after one of my best friends and her husband left for Africa.) After we spent the weekend at the lake with the roommates and their girls, which was SO much fun, Danny was baptized Sunday morning. For lunch, Danny's parents invited a large group of Danny's friends over for lunch. She made the most magnificent dip with chili and cream cheese. It practically disappeared as soon as it was put on the table. I asked Danny's mom for the recipe and she delivered!

Dixie Chili Dip

Spread cream cheese in a pie pan. Pour 1 can of chili across cream cheese. Top with shredded cheddar cheese. Zap in the microwave until melted and hot.

Dixie Chili is produced in Cincinnati and is difficult to find, but Danny's mom suggested Skyline Chili as a good alternative.

This is a great tailgating option! Enjoy!

Speaking of tailgating----

WAR EAGLE!

3 DAYS UNTIL FOOTBALL SEASON!!