Practice Makes Perfect

... or at least I hope so!

I attempted my first Christmas wreath this week.

After fulfilling my Granny Miff's fall wreath order, she decided that she wanted a Christmas wreath as well. More specifically, she wanted a Christmas wreath that wasn't made out of the "sticks." In other words, she didn't want a grapevine wreath... she wanted a garland style wreath. I have never messed with this kind before, and it really was a learning experience for me. Instead of being able to glue everything in, I had to wire a lot of the decorations in. It was different for sure!

She had a list of items that she loved... at the top were red apples and angels. I just so happened to find sparkly red apples, beautiful silver and gold angels, and lots of fillers. More importantly, I found a silver and a gold cross to add a Christian element to this Christmas wreath.

Although it's by no means perfect, I think it turned out nicely for my first try. I enjoy making grapevine wreaths more, but I also liked the challenge this one posed. I would definitely be willing to make another one!

This wreath will head to its new home at the end of the weekend, and I hope she loves it and is proud to hang it when it comes time for Christmas decor!



Cheesy Potato Bake

As I sat in my craniofacial anomalies class on Monday, I started daydreaming about food. Dinner to be more specific. To be absolutely precise, potatoes were on my mind.

Once I selected the food group that I was craving, I began thinking up recipes that I could use. I wanted to make potato soup... but, I don't have a recipe for it. I need to talk to Mom about that one. I also didn't have time for it to simmer properly. So, that was out.

Finally, I came up with an experiment...

So- here is my concoction:

You will need five or so medium red potatoes.

In a lightly sprayed 9x9 baking dish, layer the cubed potatoes. Drizzle well with extra light olive oil. Toss potatoes to ensure that the olive oil is distributed well.

Sprinkle with sea salt and pepper... to taste, of course.

Layer with bacon crumbles. Yes, I know this isn't the healthiest dish.

Sprinkle with lowfat cheddar cheese.

Cover and bake at 450 degrees for 45 minutes. If desired, remove at 40 minutes, uncover, add a little more cheese, and bake for 3-5 more minutes.

After baking, remove from oven... smell the appetizing aroma... and dig in!

Top with lowfat sour cream (if desired) and parsely flakes (for added appeal).

This dish is very easy- and was surprisingly good. I love when my experiments turn out well, and I also love when they are super easy. This dish yielded 4 servings, which is nice for me. I was able to package it up and take it to my externship- I really love how it re-heats so well!

YUM!

Simply Scrumptious

I am not a baker. By this, I mean that I don't really care for baking sweets... cookies, cupcakes, cakes, pies... you get the picture. I guess I just don't have the patience it takes... and I like salty foods better. I do; however, enjoy making cobbler. I believe that cobbler is especially mouth-watering in the fall. After Andrew and I returned from camping this weekend, we had a birthday dinner for him.

He requested... and made... buffalo chicken pizza. I know, I know. I'm terrible... he had to make his own birthday meal. But- he does SUCH a good job that it's hard not to let him!

Anyway, they were delicious!

Now... onto the real purpose of this blog.

Blackberry Cobbler... some people refer to this as a "dump cake," but I happen to think that name is repulsive and does not adequately describe this delectable dessert.

Ingredients:

Two cans of pie filling (blackberry is our personal preference)

Yellow cake mix (we use Aldi's because it's the cheapest)

One stick of butter

Preparation:



After spraying the bottom of a 9x13 pan, pour both cans of fruit filling into the bottom. Spread evenly.

Sprinkle the box of cake mix over the fruit filling.

Melt and drizzle one stick of butter over the top of the cake mix.

Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes to an hour. Make sure it's a beautiful golden brown... but don't over cook it.

Remove from oven. Let cool.

Serve and enjoy!

I am loooooving fall so far! I can't wait for more fall foods... pumpkin bread, chili, and cinnamon apples are upon us! This cooler weather is good for my soul... and I think we are going to a pumpkin patch this weekend! My love for pumpkins will be saved for another time...

Celebrating Him

Saturday was Andrew's 24th birthday! We celebrated his day by camping and biking at Sam A. Baker State Park. The weather was absolutely gorgeous, and the park was amazing!

Our campsite was so pretty!

We loved staying here!

My new "torture device" that Andrew picked up for me! He did a good job picking it out... for a torture device, that is!

Cute visitors center.

Superintendent's house... I'd live here!

Restaurant. I love it!

The pine trees were just beautiful!

We looooooved the bike trail.

The flowers were gorgeous... and everywhere!

So pretty!

We enjoyed a colorful sunset through the trees.

Savoring the first campfire of fall!

Stunning!

God's artwork is outstanding!

Our hike up the mountain...

Beautiful!

Ahh! How nice it is to BREATHE!!!

: ) I love this!

Creepy face in the tree...

... Literally on top of the mountain!

I love him, can you tell?!

One of the amazing reminders that we serve an awesome God!

GORGEOUS!!!

Our furry little friend!

I loved this little stop sign on the bike trail's intersection!

On Saturday evening, we met these four deer on our way back to camp! How fun!

We had an awesome camping trip... and we really enjoyed the fresh, crisp air! Fall has officially begun... and we really enjoy camping during this time of year! We had so much fun being with each other- it sure does help when you've married your best friend! I know I say it often, but I mean it! I couldn't ask for anyone better to be married to, and I am so blessed to have my best friend by my side for the rest of my life!

Once again...

Happy Birthday, Andrew! I love you!

Life is GOOD!