Speaking of Glass...

I don't know what it is but I have ALWAYS had a fascination with glass and the art of glass blowing. I have always wanted to learn how to work with glass and I look forward to any glass blowing presentations, which are rare.

I received an email today from Living Social and was drawn to the 90minute Swedish Massage deal for $44. That would be so nice but.... ehhh.

THEN... as I was browsing the other deals I came across this.

Si Na Ca Studios is a non profit organization teaching people the art of glass blowing!! Right up my alley and 50% off! I looked at some classes a couple months ago from other studios in the area and they were $200 plus it seemed. So now, I am happy to say I get to experience my first workshop of glass blowing! Woo hoo! I bought two of them so B and I can go together and make it a date :) He has always wanted to learn the art of blacksmithing... so at least this is in the same kind of "family".

It may be crazy but I think a 50% off glass blowing workshop with just the instructor and my husband is waaay better than a Swedish Massage... just sayin.

Have I mentioned how EXCITED I am?!

I am. VERY.

Salvation Army...

It may or may not be my favorite store...

Okay, besides Target, Home Goods, World Market and Flea Markets... It is definitely my favorite store, why?

Because of these beauties:

$2.99

$1.99

$2.99

I sent B a picture of them and his reply was, "You and vases :)"

What can I say? I am a sucker for vintage glass especially if it's green, turquoise or blue! They are so fun and one of a kind! They looked pretty grungy in the store so I brought them home and gave them a little TLC and now they are gorgeous and sparkley!

I will admit... not all Salvation Armys/Other thrift stores are clean and orderly. I do not like to dig through piles and messes to find anything and try to avoid places that would cause me to do that. If you have not been to the SA in Plano - GO! It is clean, organized and set up like an actual retail store. No digging required! It smells decent and I have almost always walked out of there with an awesome find! It's pretty much the only SA I will go to.

It's growing!

After about a month of having our tomato plant there are finally little tomatoes growing!! I got a call from my mother in law the other day (who bought the same plant when we were at the farmers market) saying that she had one little green tomato growing! I checked mine when talking to her and no tomatoes for me. THEN... when I checked the next morning I had TWO little tomatoes forming! Woohoo! The plant has grown significantly and I have been so diligent in watering it multiple times a day.

March 17, 2001

April 10, 2011

There they are!!

I am looking foward to having fresh, delicious tomatoes at my fingertips!

Here's a little inspiration for your week... one of my favorites... ENJOY!

A few of my favorite recipes recently...

Orange Chicken

(like Panda Express but much better for you)

I am not a huge fan of pre-packaged freezer foods so instead of using the frozen popcorn chicken, I just used skinless, boneless chicken breasts cut up into pieces (no breading). Serve with brown rice. YUM!

Pasta with Creamy Mushroom Bacon Sauce

This is waaaay delicious. It's more saucy than the picture looks.

Soft Breadsticks

B and I loved these bread sticks! I didn't have time to make the yeast kind so I found this recipe to try in only 30 minutes! They are dense and buttery/lightly crunchy on the bottom (yum!) We thought they would make great biscuits so this morning I made the same dough and instead shaped them into biscuits, baked and had them with jam and they were awesome and fast!

Better Beans and Rice

Anyone from the South (or on a budget) knows how gross and how delicious this meal can be! If you find the right recipe (they all vary drastically) then you might just be hooked! This recipe was my first attempt at Rice and Beans. Totally customizable. I'm in love.

Chicken Cresent Makeovers

I know I have mentioned these before but seriously... you must make them! They are easy and delicious and beat the snot out of hot pockets or any other pre-packed sandwich (ick). Might I add that they are much better for you too? You don't have to stick with the same filling all the time either... you could switch it up! I make a batch of these and freeze them. They make the perfect last minute lunch or snack.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Monkey Bread

If you have kids (or just love PB&J) you've got to try this recipe! I made it for the kids' snack one day and it was a winner for sure! I didn't have any heavy cream on hand so I just made a glaze using powdered sugar and 2%milk. It was delicious! If you don't have a oven safe skillet just use a loaf pan.

Trifecta Cookies

I made these cookies over the weekend and they are pretty much amazing. They have a combo of peanut butter, chocolate and oats... I'll definitely be making more of these in the near future!

Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball

So, so, so, so yummy! Absolutely fantastic! Sometimes the words "Cheese Ball" make me cringe... but this one makes me jump for joy! It is simple, delicious and perfect to bring to any kind of get together!

It's that time of year again!

*General Conference*

Every 6 months the leadership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints gathers together to speak to the worldwide membership. General Conference is held in four two-hour sessions (two on Saturday, two on Sunday) and is broadcast worldwide on satellite tv, radio, and the internet. It's an inspired process, in that the speakers are not assigned topics, nor are topics reviewed prior to Conference.

I always look forward to this time of year. Every April and October we have the opportunity to listen to these inspired words and be rejuvenated for the weeks and months to come! I am so grateful for inspired leaders, a living prophet and a loving Heavenly Father whose ultimate desire is to bless us!