Last Night's Dinner

Actually, it's tonight's dinner but it was  so good, I couldn't wait until tomorrow to post it. Besides, the boys are running around the house playing "fight" so I have a few minutes to myself!

I pinned this recipe for Pan-Seared Chicken with Balsamic Cream Sauce, Mushrooms and Onions a few weeks ago but just haven't had the time to make it. It isn't hard but it does take about 45 minutes to make and I prefer something quicker after working all day. I used chicken thighs instead of breasts just because I had them and switched out the heavy cream for half and half to save a few calories.

Caramelized Onions

De-glazing the pan after cooking the chicken

The finished product - this picture does not do this recipe justice. I really need to do a better job of using the camera and not my phone for pictures. I promised you this recipe will NOT disappoint!!!

I paired the chicken with roasted asparagus and these roasted radishes. I was a little worried they would be bitter, like the raw version but it wasn't in the least bit. It's a great alternative side dish to potatoes, we will definitely be having these again!

Christmas Crafts

Back in September, I purchased a wood "W" to hang on our front door from New River Pottery. Then I had my super awesome Dad use that W as a template to make me more W's that I could paint for different holidays. Super smart idea, I know! This is how our Christmas W turned out

I started with a plain wood W and painted it lime green

Then I used my mom's Cricut machine to cut a chevron pattern on some red and white vinyl I ordered from My Vinyl Direct This website has everything you need for vinyl designs, at a reasonable price, and they ship super quick. It took me about an hour to place the vinyl on the W.  I'm sure I could have done a better job with the pattern but for my first vinyl project, I'm happy with the outcome

I came across this on Pintrest several months ago and planned to use for inspiration on my own front porch

My dad cut the wood board and distressed for me early but life got int he way and it sat in my garage for weeks. In my defense, it took me some time to decide how I wanted the letters to look. Anyway, I finally got around to finishing the project this week, just in time for Christmas!

This is what the board looked like before I got started.

I purchased scrapbook paper at Michael's, used mom's cricut to cut the letters, and used mod podge to get the letters on the wood.

This is what the finshed project looks like on my porch. Sorry for the poor quality picture, it was late when I finished and I didn't want to mess with the good camera so I opted for a phone picture. 

2015 Color of the Year ~ Marsala

The only benefit to spending hours at Physicians East last week, is that I get to catch up on my fun reading. Not the lesson plans, literature reviews, or research articles like I should have been reading but US Weekly, InStyle, and People. I was armed with a stack of magazines to help pass the time.

Instyle had an article that declared "Marsala" the color of the year for 2015. I instantly thought of chicken Marsala, who wouldn't, right? However, Marsala is a, "warming blend of red and brown with pink and caramel undertones," and not the muddy brown I associated with the mushroom sauce on my chicken. Still confused, it's the color of a good bottle of red wine!

You can pair it with a neutral, like navy or black, but would also look fabulous with mustard. It's a universally flattering color but if it's too much for you, try it as part of a print or as an accessory. Need some inspiration? Here's a great article on how to wear it. Here are a few pieces I have on my Marsala wish list! Click the picture for information on where to find these items!

Weekend Wrap Up

I sure do love the holiday season and all the hustle and bustle that comes with it! This weekend we were non-stop starting on Thursday night when we met our Greenhouse Preschool friends for dinner at Pizza Inn. These sweet kiddos have been together since they were just babies and were so excited to see each other! Presents, pizza, and 5 year old energy filled the restaurant. Our waitress probably needed a drink after we left! I cannot believe our babies are growing up so fast, sniff, sniff! We sure do miss seeing these kiddos and their families everyday!

Friday night we headed to visit Santa just to be sure he knew exactly what Aiden had on his list. Oh my, this list is all boy ... fart gun, razor 360, legos, a dart gun. It's a good thing Aiden is on the Nice List this year, at least for now anyway - there's still 10 days left!

Saturday morning the boys slept in while I headed out to help with Greenville Women's League Run for a Reason 5K. It was a cold morning but we managed to have 130 runners turn out for the 3rd annual race.

Saturday night we headed to the HEP Christmas Party. I absolutely LOVE my job and one of the best parts are the people I work with. It was nice to celebrate the end of the semester and holidays with such an amazing group of people. The kids played and had a blast while the adults enjoyed Dreamland BBQ and non work related conversations. I had so much fun, I forgot to take pictures!

After church on Sunday, I hosted my annual Cookie Exchange. Participants each brought 8 dozen of one type of cookie and left with a platter full of various cookies. It's a great way to get lots of cookies while only having to purchase and bake one kind while catching up with friends.
We have cookies for days at our house, you are welcome to stop by and try some!

We ended our weekend with Aiden's  Intra Squad swim meet. He has been participating in Dolphin Swim Club at the Aquatics Center since August and this is the first meet he has been able to participate in this fall. A small number of children participated in the optional event, little man was hesitant at first but ended up having a blast and placing in 3 events. He finished 2nd in the 25 freestyle and 25 backstroke with his freestyle time being less than 1 minute and his relay team placed first

I hope you had a fabulous weekend ... here's to another busy week!

Livin' on a Prayer

Whoa, we're half way there
Whoa, livin' on a prayer
Take my hand and we'll make it - I swear
Whoa, livin' on a prayer

This post is LONG overdue! On November 17th I celebrated the half way point to my 5 year Cancerversary!!! Can you believe it's been 2 and a half years since my diagnosis? Some days it feels like this journey just started but other days, I can look back and see just how far I've come. A cancer diagnosis is a lifetime journey with many ups and downs. Those close to me, know the roller coaster my life has become since May 17, 2012. Mainly because they are on the ride as well, I have been blessed with the most amazing support system. This week I am faced with my 6 month scans, both CT and Bone. With results coming next week. If you could spare an extra prayer for clean scans, it would be much appreciated! 

Here are a few pictures to recap the last 2.5 years ....

When my sweet boys shaved their heads for me

Lots of love! 

When I finally stopped wearing my "hair hat"

Lots of support!!!

Last Night's Dinner - Smokin'

The end of the semester is final here! Tomorrow is our last day of classes at ECU before we begin final exams, which means I’m up to my eyeballs in grading! My desk is covered with learning segments, lessons plans, teaching reflections, and literature reviews that are all begging for grades. I have been staring at coursework since 8am this morning and my brain needs a recharge. Thus, I give you, last night’s dinner…

Because my Aunt and Uncle were in town for a visit, Jonathan decided to break out the smoker and throw in a boston butt early yesterday morning, while we took them on a tour of Greenville. I apologize now for not having pictures of the amazingness that was the end result. He used just salt and pepper, no special rub, no sauce and it was pure pork heaven. I tried out two new recipes for our side dishes Spicy Sriracha Slaw and Balsamic Green Bean Salad, both turned out great. The slaw was SPICY but paired so well with the pork, it was a match made in BBQ heaven.

I hope y’all had a great weekend that was full of fun, family, and fabulous food!

P.S. I may not have taken a picture of this meal the first time around but I remembered to snag one while I was eating the leftovers for lunch! It was equally good the second time around!

5 for Friday

1. Table Runner
I was looking to do something different with my table for Thanksgiving and came across this burlap table runner on Pintrest from The Pinning Mama. It was the easiest and quickest project I have done. I bough the runner from Michael's (with a coupon) for $6 and used my mom's Cricut to cut the W, I already had the sharpie at home. After tracing the letter, it took less than 10 minutes to color it in.

2. Last Night's Dinner - Crockpot White Chicken Chili
This recipe came from a friend of a friend and it was perfect for a cold, rainy day!

2lbs chicken breast, diced (I used chicken thighs)

2 cans great white northern beans

1 can navy beans

1 can cannelloni beans

1 can corn

1 can chicken broth

1 jar salsa

16 oz pepperjack cheese, cubed

Directions: Combine all ingredients except for the cheese in crockpot. Cook on low 6-8 hours. Add cheese to crockpot and let melt. Serve with tortilla chips.

3. Mickey the Elf has returned to keep an eye on Aiden and report back to Santa. Just like last year, he returned with a box to fill with toys to donate. It was hard to get Aiden to pick toys, everything is his "most favorite toy ever", it's going to take us a few days to fill this box! I found this super cute note online that I printed for Mickey to leave with the box. 

4, Cousin Love
Jonathan's sister and her family are here for the weekend. Mason and Aiden are 5 months apart so it's almost like having twin 5 year olds running around. They are followed closely by Liam, whose is almost 3. We are so blessed to watch these kiddos play, make memories, and share this time with family but the noise level is sometimes unbearable and I haven't seen my carpet since Wednesday night.

5. Happy Thanksgiving
I hope you all had a fabulous holiday and stuffed yourself silly with turkey and all the fixins! I am thankful for this amazing life I have and all of you in it!