Saturday with the Seniors
Hello Friends and Welcome to the Weekend!
I hope you all had a wonderful Valentine’s Day and regardless of where you went, what you ate or what gift you received, you were able to spend quality time with people you love because that’s all that truly matters.
Last Saturday hubby and I spent most of the day with our son at Appoquinimink High School’s Wrestling Team’s Senior Day – now that’s a mouthful! Some of you may know that my son started wrestling after the Thanksgiving break and he finished the season with a 5-5 record due to a knee injury. Saturday was his last match, which he lost but all in all he enjoyed the experience and bonding with his teammates and the coaches.
Prior to the match, each soon-to-graduate Senior escorted their parents/guardians onto the gym floor and presented their mother with a rose.
Malik enjoyed wrestling this season and regretted that he didn’t join the team during his earlier years of High School.
Wrestling at 170 lbs, this was his last match and you can see the disappointment on his face after the disappointing loss.
But like the good athlete he is, it only lasted a few minutes and after talking to his dad, he was back enjoying the rest of the matches with his teammates.
It was a great day and watching the team knowing that it’s the end of the season was more bittersweet for me than for him.
Mom being silly unbeknownst to hubby or son!
I ended the afternoon getting a new camera bag from Cameras Etc. in Newark.
Did you share love and laughter last weekend?
Don’t forget to share a post at this weekend’s #WWDParty
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!
Weekend Wind-Down Party #6
Hello Friends & Welcome to the Weekend Wind-Down Party #6
Hopefully you are not in a sugar coma from eating too many sweets but are home relaxing or preparing for a fun-filled maybe sun-filled weekend. Truth be told, I am not a big proponent of Valentine’s Day. The thriftinista in me knows that tomorrow all the candy at Walgreens will be 50% off – 2 boxes for the price of 1!
Anywho, let’s get this party started with this week’s featured posts. Please feel free to copy and paste the button onto your blog page as it will also be featured on our Pinterest Page.
Carrie This Home
Calm Healthy Sexy
Mrs Domestic Bliss
View From The Frig
Gurvy Green
the colored door
- God’s Growing Garden
On The Daily Express
The rules remain the same, and we ask that after you submit your post you visit and share some bloggy love with at least one other and your hosts.
Annette (This Simple Home) – Blog/Facebook/Twitter/Google+/Pinterest
Antionette (De Divah Deals) Blog/Facebook/Twitter/Google+/Pinterest/LinkedIn/Instagram
Danielle (My Snippets of Inspiration) – Blog/Facebook/Twitter/Google+/Pinterest/LinkedIn
Kay (A Ranch Mom) – Blog/Facebook/Twitter
Nicole M. (Mendez Manor) – Blog/Facebook/Twitter/Google+/Pinterest/LinkedIn/Instagram
Nicole R. (A Living Sacrifice) – Blog/Facebook/Twitter/Pinterest/LinkedIn
Sarah (Mustard Seed Mommy…ME!) – Blog/Facebook/Twitter/Google+/Pinterest/Instagram
Teresa (Moms Who Save) – Blog/Facebook/Twitter/Google+/Pinterest/Instagram/Website
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!
Valentine’s Day Dinner & Dessert
Hello Friends and Happy Valentine’s Fri-Yay!
Today’s Friday Foodie Feature is Slow Cooked Chicken Cacciatore and Strawberry Shortcake in a Glass, a dessert inspired by Modern Christian Homemaker from last week’s #WWDParty.
I hope you are enjoying your Valentine’s Day, perhaps you received Roses at work and are the envy of all your cubicle mates, or maybe were awaken to an early morning DELIGHT followed up by a bountiful breakfast, no matter what it was, I hope you left some room for a little dessert!
This week’s Slow Cooked meal is Chicken Cacciatore, another easy breezy Crock Pot Meal.
Ingredients:
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4 bone in chicken thighs – skin removed
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4 chicken drum sticks – skin removed
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1 can of Italian Style diced tomatoes or sauce
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1 Package of Mushrooms or jar of whole mushrooms drained
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1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning or oregano leaves
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1 package of frozen onion and peppers (fresh if prefer)
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1 tsp of minced garlic
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1/4 cup water
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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Linguine or fettuccine or spaghetti pasta
Remove the skin from the thighs and drumsticks which is the worse part of this recipe, next time I will buy skinless chicken! If using fresh mushrooms, wash to remove excess dirt.
Spray Crock Pot with Cooking Spray for easier clean up then put chicken, veggies, tomatoes, garlic and seasoning into the pot.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours depending on Crock Pot model
About 15 mins before serving, prepare pasta according to box directions and remove chicken and veggies from Crock Pot. Place in a serving bowl and cover to keep warm.
Mix flour and water in a small bowl, then add to the liquid in Crock Pot and let cooks for 5 to 10 minutes so it can thicken, then pour over chicken and veggies.
Now on to the best part of dinner – Dessert!
Ingredients:
- Fresh Strawberries
- Dessert Shells
- Chocolate Pudding
- Whipped Cream
Break up a dessert cake putting a few pieces into the bottom of the glass, add some strawberries, a few more pieces of the dessert cake, 1 container of chocolate pudding and top with whipped cream … WhaLaa – Dessert is Done!
Enjoy your dinner and dessert!
PS – if you are not too tired or busy later, come back at 6:00 to join the #WWDParty for more Valentine’s Day Sweet Treats!
Stay Blessed – No Stress in 2014!
Liebster Award Nomination
Hello Friends and Happy Thankful Thursday
I was recently nominated for a Liebster Award by lovely C-Ray of Sunlight Beauty, and for that I am thankful.
C-Ray loves sharing her fashion and beauty finds as well as providing great everyday tips, so take a few minutes to check out her blog and show some bloggy love.
The Rules of Acceptance:
After you have been nominated and you have accepted it, you have to write a blog post yourself doing the following:
1. Thank the person who has nominated you and link back to their blog (by posting a link on yours).
2. Copy and display the award in your blogpost (save the image and upload it to your own post).
3. Answer the 11 questions about yourself, which are given to you by the person who nominated you.
4. Write 11 random facts about yourself.
5. Nominate 5 – 11 blogs/bloggers that you feel deserve the award. They need to have less than 1000 followers.
6. Think of 11 new questions for the bloggers you have nominated and write them in your post.
8. Inform the selected bloggers that they have been nominated for the Liebster award and link back to your own post so that they can learn about it (if they’ve never heard about it) and so that they know what questions to answer!
The 11 Questions
1. Why did you start blogging?
To fill the void left by the death of my grandmother, my thrify shopping partner
2. What is your favorite nail polish?
Avon – I am a Rep (www.youravon.com/ablake48)
3. What is your favorite lipstick?
Avon’s Ultra Color Rich Pink
4. Who is your beauty icon?
Iman
5. Who is your favorite makeup/beauty youtuber?
No one – not a big YouTube viewer
6. What makes a beauty blog great (in your opinion)?
Options, listing both Drug Store to high end products
7. What do you like most about your blog?
Leaving a legacy for my children and grandchildren
8. If you could live anywhere where would you live?
A tropical Island – looking to retire in Belize
9. Would you choose, love or money?
Love
10. What is your favorite healthy snack?
Apples and cheese
11. What is your favorite word?
Blessed
11 Random Facts About Myself:
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I’m 52 years young
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I am a positive person
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I have two sons, ages 21 and 18
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I’ve been married for 23 years
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I’m an adult orphan
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Love all foods spicy
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Love to photograph sunsets
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my new favorite song is “Because I’m Happy” by Pharrell Wiliams – I dare you not to love it as well
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I drink too much wine
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I find it hard to relax
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I don’t like entering Giveaways with more than 3 tasks to complete!
My Nominees Are:
Now ladies, if you choose to accept this nomination I’ll need you to answer the following “love themed” questions – and keep it Rated PG – lol
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What Was Your Favorite Valentine’s Day Gift
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What is Your Fantasy Valentine’s Day Gift
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What Was Your Most Romantic Gift
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What Was Your Least Romantic Gift
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When did you get your first real kiss
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What Would love to do everyday with your significant other
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Where is your Fantasy Vacation Spot
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Love or Lust
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Who is Your Fantasy Man
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What is Your Favorite Fruit
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#1 Bucket List Item
Stay Blessed – No Stress in 2014!
I Got It @Goodwill
Hello Friends and Happy Hump Day Wednesday!
Tonight is the night…is the night…is the night…for another major SNOWSTORM – gotta love it right – NOPE! I don’t think the Robin’s in our neighborhood believes it either because they have been flying around enjoying the sun-filled days. I truly feel in my heart of hearts that this will be the last big winter snow storm of the season, what do you think?
One good thing about this month is every Sunday all adult winter clothing is just $2.00 and children’s clothing only $1.00 at Goodwill stores in Delaware and Delaware County. Last Sunday I had to meet up with one of the Runway models, so I took advantage of the day to stock up on more sweaters, seems like I’ll get a chance to wear them all in this never ending cold winter weather.
This Merona from Target colorblock sweater wasn’t part of the sale because it was new with tags, but when I saw it I grabbed it. I knew it would compliment a skirt that was previously thrifted and each piece cost only $3.75. What do you think?
Yes, I am wearing peep-toe booties in the snow! They are attention brand by Kmart, purchased a few years ago and no my toes are not cold (Miss Terri).
I couldn’t pass up this $2.00 Elizabeth Arden tote because it was the perfect size to carry to work. It’s roomy enough to hold my camera case and lunch bag as well as anything else I might need for the day AND the color – perfectly matches the outfit!! #winning
I don’t know about you, but I simply love finding these thrifted treasures and each week I’ll feature a different sweater as long as the weather holds out so that might be until June!
Today, I’m linking up with 3 of my favorite thriftinistas, Whitney Nic James, ColorBlind and DC Goodwill Fashionista. If you haven’t checked out these ladies, may I suggest you do as they too feature some awesome thrifted finds.
Oh, and if you are looking to jazz up your winter wardrobe by adding a pop of color, check out the flash sale over at * Hannah Jane’s Boutique. 15 colorful skinny belts originally $12.99 are on sale for only $5.99 with FREE shipping by using the code BELT50 at checkout. Deal runs through Friday, February 14, click link on the sidebar for more information.
Stay warm and safe during the storm and we’ll chat tomorrow.
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!
* This is an affiliate link – see disclosure statement for more information
Before and After The Storm
Hello Friends and Happy Tuesday
Here we are 7 days out from last week’s snow and ice storm yet the damages are still very much evident. This storm caused major headaches and heartaches for many Pennsylvanians due to the loss of power, initially affecting more than 500K people. Wawa on 202 North almost ran out of coffee and did run out of bagels Wednesday morning.
The day started out cold and dry but it didn’t take long for that to change. Thankfully, in Delaware we didn’t get the brunt of the storm but we all know there’s another one not too far behind. Oops just heard the forecast, they are calling for 6-8 inches of snow beginning Wednesday night – Old Man Winter is not giving up without a fight!
Vest | Old Navy // Skirt | GW Boutique
In this bright neon vest, I would never get lost in a snowstorm!
Morning BEFORE the storm
It was a bright, crisp morning in Delaware
After the snow it was beautiful….but
…then came the rain, and unfortunately the trees couldn’t handle the weight of the ice and that’s when the damage began.
Power lines were downed causing many in Chester County to lose power for almost a week and some are still without!
See the other pics in this gallery
Have you been severely affected by these latest storms?
Stay Blessed – No Stress in 2014!
Church Signs
Middletown Baptist Church Sign
Stay Blessed – No Stress in 2014!
Slow Cooked White Chicken Chili
Hello Friends and Happy Slow Cooker Saturday!
This was my first attempt at making chili using chicken instead of ground beef or ground turkey, and using white beans instead of red kidney or black beans…the verdict is FAIL!
Personally, I like my foods spicy especially chili, but this recipe although was good, was too bland for even my men. I added hot sauce but it still didn’t jazz it up, so if you like chili with no kick, this one is for you!
Ingredients:
- 4 medium frozen chicken breasts
- 1/2 bag small white beans
- 1 large can of diced tomatoes
- 1 package Chili Seasoning
- 1 cup of water
Rinse the beans under cold water and drain, mix Chili Seasoning into a cup of water.
Coat Crock Pot with Cooking Spray
Add frozen chicken breasts and beans
Pour in Chili Seasoning Mix
I added more water to cover the beans so they wouldn’t burn. This may have watered down the seasoning causing it to taste bland. I should have used two packages of Chili Seasoning.
Pour in diced tomatoes
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours
It looked better than it tasted…but hey, I tried!
Have you ever made White Chicken Chili, how did you make it?
Stay Blessed – No Stress in 2014!
Weekend Wind-Down Party #5
Hello Friends & Welcome to the Weekend Wind-Down Party #5
Has all this snow and cold weather gotten you down…do you just wanna strangle that Punxsutawney Phil – what the heck does a groundhog know about the weather anyway.
How was your Superbowl Sunday, did your team win? The Seahawks dominated that game!
Didn’t you love the half time show with Bruno Mars! – that boy can dance!
Which were your favorite commercials, mine were the “Doritos” and “Cheerios“, both with cute kids and family fun. What was up with the Maserati commercial, I liked it, but who was their target audience, the fans in the private Box Seats? Oh well, now we have Valentines Day to look forward to – chocolate and wine – both of my favorites.
Last Friday was another great #WWDParty, thank you to all who linked up and shared, and welcome to those linking up today for the first time.
Please remember to link back to the #WWDParty to be considered as a “Featured Blogger”
This week’s features are also posted on our Pinterest Board.
Mums Make Lists
Little Prairie Baby
Kirsten Womack
My Paper Craze
Year Round Giving
Apron Strings and Other Things
Whitney Nic James
2 Crochet Hooks
Please feel free to copy and paste this “I Was Featured Button” to your blog.
The party rules are as follows, so sit back, get comfortable, pour yourself a glass of wine or water and share, share, share!
Oh, and don’t forget after sharing your post, go visit others as well as your hosts because we’d love to meet you.
Annette (This Simple Home) – Blog/Facebook/Twitter/Google+/Pinterest
Antionette (De Divah Deals) – Blog/Facebook/Twitter/Google+/Pinterest/LinkedIn/Instagram
Danielle (My Snippets of Inspiration) – Blog/Facebook/Twitter/Google+/Pinterest/LinkedIn
Kay (A Ranch Mom) – Blog/Facebook/Twitter
Nicole M. (Mendez Manor) – Blog/Facebook/Twitter/Google+/Pinterest/LinkedIn/Instagram
Nicole R. (A Living Sacrifice) – Blog/Facebook/Twitter/Pinterest/LinkedIn
Sarah (Mustard Seed Mommy…ME!) – Blog/Facebook/Twitter/Google+/Pinterest/Instagram
Teresa (Moms Who Save) – Blog/Facebook/Twitter/Google+/Pinterest/Instagram/Website
Stay Blessed – No Stress in 2014!