It's Fall Y'all!

I'm not sure if I have a favorite season but I know I do love FALL! Here are just a few things that I love about fall...

- cool morning and cool nights
- the smell of cinnamon
- comfort food like chili and chicken n dumplings
- baking delicious fall desserts
- Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte
- Starbucks Pumpkin bread
- it's a time of Thanksgiving
- my birthday
- means Christmas is upon us
- get to layer on the clothes
- seeing the colors change

Lately I've been guilty of wanting Starbucks pumpkin bread on a regular basis. Thankfully, I do not treat myself to this tasty bread very often. For one, it's rather pricey for a girl on a budget and it does no good for my waistline. I decided I was bound and determined to make a pumpkin bread similar to that of Starbucks. Well, mission accomplished! One year for Christmas (probably 3 years ago) Momma B. got me an entire set of Southern Living Cookbooks. They were vintage cookbooks from 1976. I am what you call a "cookbook junkie" kind of like the "fabric junkie" I am. Better than being a different kind of "junkie!" right? I think I wrote about my cookbook problem in a previous post, here. This was my first recipe out of one of those cookbooks and I know it will not be my last. It was super easy to make and that is the kind of recipe I love. No frills, just good eats! I couldn't wait to sink my teeth into the pumpkin bread when I took it out of the oven...I called my mom and told her if the bread taste half as good as the batter, I am in trouble! Ha!

This recipe says to bake in 2 loaf pans but my sister bought me THIS for my birthday last year and I thought it would be prettier if I used the Bundt pan instead of loaf pans. Use whatever you have or wish! But wouldn't this bread be beautiful in this PAN?? This recipe also is showing it's age...it calls for salad oil, I decided it must be vegetable oil. But at first I was like what? I need to call mom on this one...but I didn't, haha! I used my stand mixer for this recipe, even to mix in the flour. Beware it's a lot of sugar & flour going on in this recipe...

Pumpkin Bread

3 cups sugar
4 eggs, beaten
1 c. salad oil aka vegetable oil
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
2/3 cup water
2 cups canned pumpkin - I used 1 15oz can
3 1/2 cups flour
2 tsp soda

Mix the sugar, eggs, oil, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and water in bowl. Add the pumpkin and mix well. Stir in the flour and soda. Place in 2 well-greased loaf pans or 1 large Bundt pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

Right out of the oven...just looks like Fall to me!

I also dusted powdered sugar on mine for a nice finishing touch.

Enjoy!

"And even when the trees have just surrendered to the harvest time, forfeiting their leaves in late September and sending us inside...still I notice You when change begins and I am braced for colder winds, I will offer thanks for what has been and was to come - You are autumn..."

This Kind of Love

I am so excited...I made my first ever video today & uploaded my first YouTube video ever! I know, someone has way too much time on their hands. I love music and throughout the day I just let iTunes play while I'm cleaning, sewing, etc. and I happened to hear this song by Sister Hazel, "This Kind of Love" well I just fell in love. Made me think of Allen and all the reasons why I love him. Because "This Kind of Love" is exactly what I found when I found Allen. I decided I would use all photos that were related to when we got married. Engagement, wedding, and honeymoon photos. I can not say enough sweet, wonderful things about my husband. He is always doing such sweet things for me and things that I'm like "wish I knew how to do that!" I couldn't wait for Allen B. to get home so I could show him what I did with my time today. I was incredibly productive...can't ya tell?! I can't wait to make more videos and share them with you all.

What a week!

This week has been definitely a week of emotions, ups and downs, and well guess that is what living life is about! We had an amazing weekend with Mom in Houston...remember how I said we ate at Pappa's Seafood - well I forgot I took photos of our food that night. Yes, Allen thought I was just crazy!! Haha but my goodness the dessert sampler was delicious! It had key lime pie (which was heavenly!), cheesecake, and this amazing warm pecan pie with ice cream...ahhhh! Sorry this post may be a little long BUT it's been an eventful week!


Monday came and that afternoon, Allen came home to tell me the bad/good news. His company did a company lay-off sweep, if you will. Allen worked with and next to a guy who has worked for the company for 5 years, his wife is a stay at home mom, and they have 3 precious children (2 under the age of 2)...out of everyone in the office, he was the one laid off. Not only was he laid off but in the Austin office, 2 people were laid office and one moved to part-time. The Dallas office was also hit pretty hard. There is just not enough work to go around right now. While we prayed for Allen NOT to be laid off (thank you Jesus!) it has still be difficult knowing there are families now without work and so close to the holidays. So while we are so grateful and praise Him that we weren't affected, our hearts are heavy for the ones who are now unemployed. I ask that you left up these families in prayer and all families that have been affected by our weakened economy. The holidays can be such a lonely and difficult time and I'm afraid this holiday season will be extremely difficult for many families.

Tuesday morning, I got up, got dressed, made my coffee to go, ate breakfast, and was prepared to substitute 5th grade. On my way there, I received a phone call saying there was a mistake and 2 subs had been entered into the system and they were sorry but they did not need me that day. UGH! I was very kind to the lady on the phone, and she even said "wow, thank you for being so nice about this mix-up" well it wasn't her fault and I thought WELL, guess God has other plans for me today! Since I was already dressed, I wrote a cover-letter and took myself to Central Market to show my face and drop off my resume and cover-letter. I applied for the sales manager position in the bakery dept at Central Market. I also applied at the Whataburger home office. I am trying to remain positive, hopeful, and faithful that God will provide! Finding a job is probably the most stressful, discouraging thing anyone has to go through. I heard this past week - if you want to feel bad about yourself, go on an interview! Ha, so true!! I just wish I had an interview to go on...but I know my time IS coming!

Hump Day comes and Reno has been on medicine for what we thought was allergies. Well, the medicine that normally works, was NOT working and his poor little face was getting worse. I just took him to the vet last week and spent $100 (and $500 in June), I called the vet to see if he could just give me a different medicine so I wouldn't have to bring him in. Well, of course not...took him in and $200 later - we find out it is some kind of infection (either bacterial or fungal). The vet took some hair and skin samples and we should have results in a few days exactly what it kind of infection it is. Lovely! So he is now on antibiotics and non-fungal medication for 2 weeks AND my poor baby has to wear a cone-collar for those 2 weeks. Allen and I feel so bad for him but we know it's what is best in order for him to get better. Gosh, not sure if I can handle real children...Reno is giving me a run for my money (literally) ha! He had his first treatment last night and his face already looks better. Praise the Lord!

Before...

With the cone-collar on...

ALSO, found out that Allen PASSED part one of the LARE - it's the test he has to take in order to become a registered, certified, legit landscape architect. I am so proud of him! He takes part two within the next month. It is a 5 part test but I know he is so smart and will beat the odds and past ALL 5 parts the first time! Most people do not...but my Allen B. will!

Wednesday night, I also have bible study and last night it was so good! Since I'm sure your eyeballs are hurting from reading this or I have lost your interest back at what happened Monday - I will post about Wednesday night bible study at another time.

Please keep us in your prayers as I search for a job. I have applied at several places this week but some days can be so discouraging. If you also need prayer, please let me know - email me at MrsNancyB@Gmail.com.

"What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer! O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer."

Wordless Wednesday

She's a natural...

This past weekend, Allen and I went to Houston to see my mom. Friday night, mom took us to Pappa's Seafood...and oh yes I had stuffed lobster! Yum! Saturday we went to Wharton to my aunt & uncle's and spent the day with them. The weather was wonderful! We sat outside, visited, ate seafood gumbo, drank wine and had delicious cake! Originally, Sunday we had planned to have a mini photo-shoot with my niece, Madyson - she is an officially Honey B. Boutique model. Well...apparently my mind was NOT in the right place because I forgot the outfits here in San Antonio. Yes, I know! I was SO upset (upset doesn't even begin to describe how I really felt)...we were about an hour on the road when I realized we didn't have the hanging clothes with us. But I did have one skirt with me and Madyson had her boutique bottoms on Sunday when she came over to her Nonnie. I did get a few shots of her, she loved modeling! Can't wait to get back down there to get more pictures of her for the website. She is a natural, just look at her in these photos. Makes me smile!! We had a wonderful weekend at home with mom but we sure did miss dad. Being 4 hours away kind of stinks but such as life...just makes going home all that much sweeter! :)

Twist on Mac n Cheese

So at our house, macaroni and cheese is a family favorite. I do believe AB would have my homemade creamy, cheesy Velveeta macaroni and cheese every day - if I'd allow it. I normally only make homemade shells and cheese on special occasions or when I just feel like making something extra special for AB. Mixing things up is always fun so I came up with a new twist to mac n cheese and oh my, it was delicious! Very different from your ordinary mac n cheese but with lots of flavor and yummy goodness. This is somewhat of an expensive dish since I did use specialty items to make it like Giardiniera Relish...but that is okay because it doesn't hurt to splurge every now and then. I got the relish at HEB and I am not sure other stores carry it. It is made from Canyon Foods out of Dallas and you can order it HERE for $6, if your local grocery store does not carry it. I know you are wondering what in the world is Giardiniera Relish?! Don't worry I wondered the same thing - this actually the 2nd recipe I have used this relish. Giardiniera Relish is...

Spicy and delicious is the only way to describe our version of the Italian-American Giardiniera which translates to pickled garden vegetables. This relish is the perfect addition to an antipasto tray, hot dogs, sandwich spread, added to salads, pasta and pizza or topped on crackers.

This dish is also no where near fat-free, low cal, or any of the above! I've never met a mac n cheese that was for that matter. With the holidays coming up, this would be a great dish to bake and take! I used penne pasta for my mac n cheese because that is what I had...you may use whatever pasta you wish.

Smokey Baked Mac n Cheese with Giardiniera Relish

1/2 pound choice of macaroni/pasta of your choice
1 jar of Giardiniera Relish, drained
4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 1/2 cup of heavy cream
1/4 cup shredded Parmigiano Reggiano
1 round cut smoked Gouda, cut into cubes

Cook bacon & crumble, set aside. Bring water to boil for pasta. Preheat oven 400*.

In small sauce pan on low heat or in microwave bowl, combine heavy cream and cheeses until cheese sauce is made. If using microwave, heat mixture no more than 2 minutes at a time - stirring between to prevent burning. Once pasta is done and has been drained, put pasta in oven-proof dish (Pyrex, Corning-ware). Add drained relish and bacon to cheese sauce. Mix in cheese sauce, coating all pasta. Sprinkle top with more Parmigiano Reggiano, if desired. Bake 15 minutes or until it is bubbly and golden on top.

This is the smoked Gouda I used...I found both cheeses in the specialty cheese area of HEB. Where they have the olive bar, cheese balls, etc. If you can't find it, ask someone and they will be happy to point you in the right direction.

Delicious mac n cheese with Baked Chicken with Dijon and Lime - recipe can be found HERE! The baked chicken was also very good, moist and light.

Friday Funny

Thankful Thursday

"...and the same gentle hands that hold me when I'm broken
They conquered death to bring me victory..."



Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23, NIV

Today I am thankful for:
a new day
the wonderful, cool fall weather
an amazing, hard-working husband
the support of great friends
a servants heart
for the gift of being able to sew
the Cross

What are you thankful for on this Thankful Thursday?

If You Want Me To

The pathway is broken
And The signs are unclear
And I don't know the reason why You brought me here
But just because You love me the way that You do
I'm gonna walk through the valley
If You want me to

Chorus:
Cause I'm not who I was
When I took my first step
And I'm clinging to the promise You're not through with me yet
so if all of these trials bring me closer to you
Then I will walk through the fire
If You want me to

It may not be the way I would have chosen
When you lead me through a world that's not my home
But You never said it would be easy
You only said I'd never go alone

ya oh oh no

So When the whole world turns against me
And I'm all by myself
And I can't hear You answer my cries for help
I'll remember the suffering Your love put You through
And I will go through the valley If You want me to

This song is by Ginny Owens. She is a piano player and music teacher. She has been blind since the age of 2 and yet she still is able to lift her voice up to our wonderful Maker. I love this part of the song "And I'm clinging to the promise You're not through with me yet...and But You never said it would be easy, You only said I'd never go alone..."

May God continue to work in you and for you.

Grateful

Lately, I have had lots of questions (where do you want us Lord, what is to come, how do you want to use as for your Kingdom, why are we here, when we will see what is on the mountain-top)...

While I know God has a special plan in-store for us, some days it is just hard to understand, be patient, and just be still. I found this article on (In)Courage and it struck a cord inside me. Just when I feel like I can not carry on anymore - He picks me up and tells me I can and I am forever grateful.

This scripture has been on my mind lately and how funny for her to use this exact scripture.

Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.
2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT

I am so thankful for Andrea in writing this post, even though announcing our weakness is no easy task. Thank you Andrea and (In)Courage.

"...We pray that you'll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us." Colossians 1:11, MSG

Blessed Be Your Name

I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]
John 16:33 Amplified Bible

Ohhh...I Want One!

Oh my goodness...love at first sight!

Beautiful, okay no - gorgeous! I know I just got a new KitchenAid mixer which I LOVE but I am also in LOVE with this new KitchenAid 90th Anniversary Stand Mixer with glass bowl.

White Chocolate Cinnamon Toast Cookies

From the time I was a little girl, I have been a fan of this amazing "cinnamon & sugar in every bite" cereal. And in a cookie - how could you go wrong?!

White Chocolate Cinnamon Toast Crunchers

2 sticks softened butter

1 Cup packed brown sugar

3/4 Cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 Tablespoon real vanilla extract

2 1/2 Cups all purpose flour

1 Cup Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal, slightly crushed up

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 bag white chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a stand or electric mixer beat the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Slowly beat in the eggs and vanilla until well combined. In a large bowl combine the flour, Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal, baking powder and salt. Slowly add to wet ingredients along with the white chips until just combined. With a medium cookie scoop, scoop dough and place onto a silpat or parchment lined baking sheet 1 1/2 inches apart. Bake for 9-12 minutes or until edges just start to turn golden brown.

2. Let cool for 5 minutes on baking sheet then transfer to a cooling rack to finish cooling.

I made these cookies last Friday and they are so very delicious! Very sweet! A glass of milk is a must with these...and I do believe the cookies get more delicious as the days go by or maybe it is because I want to savor every last bite. A great twist on a cookie and super fun recipe to do with children. Enjoy!

Recipe courtesy of Picky Palate

What Faith Can Do

Having faith that can move mountains...Some days are just harder than others...Some days are a constant battle...but thankfully...even if I fall, I will have the strength to rise!

Thanks to my wonderful Maker!

Amazing song about faith and just believing in what God can do when we believe and have...faith!

What Faith Can Do
KUTLESS

Everybody falls sometimes
Gotta find the strength to rise
From the ashes and make a new beginning
Anyone can feel the ache
You think its more than you can take
But you are stronger, stronger than you know
Don't you give up now
The sun will soon be shining
You gotta face the clouds
To find the silver lining

I've seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn't ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I've seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That's what faith can do

It doesn't matter what you've heard
Impossible is not a word
It's just a reason for someone not to try
Everybody's scared to death
When they decide to take that step
Out on the water
It'll be alright
Life is so much more
Than what your eyes are seeing
You will find your way
If you keep believing

I've seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn't ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I've seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That's what faith can do

Overcome the odds
You do have a chance
(That's what faith can do)
When the world says you can't
It'll tell you that you can!

I've seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn't ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I've seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That's what faith can do
That's what faith can do!
Even if you fall sometimes
You will have the strength to rise



Kutless has a new worship CD "It Is Well" coming out October 20th!

Oh my gosh! Whoopie pie!

Is this not the MOST AMAZING thing you have ever seen?!?! Chocolate cake (a little cake) with loads of butter-cream icing!!!! Talk about heaven on earth!

And only $1.49 at HEB for the two of them...oh my gosh, whoopie pie!

Odem Jubilee

Momma B with the help of Allen made this awesome sign...I love it!

Well...I have my first show behind me. Overall, it was a success considering our demographics and compared to how other vendors did. I did sell It was a great learning experience and now we know what to do or not to do at our next show. The weather turned out to be wonderful, cool in the morning and just warm enough during the day. One thing I did learn is to be better prepared so you don't stay up until 2am the night before finishing up last minute details. Whew, we were exhausted! Thank the Lord for coffee & caffeine! Ha! Momma B rained in some help and we had a whole crew of wonderful, sweet ladies helping us making tutus until the wee hours Friday night. It was fun but we were all so tired. I was so thankful to have Momma B & Dandy there to help us! I do not think we could have done it without them, so thanks to them for stepping up and helping out. Saturday morning, we discovered that the tent Momma B had (she recently loaned it to somebody) was completely busted in the top of the frame. But Dandy who thinks quick on his feet went back to the house and got a 10ft pole to put in the middle of the tent to hold up the canvas. Thankfully we were only within 5 mins of the house...a plus to doing a show near family. It is almost like a dream come true - to be selling my stuff that I work so hard sewing and for some many people to give such wonderful compliments. Allen designed some amazing business cards for the show. It is also so wonderful to have a husband that supports me in whatever I do. I know Honey B. Boutique is no money-maker at the moment but yet he encourages me, inspires me, and pushes me everyday to just do my best. I am so thankful and blessed for that.

I am so very excited (yet scared to death) for the future of Honey B. Boutique. I am praying and believing in great things to come...and thank all of you for your encouragement and prayers as I take on this endeavor of owning my own business.

Ready to go...all smiles!

Super cute jewelry made my Nicki

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Colossians 3:23-24

Are you a DIY kind of person?

So...I think I am official "blog junkie!" I could spend hours (yes, like several hours at a time - not so good) surfing the WWW searching for new & creative ideas...only problem is I wish I HAD all the time in the world to do so & then have time to create/re-create the ideas I find. And let's not forget an unlimited budget or money in general! I stumbled upon this Do-It-Yourself or DIY blog and I think it is just fabulous! One of those you just have to share...with lots of great ideas!




Also, check out this awesome idea over @ The Pleated Poppy Blog - Family Rules Canvas!

We had an AWESOME weekend in Dallas/Fort Worth...despite the Aggies, well you know! Sorry, I've neglected you this week. I have my FIRST craft show this Saturday and I'm busy, busy, sewing, sewing, sewing! I know what was I thinking?!?! Hopefully, it will be a success & I don't lose my mind in between now & then...or maybe I already have, ha! I promise to post photos of last weekend and also photos of Honey B. Boutiques' booth from this upcoming weekend.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful week!

100th Post & Aggie Football!!!

Yay for my 100th post! And for this beautiful fall weather we are having...

But more importantly...WHOOP for Aggie Football! Allen and I are headed to Fort Worth today then to Arlington tomorrow to watch the Aggies beat the hell outta the Arkansas Hogs in the new Dallas Cowboys stadium! Ohhhh...I am so excited, giddy, anxious, and so blessed to call myself an Aggie! Tonight we will stay with our good friend, Sara then tomorrow meet up with Kyle & Shanna for some fun tail-gating action THEN it's off to the game with our great friends, Matt & Tandi. Gosh, Aggie football & great friends - I don't know what more a girl could want!

This weekend is the 2009 Southwest Classic - Rivalry Renewed and I am so excited & ready for some Fightin' Texas Aggie football!!!!! I so miss living in College Station & miss the feel of game day in the fall...one day we hope to have season tickets so we won't miss any of the action. I am hopin' & prayin' for a Fightin' Texas Aggie WIN!

Gettin' the field ready...

You can also support us Aggies & watch the game on ESPN2 - kickoff is Saturday at 6:30pm.

And as Allen says..."Look for me, I'll be in the one in maroon!" Ha, silly boy who I love so very much! Ohhh and we get to see the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band play & win half-time, WHOOP! I have goosebumps already! I better take some tissue because I'm pretty sure I'll be crying...oh how I love being an Aggie!!! By the way...Aggies never lose, we just run out of time! But don't you worry...that won't be a problem this weekend :)

Whoop for getting to be the 12th man tomorrow!
Gig 'Em Aggies!!!!

He Knows My Name

I have a Maker
He formed my heart
Before even time began
My life was in His hands

I have a Father
He calls me His own
He’ll never leave me
No matter where I go

He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
And hears me when I call