Hoppin' New Year!

Here's to a good new year! In the southern United States, eating Hoppin' John on New Year's Day is thought to bring a prosperous year filled with luck.  Whether it's true or not and there seems to be some debate about it, I choose to do it! Why? Because I'm superstitious? No.  Just an excuse to have a tradition and eat some good ol' southern food. And did I mention they are delicious? 

Super easy. Totally a pantry recipe.  Don't forget to soak the beans.    

Hoppin' John Black Eyed Peas

4 slices of bacon
1 medium onion, chopped
1 t. salt 
1 lb. dried black eyed peas (soaked overnnite) 
1 (16 oz) can of diced tomatoes w/ chilis 
1 t. chili powder
1/2 t. black pepper
3 cups water or broth (Chicken or vegetable)

In a large saucepan, cook bacon til crisp, remove.  

In bacon fat, sauté onion over med high heat until tender adding salt.    

Add the peas and, tomatoes, spices and water (or broth).  

Cover and cook over medium heat for 45 minutes to an hour (until peas are tender). Adding additional water or broth if necessary.  

Serve garnished with crumbled bacon.  
Shot of hot sauce (optional)

Brown Bread in a Can

Teaching Scarlett about the finer things in life.  Lol  Have you had this? Don't knock it til you try it.  Toast it and top with cream cheese... ugh, it's the best! 

I need to try and make this from scratch.  It's super molasses-y.  Yes, that's a word.  A really good, yummy word.  

#northeaster #breadinacan #brownbread

Reindeer

How cute is that?  I love it.  Her school entered her in the district for this piece.  My little artist.  

#ScarlettGiulia

God is Working in our Waiting

We may not know why we are where we are. May even feel this is not where I'm supposed to be. This is not how I planned it. Or even God has forgotten me. 

Be encouraged in this advent season, where we see that God is in the waiting, always working for us. What He desires is an obedient heart in the places we often feel just "shouldn't be this way". In that obedience and faithfulness, He is working His plan in us, sanctifying us. Just like the shepherds.. "watching over their flocks by night".. a lowly of low jobs, outcast on the side of a hill in the desert as hired help, on the graveyard shift.. yet faithful in keeping watch in the lowly duty they were given. Then the most important message was sent to them one dark night, long ago.. Christ has Come! Emmanuel, God is with us.

Wherever you are today, lift up your eyes.. your Savior has come and God is with you. 

#advent2014

It's that time of year!

#Christmasbaking #ScarlettGiulia

Cookie Exchange

Ooh baby! Might not make it to the cookie exchange! 

#christmas2014 #baking

Merry Christmas Card

Love how these cards turned out! Simply to Impress.. great deal and good quality.  

#ScarlettGiulia

Christmas Tea

We had our annual women's ministry Christmas Tea and one of my favorite parts of the tea is getting to decorate a table.  This year I went with rustic, country charm. 

A printed burlap square over a vintage white bed cover

with embroidered edge was a quick and easy table cover.

 A cut birch logs gave height and dimension.  A tiny tree with antique

mercury ornaments in all their faded luster and glory.  So much fun.
My newly toothless helper! 

I think the odd use of Scarlett's toddler cowgirl boot was my favorite! 

My friend Sarah's "mad hatter" table

Princess of the Little People

Sorting all the little people she doesn't want to let go of any.. What's a mama to do?! Gotta make room for Christmas! 

#growingupishard #ScarlettGiulia #blurryphotobutIstillloveit

I'm overwhelmed by You

I see the works of your hands..