Mini French Dip Sandwiches

Mini French Dip Sandwiches...are so unbelievably easy!  In fact, they really don't even need a blog.  But still, I'd like to share this simplicity and goodness with you! :)

Let me  just be the first to say, these aren't healthy.  I got the recipe for this on Pinterest, which originally came from a blog called Mama Loves Food.  It just had the hubster's name written ALL over it.  So, if you're being health conscious, just watch your portions and you'll still be fine.

Also, just as a warning, I'm a total cheater.  Not only did I buy pre-sliced cheese and roast beef (although I selected the natural kind with no preservatives), I also didn't make my own Au Jus!  (gasp!)  I bought the starter mix where all you do is add water, stir, and wait for it to boil.  I believe it taste better for no other reason than it was much, much easier.  However, if you do not prefer to take any shortcuts, you can buy blocked cheese and get the deli to slice you up some fresh roast beef.  Also, Mama Loves Food has an "easy" recipe for Au Jus Gravy.

You'll need...

Ingredients:

2 pkgs Crescent Rolls (8 count)

Roast Beef (about 1 lb. or a little less)

1 pkg Provolone Cheese (or Swiss if you prefer)

Horseradish Sauce

Au Jus Gravy Mix

Directions:

(Preheat oven to 375 degrees)

1.  Unroll crescent rolls and separate into the cut triangles.

2.  Spread horseradish sauce to taste on triangles.

3.  Add roast beef and cheese, and then roll up the crescents.

4.  Bake 11-13 minutes.

5.  Au Jus Gravy: follow directions on back of pkg

I served our Mini French Dip Sandwiches with...

Yep, that's right.  Our side dish came out of a can.  It's the only way Brian will eat English peas!  They are seriously one of his favorite foods.  Needless to say, it was the easiest dinner in the world...AND he's already said he wants them again soon.  They really were awesome.  

(Told you he enjoyed them!)

Let me know if you decide to try!  :)

Until next time...

XXOO!

A Blog a Day

WOW.  Has is really been than long since my last post?

So, rather than apologize for my lack of blogging during the past several months (because seriously, that could take all day), I'm just going to tell you what I'm going to do about it.  I know that today is Tuesday, but for the rest of this week, I promise to blog every day.  Seriously, every day.

See, the fact is...I have tons to say to you guys since it's been so long since my last update.  I think my problem has been that I've had SO MUCH to say...I just really haven't known where to start.

How about the holiday season?

NOVEMBER

We kicked off our holiday season with a trip to Athens for the UGA vs. Kentucky game.  It definitely wasn't he Dawgs' best game, but they still won!  It was somewhat of a "Thanksgiving" weekend with Brian's family, since his brother and sister-in-law live in Boston and wouldn't be home on the actual holiday.

From left to right that'd be Brian's Dad and Brother (Mr. Pat & Kevin), Brian, Me, and Kevin's sister -in-law Julia and wife Allison.

On the actual day of Thanksgiving, we were all set to be at Brian's grandmother's house for his family's gathering.  Unfortunately, due to health issues, his grandmother was in the hospital for Thanksgiving and the gathering was cancelled.  She wasn't out very long before she was put right back in, so please keep her in your prayers!

We love you, Nanow!

DECEMBER

December was a month of transition for Brian and me.  We moved out of our apartment (our least was up) to prepare to move wherever his job sent us.  The entire month of December, we lived with Brian's parents, all the while waiting on that phone call.  We were incredibly blessed...as my parents-in-law let us completely take over the second level of their home.  Our families have made the move very easy on us!  

My last day as a News Producer at WGXA-TV/NewsCentral (FOX 24 & ABC 16) in Macon officially ended December 9th.  It was bittersweet because I left a job in the field of my passion to further Brian's. I must say, it's been worth it 20 times over.  :)  That month marked the end for several members of the NewsCentral team besides myself, including two reporters Larry & Linnie.

"Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end."

Winding down my work days...

Linnie's (in the red, third from the left, back row) "Last Hoorah" at Fabrik!

All the NewsCentral girls

My "un-official" last day, Larry's actual last day! (right)  Black Friday took on a whole new meaning. :)

NewsCentral anchor Mario Ramirez, me, Meteorologist Tyler Southard, and Reporter Larry Spruill.

NewsCentral Reporter Johanna Torres and me on my actually last day. (Tear!)

A news team Christmas party!  (more to come on another Christmas party later!)

My fellow producer Amber Jones is to the left of me. :)

I have such fond memories of my co-workers.  I already miss them immensely!  One of them is visiting this weekend, and I'm so excited that I can hardly stand it.

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord."

Since we'd been at Brian's parents' home the whole month of December, we spent the week of Christmas at my parents' house to get some quality time with them as well.  Christmas was absolutely wonderful to say the least.  My mom's birthday is on Christmas Eve, so we had all sorts of celebrations going on. :) Christmas Eve is my favorite of all the holiday season.  Even at my age, it's still magical.  I'm getting teary-eyed now just thinking about it! :)

We attended the Christmas Eve service at our church, as is tradition.  This year I sang my absolute favorite Christmas song of all time at the service.  It was special to share the wonderful message that I hold dear to my heart with everyone else.  It may not be Christmas Eve anymore, but you should still check out "A Baby Changes Everything" by Faith Hill if you haven't already. :)  Here are a few pictures from that night.

(Blake, my brother, on the right)

 The family at Mom's birthday dinner

About to open our present piles! :)

Christmas day was just as wonderful as Christmas Eve too!  We woke up early and ate brunch with Brian's parents.  Since his brother and sister-in-law were at home in Boston, we opened presents with them over iChat (similar to Skype for you non-Mac friends).

JANUARY

Happy New Year!

So, Brian and I have never been too big into the New Year's Eve festivities.  

In fact, he had to commute to Atlanta that day for his first day of work as an Interim Manager at the Lenox Square Mall Chick-fil-A.  (Proud wifey, yes, I am!  Just not getting ahead of myself.  Saving that for a whole other blog post!)  

We spent New Year's Eve packing and watching Dick Clark (bless his little heart), since we had to move on New Year's Day!  

I really can't think of a better way to spend the first day of 2012 than the adventure of moving our lives to Northeast Atlanta.  We are so happy here!  It's so close to home, but it's also a much different world than Macon.  We live in the city, not a suburb...so it's been lots of fun so far!  All one week and a half of it. ;)

  

Later this week, I'll have to be sure to update with pictures of our new apartment and Brian's store. :)

But for now...

(Please forgive me for quoting Oprah!)

XOXO

Cranberry Apple Crunch--So Much Better Than Cranberry Sauce!

Cranberry Apple Crunch...

NOT your average holiday cranberry goop  "sauce."  

On your marks...

     Get set...

          Go, holiday season!

Whether we are ready for it or not, it doesn't matter...

The holiday season is here!  It's time to get to work on fulfilling those Christmas lists, transforming your home into a cozy seasonal atmosphere, preparing Thanksgiving menus, starting the fire place, dreaming of a "White Christmas," etc., etc., etc.

Any formally-fat person (and even most forever-skinny people) LOVES the holidays because of food!  I mean, let's face it--you can have family time any time of the year if you'd like.  We give gifts for many occasions.  Men sit around a TV to watch football most Saturdays all fall and winter.  We should be thankful all the time.  We should remember that God sent his son to earth to die for us all the time...and we also celebrate this at Easter.  The thing that really sets the holidays--or at least Thanksgiving--a part from other times of the year is the menu!

Let me just tell you I LOVE dressing, turkey, green beans, corn casserole, pumpkin pie, and all of that jazz, but the one thing I don't like is cranberry sauce (...or sweet potatoes, but that doesn't fit this posts' purpose haha).  However, this dish turned my tastes around!  

I'm not really sure where this recipe originated.  It came from my Dad's side of the family when I was about ten years old.  (I know that because I had many a years of that gelatin, cranberry nastiness put on my plate before then.)  My mom got the recipe from my Dad's aunt that year, and we've been eating it ever since!

So if you're like me and you think that canned stuff is totally disgusting, you might want to give this a try!  It's the PERFECT alternative to cranberry sauce.  Take it to your family Thanksgiving and/or Christmas this year, and I promise you your family will be thoroughly impressed!  The best party?  It's oh-so-simple.

I'm cheating a bit here and showing you the finished product before even listing the ingredients.  If you'll notice, the "casserole" (for lack of a better word) should be shallow in your baking dish.  You want it shallow so you have a good ratio of of cranberry and apple to that yummy topping!  :)

Cranberry Apple Crunch

Ingredients:

1. 3 cups peeled & chopped apples   (typically 3 or 4 small to medium apples.  I use Granny Smith.)
2. 1 can whole berry cranberry sauce
3. 1/3 cup white sugar   (I use Splenda with fiber and it's just as good.)
4. 2/3 cup brown sugar   (I use Splenda brown sugar blend.  If you do the same, you'll only need 1/3 cup since it's twice as concentrated as regular brown sugar.)
5. 1 cup oatmeal
6. 1/3 cup flour
7. 1/2 cup chopped pecans
8. 1 stick of margarine (I use "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter.")

Directions:

1. Combine chopped apples, cranberry sauce, white sugar, and 1/3 c. brown sugar into large bowl.  Mix together.  Spread evenly into casserole dish.  (**Note:  If using Splenda brown sugar blend, use only 1/6 c. brown sugar...which is half as much.)
2. Combine oatmeal, chopped pecans, flour, and 1/3 c. brown sugar in medium-sized bowl.  Mix together.  Spoon topping mixture on top of cranberry/apple mixture.  Spread evenly.
3. Cut up a stick of margarine, placing pieces evenly on top of oatmeal mixture.
4. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 45 minutes.

Well, it's as simple as that!  You have the easiest, most delicious alternative to that nasty cranberry goop people try to pass off as a side dish!  :)

Let me know if you try it or plan to try it!  I'd love to know what you think...even if you hate it.

Also, I'd love to know what your "different" alternatives to traditional Thanksgiving sides are.  Please share if you have awesome recipes!  Don't hesitate to comment and follow.  I'd love to know what you think!

Cards for Kody--1 Thessalonians 5:11

"There are two ways to journey through life.  You can march...or you can dance."

Those are the words than caught my eye as I stood on the card aisle of the grocery story last week.  I couldn't imagine more perfect words for the purpose.  I wiped the tears that had begun to well up in my eyes and progressed to the check-out counter.

You see, as a member of "the media," it's easy to become desensitized to the stories that air on a daily basis.  We see horrible and wonderful stories come and go through the air waves and headlines, so for the sake of not becoming jaded, we're forced to somewhat block emotional attachment.  However, in my few short years of being a News Producer, there are a few horrible and wonderful stories that clung to my soul.

Of course, the true producer comes out in me.  I'm going to share the most timely of those stories with you right now.  :)

Kody's Story...

Kody Lucas is a Central Georgian living with a brain tumor; a stage three Anaplastic Astrocytoma brain tumor, to be exact.  When diagnosed, doctors gave Kody two years to live.  It's now been four years, and Kody even graduated from high school--a day he didn't think he'd see.

As if that isn't a remarkable miracle in and of itself, that's not the reason I want to share his story.  

I want to share Kody's story because of the 960 lives he's saved.

I was first introduced to Kody through a story by one of our reporters, Michelle Quesada.  I was immediately inspired by Kody's spirit.  While he had the most remarkable survivor and fighter tale, it was never his focus.  Michelle's story detailed how blood transfusions help Kody gain strength while in the hospital fighting against cancer.  That's where Kody discovered a calling: to hold annual blood drives.

Every year since his diagnosis, the teenage boy (now 19-years-old) has chosen to celebrate each year--that could easily be his last--by holding a birthday blood drive bash.

Kody's impact over the last three years?

960 lives saved

Over 40 gallons of blood donated

Now comes the more solemn news...

On October 13, we reported that hospice recently entered Kody's life.  The news brought tears to my eyes because of the inspiration Kody and his story have been to so many people...including myself.

Kody's family reached out to our station and let us know that there is one thing that helps get him out of bed each morning--greeting cards.  Not "get well" cards, but "thinking of you" cards are what brings a priceless smile to his face.

So they asked that we air an address for people to write to Kody, and of course, we did.  I've already sent my card to Kody.  

Here it is below:

It was perfect.

I realized that if I could bring a smile to the teenager's face just by letting him know that his story mattered to me, I'd do it a hundred times over.

I've never even met Kody Lucas in person, and if it weren't for our reporter Michelle following his story, I'd have never heard his story.  

But I can promise you one thing:  it's one I'll never forget.

So I have a request...

Please send Kody a card of your own!

Could there be anything more simple to put a smile on someone's face?

Here's the address.  Please spread the word. 

Let's make sure Kody's mailbox is full to capacity every day of the rest of his life!

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up."  

1 Thessalonians 5:11a

Meet Kody Lucas:

Kody Lucas: Houston Co. Senior Shares Survival Success

Kody Plans Annual Blood Drive

American Red Cross Recognizes Kody Lucas

Kody Lucas Helps Save Lives

Cards for Cancer Patient Kody Lucas

Tried and True--Products I love!

We all (as least us girls) have products that we used once, and never, ever looked back. I mean there are so many brand names, etc. to choose from, once you find one that works...by all means...stick with it! These are what I call Tried and True.

This is hopefully the first in a series of "my favorites" type blogs. You may read them and just find out a little bit more about me, but I have hopes that maybe you'll take something away with you and find it useful!

So without further ado, I'm sharing some of my all-time favorite products. In no particular order...

Maybelline's "Falsies" Mascara

I have short--and rather thin for that matter--eyelashes. This mascara has absolutely done wonders for me! This mascara is great for those who love the "big lash" look. I get it in "Blackest Black." I've used MAC's "Falsies" type mascara and didn't like it at all. I've even tried other mascaras recommended by friends since I found "Falsies," and nothing compared. I know mascara is a huge "to each his own" type of product, but if you're like me and just aren't gifted in the lash area...give it a try!

Jergens "natural GLOW" Face Moisturizer

It's hard to describe why I love this face lotion other than it just plain works well. It's also available in "medium to dark" tones, which I use most often. However, since I've cut back on tanning (*sigh*), my skin isn't the color it used to be! I put this on in the morning and at night after I was my face. It's not the least bit oily and it has SPF already in it. I don't use it so much for the color as the even tone. If you have freckles, etc...this really helps even out the tone of your face so that you can wear makeup less often! (And who doesn't love that?!) It also goes well under makeup. I find that a lot of moisturizers get oily under makeup, but this one really doesn't. I'm definitely sticking with this one!

Essie Nail Polish in "Bordeaux"

Pretty sure this gorgeous red will forever be my "go to" color.  This is a new favorite that I discover a few months ago.  While the deep, wine red is definitely more of a fall/winter color, I may just sport it year round!  I really do love it that much.  This picture (nor the one on their website) doesn't do the color justice.  It's a much deeper red than it appears in the picture.  I love essie nail polish because it stays on so long.  Even OPI comes of my nails really easily.  It's also SO incredibly glossy that I never use a top coat.  In fact, a top coat actually dulls the color.

Victoria's Secret PINK Supersoft Body Lotion

in "fresh & clean" and "fresh & fierce"

Ok, so let me just say that I love Victoria's Secret anything and everything.  This line of lotions is the softest lotion I have ever used.  Period.  My all-time favorite scent is the one of the left in the pink bottle.  However, a few months ago I tried their news scent, in the zebra print bottle, and fell in love with is as well!  Now I just switch between the two.  These scents are exactly what they say...fresh!  The smell is a light, girly scent.  I use this lotion literally every single day.  If they ever discontinue either one I'll be heartbroken!  :)

Victoria's Secret Yoga Pants

I warned you that I love Victoria's Secret! :)

Anyway, these are by far the absolute BEST exercise pants ever.  I don't do yoga, I do ZUMBA!  (A topic for another blog!)  My point is...these pants can be used for anything active or just lounging/errand running.  Even though they are tight, the material is very forgiving!  I've tried on many other brands of yoga pants--from Nike to Wal-mart--and they aren't even the same.  The other brands are unflattering on me.  These pants stay in place, they're comfy, and they're more figure-flattering than other brand names of the same.  When these babies go on sale...I snatch them up!

MAC "Studio Fix" Foundation and Powder

This makeup is amazing.  There's not even much more to say about it.  It covers well, it stays on all day pretty much, and the bottles/compacts themselves last forever.  Because I'm not a huge fan of spending money, I used drug store face makeup for the longest time.  It wasn't until my friend Lauren told me how much she loved MAC foundation that I gave it a try.  She was right!  It's awesome!  I actually love most anything MAC has to offer now.  They're lipsticks and eyeshadows are fab too, however this face makeup is "tried and true" for me!

Nature's Own "Double Fiber Wheat" Bread

(Hey, who said these products would be just beauty?!)

I eat an extremely high-fiber diet.  (If you're curious why, see my 25 Things post, numbers 4 and 5.)

As for why this is the only sandwich bread I'll eat, the nutrition label totally speaks for itself.

Per 1 slice of bread: 50 calories, .05 grams of fat (not trans or saturated), no cholesterol, 135 mg sodium, 13 grams of carbs, 5 grams of fiber, less than 1 gram of sugar, 3 grams of protein.

Enough said.

Eggland's Best Farm Fresh Eggs

Yes, Eggland's Best eggs are more expensive than the others.  (Look for coupons)  However, there is a reason.  The chickens that these eggs come from are fed a highly nutritious diet.  My Mom's doctor first recommended these eggs to her because of her cholesterol levels.  After I educated myself, I started buying these and never turned back.  This is coming from someone that absolutely loves eggs.  I eat eggs ALMOST every single day.  Here's why I love Eggland's Best:

1.  They have slightly less fat than ordinary eggs.

2.  They contain over double the amount of Omega 3's

3.  They contain less cholesterol

4.  They contain way more Vitamin A, D, B2, B12, and E as well as other minerals. 

5.  They genuinely taste better!!

Matrix's Biolage Color Care Shampoo & Conditioner

Besides the fact that this stuff smells amazing, it keeps color brilliant and gives a silky shine!  It makes me hair super manageable and healthy.

Revlon Colorstay 12 Hour Eyeshadow

(Not in these colors though.)

Revlon says this eyeshadow lasts 12 hours, and if it doesn't, it's pretty darn close!  I have this eyeshadow "quad" in several different hue packs.  I really like that you can just do a one-stop-shop and get 4 colors that go nicely with each other.  You don't have to spend a fortune, you get 4 colors, and it lasts all day!  It's an all around "win" situation.

Well, that does it for my Tried and True products.  (For now, at least!)  What do you think?  Have you tried any of these products and loved or hated them?  What are some of your favorite products?  Let me know...maybe you'll land me a new favorite! :)

Cheeseburger Rollup (Husband's Favorite!)

Cheeseburger Rollup...

It's been so long since I found this recipe that I don't even remember how I stumbled across it (as usual). Now that I have a blog, I've begun to pay more attention to that sort of thing so I can give credit--the type of thing I just didn't think of before. But I will say, some other person came up with this recipe...it's definitely not my original. ;)


Anyway, this is one of my my husband Brian's absolute favorite meals that I make.  The best part?  It's -so- easy!  It's a win-win situation for us both.

So without further ado...

Ingredients:

1 lb. lean ground beef

4 strips bacon, chopped

1 small onion, chopped (I only use 2/3 a small onion)

1 (8 oz.) package Velveeta cheese, cut into cubes

1 (13.8 oz.) package refrigerated pizza crust

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees


2. Brown ground beef, bacon, and onions together in large skillet. Drain.


3. Once drained, add cubes of Velveeta to skillet mixture and melt. Once melted, remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes.

Ground beef, chopped bacon, and chopped onion already browned and drained with Velveeta added and melted.
It's cooling.

4. Unroll pizza dough onto baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray. Press into 15 x 8 rectangle and top with skillet mixture. Roll up, starting with one long side. Rearrange as necessary so that the roll is seam-side down.

I got a bit of a tear in mine, so I had to pinch it and mend it back together! :)

Topping unrolled crust dough with cooled skillet mixture.

Carefully and evenly spreading mixture on dough.

Rolling up from the long side.

Roll seam-side down on lightly-greased baking sheet ready to be backed! Yes, the tear looks bad.

5. Bake 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown.

Finished product!

Inside view

Ok, so it's not the fanciest meal...and it's certainly not pretty, but Brian can seriously eat half of this roll in one sitting!  In fact, I'm pretty sure he did.  :)  Let me know if you make it or plan to make it.  Also, be sure to let me know what the men in your life (or just you) think of it! :)  (But let's face it, this meal has MAN written all over it!)

Share some of your boyfriend's/husband's/father's/brother's/grandpa's favorite recipes with me in the comments section!  I trying to cook up new recipes for my man. :)

Be sure to follow and keep coming back.  (Top right above the "About Me" section.)

Until next time! XOXO