Every bit counts!

So, I didn't do as well as I hoped at the old grocery store! But it's a start, for sure. It's more then I saved then the last time I went!

I saved a whopping $9.24. Every little bit counts, that's almost enough for two burrito bowls at Chiptole! (Yum...I love those things!)

Happy Almost Friday!

Save, Save, Save!

Y'all! I have got to share with you three websites you have to check out! They involve couponing and saving money! If your like me, I have tried the couponing thing before and got burnt out really fast. It's time consuming and I was saving like $3.00. But now I know there is an "art" to doing it the right way and saving!

My friend Lauren first introduced southern savers to me on her blog here. It's seems very overwhelming but watch the tutorials on the best way to coupon and score great deals! She also recommended me checking out two other sites money saving mom, and Mad Savvy Savers that I have found most helpful!

I am going to the grocery tomorrow and I will let you know how much I save!

Fun Weekend!

Our Chalet

AK and I had a blast in Gatlinburg! Our chalet was so nice, there was so much room and the view was absolutely beautiful! It was great to catch up with friends.

the view from the back porch

I wear my sunglasses...inside!

Headin’ to the Mountains…

AK and I are leaving tomorrow morning for a weekend with friends in Gatlinburg! We are staying in a chalet with 24 other people! We are so excited to get away from the snow for a few days! Hope y’all have a great weekend!

Dream Kitchen

If Nate Berkus showed up at my house and said "You have won the Oprah Dream Kitchen Makeover!" First of all I would be so excited because I would finally have tickets to see Oprah! (a lot of y'all know I have been trying for years!) and of course, a free kitchen makeover!!

However, before I left I would secretly leave these three pictures as inspiration for my dream kitchen!

Love Love the Lighting & Island!

Love the cook top!
(All pictures from cottage living)

Jambalaya

(Picture of Paula Deen's Jambalaya)

In honor of Fat Tuesday, I thought I would share a good and easy Cajun recipe! I made this last fall and AK went nuts over it!

Ingredients:
Jambalaya Mix (recipe follows below)
1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
2 1/2 cups water
1/2 pound fully cooked smoked sausage, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1/2 to 3/4 pound medium, fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined

Directions
In a Dutch oven, combine mix, water, tomatoes, tomato sauce and smoked sausage. Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Cover, reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes. Add shrimp and cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, or until shrimp are pink.

Jambalaya Mix:
1 cup long-grain rice
3 tablespoons dried minced onion
1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
1 tablespoon beef bouillon granules
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 bay leaf

(don't get discouraged by this long list of spices - I found I had most in my spice rack!)

Enjoy!

Nature's Beauty

I awoke this morning to see that my roses have opened up so much and are absolutely beautiful!

Saturday

Today!

If only I picked these from my back yard - I guess I can pretend! So ready for summer!

Because...Right now we are snowed in - Level One Snow Advisory. Yes in the midwest there are advisory warnings - three levels! We are at the first level now, level two means - do not drive unless emergency and level three- roads are closed!

Up to the windows!

Check out the picture I took off the light post on Feb. 5th here

Glad I went to the grocery yesterday!

OH...LA...OH...TN...OH

Three states in one week! It feels good to be home! The adventure began with a trip to Louisiana for the Mardi Gras Ball, back to Ohio for one night, then off to Nashville for a week of work. The week flew by and was a lot of fun! I had a great night with my girlfriends, lots of laughter and catching up. Me and mom went to the old house and cleaned out closets, I found old pictures from high school, notes and a diary - what was I thinking when I was 16? Oh wait I don't think I was?!

I also had lunch with a couple friends and thoroughly enjoyed the smiles and giggles of Lauren's sweet baby boy! I was also able to catch up over dinner with my brother and his wife (they made a great white pizza which I will have to share the recipe!)

I got home yesterday afternoon and walked in to find a dozen of Peach roses and a box of Godvia Chocolate! (my favorite!!!)



AK and I went to a great little restaurant last night for dinner and celebrated Valentine's Day. Hope everyone has a great V-Day!

Cajun Culture

Andy and I had such a fun weekend! We went to a Mardi Gras Ball in Lake Charles, LA. Andy's aunt and uncle were on court this year, so the family all went down to celebrate! I just love the cajun culture. Did you know that they get out of school for A WEEK for Mardi Gras?!

Louisiana is like a different world...Great food, good music, very happy people and always a place to party!

Andy's Aunt and Uncle all dressed up!

We left Sunday night singing oh when the Saints Go Marching in...oh when the saints go marching in....

Snow Snow oh and more Snow!

It is dumping snow right now in Columbus! As of 10am we had none....

Just took this picture 10 minutes ago.... wishing the beach was only a short ride away!

It's A Boy!!

I am so excited! My dear friend Vannie found out today she is having a boy! The past few weeks while running errands I have found myself in the middle of the baby section. I know it sounds crazy, but I just couldn't help myself! All the little clothes, socks, blankets are so cute. Funny thing is I would only look at the boy stuff, I just had a feeling she was having a boy. I can't wait to go shopping for Lil bit!

I told Andy and the first words out of his mouth, were "we gotta get him lots of UT stuff!" Here are a few of my faves...





(this cracked me up!)

He sure is lucky to have such wonderful parents!! I am so happy for y'all!