Deep South Party: POP! Baby Shower Part 1

This past fall I learned that one of my best friends, Erin, was expecting twins. I have been dreaming since of the perfect shower for this special friend. She is more fun loving than frills and I was searching to find something outside the norm. My favorite bloggers over at Lullaby Lubbock featured this adorable blue and green Pop! baby shower for their friend. (They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery - so I guess they should be SUPER flattered). My mom and I called each other almost at the same time because we both just knew this would be perfect for Erin's shower.

Part 1: The Perfect Invitation

I think the invite for a party sets the tone in so many ways. It gives you a color scheme, fonts to play with and the general direction things are going. It is sort of my version of a "mood board" (really dislike that) that remains functional. I would have loved to have someone create something custom, but since I don't have unlimited funds I went with a blank invite at Paper Affair that I could take home and print myself.

Note to self: don't buy invites with horizontal stripes ever again. Trying to get these bad boys to print straight was killer. There may or may not have been tears but my dear husband had me laughing in no time:

He picked up one of the crooked invites and held it tilted at an odd angle and said "if they just hold it like this it looks really straight".

I am all about special touches for showers and parties. One of my favorite things is to pick a book appropriate to the party, children's book for baby shower, recipe book or marriage advice book for wedding shower, etc. I then tape or glue the invite to a blank page in the front and allow people to sign or write notes for a guest book. It is then always and forever a memory of the special celebration the guest of honor can take home and savor!

The Sweet Kitchen: Whats on the Menu?

This week is going to be super boring....which is such a good thing. Last week was all about prepping for the big baby shower and this week is all about counting down the days until I leave for the beach Sunday. A lot of my meals this week are being shared with my mother-in-law who had a knee replacement last week while she is the middle of a kitchen renovation. I had to think about things that were portable without interfering with her dietary restrictions for medications.

Monday: Spaghetti with Meat Sauce (homemade at least), Garlic Green Beans, Italian Bread

Tuesday (Work Night): Pork Tenderloin I mean to cook last week, Garlic Rice Pilaf, and Broccoli

Wednesday: Mix and Match Breakfast Casserole, Cinnamon Rolls, Fruit

Thursday (Work Night): Leftovers

Friday: Pretzel Breaded Chicken Tenders, Corn on the Cob, Frozen Raspberries

Saturday (Work Night): Leftovers/Sandwiches

Sunday: We will be at the beach!!!

I have so much exciting stuff to share with you guys this week and the next. I am hoping I can fit it all in. I have a baby shower, home decor updates, and of course The Southern Manual: April Edition to share. Please check back often!

Bloggers... We're Just Like You

Sometimes I read blogs and think....

Wow, they've really got it all together

Man, I wish I had an indispensable budget to decorate.

Someone once asked me...

"How is your house so clean all the time?"

"How can you cook so much for your family?"

My list could go on and on, but in reality... I am just like you.

I was inspired by my college friend over at Aspiring Kennedy (I am totally guilty of drooling over her life in England - really looks like luxury to me - total compliment) to share a little reality. I think I might make this a regular habit.

Back story: getting ready to take a picture of our dinner for the good ol' blog last night and couldn't help but die laughing at the reality of the picture. So.... I thought I would zoom out and take a few steps back and give a glimpse to the madness behind the zoomed in, perfectly edited food picture. Seriously I was cackling over how disastrous my kitchen was, and the good news is this is a pretty much daily occurrence. I am pretty much a miracle worker when I know people are coming over.

Ah, lets see here...

• A little nail head trim anyone?
• How about three different types of salad dressings left out - one for each family member?
• A home depot bag with liquid sander and spray paint - good kitchen essentials you know?
• Candle that is down to its last 1/2 inch and I just can't stand to throw away candles
• Tervis tumbler that might as well be glued to my side because it already sees all of my life
• Blender yet to be washed from strawberry sour cream ice cream prep (which is freezing in the ice cream maker making the loudest noise known to man - nothing says yay dinner with what sounds like rocks tumbling in the background)

If only I could pan the camera to the breakfast area that currently has chairs with no cushions - a truly good look and super efficient for dinnertime. You know because we just assumed we could eat outside on the porch all week until the cushions were finished - nice surprise with the frigid unable to eat temps last night!

So if you are off reading some one's blog and feel a little down and out... just think about the zoom out and what is the reality behind the picture!

Just keeping it real!

Speaking of stress. hahaha...go check out the One Thousand Gifts Chapter 8 Discussion. Great thoughts about stress and how we overcome in a Godly fashion.

The Sweet Life: One Thousand Gifts Chapter Eight

Oh this chapter was just what I needed. Just when I think this book has challenged me, molded and shaped me to the max, it goes and does it again. I just cannot say enough about this book and it was so exciting to see one of my favorite bloggers over at Fly Through Our Window is reading it as well.

Chapter Eight Video Discussion

How often do you find yourselves telling someone "I am stressed". Life is swelling around us at rapid speed and we continue to pack on more and more activities, projects and time stealers. All of these things add up to more and more stress. That doesn't even include the sickness, financial strain, job loss, grief, etc that are out of our control that build a foundation for our stress. Stress seems inevitable in a lot of ways but what is it robbing from us. Is it my underlying "attempt to prove how indispensable I am"? Am I allowing stress to fill my life with fear and anxiety? What if I think about it this way:

"Stress isn't only a joy stealer. The Way we respond to it can be sin." 

Ann reminds us of the verse from John 14:1 where God commands us, "do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; Trust also in me". Is trust as Ann mentions the antitheses of stress? I love how pg 147 discusses how stress can often be the easier route. I know personally it is ten times easier to let my mind wander and heart race than to truly dig deep and practice the discipline of trust.

"Without trust in the good news of Jesus, without trust in the good news of God's saving work even in this moment, without an active, moment-by-moment trust in the good news of an all-sovereign, all-good God, how can we claim to fully believe? This is the trust I lack: to know that if disaster strikes, He carries me even there."

Oh how my heart was convicted by this. If I can't really trust that in the thick of it God will carry me through, how can I say that I truly believe in Him and his goodness? When I allow stress to rule my heart and mind, am I not telling God he can no longer be King? Stress reveals a lot about my faith in Him. How do I get out of this rut? Can I allow eucharisteo to be the door to walk out of this life of stress?

"Count blessings and discover Who can be counted on...This living a lifestyle of intentional gratitude became an unintentional test in the trustworthiness of God - and in counting blessings I stumbled upon the way out of fear."

In a lot of ways this goes back to the idea that as we list our blessings we find peace in return. As I feel the anxiety and stress creep up, whether sitting in the car in line at carpool or waiting at the doctor, I simply start naming my blessings and my gratitude... Thank you God for...this clear spring day, the new blooms of buds on trees revealing your promise of new life, the laughter and squeals from children on the playground...I feel the release. The tension leaves my body and the peace inundates the places stress has fled.

"Trust is the bridge from yesterday to tomorrow, built with planks of thanks. Remembering frames up gratitude. Gratitude lays out the planks of trust. I can walk the planks - from known to unknown - and know. He holds...Because remembering with thanks is what causes us to trust - to really believe...when you the live the prayer of thanksgiving you live the power of trusting God."

When we are in our moments of stress and anxiety we are ultimately worried of what will not be provided. Sickness - will we be provided healing. Grief - will we receive relief and be refreshed. Job loss - will we be provided with new employment. Overwhelmed by what must be accomplished in the day - will we get it all done and will we get more time. The list could go on and on. Overall we fear lack of provision. Hasn't God given us ALL that we need?

"He gave us Jesus. Jesus! Gave Him up for us all. If we have only one memory (of what God has done), isn't this one enough?...If God didn't withhold from us His very own Son, will God withhold anything we need?"

When stress and fear overwhelm and it is hard to think of what God has done for you, can't you at least remember the ultimate blessing He gave you? His Son. The promise of eternal life with Him in heaven! Is stress really worth the loss of joy we experience when we have ALL that we need? If you can name no other gratitude, start with the ultimate gratitude. Find your gratitude for this ultimate gift feeding your trust in His provision.

There is so much rich material in this chapter and I don't want to ramble on and on and miss the point. I will finish up with this quote from page 158:

"Isn't that what that gratitude journal on the counter is? Opening the hand to receive the moments. Trusting what is received to be grace. Taking it as bread. Recount how we laughed today. How we cried today and it too was grace. How He fed us. We ate. We filled. We swept up the crumbs. So He lays us down to sleep. Trust tucks in. He has blessed today. Will He not bless again tomorrow?"

Where are the moments that you need to let go of the stress, give thanks, and build the bridge of trust with God? Start today and see the peace that God will give you!

Need to catch up? Check out the past One Thousand Gifts posts here.

***My spell check is giving me a little grief and not working, so hoping for the best folks!

Deep South Eats: Raspberry Almond Coffee Cake

This past Wednesday, I was called upon to bring a baked good for my Bible study fellowship day. Since I really don't like having baked goods in the house (I will consume them like a human vacuum), I always love to search my recipe books for a new delight. This coffeecake recipe was screaming at me from the pages because of its' simple ingredients and ability to be quick and easy. The fresh fruit is just what makes the biscuit-like dough all the more delicious balanced with the almonds and creamy glaze.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh raspberries, rinsed and dried
• 3 Tablespoons packed brown sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup sour cream (shout out to the dear husband who went to the store and got this for me while I was working away at the hospital)
• 2 Tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup of sliced almonds lightly toasted
• 1/4 cup of sifted confectioners' sugar (I am so not a sifter - go to town if you are)
• 1 Tablespoon of milk (you may need a little more as you stir up the glaze)
• 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract (I am going to try almond extract next time)

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 and spray an 8-inch round cake pan. I used my Wilton springform pan and it came out beautifully with no struggle at all.
• Combine raspberries and brown sugar in a bowl. Stir gently and set aside.
• In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, combine sour cream, butter, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, and egg. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until moist (I really hate that word).
• Spoon 2/3 of batter into prepared pan. It is very much like a biscuit batter and will take a little work to spread it around the bottom of the pan.
• Spread raspberry mixture evenly over batter. Drop the remaining batter in spoonfuls over the raspberry mixture and top with almonds.
• Bake in preheated oven for 40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes on wire rack.
• Combine confectioners' sugar, milk and remaining vanilla (I added a sprinkling of cinnamon). Stir well and drizzle over cake. Serve warm or at room temperature.

This received great reviews and I loved it myself. I thought the color and appearance was so pretty. Even the little nut loved the leftovers for breakfast this morning.

Recipe adapted from All Recipes' Raspberry-Almond Coffee Cake.

Deep South Eats: The Lady's Cheesy Mac

This was a great dish and your classic Southern macaroni and cheese. Not the super creamy kind that comes from the frozen dinner kind. I would explain it this way (follow the crazy lady's brain): it is called macaroni AND cheese. You should be able to differentiate the two as you can in Paula Deen's version. There is definite macaroni and definite cheese that when baked together is amazing. The super creamy kind that tastes like noodles with sauce (there is nothing wrong with this kind - believe me I love it some days) I think should be renamed macaronicheese. Take out the "and" reserving it only for the true casserole where you can actually see and taste the two ingredients. I told you I was a little bit nutty!

Ingredients:

• 4 Tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
• 1/2 cup sour cream (I used light and got decent results)
• 2 cups grated cheddar cheese - I used 1 cup mild and 1 cup sharp
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 4 cups cooked elbow macaroni, drained
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1 cup milk
• Additional cheese for topping.

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Cook macaroni according to package directions and drain.
• Place cooked macaroni in a large bowl and add the cheese.
• In a separate bowl, combine remaining ingredients and add to the macaroni mixture.
• Pour macaroni into a casserole dish and bake for 30 to 45 minutes.
• Sprinkle additional cheese on top during the last five minutes of baking.

Recipe adapted from Paula Deen's The Lady's Cheesy Mac

This was great served with some smoked sausage and steamed vegetables. I think it would be great with any grilled meat or even a honey ham for Sunday lunch.

Enjoy!

The Sweet Kitchen: Whats on the Menu?

I have been looking forward to this week! I am off work all week long and spending the week preparing for my dear friend's baby shower for TWINS! We are so excited and I love having a full week dedicated to prepping.

Monday: Breakfast for Dinner (got to use up some leftover biscuits in the fridge)
Tuesday: Chuck Roast Barbecue Sandwiches, Corn Salad*, Fruit
Wednesday: Chicken Parmesan*, Whole Wheat Linguine, Chopped Italian Salad
Thursday: Leftovers/Sandwiches
Friday: Herb Marinated Pork Tenderloin*, Garlic Rice Pilaf*, Green Beans
Saturday: Out or Pizza
Sunday: Small Group Dinner

I am also making some delicious Strawberry Sour Cream Ice Cream at some point because strawberries are sale for 3 for $5 at my local grocery!!!

*Denotes recipes to be featured somewhere down the road.

As always, grab the picture above and link up with your weekly menu like my good friend over at Tale of Two Tarpleys. You will be surprised how much it holds you accountable!

I thought these two weekly menu planning shopping lists were super cute

• What To Eat Notepad by Knock Knock
• Weekly Menu Planner with Tear-off Shopping List (Yellow, Green, Blue)

Saturday Sweets: Family Rules Sign

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I would just love this Family Rules sign for a main wall in my home. What a wonderful reminder of who we are trying to be as a family and the fun that must absolutely be shared!

Deep South Home: To Sit or Set

I have been searching over the last few months to find some bedside tables for the guest room. Problem is I just kind find what I want within the amount of money I would like to spend. After doing some searching I came across this picture and was completely inspired!

I have had two older chairs in my breakfast nook that we use for extra seating and are in desperate need of a paint and furniture recovering job. This will allow not only a cheap bedside table, but also a chair for me to use at my desk in the room. I bought this Krylon Smoke Gray spray paint that looks like this color:

                                                         

Not quite as black as it appears in the picture but more a smoky, mushroom gray. I plan to upholster the seats in the same marine blue microfiber in order to let the gray chair be the stand out and not the fabric. Hopefully we can get two of these reading lights to come off the side of the bed and spray the metal to make it a little bit more oil-rubbed bronze than shiny nickle.

                                           

What do you think? Do you love it or hate it? Any ideas that you would do differently? I can't wait to knock it out and share a finished picture with you.

Need something to fix for Sunday lunch that will feed the masses? Check out the Meaty Baked Ziti and be awed by the magic.

Deep South Eats: Meaty Baked Ziti

This Baked Ziti is absolutely awesome. It is in no way super healthy, but every now and then you need a little fat around the waist. Who said muffin tops weren't coming back in style?

One thing that I have found about this dish is it is sort of a "loaves and fishes" kind of meal. It tends to multiply before your eyes and feeds more people than you imagined possible. I remember making this one Sunday morning to have for lunch after church with some family. When we arrived at church we found that some of our family we thought was out of town was actually in town so they got invited too. Over the course of Bible class and worship service I think we added 10 more people to the lunch list. Surprisingly, this served everyone with plenty. This past week I made it for dinner with the assumption that my husband and little nut could eat it for dinners while I was out of town. Even with them munching off of it for 2 meals, I came home to find 3/4 of the casserole dish still occupied. Crazy, right? I guess one day we can figure out the magic of the Baked Ziti.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound dry ziti pasta
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 (26 ounce) jars spaghetti sauce
• 6 slices of Provolone cheese
• 1 1/2 cups of sour cream
• 6 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 Tablespoons, grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350.
• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add ziti pasta, and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes, drain.
• In a large skillet, brown onion and salted ground beef over medium heat. Add spaghetti sauce, and simmer 15 minutes.
• Butter or grease a 9x13 casserole dish. Layer as follow: 1/2 of the ziti, Provolone cheese, sour cream, 1/2 sauce mixture, remaining ziti, mozzarella cheese and remaining sauce mixture. Sprinkle top with grated Parmesan cheese.
• Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until cheeses are melted.

Serves well with a crisp romaine salad and crusty garlic bread.

Recipe adapted from All Recipes' Baked Ziti I

Don't forget to check out the One Thousand Gifts Chapter Seven discussion.

The Sweet Life: One Thousand Gifts Chapter Seven

Can you believe I am actually catching up? Some days I can't believe it myself. I thank you guys for waiting diligently. I began slowing down when I heard from several people reading along that they were taking it at a much slower pace. I myself was a little overwhelmed trying to absorb the material and start living it out at the Bloom Book Club pace. On one hand I am apologizing for my delay, and on the other hand I am learning to let go and take things as they come!

Chapter Seven Video Discussion with Ann Voskamp

Ann sets the stage of this chapter telling about a little spat that her sons had that ended with one of them throwing toast in the other's face. Our gut reaction in these most frustrating situations is to get angry and yell. I know living with my sweet little nut it is a constant prayer to maintain my temper in the nitty gritty moments. I love the quote on page 125 because it is a constant thought in my daily life.

"How do I have the holy vision in this mess? How do I see grace, give thanks, find joy in this sin-stinking place....(bottom of page 125) What compels me to name these moments upheavals and annoyances instead of grace and gift? Why deprive myself of joy's oxygen?"

Wouldn't life be so much simpler if our gut reaction was to stop, take a breath and name our gratitude to God. Why is that we our wired to quickly get mad or frustrated? What are we giving into when we let the quick temper flare without a second thought? The paragraph at the top of page 127 was probably one of the most convicting chapters I have read in this book.

"Do I really smother my own joy because I believe that anger achieves more than love? That Satan's way is more powerful, more practical, more fulfilling in my daily life than Jesus' way? Why else get angry? Isn't it because I think complaining, exasperation, resentment will pound me up into the full life I really want? When I choose - and it is a choice - to crush joy with bitterness, am I not purposefully choosing to take the way of the Prince of Darkness? Choosing the angry way of Lucifer because I think it is more effective - more expedient - than giving thanks?"

Tough one...eh? My gut reaction is a choice. Bottom line. I may be wired to turn to anger more quickly than eucharisteo, but in the end I have control over my tongue. I need to stop, slow to speak, and name my gratitude. Maybe with time and prayer I can make this my gut reaction instead of the ugly, griping, angry woman who chooses not to glorify God and find gratitude in a moment of great opportunity.

God is here with us, right? If he is here than we need to expect to see Him even in the ugly. Ann uses a passage from Matthew 14:19 where Jesus looked up to heaven before giving thanks for the loaves. She reminds us that it is "always first the eyes, the focus". If in the ugly moments my focus is on Him rather than myself, can't I find the gratitude? It is "not a matter of circumstances, it's a matter of focus".

"All the world is a window. No material is opaque. If we are willing to see - people, circumstances, situations, relationships - all is transparent. All of this globe is but glass to God."

As they echoed in the video, we use giving thanks in order to keep the gaze on heaven. It takes discipline. You are only going to drive out the nail of anger with another nail...nail down your gratitude to God. This is something I must continually work on. I don't think it will ever be like riding a bike, but somewhere down the road I hope it is closer to second nature.

"The practice of giving thanks...eucharisteo...this is the way we practice the presence of God, stay present to His presence, and it is always a practice of the eyes. We don't have to change what we see. Only the way we see."

There are so many wonderful things from this chapter that really convicted me and reminded me of how God is constantly refining us. When I ask Him to guide me down the struggles in my life, often I find Him gently pointing me in the direction of change in my own life to give more glory to Him. I have found so much relief in the practice of numbering my eucharisteo, but this chapter reminds me that the discipline is more than recording my eucharisteo....I must live it.

Want to catch up on past One Thousand Gifts post? Check them out here!

The Sweet Kitchen: Whats on the Menu?

The bad news: This week I am working against the clock to clean meats out of my freezer before they hit their expiration date. I am queen of stocking up on things and then completely missing the time frame of use. I am really committing myself to being mindful of what I already have in the freezer because throwing food away is so frustrating. This translates...boring meals this week.

The good news: I have to bring a baked good to bible study for our breakfast fellowship, and I am also responsible for a chocolate cookie at a wedding shower this weekend. This translates...look forward to recipes for Raspberry Almond Coffeecake and Chocolate Toffee Shortbread.

Monday: Chicken Enchiladas, Black Beans and Fruit (I know this sounds familiar. It just didn't get cooked last week)
Tuesday (Work Night): Ham and Cheese Croissants and Spinach Salad*
Wednesday: Taco Soup and Jim and Nick's Cheese Biscuits* (can't wait to make these)
Thursday (Work Night): Leftovers
Friday: Steaks, Baked Potato, Oven Roasted Green Beans*, Crockpot Triple Berry Cobbler*
Saturday: Benefit Dinner
Sunday: Leftovers

*Denotes recipe to be featured
As always, grab the picture above and paste on your blog. Link up with a comment and let us all know what you have going on in your kitchen this week!

P.S. I am working feverishly to catch up on One Thousand Gifts. Sorry if I have disappointed any of you guys!

The Sweet Life: Beau Harrison

Sorry for my lack of blogging the past two days. I flew out to Dallas to meet this new little guy, my 7th niece/nephew.

Beau Harrison

7lbs 3 oz

Deep South Eats: Roasted Sesame Pork Tenderloin with Asian Slaw

Oooooo look at all the pretty color. Those of you who know me better than others, know that I have an odd hang up about having lots of color on my plate. There is just something depressing about eating a dinner of beige. It is as if the food is staring up at you with a blank look saying "hey I am boring and full of carbs" instead of the food that squeals happily at you "eat me, pick me, look over here". What your food isn't talking to you? Weirdo....ok maybe I am the weirdo.

This meal was delicious as it was. There are definitely some things I have changed in the recipe that would improve the overall goodness of this recipe. I know the original recipe was the way it was in order to have an efficient, speedy meal. When it comes down to it, pork tenderloin keeps the "tender" portion when it is cooked a little bit lower and slow. Sounds like a good r&b song with all the tender, low, and slow.

Ingredients: 

• 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce 
• 3/4 cup sesame-ginger dressing, divided (I used Newman's Own Low Fat Sesame Ginger Dressing)
• 1 (1 lb give or take) pork tenderloin
• 1 package of cole slaw mix (not the dressing, just the cabbage/carrot mix)
• 4 green onions, sliced
• 1/4 cup of grated carrots
• 1/4 cup chopped wasabi-soy sauce flavored almonds (I used Blue Diamond Wasabi & Soy Almonds)

Directions:

• Whisk together 1/4 cup of soy sauce and 1/2 cup of sesame-ginger dressing in zip-top bag (I like to stand the bag up in a mixing bowl to give easier access).
• Add pork to bag, turning to coat, seal bag tight, and allow to chill in refrigerator for at least 2 hours to no longer than overnight.
• When ready to cook, preheat oven to 425 and place pork in shallow baking pan. I love to line my pans with foil so that clean up is a cinch.
• While pork is cooking for 30 minutes, mix slaw mix, green onions, carrots and remaining 1/4 cup of sesame ginger dressing. Place in the refrigerator to chill. The original recipe includes mixing in 1 cup of chopped cilantro, but that is one of those foods that makes me toesies curl just a little bit.
• I love to check for doneness with a meat thermometer because it is quick and doesn't require cutting into the meat. Pork should reach an internal temperature of 155-160 degrees at the thickest portion. I know this isn't the classy way to get things done but it is cheap and efficient which works for this girl.
• Once meat is done, toss slaw with almonds and serve with pork.

This meal won the clean plate award in our house. My husband and three year old both loved it, and my dear husband even went back for seconds!

Recipe adapted from original recipe. Changes made= additional dressing for marinating and longer marinating time, lower cooking temperature and longer time, prechopped slaw mix in place of napa cabbage that has to be chopped.

The Sweet Kitchen: Whats on the Menu?

This week is an unusual week as we have a very hectic calendar. I have still been able to fit in three new recipes to try. Hopefully these recipes will turn out as good as I am expecting and will provide leftovers for all the nights we are running in different directions!

Monday (Work Night): Baked Pork Chops with a Cream Sauce, Corn on the Cob, Broccoli

Tuesday: Baked Ziti (w/ Meat Sauce), Chopped Italian Salad

Wednesday: Leftovers

Thursday: Leftovers/Sandwiches

Friday: Chicken Enchiladas, Black Beans, Fresh Fruit

Saturday: Out to Eat

Sunday: Small Group Meal

***Italics indicate new recipes.

What are you eating at your house this week? Copy the image above and post on your own blog. Leave a comment here with the link. It is always exciting to hear what other people are cooking up!

Southern Living Subscription Giveaway: And the Winner Is...

After numbering each of your comments (Ashley's second comment counted twice b/c she also offered to set up my fan page - which she totally did by herself), there were 16 entries. Using random.org the winner is...

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:9Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Congratulations to:

Shut the front door...Bacon Herb Cupcakes?! What the frank?! I need those in my life...now. So, yeah, I guess you could say I find that recipe "interesting"...to say the least.

By Melodye on The Deep South Manual: March Edition on 2/28/11

Contact me at rreiboldt@gmail.com to claim your prize. If you already have a subscription to Southern Living you can choose this instead subscriptions:

• Fresh Home Magazine
• Your go-to source for fresh, easy & fun home decor! You?ll find eye-catching decorating ideas, easier-than-you-thought room makeovers & creative, design-it-yourself projects you can personalize to fit your style perfectly!

The Sweet Life: Saturday Sweets

This is one of my all-time favorite candles. Unfortunately it is no longer for sale at the main stores. It has the freshest, not too icky-sweet scent. If you are ever see one of these pick two up. Keep one for yourself and send one my way!

Painted this beauty on my nails last night and I love it. Very similar to Essie's Merino Wool color. Merino Wool is a grey lavender while Essie's Chinchilly in person is a grey with green undertones. Very pretty and perfect for a rainy day like today!

I never was a coffee drinker until we became the proud parents of a Keurig. Ever since then, I love my coffee in the morning..just one cup! The Golden French Toast K-Cup has a creamy cinnamon flavor with just a hint of maple. I am not a huge maple fan but this balances well with a strong cinnamon flavor. Absolutely delicious.

Don't forget today is the last day to enter The Southern Manual Giveaway! Giveaway ends at 8:00pm EST. Three ways left to enter:

• Leave a comment on The Deep South Manual March Edition post telling me your favorite thing I featured.
• Become a follower (or if you already are a follower) and leave me a comment here saying "I Stalk Deep South Sweets"
• Become a fan on Deep South Sweets Facebook page and leave me a comment here saying "I facebooked ya'll".

Looking for a great weekend meal? Check out the Almond Chicken and Rice Casserole or Broccoli Cheese Soup.