The Sweet Life: What's on the Menu?

Did you all have a good weekend?

We had a fantastic weekend! It got kicked off on Friday when they let me know that I was almost ready to be released from physical therapy. I get to cut down to one day a week which will free up a ton of time for me.

Friday afternoon, we drove to Birmingham to stay at the Ross Bridge Resort. I was born in Birmingham, and I lived there until I was 4. I have been back many times since then, but it has been a good chunk of time since my last visit. Mark, my husband, went to Samford for a few years. We had fun driving Belle down memory lane by Mark's old frat house, my grandparents house, and all the old sights! I have to say the hotel was nice and I loved the area, but when travelling with a 4 year old, a hotel is a hotel. Belle and Mark did have a blast playing at their fantastic pool while I attended...

The Everything Applique Conference. Silly as it sounds it was an exciting day of learning more about embroidery and appliqueing. I am really hoping to start a small business soon, so the conference gave me a good bit of confidence in jump starting my goal.

The only sad part of the trip was that we didn't get to stop in my favorite bakery, Savages. This little gem is found in Homewood and I think they have the world's best petit fours.


I also tried Coconut Mocha coffee this weekend for my Keurig. I feel as though my life changed for the better. Pair it with a splash of almond joy creamer and you get a sip of heaven each morning. I bought one of those 3 K-cup sample packs and may or may not have gone back to buy 2 big boxes (with my Bed Bath coupon of course).

I am looking forward to a great week with Belle's field day at preschool in the morning and then my best friend from college coming in town for the end of the week. It is going to be a great but busy week!

Monday: Panera's Recipe for Mac and Cheese and Tossed Salad

Tuesday: Honey Garlic Pork Chops, Baked Potatoes and Green Beans with Almonds

Wednesday: Leftovers

Thursday: Mongolian Beef with Steamed Rice and Sweet 

Friday: Taking my friend out to eat

Saturday: Grilled Teriyaki Chicken, Rice Casserole, and Grilled Green Beans

Sunday: First Polo Match of the Season for Mark!!! - leftovers

Monday: Weekly Menu

Tuesday: Deep South Eats: Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing

Wednesday: You're Already Amazing Chapter Three

Thursday: Deep South Eats: Crunchy Beef Casserole

Friday: Deep South DIY: Favorite Applique Stores

I want to hear from YOU! What recipes, tutorials or projects would you like to see  next week?

Ever have questions or want to request a recipe or tutorial, comment or email me at deepsouthsweets@gmail.com. You can also visit Deep South Sweets on Facebook or follow me on Pinterest!

Deep South Words to Live By: Don't Ignore

In honor of National Infertility Awareness Week, I have taken the time to write my story coinciding with their theme of "Don't Ignore". Please know that this is a very hard story to write concisely and leaves me feeling a little vulnerable and exposed. Feel free to share this with anyone you think might benefit.


In our home there sits a room. Four white walls, two beautiful windows, the softest carpet for it has barely been walked upon, and a crib. A crib that was placed perfectly between the two windows when my precious daughter Belle moved to her big girl bed and my husband and I made the decision that it was time. Time to fill our home with more joy and laughter. Time to add to the abundance of happiness.


Yet the crib remains empty. The corners of the room collecting things to donate to Goodwill. The door shut. Incredibly symbolic...there is no baby to fill the crib and the lost dreams collect in the corners of our hearts.




Don't Ignore....The Story


A few years after we were married we decided we would begin trying to start our family. You are so young...you have all the time in the world we were told. But did we really? We knew there was a strong family history of infertility and while some say genetics play a small role, we could not ignore the possibility that I too might have fertility complications. After almost a year of trying, we scheduled an appointment to see my Ob/Gyn. In the weeks before, God gave us our miracle and we found out we were expecting. Elated and grateful do not even touch our feelings in those moments. In January of 2008, we welcomed our precious miracle, Belle Candler. While it was not the easiest pregnancy, we were over the moon to hold our sweet girl and love her to pieces.


When Belle turned two we slowly began the process of trying again. I stopped birth control, knowing to expect a few months for it to fully leave my system. A few months went by and nothing happened. We were so hopeful that everyone's well-wishes of "it happens faster the second time" were true. Few months and no pregnancy...no big deal....yet. We moved Belle to her big girl bed and the crib into what was planned to be the nursery since we moved into the house. We even talked about where exactly to put the crib because one day soon our next blessing would sleep in this room. We could just picture our family of four in our heads.


Few more months went by, and I begin to know in my heart and body that something wasn't right. I was experiencing left-sided pain every now and then and other symptoms such as 48-53 day cycles. My intuition and nurse sense told me things weren't as they should be. I made an appointment to go talk to my Ob/Gyn. Not wanting to jump the gun, but not wanting to ignore the way I physically felt. The doctor and I talked about what had been going on and we decided to run a few tests and try to reset my cycles. At the very end of the appointment, he decided he wanted to do an ultrasound just to take a look at what might be causing this pain. He wasn't really expecting them to find anything and neither was I. After waiting in the ultrasound with several other couples waiting on pregnancy ultrasounds, it was finally my turn. The sonographer began poking and prying at my ovaries. She then stopped and the small talked ceased. She pointed out to me the cause of my pain, a small enough to not be too worried but large enough to not be ignored ovarian cyst. This meant two months of letting my ovary heal and waiting for the cyst to resolve. Two months later, the cyst was gone but there were some complications with my right ovary that required me to go on a strong, non-compatible with pregnancy antibiotic.


When all was said and done, we were free to start trying again. Another six months down the road, we were still not pregnant. Our hopes were fading a bit and we were frustrated. With the help of my doctor, we decided to start some first-line fertility medications: Clomid and Femara. This also meant, my diagnosis was official....the dreaded infertility. Next comes the letter from your insurance company reminding you that you do not have fertility coverage and most things from this point forward will be out of pocket. I did my first cycle of Clomid with such excitement. This was going to be my miracle month. We had a very busy month travelling to different places, but we were going to make it work. I even arranged to have my day 21 blood draws done at a clinic in Gulf Shores while we were at the beach. It was all worth it even though at the end of the month our prayers for what we wanted remained unanswered. Several cycles went by and we were left with the same results. The medications had worked and done what they were supposed to do, but not well enough to the point we were able to conceive. The disappointment and grief seemed to be piled on daily. Add to the fact that I work in a hospital, that has the highest birth rate in the nation, as a labor and delivery nurse.


We were spent and we were done. We desperately needed a break and time to take refocus our lives for a little while. Thankfully these feelings all coincided with a trip to Italy last fall. We took our break from treatment, and we are still taking our break from treatment. Our prayers at this point have been for God to show us the right path to take. We have sought adoption information and studied up on more advanced fertility treatments. Our path has not yet been made known to us and so we sit and ride the daily roller coaster of infertility. We hug our sweet girl a little tighter and tell her she is enough for us. Because at the end of the day, if our family remains the Three Musketeers (as we call ourselves), we have been blessed well beyond our measure.


Don't Ignore....The Pain


I often think of the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and how God can deliver us from the fire, in the fire and through the fire. I have not been spared this fire of infertility and I am not on the other side of the fire of infertility. I am well within the fire of infertility. In the midst of this fire, there is so much pain and brokenness.


I live with physical pain. My body is trying so hard to cooperate, but yet it is imperfect. Some days the physical pain is non existent. Most days it is there but easy to push aside. There are some days though where I may seem distant and quiet. Those are the days where the physical pain is horrendous, so please don't think I am rude or grouchy.


I live with mental pain. The pain of never ending questions. Questions from strangers: Why I only have one child.? Do I not want other children? Is the child I have just too much? Please do not think any of these questions are appropriate for small talk. They aren't and are extremely intrusive. I am likely to quiet you by simply explaining that Belle is my miracle child. It is amazing how quickly the questions stop. The pain of thoughtless comments: "Everyone is getting pregnant these days....I mean EVERYONE". "You better not drink the water around here". "You better hurry to give Belle a sibling." Please believe if it was in the water I would be having the big jugs of it brought to my house! The mental pain of my own thoughts: Am I not a good enough mother? What if we wait too long to make a decision? Am I a failure as a wife? Why them and not me?


I live with emotional pain. I am on an emotional roller coaster that seems to always be twisting and turning. Imagine a precious moment with Belle where we are smiling and giggling. All is right with the world. She throws a lucky penny into the fountain and wishes "for a baby sister". Her sweet innocent mind knows nothing of our fertility struggles, but in that moment my sadness for her loss makes me wish I could explain it all. In the last week and a half, 10 people I know have announced their pregnancies. I am so happy for you and overjoyed for your exciting news, but so broken and grief-stricken for me. I feel left out....left behind. As if their is some big secret that everyone is in on except me. I know you don't mean for me to be an outsider, but how can I sit around talking of double strollers and rubbing bellies without feeling the loss.


I could write for days about the pain that infertility packs as your baggage for the journey, but can I put down my load and see what my mighty God is doing along the way.


Don't Ignore....The God I Serve


The God I serve is broken right alongside me. He hurts with me and knows my pain better than anyone in this world. He also knows the road ahead and that the journey is worth travelling. Surprisingly, I can already say that it has been worth it. I have come to an intimate relationship with God that I never could have fathomed. He has shown me things and taught me lessons I never thought I wanted to learn but am all too grateful for now.


While we are in this wait, we are learning to "be still and know" Psalms 46:10. To know that He is God and His plans are far beyond what I could ever imagine for myself. Being asked by God to just be still is so hard for a type A person like me, but in the fire I am able to be refined by Him. "To Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us" Ephesians 3:20. I am learning to let go of my control and allow God to work within me. I understand that often the inconveniences and hardships we face can also be God's gentle, loving hand protecting us from great peril.


Three years ago, I sat in a car with a dear friend crying over her infertility battle. Planning a prayer night for a big step in their infertility journey. Coincidence? Don't ignore what God may be doing before your journey. I believe God was teaching me the strength I would need to endure my own battle.


When we began our study of Deuteronomy last fall in my Community Bible Study, I laughed and thought what am I going to learn from Deuteronomy? I opened my lesson, and the first line was about how maybe God's plans aren't always the same as our plans. Coincidence? Don't ignore the wonderful things God will teach you along the journey. The last year, studying Deuteronomy and Hebrews, I have learned that God did not promise me a Promised Land here on Earth but in heaven with Him. I have learned that having faith in Him means not having faith that He will do as I ask but simply Faith.In.Him.


As I look at the empty room in our house now, I dream of what possibilities God has for that room instead of what possibilities I have. Maybe one day our own biological baby will sleep there. Maybe a child we adopt to love as our very own will be rocked in the rocking chair. Maybe it will be used for something we can't even fathom. What I do know for sure is that I serve a loving God who has promised to walk this journey with me. To hold me up when I can no longer stand. To speak to me when I don't know the answers. To hopefully use this journey that is nowhere near over and just beginning to honor and glorify Him.

The Three Musketeers 2012

Deep South Eats: Crock Pot Barbecue Beer Chicken

You all know by now that I thoroughly enjoy a crock pot meal. There are just so many days in life where the ability to throw food in a big pot and have a delicious meal at the end of the day is sanity-saving. Living in the South, we love barbecue. I have always used a tried-and-true recipe for beef barbecue but was really interested in making some pulled chicken barbecue. I came across a fantastic recipe awhile back and knew it was the perfect recipe to try for a healthier leaner barbecue.


I think when it comes to chicken barbecue you can definitely go wrong in many places...too dry...too much sauce, etc. This chicken barbecue was so perfect it almost deceived itself as pork barbecue. It was completely tender after cooking all day and had the perfect balance of spices and sauce. My mom came over to eat with us and declared it "the best meal she had in a long time". Almost a week later and we are still enjoying the leftovers. They taste just as good, if not better than they did last week. We served our barbecue sandwiches with a side of Broccoli Salad and fresh fruit salad. I think this barbecue would also be fantastic atop a leafy green salad with roasted corn, black beans, Tortilla Strips and Chipotle Ranch Dressing.

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 Tablespoon onion powder
• 1 Tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup (8 ounces) of beer - I used a Sweetwater 420
• 32 ounces barbecue sauce - use a thinner sauce such as Williamson Brothers

Directions:

• Season chicken breasts with onion powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt and black pepper.
• Add chicken to crock pot and pour beer over the chicken. Pour in 24 ounces of barbecue sauce.
• Cook on low 8 hours, tossing once or twice, if you are able to.
• After 8 hours, shred the chicken (using my tried and true method) and toss in the remaining 8 ounces of barbecue sauce. Let sit for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Original Recipe from How Sweet It Is.

Ever have cooking questions or want to request a recipe, comment or email me at deepsouthsweets@gmail.com. You can also visit Deep South Sweets on Facebook or follow me on Pinterest!  

Deep South DIY: Pinafore Dress and Bloomers

There is nothing I love more than sewing for my sweet girl.

It is truly a hobby that ignites my creativity!

I love the patterns over at Sew Sweet Patterns and was itching to try the Mayah Pinafore and Bloomers.

I found the perfect fabrics at Hobby Lobby to coordinate the reversible pinafore.

On the more "plain" side of the pinafore, I added a hot pink three letter monogram and matching buttons.

For my first reversible outfit, I am very pleased.

I learned a lot and cannot wait to make a few more!

What are you creating lately or inspired to create?

Ever have questions or want to request a recipe or tutorial, comment or email me at deepsouthsweets@gmail.com. You can also visit Deep South Sweets on Facebook or follow me on Pinterest!

Deep South Eats: Oven Baked Fries

I gave up french fries for Lent (no I am not Catholic but just found inspiration in giving up something for a period of time). I found that when you know you aren't going to eat french fries, you make a healthier overall eating choice. After the time period was over, however, I found that I didn't quite love french fries as much as I had before....I had learned to live without them...gasp!


In the past, I have made oven fries because they were such a healthier alternative. The problem with past attempts is that half of them would be burnt and the other half soggy and uncooked. While the majority of the problem could be an uneven cooking oven (say that three times fast), I knew there was a solution out there for my oven fry conundrum.


Turns out that you soak them in ice-cold water for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking. It helps remove the starch of the potatoes, keeps them from browning, and allows them to crisp much more evenly. To say that we were thrilled with the result of these Oven Baked Fries would be an understatement. There are so many ways you can add variation to them and create different flavors. I am trying them with a little bit of truffle oil and fresh Parmesan this week for a little steak and pomme frites meal.

Ingredients:

• 6 Idaho potatoes peeled and sliced into 1/3 inch-thick French fry sticks and soaked in ice-cold water
• 4 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 Tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1 cup freshly grated Romano cheese (original calls for 2 cups but I didn't want too much cheese)
• 1/4 cup parsley leaves, chopped
• 4 Tablespoons salted butter, cubed
• Kosher salt and black pepper

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
• Drain potatoes and pat dry with paper towels.
• Spread 1 Tablespoon of olive oil on each of 2 rimmed baking sheets. Spread out the potatoes. Some overlap is fine but try to minimize if possible)
• Sprinkle the dried Italian seasoning, cheese and parsley evenly over the potatoes.. Drizzle the remaining 2 Tablespoons of olive oil over the potatoes and scatter the butter cubes around the pans.
• Bake until potatoes are golden-brown, rotating the pans after 30 minutes, for 45 minutes to 50 minutes total. Use a spatula to lift the potatoes off the pan. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.
• Recipe may be halved or doubled.

* I grated a little extra Asiago cheese over the top just because it was in my fridge and it added a nice flavor.

Original Recipe from Martha Stewart.

Ever have cooking questions or want to request a recipe, comment or email me at deepsouthsweets@gmail.com. You can also visit Deep South Sweets on Facebook or follow me on Pinterest!  

The Sweet Life: What's on the Menu?

Did y'all have a great weekend?

We had a wonderful but extremely busy weekend.

Friday night, I had a little "date" with my mom to see The Lucky One. We enjoyed dinner here at the house while Mark was at the barn. I cannot wait to share with you the Crock Pot Barbecue Beer Chicken and Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing that we ate. In my mother's words, it was "the best meal she had in a long time" (aren't mothers a bit biased).

Saturday and Sunday we kept our "niece" aka my incredibly talented best friend and cousin's little girl while they shot two amazing weddings. The girls had a blast playing together. Saturday during the day we attended the fundraising carnival that Belle's preschool hosts. It was an absolute blast and it is awesome to see how much they do to raise money for great causes. Saturday evening was the annual Right Steps benefit dinner. Mark has been on the board for quite some time and I had the opportunity this year to speak to the attendees on the need to rebuild the clinic from my perspective of a nurse. I guess we could categorize Saturday as our charity day.

Sunday we listened to a great sermon that really allowed me to self examine whether I am calloused or convertible for Christ. We gathered up the girls and enjoyed a quick lunch at home so Mark could make it to his polo match and then his flight to Chicago. Ended the day with fellowship time with our awesome small group and putting two very silly girls to bed.

Nothing quite like starting Monday morning with physical therapy after 5 hours of sleep...

Monday: Black Bean and Cheese Enchiladas and Tossed Salad (unless my mom can fully convince me to join them out to eat since Mark's return flight isn't until late tonight)

Tuesday: Breakfast for Dinner because it didn't happen last week and I had a very sad Belle.

Wednesday: At-Home Date Night with Mark: Iceberg Wedge Salads, Steaks, Parmesan Truffle Fries and Hot Fudge Pie

Thursday: Clean out the fridge...leftovers

Friday & Saturday: Out in Birmingham

Sunday: Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Tomato Soup

Monday: Weekly Menu

Tuesday: Oven Baked Fries (I am so sorry these didn't get posted last week)

Wednesday: Deep South DIY: My Favorite Sewing Project Thus Far

Thursday: Crock Pot Barbecue Beer Chicken

Friday: National Infertility Awareness Week: My Story

I want to hear from YOU! What recipes, tutorials or projects would you like to see  next week?

Ever have questions or want to request a recipe or tutorial, comment or email me at deepsouthsweets@gmail.com. You can also visit Deep South Sweets on Facebook or follow me on Pinterest!

The Sweet Life: Bloom Book Club: You're Already Amazing Chapter Two

I hope you all are enjoying You're Already Amazing.

I am finding it to be such a thought-provoking and enriching book.

I know I am far behind the Bloom schedule...but hey that is real life!

You're Already Amazing Chapter Two Printable

These are a few of my favorite quotes from Chapter Two:

"...the desire to know who we really are has been placed within us by the heart of heaven itself. God wants us to understand who he created us to be so that we can fulfill the purpose he has for our lives."

"...God has physically wired me with strengths that let me fulfill his purpose for my life. And he helps me do so by strategically creating certain weaknesses too. It gives "power made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9) a whole new meaning. Our divinely created strengths (fueled by God's power) are actually supported by our weaknesses, because if we were good at everything, we wouldn't focus on much of anything."

"The goal is not perfection. It's simply to be in an intimate relationship with Christ each day, fully embrace who he created us to be, and seek to fulfill the purpose he has for us. He is our greatest strength...the One who enables us to live out all the other strengths he has placed within us."


All quotes from You're Already Amazing by Holly Gerth

Don't forget to check out the Chapter One printable, the video over on the Bloom site and the printable materials on Holley Gerth's site.

What has been your favorite part of the book so far (even if you are actually on track with the reading schedule)?

Ever have questions or want to request a recipe or tutorial, comment or email me at deepsouthsweets@gmail.com. You can also visit Deep South Sweets on Facebook or follow me on Pinterest! 

Deep South Eats: Herbed Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders

Sometimes, I really crave a great chicken tender. While some of my favorites come from Rick Tanner's in my area, it is nice to have a healthier option for chicken tenders at home. These Herbed Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders are full of unexpected flavor in the rosemary and sage, and have the perfect amount of crunch. They are fantastic served with a side of baked french fries and fruit, or even atop a tossed salad. Simple enough for children, but still sophisticated for adults... everyone will enjoy them!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup low-fat buttermilk (remember my buttermilk tip)
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons dried sage, crumbed
• 2 teaspoons dried rosemary, crumbled
• 1 cup cornflakes, crushed
• 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken tenderloins
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• Cooking spray

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
• Spray a heavy, shallow baking pan with nonstick spray.
• Stir together buttermilk, paprika, sage, and rosemary in a pie plate. In a separate pie plate or low-dish, mix together cornflake crumbs and flour.
• Sprinkle chicken tenderloins with salt and pepper. Dip each chicken tenderloin in buttermilk mixture and turn to coat. Repeat with cornflake mixture pressing firmly so that cornflake crumbs adhere to the chicken.
• Place the coated chicken tenderloins in the prepared baking pan and spray lightly with nonstick spray.
• Bake until crispy and cooked through, about 35 minutes.

Original recipe from Weight Watcher's Complete Cookbook.

Ever have cooking questions or want to request a recipe, comment or email me at deepsouthsweets@gmail.com. You can also visit Deep South Sweets on Facebook or follow me on Pinterest!  

The Sweet Life: Weekly Menu

Whew....what a busy week last week was!

I had some really wonderful shifts at work, but between work, Belle's school and activities, getting back in the swing after vacation, physical therapy appointments and Mark's polo we are wiped out.

I am looking forward to finishing my April shifts at work tonight and begin working on some projects I have calling my name!

Monday (Work Night): Mark and B are going out to eat and I will take a thrilling sandwich to work

Tuesday: Crunchy Beef Casserole and Tossed Salad

Wednesday: Honey Mustard Pork Chops (that I meant to cook last week), Broccoli Rice Pilaf and Baked Pineapple

Thursday: Scrambled Cheese Eggs, Home Fries, Sausage Pinwheels and Fresh Fruit

Friday: Crock Pot Barbecue Beer Chicken, Broccoli Slaw and Chips

Saturday: Right Steps Benefit Dinner

Sunday: Small Group Meal

Monday: Weekly Menu

Tuesday: Oven Fried Herb Chicken Fingers

Wednesday: You're Already Amazing Update

Thursday: Baked French Fries

Friday: Sewing Room Update or Sewing Project (whichever gets done first)

I want to hear from YOU! What recipes, tutorials or projects would you like to see  next week?

Ever have questions or want to request a recipe or tutorial, comment or email me at deepsouthsweets@gmail.com. You can also visit Deep South Sweets on Facebook or follow me on Pinterest!

Deep South Eats: Classic Vinaigrette

I hope some of you were able to enjoy the Ham and Swiss Rolls I posted earlier this week. They are absolutely delightful when paired with a salad, and there is nothing I love more in the warmer months of the year than a nice, crisp salad. I do confess to having bottled dressings in the fridge for when I get in a pinch, but it is so satisfying to craft a delicious homemade salad dressing. This Classic Vinaigrette is the right balance of sweet and tangy. It would be excellent on a side salad or an "under the kitchen sink" salad (you know everything you can find that sounds great on a salad). I even brought this dressing to work last night for a salad topped with sliced deli ham, grated Parmesan, fresh cucumbers and tomatoes on top of romaine lettuce.


Ingredients:

• 2 Tablespoons water
• 2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 heaping teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 shallot, minced
• 1 small garlic clove, mince
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 Tablespoons sugar (more or less to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

• Combine all ingredients in a small jar with a tight-fitting lid.
• Cover and shake well.
• Use or refrigerate up to 1 week. I found that when I was ready to use the dressing straight from the fridge, it mixed better if I set it out on the counter for 10 minutes.

Original Recipe from Weight Watcher's New Complete Cookbook.

Don't forget to check out the Deep South Words to Live By: April Edition.

Print them out and put them up on your fridge or mirror!

Ever have cooking questions or want to request a recipe, comment or email me at deepsouthsweets@gmail.com. You can also visit Deep South Sweets on Facebook or follow me on Pinterest!  

Deep South Words to Live By: April 2012

When trying to decide what to write on the blog today,

It dawned on me that I had completely forgotten April's Words to Live By.

The verse I chose was our verse of the week over Spring Break in my CBS Bible Study.

I cannot begin to tell you the heart and mind change that comes along with understanding that Jesus is the one who has authored our faith and who is continually perfecting our faith.

I cannot write my faith story alone or come close to perfecting my faith by myself.

This verse is a daily reminder that we need to cling to Jesus in order to grow and be refined in our faith.

Kids Version:

What are your words that you are living by right now?

Ever have questions or want to request a recipe or tutorial, comment or email me at deepsouthsweets@gmail.com. You can also visit Deep South Sweets on Facebook or follow me on Pinterest!

Deep South Eats: Ham and Swiss Rolls

After making Pimento Cheese Rolls last month and being blown away with how wonderful and simple they were, I was jumping at the bit to try the Ham and Swiss version. While a completely different flavor with the spicy mustard and sweet onion, they were simply amazing and accompanied our Broccoli Cheese Soup perfectly. These rolls would be awesome served at a party and also make a great side to a big tasty salad.

Ingredients:

• 1 (26.4 ounce) package of frozen biscuits
• All-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 1/4 cup spicy brown mustard
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 cup swiss cheese, shredded
• 1 cup cooked ham, chopped

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees and spray a 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray.
• On a well floured surface, arrange your biscuits with sides touching in 3 rows of 4 biscuits each.. Let stand for around 45 minutes until biscuits are thawed but still cool to the touch.
• Sprinkle thawed biscuits lightly with flour. Press biscuit edges together, and pat to form a 10 x 12 rectangle.
• Stir together softened butter, spicy brown mustard and finely chopped sweet onion and spread over the rectangle evenly.
• Sprinkle evenly with swiss cheese and chopped cooked ham.
• Roll up starting at the long end away from you. Cut into 12, 1-inch thick slices, and place one slice in each of the 12 lightly greased muffin pan cups.
• Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool for 5 minutes and remove from pan.

Original Recipe from My Recipes.

Ever have cooking questions or want to request a recipe, comment or email me at deepsouthsweets@gmail.com. You can also visit Deep South Sweets on Facebook or follow me on Pinterest!  

The Sweet Life: Spring Break Recap

We have a long-standing (you know all 4 years) tradition of spending Easter in our favorite place on Earth.

Easter often coincides with "spring break" so we packed up and headed to the beach house on Saint Simon's Island for 10 glorious days.

Ashley and Evie joined us for the beginning of the trip and Graham followed suit a few days later.

You see, Ashley and Graham (my cousin) have been together F-O-R-E-V-E-R

Which means Ashley and I have been joined at the hip many a year.

We have made it our mission to force our sweet little girls into a lifelong friendship...j/k...sort of...not really.

It was a wonderful week of relaxing, rewinding and renewing.

Wouldn't you take 10 days of this?

Best beach buddy ever!

Aren't they the sweetest girls?

Ice cream dates, spa night, and snuggling on the couch....these are the things friendship is made of.

One of my 2012 goals was to learn to shoot on manual.

I have a ways to go but with such a fun subject it is a joy to learn.

Mark loves history so on one of the cooler (read: freeze your rear off) days, we headed to Fort King George in Darien. I got some precious pics of B in the Easter outfit I made for her.

Sleepy head egg hunt before church!

Get ready for Easter picture overload....

And now it is back to reality....

-grocery lists and meal plans

-came home to a messed up freezer and cleaned out a snowstorm worth of icicles

-physical therapy for me and swim lessons for B early tomorrow morning

-working 4 nights between now and next monday

Because "reality hits you hard bro"

Tuesday: Smoked Sausage, Corn Cobbs, and Roasted Broccoli

Wednesday: Oven Fried Chicken Fingers, Baked French Fries, and Tossed Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette

Thursday (Work Night): Leftovers

Friday (Work Night): Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Tomato Soup, and Fresh Fruit

Saturday (Work Night): Honey Mustard Pork Chops, Veggie Rice Pilaf, and Baked Pineapple

Sunday: Leftovers

What did you do on YOUR Spring Break?

I want to hear from YOU! What recipes, tutorials or projects would you like to see  next week?

Ever have questions or want to request a recipe or tutorial, comment or email me at deepsouthsweets@gmail.com. You can also visit Deep South Sweets on Facebook or follow me on Pinterest!