Strawberry- Oh, Lovely Strawberry!

Okay- so if you've seen one chocolate covered strawberry, you've seen them all, right? Not so! Some have dark chocolate. Some have white chocolate. Some have drizzles of both. And what a decadent treat, right? The tangy sweetness of fresh, ripe strawberries with the creamy warmth of smooth chocolate....
ah, the cravings are getting to me already. How about you? Okay- go...get your strawberries. I'll wait.

waiting.............

waiting...........

Got them? Okay. Now. I'm going to tell you something that will change your life forever. Are you ready for it? Here it comes-

Strawberry S'mores.

February, Already?

It seems like January just flew by, didn't it? I mean, it came out of nowhere, side-swiped everyone and took off! Didn't even leave a number. Wow.
Well, besides starting back to school, I did manage to make a cute Valentine's Day decoration. Grau and I don't celebrate VD because well, it's crap. Always has been. Some made-up holiday to get people to buy chocolate (who needs a reason??) and sappy love cards. Eww and ick. To us, if you love your partner, you show them every day. You don't need a day of the year dedicated to your love. The whole year is about each other. Crafting for the holiday is something else altogether! I love a good craft!

Balls. I've Got Them

Dryer balls, that is.  I came across this little gem at One Good Thing by Jillee last week and thought, I can do that!
So I went out in search of 100% wool yarn.

That was no easy task, let me tell you!

New Year: Rocks, Pebbles and Sand

I read this story many years ago. I loved it then. I love it now. It really does signify how I like to live my life. Of course, no one is perfect and even now I make a lot of mistakes. I've made a lot of mistakes in the past. But I like to look upon them as lessons. It's only a mistake if you don't learn from it.

So, Happy New Year (it is year and not years...unless you're special and several years attack you at once), take care of the big rocks first, pebbles when you can, and forget the sand.
*********************

A philosophy professor stood before his class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly he picked up a large empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks, rocks about 2" in diameter. He then asked the students if the jar was full?

Cranberry Limeade Popcorn

I ran across this recipe on Pinterest the other day for Strawberry Popcorn. Now, me loving strawberry, I had to check it out. The pin led me to this woman's blog, where she says she didn't make up the recipe but got it off of the condensed milk people's website.

And I thought to myself I said 'self ('cause that's what I say when I talk to myself, I call myself self...)....I can do that.
And I thought to myself....Self, I can make flavor combos, too!

Lo and behold, a couple weeks ago I made Orange popcorn. The boys loved it, Grau took it to work and I didn't see a bit of it. That'll teach me, huh? I should eat more of what I cook. Or at least stash some of it away, in secret, in hiding, so I can bring it out and be all like, 'Ta-Da! Look what I have! and it's MINE! All MINE! I say!'

Easy Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers

I made these this afternoon for Grau to have while I was at school. The verdict is, they are awesome!
Yay. Another recipe keeper. I can't give you amounts, really...I just kinda threw this together.

Tomato Basil Bisque Heaven

Tonight, I made the most delicious, fabulous tomato soup I have ever made in my life. I am SO not kidding!

You see, I am in love with Noodles and Company's Tomato Basil bisque soup...I get it every time I go. Well, that and the Spicy Chicken Caesar Wrap. Both are just to die for.
So I set out to try and recreate the soup and boy am I glad I did!

Mad Scientist

I've spent a considerable amount of time in my kitchen lately.  While that is nothing new, what is new is the reason I'm in the kitchen. Yes, I am still making great foodstuffs. (And I think up several more each day!)
No, what has been keeping me in the kitchen is Christmas Gifts.

Still working on adjusting the oil, and sugar and scents, but it's a start.

Yeah, strange. I know most people like making cookies or breads to exchange at Christmastime. Not me. Nosirree! I like to make fun, smelly, luxurious stuff. And last weekend was no exception.

Fabulous Pizza Soup

A little unconventional, I know. But it was wicked awesome and Grau deemed it another keeper!

Just think of all the variations you could do with this? I mean, add sliced pepperoni, or ham, or bacon, or whatever!
I didn't have enough room in the beginning. I doubled the recipe and forgot that I was using my small crock pot. Rut ro!  But, it worked out fine, in the end.  I just left the top off so the heat wouldn't make steam and add to the volume of the soup.

MMMM...pizza

Black Bean & Chicken Quiche

There are days I amaze even myself. No, truly. Sometimes, I amaze myself with how stupid I am. Other days, with how smart I am. And then there's days like today....my ability to create a masterpiece from leftovers!

Oh, this quiche just sung to me! No really, it did. I should probably have those voices checked out.....

Pura Vida!

It means 'Everything's OK' and it's the mantra of Costa Rica.
Which I've been chanting this week as I've seen some minor miracles and cannot be more thankful!

School started up again, as you know. It keeps me busy. I've finally got my groove on when it comes to my two busiest days. Yay for that.

Spanish was (and most likely still is) kicking my ass. And I found out why...it's an accelerated class. We're doing a year's worth of Spanish in one semester. Holy cow! No wonder my brain has felt like it's going to explode.
I spent the past several days studying for a test last Monday. Four days straight of studying, and feeling like I wasn't getting it. I became very frustrated. (Which is unusual because not many things frustrate me personally.) I received the test back last night and was amazed I made a B+ on it.

The rest of my classes are going well. I've a few minor irritants with one of my math professors. I'm pretty sure it has to do with her being picked on when she was in school and looks at me as being the cool kid and the enemy. LOL What's funny is there's a girl that sits next to me that had the same idea as me.

Outside of school- well, things are going well. I'm doing more work and I really don't dread my taxes this year. That's a first. Yeah, I know, it's awfully early to be thinking about that, but I plan ahead. For everything!

I've started on Christmas decorations....youngerspawn and I have discussed what type and color of decorations to go with this year.

Fall is COMING! I cannot wait! I absolutely LOVE the Autumn! It is my favorite season. Cool air, a campfire, apples, cinnamon, hay, jeans, boots, jackets and HALLOWEEN! Yes. What is not to love?

Okay- It's time for me to grab a nap before class. I've been up a couple hours already and this sinus issue is bothering me. Meds taken, and a nap to help pass the time for them to kick in is in order.

Have a good week!