Oh, Alice!

You can ask anyone in my family, or anyone that has ever lived with me for that matter, but they will all tell you that I am not a girl that likes to clean. My mother used to threaten to ground me because my room was always such a mess. She then had to start checking my closet because I would start throwing it all in there! Don't get me wrong, I'm not nasty or anything. I just don't enjoy cleaning or tidying up. I used to watch tv shows all the time when I was younger and they always had maids. I always said, "I'm going to have to have a maid if my house is ever going to be clean." Well, Justin being the man he is, bought me one. No people, not a person. He bought me a maid The Jetson's style. He got me an iRobot. Here she is.

I named her Alice. So now, when I go and turn her on and she starts cleaning my disgusting carpet, I say "Oh, Alice!" If you don't know what I'm referring to then you need to go back to childhood between the ages of 8-10. It's the Brady Bunch people! Alice....the maid...duh! Well, that's what I named her. She just goes all through my house and cleans away! I suggest that if anyone has extra money to spend on one, go get one! They are completely worth it. I always thought that my standard vacuum cleaner was doing just fine but it wasn't! This thing has sucked up more of MY hair than I ever even knew I had. I mean, I could seriously make a wig or crochet a blanket with all of that hair. It's insane. So, I love Alice.

Other than Alice, I haven't really had that much of a week. I took the Praxis Saturday and well let's just say I felt like I had just gotten kicked off of an episode of "Are You Smarther than a 5th Grader?" It's not that the test was just downright hard, but I will say it was ridiculous. It was a lot of random facts. I mean, who knew what a book called "Silent Spring" written by Robin Somebody in the 60's was about? I sure didn't. I'm glad that I guessed feminism because that was right. Had I not been the procrastination queen that I am and have developed multiple choice question skills, I wouldn't have gotten it. But, in Alabama you only have to make a 137 to pass. I'm sure I did, but I'm dying to find out! The waiting is the hardest part...(love that song.)

I also made a special dinner tonight. Homemade lasagna! Yum! Delish! Don't worry, you know I'm going to post the recipe. I wouldn't leave you guys hanging like that. I figured it was the least I could do since Justin bought me Alice, a vacation, and everything else. But, I will leave you all with the recipe and step by step instructions. I can't help it. It's the teacher in me! At least I know I picked the right profession!

Well people, I'm done with this. I'm tired. I worked this morning, had a wonderful treat to lunch at Hokkaido with my Aunt Missy and she gave me a manicure. I'm a pretty lucky girl I guess you could say! Goodnight everyone and I hope you have a great weekend!

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Homemade Lasagna

Brought to you by the bored, no make-up wearing college student who likes cooking and taking pictures of the meals and having all of you try them and tell me how good you liked them too!

The ingredients list. (I did not notice that all of my supplies are Publix brand until I took the picture. The sausage is the only thing and that's because it was on sale for cheaper than the Publix price.)

You will need:

1lb hamburger meat

1/2 roll of breakfast sausage (I use hot)

2 jars of your favorite spaghetti sauce (I'm indecisive so I picked 2 different kinds)

1 bag of mozzarella cheese (8oz)

1 bag of six blend italian cheese (8oz)

1 container ricotta cheese (15 or 16oz)

1 box lasagna noodles

1 egg

1 Tbsp italian seasoning

Preheat oven to 350 and start boiling lasagna. I only used 8 noodles.

Brown the hamburger meat and that sausage in the same pan

After you have browned the meat and drained the meat, add the sauces.

I add about 3/4 of each jar.

Let this simmer while the noodles are boiling and the oven is preheating.

Meanwhile, while all of the other things are doing their thing, start making the ricotta mixture.

Dump the ricotta cheese and one beaten egg into a mixing bowl. Sprinkle in the italian seasoning

and mix together.

The mixture should look like this.

By this time, your noodles should be ready. I only boil mine for about 10 minutes. Don't over do

it! You will have mushy gooshy lasagna that is no good!

To assemble the lasagna:

Layer lasagna noodles in the bottom of your pan.

Next, spread the ricotta cheese mixture.

Then sprinkle a handful of mozzarella and a handful of the italian blend.

Next, layer half of the meat.

Then repeat the process. You should only have 2 layers.

After you have placed the last layer (meat), then top with the rest of the cheese.

Pop it in the oven on 350 for 25 minutes.



Once it is out, convince yourself to go do something other than eat. It needs to sit for 5-10 minutes so you can cut a pretty square. Even though mine are not pretty.





Try it this weekend! It's so easy to make, and much better than spending a fortune at Olive Garden. You also have a TON leftover so you can have it for lunch the next day and you don't have to tip. Although, tips are always welcome in this house!

You don't have to tell me...

I already know. I haven't posted in forever, but I'm back! I'm really lazy. Things have been hectic for me! Between planning a vacation and studying for a hellacious test that just determines the rest of my life! No big deal.

Well, what's been going on you ask? Let me tell you:

Last week I went to visit my brother in Jasper since he was home alone and is a big baby and wanted me to come see him and help him take care of the puppies! We had Cujo's for dinner that night and let me just tell you, you never know how much you miss it until you haven't had it in forever. Ahh...it's so good. Caleb had a large pepperoni pizza to himself, yea a large, by himself, and I had an order of cheesebread with ranch! Ohh it was so good! Well, last week I also cooked some dinner and it was good. I have the recipe to share at the end of the post!

I met up with Melanie last Thursday to borrow a book from her to study for the Praxis. I love Melanie. She and Bridgett are my best friends. We went to eat lunch at Full Moon BBQ that day. They have great bbq. After that, I had to go to work from 2-5. It was pouring rain and I got completely soaked! Friday night, Justin and I went to Outback! Woo woo! We rearranged his room that night and when I was helping him move his bed I told him that he kept pushing it into my arm. He of course being the "me Tarzan..you Jane" man he is, told me that I was fine. Well, now, I still have a huge bruise on my arm. It matches the other one on my leg where I bumped into the coffee table. I have a lot of bruises. It's pretty disgusting. I always look like I've been beat with a stick (or rocks.)

Saturday Justin and I went to Bass Pro Shops. That was a lot of fun! I know it's a guy's store and really outdoorsy, but it makes Justin happy when he's there so I like to go. He has the best time over at the 4wheeler and boat area. He always says, "I'm so ready to be able to have one of these of my own." Everytime I tell him, "When you graduate in December you can have one." Last time we were there was in December so this time it seemed really close! After that, we went to Best Buy because Tuscaloosa is completely stupid doesn't have a Best Buy. Of course, we didn't buy anything. We just looked around. After that we went to TGIFridays and had dinner. I had a buy one get one free coupon in my email so we brought that. He got away cheap that night!

This week I have worked every day. I've also been trying to study (take practice tests) every day. I'm to the point to where I don't feel like I can really study anymore so I just need to go in there and do it! I've also been cooking every day this week since Justin has asked me to cook dinner for him this week. Monday night we had chicken, HOMEMADE macaroni and cheese, and biscuits. Tuesday night we had chicken parmesan and garlic bread sticks. Tonight we are having tacos! I also made the BEST EVER, and you can quote me on this, homemade cinnamon rolls. That's right ladies and gentlemen. I made them. Made the dough and the icing. Yes, I will let you know where I got the recipe. I got them from good ole Pioneer Woman. She's the best. I also made her macaroni and cheese recipe on Monday night. That's right, the Pioneer Woman surely will turn me into a cook!

Get a look at those babies! Please, stop laughing at my pan. I know it's been through the wringer, but hey, it cooks just right! And yes, I did eat that missing one. Guilty.

Well, I hope all of you have had a great week! I will post my enchilada recipe below! Be good everybody!

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Enchiladas!

Feeds 4

1 pk of flour tortillas (8-10 count)

1 lb of hamburger meat

1 pkg taco seasoning

1 bag of cheddar cheese or taco cheese

1 can enchilada sauce

1 can refried beans

1 pkg taco rice

Brown your meat and add taco seasoning according to packet directions.

Spray a 9x11 or any size casserole dish with cooking spray. Then take a tortilla and spoon in some meat and top that with cheese.

Then fold one side just over the meat and cheese.

Then finish rolling it all the way up.

Keep doing it until you have filled up the pan. The pan will start to appear full after about 5 of these so you have to keep pushing them in really tight. This made 8 which would be enough for 4 people.

Next, pour the enchilada sauce over the top of the enchiladas, and then top with as much cheese as you like.

Bake these babies at 375 for about 15 minutes or so.

Then serve it up on a plate of rice and beans and give it to your hunnie!

Then, wait for it.....

.........

Thumbs up!! Dinner is a success!

This can be modified by using velveeta cheese instead of the cheddar and also replacing the enchilada sauce with a can of chili. I personally like the chili cheese better, but of course my opposite likes it better this way.

Ready for Friday!

Well, not too much going on 'round these parts lately! Just enjoying the summer and not looking forward to school starting back. What have I been doing you ask? Let's see:

Last weekend was the 4th. Friday night (3rd) we went to Ruby Tuesday. It was so good. Then just came home and washed up some clothes to get ready to go home for the 4th. The 4th was good. We first went to my mom's house and we swam. I took Trixie swimming and she did so good again. Like last time, I still didn't have my camera. I guess I just don't think about taking it to the pool. We got out of the pool at lunchtime to go in and eat. We had steaks, baked potatoes, bread, hot dogs, baked beans, salad and all sorts of other stuff. Then we had dessert. Yummm dessert. Homemade caramel pie. Yea, I just said that. It's insane and yes, you should be jealous if you've never had the pleasure of diving in to a caramel pie. After that, we went to Justin's parents' house to eat with them for supper. We had bbq sandwiches and ribs over there. They were good too. Then for dessert I had made my butterfinger cake. Justin's dad is pretty much obsessed with it, so I made it. I'm not gonna lie, it is the best! After that, we came home and watched the fireworks show. Let me tell you, Tuscaloosa Dept. of Transportation has to be the worst ever. But, the fireworks were awesome. Of course, being in the heart of the University of Alabama, they played "Yea Alabama" and "Sweet Home Alabama" to the fireworks display. After sitting in traffic for an hour, we drove 3 minutes and arrived at my apartment.

This week I haven't been doing a whole lot of anything. I haven't had to work a lot this week so I've been pretty productive at home. I cleaned my house and have kept it clean (shocker) this whole week. I took Trixie to the vet yesterday to get her blood work done so she could get her new prescription. She did so good, not even a screech! Last night we had homemade chicken quesadillas and they were good as always.

I've also been studying this thing

I cannot wait to get that over! I have to take the elementary education part of it and pass it by october in order to get to do my internship next spring and graduate in may. So, yea needless to say it has been by my side lately.

Well, that's all that I've really been up to. What have all of you been doing? Is everyone just as ready for the weekend as I am? I know I can't wait! I love my date night Friday night and I'm ready for that! Although, it may be Saturday this time because we're going to Buffalo Wild Wings to watch the UFC match going on. I know it's a really manly thing, but I kinda like the UFC. You should watch it sometime. Well, I'm all out of information and I need to get a shower if I'm going to let Justin take me to lunch today ;) lol Have a good weekend everybody!

The Blog Hop!

***I thought that I would play along with the Blog Hop! I hope everyone enjoys!***

The theme is your favorite pictures so here are mine!


Little Brother (Caleb) and me



Little Brother (Caleb) and me at
the Bama vs MSU game 2008


Good Ole Jack Sparrow and Myself


My precious MinPin baby Trixie!!

Long Time No Blogging!

Well, I have had an unfortunately eventful week. Justin's mawmaw has been sick since Easter. She was airlifted to the hospital on the night before Easter and they thought that she wouldn't make it through that night. Well, she proved them wrong. Shirley was a very strong woman. She proved doctors wrong on multiple occasions. Unfortunately, she was not able to come back home. She has spent this entire time in a hospital. She recently became so sick that she was moved to what is called the Pallitive Care Unit which is pretty much where they put you when they don't know anything else to do for you so they just let you go there to die. It sucks. The doctors said that most people only make it 2-3 days there but Shirley made it almost 3 weeks. I remember going to visit her before she got to where she was unresponsive. Justin and I went out there to see her and she could still somewhat talk to him. The last thing she said to him was that she was sorry that she couldn't talk with him more and that next time he comes back to see her she will be able and ready to talk to him and go home and have a huge party. But unfortunately for us, she didn't make it and on Sunday she passed away. We all know that she is in a MUCH better place and wouldn't come back here for anything. It's just hard to lose someone that you love and care about. But, everyone knows that we will all see her again someday.

I hate when things like this happen, but I know that we all must go on and Shirley would not want us dwelling over this and would want us to continue on living the way we should so that way we can see her again in Heaven.

On a lighter note:
Today is the last day of work here! I haven't worked any at all this week until today because of funeral arrangements, but I am glad that it is the weekend. Justin and I both need a break! I wish we could go on a vacation or something and I'm sure we will soon. I am ready for the fourth though! I can't wait to eat some good grilled food and some homemade ice cream and go swimming! Ahh it's the best!

Things I need to do today:

• Go to the bank
• Go to the tanning bed
• Get something for dinner
• Wash clothes
• Find out what the strange smell is in the kitchen (yuck)
• Spend some time with Trixie

Well, I hope all of you have had a better week than we have! I'm going to go now and have my morning snack of popcorn! Woo hoo!