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!

Workin' for the weekend

So, it's been a week since I've posted. Not because I don't care, but because I really just haven't had a lot to say. Let me see if I can do a quick recap!

Friday: Can you say nasty, yucky weather! Ughh! I hate starting off my weekend with yucky weather. It was storming and everything! I had to work today from 8-12:30, then met Justin for lunch, then went home. I mainly just laid around at home. I got a shower at like 3:30 and got ready to go. We went to Iguana Grill. This is like some of the best Mexican ever! You should try it sometime!

Saturday: Today we went to UAB Hospital to visit Justin's MawMaw. She's been in the hospital since Easter. She is in horrible condition, and they have moved her to a special floor where the doctors put you there basically just to die. There is nothing else they can do for her, and they are just keeping her in this nice part of the building so everyone is calm and she is comfortable. She doesn't respond to anything. She just lays there with her mouth and eyes open. It's really sad to see. Justin's PawPaw is taking it the worst. I really hate seeing him upset like that. I went out there for Justin, but also for his little cousin Max. Max just graduated Kindergarten and he just loves getting to hang out with Justin and me. I color with him and help him read. He just loves the attention. Once we left the hospital, we came back to Tuscaloosa. We kinda just laid around the rest of the day and then at like 8 we went to Chick-Fil-A to get a milkshake lol! What a healthy dinner!

Sunday: Sunday was just a lazy lay around day. I didn't do anything. We ate lunch at Bojangle's, then attempted to go grocery shopping, but that didn't happen. It was too crowded and I was too ill to put up with it. So, we just came home.

Monday: This is the first Monday I've had to work all summer and let me tell you, I did NOT enjoy it! I hate Monday's. I hate going to school on those days, I hate working those days, I just don't like them! That's really not going to be good when I am a teacher lol! Other than work, I really didn't do anything this day either. I picked up a pizza for dinner and hung out at home.

Tuesday: OMG can you say HOT?! This weather has been miserable. I'm talking like the weather has been 98 with a heat index of 103. This is insane! This is August weather so I'm not looking forward to what we will get in August. I had to make a Wal-Mart run today because I was in desperate need of groceries. I bought a lot of healthy foods instead of junk foods so I have no choice but to eat what is in the cabinets. When Justin got in from work, he wanted to go eat so we went to Chick-Fil-A. I had a grilled chicken sandwich and lemonade! Ahh I love that meal! We walked around the mall because he needed a new belt, and of course he didn't find one. He is wanting to find like a nice belt that would cost 30 dollars but only wants to pay 10 for it. He just doesn't understand.

Wednesday: Again, hot weather! I had to work today from 8-12:30. When I got home I made a turkey and cheese sandwich like in the oven. I sprinkled some mozzarella over the turkey and it was good!! The Break-Up was on tv so I was watching it. It's a great movie! After that, I went to the bread store to buy me some 100 calorie muffins. I bought some 100 calorie chocolate cupcakes, 100 calorie lemon cupcakes, and 100 calorie blueberry muffins. I love those little things and they are only like 1 Weight Watchers point for 3 of them! Can't beat that with a stick! After that, I came home and cleaned. My poor kitchen just needed it. I have been really bad about not cleaning lately. I mean, I'm home all the time now this summer, I should be able to keep it picked up. Today I am going to vacuum. Fun. After I cleaned, I made a homemade pizza. Oh it was so good. Can't wait to have that for lunch today! I went to Wal-Mart at like 8:30 last night because I was so bored. But hey, there is always so much to look at! lol

Today: Well, so far I have done nothing but get up, fix me some toast, and drag myself to work. I am at work right now. It's been really dead, which is fine by me! I get off at 12:30 and I am going home to have leftover homemade pizza. Then I am going to vacuum every room in the house and straighten up the living room and kitchen. I MIGHT clean my room. Or save it for tomorrow ;)

I am looking forward to this weekend! We are going to Atlanta to the World of Coke and the Georgia Aquarium! I can't wait! I've never been, but I know it's going to be so much fun! I hope all of you have a great weekend!!!

Not so wordless Wednesday!

Today was a good day. I had to get up early because I had to be at work at 8:00. Work went by really fast today though so that's a good thing. After work, I came home and started preparing my chicken for dinner. I will post everything at the end of this so you can see it. Trust me, you are going to want to try this. It was AMAZING!

I also had to go to the vet today to pick up Trixie's written prescription, then go to Publix to get it filled. Poor baby. I wish she didn't have to take it. It would save me money, and it would mean that she didn't have seizures. But, there's a reason for everything.

After that, I came home and got the rest of my prep work done for dinner and then worked out to my Biggest Loser workout videos. They are great! Now, I'm not into working out. Some people are crazy about it and are intense, but me....no sir. I need something that is not going to wear me out in one sitting because that will make me never want to do it again. This makes me do it, then want to do it again the next day. It just makes me feel good so I love to do it!

After that, I cooked dinner and watched a movie. I watched "The International." I really didn't understand it, but that doesn't mean it wasn't good. I just didn't get it. Maybe I should watch it again or have someone explain it to me! lol It was just a lot to keep up with.

Now I'm just sitting here about to go to bed because I am sooo tired! I will leave you all with a goodnight and hope you make it to the weekend! It's almost here!!


Jamaican Jerk Chicken:
1 chicken breast per person
1 tbsp McCormick Caribbean Jerk seasoning
1-2 tbsp olive oil (really just however thin or thick you want the marinade)
1 lemon (I used lemonade)



Whisk all of the above ingredients (minus the chicken) into a bowl. You can add as little or as much liquid as you like. I added just enough to make mine like a salad dressing. Some may like it pasty and some may like it watery. This is strictly preference.


After you have whisked your marinade, pour 3/4 of it into a ziploc bag that contains your chicken. If you want to put it in a bowl that's fine, I just like to use ziploc bags because they serve as a good marinade soaker for chicken. Let this chill out in the refridgerator for most of the day. It is better to start this in the morning.



I cooked this on my big George Foreman grill. I have one that has the removable plates, and then one that is the big daddy. I used the bigger one because I didn't want the marinade and seasonings to stick to the top plates and cause it to pull off of the chicken. You can use an outdoor grill or an indoor grill. I used my George Foreman.



I used mine on high heat because that is what gives the chicken that crust on the outside and it cooks it faster. Put the chicken on the grill and leave on one side for 5-6 minutes. You will think it is burning, but it is the jerk seasonings just letting out their flavors so don't panic! Cook the chicken on both sides. Side note: I am PARANOID about undercooked chicken! So I cook my chicken extremely long. I think I left mine on the grill for 20-25 minutes. It's just the way I am. If you have a meat thermometer or are a real cook, then you will know when it's done lol!

Anyway, cook the chicken on both sides until done. I had mini corn on the cob and rice with mine, but you could do any kind of vegetable and it would be awesome.



After everything is done, plate it up and enjoy!


Please make sure you have plenty of drink because this is kinda spicy! Give it a try and let me know how you liked it!