Happy Heart

I get to spend the entire day with this handsome man! My heart is happy!

 

Two Easy Appetizer/Snack Recipes

First, I want to wish my dearest mother a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

Hope everyone is getting ready for Thanksgiving. This has always been one of my favorite holidays!

Over the weekend I enjoyed a Thanksgiving meal with my dad, brother and some of their friends!

 

Here are two quick and easy recipes that I made to share with everyone on Saturday.

 

First Recipe:

Party Mix.

You probably have your own version of this recipe, but this one is a no fail recipe.

1 box Corn Chex

1 box Cheez It

1/2 bag pretzels

1 bag Oyster Crackers

1 packet Ranch

1 tablespoon Dill

1 tablespoon Lemon Pepper

1 1/2 cups Canola Oil

 

You will mix the corn chex, pretzels, cheez it, and oyster crackers in a large bowl. In another bowl you will mix the canola oil, dill, ranch and lemon pepper. After that is mixed together you will drizzle over the cracker mix. Stir the cracker mix gently. You will line cookie sheets with parchment paper, and spread the party mix evenly. Preheat the oven at 270 degrees and bake for 20 minutes. Stir halfway.

This is a super easy and delicious Party Mix if you need something in a hurry. I also will be bringing a big bag of this on our Road Trip to Florida.

Second Recipe:
Maroon Bells
Here is an easy and "classy" looking appetizer. It delicious will impress your guests.
(Although, I made it last night for my dads, and I think my dad and I were the only ones to try it. Everyone else was picky, and didn't like to try something new)

2 1/2 cups grated white cheddar cheese
1/3 cup grated onion (I used Vidalia)
2 tablespoons mayo (do not substitute)
1/2 cup raspberry preserves (pictures is raspberry preserves that my dad made, so if you use store bought it will look a little different)
Serve with triscuts.

Grate the cheese and onion. Then mix in the mayo. You will then spread that onto a plate. Before serving, you will cover with the raspberry preserve.

I grew up on this recipe, and I LOVE it.

We will be making a road trip down to Florida to visit Josh's sister and her family! Josh, Arnie, Jason and I will be making the journey together! We are looking forward to seeing everyone!!

 

45 Lessons

Every morning I listen to KDWB, out of Minneapolis, on iheart radio, because it makes me feel like I am in Minnesota. #minnesotagirlatheart.  One morning they were talking about 45 Lessons that a lady names Regina Brett, who is 90 year old, wrote. I thought she had some great lessons, so here I am to share with all my readers!

Written by Regina Brett (90 years old) of The Plain Dealer in Cleveland, Ohio.

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more."

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement stating with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one if up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now!
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come...
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

Since it's that time of year to remember what we are all Thankful for,  I thought these lessons really make you think of what you should be Thankful for.

I am Thankful for a wonderful family, and a husband who works so hard for us! I love him to pieces and am ready for him to be home (21 days with out him is too long). Glad I will be getting to spend and ENTIRE week with him over Thanksgiving.

Hope everyone has a great weekend. I will be celebrating Thanksgiving with my dad and brother this weekend! 

 

 

 

Stitch Fix

Has anyone heard of Stitch Fix before? If not, check it out, its kind of neat! I had not heard of it until I had a coupon in my Popsugar Box for a free $20 towards Stich Fix. Of course, I had to see what it was all about! All you have to do is sign up and create a style profile. Pretty Simple. Each Fix cost $20, and if you decide to keep anything, the $20 goes towards that purchase. If you decide not to keep anything, you won't get a refund of $20. Your card does not get charged every month. The only time you will get charged is when you decide you want a "Fix". They will then pick out 5 different pieces; shirts, dresses, jewlery, shoes, boots, etc. They also give you ideas on how to style each of the pieces. The style profile also lets you tell them how much you are willing to spend.

Here is what I got in my box:

1. Ursula Pleat Detail Swiss Dot Blouse - Daniel Rainn (which I LOVE, and kept)

2. Giselli Chevron Print Sleeveless Dress - Zouk

3. Rowson Colorblock Striped Sweater - 41 Hawthorn

4. Sophia Skinny Jeans - Kensie Jeans

5. Nadia Bead Strand Stretchy Bracelet - Jill Michael

As you can see they insert a card that shows you different style options for each of the pieces.

I kept the Ursula Pleat Detail Swiss Dot Blouse because I thought it would be great for the holidays. Each year we have a company holiday party, and I'm always wanting a new outfit, so I figured this top would be perfect for the ocassion!

All of the items were affordable, and I probably would have kept them all, but they were too big on me. I did go in and change some of my information on my style profile, so next time I need a "Fix" it's going to be that much better! All you have to do to return the items you do not want, is stick them in the prepaid UPSP envelop and bring to your local post office. Super easy!

Post a comment below to let me know if you try out Stitch Fix. I would love to hear!

 

It's All About the Daisy

Meet Daisy. She is the princess of our house. She likes long walks, riding on the golf cart and snuggling. Let's be honest, she has me wrapped around her paws, and she is even a daddy's girl! I know I am not the only one in this world who has this problem, I am sure of it.

About a month ago I went to Florida to visit my sister and my mom. They also have puggle's, and if anyone knows, they have a lot of energy. One day while we were sitting at my sisters her dog, Oliver, was playing with this ball...okay sounds normal right? This ball though, kept him entertained for a L O N G TIME. It was great. Then my mother dog, Banjo, came over, and it kept him entertained for a L O N G TIME. Right then I knew I needed this at my house!

Daisy needs attention. I don't always want to give it to her or am busy doing other things around the house. This is where the ball became my best friend. I toss some food or treats into the ball, and she is busy for hours. She loves the thing! It's amazing. I bought mine at the new Petsco in Ames, but you probably can find it anywhere. It's called the Omega Paw Treat Ball for Dogs. Buy it, its totally worth it. Especially if you have a busy dog like mine.

Remember to follow me! I would like to get to 100 people before the New Year! #goals #becomingablogger

 

 

Weekend - Husband = Shopping

 

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! My Monday did not start off so great, I was running a little late for work, get into my car and it is dead. Thank goodness I work only a couple blocks from my house.

 

My weekends aren't as exciting when Josh is gone. He is working in North Dakota right now, and this run is a LONG one. This will be his 3rd week away, and I beleive he has 8 more days away before I will get to see him. I miss him like crazy! Does anyone else have a spouse that is gone weeks at a time? How do you get through your weeks? Usually I do pretty good, but these long stints are hard.

 

Anyways, back to the weekend. As you can see below I kept myself busy.

 

1. How beautiful is the picture of the country? I was driving home from Des Moines, and I couldn't help but just love the peaceful look of the open country.

 

2. Lately I've been having good luck with Old Navy. I had originally ordered some stuff online, and had to exchange some of the stuff, so I headed to Des Moines, which is about an hour away. (As my sister would say, we live so far away from everything, but I am so use to driving anymore, that this doesn't seem that far away). Here and Here are the sweaters I purchased! Love them! (Right now everything is 35% off with code MERRY).

 

 

3. Saturday night my friend Kim and I subbed in a bowling league. I am not so great, but it still was a good time!
4. My mother bought Josh and I this Tuscan Expandable Wine Bar for a Hannukah gift. I put that together on Sunady. It took me about an hour to get it together, but it definately put a finishing touch to our dining room that we needed. It is from Bed Bath and Beyond, and I of course then got 20% off. I only shop with coupons!

5. Want to wish my Sister-in-law Steph a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY! (It was yesterday, but still need to give her a shout out today!) She came to Hubbard over the weekend, so I did get to see her on Friday night! Love ya Steph!

6. I also got to see my friend Katie's new place! Loved seeing her and her new home!

 

Taste of Home

Happy Friday Everyone!

Wednesday night I went to the Taste of Home Cooking show in Marshalltown. It was only $13.00 for a ticket, so pretty inexpensive. When you got to the show you received a goody bag, nothing big, just had some coupons to local shops, a roll of wrapping paper, measuring spoon, Hazelnut Jiff (similar to Nutella), and other little things.

During the show they made 10 different recipes from either sponsors and their own test kitchen. I just want to share one of the recipes that seemed easy and delicious.

I've been doing my best lately to stay away from processed foods, and eat healthy. This recipe fits the healthy category.

Spinach-Stuffed Chicken Pocket
from: Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Start to Finish: 30 Minutes
Makes: 4 Servings

4 cups fresh baby spinach
2 tsp. plus 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 cup garlic-herb spreadable cheese
2/3 cup plus 1/4 seasoned bread crumbs, divided (he recommend a little less than recipe calls for)
1/2 tsp. sea salt
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 oz. each)
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/4 tsp. pepper

In a large skillet, sauté spinach in 2 tsp. oil until spinach is wilted. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Remove from heat. Stir in the spreadable cheese, 2/3 cup bread crumbs and 1/4 tsp. salt. Cut pocket in the thickets part of each chicken breast; fill with spinach mixture. Secure with toothpicks.

Place egg in a shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl, combine the pepper and remaining bread crumbs and salt. Dip chicken in egg, then coat with bread crumb mixture.

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chicken in remaining oil for 6-8 minutes on each side or until a thermometer reads 175 degrees. Discard toothpicks before serving.

There is not much I would change to this recipe, to make it a little bit healthier. The one thing I would do it leave out the garlic-herb spreadable cheese. I would probably add more flavoring to the mixture with adding vegetables (green peppers, onions, etc.) and other herbs.

I wish I had a picture of this recipe, but I don't. I apologies for that. Give it a try though, and you will not be disappointed.

The Taste of Home goes on tours around the United States, so if they are ever in your area, I recommend going. During the show they give away door prizes from National and Local Sponsors. At the end of the show, they draw names for the finished recipes, and a new dish.

Also, one last thing...check out Dorot Herbs. This is something they featured at the show as well. They are fresh herbs packaged, that you can keep in the freezer up to 24 months. Pretty genius idea.

picture from mydorot.com

  

Thanks everyone for following my blog! Don't forget to follow me on the right hand side of the page! I would greatly appreciate it!

 

Have a fabulous weekend!



Head over Heels for Boots

Just have to share a pair of boots I am lusting over! I have Arturo Chiang boots in black, that I wear A LOT. If you are looking for a good pair of boots, check these out. They will be a great staple piece for your wardrobe! 

http://www.lordandtaylor.com/p-arturo-chiang-narissa-tumbled-leather-high-heel-boots-1.shtml

Enjoy!!

 

The Blogging Begins!

Hey All! Welcome to City Girl Living in a Small Town World! I picked this title because I truly am a City Girl Living in a Small Town World, and wouldn’t change it for anything. I’ve been inspired by many blogs that I read on a daily basis, I thought it was time to start my own! So here we go!

I will start off with a little information about myself and my life.

My name is Haley, and I feel like a pretty lucky girl. I grew up in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and graduated with a little less than 1,000 kids in my class. I now live in Hubbard, Iowa, which is a town of less than 1,000 people. Two completely different places, but I feel fortunate enough to experience both worlds!

My husband and I met while I was in school at Iowa State University, and I was working at one of the college bars. He would come visit me, and would try to take me on dates, but I kept pushing it off. I finally realized, what do I have to lose, and let him take me out. And so they say, the rest is history.



We moved in together 3 months after dating, kind of gutsy, right? My husband was working for a construction company where he would spend most of his days working “on the road”, so he was gone for 3 weeks at a time. We lived with one of my best friends Amanda, so her and I were basically the keeper of his stuff. It worked out well.

Eventually, Josh asked me to move to his home town of Hubbard, Iowa with him, when he purchased our first home. At this point, we had been together for 3 years, and I already felt like a part of his family. (In a later post, I will write about living in a small town with his large family! It’s pretty amazing!)

We have a puggle named Daisy! She is ornery and sweet.  She keeps me company while my husband is away. We are anxious to expand our family, and that will happen in time. 

In the last 6 years, we’ve changed careers, made memories and became husband and wife!

Looking forward to writing many more posts about love, life and happiness!