Last night was going to be just another boring dinner night in my house. I had some chicken and some potatoes and was planning on doing nothing special with them. Then I thought maybe I could make a pan sauce to eat with the chicken. Then from there things started to snowball and I ended up with a pretty tasty dish. I didn’t measure anything, but here’s a general recipe so that you too can enjoy this tasty dish.

• Chicken: I went with boneless skinless chicken thighs that I had broiled in my oven.
• Cream cheese: I used an entire 8oz block
• Rotel: One can. It can be hot or mild or regular. Depends on how hot you like your food.
• Onion: I used one small yellow onion, diced.
• Garlic: I minced one large clove
• Corn: one can, drained
• Thinning liquid: Milk, chicken broth, wine… your choice. I used milk because it’s what I had.

Now at the last minute I converted this into a pasta dish, but it didn’t start out that way. It just looked like it was begging for me to add pasta, so I did.

I started by putting a little olive oil and butter into a large non stick skillet. Then I added the onion and garlic and sauteed for a few minutes. Then I dumped in the entire can of Rotel. I didn’t drain any of the liquid out first. I let this simmer for a few more minutes and then I got out my potato masher and squished the tomatoes until it was less chunky and more saucy. I did this because I don’t like tomatoes. I just like what tomatoes have to offer. Then I started adding in the cream cheese, a pinch at a time. Then I added the corn. Keep stirring until all of the cream cheese is melted. Then you’ll need your thinning liquid. Just start pouring in your wine or broth or milk until you’ve thinned the mixture to your liking. So of course this means sampling along the way. Adding salt and pepper to taste. From there I added my chicken to the pan. I added whole pieces, but you could chop or even shred. Or just plate your chicken and pour the sauce over it. Obviously I boiled up some spaghetti and added it to the mix. I still made the crash hot potatoes that I originally planned to make, and my husband added a few to his bowl.

What I might do different next time? Add in some of that Philadelphia cooking creme they have now instead of plain cream cheese. It’s thinner and pre-seasoned. You could easily cut the cream cheese in the recipe by half and still have a delicious dish.

So now I just have to figure out what to call this dish.

Thom and I have never really gotten into Valentine’s Day. Most years we don’t even go out to dinner. It’s not because I don’t want him fawning over me or showering me with gifts. It’s just that he’s never really been the kind of guy to think ahead and plan out romantic gestures like that. He’s more the kind of guy who offers up a trip the mall to let me pick something out.

But if he were the kind of guy who wanted to surprise me with gifts this Valentine’s Day, here’s a few things that would surely do the trick.

The Naked Palettes from Urban Decay. I love them both, but they are like $50 each so it’s not just something I can justify buying myself on a whim. Urban Decay makes the best eye shadows. I almost never wear anything else. My personal favorite shades are Mushroom, AC/DC, Misdemeanor, Sellout, and Mildew. Can be purchased at Sephora or Ulta.

Penguin Book Cover postcards from Anthropologie. $25

These are adorable and I have a project in mind for them.

This kick ass shirt with my current favorite tv character Ron Swanson. $25

Are you currently coveting anything? Do you and your sweetie celebrate Valentine’s Day?

Over the weekend I had a party at my house. Since it had been about nine years since we’d had a party in our house, I felt like we were long overdue. Of course now that I’m older I wanted less of a party and more of a structured evening with adult friends who are fun to be around. So that’s how Game Night came to be.

We played Cards Against Humanity which is just like Apples to Apples, but with a bit more pop culture and adult cards added to the mix. There was lots of food and booze and no one spilled anything on my almost white carpet.

I made caprese salad bites because I saw them on Pinterest and thought they would appeal to the masses. I was right.

I also made some stuff called Cowboy Caviar. Now I read a lot of different recipes for this and each one was a little bit different. In the end I made up my own based off of the foods that my husband loves. So here’s the recipe:

Cowboy Caviar

2 cans of black eyed peas, drained and rinsed

1 small red onion, diced

1 can corn, drained

1 can rotel, drained

1 jalapeno, seeded and diced

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Put all of that in a bowl with some salt and pepper and let it hang out while you make your dressing.

1/4 cup olive or vegetable oil

2 tbl lemon juice

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup vinegar (I used white wine vinegar)

Mix those four ingredients together and then bring them to a boil for a minute or so. Just long enough for the sugar to dissolve. Once it cools completely pour it over your salad and serve.

Call me an idiot, but I forgot to eat any food the whole time. I did not, however, forget to have drinks. The Adult Arnold Palmers were the cocktail of choice for the night. (half Simply Lemonade and half sweet tea vodka)

I made each guest a mixtape cd and we did a drawing for a door prize. But the best part of the night were my friends. We had a great time and lots of laughs. Even if it did get a little inappropriate at the end of the evening. Oh who am I kidding? Inappropriate is what we do best.

I wish I had taken more photos, but sometimes you just have to be in the moment instead of trying to capture the moment. They were great moments though and I can’t wait for the next Game Night.

The Civil Wars album is on the record player. You are doing the dishes and I am sitting at the computer singing along. You walk over to me and I take your hand. I look up at you lovingly while singing the words to Poison & Wine. You’re smiling down at me and touching my cheek. It’s completely gag worthy to anyone on the outside, but in that moment, it was love.

P.S. Thank you for painting the fireplace today. It’s the suckiest thing ever and you did a great job.

I love me some Pinterest, and I pin a lot. I just don’t end up doing most of the things that I pin. One thing I did end up doing was some art work. I’ve learned in the past that when I take a brush to canvas, things don’t end well. Thank God for vinyl letter stickers and spray paint!

I took a square canvas I had purchased for cheap at Big Lots and spray painted the entire thing green. Then I used masking tape to give me diagonal lines. Then I sprayed the entire thing again in this lovely persimmon color.

I spelled out what I wanted to say with my vinyl letters and then sprayed the entire thing, again, in purple this time.

Once the paint I had dried I carefully removed the vinyl stickers and voila!

I liked it so much I did one for my sister too.

I bought my vinyl letter stickers at Michael’s. I love them, but I wish they offered more fonts. Or some in all lowercase. I don’t know if that exists or if I just can’t find it here. And if you’re careful enough, you can use the stickers more than once.

Have you done any fun or new crafts lately?

I had the entire last week of the year off. So what did I do? I took down the tree, put away all the new loot, and I made laundry soap.

Now I’m not becoming some crunchy hippie type. I just simply look for easy ways to save money sometimes. Like how I always buy my toilet paper from the Family Dollar now instead of at the grocery store. The good stuff is so much cheaper there.

My only regret is that didn’t have any scented oils on hand. So my laundry smells like nothing when I pull it out of the dryer. Oh well. It made a lot of soap and there’s still plenty of stuff leftover to make a few more batches.

I was gifted some lovely things for Christmas. And also gifted some cash so that I could buy my own lovelies.

I have too many things. I love them so.

1. What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before?

I went to Austin, Tx. I visited friends and family and had a wonderful time.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

Some I did, some I didn’t. I wanted a kitchen remodel and new appliances, which I mostly got. I wanted to save more money and be better with my finances. That didn’t happen. I also wanted to be more organized. I suppose I am a little bit, but not like I’d like to be. I will probably not make any resolutions for 2012. I’m just not good with them.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

No, but I still got a fair amount of baby snuggles in throughout the year.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

No, thankfully.

5. What countries did you visit?

I’ve never been outside of the US. My sister is always begging me to get my passport. Someday…

6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you didn’t have in 2011?

Besides a baby and a boatload of money? I would really like to have financial stability. Money in my savings account. Bills that are always paid on time and me not living paycheck to paycheck.

7. What dates from 2011 will be etched upon your memory, and why?

I celebrated my 5th wedding anniversary on 8/5/11. That was pretty cool. Other than that, I can’t think of anything.

8. What was your biggest achievement of this year?

Probably all of the work I did on the house. There is still so much more to be done, but I’m happy with what I’ve accomplished so far.

9. What was your biggest failure?

I’d rather not say here.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

I’m happy to say no.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

My new appliances. They make me so happy. I also really dig my iphone and my kindle.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

My sister and my husband are the two people in my life I cannot live without. We don’t always get along, but I could not imagine my life without them. They are supportive and strong and an ear when I need to talk. So I would like to celebrate them. Warts and all.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

The whole Penn State thing comes to mind. And even though I don’t watch reality tv, all of the attention and fame given to the Real Housewives and the Jersey Shores continues to annoy me. But at least the people in my life aren’t bringing me down.

14. Where did most of your money go?

Bills. I took no extravagant trips or bought anything major this year other than my appliances.

15. What did you get really excited about?

The kitchen remodel. Even though it was only a partial remodel, it’s made a world of difference.

16. What song will always remind you of 2011?

I don’t know of just one song, but Adele’s 21 album for sure.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?

Sadder in some ways, happier in others. But probably more sad than happy.
I don’t think I’m fatter, but I’m not thinner. It seems like every time I lose 20 lbs it goes back on slowly.
Poorer for sure. Which adds to the sadness.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Exercise. Saving. Cleaning. I’m really lazy.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Eating. Spending. Watching tv.

20. How will you spend Christmas?

I’ve never not woken up in Texas on Christmas morning. This year will be no different. But due to work schedules and whatnot, we’re staying less than 48 hours. Driving down on Christmas Eve and back on Christmas Day. I won’t get to see all of my family, but I’m doing the best I can.

21. Did you fall in love in 2011?

I was already in love with my husband. I did manage, to fall in love with a lot of material things. Silly me.

22. What was your favorite TV program?

I watched a lot of tv this year on Netflix. Friday Night Lights was probably the best. Although I really enjoyed Damages and I love the new show Revenge.

23. What was the best book you read?

The Help. With the Hunger Games trilogy coming in second.

24. What was your greatest musical discovery?

Listening to country music again after years of not opened up a lot of new favorites for me. Lady Antebellum for sure.

25. What did you want and get?

Appliances, iphone, kindle.

26. What did you want and not get?

Pregnant.

27. What was your favorite film of 2011?

It sure wasn’t Breaking Dawn. Probably The Help.

28. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I turned 34. I went back to work after being off almost a week for my Austin trip. But on my actual birthday, nothing fun.

29. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Having a baby. And not having all of the plumbing in our house go crazy.

30. How would you describe your personal fashion concept of 2011 ?

Black. And more black. I know I don’t have a great body so I do what I can to hide it without wearing tents. It usually involves layers and cardigans and not much color.

31. What kept you sane?

Am I sane?

32. What political issue stirred you the most?

I’m not political. So nothing comes to mind.

33. Who did you miss?

A friend who one was. And other bloggy friends I wasn’t able to see like Isabel and Sizzle.

34. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.

Don’t flush tampons down the toilet. Your plumber will scold you. And hand you a big bill.

35. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

“My life is like a lemon drop. I’m sucking on the bitter to get to the sweet part. I know there are better days ahead.” – Pistol Annies

Well there it is folks. Sorry if it’s a bit depressing. Maybe next year will be better.

Sometimes, my husband fails. This year for my birthday he dropped the ball. I got no card. I got no gift. I got no romantic dinner. I know money is tight for us, which is why I wasn’t expecting some grand gift. But you know, a woman always wants something. Something from her man that shows that he loves her and cares about her. So yeah, my feelings were hurt and several days later I let him know this. He felt awful, but at that point it was done and I needed to get it off my chest and move on. I joked that when his birthday came around I just wouldn’t do anything for him. Easier said than done though right?

Today is his birthday. And since Monday isn’t really a fun day to celebrate anything, we did a little celebrating on Friday night. The most amazing and talented JD McPherson performed at Mercury Lounge and we were excited to see him live. Here, have a listen if you’d like.

Pretty great huh?

So before the show started, Thom came up behind me while I was sitting at the bar. I turned around to see him holding something.

“Honey, remember when you said you wanted a Sara Bowersock original?” (which yes, I’ve totally been saying that)

“Yes.” She says with this really crazy goofy grin on her face.

“Well I felt really bad that I didn’t do anything for you for your birthday. So this is for you.”

And then I died.

YOU GUYS! Sara Bowersock totally painted me! My husband must really like to look at my face, for this is the second time he’s had my head put on canvas. I just don’t even know what to say. I mean, just look at some of the other stuff this girl has done.

That Sara is really good at what she does. And she’s completely adorable.

I love that Thom really put some thought into this gift. Sure, it might have been late, but I think he more than made up for it. I suppose this means now I’m going to have to let him get an iphone for his birthday. Clever, that one.

Happy Birthday my love. Penguins.

My Thanksgiving weekend was splendid. I ate more food than I probably ever have ever and watched more episodes of Brothers & Sisters than should be allowed. Boy when Netflix has a show on instant, I waste no time in plowing through the episodes. I’m on the 5th and final season now and I’ve only been watching this show for about six weeks now. I love that I don’t have to deal with season finales and cliffhanger endings. Not like I do now with shows like Revenge or when Lost was on.

I avoided black friday shopping almost completely. Thom and I lazed around the house a bit until the afternoon. Then we went to Home Depot to buy a part for the furnace. Our pilot light wouldn’t stay lit and thanks to a friend (the same friend who installed my gas line for my new range) suggesting some things over the phone to Thom, he was able to buy the replacement part and put it in himself. And it only cost us $13. How great is that? Remind me to send that guy a Christmas present.

Saturday I went shopping with my sister and I finally got my hands on a white Christmas tree. I’ve been wanting a white tree for about four years now, but they’re so expensive. All I’ve managed to get my hands on have been tiny little one foot trees. And while this is a fairly small full sized tree, it’s pretty perfect for us. And it was only $25. I was finally able to bust out a huge bucket of sparkly ornaments I bought at Target a few years ago.

I’ve decided I’m doing super low key Christmas this year. In an effort to not stress out about money and the holidays I’m going to be making more gifts this year and buying from local shops. Sure my version of “making gifts” is like Sandra Lee’s Semi-Homemade cooking, but I’m ok with that. I won’t be buying gift cards this year or trying to rack my brain over what to get someone and then worry if it’s good enough. Besides, Christmas isn’t really about the gifts. It’s about being with people I love and celebrating the birth of Christ. Regardless of when Jesus was actually born, this is the day we choose to celebrate it. I had a bit of remorse over the weekend. Not because I didn’t go out of town to visit family, but because I didn’t volunteer to go feed the homeless. The local Christian station spent all week promoting the John 3:16 mission and asking for donations and I was completely humbled.

I know what it’s like not to have enough money to pay all your bills, but I don’t know what it’s like to go hungry. I’ve never had to steal food from a grocery store to feed myself. I’m so thankful that John 3:16 exists for those who need it. And there’s absolutely no reason why I shouldn’t be volunteering my time or donating my money to them. As I sit here and worry about the bills I can’t pay right now, I’m thankful for the roof over my head. For the furnace that was fixed for cheap. For the car I have to drive to the job I’m fortunate to have.

And instead of sitting around worrying about what bills I can’t pay, I should look for something I can do. If you need a blessing, be a blessing to someone else. You reap what you sow and all that jazz.

Happy Holidays folks.

In an effort to keep my stress levels lower this holiday season, I decided not to go anywhere for Thanksgiving. The family my sister works for invited us to join them so I said yes. Then I found out that there will be 50 people there. Man, those people know how to party.

Then I remembered that hello? I have new appliances this year. Why am I not cooking my own dinner? So I decided that I would cook a simple turkey dinner so that we could feast off of the leftovers for days. So we’ll have late lunch at the party house and then a nice dinner later at home.

Menu:

• turkey & gravy
• dressing (cooked outside of the turkey)
• cream cheese corn
• green beans
• mashed potoates
• banana cream cheese pie
• hawaiian sweet rolls

I might add a can of jellied cranberry sauce, but only if Thom wants it. I don’t eat the stuff.

So what’s on the menu at your house? Are you keeping it traditional, or trying something new?