I'm single.

Well, only for like a week and a half, but still. Mike's out training somewhere in Maryland and I'm home all by my lonesome. Except for Rosco. But, let's be honest, he's a pain in the ass when it's cold outside anyway, so....

I'm kinda looking forward to it. I mean I have so many nights to myself with Mike working and everything, but I feel like a whole week is going to be very productive in my single life. Most of the time I have to actually hang out with him and all, but...

Want to know what I plan on doing?!? Here's my list...

- watch trashy reality tv

- go to TJMaxx (Mike hates TJMaxx. I know, I'm not sure why I married him either.)

- read The Matchmaker

- beat Mike in Trivia Crack, again....

- watch trashy reality tv

- clean the house (gotta do something worthwhile)

- try out all the recipes Mike won't eat

- keep the heat on

- schedule some blog posts

- watch trashy reality tv

- play a chick flick in the theater so I can cry without being criticized.

- do some DIY

- hang some pictures

- girl's date to sushi

- watch trashy reality tv

- leave my shit all over the bathroom counter

- keep the heat on

Hmm any other suggestions?!?!

#ThurstyThursday!

Oops, sorry guys! Forgot to push the publish button!
Happy Thursday! Let me see your dranks!
This week I thought I would change it up a little bit and do a beer review. Mike and I decided to pick this up last week. We were looking for something a little heavier but not too creamy. This was perfect.
 We used to drink Sam Adams all the time. Then we kind of got away from it after we felt like all their new beer tasted the same. It just felt like they weren't coming out with anything new and improved. I have to admit we were a little hesitant with this one, too, but we pulled the trigger and were not disappointed.
Sam Adams Escape Route

Source

"Escaping from winter’s darkness, this hazy golden, unfiltered Kölsch style creates a fresh start. Our take on the classic hybrid style from Cologne Germany combines the subtle fruit notes of an ale with the smooth crispness of a lager for a bright, refreshing brew to help escape those lingering cold days."

This is the description straight from the website, and since it pretty much said what I was going to. I'll leave it at that. It's a must try winter beer!!

My co-host this week is the blogger formerly known as Spunkee Belle. She has a new blog called Creatively Dysfunctional. A few weeks ago she linked up how to make rainbow shots and it was amazing. I have only seen this done one other time and it was awesome to see how I might even be able to do it myself. If you want sass and a lot of personality Krystal's the one to give it to you. Be sure to head on over and check her out.

1. Follow Hopelessly Ever After and Creatively Dysfunctional via GFC or Bloglovin'.
2. Write about your favorite DRANK (alcoholic beverage).
3. Grab a button from below or Kristin's sidebar and put it in your post. 4. Come back here and link up!!!
5. Get some new recipes or drink ideas for the weekend and make a new friend!!

6. Send a tweet with #ThurstyThursday and include @leggs532 and @CreativelyDys so we can see it!!

Anyone interested in co-hosting next week email Kristin at: hopelessly_ever_after@yahoo.com

An InLinkz Link-up

<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.hopelesslyeverafter.blogspot.com" title="Hopelessly Ever After"><img src="http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l54/leggs532/thurstythursdaybutton_zps8b8d412b.jpg" alt="Hopelessly Ever After" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Also linking up for: Little Friday || Treat Yo' Self Thursday 

A post about nothing.

It's just one of those days.....all bloggers have them. I'm not feeling it today. There is not one creative bone in my body at the moment and I have SO MUCH TO DO at work today. You would think since I was off the past 2 days that I would be rested and ready to go. But, I just feel like I need another day off. lol. Plus, Jury Duty was a bitch to me on Monday. That's a story for another day, though.


Don't forget to link up for Thursty Thursday tomorrow!! I saw some awesome cocktails over the last few days and I hope to see some recipes!! And, as you saw last week, if you have a creative cocktail related DIY, link that up, too!! I love to see it all!!

Have a great Wednesday!!

Recipe: Skinnier Stovetop Mac and Cheese

I think I mentioned Mike and I have been really trying to eat a little healthier. We both meal prep out lunches and I meal prep breakfast, too, but when it comes to dinner we try to eat something that we're not going to get to tired of. So, thanks to Skinnytaste and Skinny Mom, I've found a lot of recipes out there that let us stay healthy, but still indulge a little.

This was a recipe I found on Skinny Mom. I did change some things up just a little, but I was super suprised at how delicious this Stovetop Mac and Cheese came out. Truthfully, it's just as good as he Baked Mac and Cheese I typically make for holiday dinners.

The best part, it's only like 360 calories for a whole cup and a half of this stuff. I know that might sound like a lot, but it's also using reduced fat and reduced sodium products, so you're looking at lightening up in that department, too.

Skinnier Stovetop Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

12 oz whole wheat pasta, uncooked

1.5 tbsp light butter

1/4 cup flour

1/4 cup yellow onion, diced

2 cups reduced sodium chicken broth

1 cup skim milk

1 cup reduced fat, shredded cheddar cheese

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp paprika

Cook pasta according to directions on package. Melt butter in a large skillet. Whisk in flour. Add onion and cook until translucent, continuing to whisk. Whisk in chicken broth and milk. Raise temperature to medium high and continue to whisk. Bring sauce to a boil. Once sauce thickens (about 10-12 minutes) add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika and mix well. Remove from heat. Mix in cheese and continue to stir until cheese is melted. Add pasta and stir well. Enjoy!

Linking up: Tuesday's Recipe Swap || Delicious Dish Tuesday || Tuesday's Table || Turn it up Tuesday || Tutorial Tuesday || Let's Be Friends Blog Hop || Tickle My Tastebuds Tuesday

Dear Jury Duty,

   

     Please be nice to me. After all, I am taking a day off of work to come and hang out with you. Truthfully, I wouldn't be upset if you told me I could leave as soon as I got there. At least it would give me a day off, even though we only had an inservice day at work today.

     As much as I appreciate the day off of work, though, you are kinda boring. I mean I can't even bring in coffee to drink while we chill. And, since my Kindle is electronic, I'm supposed to keep that at home, too. But, I'm not too upset about that because it kind of forces me to read one of the seven million unread books I have on my bookshelf.

     I'll be honest, today is going to be tough. I don't think I've gone more than a few hours without my phone lately. It's kinda part of me. Who knows, maybe I'll like it. Maybe I'll thank you later for introducing me back into the world of being social with other human beings. Well, not like I don't do that with a bunch of kiddies on the daily, but still. It's going to be different.

    Well, I guess I'm here. Just one request, please don't keep me too late. I haven't really seen my husband over the last 3 days, so it would be nice to spend some time with him. Ok, let's be honest. I just want to get out in time to go to Happy Hour. Sorry.

Sincerely,
  Kristin

I'm lovin it!

It's Friday and I'm lovin' it!!

favorite cocktail.

This beautiful concoction was linked up by my co-host Amy yesterday for #ThurstyThursday! You definitely have to stop by the linkup and check it out. And...if you're ever in the mood, come party with us every Thursday for #ThurstyThursday!!

favorite diy.

The lovely ladies at The Sequin Notebook posted this awesome DIY to the linkup yesterday, too!! I've heard of using Sharpie's to decorate coffee mugs, but never martini glasses!! I mean seriously? How awesome! And it would be the perfect gift for a bridal shower or birthday!

favorite recipe.

I found this recipe on one of the linkups this week I believe. Chastity over at A Cowboy's Life posted it and it was immediately pinned!! I absolutely love bread pudding and if I can have it for breakfast, how much better can it get?!? And...I plugged the recipe into My Fitness Pal and it's surprisingly not that awful for you. I'm not sure how many servings this makes, but if it serves 5 it's only 223 calories give or take.

favorite pin.

I guess this could go as favorite diy, too, but I had to pin it. Isn't this awesome!! Mine probaly wouldn't be so flashy, but I like the idea. And those hexagon cutters are only like $14 or something like that. Can't beat that. Although...now that I'm thinking about it, buying the canvas, the paper, and the cutters might equal more than I'm willing to spend to make something myself. Hmmm.

favorite song.

This song has been stuck in my head all week. I used it as background music for a few iMovie slideshows my students used and I can't get it out of my head. That and ♪Chicken Parm you taste so good♪ And I have to admit the video is kinda cute so take a look!!
Linking up: Oh Hey Friday || Friday Favorites || H54F || That Friday Blog Hop || 5 on Friday

#ThurstyThursday Cocktail Linkup!!

It's Thursday!! Come party with us!!

This is a new take on an old drink Mike used to drink back in the day. It tastes kinda like Hawaiian Punch so it's a drink you could prepare for the kiddies and add a couple shots to the adults dranks!!

Hawaiian Smash

• 3 shots vodka

• 1-2 fresh squeezed oranges 

(for large batches, just use orange juice)

• 4 oz cranberry juice

• 4 oz sprite

Mix vodka, oranges, and cranberry juice together in a large glass. Add sprite. Enjoy!!

My co-host this week is the amazing Amy from The Crazy Wise Woman. She's a happily divorced mom of 3 and she's awesome as hell. Amy is currently doing the Whole30 thing and I'm so interested to learn about it. She has some awesome Whole30 recipes on her blog. I'm definitely looking forward to trying out the mayo!! Everybody go stop by and say hey to Amy!!

1. Follow Hopelessly Ever After and The Crazy Wise Woman via GFC or Bloglovin'.
2. Write about your favorite DRANK (alcoholic beverage).
3. Grab a button from below or Kristin's sidebar and put it in your post. 4. Come back here and link up!!!
5. Get some new recipes or drink ideas for the weekend and make a new friend!!

6. Send a tweet with #ThurstyThursday and include @leggs532 and @CrazyWiseWoman so we can see it!!

Anyone interested in co-hosting next week email Kristin at: hopelessly_ever_after@yahoo.com

An InLinkz Link-up

<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.hopelesslyeverafter.blogspot.com" title="Hopelessly Ever After"><img src="http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l54/leggs532/thurstythursdaybutton_zps8b8d412b.jpg" alt="Hopelessly Ever After" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Also linking up for: Little Friday || Treat Yo' Self Thursday