A Little More About Me

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Welcome to the first post ever for the "It's My Life" section of the blog.  When I asked y'all on Facebook  and Twitter about the idea of adding a section like this onto the site, the response was tremendously supportive.  

So...to start things off...I have decided to dedicate this first post into letting y'all know a little more about me.  I'm not talking about the About The Blog section of this site either.  Read on and get to know the woman behind the blog :)

....the basics....

I am in my mid-30's (yikes!) and am a Military wife to my lovely Husband Man.  I have two wonderful and adorable children who are 5 and 3.  10 years ago the Military moved us down here to Louisiana....and we have not left since.  In the whole time we have been here, we have seen so many Military folks come and go.  And yet....we still remain.  People join the Military to travel....but this has not been the case with us.  And to this day, I'm still trying to figure out if this makes me happy or sad.  I really have mixed feelings about it all.  

At times I don't even consider myself a Military wife because my life is so much like a Civilian's life.  We live about 20-30 minutes away from the base...so my connection with life on the base is few and far between.  I'm pretty much in my own little bubble over here...lol...and I actually like it this way ;)  Less drama for me to deal with....lol.  

....my personality.....

I love to cry and think it's actually more therapeutic and cheaper then seeing a shrink.  I wear my heart on my sleeve wayyyyy to much and it is VERY easy to hurt my feelings.  Just ask Husband Man.  I have that kind of personality to where I will tolerate anything and everything that comes my way.....but if I have had enough of it...you will definitely know.  I've been called crazy at times...but I just like to think of it as being very dramatic...lol ;) 

....my hobbies.....

To quote Leonardo DiCaprio's character in the movie, Titanic...I am what you may call..."an indoor girl."  You wanna go for a hike?  Don't call me.  You wanna go climb Mount Rushmore?  Don't ask me to go with you.  I do go speed walking from time to time...but that's about as much of the outdoors as you're going to get out of me.  If you need a shopping partner though...I'm the one you need to call.  Or if you want to go out for lunch or coffee....I'm here for ya.  If you also want your cabinets organized and your room decluttered, I'm your girl ;)  I also enjoy traveling...from taking 2 day road trips to taking 30 minute road trips...I <3 em all ;)  

I love chick flicks (I <3 Netflix), chocolate, and a good book (preferably a cookbook or a nice novel).  I love to do crafts but get pretty darn frustrated when they don't turn out the way they should.  Then I curse myself and vow to never touch them again....only to find myself learning another one a week or two later.  Thus, repeating the vicious cycle.

....my roots.....

I'm from Fayetteville/Fort Bragg, North Carolina and met my husband at Books A Million many moons ago while he was a soldier stationed over there. I was his cashier and he came through my line 3 times in 2 days before he finally asked me out for coffee ;)  I'm also multi-cultural....and have parents who are from the island of Guam...but raised us in the United States. I have one younger sister and one younger brother...both of whom are in the Army (sis is married to a soldier and my brother is a soldier).  Did I mention my father is also retired Army??  I basically grew up all up and down the east coast and overseas.  So yeah....my family is VERY pro-Military ;)

.....my work background....

I wasn't always a food blogger.  I have my Bachelors Degree in Social Work (BSW) and spent a good 3 years in the career field before I realized that it just wasn't for me.  I saw lots of things when I worked in that field...things that make me grateful for the life I live now.  When life doesn't go as planned..I am VERY quick to remind myself that there are people out there who seriously have it worse then I do and that God has blessed me with so much more then I really, truly deserve.

After I figured out social work wasn't for me...I went on this career exploration spree.  I worked in a bakery, a bank, and a library.  I became pregnant with my daughter around the same time I was working at the library.  I decided to leave that job and become a stay at home mommy....which was the best decision I have made to date.  Two years after my daughter was born, God blessed our family again with a little boy ;)  You can pretty much figure out the rest ;)  

.....what I do now.....

My days are filled with playing taxi cab driver, being a room mother, cleaning, running errands, cooking, laundry...and of course...writing and blogging ;)  But I love it!  Really...I do.  And no...this is not a line of fluff that I'm feeding y'all.  I really am happy ;)  

Some people don't like staying home with their kids.  They try it and then go crazy and figure out soon enough that it isn't for them.  They say the repetition of the day gets to them and that it's to boring for them.  Why in heavens would someone want to stare at four walls, eat bon bons all day while watching Lifetime Movie Network?? (by the way...these are all things that people have said to me in the past 5 years).  I mean, that's what women who stay at home do right?  

Well, I'm here to tell y'all.....that ain't my life!  It's nowhere even in the vicinity of my life.  Heck, I consider eating bon bons while watching The Young and The Restless a vacation ;)  If staying home with my kids means doing that...then I'm definitely doing this all wrong...lol.  

-----And there you have it folks ;)  A little more information about me that y'all didn't know.  I am glad I was able to share this because now you kind of get a mental picture of who I am.  Trust me...there is more to me then just what I have written above.  But we won't get into all that right now ;)  Ta-ta for now ;)

A Glimpse Into My Life

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...........because it's not all just about the food :)

All Things Libby:

A Little More About Me

I {heart} My Family:

Happy Birthday My Boy {Eli's 4th Birthday}

Happy Belated Birthday to My Girl!! {Ava's 6th Birthday}
First Grade Princess {Ava's First Day of First Grade}
A Beach Wedding & A Vacation {My Little Brother's Wedding}
Eli's 5th Birthday!!

Life and the Military:

Our First PCS in 10 Years {We are Finally Moving}
Life Lessons from My Years in Louisiana
Hello From New Mexico!! {Our PCS}

Cooking With Libby's Best (and not so best) of 2011

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2011 is almost over y'all!  In exactly 3 days we will start a brand new year.  Although I am sad that it all has come to an end, I am so very excited and anxious for 2012 to arrive.

In the blogosphere, I have seen others post their "Best of 2011."  I thought this was a pretty neat idea so I'm jumping aboard and playing too.  Hang on to your spatulas because this year has been a pretty chaotic one for this blog ;)   

***Note:  These results are based on the amount of page views per post according to Blogger, from all the correspondence I have received from readers, and from my own experiences.***

Click on the picture to read the posts..... 

Best Dessert Post

~Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Brownies~

Best Slow Cooker Post

~Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings~

Best Casserole Post

~King Ranch Chicken Casserole~

Best Breakfast Post

~Easy French Toast Sticks~

Most Controversial Post

~Mama's Strawberry Pie~

(the debate was over pre-made pie crust vs. home made pie crust.  Wow is all I can say about this one!  I did not know some people felt so strongly against the pre-made kind.)

Most Challenging Recipe 

~Chicken and Sausage Gumbo~

(the post will tell you what happened)

Most Easiest Recipe.....Ever

~Ice Cream Bread~

(Two ingredients folks....two ingredients)

Most Memorable Post #1

(My experience teaching a children's summer cooking class at the Parks and Recreation Center)

Most Memorable Post #2

~Eggland's Best Eggs Plate Date~

.....and there you have it folks.  This blog's year in review for the year of 2011!  

I cannot wait to see what 2012 will have in store ;)  

See y'all next year ;)

Christmas Breakfast Ideas

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Christmas is literally just around the corner y'all....3 days to be exact!  I have taken the liberty of compiling a post full of holiday breakfast ideas that will take the guessing out of your menu planning for the upcoming few days.  All of these recipes can be found on the blog.  Click on the picture to get to the post.  

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

(these make A LOT and can be made ahead of time.  Just make them and cut the baking time in half...then freeze.  Pop them in the oven on Christmas morning for the rest of the baking time...or until they start to brown)

Sausage, Cheese, and Grit Casserole

(This is great to make for those who just love grits!  If you have company over, double the recipe.)

Spinach, Bacon, and Cheese Quiche

(This is the perfect thing to make for a holiday breakfast.  Can be made the night before.  Just make as directed and refrigerate until morning.  Bake as directed.)

Biscuits and Gravy

(This is sure to please anyone who has got to have their Biscuits and Gravy in the morning.  Double the recipe if you are expecting company.)

Homemade Buttermilk Pancakes

(These are sooooo good and such a treat to make for family and guests in the morning.  I can't think of a better breakfast to make during the holidays.)

Have yourselves a very Merry Christmas y'all!!

Mini-Spinach Artichoke Dip Bread Bowls {Sister Schubert's}

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For the post few months, I have been posting about my partnership with Sister Schubert's Homemade Rolls.  Past posts have included reviews of their products (click HERE to read more), a recipe for Bavarian Style Meatball Subs using their Mini-Baguettes (click HERE to read), and a Sister Schubert Prize Package Giveaway (click HERE to read).  

This will be the last post in our little 4 post series.  Since it is the last one, I decided to share a little recipe that my family has grown to love over the past year. The recipe is already on this blog, however, I wanted to share a little twist I did with it.  

Upon the advice of a great blogging buddy (thanks Larky), I decided to use the soft pretzel rolls as bread bowl of sorts.  It was such a wonderful idea!  They are just the right size to be considered as mini and they are the perfect thing to serve if you are looking for individual appetizers.  Not to mention, with Christmas only 5 days away, these would be a great thing to serve before that huge holiday meal.  

Make these for your family and friends this holiday season ;)  They will <3 them!  

For more information on Sister Schubert's, check out their Facebook Page.  

Disclosure:

 I was one of eight bloggers selected by Sister Schubert’s Homemade Rolls to review their products. I have been compensated for my time commitment to the program as well as my writing about my experience. I have also been provided products for review. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.

Mini-Spinach Artichoke Dip Bread Bowls

(recipe adapted from Kraft.com...but modified by me)

(makes 6 rolls)

Ingredients:

1 bag of Sister Schubert's Soft Pretzel Rolls

1 can (14 oz.) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen spinach, thawed and drained

3/4 cup grated Parmesan Cheese

A little under 1 cup of light mayonnaise

3/4 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

1/3 cup Shredded Provolone Cheese

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

Directions:

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2.  Place all of the above ingredients (except the rolls) in a large mixing bowl.

3.  Mix well.

4.  Place the ingredients in a 9 inch pie plate and bake for 20 minutes.  Let cool.

5.  While cooling, preheat oven to 375 degrees.

6.  Place rolls in the oven for 7-9 minutes.

7.  Once rolls are finished heating up, cut the tops of them off in a circle.

8.  Scoop out the inside of the roll.

9.  Fill with 2 or 3 spoon-fulls of the dip.

10.  Serve warm. 

Georgia Spiced Pecans {Paula Deen}

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Who does not like Ms. Paula Deen?  I simply adore this woman.  She is just a ball of laughs.  I had the pleasure of seeing her twice in the last 5 years and she is such a hoot!  I’m so happy to share this recipe with y’all today. 

This is a great treat to make for the holidays for two reasons.  Number one, it's very easy to make and number two, it's just plain yummy!

These make really great gifts to give out during Christmas.  Make them and place 'em in cute little tins like the one in the picture above and hand them out to neighbors, co-workers, or friends.  Or just simply make them and keep them for  yourself  :)  Either way, everyone will love these and will be asking you for the recipe in no time flat :) 

Paula Deen's Gerogia Spiced Pecans

(adapted from The Lady and Sons, Too)

1 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/3 cup evaporated milk

2 cups pecan halves

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Combine the sugar, cinnamon, and milk in a medium-size saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook to the soft-ball stage (234-238 degrees on a candy thermometer). Add the pecans and vanilla and stir well. Using a slotted spoon, drop single pecans on a sheet of waxed paper; allow to cool.

And that's it....easy as pie :)  

Sister Schubert's Giveaway!!! {Winner}

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***Congratulations to Comment #6 sent in by Jan from Alabama!!!  Enjoy the package girl ;)  ***

****THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED****

These past few months, I have been partnering with the company, Sister Schubert's.  You know, the lovely folks who make those scrumptious and heavenly yeast rolls that you can find in your grocery store every day?  

My past posts have featured reviews of their products (which you can find HERE) and a yummy recipe using their Mini-Baguettes (which you can find HERE).  

Today, I am pleased to announce a Giveaway that is just so awesome that my excitement literally cannot be contained!  

Check out this HUGE prize package that is up for grabs....

~FREE product coupons (5 per prize pack)~

~Sister Schubert's Linen to Line Bread Basket~

~Sister Schubert's Branded Apron~

~Sister Schubert's Branded Wooden Cutting Board~

~Bread Basket~

~Butter Knife~

~Sister Schubert's Autographed Cookbook~

Y'all, this prize package is worth over $100.00!!!  

For more information on Sister Schubert's, check out their Facebook Page.

To Enter This Giveaway:

Leave a comment on this blog telling us what is your favorite thing to make with Sister Schubert's Rolls.  

Do you eat them plain?  Jazz em' up with butter and jelly?  Put them in chicken and dumplings??  Let us know and YOU can be the winner of this wonderful prize package!

***Please remember to leave your e-mail address so I can contact you if you win. ***

Bonus Entries:

  Post this giveaway on your Facebook or Twitter Page.  

(be sure to come back here and let me know)

This giveaway will end on December 16th, 2011.  

Winner will be chosen by Random.org

Stay tuned in the next few weeks....I will be sharing one last recipe from Sister Schubert's!

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

Disclosure:

 I was one of eight bloggers selected by Sister Schubert’s Homemade Rolls to review their products. I have been compensated for my time commitment to the program as well as my writing about my experience. I have also been provided products for review. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.

Tomato, Mozzarella, and Basil Bruschetta

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Bruschetta........yummmmmmmmmm!

I'm not sure if any of you have seen the movie, Julie and Julia....but there is one particular scene in there that had me wanting to try to make this yummy dish.  One of the main character's, Julia, cooks this recipe for dinner one night and her husband could not stop 'oooing and awing' over it.  This scene is just one of the many food scenes in the movie that made me want to try every recipe on there.

Of course, the bruschetta I made looks nothing like the one in the movie, but that is ok ;)  

For my first time making it, it received rave reviews from Husband Man.  And like Julia's husband did in the movie, my husband started ooing and awing as well!

With fresh basil, tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella, this appetizer sure did aim to please.  We ended up eating the whole entire batch!  Can we say yummmm? :)  This recipe is definitely filed under our favorites!

So make this tonight for your family and friends...or heck, just make it for yourself.  You won't regret it ;) 

Tomato, Mozzarella, and Basil Bruschetta

(makes 6-8 mini baguettes)

Ingredients:

1 to 2 bags of Sister Schubert's Mini-Baguettes OR 1 or 2 loaves of French Bread.....sliced

1 can of diced tomatoes (with basil and oregano seasoning), drained

1 chopped up fresh tomato

6-10 fresh basil leaves, stems cut off

1 package of fresh mozzarella

3 cloves of minced garlic

2 tbsp. of balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup olive oil, plus more to brush the bread with

Directions:

1.  Follow the directions on the back of the Sister Schubert bag to prepare the mini-baguettes.

2.  After the baguettes are prepared, preheat oven to 400 degrees.

3.  Cut each baguette in half and brush the insides with olive oil.

4.  Place on baking sheet and toast in oven for a good 5-8 minutes.

5.  While they are toasting, mix together the tomatoes, basil, rest of the olive oil, vinegar and garlic in a small bowl.

6.  When baguettes are finished toasting, place a few pieces of mozzarella in each piece and top with a couple of spoonfuls of the tomato mixture.

7.  Bake for another 10 to 15 minutes or until cheese starts to melt.

Recipe Source:  Inspired by Allrecipes.com and a few others around the net 

Homemade Waffles

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**This was originally posted on March 8th of 2010.  But I am digging it out of the archives for y'all**

Waffles....waffles...waffles....I can't think of a better way to start off a good weekend then making homemade waffles fresh out of the kitchen.  These waffles are not as sweet as others we have tried in the past.  At first, I didn't know if that was a good thing or a bad thing.  However, we found out quick that it definitely was a good thing.  Once you add fresh fruit, syrup, and butter to them, it's like they automatically came to life with yummy sweetness.

The original recipe calls for milk, however I decided to substitute buttermilk to see what would happen.  And as buttermilk does with most things, it added a really nice texture and flavor to it.  I also decided to separate the eggs and beat the egg whites until they were stiff (like you would if you were making a meringue).  There is still more tweaking to do with the recipe, as I am completely convinced that if I find the right amount of cinnamon, sugar, and nutmeg...it will just burst with more flavor then we could ever dream of.  For now though, I will share what I have with y'all ;)  Oh...and another bonus to this recipe, the waffles are freezable ;) 

Homemade Waffles

Ingredients:

2 eggs

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 and 3/4 cup milk or buttermilk

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 tbsp. sugar

1/4 tsp. salt

4 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

Directions:

1.  Preheat waffle iron.

2.  Separate egg yolks from egg whites.

3.  Beat egg yolks, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.

4.  In a separate bowl mix flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

5.  Combine flour mixture with egg yolk mixture and mix until well blended.

6.  In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until stiff.

7.  Gently fold the egg whites into the rest of the batter.

8.  Fill waffle iron with 2/3 cup of the batter (or however much will fill up your iron).  Cook until golden brown. 

9.  Serve with fruit, syrup, butter, whipped cream, or whatever you like on your waffles ;)

***To freeze:  Take each waffle and place them on a cookie sheet.  Place the cookie sheet in the freezer and leave for about 3 hours.  Take cookie sheet out and place frozen waffles in a zip lock freezer bag.  Place frozen waffles in the toaster when ready to cook.***

Cheesy Chili Hash Brown Bake

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Now that Thanksgiving is over with and we are all back into the hustle and bustle of the school/work week, I'd like to share this recipe with y'all.  This comes from the October 2011 issue of Southern Living's Best Fall Recipes.  This one caught my eye because it looked so easy to make.  And I did discover, that it was pretty simple to cook.

  What's interesting about this dish is that it does double duty.  You can make it for a busy weeknight dinner or you can make it as an appetizer of sorts.  Don't ya just love recipes like this?  ;)  I added a few ingredients to the recipe because, well....that's just my style and that's how I roll ;)  Make it tonight.  Your family will <3 ya for it ;)  

Cheesy Chili Hash Brown Bake

(adapted from the October 2011 issue of Southern Living's Best Fall Recipes)

(serves 8)

Ingredients:

1 and 1/2 lbs. lean ground beef or turkey

1 can sloppy joe sauce

1 can chili with beans

1/2 a package of frozen country-style shredded hash browns (about 4 cups)

2 cups of Shredded Cheddar Cheese

1 to 2 tbsp. of molasses (optional)

1 to 2 cups of Frito chips (optional)

Directions:

1.  Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

2.  Brown ground beef until ready and no longer pink.  Drain.

3.  Stir in sloppy joe sauce, chili, and molasses.

4.  Place meat mixture in a lightly greased 9x13 inch casserole dish.

5.  Top with frozen hash browns.

6.  Cover and bake for 30 minutes.  Uncover and bake 10 more minutes or until hash browns are browned and crisp.

7.  Sprinkle cheese and Fritos on top and bake for 5 more minutes or until cheese is melted.