Add some Spice.....Spicy Chili Recipe (Crockpot Style)

Well I am certainly not the greatest in the kitchen. I don't think I've ever made anything that A wasn't willing to eat, but there have been a couple of borderline meals when we first got married. Then about a year or two ago I tried out a crockpot. Several people had mentioned how easy they were to me when you are both out for the day and how they don't take a ton of prep time usually.

So I grabbed a little magazine style crockpot recipe book from the grocery store and threw the ingredients in to give it a try. You guys, I never looked back. 

In winter, I think I use that thing at least once a week if not more. And actually I just bought a 2nd one because I'm tired of waiting for us to transfer the contents and having to wash it thoroughly before I can use it again (Target has them for $20 + free shipping if you use your target redcard). I feel like I'm cheating every time I cook, which is awesome as I love having food that is made from scratch that tastes good. But I am not one of those types that finds cooking relaxing. I tend to spend a few hours on monday making meals for the entire week and then relaxing and enjoying them knowing I don't have to cook again for a whole week. 
(Yes, I am a meal planner complete with a little whiteboard)


So here's a little treat. I love this chili recipe in the winter. It is a little spicy, I adapted one of our other recipes & am not sure where I originally found it (oops!). 

1 lb ground beef
3 cans diced tomatoes (undrained) 
1 can Rotel
1 can pinto beans
1 can great northern beans
1 can black beans
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 tablespoons paprika
2 1/2 tablespoons chili powder

1. Brown beef in pan and drain off the grease. (You can add some onion in there too, I left it out as hubby isn't a huge fan)
2. Drain all the beans and add all ingredients to crock pot.
3. Cook high for 4 hours or on low for 6 hours.
4. Serve with cornbread or Ritz crackers, shredded sharp cheddar, or even sour cream if you like. 


Then enjoy an amazingly tasty meal & have your house smelling wonderful by the time 6pm rolls around. Win Win! 
What are your favorite crockpot meals???? I have SO many favorites! 

That Time I learned how to Ski.

Hey from the Winter Wonderland!

I wasn't planning on posting but my muscles are super sore from skiing today and my sweet hubby is still going cause he's just a superhero or something =)

So today I got on skis for the first time.

I've been snowboarding before, but never skiing.

Just so happens that the hubby's family all know how to ski as his dad was an instructor.

So A is really good not only at skiing/snowboarding but at teaching it to.

He stuck with me on the bunny hill as I warmed up and learned how to not cross my skis ;)

So I thought I would take a few moments on my wonderful trip away, to share with you the gorgeous views.

And share my thankfulness for some time to ourselves, enjoying being together, away from jobs and with limited distractions.

I realise this does mean I am using the WiFi. But since he is skiing, we felt it was ok.

The stunning hubby and I about to take my first ski down the real slope.

This was after practicing on the bunny hill for a while.

I did wipe out after this picture, but thankfully it wasn't terrible.

Well that's all from me for now.

Maybe some more updates on our amazing trip when I get home.

We have a Jacuzzi in our suite! Amazing for those sore muscles, I tell ya!

Much Love,

L

Christmas Preparations.

Well hey there friends! 

I'm so sorry for the lack of posts this past week. Its that crazy awesome but insanely busy time of year again. This week I am participating in my first ever craft fair, selling items from my Etsy plus some new designs. So I've been busy making things and getting everything ready.

Not to mention all the other Christmas shopping and spending time with friends and family that has been happening.

I hope all of you enjoyed your Thanksgiving! =) 

We totally did. The day started with a 3 mile run....yeah kinda crazy sometimes. Then a late brunch with friends and crafts, on to family dinner together and some Black Friday shopping to end the day. Sweet and crazy fun....but 22hr long day which was insane! =) 

This past weekend we were able to spend some time starting Advent together as a couple and put our tree up. So I thought I would share some pictures from that fun afternoon.

I love looking at the ornaments we have collected together over the last 3 Christmases since we got married. Isn't that crazy how fast time passes?

Each one has such an awesome memory.

We have bought or made special ornaments each year. 

Another huge blessing is this Advent Calendar (buy here) from Naptime Diaries!!

We have been using it while following along with the SheReadsTruth Advent plan.

So of course you guys now want one! 

Its awesome, I love it! 

Such a heart-preparation for Christmas.

How do you guys like to prepare for this upcoming season of Christmas?

How do you calm your hearts and focus on the true gift of Jesus?

I would love to hear your traditions and thoughts.

Leave me a comment.

Much Love,

L

Making the most of the season.

Can you believe that Summer is nearly over? 

There are just a little over 2 weeks and it will be September. 

I mean, I am totally excited about everything the Fall will bring......

My little sis is getting married so we are headed to England for 10 days in September for 

amazing adventures, seeing old friends and witnessing a commitment to each other before the Lord.

The Influence conference is fast approaching as the days bring Fall closer.

And I am super stoked by that!

Not to mention the finding of a new home for the hubby and I as we transition out of our temporarily

location into a more permanent home closer to where he works.

So as the summer is beginning to fade, I am trying to make the most of every moment.

Enjoying every season.

I might try and make that my plan for this year.

And it helps to start with the season that is my favorite.

So in trying to make the most of this season.....

I went blueberry picking again this week.

With some other friends who I thought would enjoy picking the fresh fruit off the leaves of the bushes.

And picked another 31 lbs of blueberries. 

(I only came home with 7lbs this time myself)

(That's a combined total of 56lbs of blueberries in 2 weeks for those who love numbers)

Summer things I am thankful for:

Blueberries growing on bushes for us to go and pick.

Summer sandals and flip flops.

Sunscreen and bug spray.

Hubby's family visiting from overseas for the summer.

Encouraging friendships.

Meeting up with blogging friends.

Being able to spend a lot of time outdoors.

Flip flop tan lines.

The sound of crickets sending me to sleep at night.

Painted toes poking through sandals.

Amazing natural light for photography.

She reads Truth reading plans.

Pure by Rebecca st James.

Hot weather bringing the ability to wear sundresses and tank tops.

{Head over to Erin's blog for contagious thankfulness}

Tank: OldNavy

Pants: New Look (England)

Shoes: Payless

Necklace: TheHollieRogue

How are you enjoying the rest of summer?

Much Love,

L

Spring Inspirations Board

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So a while back I entered Shane's contest for best Spring Pinterest board.

The things I found were awesome.

I thought the finds on my Pinterest board were worth sharing with you guys.

I know Summer is nearly here, but take a moment and enjoy these Spring things.

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mmhmmm love these outfits.

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Totally bought red lipstick over the weekend. Picture soon, still perfecting the boldness it requires to wear.

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All those years in Oxford. Gotta love preppy.

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 Perfect time of year to paint walls. Love these colors.

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 Awesome Spring outfit.

Forget-Me-Not. 

No really. 

=P

Anyway, that was fun. 

Spring is such a wonderful season of new beginnings.

I can feel the freshness of life in the air.

So excited about the beautiful changes the Lord has in store.

Much Love,

L

'Two Hearts In Love' Thursdays. [Grey & Red]

When planning a wedding one of the first decisions you will probably make is your wedding colors.

They may depend on what season you are planning on getting married in, especially if you are limited by the color of flowers you want or if you want seasonal colors.

This is a big decision.  Especially if it will dictate many decisions.

Check out a bunch of color combinations & even try those which you aren't sure go together.

I'm sure you will find colors which you love.

I didn't think too much about our colors, I went with pink as noone else married recently had used that color. I also read a scene in a favorite book of mine of a description of a wedding and fell in love with it. You may find inspiration in the strangest place.

Without further babbling...I decided to stop every few weeks and show a color palette for ideas.

This week is:

Grey & Red

Loving these two colors together.

Not sure? How about these to pursuade you.

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Of course, it helps to use photos of inspiration and see the colors you want to use. Any idea can be converted into different colors. 

So hopefully there's something in these inspirations for everyone. 

Even if you are not using grey&red.

Anyone used these combinations or plan to? What do you guys think of colored wedding dresses? 

I'm personally not a fan when they aren't white =)

Much Love,

L

'Two Hearts In Love' Thursdays. [Flowers]

 For our wedding, I decided that I wanted to use a combination of silk and real flowers.

This is a part of the wedding which can get pretty expensive.

If you have a large budget, then by all means you might be able to afford gorgeous real flowers for everyone.

We chose to tighten the budget in this area and spend the money on other areas.

My own bouquet was real, as were the Boutonnières for the guys, flowers for our parents & grandparents.

We ordered those from a florist in the area (we shopped around).

We chose pretty simple flowers for this, so I was not worried at all at the way they would turn out.

 For the bridesmaids...I found a whole bunch of silk flowers on clearance in a Joanns which was in liquedation. I can't remember what I paid for them....but it was minimal.

The flowers were so nice, everyone was stunned they were not real.

The best part, my bridesmaid who all had to travel (some across the world - no joke) were able to keep their beautiful flowers and take them home.

If you do want real flowers, very important to remember what will be in season when you get married.

You can guarentee if you order flowers out of season for your bouquet - you will end up spending 

A LOT more money than those which are easily available.

 Also...think about your color schemes. I'm sure this is obvious.

If you have 2 colors already, go with those when picking flowers.

It will tie together your colors really nicely.

Check out some pictures below to see what I mean.

Another tip given to me by my hair stylist (haha).

Make sure you have a vase at your reception so you can put your bouquet down & keep it looking good.

You can buy these really cheap from the dollar store and they look great on the head table, while you enjoy the party as a married couple.

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These are stunning! What amazing colors!

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Adding the twig-like parts really add a natural look to the bouquet.

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Beautiful Fall colored flowers.

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These are one of my favorites. They are simple stunning flowers!

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Adding a unique touch by having the bridemaids carry pinwheels. So sweet.

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Loving the simplicity of these flowers. So understated but gorgeous!

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In Love with this necklace & flower combination! 

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For the unique look again....

So beautiful!

Isn't it great how many types of beautiful flowers the Lord made friends!

Just because He could, I am sure He loves beautiful things =)

Happy Planning!

L