Friday Favorites: January 29, 2016 Edition

Stacey:

While winter seems to be a wee bit PMS-y lately here in the south, we are full speed ahead in our home with the comfort foods of the season. I am all about some soup! Aside from Campbell's Tomato accompanied by a few cold cheese cubes, these two have become my two new favorites. Of course, I found both of them on Pinterest while searching for delicious new noshes. Both were HUGE successes with the whole family--yes, even the kids--'cause picky eating has never been an option in our house.

Both soups made enough to have leftovers and reheated beautifully! YUM. YUM. YUM.

The third is an ah-mazing dessert. Now, if you aren't all that savvy in the kitchen, don't freak when you look at the picture and think, "Woman is nuts!" Seriously, I've never made a dessert this quick and easy that tasted so good! It's awesome . . . not on any diet plan you may have for the new year, but c'mon, life is too short to miss out on this one!

I call these three faves: soups and sweets! Enjoy!


Creamy White Bean, Ham, and Tortellini Soup
(I left out the cumin and oregano, and it was still great.)

One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese Soup

Blueberry Cheesecake Roll-ups

--Stacey

Andrea:

This week, I'm going to take a break from complaining about the cold (both the temperature outside and the infection that has taken up permanent residence in my bod for the winter) . . . I still can't believe that I used up a favorite slot last week on tissues, but I still stand by my choice. Thanks, Puffs, for providing just a little bit of solace.

Stacey and I are on the same wavelength this week: I, too, am enjoying some comfort food. I'm a cheese lover, but I've never been a fan of pimento cheese. But about two years ago, my husband ran across a recipe that made me change my mind. About once a month, our daughter would sweet-talk Daddy into making a batch. There's a lot of grating involved, so it's not a quick thing to throw together. One day, he came strolling in from Publix with this:

Store-bought pimento cheese. I know. I almost didn't even give it a chance, but this kind is made in Pawley's Island, and I do love to support businesses in the Carolinas. My man urged me to try it on toast, so the next morning, we toasted bread in the toaster oven on both sides, and then for the last few seconds, we added a thin layer of this cheese (okay, that's a big story--we glopped it on like it was our JOB)--got it a little melty. That night when we got into bed, he said, "Tomorrow morning we get to have another PC!" I haven't had my cholesterol checked lately, so my fingers are crossed about that, but for now, breakfast is a little brighter. (My little girl still politely declines this version.)

While we're discussing indulgences, another of mine is good music. I get into music ruts here and there, and I was in a big one a couple of months ago. Then I discovered this CD:

I enjoyed her music when she sang under the name Watermark, but this CD is just amazing. I love every song, and it's a big bonus when you hear your five-year-old sing, "Worthy is the Lamb!" in the back seat . . . so beautiful.

My last favorite for the week is a store:

I was in there earlier this week. I came home and declared to my husband, "Soma is Victoria's ladylike big sister." He replied, "So now you're too uppity to shop at Victoria's Secret anymore?" Well . . . yeah . . . but he doesn't have to be such a brat about it.

Actually, I'm not saying that I'll never shop at VS again; I mean, there may come a time in my 40s when I may want a pair of panties that say "Text Me" across the back--but for now, Soma is my girl. So far I've splurged on the softest panties I've ever owned (and I'm as picky about my undies as my daughter is about her pimento cheese) and a couple of foundational garments (which I abhor, but they're a necessary evil of today's social norms--and if you have to wear them, you might as well get good ones). I haven't bought any pajamas or clothes yet, but trust me, those purchases are in my future.  The store is quiet and nicely decorated, and the customer service is excellent.

Hope you all have a great weekend filled with soft clothes, soft music, and great food!

--Andrea

Friday Favorites: January 15, 2016 Edition

From Andrea:

Happy New Year! Along with the majority of the world, I’ve started 2016 with a little self-improvement vow—but really, this vow has more to do with buying new beauty products than clean eating and sugar reduction. Along with trying beauty products, I’ve run across a few other gems that I thought I would share.

I believe my feelings toward winter are well-documented; I don’t like it, and it doesn’t seem to care for me either. I normally go barefoot all year ‘round, but apparently I’ve entered the elderly years, and I just can’t hack it with the cold floors and bare feet anymore. Enter these little honeys:

If you think that they’re on my feet right now, then you would be correct. I bought them on a total whim, and I was right back at Target less than a week later buying a second pair. They’re cute, machine-washable, super soft, and warm without being hot. I think I may need them in the grey and purple to complete my snuggly collection.

While I was at Target preparing my feet for what I feel is probably going to be a brutal February, I also picked up some jewelry cleaner. I have several silver necklaces that are looking dingy, and I normally use the silver cleaning cloths. This got good reviews, and now I see why.

I dunked my silver bead necklace into the cleaner, counted to 10, and removed it . . . gave it a rinse, and just like that, it looked as sparkly as the day I snagged it (from the cutest little store that has, sadly, gone out of business since then). I can’t believe how well this cleaner works. I think I’ve said farewell to those wimpy cloths.

And then there's this (which does fall into the previously mentioned beauty product category):

I got this as a stocking stuffer for Christmas, and I’m a big fan. One end is for hydration, and the other end is for renewal. I have to tell you that I can’t tell the difference between the two—both feel smooth and creamy without being sticky. But I tend to lean toward using the renewal side more because I feel sure that something amazing must be happening to my lips with a word like that printed right on the tube.


--Andrea



From Stacey:

2016 is proving that I am still quite in love with some of my favorites from the last few years. Just this week as we were discussing our Friday faves, I couldn't help but notice my favorite cookbook of late right in front of me on the counter. I refer to it often, but for more than just the delicious noshes . . . Bree Drummond is a fabulous photographer and children's book author! As soon as I read that lil' nugget in the intro of her cookbook, I was hooked; as it turns out, her books are some of my favorite read-alouds in the classroom as well! Anywho, her dishes are easy, beautiful, and so yummy. Definite crowd pleasers!

These little gems are also filled with amazing shots of her family's ranch and family. Her passion for family--and her husband especially--is evident in all she does. Enjoy!

As a family, we are most often found outdoors, but when the weather gets cold, family games are our go-to some nights. This game is just fun for everyone! Simple, yet mind-blowing all at once. I'm not a math person, so the fact that every single time there is a matching object no mater how you mix 'em up BLOWS. MY. MIND! Our kids received this as a gift years ago, and ever since we've collected quite a few others with varying themes. Spot It is fast-paced and different every time you play. Of course, we get a wee bit competitive with this one . . . and laughter always ensues!

Uno and Monopoly also tend to reveal the competitive spirit in each of us. I'm pretty sure we do NOT play by the rules!

2015 was a difficult year in our home state. Through prayer and love for one another, we came out strong (a bit soggy and sad but not surrendering)! Long before we were all wearing some state pride, I ran across these shirts in royal blue for my kids at Mast General and just fell in love with the simplicity, color, and soft fabric. (My children fell in love with some candy cigarettes . . . but that is a story for another day!)

Though there are many out there with the state theme, this one remains my fave! Love it!

--Stacey