100 Ways to Make Your Marriage Rock

1. Write him letters
2. Go on regular date nights
3. Write his name on lipstick on the bathroom mirror
4. Revitalize the romance with intimate dates
5. Pray together
6. Hide notes in secret places
7. Go to bed at the same time
8. Listen to music together-share earbuds
9. Send him on a scavenger hunt in the house
10. Buy him gifts he will love
11. Hide a treat in his glovebox or desk at work
12. Read the Bible together
13. Wear shirts that tell the world you love your spouse
14. Praise your spouse to other people
15. Let them overhear you
16. Read a marriage devotional
17. Porn-proof your home
18. Be best friends
19. Sleep in his t-shirts
20. Look to him to make the big decisions (see comment section for my opinion on #20, #21)
21. Let her make the small ones
22. Don’t nag him
23. Put down the seat, pick up your socks for her
24. Renew your vows privately with whispers and memories
25. Renew them publicly with cake and bubbly
26. Fight naked
27. Tell him you like him
28. Receive his compliments
29. Pick your battles
30. Show her you love her and tell him you respect him
31. Go away together at least once a year
32. Frame your wedding vows
33. Her: Read For Women Only
34. Hang pictures of the two of you around your house
35. Kiss in front of your kids
36. Make his favorite dessert
37. Have pictures of just the two of you made
38. Make sex a priority
39. Spend time apart occasionally
40. Learn to enjoy something he loves
41. Surprise each other
42. Meet him at the door
43. Dreamstorm
44. Text each other from across the room
45. Be accountable to each other
46. Set reminders on your phone to remember him/her throughout the week
47. Call him right now and tell him you appreciate him
48. Be affectionate
49. Him: Read For Men Only
50. Leave work and come home early
51. Wash, vacuum her car. Keep it full of gas.
52. Give each other romantic coupons
53. Engage every day in meaningful conversation
54. Compliment each other
55. Touch your spouse several times throughout the day
56. Take one day a month to make your spouse your total focus
57. Let each other sleep in
58. Be spontaneous!
59. Argue fair: avoid these words “you always” and “you never”
60. Kiss every day
61. Find tangible ways to serve your mate without complaining
62. Forgive quickly
63. Be honest.
64. But not hurtful
65. Get on the same page: plan your budget together
66. Look your best as often as you can
67. Guard your marriage
68. Get out of debt (and stay out)
69. Laugh together
70. Have a date night in
71. When your together-BE TOGETHER (take a break from phones, technology, etc)
72. Talk about your favorite memories together
73. Tell him he’s sexy just because
74. Tell her she’s pretty, especially when she’s not feeling it
75. Make him breakfast in bed
76. Do her chores for her
77. Get a couple’s massage or host your own privately
78. Read a book out loud together
79. Dance together-soft music (alone) or rocking music with the kids
80. Bring her/him a favorite drink during the middle of the day
81. Exercise together-hikes, bike riding, etc
82. Choose not to be annoyed by an irritating behavior/disappointment
83. Tell him a secret he doesn’t know about you
84. Thank your spouse just because, often
85. Sit on the same side of a booth at a restaurant
86. Lay in bed together and stare into each other eyes, without talking
87. Learn something new together-take an art class, cooking lessons, etc
88. Leave a sweet comment on the Facebook wall
89. Teach your kids about marriage
90. Stop what you’re doing, look them in the eye and listen to their answer
91. Create art together
92. Support each other’s goals
93. Know when to talk and when to hush
94. Consider counseling (even if there’s not conflict)
95. Doodle his name
96. Bring her flowers (even when she says they are too expensive)
97. Wear something he loves
98. Share furniture-sit in his lap
99. Fight for your marriage
100. Remember your spouse rocks-even when they don’t

Pinterest

I've just gotten into Pinterest and I found so many things I want to duplicate. But in order for me to find the exact things I want again I'm reposting here, then I can pull them up on my phone. And that way YOU can enjoy them too. YAY FOOD!!! and stuff.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles

Makes approx. 3-4 dozen. Recipe from Love and Olive Oil.

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1/3 cup milk or soy milk
1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

14 oz dark chocolate candy coating

Directions:

Beat butter and sugars in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add milk and vanilla. Stir in flour, baking soda and salt and mix on low speed (or stir by hand) until incorporated. Stir in chocolate chips.

Cover and chill dough for 1 hour.

When dough is firm enough to handle, form dough into 1″ balls and arrange on a baking sheet lined with waxed paper. Place sheets in freezer and let chill for 30 minutes.

Melt chocolate candy coating in microwave according to package directions. Using toothpicks as a dipping tool, dip cookie balls into candy coating to cover. Tap on side of pan to remove any excess coating, and return to waxed paper-lined baking sheets. Chill until set. Store, chilled, in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars

Source: very slightly adapted from My Baking Addiction
(get the printable recipe here)

Ingredients:
Crust:
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough:
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3/4 cup flour
2/3 cup chocolate chips

Cheesecake Filling:
10 oz cream cheese, room temperature
1/4 cup sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 325 F. Line an 8" square baking pan with parchment paper or foil allowing a little overhang and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
2. Mix the melted butter and graham cracker crumbs until thoroughly combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake in preheated oven for 6 minutes. Remove pan to a cooling rack. Leave your oven on while you prepare the dough.
3. While the crust is cooling, prepare the chocolate chip cookie dough. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or in a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt and vanilla until smooth and thoroughly combined, about 1 minute. Mix in the flour on low speed, and mix until just incorporated. Mix in the chocolate chips. Set aside.
4. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or in a large bowl with an electric mixer cream together the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Mix in the egg and vanilla on low speed just until incorporated. Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared crust. Using your hand to form clumps, distribute the cookie dough onto the top of the cheesecake batter in teaspoon-sized clumps. Be sure to use all of the dough.
5. Bake for about 30 minutes, until the top feels dry and firm (the cookie dough) and the entire pan looks set if given a gentle shake. Move bars to a cooling rack and allow to cool completely. Chill in refrigerator overnight or for at least a couple hours.
6. Lift the bars out by the overhang and cut into squares for serving.

Apple Nacho Recipe:

4 large Granny Smith apples, sliced

35 large marshmallows

1/4 cup butter

35 caramels

1 Tbsp evaporated milk (or half and half)

1/4 cup peanuts

1/4 cup mini semi-sweet morsels

2 Tbsp chocolate syrup

Slice apples and arrange on platter.

In saucepan, melt marshmallows and butter until creamy. Set aside.

In microwave dish, melt caramels with milk (cooking in 30 second intervals, and stirring). Set aside.

Pour marshmallow cream over apple slices, followed by caramel sauce. Drizzle chocolate syrup and sprinkle with peanuts and mini chocolate morsels. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Benihana Style Chicken Fried Rice

Recipe via Food.com:

Ingredients: (Serves 2)
2 ounces cooked chicken
8 ounces steamed rice
2 eggs
2 tablespoons onion, chopped
2 tablespoons carrot, chopped
2 tablespoons green onion, chopped
2 tablespoons green peas
1 teaspoon sesame seed
3 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon oil (use for cooking veggies)
2 teaspoons soy sauce (or more to taste)
6 pinches pepper
2 cloves minced garlic
1 tsp fresh grated ginger
Sesame seeds
Salt to taste


Directions:
- Scramble eggs and chop after cooking.
- Saute chopped onion, green onion, seasoning and carrots in the oil until done and mix with chopped scrambled egg and chicken.
- Break off chunks of steamed rice and mix with vegetable, egg and chicken.
- Add sesame seed, minced garlic, ginger, salt and pepper, stirring well.
- Add butter and soy sauce into the mixture, stirring well until done.


Hot Caprese Dip

serves 2-4

10 ounces fresh mozzarella, chopped into cubes

2 roma tomatoes, seeded and juiced

3 tablespoons freshly chopped basil (or about 1 tablespoon dried) + more for garnish

Preheat oven to 375.

Make sure tomatoes have as much juiced squeezed out of them as possible – this will prevent the dip from becoming soupy. In a small baking dish, combine chopped cheese, tomatoes and basil and mix. Bake for 15 minutes, then broil for 2 minutes so cheese becomes bubbly and golden. Serve immediately with crackers or melba toasts.

Note: dip may appear “watery” which is why it is VERY important to get as much moisture out of the tomatoes as possible. Also make sure dip is consumed immediately, as the longer it sits, the more juice that develops. Don’t worry if there is a little bit of juice – it is still delicious!

Italian Chicken Soup

from The Pioneer Woman

1 box Ditalini pasta {I used the Barilla brand} small tubes

1 tbsp. olive oil

4 chicken breasts

8 cups chicken broth {this equals out to two big boxes of chicken broth}

1 medium onion, diced

2 green peppers, diced

2 stalks of celery, diced

2 fresh jalapenos, diced

1 tbsp. olive oil

1 can {28. oz} whole tomatoes, diced

2 cups heavy cream

1/3 cup olive oil

4 tbsp. minced fresh oregano

salt & pepper, to taste

Parmesan Cheese shavings, as desired

Now that we've got that outta the way, you'll definitely need to be prepared for this one. There's a lot of "setting aside" goin' on in this recipe, so you'll need to be ready for that. And make sure all your dishes/pots/pans are cleaned and ready to be used because you'll be using several for this one.

First up, cook your pasta according to package directions. I used the whole box of Ditalini, just incase you're wondering. Drain pasta, rinse, and return to pot. Toss in 1 tbsp. of olive oil and mix well. Set this aside.

Now let's go ahead and cook your chicken. The Pioneer Woman used a whole fryer chicken for her recipe, but all I had handy was 4 chicken breasts. Obviously, I used what was available...and cheapest!...for this one. You'll wanna boil your chicken in 8 cups of chicken broth, so make sure you have a pot/pan big enough for all the juiciness. Bring the chicken to a boil and then let it simmer {covered} for about 30 minutes. Now, go 'head and turn off the heat and let it sit there...in all it's wonderful juiciness...covered...for another 30 minutes. Then remove the chicken from the broth and shred. Make sure to set aside the broth because you'll need that for the soup.

Now let's get to dicin', shall we?!

Chop up your bell peppers, jalapenos, celery, and onion. Ohmiword. That's a seriously salivating sight.

While you're choppin', open up those tomatoes and dice those up, too. At this point in the game, you're probably all, "Seriously?! Chopping a can of whole tomatoes?! I'm skippin' that step and buying the can of diced tomatoes next time." Ummmm...yeah, I was totally thinking that, too. But after reading a little bit more about the difference between diced and whole, it sounds like the whole tomatoes are MUCH more flavorful than the diced tomatoes, so don't take the shortcut. Unless you like flavorless tomatoes. Then go right ahead. Once your tomatoes are nice and chopped, return them to their can with all their juices. Set it aside.

Now it's time to chop up the oregano. I didn't have 4 tablespoons worth of fresh oregano, so I improvised and added a mixture of both dried and fresh. Saute this in a little pan with a tablespoon of olive oil. YUM.MO. For real.

You won't wanna saute for too long, just give it enough time to start makin' your house smell somethin' fantastic.

Saute the peppers, onion, celery, and jalapenos in a tablespoon of olive oil until tender {about 10ish minutes}.

Now add the broth, chicken, and tomates {with all the tomato juice} to the pan. Bring to a boil and the reduce the heat to simmer.

My pan wasn't big enough to add the pasta, SO I turned off the heat and added the broth mixture to the pasta {in the pasta pot}. Then add the heavy cream and oregano and stir until well combined. {You won’t need the heat for that part, even if you’re adding the pasta to the same pot!}

PIZZA CASSEROLE

Ingredients:

1 bag of Egg Noodles

1 extra large can of Ragu sauce {or any tomato sauce you prefer} 2lbs

3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese {or more depending on how much you ♥ cheese!}

1 1/2 lbs hamburger meat

1 package pepperonis

Brown the meat, & drain
And boil noodles until soft. Drain.

**Don't forget to preheat the oven @ 350!

Now the layering starts!

Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom

Second layer, half of the noodles

3} half of the meat

4} half of the sauce

5} rest of the noodles

6} half the cheese

7} rest of the meat

8} rest of the sauce

9} rest of the cheese

10} pepperonis

Now cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes

After 30 minutes, remove the foil & bake for another 15 minutes

VOILA!

Mexicorn Dip

• 2 cans (11 Oz. Can) Mexicorn, Drained
• 1 can (4 Oz. Can) Chopped Green Chiles
• 1 whole Bell Pepper, Chopped
• 3 whole Green Onions, Chopped
• 2 whole Jalapenos, Chopped (without Seeds)
• 8 ounces, weight Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• 1 cup Sour Cream
• 1 cup Mayonnaise

Combine all ingredients. Chill before serving with Fritos!

Lost, but hopefully not forever...

I've currently misplaced my most prized possession... my creative niche.

Where are you? We use to spend so much time together and we were once very best friends. **sigh** I so wish I could find you. I'm still on Facebook and I can still be easily found. When you're ready to find me too I'm here... ready and willing to use all the creative imagination I know I have somewhere deep inside.

It's totally obvious to me how I lost you. I met my new job, we hit it off really well and it provides for me one of the most valuable things I need; security. Like with most new exciting relationships I got too caught up in the newness of it all. I started spending way too much time there and before I knew it, it had been 4 months before I realized you were gone. Now here I am... without a creative thought in my head and we haven't had a decent conversation in over 8 months.

I get so jealous of the other girls who have such a strong bond with their creative niche and post pictures of the time they spend together... Oh how I wish I could see you again.

Don't be gone forever... I'll need you back one day when I get the time to beautify my home once again with the joyous items you bring to my mind.

Maybe this spring or summer you'll join me again. When I have the time away from the shallow pit I call a career maybe we'll come up with some marvelous ideas.

For now I will focus on the goal for the moment. Losing the companion I've had for most of my 26 years... the extra 'fun' surrounding my mid-drift. I don't exercise, but I do very intently watch what I eat. I eat so little and thankfully I am losing... just very slowly. Years ago I remember seeing the dreaded ridiculous number of 214 when stepping on the scale. It's so unbelievably fulfilling watching that number decrease over the last 2 years. Currently 164. OH my goodness HAPPY DAY!! Still not quite what I'd like it to be, but I'm working on it daily.

Maybe I might even be better at updating what's on my mind. Probably not though. I've just so been burned by the seemingly innocent things I post that I'm reluctant to be personal at all. C'est la vie then! Live and learn.

I will end on a thoughtful note: If worms had guns, birds wouldn't mess with them.

Creative Challenge

My friend, Brittney posted on her blog a challenge to blog about different topics and stories. I'm going to follow her lead and do the same thing. I think it's a great idea!

I like to write about things on my mind, but sometimes I need a little help off the starting line.

I can't wait to get started!

Day 1 – your hopes, dreams, and plans for the next 365 days

Day 2 – what would be found in your purse

Day 3 – something that makes you feel better

Day 4 – the reason you believe you’re still alive today

Day 5 – what you have learned in the past month

Day 6 – a funny {and true} story

Day 7 – have you ever thought about giving up on life? When and why?

Day 8 – a picture of you and your friends

Day 9 – something you have to forgive yourself for

Day 10 – top 10 pet peeves

Day 11- a favorite book

Day 12 – someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted

Day 13 – a picture of someone/something that has had the biggest impact on you

Day 14 – put your ipod on shuffle and write 10 songs that pop up

Day 15 – a travel story

Day 16 – someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why

Day 17 – a hobby

Day 18 – someone or something you definitely could live without

Day 19 – a picture of something that makes you happy

Day 20 – a favorite recipe

Day 21 – a book you’ve read that changed your views on something

Day 22 – what makes you different from everyone else

Day 23 – a child I love

Day 24 – what’s the best thing going for you right now?

Day 25 – something you bought recently

Day 26 – something you have to forgive someone else for

Day 27 – a favorite quote

Day 28 – what did you do today?

Day 29 – someone you need to let go or wish you didn’t know

Day 30 – short terms goals for this month and why

Day 31 – your dream house

Day 32 – something people seem to compliment you the most on

Day 33 – something you’re proud of in the past few days

Day 34 – next three on your “bucket list”

Day 35 – something you never get compliments on

Day 36 – songs you listen to when you are happy, sad, bored, mad

Day 37 – nicknames you have, and why you have them

Day 38 – something you wish you hadn’t done in your life

Day 39 – something you crave a lot

Day 40 – a person I love

Day 41 – what would you do if you were pregnant?

Day 42 – something you want to buy

Day 43 – something you hope to do in your life

Day 44 – recent picture of you and 15 interest facts about yourself

Day 45 – a favorite song

Day 46 – something you hope you never have to do

Day 47 – the meaning behind your blog name

Day 48 – a favorite movie

Day 49 – someone who has made your life worth living

Day 50 – a picture of somewhere you’ve been to

Day 51 – a picture of your family

Day 52 – a band or artist that has gotten you through some tough days

Day 53 – how you found out about blogger and why you have one

Day 54 – a favorite You Tube video

Day 55 – something you wish you had done in your life

Day 56 – your last five Facebook status’

Day 57 – 5 things about you no one really knows

Day 58 – a picture that makes you happy

Day 59 – make a playlist to someone, explain why you chose all the songs

Day 60 – something you hope to change about yourself, and why

Day 61 – a picture of you last year and now, and how you’ve changed since then

Day 62 – something you dislike about yourself

Day 63 – a favorite photo

Day 64 – something you love about yourself

Day 65 – something you’re craving right now

Day 66 – a favorite food

Day 67 – your favorite superhero and why

Day 68 – a habit you wish you didn’t have

Day 69 – a letter to someone

Day 70 – something or someone you couldn’t live without

for now

The last time I played the blog game it sure bit me in the bottom. I swore to myself if I EVER did a blog again I'd be more careful. Nothing too personal, don't say where I live, and keep my posts simple. It just so happens I have a little more time on my hands now that I don't live at work for 12+ hours a day.

So here is me being careful.

My cute friend, we'll call Brittney, posted on her blog all these different ideas of things to blog about over the course of the year. I love it! If you don't mind, I think I'd like to participate in the bloggy event of the year. Okay, her name really is Brittney, you got me.

I can guarantee I'll be more careful. I won't say anything that'll come back to get me from people from my past reading my blog... ugh, what a nightmare THAT was!!

So, until an over-grown lizard unexpectedly snatches my ankles from underneath my bed and rips into me, I'll be here.... for now.