slow cooking queen...

I've never claimed to be good (or even mediocre) at juggling housework, cooking, and life. In fact, I've never successfully juggled anything. Oh, sure. We get by... always have clean clothes, even if that means being 15 minutes late, because we're waiting on the dryer to finish. I don't usually have much to do in the kitchen. Andy enjoys that space and I willingly relinquish control of that situation. 

Let me tell you a little about Andy (lovingly referred to as Drew, Andrew, or Daddy). He is a very hard worker, providing for his family and is relentless about the quality of his work. He's a wonderful husband, loving father, meticulous electrician, and a fabulous keyboard/piano player. His current work schedule (which has a tendency to change at a moment's notice) has him working four 10 hour shifts, so the Caudill Weekends begin on Thursday around 7:30, when the man walks in the door. There is excitement on Thursdays. Avery can feel it. I can feel it. He's coming home today and we get him all to ourselves for 4 whole days (it is never "all to ourselves" though, because he usually has some sort of side job to do during the weekend: fixing some wiring at so and so's house, recording music for that one guy, practicing for a late night Saturday show with this guy... you catch my drift. Like I said, he works very hard for his family.)     

Thursdays also bring the question: What would you like for dinner? After working hard all week to provide for us, he usually comes home to us having already eaten or with a luke warm pizza in his hands... and I feel like it's time for change. It's time that this hard working man come home to a hot meal. It's time to come out of my comfort zone. Drum roll, please... **It's time to bust out the Crock Pot!**

Now, don't judge. Some Most All of you, are probably thinking, "Uh, yeah. This is a big deal because...?" Well, it's not so much a big deal, other than it doesn't happen much. As I stated earlier, I'm not really the keeper of the kitchen. Andy enjoys being the key holder, and so I give it to him (selfless, aren't I? *wink). However, I feel that this has turned into an expectation on my part. So, I'm taking back a couple days during our weekend. He can have one or two, I'll take the others and/or we can share a night and this cooking thing can be something we do together. What a concept. Sharing a task, so we can spend more time together. Brilliant. Why haven't I thought of this before?!

So... I'm not sure if that stream of thoughts made a lick of sense to anyone (Welcome to My Head), but I got the message. Loud and clear.  

So, what is on the menu for tonight, you ask? Slow Cooker Italian Beef (recipe courtesy of The Crock Pot Girls). I've been flirting with the idea of trying one of their recipes for awhile, and this sudden lunge towards marital bliss has inspired me to do just that. *For those of you who just clicked on the link and thought to yourself, "THAT is what all this fuss is over? 6 ingredients?", please remember: Baby steps to build my culinary resume. Starting small... but at least I'm starting. Right?! Right. Who's with me?

So here it is: 

Just before the "slow cooking" begins.

3 lb. Beef Chuck Roast or Sirloin
1 Onion, quartered
1/2 tsp. Salt
1/2 tsp. Pepper
1 -10.5 to 14 oz. can Beef Broth
1 pkg. Good Seasons Italian salad dressing
1 envelope dry Au Jus mix
1/2 (16 oz.) jar Pepperoncini Peppers and juice

Place meat and the onion in a 5-quart slow cooker.
Mix up next 5 ingredients in a small bowl, then pour over meat.
Add peppers and juice.
Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours.
Remove meat from cooker and slice or shred.
Have juice and peppers available to put on sandwiches or on the side.
Serve on rolls or buns.

The verdict? Juicy, tender meat that just fell apart in the tongs.
Yes. We will be making this again. You should try it.

Full stomachs. Marital bliss.

What I'm Loving Wednesday

I've been flirting with this linking up thing for awhile. Several of my blogging friends are doing it (Abby and Jamie), so I felt the urge to jump on board. I'm linking up with another Jamie at this kind of love and, I apologize in advance if I've jacked this whole "linking-up business".

I am loving... my sweet Avery's new and improved, earlier bedtime. Andy and I always went with the it works for us, so why change it  approach when it came to bedtime. We still co-sleep (with both girls), but it's a modified co-sleeping system. ha! Avery's previous bedtime was somewhere between 10:00-10:30, and was becoming more and more of a fight. With Andy working out of town occasionally, and me, home with both littles... let's just say something had to give. Now, my big girl is asleep no later than 8:30, and Momma is happy. There's no fight. There's no fit. No begging asking for Daddy, because mean ol' Momma is forcing the sleep situation. It's been smooth sailing. I probably just jinxed myself for about a month... I'll let you know.

  I am loving... this (and every season before) of The Biggest Loser.

I can honestly say, I was a little concerned about the quality of the show, this being the first season without Jillian Michaels, but I must say... I'm very pleasantly surprised. I shouldn't be though. I've been a loyal fan to this show since day 1. I know, I know... some people (aka: my husband) don't understand why one would want to watch fat bigger people sweat, scream, cry, and completely expose themselves on TV. Having been a passenger on the weight roller coaster for the past 11 years, I can honestly relate to these contestants. I'm happy to announce that I believe I converted him into enough of a "fan" last season, that he no longer rolls his eyes when he comes in the room and it's on. No more silently pleading with my eyes, "Please?".
No, I'm not big enough to be a contestant... but there was a time in my not-so-long-ago past, that I was eligible. It was a fleeting time in my life (thank you, God), but I know first hand how easy it is to hide behind your waistline. I still use my waistline as an excuse to keep me from doing things I'm afraid of. *Anyways, this show gets me, every time. Never fails.

I am loving... my Instagram account. Yes. I'm aware it's been around for awhile, but I'm just now discovering it.

hvcaudill
follow me.

I am loving... reading about all these festive/fall inspired recipes! I'm not a huge fan of the kitchen, but have to admit, what I've been reading, has definitely peeked my interest. Oh, that sounds amazing. I could so do this one... Maybe I'll try that... You catch my drift. The Brown Eyed Baker is a wonderful resource for the kitchen beginner, like myself, with tutorials and "baking FAQ"s, I don't feel like as much of an idiot. I actually used this one for Avery's birthday cupcakes (don't get me wrong, my mother still practically held me hand through text messages, but I did it), and am looking for an excuse to try these in the VERY NEAR FUTURE. I don't need an excuse, do I? I mean... tis' the season, right? That's enough of an excuse.

Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
www.browneyedbaker.com

*Regardless of talent level in the kitchen, I would recommend www.browneyedbaker.com for some great recipe ideas. Hopefully, your house (and mine) will be filled with delicious, festive smells soon.

I am loving... Pinterest. Yes, just like Instagram, I'm aware it's been around for awhile, but I'm just now discovering it. My dear friend, Ali, told me about it months ago, and I kinda forgot about it. Then, my mother started talking about it, and I realized I had better get on the internet sensation ball. Can't have her being more technologically advanced than me, can I? Pinterest = A BIG HUGE BLACK HOLE OF FABULOUS-NESS. Seriously. Tie a rope around your waist and have a family member hold on tight to the other end. You will need to have them pull you back into the real world.
All that being said, I have found some really cute craft ideas for the girls (especially once EG gets a little bigger), decorating items to add to my Someday wish list, and some fantastic blogs to start reading. Love it. So, if you haven't already, get pinning.      

       

So, what are you loving this Wednesday? Thanks for reading and feel free to share the love.



It's Fall, Y'all...

I know. According to the calendar, the first day of fall was September 23rd... which was 3 weeks ago. And, even if you count our GREAT PUMPKIN SEARCH, our fall had it's kick-off a week ago. But... today, I felt it.  I smelled it. I tasted it.

Andy got out the big pot and my house filled with the delicious smell of his infamous potato soup. It's fantastic. He was holding this one close to his chest. Didn't bust this recipe out until after we were married, not that I needed any more convincing.  

This recipe changes several times throughout the season. Spicy. Extra creamy. This time he added chicken and green chile's. Amazing.

What a fantastic lunch AND dinner?! Yes, I had two HUGE bowls.

Then, at my mother's...

I'm not gonna lie. I knew what we were walking into. It wasn't just a "pleasant surprise". The pumpkin pie was a large contributing factor in our quick visit. Blake is really into pumpkin pie, so this was the first of many pies of the season. This makes my pallet happy.

Hope you're enjoying your fall season, whenever it started. Any favorite fall inspired dishes I need to add to my list?

Thank you for reading. Until next time...

Avery's 2nd Birthday: The Recap

Last week, my biggest little turned 2. Due to some scheduling conflicts, her celebrations have been spread, somewhat evenly throughout the past 8 days. That's how we roll. We'll celebrate all month, if we want to... right?

Honestly, I already feel like I've over done the sharing part with pictures on facebook and a blog post, but I can say this will be the last Avery Birthday post, until next year, of course.

On her actual birthday (9.29.11), we celebrated with our dear friends/neighbors/might-as-well-be-family family, the Harrison's. Howard and Kim, affectionately referred to as "Wah-Wah" and "Meme", respectfully, are such a big part of my little family and am so thankful for that.

Mini charm bracelet. Avery liked it. Momma LOVED it.

I had fully intended on making homemade cupcakes for my girl's special day, but with dilated eyes (first eye appointment in 14 years, give or take) I found that I couldn't see my grocery list... so a little ice cream cake never hurt anyone.

Saturday (10.08.11... also known as today) we celebrated with the rest of our family, at my mother's.

Look at this mess.

I made the homemade cupcakes and am pretty pleased with how they turned out (recipe courtesy of the Brown Eyed Baker). Yes, this is Hilary. No, I have not been abducted by aliens and replaced with a look alike version of myself that is suddenly comfortable in the kitchen. It's really me... I'm pretty sure.  I mean, they could have come out of the oven a smidge sooner and I may need to work on my icing skills, but I'm not throwing in the towel on this baking thing, just yet.

Avery got her "big girl" present from Andy and me this evening. Melissa & Doug Art Station. She was definitely a happy camper. I love that she has this ever growing interest in artist expression. I know... she's two. But, I still love it.  She is very into painting. She "chalks" every time we're outside. We color every day. It's awesome.

Lovely evening.

Happy Birthday, sweet girl.

You. Are. Loved. So. Much.

*Busy last couple of days. I'm exhausted. I promise to give you all a break from the constant postings. Hope you have a relaxing Sunday!