Meet Codi and Her Famous Chicken Alfredo

Good Morning, Blog World! I am so excited to share one of favorite recipes with you today! More importantly, I am overjoyed to share one of my sweetest lifelong friend's with you, too! As I told yo Monday, this week is friend week! I could not be more proud of this awesome friend and can truly testify that she is purely awesome! 

First and foremost, I would like to introduce you to baby Codi and Kalyn. Can you say throwback? 

Now, I would like to introduce you to adult Codi and Kalyn. 

Are we not precious! Thank the Lord camera's have advanced with time because photography these days is a bajilion million times better! 

Codi and I have grown up together since I can remember. We used to wear the exact same Old Navy outfit every Friday for free dress, we played softball together, graduated from high school together, and she was even standing by my side the day I said "I do". 

My family moved to Alabama from Louisiana when I was only three years old. My mom had just married Steve, my step-father, and his job was transferred to a little 'ole hole in the wall town in Alabama. Honestly, I do not remember much at the time regarding friends and those we met. However, as I got older I do know that Codi and I spent a great amount of time together inside and outside of school.

Codi is one of those girls that you do not have to talk to every single day, but when you do reunite you pick up right where you left off. She and I have encountered many of the same situations when it comes to life, love, and growing up. We both are still trying to figure out this college thing and attempting to enjoy the ride every step of the way. 

If you notice in one of the photos above, Darlin, Codi's grandmother is included. Darlin is outstanding. She is totally better than your grandmother, I swear! I have always called her my hometown grandmother just because she was always there for me should I ever need a grandmother. Typically my Memaw, my Mother's mom, would travel to Alabama often to visit, but when in doubt- I would rely on Darlin most of the time. 

Though the years Codi and I have gone our separate ways physically, as do most adults once you graduate high school. With time, distance and learning to deal with life we have also learned to make our friendship last. Now that I live closer to Codi in Alabama and am no longer at LSU in Baton Rouge, often times we get to have dinner dates just to catch up and share all that we are learning with where we currently stand during this chapter of our journeys. 

We are trying to do this thing called life, but it can be difficult without friends to share the journey with sometimes. In the midst of discussing love, gossip, fashion, and everything else, she recently shared an awesome recipe with me that I have been dying to share with YOU!  

If you are a regular reader you know that I am a huge fan of being in the kitchen! More importantly, who does not love an easy, quick, YUMMY recipe! I know I am a sucker for all three and will be forever thankful Codi shared this one with me. In turn, I want to share it with all of the lovely readers out there! Tony Harper loves this recipe which was surprising because he is a meat and potato kind of guy. Thankfully his new found love for this recipe has caused us to explore more pasta options at Olive Garden! Praise Jesus he finally got on board with trying a new restaurant!

What You Will Need: 

• 1 Box of Noodles (of your choice)
• 1 Bottle of Alfredo sauce (of your choice)
• 3-4 Cups of Chopped Chicken (I have used Tyson pre-cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken, and I have broiled and chopped raw chicken breasts. Either option will work, just give yourself the appropriate amount of time.)

Directions:

• Boil Noodles (drain water) 
• Chop and/or boil chicken
• Mix noodles, chicken, and Alfredo sauce in bowl
• Serve and Enjoy!

I typically add a little Parmesan cheese to the dish before serving. Also, I normally serve hot with buttered rolls although this dish is just as good served cool. 

I have used many different brands of Alfredo sauce. Our favorite it Ragu. Also, blue box of Barilla noodles pictured above will typically last for two recipes. Half of the box of noodles will make enough for 4 meals (2 for dinner, 2 for lunch the next day). I normally save the rest of the noodles instead of cooking them all at once because Tony does not like to eat the same meal three times in a row. 

If you have any questions, let me know! 

As always, until next time- Happy Blogging! 

Co-Host: Wedding Wednesday Link Up Party

Welcome to the 7th Wedding Wednesday Link Up Party with A Happy Wife in New Orleans! I have had so much fun checking out everyone's wedding posts and I hope you have too! I feel like whether you are single, engaged or have been married for 50 years, you cannot help but get a smile on your face when hearing about other wedding related experiences. At least that is me :)
What is this link up party all about?

Link up any wedding-related post on your blog. This can be a favorite post of yours previously written or a new post. Anything wedding related! Wedding planning, your own wedding recaps, a wedding you were in, a wedding you attended, bridal showers, engagement stories, honeymoons, etc... You get the picture! Be sure to link up a different post for every new link up party.

Now let's meet this week's co-hosts!
Ella @ Champagne + Cardigans
Kalyn @ Love. Laughter. Happy Ever After.
Samantha @ Designer In Teal

Here are your "vows" to linking up: 1. You MUST follow your Host and Co-hosts {#1 - 4} via GFC. 2. Link up your favorite "wedding" related post on your blog. It could be a new post or one previously written. ** Be sure to include the link directly to that post.** 3. Please link back to me within your post (text link or party button). There will be times that I will feature my favorite posts and will only feature those posts that include a direct link back to me. 4. Visit other blogs that have linked up and let them you know stopped bye. 5. Spread the word about this fun link up party!

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Interested in co-hosting a future Wedding Wednesday Link Up Party?  Email Mary at rollingontheriverinheels@gmail.com. I am so excited to see everyone's wedding post!  Thank you for saying "I DO" to the Wedding Wednesday Link Up Party!

 

Wedding Wednesday [FIRST!! Co-Host]

Welcome! Happy Wedding Wednesday, Y'all! 

I am a newlywed of a whopping 220 days as of today! For old time's sake, shall we give the wedding video click a go? Why not! If you would like to see more from our wedding, check out our video clip HERE. :) 

I am super excited to be co-hosting this week's link up party with Ella @ Champagne + Cardigans and Samantha @ Designer In Teal. Our wonderful host is Mary @ A Happy Wife In NOLA. Be sure to check out their awesome posts about all things wedding! You certainly do not want to miss out on all the tips, tricks, advice, DIY, and reminiscing shared in this link up party! 

If you are visiting from the link up party, welcome! Let me know where you blog at below so I can visit your wedding posts. If you are a regular reader, thanks for being so faithful! I love y'all to the moon and back! I 110% appreciate your support! 

This week I would like to talk about Save The Dates. So far, I think this is one topic that I have not discussed in depth. Let's do it today! 

Of course we all know that there is a huge draw towards creative, Pinterest inspired Save The Dates these days. Most Brides are choosing to have Save The Dates whereas in past years, this idea was not as popular nor incorporated into the planning/budget process. 

Tony and I were not too picky about our cards. Like much of the planning process, he allowed me to have free reign of Pinterest, blogger sites, and other creative outlets. I picked five different ideas that I really liked. I knew that I wanted elegant, unique, and memorable to be incorporated since this was the very first piece of the puzzle that would detail the upcoming event for our guests. Plus, I adore sharing photos with others. I thought that it would be the best and cheapest option to incorporate so much about our day through our Save The Dates. Once all was said and done on my behalf, Tony narrowed down the five options and decided on one in particular for us. By the way, the option he chose was by far my favorite! Of course great minds think alike!  

If I was totally honest, I would tell you there is still one hanging on our refrigerator even though we are no longer saving a date in June of 2012. I really have no clue what to do with my summer now that I will not be planning a wedding or preparing for OUR HONEYMOON.  I am obsessed with weddings, love, and event planning. Unfortunately, I am no longer planning my wedding. However, fortunately for our bank account we are no longer spending money on planning a wedding! Ha! Yippee! :) 

Our Tuscaloosa based photographers at J Franks were awesome enough to incorporate our ideas with their prior knowledge of photos and printing skills. They were able to create the cards for us with the very top photo on one side. The other side of the card was a collage of different engagement shots that included our Wedding Website on The Knot. (Shame on me for not saving the emailed photo!) 

We found the perfect spot in downtown Tuscaloosa at the historical Bama Theatre to fit my creative wants on the marquee and Tony's second love and alma mater, The University of Alabama. I think we might have spent about $250 for 450 cards (with envelops). (Price of stamps not included.) 

Currently, we have about 4 different Save The Dates on our refrigerator. 

I wanted to share this specific Save The Date below with you all since I have the honor of directing this sweet friend's May ceremony. Not only am I excited to share this couple's Save The Date, but I am also excited that we start the Wedding Festivities kick off this weekend! 

Lara Ellen and Ryan are getting hitched in a few short months and the time has come to shower them with lovelovelove. Check out Lara Ellen @ Living Like LaLa as she journals her life while becoming a wife! If you would like to know more about Lara Ellen and the relationship she and I share you can read all about it HERE.

As you can tell, their Save The Date is very different compared to ours although it is still full of photos. It fits their style perfectly and I just am in love with their engagement photos. Lara Ellen designed and purchased 100 Save The Dates just like the card below from Vista Print for a little over $40 (includes shipping and envelops).

I think the best thing about Save The Date cards is the functionality, formality, and uniqueness that every Bride and Groom bring to their planning process. As I mentioned above, this is the first piece of the puzzle that you set for your guests. This is the first idea they are given about what type of wedding you will be hosting. If you look on Pinterest or The Knot, varieties of color, size, and style will range greatly. Also, is it important to keep in mind that prices range too. If done right, I think some of the most precious Save The Dates are DIY. However, it is your day and your budget. Chose wisely and dream big, ladies! Enjoy and happy planning! 

If you have missed out on any previous Wedding Wednesday posts, look no further! I have you covered! Happy reading and reminiscing! :) 

Also, if you would like to look at additional photos from our planning process, celebration of festivities, and wedding day reception and ceremony you can do so by visiting the albums I created on the blog's FACEBOOK FAN PAGE. Enjoy! 

1) Decor (Reception and Ceremony) Click Here

2) Flowers Click HERE

3) Reception Food and Cakes Click Here

4) Photographer Click Here

5) Make-up/Hair Click Here

6) Wedding Random Extras (EVERYTHING!!) Click Here

7) The Dress and Shopping Click Here

8) Wedding Etiquette for Dummies Click Here

Thanks for reading, friends! I hope you loved all you saw today and will visit again! I would love to share the blog and wedding love in your little corner of the Internet if you share where your little corner of the internet is located!  

As always, until next time- Happy Blogging! 

FIRST EVER: Guest Post FEVER!

Hello and Welcome!

I wrote a post over at Simply Clarke today. You can find the post HERE. Go say hello to Marquis. I am obsessed with her blog, her love story, and her commitment to the Lord! It is such an awesome reflection of how the Lord truly works for the good in all things when you meet someone like Marquis in blog world. It is crazy how much we have in common and I am so thankful to have found a new blog friend! :) 


If you are stopping by from Simply Clarke, thank you so much for visiting! I hope you will grab your favorite cup of coffee, hot tea, or whatever it is you like to drink and stay awhile. Just feel free to make yourself at home, tour the blog's NEW LOOK, learn about its EXPANSION, let's swap buttons, and read on! 

I recently married my long time lover of seven years. He is a master jokester and  Giggle Box just waiting to happen! We became big kids over the summer and are doing life in the real world adult style. It.Is.A.Blast!

The Lord is my Father. I love my family. I am blessed with incredible in-laws. And, I have some pretty awesome friends all over the world in real life and many spectacular friends in blog world. 

I am obsessed with attempting artsy photography through Instagram, trying new Pinterest Recipes, DIY Projects, organizing and cleaning anything and everything, and typically I will  stress myself to the max trying to find the perfectly imperfect graduation route. 

Eventually, I will complete my Bachelor Degree. 

Am I crazy about life and love? Probably slightly. (Obsessed may be a better word.)

In a good way, at least. 

I simply document my life for all to read on this here blog, even though that may be extremely weird for some people. I love my little corner of the Internet and adore the blogging community. 

I am so blessed for all that has come from having this blog during the last few months. I hope that I can continue to use this platform for the glory of my Father. I believe that the Lord has given me this incredible platform to share my life and the story I have through Jesus. This place is not about followers, it is not about comments, and it is not even about me although I share so much from our newlywed world. This place is about Jesus Christ and what He can do through a sinner like me. This is a place for Him to get all the glory. This is a place where I can share the incredible things He has done in my life and point straight back to Him. 

I hope you will visit again, comment your blog address below, email me to say "hi" and tag along as I continue to share all the Lord is teaching me through life, love, and all that consumes my happily ever after world. :) 

If you wanna know more about me, go HERE. If you want to read more about our fairytale love story, go HERE. Feel free to contact me HERE. I would lovelovelove to meet you and tour your blog if you have taken the time to share the love in my little world! :)  

As always, until next time- Happy Blogging!  

Jesus Calling and Everyday Life

Good Morning, friends!

I hope y'all had a wonderful weekend!

Our weekend was delightfully laid back, yet busy which does not make much sense at all. Regardless we got a lot accomplished and were able to rest up for this new week which is sure to be super crazy busy. On Friday we enjoyed a little sweet treat after dinner. On Saturday husband and I decided to take a walk around a local trail during my homework break to enjoy the sunshine and spring weather (even though it is JANUARY!). Sunday was spent exploring Birmingham, meal planning, and doing all the grown-up things that are completely and totally boring. Nevertheless, it was a lovely little weekend over here in newlywed land. :)

Today I want to share some recent blessings with you. I am thankful for sweet friends by far and I must say that this week is all about friends! Today's post is about some loving from a friend, tomorrow I am guest posting for a new blog friend, and Wednesday I am sharing a friend's recipe! Stay tuned in because this week is sure to be awesome in my littler corner of the Internet! :)

Last Friday I spent the ENTIRE day on the phone trying to get IT assistance while attempting to install a new software program on my computer. I woke up pretty early, made the first phone call which then prompted me to make three additional phone calls, and in a matter of SEVEN hours and two remote control accessed technicians, my computer was dubbed poo because of malware issues among others. Granted, my computer is four years old and has had Norton protection since day 1. However, my ram was shot due to so many technical application errors and other reasons that I would hate to continue to bore you through explanation. Needless to say, I learned more than I ever wanted to know about a computer as a machine.

Then, throughout the day I noticed our brand spanking new washing machine was leaking water on the floor in our laundry room once it completed a wash cycle. Talk about frustrated! It gets even better-- While I was getting dressed later that evening my hair dryer died. I honestly wanted to scream at the top of my lungs and pull my hair out all at once! I mean, really life? I just needed a break!

The next few days went a little better even though my computer is still out of commission. Also, the washer's doctor appointment we discovered that I was not using the proper detergent for our washing machine so it was causing the machine to skip a cycle. In turn, water was collection at the bottom of the washer and overflowing a pipe in the back. Note: Ladies, if you have a high efficiency washer- USE HIGH EFFICIENCY DETERGENT!  And finally, thankfully the hair dryer problem was pretty easy to fix with a little Target (Tarjay) run. :)

My point is this:

About half way into the day's frustrations I decided to check some emails and take a break from life for a minute. I just needed to forget the world around me and see what was going on within my little iPhone. I happened to have seen the text below in my inbox from a friend. She had seen a few tweets I had made about no longer having a desire to master in computer technology and all that was breaking down in our newlywed world. (Don't we all let that frustration out through twitter? I mean, gosh!) Thankfully, her daily devotional not only spoke to her heart but it was also applicable to my situation at the time, too. I am so so glad she decided to share this little bit of info with me!

Learn to trust men when things "go wrong." Disruptions to your routine highlight your dependence on Me. Trusting acceptance of trials brings blessings that far outweigh them all. Walk hand in hand with Me through this day. I have lovingly planned every inch of the way. Trust does not falter when the path becomes rocky and steep. Breathe deep droughts of My Presence, and hold tightly to my hand. Together we can make it. 

You cannot tell me this was not Jesus calling. Such a God thing for her to know to reach out to me. Such a God thing for the Lord to use technology and emails to get to me! Talk about a blessing in disguise! Thank you, Lord, for beautiful friends with precious hearts. 

I praise Jesus HE is the ultimate Leader, Teacher, and Healer through all things. Although things "went wrong" and were not scheduled on my to-do list, Jesus intervened in a huge way. As reminded by my step-dad, these little speed bumps are life. It is all part of learning and growing up when you are on your own as an adult. Disruptions to my routine truly highlighted my dependence upon Him. I must trust Him even in the smallest of situations. I must have faith even through worldly dispositions. There are blessings in EVERYTHING. I had to look for the best in a ugly day and was taught patience is a phenomenal virtue to possess. 

This post has been linked up to the weekly "GFC Collective" party. I have met some pretty neat people by following them with GFC throughout the last few weeks. It is so easy to keep up to date with all of my fav blogs, too! If you are stopping by from the GFC Collective party I would love to know so that I can share the love in your little corner of the Internet! Thanks for visiting! 

Also, this post has been linked to social media Monday over at Quite The Blog with Morgan! Her blog is beyond awesome and I would totally recommend checking it out if you have a chance! Love it and her heart! 

As always, until next time- Happy Blogging! 

Grace and Faith

Happy HAPPY Friday!! 

Y'all, She Reads Truth has me all tangled up... in a good way! If you are a regular reader you know that I blogged recently on finding Hope From Exodus. Today, I would like to follow up hope with grace and faith. 

What good is it if I claim to have faith without deeds? Suppose someone is without clothes, food, or the basic essentials. If I were to say to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but do nothing about their physical necessities, what good is it? As a Christian, what do my actions say to them about my Jesus? Certainly I would have let them down tremendously. Mere words are not enough to carry through with faithful action. In the same way, faith by itself, if not accompanied by action, is completely dead. My faith alone is not enough for this life if I choose to not accompany it by actions that praise the Lord. Also, in the same, works without faith is dead.

In the same way, the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. Works alone will not be enough to enter the Kingdom gates. Now, do not get me wrong, the gifts of salvation, repentance, mercy, and grace are still  free gifts. And, while these gifts mean new life and a fresh start as a Christian, they must be accompanied by faith that can move mountains. Am I perfect? No way! I am perfectly imperfect. Praise Jesus everyone in our world is different because if we were all just alike, our world would be totally and completely boring. Sometimes faith can seem like a denial of reality, but that is because we are holding on to reality that is more real that the reality that we can perceive with our five senses. Let go, let God. 

Give away your life; you will find it given back, but not merely given back--given back with a bonus and a blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Luke 6: 38

Take heart, we are covered by His grace. We are Forgiven.

Let your life be an outpouring of all He has poured out on you.

Last Thursday night my husband and I may or may not have had a in depth heated discussion about being attached to social media and the drought it was causing in our relationship based on the time we spend together in the evenings. Over the weekend he went south to hunt and I stayed home to catch up on school. I had some time to think and pour out my heart to Jesus. Sometimes it is so difficult to hear your flaws from another or personally admit distractions when you are constantly on the run and not in absolute focus. Now, since my husband is the head of our home he had every right to call me out. First and foremost, Tony is my husband. But he is also my accountability partner which represents great strides in our marriage and relationship as children of the Lord. 

I can tell y'all, this weekend was reflection at its best! Talk about convicted. Sometimes you have to get out of that personal comfort zone to truly find peace within your heart to move forward and work through things on your own for the benefit of your self and those around you. Not only was I allowing social media and emails to consume my time with husband, I also was allowing unneeded tasks (as well as the two examples listed above) to consume my walk with the Lord. 

If you read my post on Saturday, Confessions: Being A New Wife you may have noticed that I mentioned that I was no longer going to post on Sundays. So starting today I have decided to push away from the social media world all together on Friday evenings until Monday mornings and truly pursue My Word For 2013. Recently, I prayed the Lord would show me what I needed to work on in this life in order to live more out loud for Him and I am taking a stand to listen for His directions. By His grace I am saved, now I must put my faith into action. 

I would like to redirect my respect for the Sabbath by keeping it holy, as it was designed to be. Somehow, I have ventured away from this commitment to the Lord. Also, I would like to redirect my respect for my husband and the time that we have to spend together. The most important thing for me to do as a wife is put Tony above all the other earthly mess that I have going on, NO.MATTER.WHAT. He deserves my full attention and time when we are both free and available in the evenings, not emails or social media. 

As a wife, one of the hardest things that I have had to learn is that just because you get married does not mean that you get to spend every waking moment together. Some days, the only time we get to communicate is over a late dinner or while getting dressed in the mornings because our schedules are so different. No matter what it takes, I am committing to LIVE for the Lord more through actions, not only through my faith because faith alone cannot stand up to the giants of this world. No matter what it takes, I am committed to valuing the time I have with my husband doing absolutely nothing. For one day we will look back and want these years.  

Nicole over at Bloom the Blog made an interesting point the other day in reference to using social media for enhancement and encouragement or "just because I should"? [Pertaining to this subject, her post is phenomenal should you be interested in reading more! I highly, highly recommend taking a glance at it!] Once I was able to read her post on Friday after Tony and I had our discussion on Thursday night I was like, "Really, Lord? First Tony, now this blog post..." but I realized that Jesus was trying to get to me in every way possible! Blog world, social media, and emails are awesome but they are not everything. With all I have, I want my life to be an outpouring of all He has poured on me. I ask the same of my marriage, too. From here on out, I am no longer going to allow social media or emails to consume my weekends.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Enjoy the time you have with those you love. I will be back Monday! I will continue to read and answer your emails and comments within the week, too! Thanks for the love, understanding and support. :)  

I am linking up with Quite The Blog and others to share this post which will be included in the Saturday morning coffee call! Check out all the other wonderful bloggers joining in! :) 

As always, until next time- Happy Blogging! 

PS- If you missed any other posts from this week, look no further! I got you covered! Thanks so much for reading! I am loving visiting all the new blogs and responding to the sweet comments! Thank you or your support, blog friends! :) 

Confessions of a New Wife [Marriage as a Contract]

Dear 16 Year Old Self

Lovin' From The Oven

Pinterest Inspired Teacher Wardrobe

Pinterest Inspired Wardrobe

I recently received my placements for two of my four different observation requirements!!!! 

Since I am an Early Childhood/Elementary Education major student teaching, tutoring, and observing at four different facilities this semester I am required to dress differently depending upon where I am headed each day. Some facilities ask for students to dress appropriately comfy and others ask that we dress professionally.  

I spent a crazy unhealthy amount of time on Pinterest the other day while waiting for Tony to get home from work skimming a couple of different ideas that I could contribute to pieces I already have in my wardrobe. I wanted to play around with different ways that I can make outfits not look like that fifty year old teacher in a sweater and khakis. I want to appear presentable, fashionable and yet polished based on my personal values. Instead of standing out, I am going for functional, comfortable, and chic. I am not fashionista. However, I do like to feel pretty and be comfortable on most occasions. 

After receiving my schedules for each facility the other day, I made a mad dash to a couple of stores looking for a few last minute items that I did not have that we are required to wear. Jeans, tight fits, v-necks, and chunky jewelry are all out of the question. Personally, heels are definitely out of the question because there is too much walking and standing throughout the day for me to attempt looking good in shoes that kill my feet. Skirts and dresses are definitely booted, too. Especially when working with the younger children, there is way too much floor work and we all know anything can happen. 

These are a few ideas I plan to try based on the clothes I have modified for my personal taste and for what each facility requires. Since Christmas break I have been watching sales and cutting coupons in the paper. So far I have gathered a lot of really awesome pieces from Old Navy, Gap, and Target. Thanks to my twitter teacher friends I am finding new stores and teacher wardrobe steals often! I am a sucker for flats and am starting to use belts and scarves more for accessories instead of jewelry. Also, I am obsessed with a good sweater/blouse duo. Thankfully, a couple of outfits have come together rather nicely based on a future teacher's budget if you ask me. 

OOTD (TODAY!): Obviously I will not wear the jeans in this photo. I am learning to like blazers a bit more! The two photos directly below are some other ideas I have been playing with, as well! :) 

Are you an education major looking for some "professional wardrobe ideas"? If so, check out Jamie's take over at Southern Simplicity on Back To School: Teacher Style. I love her ideas for incorporating patterns and color so that khakis are not so boring! 

Monday morning I head out to my first observation in an Alabama setting and I. AM. SO. EXCITED. It has been a while since I was in a classroom and I have that teacher fever! Just by attending classes at UAB I already can tell that the state requirements are really different than what I learned previously at LSU. Lord willing, I hope I survive the rest of the semester at the rate I am moving! :) 

Children are like flowers. As educators, we plant the seeds, water, nourish, and set them in the sunshine to grow. 

As always, until next time- Happy Blogging!