Stay Tuned...

I'm sorry I have not posted this week. We are busy preparing for our vacation. However, stay tuned for a super duper post once we return! I'm sure I will have all kinds of stories and pictures to share! In the mean time, here are some photos of where we'll be....

Koby's blanket and the best bargain ever!

Here is Koby with his new blanket (that I made him, by the way)! He loves it. He sat and chewed his bone on it during Grey's Anatomy (which we recorded using our DVR!). And this is my best bargain ever! I fully expcted to pay full price for this vase and the filler, however, I got to the register and my entire bill was $16.00. Shocked, I asked the clerk if that was correct and if she rang up the vase. Confused, she checked the receipt and sure enough, she got the vase. It was $2.98...AMAZING!!!

Dancing with the Stars

So, I love "Dancing with the Stars". It is one of my favorite "reality" shows. I think it is amazing for several reasons:

1) I like dancing, so I'm automatically drawn to it

2) I like keeping up with celebrities

3) I'm intrigued by how good the pros are

4) I am baffled by how good the celebrities become by the end of the show and how good of teachers the pros must be. I mean, come on, anyone who has had any sort of dance training knows how hard it is to learn a new routine, let alone, every week and still keep on top of your regular job. Ughh...

5) I would love to have a body like the women pros, and other dancers for that matter. A few of the women this year went on the show to lose weight. Jennie Garth was one of them and she looks amazing after only a few months!

My last point leads me to this....

Maybe I COULD have a dancer's body!!! Can you believe it??? DWTS workout videos?!?!?!?! I might add this to my Christmas list...ha ha!!!

Fall Has Arrived!!

My favorite time of the year has finally settled in, here in Wichita! Fall has arrived and is here to stay! I love this time of year. I love the cool, brisk mornings. I love the fall smells from the air to the candles to the baked goods. I love curling up in my sweats and sweatshirts in the evenings and wearing my slippers around the house. I love the nostalgia that fall brings, memories from when Brandon and I were dating, times spent with family at football games, high school activities... Everything just makes me feel warm and secure! Weird, maybe, but I love it!

In honor of Fall, here is a new favorite seasonal recipe:

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Spread

1 pkg cream cheese, softened (I use the reduced fat kind)

1/2 c. canned pumpkin

1/4 c. sugar

3/4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice or all spice

1/2 tsp. vanilla

Beat all the ingredients together until smooth. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Use as a spread on bagels or as a dip with cinnamon graham crackers or ginger snaps!

Tomorrow, I fully intend to post pictures of Koby with his new blanket. He just loves it! I also intend to post a picture of the greatest bargain ever (okay, maybe not ever, but it comes close!)!

Have a wonderful day!

We had a fantastic weekend! There is nothing like having a weekend of fun and relaxation with nothing planned! We spent Friday night bowling with friends and stayed out until about 12:15 pm (some what of a new thing for us...ha ha)! Then, we slept in (slightly) on Saturday. Koby was kind enough to let us sleep until 8:00 rather than 7:00. Then, we got a few things done around the house: we hung curtains in our kitchen, thanks to momma Bohn (photos to come as soon as we change our blinds, they don't exactly match), Brandon fixed the flapper on our toliet (exciting, I know), and I did a few of my usual chores (cleaning up the kitchen, laundry, vacuuming, etc.). Then, we set out to do a little shopping! We had a few things on our list and among them were those brown shoes I posted last week. I tried them on, among many others and ended up walking away with the brown shoes and a different pair of black shoes! I think I'm finally set for our trip next week! Brandon also scored a little treat himself...he got a flat screen TV! He's been wanting one since we moved into our house (exactly 1 year ago this weekend) and he's been so patient. The store had to special order it, so we'll be getting it on Wednesday, along with HDTV service and DVR!!!!! That is right, I said DVR!! Can you believe it????? I've wanted this for sooooo long and since we got the TV, Brandon said I could get DVR. Now, I'm not complaining, but he is still spinning it that the DVR is for me when clearly, had we not gotten the TV, we wouldn't have gotten the DVR, thus it is more for him. But, like I said, I'm not complaining! I can't wait to record all of my favorite shows!! Then, yesterday, we went to church and basically just hung out the rest of the day. It was a great day for relaxing and just being together. I did make Koby his very own fleece blanket and we took him for a walk. I think the walk wore him out because he was cashed out on the couch all night long! I also made a new recipe for Apple Crisp (Brandon was in the mood for it). I'll have to post the recipe later. It turned out really tasty!

On a more serious note, I want to ask for prayer this week. First of all, Brandon's grandmother will be going in for back surgery on Wednesday, so we want to lift her up. I'm not quite sure of the procedure, but I know it will be a long recovery. So, please be in prayer for her. Also, there has been a lot going on with a few different things in my life (most of you know what I'm talking about) and I should be finding out a lot this week. So, please pray for patience and guidance for me. I had a strange turn of events towards the end of the week last week, that kind of complicated matters! Either way, there is an upside, it is just a matter of what happens in the end! I'll keep you posted!

It's a 2 post day!

I have forgotten to post pictures from the K-State game this past weekend! I'm still waiting on some pictures from my mom, but these will do for now! I think Lauren was trying to get the attention of an older man at this point. From what I hear, she fell in love!!

Put your new shoes on....

I wish this were the case.... I have been in the hunt for a cute pair of brown flats for the fall. I want them to wear with jeans, khakis, gauchos, etc. I am trying to find some that are reasonably priced, as I'm sure the "flat" trend will be out next year. However, the shoes that are reasonably priced are not as cute as these wonderful shoes.... It seems as though the "reasonably" priced shoes always have some feature that I don't like, while these incorporate everything I've been looking for (not too dressy, no heel, all brown, casual yet can be dressed up, etc). The problem is, they are not so "reasonably" priced, thus my dilemma. Brandon doesn't quite understand why shoes are so expensive, although he does realize I need some new ones. So, what is a girl to do?????

Is everyone ready for Ugly Betty and Grey's tonight? I am!!! I have been hearing a few of my friends talk about how they are disappointed with Grey's this season, but I'm still holding on with hope that it will get better! After all, Izzy wants to fight Callie tonight!!! As we watch our favorite shows, we'll be eating one of our favorite meals - Stromboli! I've posted the recipe below. This recipe falls in my "it's a variaton of another meal that I make all of the time" category - in this case, pizza and calzones. None the less, it is good!

Stromboli

1 can refrigerated pizza dough

1/3 pould deli ham

1/4 pound salami

1 c. shredded mozzarella cheese

3-4 provolone cheese slices

olive oil to brush on the top

1 tsp. italian seasoning

pizza sauce for dipping

Roll out your pizza dough to form a rectangle. Layer your ham, salami and cheeses as if you were making a pizza. Leave about 1 inch of dough around the edges for sealing. Roll your dough into a log and press the edges together. Brush with olive oil and top with seasonings. Bake according to your pizza dough directions until golden brown (I don't really know how long it takes. I just watch it in the oven). In the mean time, heat up your pizza sauce for dipping.

Enjoy!

Day Off

I took the day off today! I had a few things I needed to do, so instead of just doing those things and going back to work, I took the whole day off! I have lunch plans with Brandon, I'm going to do a little shopping and just enjoy some time off. It is raining here, so an afternoon nap might also be in store! I have a few projects that need to be completed, so maybe I'll get those done as well.

Have a lovely day!

New Recipe

I haven't had much time to post new recipes lately, so I have posted a few below! Enjoy!

Creamy Chicken Enchiladas (one of Brandon's favorites, but slightly fattening!)

4 chicken breasts, cooked and diced

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 c. reduced fat sour cream

1 can Rotel tomatoes, drained

1 package of medium sized tortillas

2 can green chili enchilada sauce

1 packaged shredded monterrey jack and colby cheese

Combine the first five ingredients and mix well. Spread mixture evenly between the tortillas and roll each tortilla up. Place in a greased 9x13 pan. Top with green enchilada sauce and cheese. Bake 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly, in a 400 degree oven. Serve with a green salad and Spanish rice.

Italian Beef Sandwiches

2-4 lb. roast

3 cloves garlic, minced

2-3 packages dry italian dressing mix (2 packages for 2-3 lb roast, 3 packages for 4lb roast)

1/2 c. water

whole wheat hoagie rolls

provolone cheese slices

Place roast in a crock pot. Spread garlic and italian dressing mix over roast and add water. Cook on low setting 8-10 hours. Remove meat and shred with forks. Return meat to crock pot and mix in with juices. Toast your hoagie rolls and top with meat and provolone cheese slices. This would also be good with a few sauteed red or green peppers and onions.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful fall, so far! I must admit, I love this time of year!

You should try this....

You should try this combination! It is delicious and a great treat on a cool morning!

Calling all cooks!!

I'm in a recipe rut!!!! I feel like I make the same meals week after week, or at least a slight variation of the same meals. So, I'm calling out to all you cooks for new recipes! Send me your favorites and in return, I'll send you some of mine. Maybe I'll start posting the new recipes on my blog (another idea to occupy my "down" time at work)! To start off the fun, I'll post my recipe for baked tortellini (a slight variation of spaghetti and lasagna) below!

Baked Tortellini

1 package fresh 3 cheese tortellini (I find mine in the dairy aisle with the crescent rolls, biscuits, etc.)

1 lb. ground beef

1 large can crushed tomatoes (28 oz. I think)

2 cloves garlic, crushed and chopped

2 T. italian seasoning (or a combination of oregano, basil, marjoram and sage)

1 tsp. sugar

2 chicken boullion cubes

a few dashes of ground red pepper

Shredded mozzarella cheese

Parmesean cheese

In a large pot, bring water to boil for pasta. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef (season with salt and pepper if you desire) and garlic for 6-7 minutes or until beef is done. Drain the fat off. Add the tomatoes, seasonings, sugar, boullion cubes and red pepper. Allow to simmer for 15 -20 minutes. In the mean time, boil the pasta until it is slightly under cooked (it will finish cooking in the oven). Combine the sauce and the pasta in a large bowl and mix well. Pour the pasta into a greased 9x13 baking dish. Cover with mozzarella and parmesean cheese. Bake at 450 for 15-20 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

The Results Are In

Ahh, the very first poll went well! The results are posted below! I guess you all have answered the burning question in our hosuehold! I'll let you know if the results affected Brandon's decision..... Because it is the coolest thing ever 1 (10%) So they can watch TV more efficiently 8 (80%) Because everyone else they know has it 0 (0%) So Tessa can watch hours upon hours of TV and become a big ol' couch potato (Brandon's vision in the future and reason to not get it) 1 (10%) Now, I'm going to amend the rules to voting in the polls. Due to my lack of knowledge about how the poll works, I figured I would get to see who voted for what. Unfortunately, I can't.... So, if you don't mind, leave me a "comment" to tell me what you voted for. It just might explain some of the answers.

...Because I have nothing better to do...

Consumer Report! That is right, I'm bored so I thought I'd list a few of my favorite products (as of lately) and tell you all of the great things about them.... Tresemme Anti-Breakage Shampoo and Conditioner - These products are amazing! I'm used to having very dry and brittle hair. I used to use a Redken shampoo, but it is obviously a little out of my price range. I tried all kinds of other products before I stumbled upon Tresemme and I've gotta tell you, it works fabulously! My hair is shiny and I have very few split ends (I use a flat iron on my hair EVERYDAY, people!). This is a definite winner! Tresemme Heat Tamer Protective Spray - The above products, combined with this spray work miracles! Not only does my shampoo and conditioner protect my hair from breakage, this stuff (when applied before blow drying and flat ironing - 2 applications a day), allows for perfectly straight hair (I'm naturally curly), and even more protection! You should try it out! Method Wood Floor Cleaner - Do you hate mopping your floors? Do you feel like your wood floors sometimes feel "gritty"? Do you want to help the earth? If you answered "yes" to any or all of these questions, then this product is for you! As some of you know, I've dabbled in the non-toxic, "green", save the planet products, etc. In my hunt for a good floor cleaner, I came across this product. All you do is squirt and mop. Once you are done, your floors feel soft and clean and non-gritty. Not only does it clean the floor like a champ, it smells good too, and it won't hurt your doggie or kiddos when they lick the floor! Now, if I could only keep my husband from tracking in yard goo right after I clean, I'd be a happy woman! On a side note - I use the Method counter wipes and they work okay. They aren't very damp when you pull them out of the container, but with a little water, the work well. You can find all of these products at Target and at www.methodhome.com. Sharpie Retractable Highlighters - I love these things! They have the longest life of any highlighter I know of!! We get them at work and they are just wonderful. Plus, the little clicky thing is fun to have in our boring production meetings each Monday morning! Lamar's Donuts - Okay, this might be a no brainer, but who doesn't love a really good, chocolate donut??? The website didn't have a picture of each particular donut, so I couldn't show you my favorite, but trust me, the chocolate iced chocolate cake donuts are to die for!! I've often thought of getting a second job at Lamar's, but Brandon tells me I'd turn into 1 big donut if I did (just kidding, I'm really NOT thinking of working there, I'm just exaggerating a little bit). If you have a Lamar's near you, go there! Now! You will not be disappointed! They blow Krispy Kreme and Daylight Donuts out of the water!!

Who am I???

Have you ever asked yourself that question? What are the things that make you, you? I've been pondering these thoughts lately. It all started with a Bible study we were doing in small group and our sermon series for the month. It was all about worship - how you worship, what you worship, etc. We talked about finding things we are passionate about and using those things to worship God. As I thought about what I'm passionate about, it took me back to a conversation I had with Brandon a while back. He said to me "Tessa, what do you like to do, what are your hobbies?". We were discussing this in the context of why it is hard for him to really plan things for me, and I really had no answer. Then, again this weekend, my sister and I were talking about the same thing. She, however, was telling me that it is hard for her to think of things that she enjoys doing and I told her I could relate. I mean, sure, I like to shop, I like to cook, I like to hang out with friends and family, I like to travel, but most people love to do those things. And, I can't really say I'm "passionate" about any of those things. Brandon, though, is very passionate about projects and working with his hands. He is also passionate about kids. Those are all things he can use to worship God, and he is already thinking of ways to do that. Me on the other hand, I just don't know. So, it brings me to my original questions - who am I and what makes me, me? If anyone has a great way of figuring out how I can discover my passions, let me know! I've done the spiritual gifts inventory, but it has been a while. Maybe I need to do that again.... Well, this was kind of a jumbled post, but it's the hot topic on my mind today!

Polls

Yay!!!! I'm so excited that the polls work now!! I think it will be fun to take a weekly poll for several reasons....to help us Brungardts make decisions, to get ideas from other people, to answer deeply pondered questions, etc.! So, please vote! Maybe someday, I will award a prize!!!!!!