At least it's ALMOST Friday..

Hey, y'all!

Ok. You caught me. I'll admit it. I stayed out too late last night {...yes, 10pm is too late for me when I wake up at 4:30am..}. I'm not feeling my best or most productive this morning. I wanted to throw my iPhone when the alarm went off {mental note to change the alarm music, it's way annoying} but I got right up, brushed my teeth, picked out my clothes, did my hair and makeup, albeit not to my best abilities..and shuffled on in to work. Typically I don't get my morning cup of coffee until 7am..I'm a creature of habit y'all, but I couldn't resist grabbing a cup to wake me up. Plus I'm sitting right under the air conditioner at work and I'm FREEZING, so I needed something to warm up my body and to warm my soul. Coffee is a game changer, I don't know where I would be without it..

Here is the reason for my "too late" night:

Bonfire nights are clearly the best kinds of nights. Plus, how can you really beat a fire like this? Answer? You can't.

I opted for my wine colored long sleeve Piko top with my Liz Claiborne cheetah print scarf from JC Penney. I paired it with my columbia jacket so I could stay warm ;) I love these nights!

 

 

We headed out to a neighboring town {because they don't let you have this much fun in the city limits} and had a few drinks, ate some good food, and engaged in great conversation while sitting by the fire. I needed that escape after my horrible, horrible Wednesday. It was a truly gorgeous day, but I had a long work day and I left with a headache and a to-do list. Never fun...but look at the pretty sunset I captured while we were heading out to the fire!

The husband informed me that he had a potluck at work today, so I whipped him up a dessert to bring, and I doubled the recipe so I could bring something to the bonfire last night {because a lady never shows up empty handed..thanks mom}, so I made this quick and easy {cut me some slack, remember, I had a horrible day and I was in a hurry} dessert that I used to make for all of my little boyfriends in high school..behold the "magic bars":

Yummo! Here's the recipe:

• 1/2 cup {1 stick} butter
• 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1 {14oz} can Eagle brand sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup butterscotch chips
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 1/3 cups coconut flakes
• 1 cup nuts {optional}

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees, or 325 for a glass dish. Melt butter and pour in a 13x9 dish.
Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs on top of butter
Pour condensed milk over crumbs
Pour butterscotch and chocolate chips over condensed milk
Coconut flakes over chips
Nuts over coconut flakes
Bake for 25 minutes or until slightly browned! Cool for best taste. Cut into bars and voila!

Have a blessed Thursday {here's hoping for a better day}!

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. It is not as the world gives that I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, and do not let it be afraid.”  John 14:7

Sharing is Caring

Hey, y’all! Today took a turn for the cold side here in the great state of Arkansas, so what better way to celebrate a chilly night at home than with a nice bowl of my mom’s 5 step potato soup! I am going to be crafting tonight {Cholla needs a new puppy bed..tutorial to come!}, and pajamas and a big bowl of soup sounds mmm mmm good. Sharing is caring, so let’s get right to it..

 

Ingredients<3

·         4 large baking potatoes

·         2/3 cup flour

·         ¾ tsp salt

·         4 green onions, copped

·         1 ¼ cups shredded cheese

·         2/3 cup butter

·         6 cups milk

·         Ground pepper

·         Pkg bacon bits {I usually cook bacon and chop it up}

·         1 cup sour cream

Directions<3

{Step One}: Bake potatoes at 400 degrees for an hour and 20 minutes. Cool. Scoop pulp into small bowl and discard the skins.

{Step Two}: Over low heat, melt butter in large pot. Stir in flour, cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

{Step Three}: Add milk gradually, stirring well after each addition. Cook over medium, until thick and bubbly, stirring constantly. Season with salt and pepper.

{Step Four}: Add potato pulp, 2 tbs green onions, ½ cup bacon bits, and 1 cup cheese. Cook until heated thoroughly. Stir in sour cream. Add additional milk, if needed.

{Step Five}: Sprinkle with remaining bacon bits, green onions, and cheese. Enjoy! <3

 

Having guests? Bonus points if you buy a few bread bowls from Panera and put the soup in them! Hope you all enjoy! XO

Michele