Welcome to the Good Life!

simple pumpkin cake with apple cider glaze!

When I was checking out everyone's favorite site, Pinterest, I found a recipe for Pumpkin Cake with only two ingredients.  I was immediately intrigued and headed over to the original site to get the recipe and find out if there  was a catch!  I stumbled upon this amazing blog, Noble Pig.  You have to check out her recipes.  There are so many amazing recipes--some easy, some more difficult but ALL look delicious!  She even has a recipe for roasted grapes--something I will definitely be trying this week! :)

 

The recipe I'm using for pumpkin cake only calls for two ingredients--yellow cake mix and a can of pumpkin puree.  I had everything to make the cake and icing on hand, which made me SO excited.  I used a gluten-free cake mix because I have Celiacs.  You, of course, do not have to! :)

To make this cake, just add these two ingredients together!  There's no need to add eggs or oil.  Easy peasy!  This is what it looked like in my pan.  It was pretty bright orange, but I don't know if that was because of the color of my pan or not.  :)  The recipe says to bake at 350 for 28 minutes or until the knife comes out clean.  It took me about 35 minutes for mine to be finished.  

To make the glaze you add 1 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons of apple cider, and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice.  I added a little extra apple cider because I love it and I wanted it to be a little more thin.  

Here is the finished product!  I added some extra glaze to my own serving.  Seriously, this glaze is delicious!!

This recipe is so delicious and is perfect for the fall!  In the future, I would make a couple of modifications.  I'd add some pumpkin spice to the cake.  I think it's a little bit lacking in that area.  I also was a little bit weirded out by the texture.  Next time I'd really like to add some chopped apples (maybe with cinnamon and sugar on them?).  I know the point of this recipe is simplicity, but I think you could really make it extraordinary with a few minor adjustments.  

You could also use this simple glaze on a variety of yummy treats to make them taste more like the fall.  I was thinking of how delicious it would be on french toast or pancakes.  Yum! :)

Let me know if you try this recipe out!  

let's catch up!

Hello friends!  Thank you so much for your sweet emails and texts about how I am doing/where I've been.  I knew this week was going to be a little bit crazy, but I had no idea everything that would happen!

First, I went to Kentucky on Monday to visit my family.  One of my cousins and her babies are in town from Atlanta and I couldn't wait to go love on them!  Plus, I wanted to see my sister and mom.  They came up to visit a couple of weeks ago, but we haven't had any quality one-on-one time in awhile and I needed some of that in my life! It was a GREAT visit and I am so incredibly thankful for my family.

When I was on my way out of town though, my mom called because my papa was admitted to the hospital and was in the ICU.  I quickly turned around and headed to my mom's house to pick up my sister.  We jetted up to the hospital to see what was going on.  My papa is such a special person to me and we are so close.  He has a cellphone (isn't he hip?) and I love talking to him when I'm on the road!  He has always been supportive of me and my life choices--and he's been there when I've been really sad to cheer me up.  He's also VERY ornery, so it's extra hard to see him not feeling well.  They're currently running some tests to see exactly what's going on, so I'd really appreciate any prayers you could offer up for my family.  

 

Also, Rob and I are having some friends over for dinner tomorrow night!  I love when people come over to eat.  Cooking for more than two people is so much fun!  Last time I made my granny's amazing baked macaroni and cheese which they loved!  I am looking for some fun treats to cook up--so pinterest will be my best friend today! :)

Rob has been such a champ this past week when I have been in Kentucky.  He would text me often for updates and to let me know he was thinking of me and my family.  So sweet!  I am so thankful for him and the ability to face time on our iphones when we aren't together.  :)

I hope you have all had good weeks and I promise to catch up on all of my emails, comments, and your blogs as soon as possible.  I am so thankful for each of my blogging friends! :)

miscellany monday!

It's been ages since I've linked up with Miscellany Monday, so it's time to do it again!  Head over to Carissa's blog to join in on the fun!

-I was almost completely unplugged from my phone, the internet, and television this weekend.  It was so nice!  And honestly, I didn't feel like I missed that much!  Bethenny has a rule about no blackberry after 6 PM.  Not a bad idea!

-I spent Friday and Saturday with my momma and sister.  I love getting to spend time with them and it just doesn't happen nearly enough.  My mom and cousins are coming up to visit in October and I'm trying to convince my sister to tag along for the weekend!! :)

-Sunday was spent running errands and working on our deck.  Rob worked on the deck until he ran out of paint.  We bought more stain and worked on that for the rest of the day.  Pretty much until the sun went down.  I had plans to run today, but my legs are so tired from squatting, bending, and everything else that I did in the five or so hours we spent painting.  I think today is a day of rest!

-Late Saturday night I made a meal plan and clipped coupons.  We saved 20% off of our grocery bill-which is amazing for us because we normally just shop the perimeter of the grocery store.  There's never coupons for fresh produce!  Anyways, I was super proud of myself!

-Tonight's menu calls for Rob's chili and grilled cheese.  We just finished putting everything in the crock pot to cook until dinner time.  I am ecstatic dinner is already planned and ready to eat.  Those are the best days!

Ok this is enough miscellany for now!  I promise to be back tomorrow--with pictures! :)  Tell me, how was your weekend?!  What are you planning to eat this week?

it's september!

I honestly cannot believe it is September!  I feel like it was just yesterday when I was getting ready to be gone for so much of the summer!  I have seen so many bloggers set goals for themselves for each month and I'd like to join in on the fun.  I think each month gives us each a great start to really make a fresh start for us to try our very best.

Here are my September goals:

• Run at least 5 days a week.  I had to take a break from this during August since I sprained my ankle, but I started the month off right with a great run this morning!  I want to continue this throughout the rest of September.
• Clean my house on Thursdays.  I'm going to be gone for at least part of every weekend during the month of September.  I hate coming home to a dirty house, with suitcases of laundry to do.  So, this month, I am making it a goal to have a clean house on Thursday so it will (hopefully) be clean when I come home on Sunday.
• Spend time first thing in the morning with God.  I am starting a new Bible Study next week and I would like to have this be the first thing I cross off my list every day!
• See my friends at least once a week.  This is not always easy when our schedules get very busy.  However, some of my in-town friends and I have decided to try to have a Sunday night dinner together.  I really want to get this idea moving and spend some quality time with my sweet friends.
• Start substitute teaching!  I am home most days, while working nights and weekends.  So, I would like to starting substituting to get out of the house more, meet new people, and bring in a little extra cash!  I'd love to start a vacation fund with my subbing money. :)
• Take down all of my summer decorations and get ready for fall in our home!

Alright friends, those are my goals for this month.  I will check back in on these at the end of the month!  And, tell me--are you making any goals for the month of September?

what i'm loving wednesday!

Every week, I find myself getting so excited on Tuesday evenings thinking about what I'll include on my list of things I'm loving this week!  I really do look forward to listing what I love and reading others.  This linkup definitely makes things much brighter on a Wednesday!  If you want to linkup for What I'm Loving Wednesday, head over to Jamie's blog! :)

Last night I made Pioneer Woman's Meatloaf.  It was pretty delicious if I do say so myself!  I know that meatloaf is kind of a winter dish, but for some reason I thought it sounded amazing! I also made real mashed potatoes!  :)

I'm also loving this picture my aunt, Kay, posted on Facebook for my birthday!  Isn't this outfit hilarious?  I'd say I'm probably 4 in this picture--but I sure can rock those belly shirts! ha! :)

I'm loving Pinterest.  Duh, isn't everyone?  But I did find some great love quotes I needed for a project--this one is my favorite!  So beautiful!

I'm also LOVING that I am going to see Beth Moore this weekend!  She is going to be in Columbus and I can't wait to hear her speak!  I have completed several of her Bible Studies.  Each one has made such an impression on me and I'm looking forward to the same experience and feeling this weekend!

I am also big time loving Rob this week.  I swear sometimes I don't think I could love him anymore and then something happens and I just feel like my heart will overflow.  Rob spent some time the other day taking me on a picnic that I have been dying to go on all summer!  I am so very lucky to be with him and I am so thankful for him. :)

Hope you're having a wonderful Wednesday! :)

Appetizers a la Katie...

Hi! I am Katie { this is my blog!} and Becky asked me to guest blog while she was gone and I couldn't have been more tickled! Becky is always one of the first to comment on my posts and I have so enjoyed getting to know her through blogging, twitter and email.

How about a little background first?

I live in North Carolina, on the coast specifically. I was in the Piedmont area for a while but in March got a new job and moved back "home"... the catch is that my husband and my house are still in the middle of the state. Luckily I have my new job, my 4 year old furkid, and the beach to keep me company and give me blogging material while our newlywed years seem to be somewhat in limbo. I started blogging almost 2 years ago and have most enjoyed having a place to "journal" and get to know some other fun bloggers.  Please stop by and say hey!

A little more background one me? I am the pickiest eater. I seriously eat like a little kid; I'd prefer mac and cheese, chicken nuggets, hot dogs and anything not "weird" or anything with a "funny texture." (I also enjoy wine, but I seem to not be as picky with that!) I love to snack and eating healthy is not in my game plan.

However, when we're invited out to friends' party, a tailgate, or to a cook out I have to think about other people. Shocking I know. So today I give you my favorite appetizers to bring somewhere.  My criteria is normally that it not be more expensive or more complicated than a main dish and that I can eat it too. If I can eat it, I know it will please a party.

• Lil' Smoky Cheese Ball: Stolen from a past co-worker who may have adapted it from Amy Sedaris:

{Image via HERE}

• • Ingredients:
    • 1/2 stick of butter
    • 8 oz cream cheese
    • 1 cup of shredded smoked Gouda
    • 1 tablespoon of A-1
    • Chopped pecans (optional)
  • How To:
    • Everything is easier to work with if you can get it to room temperature first, but either way you mix it up really well and then roll it into either 1 big ball or 2 smaller balls.
    • Roll over chopped pecans  for an added bit of "flare" - I'm not a fan of this step but my husband swears it's delish.
    • Cover with plastic wrap and let stand in the fridge until it's time to serve, I try for at least an hour to let the smokiness seep throughout.
  • Serve with:
    • I serve this one with Triscuts or any other cracker I have available.

 

• Buffalo Chicken Dip: Adapted this from a Rachael Ray recipe, she says you can use blue cheese dressing or blue cheese crumbles but I'm boring and this is delicious even in my boring way:

{Image via HERE}

• • Ingredients:
    • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
    • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
    • 1/2 cup Franks RedHot sauce
    • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
    • 2 cans (9.75 oz each) chicken breast
  • How To:
    • Preheat oven to 350 degree
    • Stir in everything one at a time until smooth and well mixed
    • Bake for 20 minutes or until everything is bubbling
  • Serve With:
    • Serve with veggies or crackers

 

• Southern Caviar: This recipe was adapted/ stolen from Paula Deen. Every time I’ve made it I have passed the recipe on and then the next time I am at a party I’ve seen it there too. It makes a lot and the skill level for this one is at about zero so it’s easy to see why it’s popular! (it does have a LOT of ingredients but don’t let that scare you, it’s easy peasy.)

  {Image via HERE}

• • Ingredients:
    • 2 (15 oz) cans of black-eyed peas, drained
    • 1 (15 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained
    • 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes & green chilies
    • 2 cups chopped red bell pepper
    • ½ cup chopped fresh jalapeno peppers
    • ½ cup chopped onion
    • 1 (8 oz) bottle of Italian dressing
    • 1 (4 oz) jar chopped pimentos, drained
  • How To:
    • Combine in large bowl
    • Refrigerate over night
  • Serve With:
    • I like to serve it with Santina chips (just a cheap but good kind of tortilla chips) but a lot of people like to serve this with Scoops so you can get the chunks.

 

• Dill Dip: I make this on a regular basis, party or no party. This is something I like to have to snack on. It's easy and yummy and most of the time I don't even need to buy anything!

  {Image via HERE}

• • Ingredients:
    • 1 cup sour cream
    • 1 cup mayo
    • 1 tablespoon minced onion (I normally use dried)
    • 1 tablespoon dill weed (sometimes I do 2 tbs for a little more flavor)
    • ½ teaspoon seasoned salt
  • How To:
    • Mix together and let chill for at least an hour
  • Serve With:
    • Serve with veggies. My favorite thing to dip is little baby carrots
    • If I run out of veggies, I just dip crackers. I love this stuff.

So those are some of my go-to appetizers/ dips. They are all pretty easy and are always crowd pleasers. We are big college football fans and spend a lot of our Fall at tailgates so whether you are hosting an end of Summer cook out, a football tailgate or even just want to make a dip for dinner (uh, I am guilty of doing that) then these are all perfect for you!

I in no way claim to be a foodie, just a picky eater who still wants to please people with my combining cooking skills.

If y’all make any of these let me know! I’d love to hear what you thought!

Anyone else have any go to quick appetizers that you use and want to share?

ten on tuesday!

One of my favorite blogging friends, Meredith, often links up with Ten on Tuesday from Roots and Rings and I thought I would join up with her this week!  I have been a nut about getting back to my real life now that I am home and I am SO pumped to be so on top of things that I can actually do two blog posts in one day.  Now...if you'll only want to read them. :)

Without further ado, here are the questions for this week!

1. What’s the recipe for your favorite drink? (Smoothie, alchoholic, coffee, whatever.)

My absolute favorite drink is an Arnold Palmer.  The tea can be black tea, green tea, fruit tea, it doesn't matter to me.  I just love this drink with all of my heart!  Perfect for the summertime!  

2. What kind of razor do you use?

I use a Gilette Venus.  I was using the original version until I left ALL of my shower stuff at home when I was at camp and so I upgraded myself to the fancy new Venus Embrace. :)

3. Who is your favorite Sesame Street character?

I wasn't a big Sesame Street person--Winnie Pooh had my heart!  :)

4. What makes the perfect salad? (Lettuce type, toppings, dressing, etc.)

I love love love the salads you get at Hibachi-type restaurants with the awesome ginger dressing.  In my regular life though, I love romaine lettuce, lots of tomatoes and cucumbers, and my favorite dressing is probably balsamic vinegar.  Yum!!

5. What was your favorite subject in school?

If we're talking traditional subjects, my favorite subject was probably Social Studies.  I had a pretty fun Global Issues teacher in high school.  My favorite non-traditional class was Banking.  My teacher, Mrs. Smith, really made the class fun--and we even operated a working bank in our high school.  So fun! :)

6. What’s your favorite summer tradition?

Grilling out and going to the beach!  Nothing beats a grilled steak and relaxing on the deck!  As for beach vacations--I don't think I need to really say anything here.  The beach=heaven :)

7. Do you suffer from season allergies? How do you combat them?

Oh good grief, do I suffer from them.  I take two Benadryl every night, along with a Claritin.  When times get really tough, I add in Nyquil and a nasal spray.  You're welcome!

8. How often do you have to charge your cell phone?

I charge my cellphone every night and also when I'm in my car.  I am OCD about not letting it die.  My cellphone is really an appendage to my body!

9. Do you have a bucket list?

Funny you should ask--I just made a Summer Bucket List!

10. Do you have any desire to go back to school?

Um. no.  After undergrad plus two Masters I think I'm set.  However, that doesn't mean I don't want to keep learning!  I love reading and finding out random pieces of trivia.  

 

I hope you'll link up at Roots and Rings as well!  Have a great Tuesday! :)

 

summer bucket list!

My sweet friend Stephanie has a Summer Bucket List (which was actually part of a link up) and I was so so jealous I hadn't though of the idea!  Fear not--here is mine!

1.  Weekend getaway with my handsome husband!

2.  Trip to Lake Erie

3.  Take a trip to the beach 

4.  Cincinnati Reds Baseball Game

5.  Columbus Clippers Baseball Game

6.  Go on a picnic in the park

7.  Movie at the local drive-in

8.  Read lots of chick lit while laying out!

9.  Perfect recipes on the grill

10.  Spend my evenings at home on the deck with Rex and Rob

11.  Develop a working budget for our family

12.  Workout 4 times a week--even when traveling!

13.  Celebrate my 28th birthday!