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THE Fabulous Beekman Boys and a Fabulous GIVEAWAY! WINNER!

WE HAVE A WINNER!

Brought to you by Random.org

Min: Max: Result: 3

 Jeremy, you are the winner of two bars of 

Beekman Boys Soap!

I might also slice you a piece of cheese!

Congrats!

Who likes cheese?!  I guess I should ask who doesn't like cheese? Can I get an amen?

So, I became obsessed with this television show on Planet Green called The Fabulous Beekman Boys about two city slickers move out to (the absolutely picturesque) Beekman Mansion.  Thy have goats, a Llama, and a farmer named John.  Seriously, thank goodness for Farmer John.

I won't go into which Brother is my favorite because they have equally great qualities that are necessary to run the farm.  But, if you love Martha Stewart, you will appreciate Brent's great eye for design and idyllic country lifestyle.  In fact, this post is kind of more about Brent.  Brent and I are kindred spirits where as Josh totally fits my husband's personality.  It is fun to watch with the hubby, and he totally agrees I need to leave our house in Texas and move up to the Beekman Mansion and become Brent's assistant.  Only because Brent and I have such hardcore Type A personalities that we would understand each other.  :)

Anyway, on every episode they are eating their delicious cheese, and I was getting so hungry for cheese, that I couldn't take it anymore.  So, I went online and ordered it at their online store....while I was there I couldn't help myself, and ordered a ton of their goat's milk soap.  Look below for details on how to win a bar of this luxurious soap!

But, here is how my package arrived....thank you Brent!

Brent does great things with black packing tape.

Amazing logo.

 The bags of soap...different months and different smells from the seasons.

 60:40 Goat and Cow milks.

 The Cheese..come to mama! It is called Blaak because they use the old school way of preserving the cheese by covering it hardwood smoked ash.

 The soap...

 This was featured on the Martha Stewart show to go with the cheese.

My favorite is that this is a small operation and each soap has a card that tells you exactly who made it, packed it, and of course wrapped it (not surprised that it was Brent).

If you are a fan or a fan of great soap, I am giving away some bars.  Not sure which month yet, but they are all good!


Leave a comment below on which Beekman Boy is your favorite!
Don't forget to join as a follower!

Pumpkin Spice Latte Showdown....

As you all know, I have an obsession with Pumpkin Spice Lattes at Starbucks.  Ok, maybe you all don't know that because some of us don't really know each other face to face...or see me slurping them down like they are water in a desert.

However, as I was having car problems on a rainy day last week, I changed my route to work to drop off my car at the mechanic.  This would be the one fix that my very talented husband couldn't fix...to the  tune of $445.  Anyway, I digress.  It was a very bad day.

BUT, it was going to be made better by my impulse stop at none other than Dunkin Donuts. 

You see, I love Starbucks.  Really truly, love Starbucks.  However, if I am drinking anything other than coffee, I cringe at the price. CRINGE I tell you.

Well, Dunkin Donuts has unveiled a new Fall line up - a line up that includes an ICED Pumpkin Coffee.

I live in Texas.  It is hot until December 25th....and even then it is sometimes in the 70s.  Major Christmas buzz kill.  But last year we had our first white Christmas since I have been born, so I can't complain.

So, I pull up to the drive through and see a great iced coffee option with a Fall twist.  I order it.  I drink it.

I die.  I die for this iced coffee.  IT IS AMAZING.  It is the only thing that can replace my Pumpkin Spiced Latte.  Now, it is like 10 miles out of my way to work.  I die again because I know this may be the first and last one I will get to drink...at least during the weekday. 

But I am saving my money for the weekends and heaven because it is only like $2.50 for a large and the other is like $4.50 for a small.  You do the math!  

Check them out if there is a Dunkin Donuts near you!

Hatch Give-Away WINNER!

The Winner is....

Min: 1

Max: 5

Winner is 2!

Thank you Random.org!

Congrats Channa!

This last weekend the City of Grand Prairie hosted a Hatch Chile Festival. For those readers who are not in the southwest, you may not know about the Hatch Chiles from Hatch, New Mexico. These peppers are delicious....here are a few facts about the chilies...they are healthy!

• One fresh medium-sized green chile pod has as much Vitamin C as six oranges.
• One teaspoon of dried red chile powder has the daily requirements of Vitamin A.
• Hot chile peppers burn calories by triggering a thermodynamic burn in the body, which speeds up the metabolism.
• Chile peppers are relatives of tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants, all belonging to the nightshade family.

So, the recipe for Sunday's dinner is SIMPLE and Weight Watcher's friendly.

Here is what you need!

Boneless Pork Chops
A good jar of Salsa (your fave).
Salt and Pepper
Cumin (and other mexican themed spices. Taco seasoning if you like a lot of spice)

First, season the meat with the salt and pepper and Cumin. 

No real measurements here, just season it to your taste.

You are going to add them to a medium to high skillet with some olive oil.

Brown them and cook them through (no pink).

Remove them from the skillet and let them rest on a plate.
Reduce the heat of the skillet to medium.

add a cup or so of your favorite salsa to the skillet...

While the salsa reduces a little, slice up your roasted Hatch chilies. These have such great flavor.

If you can't find them in your area,

some roasted red peppers from the jar would also add a nice level of flavor.

seeds and all....

Now mix them in slowly with the salsa.

This gives your salsa a more authentic roasted flavor.

Central Market has a whole festival!

Then simply top your pork chop with the salsa topping...and ENJOY!

We chose some organic mac n' cheese and some frech cut green beans

to accompany our little piggy.

Because you might not have Hatch Chilies in your area, I am giving away a jar of Hatch Chili Queso.  This can be enjoyed with any type of tortilla chips! This Queso will have you making plans to vacation in Hatch, New Mexico.  :)

I will pick the winner at random from the

comments section on Sunday (9/5/10) -

when I post my slow cooker ribs recipe just in time for Labor Day!

You are beautiful!

Every now and then, I find myself starring in the mirror with nothing good to say about myself. We do have those days...we all do.

However, as I was getting ready for my wedding, I remember looking through magazines for that perfect dress and thinking, "Where did they find these women with this "perfect" hourglass shape?" Well, for women every where who think that these women actually exist...take a deep breath and relax because

YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!

http://operationbeautiful.com/


Watch this video and remember how amazing you truly are!

Fishin' Friday!

This morning, we have a little time off from work because we are welcoming Trout Fishing in America to our theater tonight.  If you aren't familiar with this group and you have kids....then let's have a little lesson...

Have you ever heard Trout Fishing in America?  Do you have kids?  Do you kind of want something else to play in the car while you drive around....well, they are perfect.  Enjoyable for mom and dad with kids etc. Not only that, but they lead these super cool workshops where kids actually write a song and then they perform them....uh awesome. Check out the links below...and enjoy... 

PLUS!  They are headed to a venue near you in  Houston, Arkansas, and Colorado....

 Video About Trout

 Trout Fishing in America Radio...it's awesome.

Enjoy,

Mrs. Justice

I'll drink to that!

I think it is about time! Ha! For both or the racks in our lives...

Here it is ladies, a bra and glass of wine!  Here is the article below...

There’s now a perfect gift for the girl who has everything -- including a desire to secretly drink while simultaneously getting a breast lift, the New York Daily News reported Thursday.


The Wine Rack, a sports bra with a plastic “bladder” that can hold an entire bottle of wine, is featured at the BaronBob.com website. “You won’t find this at Victoria’s Secret,” Paul Krasulja of BaronBob boasted to the paper.

“I don’t consider it fine looking lingerie. But it is a good looking piece.”

He won’t get many arguments about the good looking part. Basically the $29.95 device is a black sports bra with a polyurethane bladder inside and a drinking tube long enough to sip from. Add liquid, and the website promises you will “turn an A cup into double D’s.”
And where, exactly, would you want to sport this piece of equipment? The website suggests filling it with wine or cocktails and wearing it to “movies, concerts, ball games, even PTA meetings.”

 
Really?  What will they think of next?
Mrs. Justice

My other half...Maggie!

I thought this was a good Friday video!

Enjoy!
Mrs. Justice

Love is all you need...Show Us How you Live!

Kelly's Korner - Show Us You favorite Bible verse...

Love is not all you need, but it is true in my life, as it was true in Paul's letter to the Corinthians of Greece, that it does add a lot of meaning to an otherwise shallow existence.  Love above all else is important, and if you let love truly guide your life, you will seldom if ever be led off course. 

When Paul wrote this letter the Christian church was still in it's very early beginning stages of existence.  This letter was one of many trying to define what would be a Christian.  Those times were difficult because early Christians did not have years of history to look back on for guidance.  There was no manual on how to be a Christian, and let's be honest - there still isn't a manual.  They were living what would become the history for us as modern Christians.  We look at these letters and the Bible to guide our actions and lives as Christians. It is the closest thing we have to a manual.

That is why this verse has become more real for me in the last few years, because I have defined myself and my character as woman.  I have grown up for all intents and purposes.  I think like an adult not so much as a child.  Alot has changed since those days as a child sitting in Sunday school studying the Bible.

So, it speaks to me more now than ever...

1 Corinthians 13


Love


1If I speak in the tongues[a] of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames,[b] but have not love, I gain nothing.


4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

 8Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

13And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.


Mrs. Justice

Before and After Party - PANTRY DOOR!

So, I have yet to post my whole kitchen re-do because I wanted to reach 50 followers before the big reveal.  I am realizing that may be alot harder to do than I originally thought because this follower thing is more of a relaxed kind of thing...and let's face it, I can't resist a Party - sponosred by Thrify Decor Chick.

This, I couldn't resist sharing with you now.  Consider it a little tease...

The pantry door before...notice that this is a picture from when we bought the house.  We knew the kitchen was going to need some TLC. Plus I hate gold door knobs. Not really hate, but I hate gold door knobs when the rest of the door knobs in the house are a completely different color. I guess I am OCD (Obsessed with Coordinating Doorknobs) that way.

When re-doing the kitchen, I had researched some other cool Pantry doors. I found this website of pictures...and I couldn't help myself...I was in love.

Here are the reasons I loved it:
1.  It was antique with a crystal door knob.
2.  It was black and white.
3.  It was chalkboard.
4.  It was surrounded by gorgeous Butler's Pantry dishes. Come to mama...please! (not that I would ever put baby in the pantry)

My husband and I had lots to decide. First, we wanted to buy a new door with molding, but our pantry was an odd size (thank you, 1982).  So, to cut cost we tried an experiment...how about putting molding on our current door?

So, after sanding, priming, and several layers of magnetic paint....then several layers of chalkboard paint....we attached the molding.

Now, I went a little crazy in the molding aisle at Lowes. The frames weren't enough, I had to have little corner pieces etc. This caused a moment of total, "ewww. I went too far."  Followed by the next moment when I realized my hubby had used a nail gun and wood glue to attach it all.  Followed by, "it looks great!" :)

Here it is all done! We love it!

We added an oil rubbed bronze door knob.

Those weird things are doggie magnets all over the lower portion.

And no, I won't open that door for you to see beyond...There are some lines a woman can not cross...consider it a Pantry Line.

Vegas, Baby!

So, we have arrived back from our vacation to Vegas...and the only thing I can say is "Check me into Gamblers Rehab."  Just kidding!  However, we did go to Vegas as non-gamblers and we left as gamblers.  however, the resort was amazing and I want to go back and never leave the hotel.  It was so fabulous that we could actaully do that and be very happy.

We stayed at the Wynn in a Resort Room.

It was incredible, and the hotel is so very well appointed.

This is a shot of the downstairs lobby/shopping area.

The bedroom with ironing board in the background (my friend said I was crazy to iron on vacation)!

This bed made us want to move in forever...plus we didn't have three dogs crammed in between us...

This is the Bellagio fountain during Hey Big Spender - A Peggy Lee favorite of mine...

Let's talk buffets...

Father's Day Brunch at the Wynn Buffet:

Dessert.

Yes, PLEASE!

This was by far my favorite dessert....

but as you can see...there was a lot to choose from...this whole room was desserts and this was one of two chefs just for desserts...I have died and found my heaven.

We went to the Bellagio Buffet, but were not as impressed. 

The beef wasn't as tender, and the desserts paled in comparison.

If you are wondering...yes, those are candy apples.

More to come soon, as I could have written a whole post just on their desserts...my mouth is watering.

Pardon me while I go and find a napkin.

Happy Father's Day to my Dad.

Dad,

I love you more than words can say.  From the very beginning, you have always been so gently guiding me to become the woman I am today.  

You always put your children first even when a daughter does not understand her father's endless patience for his children. You have been there for all of us. 

When we have let you down, you have been there to help us...

When we have made you proud, you were there to smile with us...

When we have left for school, you were there to invite us back home...

When we left to be grown-ups, you were there to cheer us on...

and when we came back home because the world was too much, you were there to offer your roof over our heads...

and when we have gotten married, you have sent us off with a gentle reminder that you weren't too far away...

Now, as we have all gotten older, some things have changed and some roles are reversed,

but one thing will never change...

the love between a daughter and her daddy.

To Jack from his daughter Jackie

The Proposal - Cheese Queso and Disbelief

The only back story on this...is that my parents are sweet and old, and totally clueless to how men propose to women these days.  I guess it used to be like a business agreement. Ha! 

Although, Virgil had asked permission from my dad before he proposed, he told me later that we drove around in his car for two weeks with the ring in his glove compartment.  I think his plan was to just let me find it, or if a great moment presented itself, he though he would be prepared. :)  That's my husband.  

So, on his way over to my parents house, he gets a little impatient that I haven't found it etc.  While he was coming over for a swim (my parents back yard is gorgeous in the summer), I had been hosing off my parents windows and cleaning them for them.  Yup, so I was GROSS.  My mom had brought out a snack of chips and queso, and I am not shy about food.  I was digging in when Virgil arrived. He was on a mission. 

I was in the backyard sitting by the pool eating...or stuffing my face.  He walked right out.  I noticed that his pocket was huge and his hand was in it, and when he reached me he pulled out a pair of sunglasses that I had left at his house.  "You left these at my house." I took them from him and as I turned around to say thank you, he was already down on one knee. 

I will admit over and over, that this is not exactly how I imagined it, but it was spectacular.  It wasn't roses and candles, it was surprise and the most beautiful words that have ever been spoken to me.

"Jackie, will you marry me and spend the rest of your life with me?"

I said, "no. no. are you serious?" I think I was about one word away from going crazy about how boys should not joke around with girls about pretending to propose because it is mean.  That's how in disbelief I was that it was happening.

Of course rings come in huge boxes now a days, and as I am about to go on my diatribe of fake proposals, I notice that Virgil is struggling a little bit to get the huge thing in his pocket out of his pocket.  How he ever got that ring box out of his swim trunks pocket is beyond me.

At this moment, I see the box, and I know. I know. I really know. I know, that this is a real proposal. We aren't playing at the pool. And I continue to say, "I am not dressed. I look like crap. Are you sure?" and various other phrases that were making him go crazy because I hadn't actually said the one word he was waiting to hear.

"Jackie, I think you look beautiful (wiping Queso off my face), I hope there is a yes somewhere in there."

Now, if this was That 70s Show, we would cue the crazy music in the basement, and I would call this my "outer body experience."

And I laugh. And I laugh. Because I know in my mind, that I have actually been waiting for this. 

Waiting for him my whole life. 

Praying for him my whole life, and finally God has put him right here in front of me at my parents' pool down on one knee, and he is waiting....he is getting nervous...and I scream,

back to reality

"YES! Of course yes! Yes one million times! I will marry you!"

We kiss. we jump in the pool like crazy people, and I learn the first lesson of being engaged. When men spend a lot of money on a ring, they get crazy about how you take care of it.  

"Do you think you should take it off while we are in the pool?" 

"I just got it.  You want me to take it off?" 

"Well, just while we are in the pool." 

Then Virgil learns the first lesson of being an engaged man, consider your life to be run by a woman!

"Well, then let's get out of the pool." :)

Back to the part where my parents are old and sweet.  The whole time this is happening, they decide they should hide because they want us to have our privacy.  So, when I finally get my sea legs back, I run in the house and I am like, "Did you see it?! Did you see Virgil propose?!"  I can't find them.  They are tucked away back in my dad's office. I am a little disappointed that they didn't watch from the window like I thought they were, but I finally find them and once again announce my exciting news.

My mom suggests that we grill some steaks and open a bottle of champagne. So, we sit around the table and eat and drink.   Low key but absolutely perfect. 

 "Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Justice!"

The End!

Sunday Dinner - Apricot Glazed Pork Chops (or tenderloin)!

So, A few years back I ran across this menu in Family Circle, and I decided to make the whole kit and kaboodle, and it turned out great.  The true star of the menu is the Apricot Glazed Pork Tenderloin.  Because it is just my husband and I, we use pork chops for this recipe.  Instead of roasting them in the oven we throw them on the grill! "Hey! It's Summer!"

Here is the recipe from the original magazine a few years back. I use about the same measurements for about 5 small pork chops.

The Ingredients. We used Sugar Free Preserves because the husband needs to watch his sugar intake.

Mix them all together...

Add the meat...

Pile them in...yum!

Let them sit in the Apricot Hot Tub in the fridge for about 2-3 hours.

Then forget to take a picture when you grill them and eat them right away because they are so delicious...then share the picture of the roast all glazed and delicious...

However you do it, enjoy!

Mrs. Justice

Wang and Wedgwood - A Match Made in China...

Kelly's Korner is hosting Show Us Your Life China Pattern....Since we just got married in September, all of my china is still sitting in my "China Cabinet" otherwise known as the closet upstairs.  However, my family has been so supportive of buying us table settings that we actually have 9.  I think they are hoping we will host Christmas Dinner this year - nice try family.  We have such a big family, there is no way we will ever have enough for everyone!  But that is why they created paper.  

The China Cabinet

Registering for your wedding is usually a little unpredictable with your husband to be.  It seems like you find out a few things that you never knew among the stacks of towel and sheets in Macy's about his style and tastes.  We registered at a Macy's Sip and Scan Party. 

If you are about to register for your wedding, check your local Macy's for this fun evening where the store is only open to you and your husband (and a few other couples).  They give you food and drinks, and actually set out your choices so you can see what they will look like.  After a few drinks, you actually believe that your guests are going to buy everything on your list!

Ok. Back to business. I digress.

While in Macy's, my husband tells me he does not like the Martha Stewart design that I had picked out.  He likes Wedgwood's Vera Lace by Vera Wang.  After I picked my mouth up off of the floor, I handed him the scanner and let him go to town. 

I mean having Vera Wang as a dinner guest at my house...the boy must have some style after all! 

Each box is gorgeous...

 Even the inside of the box is chocolate brown my favorite color....

and what an international designer :)

Dinner Plate

 Salad Plate (which sold me)

 The Whole Set...

 Really gorgeous...and its called Vera Lace.  

When you look carefully, it actually looks like lace.

You even get an info card to make sure you understand the importance of your purchase...

or your Aunt Betty's purchase.

 and the back of each piece is stamped...Wang and Wedgwood.

Enjoy!

Mrs. Justice

Check back on Sunday for my Apricot glazed Pork Chops Sunday Dinner and in September for my one year Anniversary Post with Tablescape Thursday featuring my Vera Lace china!