Great Street Music + A GIVEAWAY!

One of my best friends, Joy Clevenger, has paired herself with an outstanding and talented fellow by the name of Mike Warner.  Together they created the group "Great Street" and have written and composed all original songs!  Their Celtic/Bluegrass feel is so relaxing and a nice change of pace from your "usual" music.  Joy's voice is so unique and breath taking beautiful that it just mesmerizes you!  The lyrics are uplifting and REAL!

I am so proud of them for sticking with it and producing this album!  The songs are fantastic and after listening to a few you will find yourself humming the tunes all day!

"I like how there is open space on the record...the sparse production makes the words easier to focus on. It all sounds well done, well played and sung."

- Ron Block (of Alison Krauss & Union Station)

Because you guys are the greatest blog followers ever and it's VALENTINE'S DAY,  I am giving away one of these awesome Cd's of Great Street.  Just to uplift your spirits!

Here's the Rule:
1.  Comment on the question below and you are entered.
2.  Only one comment per person.
3.  Make sure to leave a way for me to get in touch with you (email)
4.  Winner will be selected at random on February 21st at 7:00 p.m. and announced the following morning.....(no entries past 7:00 p.m. on the 21st).

Alright then, let's get started....Here's the question:

What is your most favorite song ever?
That's it....just answer in the comment section below and you will be entered to win one of these fabulous Cd's!

In case you don't win and still want a CD, you can visit Great Street at their website: http://www.greatstreetmusic.com/home.cfm or purchase through itunes or amazon! 

Portillo's

I am a born and raised Southern Girl through and through and I grew up eating Southern food made by two Southern parents.  Our family roots grow deep in the South.  Well, somewhere in my early 20's (more like 19.....just like a true southern girl) I met the man of my dreams and fell in love.  The only problem with the picture was that he was a Yankee, and we are all aware of the North vs. the South rivalry.......
So of course being from the South I thought that our food was superior....what's not to love....butter.....fried anything.....cornbread...sweet tea....not to mention cobbler!
However,  I found that my man not only had a sexy accent, but also had a great palate for food...Northern food that is. 
My dear sweet Northern husband, loving me so dearly, decided to introduce me to a Northern sandwich, promising me that it would change my life.  So he took me to Portillo's, it's a restaurant in Chicago that makes the most incredible Italian Beef Sandwiches ever!  They also have Hot Dogs, but they freak me out because they put cucumber slices on them....and that is just WRONG!
Anyways, back to the Italian Beef.....after I put one bite in my mouth I was hooked!  So over the years I have ordered my Italian Beef from Portillo's in Chicago so I can feed my addiction from time to time!  Last night was one of those lip smacking, juice dripping down my arms nights, when I stuffed myself until sick with this incredible sandwich...I JUST LOVE THEM SO MUCH!!!!  I'll give the North at least one point for this sandwich.....but I'm still Southern through and through...I just cheat every now and then ; )

Portillo's is MOST definitely one of my MOST favorite things.
If you've never tried them and want to check them out here's their website link below:
http://www.portillos.com/

Consume Me Lord.....From the Inside Out

I'm taking a step back from my "usual" stories to bring a message....of hope....of your purpose...of change. Don't worry....it's just lyrics to a song...no preachy preachy from me...just sharing!
I have the wonderful opportunity to serve on our worship team at church.  Because of this I listen to the songs we are preparing over and over to learn them.  I can't say that every time this happens, but sometimes the song (or God) just grabs me by the horns and sends me into full worship mode....and it's FABULOUS when it happens!
So I feel I must share with you the lyrics to this song in hopes that it may inspire, comfort or put you in worship mode as well!  I love each of you so very much...even the ones of you I haven't had the wonderful opportunity to meet yet!  Thank you all for sticking with me and my craziness!  I am just full of "JOY" today!

From the Inside Out

by:  Hillsong

A thousand times I've failed

Still Your mercy remains

And should I stumble again

Still I'm caught in Your graceEverlasting

Your light will shine when all else fades

Never ending

Your glory goes beyond all fame

My heart and my soul

I give You control

Consume me from the inside out, Lord

Let justice and praise

become my embrace

To love You from the inside out

Your will above all else

My purpose remains

The art of losing myself

In bringing You praise

Everlasting

Your light will shine when all else fades

Never ending

Your glory goes beyond all fame

My heart and my soul

I give You control

Consume me from the inside out, Lord

Let justice and praise

become my embrace

To love You from the inside out

Everlasting

Your light will shine when all else fades

Never ending

Your glory goes beyond all fame

And the cry of my heart

Is to bring You praise

From the inside out

Lord, my soul cries out

My soul cries out to You

 

Lord, help us ALL be consumed from the inside out with YOU!  Please be with each person that read this song and bless them with Your mercy and grace.  Fill their heart with Your love and compassion and wrap Your loving arms around them.  You are above all else Lord and we give You the praise and glory You deserve!  Thank you for forgiving me for the times I've failed you, and being there to catch me in Your grace.  Help these wonderful souls that are reading this right now see that You are their All in All and will catch them with Your grace as well!  Thank you for being such a wonderful, merciful Saviour and putting us is Worship mode from time to time!
Amen and Amen!

Baby Wise

This book is one of my most cherished items and if you are a new mom or a mom to be, it's a must have.  You may not agree with everything it says, but the structured routine and schedule it helps you set for your baby is AWESOME!  A sweet friend of mine introduced me to this book when I was pregnant with Andrew and we used it with all three kids. 
It really helped me with simple problem solving on when your baby eats, sleeps and plays...and when to go to the next phase of table food eating. 
It's a real easy read and I have to say that all three of my kids were sleeping through the night by 6 weeks because of the schedule this book helped set in motion.
Like I said....you might not like everything it says and you can be as rigid or laid back as you like with the schedule...but it sure did help!  I was middle ground....I didn't follow everything to the exact "T" with all of my kids...but I did keep the feeding schedule rigid....which helped with the sleeping schedule.
With Andrew I was the most rigid and followed the book almost exactly....Eat, Play, Sleep.  Then Eli came along and Andrew was just 15 months old...so I was way more relaxed with the Play and sleep...and sometimes it was sleep then play (or wake time).  With Payton, I was somewhere in the middle. This will all make more sense once you've read the book.....and if you are way past the baby years then....Sorry about this post...but you should recommend to anyone who is expecting!  Great baby gift as well!!!!!

Elf On The Shelf

Last year we were introduced to this book "Elf on the Shelf" and made it a Christmas tradition from that point forward. 
We love our elf which the Red's named "Portie" last year.  Santa sends him around Christmas time every year to watch the happenings of the house and report back to him.  Portie shows up in a different spot everyday and sometimes gets into mischief.  Every night he flies back to the North Pole to tell Santa how the Red's were and what they have asked for.
The Red's love it and on some days it helps to get their attitudes in check! 
The rules are you can't touch him and he can't talk to you......but he listens and watches and then tells Santa.

I have seen them at Books a Million and Barnes and Noble.  If you don't have this book and you have kids, it's a must have!  The Red's have talked about Portie all year long and couldn't wait for him to return again!

My Favorite Shaving Cream!

Okay, I know this favorite thing might catch you all off guard...but it is absolutely fantastic!  Most of you women out there would agree with me when I make this comment "I HATE SHAVING".....I loathe it....can't stand it!  It takes forever and I always nick myself or get razor burn...(there will be the exception...the women that actually like to shave, and enjoy it, but they are freaks of nature and cannot be trusted....I'm totally kidding).
Don't get me wrong...I would never want to look like I have man legs and I quite love the after effects and how smooth my legs feel...but I hate hate hate the process! 

I happened upon this product a few years back and it helped make shaving bearable for me and I would recommend it to anyone! 

If you have sensitive skin like myself then you will notice that it doesn't do the razor burn thing.....and BONUS it makes your legs feel even smoother!
So grab some up at your local Bath and Body Works...or go here:
http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2258463

Happy Shaving to you!

Thirty One Gifts...More of My Favorite Things

One of my dear friends from High School/College has started selling Thirty One Gifts.  I had never really heard of them until she told me about them.  While I was home last time we met up for dinner and she passed a magazine my way....all I can say is I fell in love!
They make some of the cutest bags and lunch totes!  So today I am sharing three items that I recently purchased from her that have become my favorite things!  If you click on her link you can see all the variety of colors and patterns so don't think that the pictures I'm showing are the only choices for you....
1.  The Zipper Pouch....retails $12.00
I use this for my makeup bag and it is so stinking cute, I just love it!

2.  The Jewelry Roll with Pouches....retails  $20.00
I haven't been able to find a jewelry bag that I like until now!  It is fantastic...lots of room on the inside with two zippers!  Great present for those who love jewelry and travel!

3.  The Small Lunch Tote....retails $12.50
I love this because it is thermal on the inside and just the right size for on the go snacks...like to the zoo or juice boxes, bottles, sippy cups, etc.....

You can get any thing you order embroidered for an additional $6.00!

I just love Thirty One Gifts!!!!!  Check out Melissa's website today!


http://www.mythirtyone.com/34880/

Pampered Chef...My Most Favorite Things!

Finding gifts that suite everyone can sometimes be a challenge.  So I have decided that I will share Five of my most favorite things from Pampered Chef.  If you have a cook that you are buying for then you can't go wrong with these items!  They are efficient and do not cost that much!  Great stocking stuffers as well!  If you would like to place an order then you can go to:

	http://www.pamperedchef.biz/tonyabeasley

This is my sister-in-laws page and she will take good care of you!
Alright, let's get started:

1. The Mix n' Chop...retails for $10.50!  Great for chopping up ground beef, & sausage!  I use it anytime I cook spaghetti, chili, tacos, sausage and gravy, etc.....

https://www.pamperedchef.com/ordering/prod_details.tpc?prodId=15658&catId=8&parentCatId=8&outletSubCat=&viewAllOutlet

2.  Small Mix n' Scrapper...retails $12.50!  I have about 6 of these things and I use them every time I cook!  I love how they scrap the bottom of my pans and get every single bit of batter out of my bowls! 

https://www.pamperedchef.com/ordering/prod_details.tpc?prodId=4074&catId=123&parentCatId=123&outletSubCat=&viewAllOutlet=

3.  Classic Batter Bowl...retails for $15.00.  I own 3 of these because they are great for everything!  If I need to mix something or store something or pour something!  They come with lids also!

https://www.pamperedchef.com/ordering/prod_details.tpc?prodId=211&catId=123&parentCatId=123&outletSubCat=&viewAllOutlet=

4.  Large Bar Pan: Stoneware...retails for $34.00!  This has got to be one of my most favorite things!  I've used it so much that mine is completely black!  I cook anything that goes into the oven and it never burns the bottom!!!  LOVE IT!

https://www.pamperedchef.com/ordering/prod_details.tpc?prodId=174&catId=9&parentCatId=9&outletSubCat=&viewAllOutlet=

5.  The Food Chopper...retails for $31.00!  This is great for chopping onions, green peppers, mushrooms, nuts, etc......pretty much anything that needs to be chopped!  Makes the job a lot faster!

https://www.pamperedchef.com/ordering/prod_details.tpc?prodId=240&catId=90&parentCatId=90&outletSubCat=&viewAllOutlet=

These are just five, but there are a lot more of pampered chef items that I use on a daily basis!  I'll post more later, didn't want to overload you and make you think I am a pampered chef fanatic...which I am!

Happy Cooking!

One of My Favorite Things....My Apron

Call me old fashioned but I love to wear an apron when I cook.  It makes me feel very dainty and girly!  A few years ago a friend of mine gave me a 1/2 apron for Christmas from Anthropologie.  I loved it so much that I had to get myself another one, but this time I got the full apron.....and here it is:

Who knew cooking could be so stylish!  These make excellent Christmas presents for your friends or family members......
I am providing the link below to check them out!  Make the cook in your life feel special with one of these this season!
http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/category.jsp?popId=HOME&navAction=middle&navCount=60&isSortBy=true&pushId=HOME-KITCHEN&id=HOME-KITCHEN-APRONS