Cindy's Potato Soup

As I mentioned in yesterday's post Pat and I attempted to make his Mom's famous Potato Soup. This is the one thing we both look forward to every fall. It is simply perfection. When we asked her for the recipe she told us she didn't know what is was "on paper." This is what she came up with and we tweaked it just a bit and have found this to be the perfect tastieness, consistency, all around best soup ever!

Cindy’s Potato Soup

5 pounds potatoes

1 pint to 1 quart ½ & ½

1 and ½ sticks butter

2tsp. onion powder

2 tsp salt

1 tsp. pepper

2 T. fresh parsley

2 T fresh chives

½ - 1 pounds bacon

Peel and chop potatoes.  Place in pan and cover with water.  Add salt, pepper, onion powder and chives.  Cook until potatoes are tender, approximately 15 to 20 minutes.  Remove a few potatoes and mash.  Return mashed potatoes to pot to thicken soup.  Add butter, ½ & ½, and parsley.  Heat thoroughly on low heat for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring often.  Season as needed.  If soup is too thin, mash more of the potatoes.  If too thick, add milk or ½ & ½. 

 

Options:

-         add chopped uncooked bacon to potatoes when cooking

-         fry bacon pieces till crispy and add to finished soup

-         fry bacon pieces for a few minutes, prior to adding to potatoes/water to finish cooking in soup

-         sprinkle shredded cheese on top of individual bowls of soup

 ENJOY!

Friday Favs

1. Starbucks new refresher drinks, have you had these?! If not, you must try. I had the Cool Lime = Delish! Plus it has green coffee extract which gives your body a natural energy boost, low in calories, and so refreshing!
2. More baby time, this little guy Broxson was born just a few weeks ago, look at that head of hair. He is just so stinkin cute, congrats to Amber and Chad! Babies are so fun to snuggle!
3. Hot Yoga, I go through phases with things, and hot yoga is back in my cycle, I did it twice this week and forgot how amazing it makes you feel. My goal is to go at least 1-2 times a week for awhile, I feel confident it will/can do great things!
4. What is this object you may ask? Well it is a fermenator, and last year at this time if you would have asked me I would have had no idea either its ok. But this has become a favorite item because chocolate lab + light wood floors = NOT a happy camper, this dog sheds SO MUCH! I'm not sure why we are just now buying one of these, but so far so good, this thing is doing wonders!

Peace out Wichita, I'll be back Sunday, hope your weekend will be as fabulous as mine.

Much Love~
Amber

Give THANKS

Thank you. These two simple words can brighten someones day, bring a smile to a face, repair or mend a relationship, even bring tears of happiness to your eyes. I received a "thank you" card in the mail yesterday, yes, a handwritten thank you note, for really no particular reason but to simply say thanks. I had a terrible day at work yesterday, it's been an extremely stressful week and I'm just ready for the week to be over. Little did that person know that when I opened this letter, it not only brought tears to my eyes, but also turned my day around and brought such a smile to my face. That little piece of thanks changed my whole attitude for the remainder of the day.

It also made me stop and realize that how we treat others gets noticed, even when you may not think that it is being noticed. You may be having a terrible day, but could be inspiring someone at the same time. Thank you is not said enough, we live in such a fast paced world where most people are so consumed in their own lives that they do not take the time to appreciate and thank those that have made an impact on their life, helped them in some way or another, or simply have just been a good friend during a tough time. It's such an easy thing to say, so why not say it more? That is my goal and should be yours too, make an effort to say Thank You, a heartfelt thank you.

It will be appreciated I can guarantee you of that.

Much Love~
Amber

Weekend Wraps

Whew. What. A. Week. I'm too exhausted to even go into detail about how crazy my week has been, and this week will probably be about the same...vaca is in the near future though.

Patty boy and I did get a quick date night in though, which was nice, and that's about the only time I saw him this week, we then attempted to watch a movie, but guess what? Yep, I fell asleep within the first ten minutes. I suck.

We checked out the new BJ's Brewhouse...awwww delish! I worked for BJ's back when I lived down in Dallas, since then this place definitely places in my top 5. I'm so glad to see that they have put one in ta town, we're moving up in the world.



I also got to bust out my new kicks (shout out to my great friend Rae!!) I've been wanting a pair of these bad boys for some time now, and came home Friday and found them on my door step. So far I'm quite impressed, awesome design newton, awesome.

Much Love~
Amber

Weekend Wraps

Another weekend has come and gone. My allergies have completely taken over my life again. I am absolutely miserable. My Mom informed me today that Wichita was ranked the #1 city for the worst allergies. Hm, that explains a lot. Another reason to move? I recently went and saw a specialist and was told I'm allergic to uh pretty much everything. Ugh. I'm not kidding when I say I've sneezed at least 100 times today and have gone through a whole roll of toilet paper. I'm on lots of meds so I apologize if this post doesn't make the best since..or if I ramble way to much.

I guess you could say I started my weekend early with a girls night Thursday night. Me, Danielle, Tessa, and my friend Amber met at the best sushi place in Wichita- Kanai (I could be biased) and had such a great time! The wine was going down way to smooth, and we were sharing stories, and laughing our little hearts out. As the restaurant began to clear out we decided to move down the street to Amber's house and continue our night of laughs. We picked up a few more bottles of wine and I stayed out wayy to long. Sometimes those spur of the moment get togethers are the best ones though!

Friday was a bit rough for me as the wine definitely left me with a headache (man I'm getting too old) and I put in a 15 hour day. After work I headed out to Murfin Stables to help with a wedding. What a fun, non-traditional, beautiful wedding it was!
 

I have had a gift certificate for a massage for some time and finally put it to use on Saturday, definitely a great time to use it. It was amazing. Every time a get a massage, I think to myself - "man, why do I not get these more often!" Perfect start to my day. The hubs and I cooked up a storm that afternoon and that night we had my parents over for some yummy Potato Soup and Cinnamon Roll Cake. The soup is one of his Mom's traditions. It was our first time to make it and with some trial and error it finally turned out perfect. I made a double batch to also take to my "Fall Dinner Party" tomorrow night.

My little sister Paige was in town so Sunday morning the whole family went to Church and lunch and then we celebrated my little cousin, Brooklyn's 1st Birthday. She is so stinkin' cute. Seriously, how cute is she??



Friday FAVS

TGIF. I love Fridays.

If only the weekends didn't go so fast. I have a busy weekend a head of me, working a wedding tonight after work, along with having my parents over for dinner for the 1st time- yes, slightly embarrassing, Pat and I have just celebrated our one year anniversary and have yet to actually "invite" them over for dinner. We are also celebrating my baby cousin, Brooklyn's 1st Birthday Party, wow- it seems like only yesterday I was planning Stacy's baby shower. Hope to get some yard work done, plant some flowers, bake something yummy for a "fall party" on Monday, and possibly do some shopping:)

 My baby sis will also be in town and I can't wait to see her, it's been to long!

Check out this week's FAVS. Enjoy!

 

1. Obsessed with my great finds at Marshal's! I couldn't be more excited to have this store in Wichita.

2. Had to be at work early Thursday, so found this on the table- perfect omelet just the way I like it (3 egg whites, 1 egg) and Pumpkin Spice Latte..great start to the day!

3. Pretty Anniversary flowers

4. This is big stuff folks.. the FIRST time Pat has ever held a baby. Pretty darn cute if you ask me. We're makin' progress:)

5. Pat and Baby Caden, such a perfect little guy.

6. This guy is pretty darn cute to if you ask me.

7. Fall decor is out!

8. Daily inspiration from my Dad. Love getting his emails first thing every morning.

Money Doesn't Grow On Trees...

So a month ago or so I ordered a few things from good ole' Nordy's (Wichita is not lucky enough to have a Nordstrom..so I have to shop online). Any way, with my purchase I got to choose a few "free" sample items which I was super pumped about! Anything free is always good right?

I received my package, along with the samples and seriously fell in love with this face creme. I rarely use any type of moisturizers, scrubs, peels, you name it, don't use it. Never worth the money in my mind I guess, until I used this stuff- AmorePacific Time Respose Skin Renewal Creme. Holy cow. I felt like a different person wearing this stuff, it took my make up to a whole different level. I was hooked and when my sample only lasted a few days, I decided I must order some of these to die for skin creme.

Went online..looked it up. My mouth dropped open. Was I reading this correctly???

This pretty little container below is a measly 1.7 oz., that's it. The pretty penny on this - $450.

Shut the front door. Who in their right mind can afford something like this??? I sure can't. I'm so upset.

 1. Because seriously what normal people can spend this kind of money on face creme?

2. Because I finally found a skin creme I love, and will never be able to own any...

Sigh..oh well. Life goes on I suppose. Just needed to vent about this crazieness.

I believe..

 I love this so thought I'd repost..
 

I believe that the way kids turn out are based on how they were raised by their parents.

I believe anything you set your mind to will happen with hard work and perseverance.

I believe in treating others like you want to be treated.

 

 

I believe in saying Please and Thank You

I believe in God, that Jesus died for my sins, and that I will be in a better place one day.

 

I believe you are what you eat. And if not now, it will catch up with you.

I believe that chocolate will always make me happy.

I believe in good, honest friendships, the ones that will tell you your outfit makes you look fat.

I also believe in quality of friendships, not quantity.

I believe the world we live in is to involved with everyone else's lives, as to why I take "breaks" from social media.

I believe reading is good for the mind.

I believe in a good cup of coffee.

 

I believe in always being put together, except for those days you just need to stay in your PJ's.

I believe the world is a scary mess, and am scared for what my children will have to grow up in one day.

I believe people give up to easy on marriage.

I believe in adoption.

I believe in bright colors.

 

I believe in wishing on shooting stars.

I believe it is better to give than to receive.

I believe in working for what you have. No one learns anything by having everything handed to them.

I believe laughing until you cry is one of the best stress relievers.

I believe that anything pumpkin flavored should be available all year long.

I believe in girl time.

 

I believe in taking care of your body.

I believe that sometimes you just have to call into work and take a day for "you".

I believe you should work to live, not live to work.

I believe in eating dinner together as a family.

I believe in owning a few expensive, quality pieces.

I believe in always wearing heels.

I believe in our country and am so thankful to be so privileged.

I believe in love.

 

I believe in taking pride in what you own.

I believe in not living together before marriage.

I believe in a clean and uncluttered house. Clean house = happy girl.

I believe success is not measured by money.

Linked up with Living in Yellow (I know I'm way to late on this) ...but better late than never right?

 

 

 

What do you believe in??

 

 

Much Love~

Amber

Fall Wish List

As we speak I'm drinking a nice hot cup of coffee with the windows open, loving the crisp, fresh breeze, and even more loving this fall weather that is approaching. I'm definitely a lover of summer but am honestly over the heat and looking forward to busting out the boots, scarves, leggings, sweats, and
 warm comfy clothes! 

We have lots of fun fall things planned and as my calendar is filling up so is my wish list of fall items:)

Here are some of my current wants right now...ok let me clarify- items I really really want!



Denim Chambray Shirt - GAP



 Aryn K. Color Block Dress- Piperlime-Wanting this dress SO bad for an October wedding I am going to.




 


Via La Posh Style- I'm just loving the colors of this top. This could be a great work top as well as putting it with a cute pair of skinnies and some gold jewelry.




I am OBSESSED with this top via La Posh Style. Love the lace/denim contrast. Must have.





Loving all the Wildfox line..especially loving this fun top.



TOMS new wedge bootie....another must have that I'm eyeing daily.

Kelsi Dagger cap toe pumps



Love these cute little Seychelles booties also via endless.

Ok. Now I just need to figure out how I can afford all of these fun new pieces. Happy Fall Shopping!

Much Love~

Amber

Our Day

Our one year anniversary has come and gone, our night was great- relaxing and low key just the way we like things. Well, we actually celebrated all weekend. Sunday morning after Church we had brunch with Pat's Mom and James- it was delish. On a side note, brunch at the Terradyne Country Club = A+. We then went to the Lion King show that evening. I was a little nervous about what Pat would think of a broadway show, but he liked it! And I LOVED it! The costumes were absolutely incredible, singing- top notch, just loved the whole thing.

 

Monday Pat made me breakfast and I made him dinner, both turnd out great:) Sounds like a good tradeoff right?! I made blackened chicken with an avacado cream sauce and cilantro lime brown rice. I wanted to make a healthy dinner because our dessert was totally not so healthy. We shared another bottle of some wine we brought back from the Dominican along with our one year anniversary cake. Part of our cake package was that we would receive a fresh remake of the top tier of our wedding cake for our one year, and it was just as good as I had remembered! I also got some beautiful flowers sent to my office today with the sweetest little note ever, my guy is such a sweetie. Way to make a Monday better!

Pat also opened his gift (remember I was stumped on what to get him after he surprised me with a camera?!) Well- he is a huge Nebraska fan (I know, I know..) and has never been up to a game before, and has been talking about it FOREVER! So I was sneaky and ordered him tickets. His face was priceless! Totally worth it:)

 

 

 

Much Love~

Ambe

 



Boy Meets Girl

Are we really halfway through September??? Wow. It seems as if we didn't even have a summer, time has literally flown, I think I have been as busy as I was at this time last year when I was planning our wedding. Speaking of wedding, holy cow, Patty boy and I are celebrating our 1st Wedding Anniversary today. It seems as if it were only yesterday that I was walking down the aisle and making the biggest commitment of my life. I loved our wedding, seriously just loved it. (I'm sure everyone says this about their own wedding). But I couldn't have asked for anything more, it was exactly as I had always envisioned it would be from the time I was a little girl.

As I look back it already is a blur to me only after a year, it's amazing the time and effort you put into that one day. That one day then goes by in a blink of an eye. But the one thing that is still so vivid in my mind is holding Pat's hands and making our commitment to each other on that day. We had our wedding in my Grandparent's backyard, which is so special to me. I was beyond nervous, and if you know me, you know that I am an extremely emotional person. I cried several times throughout the day, all the way down the aisle, and then throughout the entire ceremony. Ha- geez, you think I could have held it together a little better. I was just overcome by emotion. To think that I was starting my life with someone, for the rest of my life, we were becoming a team, a family, two become one.

This past year has been filled with ups, downs, happy moments, sad moments, tears, laughs, challenges, compromising, and love. We have grown together and learned to lean on each other more.

To reminisce here's some of my favorite pictures from our big day. So much love, joy, happiness, and thankfulness filled that day. We are so blessed.

Well I guess I'll have to recap the reception tomorrow, so many things that I loved about that to. Here's to many more years Pat! Love You!

Much Love~
Amber