2.23.2010

Finally, an update!

So, it's been a REALLY long time since I have updated! Many of you have made comments to me about this... so sorry! It makes me happy that people care to read what I have to say and what recipes I have to share. Here's to starting this thing up again!

Life has been crazy recently in the English household. Jesse has been extremely busy with his grad program, so if any of you are wondering why he has become non-existent, this is why. I got to the point that I felt like I was living by myself, as I saw him for about an hour each day! Thankfully, this week has been a little bit of a break for him, so at least for a little while I have my husband back!
My job is as busy as always... lots of travel to the far away land known as the Mississippi delta. I am becoming well acquainted with Highway 82 and never in my life would I have thought I would go through Greenwood, MS four times a week! We have kicked off all of our Mississippi in Motion programs and are a few weeks into the lessons. For those who don't know, I have started grad school as well this semester. I am getting my masters in Health Promotion. This is busy as well, but I am loving my program!

Dinner tonight: Cajun Chicken Pasta


If you know me, you know that I love to cook for friends and family. We had a dinner guest tonight and tried out the Pioneer Woman's Cajun Chicken Pasta, and I must say it was delicious! Thanks to all of the friends who are willing to test out new recipes I make! (Becca and Mary were usually our guinea pigs last semester.) Tonight it was our dear friend, Dennis, who gave this recipe 2 thumbs up. You should try it out!http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/02/cajun-chicken-pasta/
If you have never heard of Ree Drummond, aka The Pioneer Woman, spend some time on her blog. I haven't made a dish of hers I didn't like! Make sure you read her story and how she fell in love with the Marlboro Man. ;)

Another recommendation:
Since Jesse and I have made the decision to go back to school and live on one salary, we have had to make a budget and cut back where we can. One of these ways is by making our own laundry detergent! I thought he was crazy when he first had the thought, but we have been doing it since August and love it! It is so easy and lasts us about a semester. However, I must have been a really good wife this past semester by staying on top of the laundry, because I had to make a new batch tonight. By making your own detergent, you end up spending roughly 3 cents a load, or a savings of $70! You can read about it and find the recipe here:http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/15/how-to-make-your-own-laundry-detergent-and-save-big-money/



I'm really jealous this week because my parents are on a cruise and are visiting many of the places we went on our honeymoon. Wishing we were back there...

Playa Del Carmen, Mexico


Have a great week! Looking forward to Becca's bachelorette party this weekend!
-ACE