A Resolution

What are your personal resolutions this year and have you stuck to them?  Yikes. It's sooooo hard to do!!  I did a post a week or so ago on my fun little 2015 Wish List.  While those things would be super awesome, I was recently reminded by my husband how important it is for us to stick to a regimented tithing plan.  This is a big resolution for us this year. 

We recently decided the easiest way to go about this was to simply set up an auto draft out of our account twice a month. This was Dylan's idea and I'm so thankful and blessed that it was in his heart to do so. 

We've always given to our church on Sunday but it's been $5 dollars here, $20 there, while in our minds trying to tally up 10% of our income.  Sometimes we forget cash- OOOPS and did we forgot Brooks's sippy cup too?!! ...not exactly the way we want to do it now.  To stay the course, this just seems to be the best way for us with our hectic lives.  So our resolution is now in full swing!

We tithe to North Point Church in Alpharetta and if you go there as well {or any of the many wonderful affiliates}, you can give online here or, of course, at the service on Sunday.  Otherwise, to your home church or to a good cause that you are passionate about and that really speaks to you.  And there are TONS out there, just do a little research. 

While the verse below's context is really geared toward the value of not passing judgement, I thought it was fitting to put here as well.  It's been on my mind a lot lately!  Hope your resolutions are stickin' and if so, give yourself a big pat on the back!! :)

Charleston Cheese Dip

Guys, this dip is really yum.  I originally found the recipe on Pinterest {where else?!} and discovered it actually came from none other than Georgia country gal, Trisha Yearwood!! Smart lady. Great voice. Fantastically, simple recipe. 

Here is the recipe below.  I made it to take to a friends house a few weekends ago and I made it again last night!  Needless to say, I suggest you give it a go and see how you like it.

Thanks Trisha!!!  You've been officially added to my dip repertoire. 

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• One 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup grated sharp Cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 1 dash cayenne pepper  {I used about 3 dashes and we added sriracha on top after it was cooked}
• 8 butter crackers, crushed, such as Ritz
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• Corn chips, crackers or bagel chips, for serving  {we like corn chips and tostitos}

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
• In a medium size bowl, mix the mayonnaise, cream cheese, cheddar, Monterrey jack cheese, green onions and cayenne pepper. {Idea: I think black beans or diced tomato would be a nice addition to this as well and will add them both next time}
• Transfer the mixture to a shallow baking dish or pie pan. 
• Top the mixture with the cracker crumbs {I use Ritz crackers} and bake until heated through, about 15 minutes.
• Remove the pan from the oven and top with the bacon {I use the microwavable bacon to save on time}.

This dip would be great for the Super Bowl or when ya really just feel like eatin' some cheese and bacon! :) 

Jenny's Birthday Weekend!

My sweet sister just celebrated a birthday this past weekend! We had my parents in town as well and it was such a fun time.  Here are some pics of our weekend!

We got the decor all ready for Jen's big day.

We ate vanilla cake with buttercream frosting! 

The birthday girl had to wear the Bowden household's official bday hat made by none other than toddler hat maker extraordinaire, Brooks Sterling. 

Checking to make sure Jen's bday hat is on just right! 

We played ball with Grandpa. 

And a stare down game with daddy!

We grilled out steaks. 

And ate in nice restaurants!

Some of us even napped in them. :) 

We fought over vanilla bean cheesecake too!

Overall, a great weekend to celebrate Jenny!  Happy Birthday girlie!  Hope this is your best year yet. 

Weekend Update

We had a fun filled weekend with our dear friends and also squeezed in some much needed down time with baby Brooks. 

Saturday we had some time loving on B and I actually got out for a nice, relaxing, desperately needed manicure!!!

Here are some pics and a video of Brooks talking up a storm! Mama sure is proud. :)  Excuse the last of the Christmas decor packed up behind B.

Saturday night, we had a super fun time out with our friends. We headed over to Lauren and Drew's for some yummy appetizers before dinner at Sip.  Caitlin and Matt joined us in our neck of the woods and we all had a great time!  I'm convinced they should move closer to us!

Lauren's beautiful meat and cheese boards. 

Gorgeous greenery and flowers...and look at Lauren's beautiful vase! Obsessed!! Her hubs did a nice job picking out that gem for her! 

My sweet friends!

Silly selfies with our guys!

Sunday afternoon refresher. Good ole sweet tea with lemon :)
Jenny came for a visit too to see her bestie, baby Brooks!
Brooks adores his Aunt Jenny.

Our usual Sunday supper with Dylan's new favorite from Roswell Provisions called Prairie Breeze.  You don't even need a cracker with this cheese.  It's sooooo decadent and melts in your mouth!!

Now, back to the weekday grind!  Is it Friday yet??

2015 Wish List

While making my New Year's Resolution list, I decided to also make a wish list of sorts for 2015.  While we have our normal monthly responsibilities, ya know: bills, daycare expenses, savings, and that new fence and pressure washing we simply have to take care of in the Spring {blah, blah, blah}, I wanted to put my fun little wish list out into the universe so that maybe...just maybe a few can be attained this year!  Here's hoping!


1.  This beauty from Wayfair for our new bed.  It's super affordable! 

FOUND HERE

2. A reclaimed headboard project I've hinted about to my dad. ;) Something similar to this guy for the main guestroom. I think it would transition nicely for Brooks when he's old enough for a big boy bed.  This pic is via Pinterest but I'm desiring a dark wood stain since we have crisp, white bedding!

3.  White cabinetry for the kitchen.  Unfortunately, we have that light faux wood look right now and boy am I ready for a change!! Since the remodel I truly wanted isn't in the cards right now {unless we win the lottery!}, a fresh paint job will have to do.  This will be mine and Dylan's undertaking. Painting + marriage= true love. Right? Hopefully, we can get through it without having to enter marriage counseling! ;) I'm going for a look similar to this since we have the dark floors. This pic would be a dream kitchen for me, so imagine our modest version to be toned down a bit and smaller. I've already changed out my hardware and am close to gettin' out mah paintbrush!

4.  An updated entry light fixture.  The shiny gold, glass monstrosity of a light fixture we currently have hanging from the previous owners has just got to go!  Oh my gosh, every time I look at it, it reminds me of the decor in the house from Three Men and A Baby {remember that movie?!}. Yeesh...waaaay outdated.  I'm going for one of these looks below.  These are from Shades of Light and Wayfair. I've also been told that Home Depot has some good choices. 

5.  Last but not least, a back porch swing!  I really yearned for this last year but we had too much going on to take time and focus on it.  We adore sitting on our back porch, grilling and dining al fresco in the Spring and Summer.  A new swing would be a great addition! I daydream of me swinging in this one below with my sweet baby Brooks.  He would love it. 
Somebody hand me a sweet iced tea in a mason jar and I'll gladly sit here! 

What are some things on your 2015 wish list??

Holiday Recap!

Over the holidays, we had Dylan's side of the family fly in from Oklahoma to visit!  We all had a great time filled with laughter, gifts, and plenty o food! Here are some fun pics. : )

The boys opening gifts! 

Brooks loves his da-da!

 Tara and her sweet boys, Stryker and Asher. 

Brooks and Asher playing outside!

Table set for our Mexican fiesta.

Another nights food:  Delicious shrimp and baguette with dipping sauce.

The only healthy thing I ate over the holidays ; ) 

Fireman Stryker!

Fun day at the Avalon with Mimi! 

Strategy session with Mike. 

Brooks and his bestie, cousin Stryker.

Brooks loves his cousin Asher too!

My sweet boy!

Partners in crime!

Fun Flower Arrangement

If you are like me, the cold, rainy weather after the holidays may be starting to wear you down a bit. Once the Christmas decor was put away and the sun decided to hide for a few days, I really needed a little pick me up!  That pick me up came in the form of a big ole Starbucks double tall salted caramel mocha and a fresh, fun new flower arrangement on my dining table!!

Here's an idea to perk up the inside and bring some brightness to the otherwise dreariness outside! 

I started with some Alstroemeria I found at Trader Joe's and tucked them into four mason jars with water. 

Next, I placed the jars into a sweet little cottage, folk planter box I picked up at Home Goods.  There were five spots in the planter, so a white candle went into the center spot. 

And what meal is complete without some yummy balsamic strawberries {recipe at the bottom of the post}. Can you tell I'm itching for Spring already?! ; )

The cute little paper plates are from Home Goods, as well.  I just adore gray and white stripes for any occasion. 

The beautiful glasses are from my maternal Grandmother.  I think I inherited her affinity for pretty flowers and tablescapes!  She was quite the decorista!

Balsamic Strawberries:  

• 1 carton fresh organic strawberries sliced
• 2 tablespoons good quality balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 tablespoon of granulated sugar {or more to your liking}

Simply stir this all together and leave in the fridge for about 30 mins to meld the flavors.  DIVINE!  We like them on top of brownies or eaten all by themselves with brunch! I think they would also make a mean topping to creme brulee.