Thursday Tunes Link Up

Hey Honey Buns!

First off, thanks again to the lovely ladies that joined Megan and I for our first week of Thursday Tunes!

This week I'm gonna let you in on a few of my favorite woman that are from my great state of Texas!

Lucky you, right?!

The rules are simple... Any genre. Old or New. Slow or Fast. 1-5 songs in a your post. Then link-up on Megan or I's blog. We are not requiring anyone to follow us to be apart of our link-up but we do ask that you include our button in your post.

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Beyonce- Crazy In Love

Taking it back to 2003 which goes to show Beyonce was twerking before Miley could even spell twerking!

Miranda Lambert- Only Prettier

I had a hard time picking just one of her songs, because you can never go wrong with Miranda Lambert!

Kacey Musgraves- Follow Your Arrow

This is my ring tone right now because I love it so much.

Favorite part in the song... "Say what you think, Love who you love Cause you only get so many trips around the sun."

Maren Morris- All That It Takes

Love her voice so much!

Wednesday #Hashtag

Happy Hump Day!

Hope everyone is having a good week so far...if not, I hope this video will help!

#LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL

Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup

To embrace the "cold front" that made it's way into Texas this weekend, I decided to pull out the trusty crock pot and whip up a soup. I have been so eager for cooler weather that I actually made soup in 85 degree weather. Usually soups don't bring me to the level of stressed out like all other recipes, so when I found this Tomato Basil Parmesan recipe on Pinterest I was already pretty confident I could make this eatable. The directions were pretty easy...but just to be safe, I think I read the directions/ingredients 5 or so times. I'm gonna believe that the extra attention I gave to this recipe is why it turned out GREAT!

 JL even wanted to taste it and to his surprise he actually like it. That, in and of itself is a HUGE victory considering he would eat PB&J and pizza rolls everyday.

Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup

2 (14 oz) cans diced tomatoes, with juice
1 cup finely diced celery
1 cup finely diced carrots
1 cup finely diced onions
1 tsp dried oregano or 1 T fresh oregano
1 T dried basil or 1/4 cup fresh basil
4 cups chicken broth
1/2 bay leaf
1/2 cup flour
1 cup Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup butter
1 1/2 half and half, warmed
1 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

Directions

1. Add tomatoes, celery, carrots, chicken broth, onions, oregano, basil, and bay leaf to a large slow cooker.

2. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-7 hours, until flavors are blended and vegetables are soft.

3. About 30 minutes before serving prepare a roux. Melt butter over low heat in a skillet and add flour. Stir constantly with a whisk for 5-7 minutes. Slowly stir in 1 cup hot soup. Add another 3 cups and stir until smooth. Add all back into the slow cooker. Stir and add the Parmesan cheese, warmed half and half, salt and pepper. Add additional basil and oregano if needed.

4. Cover and cook on LOW for another 30 minutes or so until ready to serve.

Photo from Pinterest

Next time, I plan on pairing this rich soup with a dry Sauvignon Blanc wine. 

Thursday Tunes Link-up

The day has come... Megan over at Barefoot & Blue Jean Princess and myself are finally starting our weekly Thursday Tunes link-up! We are just as excited to start this link-up as we are to see it grow into something fabulous!   The rules are simple... Any genre. Old or New. Slow or Fast. 1-5 songs in a your post. Then link-up on Megan or I's blog. We are not requiring anyone to follow us to be apart of our link-up but we do ask that you include our button in your post.

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<a href="http://www.kandidkristen.blogspot.com" title="Kandid Kristen"><img src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp277/Kmckeever23/image-65.jpg" alt="Kandid Kristen" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

For my very first post I'm gonna give ya'll a sneak peak into what I listen to in my car and what ya'll might see me singing if you were to drive by me in Fort Worth traffic.

Closer - Tegan and Sara

This song really reminds me of something Olivia Newton-John would have sang in the 80's...

#Beautiful - Mariah Carey ft. Miguel

Its so darn catchy, plus if I turn it up loud enough in my car, I sound just like Mariah for a split second.

One More Goodbye - Randy Rogers Band

I remember singing this song so loud with my hubby and our friends at Margarita & Salsa Festival in Waco. There's a giant possibility we were tipsy...

Work - Iggy Azalea

I mean we named our foster dog after her...does that not entitled us to some kind of royalties or something? Ha!

My favorite part of the song "This dream is all that I need, cause its all that I ever had."

Applause - Lady Gaga

Not only will I be singing this as loud as my Mariah voice will allow, but I may be dancing. I'm talking about the breaking it down in my seat kind of dancing.

-Do not judge me.-

Is That Weird?!?

-I like the smell of dried spray tan on my skin....

-I will not watch a movie unless it is from the beginning, even if I have seen it already...

-I love hot sauce/salsa but hate tomatoes....

-When I'm in a bad mood, I go through my "Funnies" board on Pinterest to make me feel better...

-I make up name combinations for my unborn children... 

-I don't like awkward silence, so I'm that girl just rambling so there is not silence...

-I can name all the Real Housewives...

-As some of you already know....I don't like beef. It just feels weird in my mouth...That is what she said.

-I no longer think Taylor Swift is sincere in her acceptance speeches...no one is surprised after the 67th award. Geez!

-I really like the smell of new tires...If someone could bottle the smell in Discount Tire stores, I would be all over that shit!

-While visiting New Orleans, I was more interested in the cemeteries than anything else...

What do you do/say/think that is weird?!

Five on Friday

Mornin' Lovebugs! 

Glad you decided to grace us with your presence.

Do I seem extra chipper this morning?!? It's all because I got my mind on my wine and my wine on my mind. Yes. I knowww it's early but no reason to judge a girl, I'm just thinking for this even when I get home from work. (I'm gonna pretend you believed that.) 

Its Friday, so you know what time it is, kids?!?

Five on Friday with the lovely Darci at The Good Life. 

                                           

-ONE- Wednesday night I watched Lady Gaga on Watch What Happens Live with my wanna-be BFF Andy Cohen and I think I came to the conclusion I like Lady Gaga. But strictly in a she says whatever the hell she wants and doesn't care what people think kinda-way, and I love that!

-TWO- Today I would like to give thanks to my Sigma Kabuki brush, it doesn't get credit where credit is do. But for real, who ever saids Sigma brushes are not as good as MAC brushes needs to be handcuffed to Miley Cyrus for talking crazy like that! I promise on my wine glass they truly are better than MAC brushes.

http://www.sigmabeauty.com

-THREE- I miss hog huntin' when it's cold! We always have such a good time! 

-FOUR-I'm really looking forward to the State Fair of Texas, which will start at the end of this month! Yay for, FRIED EVERYTHING. Lets be clear that's one of the main reasons we go! 

-FIVE- My awesome new throw pillows because there just so darn cute....can I ask why they are called throw pillows!? Anyone? 

Hope all you beauties have a GREAT day and weekend!

Liebster Award Nomination

I've been nominated for the Liebster Award again by the sweet Carrie over at Huggies and Heels.

Be sure and stop by to check out her blog. :)

                             

 The Rules: 

1. Link back to the person that nominated you.

2. Answer the 11 questions asked by the nominator.

3. Choose 5 or more bloggers, each under 200 followers.

4. Come up with 11 questions for your nominees to answer.

5. Contact your nominees and notify them of your nomination.

Carrie asked...

1. If you could meet one celebrity, who would you choose and why? 

Gordon Ramsay, because I have 100 questions about food and cooking that I would love to ask! 

2. What is the best vacation you've ever been on? 

Turks and Caicos, it was absolutely beautiful and I would go back in a heartbeat! 

3. Where did you meet your significant other? 

His house...a friend invited me over while they we're all hanging out.

4. What is your favorite memory? 

This is a tough one...I probably would have to say all the Sunday Fundays when the hubs and I were dating are something I think about regularly. We would go out to the country by ourselves in his huge Dodge to fish, drink, ride around and talk. It always seemed so relaxing and EASY to make time for those days! 

5. What is your favorite way to waste time?

Instagram, or any social media for that matter.

6. If you could live anywhere, where would you choose? 

Probably Turks and Caicos! 

7. What is your favorite blog post? Link to it so we can all read! 

Favorite Post

8. What was your last New Years Resolution? Did you keep it? 

Lose weight, become healthy....I think that's every year and every year I fail myself! 

9. What is your one, can't live without, beauty product? 

My Sigma Kabuki brush! 

10.What is your favorite book?

Hmm...I'm not a big reader. Maybe....Great Gatsby

11. If you could live in any era, which would you choose and why? 

I would live in Miami in the 70's to experience the culture, music and fashion. 

I nominate...

Amy @ The Crazy Wise Woman

Chelsea @ The Perfect Catch

Angie @ Life with The Vanns

Jamie @ You Gotta Have Hart

Jasmine @ Two Boys and Me

Questions for my nominees...

1. What is your favorite food?

2. What is your favorite body part? 

3. If you could witness any event past, present or future, what would it be? 

4. What songs are included on the soundtrack to your life?

5. When was the last time you were nervous?

6. If I opened your fridge, what would I see?

7. What was one of the best parties you’ve ever been to?

8. If you could have a room full of any one thing, what would it be?

9. What is the next planned event which you are looking forward to in your life?

10. What are the things which make you crazy?

11. What super-power are you most like to have, and why?

Weekend Recap

I had all the intentions to be writing this post last night but thanks to a sore throat and achy body, it was a no go. You would assume my achy body was from a earth shattering hangover since it was my birthday weekend and all or my sore throat was from talking loudly in a crazy crowded bar. -Nope. Didn't happen. Whomp. Whomp. But I'm not complaining, instead my niece and her roommate came to visit from college, which was the hubs and I first experience with having college age "kids" who eat anything and everything in your kitchen. Since they came down to visit and it was my father-n-law's birthday the day after mine we decided to cookout fajitas Saturday night with some close friends and family. My awesome mother-in-law made homemade enchiladas, thankfully I refrained from eating all 75 enchiladas she brought. That's called extreme self control, people! I tried to indulge in some adult beverages but it to was a no go because I was to busy trying to be the hostess with the mostess. Eeeekkk! Which is another sign I'm turning into my mother! Apologizes for not taking pictures like a true blogger but I was taking my hostess duties very seriously Saturday night.

 All and all we had a good time...until...the hubs got the outdoor TV working just to watch the ass whooping that was UT vs BYU. Just sad. Just plain sad. 

But I did get a picture of the beautiful roses and lilies I got this past week from my sweet hubby.

 I have a lot going on this week and some changes for the my blog coming up very soon, so be sure to stay tuned! 

:) 

Have a FABULOUS week!

Sunday Social

Happy Sunday Everyone!!!

1. What is your favorite fall activity? 

Enjoying anything outside because the weather is usually GREAT!  

2. Do you follow a football team? If so, which one and why? 

Well DUH! Cowboys & UT! Because its FOOTBALL and I live in TEXAS. Kinda expected where I come from....

3. What is something fun about fall in your area? 

Texas State Fair! We take JL every year and its always so much fun for our family. Plus this year there gonna have fried Nutella....enough said!

4. What are your favorite fall staple outfits?

Ekkkk! If I say my hubby's sweatshirts and leggings, do I sound completely lazy!?! 

5. What things are you looking forward to most about this coming fall season? 

Cooler weather, I'm so over this Texas heat! Being able to go outside and not start sweating immediately is priceless to me. 

6. What is your favorite fall holiday? Tradition? 

Thanksgiving for sure! We pick a different cuisine each year so its pretty awesome to do instead the traditional turkey and dressing. 

Easy Cheesy Zucchini Bake

As I have bluntly stated before...I am a horrible cook. It is still a mystery why, because my madre is a great cook and I feel as though I'm good at following directions. But for some reason every time I try to get ambitious in the kitchen it ends up going horribly wrong. It never fails that I end up leaving something out, adding to much, or overlooking a step which results in my dish being tossed in the woods for the raccoons.

So when I decided to make this  Easy Cheesy Zucchini Bake that I found on Pinterest, I warned my hubby yet again that it could turn into a scary nightmare and to brace himself.

Butttt...to his surprise and mine it was good, not great but good! I only missed 1 step in the directions...(which only happen because I got interrupted by having to run outside and yell at the dog for trying to dig to catch a mole). 

So in my book I call that WINNING!  

Easy Cheesy Zucchini Bake

• 2 medium-sized zucchini, cut in slices or half-moon slices 
• 2 medium-sized yellow squash, cut in slices or half-moon slices.
• 2-4 T chopped fresh basil (or even less, depending on how much you like the flavor of basil) 
• 2 T thinly sliced green onion 
• 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
• 3/4 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 cup + 1/2 cup low-fat white cheese (I used Pizza Cheese, which is a low-fat blend of Mozzarella, Provolone, Romano, and Parmesan)
• 1/2 cup coarsely grated Parmesan (I would use a little less if you only have the very finely grated Parmesan from a can) 
• Salt & Pepper to taste.

-Preheat oven to 350F/180C.  Spray an 8" x 8" baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.  Wash the squash and cut in slices or half-moon slices.  Wash basil, spin dry or dry with paper towels and finely chop.  Slice green onions.

-Combine the sliced squash, chopped basil, sliced green onions, dried thyme, garlic powder, and both kinds of cheese and stir together until the veggies are coated with cheese and the herbs are well-distributed.  Season with salt and fresh ground black pepper.  Put the mixture in the baking dish and bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes.

-When the zucchini is nearly cooked through, take the casserole dish out of the oven and sprinkle over the remaining 1/2 cup of grated cheese.  Put the dish back in the oven and bake 10-15 minutes 

longer, or until the cheese is melted and nicely browned and zucchini is fully cooked.  Serve hot.

I'm Only Getting Wiser...

Guess what!?!

---no. I'm not pregnant.--

It's my mutha' truckin' BIRTHDAY!!! 

I'm 22....plus 6! Holla!!!

I don't have to much exciting planned for today besides getting my sweat on...and not in the way you dirty minded folks were thinking. Haha! The hubs did take me to lunch Monday at Chuy's! Yeeeaaahhh! Since we were both off, we decided to partake in some retail therapy to end what was a great Labor Day weekend.

Check back for the Weekend recap because I have ALL the intentions of "celebrating" my 22 + 6 birthday!