It's been a long time!

Yesterday, I was talked into sketching something. I was actually quite happy that it happened because it's the first time I've even picked up a pencil with the intent of drawing since I designed my wedding dress. (which was how many months ago?!?!) Anyway, though I'm not completely happy with how it turned out, I just thought I would share with you all. I am hoping to start sketching more often again.

Here it is! This also happens to be the first sketch I could sign with my new name!! (though I covered my last name for posting purposes)

Pencil sketch on heavyweight paper

Restless

I am in such a restless mood tonight! I've had no energy all day, and just felt very tired...probably due to not feeling quite myself the past few days and a weekend of very late nights. But now it's 12 o'clock at night and I want to get something done. Oh, I'm not saying that I didn't get anything accomplished today. Even though Alex and I slept in rather late, we got his car cleaned out (which has been our list of things to do for a month or more) and will probably get it vacuumed sometime this week. I got the apartment cleaned up, and my last load of laundry is in the dryer as I'm typing this. I just keep jumping from one thing to the other. I tried to watch an old movie with Frank Sinatra in it, but stopped it less than half way through. I tried writing in my journal, but after a page worth my mind just seemed to go blank and I couldn't think of anything worthwhile to add. Saturday I bought an adorable dress that almost has a 50's retro look to it. White polka dots on black fabric, it has a fitted bodice with a v-neck and rounded collar, full circle skirt, and deep pockets on the front. It even came with a cute shiny black belt. The trouble is, that this dress is not shaped for me. I have sewn before and I figured it wouldn't be much of a problem to take in the sides and back a little, and take up the shoulders a few inches. Silly me. I have no idea what I'm doing, I can't pin the shoulders evenly while it's on me, and I'm not really liking how I look in it. *sigh*

So, now I'm sitting here drinking plain mint tea and listening to music. I still have no idea what to do...though I should probably just go to bed.

A seemingly small act of kindness...

Today Mom came back inside, after she had already left church, and handed me a grocery sack. "I saw this while I was shopping the other day and just had to get it for you!!" She gave me a quick hug and left. I was very surprised when I opened it and saw a brand new box of letter writing stationary! I had been looking everywhere for full page papers, and hadn't really found any. The stationary is a fresh cream color with a bright navy blue border. I'm so excited to get a chance to write a letter on it!!! I have such a wonderful mother-in-law!!! 

Success!

  I know I seem to be thinking/talking about food a lot recently, but, I said the other day that I was going to try making more cinnamon apple bread, so I figured I would let y'all know that I did. I couldn't find the recipe I had used the first time, so I did a google search and I ended up using this recipe. The reviews made me nervous about following 'as is', so I did end up making a few tweaks. I also was reminded that I only have one bread pan, and no bread tray...so I used a bundt cake pan. Once it was done baking I let it cool slightly then drizzled warm caramel on top and sprinkled it with chopped pecans. it turned out pretty good! There's no way just Alex and I are eating the whole thing though, so I'm pretty sure we'll be taking it to church tomorrow to share.

Really?!

I just almost cried while watching a tv show episode. Really?! I have never ever cried during a movie or tv show, ever. No matter how sad or heartbreaking it was. Why now? So strange...

I need a better name for this!

So, one of the days this week I made a casserole that I came up with while experimenting with different recipes...what do I call it though? "Sadie's Casserole" sounds rather lame. Anyway, I thought I would share the recipe.
Disclaimer: almost all measurements are approximate.

Brown 1lbs of ground meat in a large pan (beef or sausage work best)

Cook ~1lbs of pasta (I prefer penne) Drain and set aside.

Have ready two 14oz cans of diced tomatoes (stewed tomatoes are pictured, but I discovered that the flavor was better when I used diced. Either will work), and 2 cups chopped spinach (I used frozen). Mushrooms are optional.

If using mushrooms, chop them into bite sized pieces.

Once the meat is cooked, add tomatoes and mushrooms (if using)

Then add the spinach

Stir in cooked pasta

Sprinkle in ~2tsp garlic powder, ~1 1/2 tsp cumin, and a dash or two of cayenne pepper

Mix well, and let simmer on low heat.

Preheat oven to 350

Use 8oz of cream cheese, softened. Add ~1 cup of sour cream

Add garlic, onion powder, cumin, and parmesan cheese to taste

Use a hand mixer to blend.

Beat until smooth

Spread half of the cheese mixture in the bottom of a 2qt baking dish

Put noodle mixture in the dish.

Spread remaining cheese mixture on top of the noodles

Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese

Bake ~20minutes, or until heated through and cheese turns golden brown

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy! :)

Simple

I discovered that after a weekend of inactivity, my creative juices just quit! So I'm going to just write whatever comes to mind and see if I can get these posts rolling again. It seems that I always have rather serious things on my mind, or that I want to complain, but who would want to read all about everything I feel unhappy with lately? I don't feel like that would be something I would be very proud of having posted. In fact, later I would probably feel rather ashamed of having done so. Soo, I think it's rather late tonight to approach the serious matters...which leaves me with lighthearted, happy, and simple. I guess I'll just post a few simple things about my day.

 I was in a baking mood today! However, I never decided what I wanted to make...I have plenty of apples that aren't being eaten, perhaps I should make this again!

Apple cinnamon bread with walnuts and caramel!

I gave it away last time so I never got to taste it! Okay, that's on my to-do list for tomorrow.

Earlier this evening I got to talk to both of my older sisters on facebook :) Nothing like carrying on two conversations and making dinner all at the same time.
I received a very sweet little card in the mail today from my dear friend Laura. I am looking forward to sending one back! She brightened my day immensely.
My darling Alex took the evening off from homework and we watched Toy Story 3 together. I love spending time with him!
It's getting late and I'm feeling sleepy...I need to be energized for my busy day tomorrow, so I'm going to bed. G'night world!