Easy Garlic Chicken

Hello! It's time to share one of my favorite chicken recipes! Garlic Chicken! I found it awhile ago over on food.com. (We also had it for dinner over the weekend.) It's really easy (I promise) and there are only four ingredients! Prep time is about 10 minutes and cook time is about 20-30 minutes, depending on how thick the chicken is. I would suggest pairing it with some butter noodles or something similar. Yum!

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 4 garlic cloves, minced (I have a jar of pre minced garlic. It's super convenient)
• 4 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• additional herbs and spices, as desired. 

Directions!

1. Preheat oven to 450°F, line a baking dish or cookie sheet with aluminum foil and lightly coat with cooking spray or lightly brush with oil. (I wouldn't suggest a cookie sheet. Mine always comes out fairly juicy!)
2. In a small sauté pan, sauté garlic with the oil until tender. 
3. Remove from heat and stir in brown sugar. Add additional herbs and spices as desired. 
4. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Place breasts in prepared baking dish and cover with the garlic and brown sugar mixture. (It may be helpful to prepare the chicken in the dish first, and then sauté the garlic)
5. Bake uncovered for 15-30 minutes, or until juices run clear. (I honestly don't know what this means... But I normally take it out at the earliest end time, cut the thickest part of chicken to see if it's done or not and either take it out, or put it back in the oven for a little longer.) Of course, cooking times depend on the thickness of your chicken. I personally don't like my chicken super thick, so I always cut it in half.

Voila! That's it. Fairly simple and painless. This time when I made it, I cut up some onion that I was going to place on the bottom of the chicken (so it could absorb the juices) but I forgot. So I placed them onto instead. Also, the next time I do this recipe, I'm going to see how it goes in a crockpot! 

This was just before I put it in the oven

That's actually 4 chicken breasts that I cut in half :)

If you can't tell.. I used a LOT of garlic. Yum!

Love At First Stitch

Okay okay okay... as much as I love knit fabrics, I think I'm going to take a break from them for a little while. (My hubby would love a complete break for bit.. but i doubt that's going to happen..sorry!) I've been really itching to get out my book from Tilly and The Buttons again. (photo left)

She has such cute vintage looking skirts, dresses, tops, etc. I love it!! I've only tackled her Clémence skirt (see below!) and her super cute bow belt! But I really want to whip out some of her dresses. They are so cute. I was almost going to start making one...but then I didn't. (Probably got distracted with another project or something.) I still have the fabric for it. Maybe this means it's time to start it! The fabric is this super cute, super light blue with white designs. Also, the Mimi Blouse is adorable! That is definitely on my to-do in the very near future. (I just need some fabric for that..wink!..) If you are a beginning sewer, Tilly's book is a must have! It has great explanations on how to do the basics and has very useful techniques in sewing and construction. It's called Love at First Stitch. (I seriously had a love at my first stitch <3) Tilly is super adorable! I would totally go to one of her workshops if I lived in the UK.

Another plus with cotton fabric and other types of non knit fabric, they usually sell them for good prices at the fabric stores. (The down fall is some of the fabric types fray!) Knits are always way over priced and there really aren't that many cute, stylish options; which is why I usually always buy my super adorable knits from Girl Charlee. I've seen some other online sites with cute fabric options, but honestly, the prices doesn't beat Girl Charlee. I haven't found anything thing that comes close in comparison yet. (My apologies for those of you not in the US! The cost for shipping probably wouldn't make it worth it...sad day...) Oh my lanta...the fabrics here at Ray Stitch are super cute too! But they are from the uk...I'm going to see if I can maybe get a few eventually... so cute I almost can't handle it. :)

Anyway, please, please, please share with me where you get your patterns and fabric! I would love to grow my collection and discover new patterns that work really well! (I have a few patterns that I just use and abuse and alter and whatnot.) And I'll share what I find too!

Anyway, stay tuned for some super cute and new creations! I'll be more than happy to share. :)

(Photo props to Photography Hill!)

To Sweat With Love

So right now I'm in the second trimester of this one year program called the Pathway program. (I'm going back to school to finish my bachelors degree and this program allows me to go to the best online school ever! BYU-I Online!) And it's cheaper than anything. It's basically low cost educational opportunity that focuses on online classes and local gatherings, helping those who haven't been to school in awhile get reacquainted before starting full-time. Only two classes each term. (Not too shabby.)


Anyway, this trimester is Writing. We had this silly assignment to write a love letter to one of our favorite things using descriptions and use of the senses and whatnot. It also has to be an actual object or thing, not a person. (I guess it's made to be more on the silly side.) I chose Bikram Yoga, naturally... and I decided to share it with you! It's kind of lame, but I don't care. Enjoy!  :)

Dear Bikram Yoga,

   Words cannot express the way that I feel about you. It pains me to imagine life without you. You have become a part of my everyday life and I cannot let you go. You’ve changed me. You’ve made me into a better person. I cannot and will not go back to how my life was before you.

   When I first met you, sweating was almost the only thing I could do. The enveloping heat made it hard to breathe, and the humid air caused moisture to tickle the inside of my nose. Beads of perspiration multiplied exponentially as I strained to go deeper into each posture. The unfamiliarity of each pose caused my heart to race and made my head feel almost light enough to join the clouds. You worked me into the ground. But after that one class, that first encounter with you, I was hooked.

   I just love stretching out of my spine, reaching back as far as I can go, and straining to look for the floor behind me. I will continue to bend over backwards for you. It doesn’t matter how deep into each posture I am able to go or how far I am able to reach, I will always put in my best efforts—despite the pain you may cause me. I can’t complain, for you have brought my flexibility to a whole new level. You keep me on my toes and coming back for more, giving me the energy and stamina to move mountains. You electrify me. You make me sweat. You make me thirst. You make me feel things I haven’t felt before.

   Every day I hope to see you, feel you, and embrace your presence; that humid heat bearing presence that gives me great comfort. Even the scent of the room brings me to a special, peaceful place. With every deep inhale, every breath, I can feel you clearing my mind, my lungs and my soul. When I’m with you, the only thing I can focus on is my breath and that one spot in the mirror.

   There are times when I truly hate you, yet I will always love and yearn for you. But please forgive me, for sleep often gets the best of me and I can’t see you as regularly as I would like.

   I love you more than is fathomable. I will always remember you and the way you make me feel. Our relationship is one that is eternal. Our next encounter will always be just around the corner.

With love,

Refuse 'Demo'

Hello ladies and gents!

I am just so exciting right now! So a few years ago, I used to write music with my friend Mark. It was super fun. He's basically a musical genius. I only wish I was a musical genius... I only know like seven chords on a guitar...and I could maybe get better than barely decent on the piano...if I happened to have one in my disposal... Any who, I haven't really written anything in..uh...years. It's hard to write music when your happy and content. Sad songs are so much easier! And I love minor chords!

So with that, I whipped up something on garageband! It was kind of my little practice run. I wrote the song a few years ago. I spliced it up a bit though and I think it sounds pretty decent. Not as awesome as if I were able to have Mark assist me...but that's besides the point.



Go take a gander if you wish! Here! (Or click the picture..) I hope you like it. (At least just a little bit.) Hopefully we can look forward to some more music in the future. In the mean time, check out my other sounds. Fading Spaces


Thanks! :)

Raspberry Oatmeal Bars

I must say, Raspberry Oatmeal Bars are some of the most delicious dessert bar things ever!! And it always saddens me because when I make them and take them to an activity or something, they get eaten quickly...and I hardly ever get to save any for later...

I also have this recipe completely memorized since I made them almost 4 different times within a two week span. (They are seriously that good...and addicting!) And they are just way too easy to make! 

I seriously want to make more and eat them all just by looking at this picture... But that there is the finished product

Prep time : approx 15 min.
Cook time : 35 min
Yield: 9-12 bars (depending on how you cut them)

BTW, I tend to make a double batch of this stuff because really, one is just not enough. But here is the recipe for a normal batch.

Ingredients: 

1 cup all- purpose flour
1/4 tsp baking soda,
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup rolled oats: old fashioned (I honestly don't know if it matters what kind of oats you use. I always use quick oats because it's what I already have on hand almost all the time...)
1/2 packed light-brown sugar (I usually just use golden brown sugar. Not sure what the difference is)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (Room temp works a little nicer!)
3/4 cup raspberry jam, seedless if preferred (You really can use any flavored jam that you'd like. I don't really measure this out either. I just put in what looks like enough. And I use homemade raspberry jam. So good!)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8x8in baking dish (I only use glass baking dishes for this) with aluminum foil, leaving a 2-inch overhang of foil on two sides. Grease foil.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda and salt. Stir in oats and brown sugar, and use clean fingertips (as needed) to break up brown sugar clumps. Add butter, and using fingertips, work butter into mixture until evenly moistened.

Add 2 cups of the oat mixture to the prepared baking dish and press into an even layer. Spread raspberry jam (or any other flavored jam) into an even layer over oat later, coming within 1/4-inch of all edges. Sprinkle top evenly with remaining oat mixture, then slightly press into jam layer.

Bake in preheated oven until golden brown, about 34-38 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before cutting into squares. Store in an airtight container. (Though you may not need a container if you eat them all!)

My crumble mixture! 

And after I pressed it into the pan..

And the jam! Don't forget to leave a 1/4 in gap from the foil.

Sprinkle the remaining over the top and slightly press. Ready to bake! 

All done! Let it cool for at least 30-45 min before cutting so it won't collapse in.

Enjoy! :)

And there you have it! The best raspberry oatmeal bars ever! <3 I hope you make them, love them, and share with your friends!

One Year Down - and Some Family Photos

So Scott and I have been married for just over a year now (yay!). This also means family photos! (more yay!) With that, every year (preferably in December because that is our anniversary month..) I want to take family pictures. I think its a great habit to get into, so cheers to that! And then when we have a house, I'll have a really nice collection of photos from every year since we've been married! So far we have one...when we got married...I need to get one of these new ones printed so I can put it up on the wall.

This last year has been great! Bumpy here and there, of course, but that's life. Scott and I have had many adventures this last year and I guarantee we will have plenty more this year!

One of the best things about getting married at the end of the year is it allows us to reflect on the previous year and look forward to the next! I am also so grateful that Scott and I were sealed together and married in the House of the Lord (In other words, an LDS Temple). This allows Scott and myself to be together forever! Time and all of eternity. How great is that?! I think it's pretty awesome. And we are a team so we are able to grow and learn together...forever!

Anyway, here are my favorite pictures from our little family photo shoot! Thank you to the wonderful  Annie for taking the photos! <3 (And if you couldn't tell, I am loving purple lately!)

I hope you all have a happy new year in 2015! Here is to becoming better versions of ourselves. (Since there is no reason to become a whole new you. You are already great!) And like my yogis say, this is a time for New Years good intentions, not necessarily resolutions. Sometimes the intent is all that matters.

Cheers!

The Start of 2015 Giveaway

I cannot believe that 2015 is here! I feel as if the past year just flew by! Some big things that happened in my past year was hit the one year milestone with my hubby, enjoyed two baby announcements in my family, trip with Scotts family in Moab, spent the summer in New York City, started sewing, and so much more! It was filled with good things, things that taught me life lessons, times for growth, and lots of reasons to smile. God is so good to bring us through another year.

Today I want to bring you a giveaway with a few of my blogging friends! It's perfect to start off the new year. Here are some things you will be winning!

• A blog planner
• Some fun little accessories from Modcloth
• And a "Cheers" banner from Ash's Party Accents! 

These items are perfect to bring your office space some organization and sparkle. See below for entry details!

"Cheers" garland

Blogging Planner

Here are a few of your sponsors! Be sure to check out their blogs!

Trissa // Kayty // Aleshea Ashley // Leah // Sarah

a Rafflecopter giveaway

​

The Lane Raglan Top

Oh my goodness....HAPPY NEW YEAR! I seriously can't believe that it is already 2015. Here is to an even better year!! :)

It's time I share some love on the Lane Raglan Top! The pattern can be purchased here! And I get my fabric from Girl Charlee! (The cutest stuff!) I do really like this shirt. It's super cute! However, I think the way they have you do the collar/neckline is completely silly...Seriously. If you purchase the pattern, you will understand what I mean. Good news though! You can do it a better way and not really have to change anything. :)

But if you aren't comfortable changing things up...go ahead and just follow the directions. It will still look darling. Also, in the near near future, I'll post about the two main necklines I do on my shirts and how to do them so you can do it the normal way! ;) haha The first is the T-Shirt neckline like these shirts and The Out and About Dress or the rolled neckline like The Day Tripper Top.

Anywho, here are my completed Lane Raglan Tops! (Hopefully more of them will come soon! And maybe a dress version!!)

.

These are the only two I have at the moment. The one at the bottom, I took in the sleeves a little bit. The first one I did not. I actually like it better how it should be without taking in the sleeves. (In my defense, most patterns are too big and I have to take them in...annoying! But this one is fine!)

Anyway, enjoy! This shirt is fun and not too difficult. :)

 

The Attitude of Gratitude

In my online class, this last week is titled Giving Back. How appropriate it is during this wonderful Christmas season.

I would like to share with you this touching message from President Gordon B. Hinckley. It is only about 4 minutes long and it is definitely worth the watch. It's titled Lessons I Learned as a Boy.

It is so important for those of us who have plenty and enough to share to help those less fortunate than us. You never know what someone is going through. I also think it's important to give those individuals the things they need, and not necessarily what they want (i.e.: money). We need to feed the hungry, clothe the naked and without a spot of judgment on them. We are all mortal beings. We all go through trials and on top of that, we all sin. Charity is the greatest of all the gifts of God. To be able to see and love others the way Christ sees and loves them.


Also, this little video is so so so good too! Have I Done Any Good In The World Today?

Remember what this time of year is really about. Remember the gift of giving. Let's spread a little more love and peace this Christmas season!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all you lovely people. :)

Liebster Award Nomination

Okay so yes, I am a little late on doing this but better late then never, right?! I also have never heard of the Liebster Award before but I'm happy to accept it! I was nominated by Neive over at The Aussie Osborns and Rachel from Officially Stoked! Both adorable little ladies! The Liebster award is for the smaller blogger to help them grow their readers. As long as you have less than 200 followers, you can be nominated! 

Below I have answered eleven questions that Neive and Rachel gave me. After that, I will nominate eleven other bloggers with less than 200 followers on Facebook or bloglovin and they will answer my questions and repeat the process!  

1. How did you decide on the title of your blog?
It's my name so it was pretty easy. I had my last name before, but I'm pretty positive that nobody can pronounce it, ha! Maybe one day I'll have a super creative blog title that everyone will love and adore

2. What is one word that sums up the heart of your blog and why?
Sporadic! I kind of jump around a lot and I don't really stick to any one specific thing. I think it's fairly accurate though ha. 

3. What is your favorite pastime other than blogging?
If you can't tell already, I love love love sewing! It is by far my favorite pastime. 

4. What is your favorite aspect of blogging?
I guess I like sharing my projects with the world. Is that dumb?

5. Which project, recipe or idea on my blog would you most like to try yourself?
Basically most everything under the "Creative Cooking" just looks so scrumptious! 

6. Where does your blog inspiration come from?
I just pull it out of the abyss I guess. Or really from my life and things I'm doing, making, creating, etc. 

7. What is one country in the world you would like to visit? Why?
Austria! Probably because I just recently watched the Sound of Music and it is just so pretty over there! And... the hills are alive! 

8. If you have children, what are there names? If not, what are your favorite girl and boy names?
No children yet, and I'm definitely not spoiling any of my names! :)

9. A long-lost relative leaves you a large sum of money. What do you do with it?
Well, since I did marry a finance guru, invest it! And buy a house and a mommy wagon and maybe go to all the Disney parks! (I think there are four..?)

10. In your opinion, what is the best blog post you've written so far? (Include the link!)
I'm going to copy Neive and just go with the post with the most views! I'm definitely not sure if it's the best though...(I think it's just because Tilly is just super awesome)
Skirt From Love At First Stitch 

11. Where do you see yourself in five years time?
First off, hopefully aways away from Arizona! I've just been here far too long. Maying in another country, which would be kind of cool and hopefully the family of two will be a family of four! (Finger's crossed!)

Anyway, here are my nominations! (in alphabetical order!)

Angie ~ Chasing My Halo
Ashley ~ Yearn Love Grow
Bethany ~ Dandelion Pie
Melanie ~ Missing You, From Mel

Rachel ~ Choosing Human

Robin ~ An Ocean Dream

Sabra ~ Becoming A Gilbert
Samantha ~ Moving Peaces
Sarah ~ Joyfully Organized
Sierra ~ Enjoy To The End

Tasmin ~ Bright Little Corner

These are the steps to accepting your award:

• Answer the eleven questions given to you by the person that nominated you (see below). Please comment on this post with your link when you are done so I can see your answers!
• In your post, link back to the person/blog who nominated you and give a little thank you shout out.
• After completing the questions, nominate eleven bloggers with under 200 followers on the social media platform of your choice, and give them eleven  questions of your choice.
• Notify your nominees of their nomination, and provide a link to your post so that they know what to do.
  
  

These are your questions:

1. How did you decide on the title of your blog?

2. What one word sums up the heart of your blog and why?

3. What’s your favorite pastime other than blogging?

4. What is your favorite aspect of blogging?

5. Which recipe, project, or idea on my blog would you most like to try yourself?

6. Where does your blog inspiration come from?

7. What is one country in the world you would like to visit? Why?

8. If you have children, what are their names? If not, what are your favorite boy & girl names?

9. A long-lost relative leaves you a large sum of money. What do you do with it?

10. In your opinion, what is the best blog post you’ve written so far? (Include the link!)

11. Where do you see yourself in five years time?

Happy connecting! :)

The Essential Tee

So I was a little adventurous and decided to experiment on rub off pattering! (I found the link on pinterest <3) Since I've been sewing more and more, this was really useful, and it worked! And the best thing about it is I now have a pattern so I can make more shirts like it if I want to. 

This is the original shirt that I just love from DownEast Basics. And since I love the fit so much, I decided to try rubbing off the pattern! It's a super neat trick and a lot more precise than just tracing the outline of the shirt. 

Original shirt

I like using the brown packing paper because the needle makes nice holes and I don't have to tape anything! And it's super cheap. 

So I did it slightly different than the link up top. I didn't leave the needles in the fabric and pattern paper. I just poked holes all the way around. (Just halfway because I'm going to be cutting on the fold. And this makes sure both sides are the same) After making the holes, I used a pencil to connect the dots. Then I used my French curve to perfect all the curves. (A french curve isn't very expensive and its a great and useful tool. Invest in one! You won't be disappointed.) You are then going to want to give yourself a seam allowance and then cut out your pattern pieces! 

Once you make your first top using the rub off technique, you still may need to make additional adjustments to the pattern. I had to with the sleeves..

You also may have to play around with the length of the neck piece. (Pinning and repinning, as well as shortening or lengthening the neck piece..)  I have a bunch of patterns and for this shirt I used the neckline from the Out and About dress. (Typical tshirt style neckband) It's about 1.5-2 in wide and the length depends on the neck shape.

Finally, you can cut out your fabric and begin making your shirt! 

Looking at this makes my eyes hurt! 

Almost donnneeee!! 

The neck line is smiling at you :) One day I'll be able to serge this.. (makes me nervous..)

I love this style of shirt! It's super cute! And I especially love the half sleeves. Rub off pattern making is definitely a great sewing skill to acquire!

Happy sewing! <3

Thanksgiving Giveaway!

Ashley: Keeping Up With Ashley and Cody --- Ash: The Grits Blog --- Gennie: New Home, New Name, New Adventure --- Lisa: Showered With Design --- Suzanna: One Hoolie Mama --- Angie: Chasing My Halo --- Chelsea: The New Wifestyle --- Trissa: Trissa Marie --- Janelle: Simply Love --- Mae: Endlessly Ever After

One winner will win
$70 paypal cash
1 beautiful handmade calligraphy print made from B Sullivan Calligraphy (see below)
6 months of sidebar ads on Showered with Design
Huge sponsorship opportunity from New Home, New Name, New Adventure

a Rafflecopter giveaway