[random]

I have been MIA on blogger this past month. Have I been extremely busy? No, not really...I have actually had lots of downtime recently. After the hospital was crazy busy the past month, the past few weeks have been laid back. I was actually called off work Friday and today...which meant 4 day weekend! Bliss! The past few weeks Ryan and I have been able to spend time with friends and family and just catch up on life. A few weekends ago we were able to spend the day at the waterpark and met our friends Lee & Leah and their little stink Sarah! Lee & Leah live about an hour and a half away from us, and we love getting to hang out when we can. Sarah was a rockstar at the waterpark and loved all the slides, she went nonstop until it was time to go!

A couple of weeks ago we also had Meloni's baby shower at work. Monogramming for little girls is soo much fun! I have spent most of my downtime in my craft room, and have been in heaven!

This was my 2nd Fourth of July I was not in Panama for our annual mission trip. Since I have started working at the hospital I have not been able to go-but I am hoping next year will be different. My mom and dad were able to go, and I know lots of seeds were planted this past week, and I am so glad they are back safely....Since my parents were out of the country, we spent Fourth of July with Ryan's family at my sister-in-laws family's lake house. We had so much fun grilling out, swimming,and boating. It was a great day to be outside and relax!



Last but not least...
Hi my name is Tiffany, and I have become a coupon junkie!!! Yes, I admit I have a couponing binder. Yes, I admit I have begun a stockpile. And yes, I admit, I wake up super early on Sunday to get the newspaper because we have a limited number since I live in the middle of nowhere. Yes, I admit I spend lots of time on the internet and going through sales ads to map out my couponing trip. Yes, I admit my sister-in-law is my couponing partner, who makes me want to coupon even more with her crazy good deals. First step to overcome an addiction is to admit you have one, right? This is definitely an addiction I won't be kicking anytime soon. ha. Couponing is a pure adrenaline rush. Crazy, I know. I have soo much fun saving money, and feel absolutely totally guilty paying full price for an item! But, I am not just buying just to buy. I am couponing practically. Ryan and I have also decided if we are saving money and just spending the extra, it is really not saving anyways-so we have begun putting the money we save on each trip to savings account. Whew. That was a spill. Well, back to work tomorrow, then off again for 3 days! I think I can make it one day! I am enjoying staying home waaaayy too much!



$35



$0.02!!



[meatloaf mania]

I have had several drive me crazy  ask me for this recipe, so I decided it was time to post it. I also didn't have much to blog about right now. Work has been crazy busy,I think this week they have been running a special right now on gallbladders and uterus' in the OR.  Ok, not really, but it sure feels like it. I have also been busy training for my newest position-Charge Nurse. lovely.  But anyways, to the meatloaf! My Nanna Paula gave me this recipe, and it is divine!

-1 1/2 lbs of ground chuck
-3 slices of bread (torn into small pieces)
-1 c. milk
-1/4 cup minced onion
-1 tablespoon ketchup
-1 tablespoon worcestershire
-1 1/4 teaspoon salt
-1 teaspoon tabasco
-1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
-2 1/2 cups sharp shredded cheese

1. Mix all ingredients EXCEPT cheese in bowl.
2. Place half meat mixture into meatloaf pan, then about 2 cups of cheese on top. Pat rest of meat mixture on top of cheese, and sprinkle top of meatlof with remainder cheese.
3. Bake @ 350 for 45-60 mins

**Remember cheese is greasy! I always use a meatloaf pan to drain the excess grease while baking. Also, when meatloaf is finished I pour out grease from on top of pan, and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving!

Sorry I don't have a picture, but trust me....delish! Happy baking.

[Birthday Week]

Tuesday was my birthday,alas! I had such a wonderful birthday week, and it is still continuing! Even though this past weekend was my weekend to work, somehow I was not scheduled to work on Saturday...yahtzee! Sunday morning at 5: 30 am as I was half asleep trying to put contacts in,supervisor called to tell me to stay home and be on call, double yahtzee! The bonus of all this was- I was scheduled off Mon,Tues, and Wed...which meant 5 day vacay for my birthday week! I was able to catch up on some monogramming, bake, shop, and lay on the couch to watch NCIS marathon all day. Pure bliss! Tuesday I took my first gamble at couponing at CVS.  Ryan and I are trying to knock out our student loan debt and I figured we could cut our grocery bill by couponing. I did better than I thought I would, but still not as good as I would like to be. Any tips? For those of you who don't coupon or have never couponed you may not understand-but couponing is such an adrenaline rush! Crazy, I know! Checking out at the register with 4-5 different purchases, hoping everything equals what it's suppose to is pure adrenaline. My total before coupons was $43.56(pre tax)....total paid after coupons: $8.82(pre tax)!! I was super pumped!

Tuesday evening Ryan's parents, my sister and brother in law, and Ryan and I went to Rosie's for dinner for my birthday. I could eat mexican everyday, and Rosie's is delish! After dinner, we went to my sister-in-law's parents house for cake and ice cream and presents. I know I am way too old for birthday parties, but I loaded up on gifts! The only thing missing from my birthday were my parents! This was my first birthday without them-such a bummer...



Cindy & I @ Rosies



one of my presents from Ryan-my bucket stand

Willow House Savannah Bevarage Server from my Parents..looove!

I ended my 5 days off by going on a very hilly 1 hour bike ride today with Ryan, Casey, and Cindy. Boy-I am out of shape!! I absolutely love riding my bike, but I am use to riding on flat ground of the coast, and not the hills of North Alabama! I have had such a wonderful 5 days off and a great birthday. Now, back to the reality of work tomorrow. ehh.....

And of course because I can't leave out Jacks & Ridge...We took them swimming for the first time this past week, and I wasn't sure how we were going to get them out they loved it so much.

Jacks & Ridge

[Memorial Day Weekend]



Ridge & Jacks



Yes, I realize tomorrow is Memorial Day and I am already posting on my Memorial Day weekend.....but of course, I will be saving lives at work tomorrow (insert sarcastic voice). I hate I have only had a 2 day weekend, but I have had a great weekend off. Friday night, our friends Lee & Leah came in from Birmingham and we met them for dinner when I got off work.  After taking Maddie for an overdue grooming Saturday morning, we spent the remainder of our day working in our yard. Fixing up our yard will be a never ending project, bleh. I need to register for one of those HGTV shows were they show up and landscape your yard...hey, I can dream, right?

Unfortunately since I work tomorrow and so does my mother-in-law, we grilled out this afternoon with the inlaws. I think I ate an entire week's worth of food today...and I am really regretting that one at this moment.  I am thankful for a wonderful Memorial Day weekend with family, and thankful for all the men and women who have lost, risked, are risking their lives for our country. I am so proud of my husband and brother in law for both having served in the Marines. I hope everyone had a splendid weekend.

[weekend home]

Finally! 6 days off from work!

Ryan and I went on a much needed trip to the coast to visit my parents. We left on Friday and came back Monday, and it was not near as much time as I would have liked. This was Jacks & Ridge's first big road trip, and I was really nervous of how they would do in the kennel for 6 and a half hours. To my surprise, the puppies slept the entire way, and let us know when they needed us to stop for a break. We spent the weekend shopping, relaxing, and eating as much as possible. Jaron and Courtney stayed Friday night as well (btw-have I mentioned, I AM GOING TO BE AN AUNT!!) The puppies absolutely loved that my parents have a fenced in back yard and they could come in and out as they pleased.  They were wore out to say the least. I wish my parent's didn't live so far away, but I am thankful they live within one day's driving distance. I don't know how I am going to make it back at work tomorrow, getting up at 5:30 am and working a 12 hour shift aren't looking so fun....



at my favorite restaraunt! lookout!




Jacks & Ridge LOOVEE water




Me & Jaron



[back to the gym I go]

Maybe if I post this publically, I will hold myself responsible.

Have you ever lost complete motivation to be active? I am guilty. My last semester of nursing school and until our wedding I was completely addicted to working out, and the high you get from having so much energy. I felt good, and I had so much more energy...and I also had a goal-fit into my wedding dress. Since October, I have given up on working out, and I am still paying a gym membership. Sad, but true. It takes a a couple of weeks of dragging yourself to the gym before it becomes enjoyable....but I need the motivation to even do that! So, starting this week, my goal is to get back to working out, and not using the excuse of I am too busy. Now, I don't mean hard core dieting, just working out (I am world's worst about dieting!!).  I felt so much better about myself and I had soo much energy when I worked out, and I am hoping I can get back to that point.....I am also totally guilty of having a chocolate chip pound cake in the oven as I type this.. eh : /...This isn't going to be easy! Guess I need to find my running shoes, and air the tires up on my bike.

[Cinco de Mayo]

To begin, I know I have been MIA lately. Work and life have been CRAZY! The tornados hit our area directly and it has been a mess. We were so fortunate and blessed that it missed our small town, but it hit all the towns surrounding us. I personally know how much a struggle the next few years will be for the people who were directly hit, and my heart absolutely breaks and goes out to them. We spent this past weekend working in a small town called Phil Cambell, in which there is total devastation. We talked with the coroner while we were down there, and the stories are just horrid. Lots of prayers are needed for these areas. Also, the hospital was crazy after all the storms had calmed with victims. I have gotten my fair share of overtime the past week. Ryan's work has also been closed due to lack of power, he has been using his time doing tornado clean up with some of the members of our church. My mother in law took pictures one day while we were down there, I will upload some next time, and even then pictures don't do it justice.  Please continue to keep those affected in your prayers, as they have a long road of recovery ahead.

On a happier note, yesterday was cinco de mayo! In lieu of cinco de mayo, we had family over for dinner and had a great time. Mexican is my favorite, and I kid you not I could eat it every day. So yesterday I made enchilada casserole, mexican rice, cheese dip, and lime margarita cupcakes with  lime cream cheese frosting.  My vote is everyday should be cinco de mayo!

Enchilada Casserole:

• 1 pound lean ground beef 
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cups mild picante salsa
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/4 cup reduced-fat Italian salad dressing
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
• 6 flour tortillas (8 inches)
• 3/4 cup Sour Cream
• 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend

1. Cook beef and onion in a large skillet, drain.

2.Add salsa, black beans, italian dressin and taco seasoning. Mix.
3. Place 2 tortillas down on a 9x 13 baking dish. Pour half of meat mix on top of tortillas, top with 1/2 of sour cream mixture and cheese. Place 2 more tortillas down, rest of meat mix, sour cream and cheese. Place last 2 tortillas on top and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
4. Bake @ 400 for 20 minutes, or until bubbly.
-Serve with tomatoes, lettuce, and sour cream for toppings
*Note: I double my recipe and make 2 dishes, so I can freeze one to bake another day.

Mexican Cheese Dip

-1 block of Jalepeno Mexican cheese dip (at Walmart in the hispanic cheese section)

-8 oz cream cheese
-3/ 4 cup of milk

1. Crumble cheese dip block into small pieces with milk and cook in microwave for 30 seconds at a time until almost creamy.
2. Add cream cheese and place into crockpot on warm, until serving.
3. Add straw, and drink cheese dip because it will be that amazing. just kidding, ..well..maybe not :) .

Hope everyone had a great Cinco de Mayo!

[Willow House]

Help me reach my goal of $250!

My sister-in-law,Cindy, sells Southern Living's Willow House! GREAT house decor!!  They are having an awesome spring sale right now. Online also has an outlet to shop from, as well as weekly deals! The catalog with stuff they have for spring is also online. They make great GIFTS for weddings, birthdays, or christmas! My Southern Living cookbooks are my favorite! Right now for every $39.96 you buy, you get one catalog item for 50% off....this INCLUDES the april saving's items!! Check it out and help me reach my goal!!

http://cindyhardy.willowhouse.com/Catalog

When you check out type in Tiffany Hardy for your host! Thanks!

[just because my mom loves me]

She surprised me with a visit!

I was not expecting her to come up on my weekend off since it is a lot for her to travel 6 and a half hours by herself. But she did because she missed her baby, and we had a fabulous weekend together!  I couldn't believe I hadn't seen my parents since January. That's the longest I have gone without seeing them (Jeff if you are reading this, your trip is long overdue!!!) Work and puppies have had me so occupied, I haven't been able to travel to the coast. The babies were so excited to meet her,and Ridge couldn't get enough of her.  He wanted to play with her every second he got. The puppies were so worn out after mom and wiggles visit that they went to bed Monday night at 8 vs 10.... 



Chocolate cupcakes w/buttercream I made for Casey's bday

 Saturday we went to lunch at a small cafe dowtown. They make their own bread and their grilled cheese is AMAZING! We had a 2 hour church service Sunday, and it was very pleasant and uplifting. Our theme for the month is family,and we had several men give a small devo on the importance of church family and what it means to them...I truly do not understand how people go without a support group of a church family. Sunday after church, we headed down to Joe Wheeler State Park and grilled out for Casey's birthday. My father in law and some of his friends provided the entertainment, and it was such a wonderful day to be outside and listen to some live music! Our low key weekend was exactly what I needed.



Me & Cindy (my sister-in-law)

 After a wonderful weekend, Tuesday morning we ended up having to bring the puppies to the vet before work. Ridge starting having a runny nose Monday night and ended up having an upper respiratory infection.  Poor puppy can barely breathe with his snotty nose, but it is not stopping him from running circles in our backyard and up and down our hallway.  So , after an antibiotic shot, steroid shot,and 7 day antibiotics, we are on the road to recovery (and an empty bank account). We are keeping our fingers crossed Jacks doesn't get it. We are working on leash training and sitting right now, and let's just say-so far Ridge has an A in listening, leash walking,and learning commands....and  on the other hand,  Jacks has an A in playing the whole time.



Jacks & Ridge

 On a side note, the newest book I am reading is "Heaven is for real." It gives me chills reading it, and it is so eye opening.....

Well, I think I have rambled enough.

[Molton Lava Cake]

I love easy quick recipes,especially ones I can throw in the crockpot. I tried this recipe this weekend,and it is sooo good!

Ingredients:

6 tablespoons baking cocoa, divided

1 3/4 cup brown sugar, divided 

1 cup all purpose flower

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup 2% milk

2 tablespoons butter, melted

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1-1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

1-3/4 cups boiling water

Vanilla ice cream

Directions:

In a small bowl, combine 1 cup brown sugar, flour, 3 tblsp cocoa, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, combine milk, butter,and vanilla; stir into dry ingredients until combined. Spread evenly into a 5-qt. slow cooker coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with chocolate chips.

In another small bowl, combine the remaining brown sugar and cocoa; stir in boiling water. Pour over batter (do not stir). Cover and cook on high for 1and 1/2-2 hours or until a toothpick inserted near the center of the cake comes out clean. Serve warm with ice cream. (I drizzled mine with caramel )

enjoy :)

[6 months of bliss]

"Ella J. Reese Photography"

Bliss. Saturday was mine and Ryan's 6 month wedding anniversary! Wow has 6 months flown by! We have heard over and over again how tough the first 6 months of marriage was, and honestly it has been splendid! Of course, there was an initial adjustment period to living with each other, but I think working 3-11 in the beginning really helped with the adjustment. So, in commemeration of our 6 month wedding anniversary, 6 things I love about my husband.

1. He is a man of God, and always tries to place God in the center of our marriage.
2. He will do anything to make me laugh..
3. He becomes such a softie when I cry. (especially if it's over a dead puppy in the road, and i am begging him to bury it.)
4. He brings me home flowers and a diet pepsi. Just because their my favorite.
5. On Saturdays I am off he takes care of puppies at 6am so I can sleep in.

6. He loves me, and always encourages me to make the most of myself.

Thank you for being such a wonderful husband and friend, I love you!

[weekend randomness]

To my few readers, sorry I have been MIA lately! Switching to dayshift and selling puppies has consumed my past 2 weeks! Day shift at the hospital is GLORIOUS! I absolutely love having peaceful mornings when I come in and having time to gather my thoughts and see my patients, vs coming to chaos and spending your whole evening playing catch up. I am here to tell you 3-11 is the worst shift ever created! I feel like I still have a life and my life is not just consumed with work now that I am on days! 

Ryan and I had a busy weekend this past weekend. Saturday we went to Birmingham for our favorite 2 year olds birthday party. Little Miss Sarah had a Curious George themed birthday party. She is such a mess! I am so glad we were able to go and see Sarah. Lee and Leah claim we only come to Birmingham to see Sarah and not them. I can't totally deny it :)

Since we were going to Birmingham for Sarah's party, we also brought Little Miss Gullah to her new home. She was oh so excited to be there! And of course, I was an emotional basketcase leaving her. She has great new parents and I know she will be more than spoiled by Elizabeth & Caleb.

Sunday we went to Sewanee to bring Fat Girl to Ms. Nancy(who is our stud dog's owner). Nancy's dog Isabelle also had a litter of puppies 10 days after Maddie and it was fun getting to see them. They all seemed so tiny compared to our fatties. Right now we are keeping Jacks & our other male (whom for now we are calling "Ridge"). We aren't able to register Ridge since he has a small patch of white on his neck. Boykin Spaniel regulations are it can only be on their chest, and not their neck-which is crazy considering the breed has white in them-but I won't go on my rant with that. We had several families want him then change their mind because they decided they wanted a registerable boykin spaniel so they could do field trials & such. So if anyone knows of a very active family or one who hunts-we still have one cute, well tempered, great puppy! Ridge & Jacks are doing great potty training and so far today has been the first day with no accidents inside. I am one proud momma! 

"Ridge"



"Jacks"



Ryan went to Auburn today for his EMBA interview. Praying for a great opportunity for him and his career.

 

[Cupcakes & Puppies]

For those of you who know me, you know how much I love to cook & bake. I guess you could say cupcakes are my thing. I would love to give up being a nurse and open a cupcake shop-but who am I kidding. So for now, I will just stick with baking for my friends and family.  Ryan needed a dessert for work today and I have been wanting to work on my banana cupcake, so last night I made  homemade banana cupcakes with a cinnamon cream cheese frosting. I am not that big of a banana fan, but these cupcakes were DIVINE!

Today marks 7 weeks for the puppies. I don't know how I am going to give them up next weekend! All week they have slept through the night, and it has been very much appreciated. They are now loving to be outside of their room to roam through the house when they aren't sleeping. And of course, they all 4 take off in different directions.



Jacks passed out under the coffee table, if you look in the back you
can see Little Miss too. She decided he couldn't sleep by himself
under the coffee table.



Jacks



Total change of subject, but I am so excited that I am finally switching to dayshift at the hospital. I will actually be able to see my husband and have a life again! I will get to work two 12 hour shifts and one 8 hour shift a week, yahtzee! Unfortunately that means I have to work 2 weekends in a row. Not fun. The hospital has been chaos this week, and we even had to open our extra overflow floor.  Hoping tonight is not too bad! Hope everyone has a great weekend!