Best Ever Pot Roast

I made this the other night and it turned out so well I had to share... This is something that I put together and thankfully it turned out well. Pardon the canned items that I used for the sauce!

Ingredients:

1 2.5 - 3 pound pot roast (I use chuck roast)
garlic powder
salt
pepper
1 can beef consomme
1 can cream of mushroom soup
mushrooms (optional)

Directions:

Generously season the meat with the garlic powder, salt, and pepper and brown on all sides. Place in a crock pot (add mushrooms if using) and cover with the beef consomme and cream of mushroom soup. Cook for about 8 hours on low.

That's it! This was really easy and really good. I served mine with mashed potatoes, mushrooms, and onions caramelized with worcestershire sauce.

I hope you all have a nice week!

This is just a quick reminder - my Willow House party ends tomorrow at noon! If you have any last minute orders, there is still time to submit them.

I hope you all have a great week!

I received this email today from Proverbs 31 Ministries and I loved this particular devotional and message.  If you would like to receive these daily devotionals go here - http://www.proverbs31.org/dailydevotions/subscribe.php. 

 

Today's message was very timely, because I have been trying to get it through my head that God is in control and as much as I want to plan every last detail of my life, I need to realize that He is in charge!  I am sure that I will still be working on this particular lesson for quite some time, but I am trying to make progress! Ha ha!

The Truth is in the Handbag

25 Aug 2010

Shari Braendel

"Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me." Psalm 31:3 (NIV)

I recently watched as a frazzled shopper fumbled around in her bag trying to find her allusive keys. As she dug through her overstuffed purse, multiple items spilled out, landing on the counter and falling to the floor. Quickly, she began collecting her items.

I thought about her pretty purse, beautiful on the outside but hiding an unruly mess on the inside. And then I started thinking about how alike women and purses can be.

Maybe you're like a small purse that only has the capacity to hold a few things. Yet you try stuffing more into your life than you can hold, only to get frustrated. Perhaps one of those things is God: He's been crammed into a tiny space in your world and you don't give Him much room to rule because you feel more comfortable when you are in control.

Perhaps you're like a big purse, carrying all kinds of things. You're involving yourself in so many activities just because you can; with no real purpose to why you're doing it. You end up flustered like the shopper digging for her keys because you haven't spent the time needed to organize your spiritual life.

I know you're not a handbag, but when applying biblical truth and application, what kind of purse are you most like?

It's not God's desire for our inside to be out of sync with our outside. He desires for us to have our hearts turned toward Him and have our very pulse in beat with what He is doing in us.

Where should we start to curb the chaos, release our controlling tendencies and lighten the busyness to fall in step with God?

Start by being still. For some, that will go against every fiber of your being, but try it. Perhaps you abide in chaos because it's masking what is really going on with you, just like your pretty purse hides the unorganized mess within. Sit quietly and pray for God to help you be keenly aware of Him. Nothing that you are going through is a surprise to God.

Next, relax and trust the Lord. Sometimes feeling out of control causes you to hyper-control everything around you. Let go of your fears, doubts and worries and make room for God in your life.

Finally, clear your calendar. We overbook and over-schedule out of habit and now busy feels normal. Is your fast pace driven by fear, or does it define your value or identity? If so, re-evaluate where your time and energy are being spent and why.

Making a change doesn't come easily, but it can be done. Although seeking out time with God, learning to trust Him, and reorganizing your priorities can feel uncomfortable and difficult at first, I know for sure that it's not nearly as hard as living overcommitted and out of control.

Together, let's commit to cleaning out our "purses!"

Dear Father, will You please meet me right here, right now and quiet my heart so that I can rest and regroup? Thank You for the comfort of knowing that while I sometimes get waylaid, You never take Your eyes from me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

 

Application Steps:
Take a moment to journal what you are thinking right now. This is for you only, so feel free to be absolutely honest and dig deep.

Challenge yourself to make one change; slow and steady wins the race.

Reflections:
Do I believe God is in control?

Do I trust Him with my whole heart? If not, what am I holding back and why?

If God has more planned for my life than just coping, can I embrace a change for the better?

Power Verses:
2 Thessalonians 3:3, "The Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one." (NIV)

Hebrews 13:20-21, "May the God of peace...equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen." (NIV)

Zephaniah 3:17, "The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." (NIV)

Fall 2010 Clothes

I am really looking forward to the fall. I say that before every season though. I think it is just the anticipation of something new. Anyway, I am trying to get my thoughts wrapped around what I want to buy for fall. I am not getting a ton of new stuff, just a few new things that I can add to what I already have.

I have had my eye on the Taylor Dress by Lilly Pulitzer ever since I saw it on DC GOP Girl's Blog. I love everything about this dress - the colors, the style, etc.

I love wearing clogs in the winter. I know some people hate them, but I think they are really comfortable. At least they are in style now - ha ha! I really like the Abbie clogs by Ugg. I have another pair of Ugg clogs in black, but I have almost worn them out so it's time to replace them.
I think this merino wool cardigan from Nordstrom is really cute. I don't know what color I will get, but I live in cardigans during the winter so this will definitely be something I will wear all the time.

I think this knit draped cardigan from Land's End looks really comfortable. I love things that I can wear during the weekend with jeans and clogs. That is pretty much my uniform for fall and winter weekends.

LL Bean Signature really has some cute things for fall. There are several things I want to order. This sweater would be perfect for work with dress pants and then I could also wear it with jeans on the weekends.

I think this dress is so cute.

I love the simple shape of this cardigan.

This is where I think I will be doing the majority of my fall shopping:

Talbot's

Land's End Canvas

LL Bean Signature

What do you all have your eyes on for fall?

Willow House - save up to 50%!

There are just a few days left to take advantage of all the specials that Callie is offering for my blog party!!

Callie is offering the following specials to my readers:

* 10% off your total if you spend up to $50
* 15% off your total if you spend $50 +
* 1 half price item $39.96 or less if you spend $40
* The chance to be entered for a $40 gift card (everyone who places an order will be entered; and if you become a follower of Callie on facebook or her blog, willowhousemom.com, you get 1 extra entry; and if you blog about my blog party you will get an extra entry)!!

To place an order, go to callieparker.willowhouse.com and then choose "Order." Select "Find a Host" and enter me, Mrs (first name) LSJ (last name). Callie will have to go back in and adjust the prices for your order to reflect your discounts! Please email willowhousemom@gmail.com if you have any questions with placing your order!

My Willow House blog party will be closing in just a few days - August 28. Thank you for looking! I hope you all have a great week!

Five for Friday on Saturday

One of my favorite blog/twitter friends, One Fabulous Mom, tagged me on her Five for Friday post. She shared five things that she is loving right now. Here is my list!

1. My adirondack chairs. I love sitting outside on my porch at night after work and reading a magazine or chatting with my husband. It's so peaceful outside at night.



2. Fresh produce. I love cooking, and there is nothing like cooking with fresh, seasonal produce. Whenever fruits and vegetables are not in season I just think they aren't as good.

3. Football. I just cannot describe what football is like in the south. I cannot wait for it to start up again! I love getting together with friends on Sundays to watch the game and cookout, and going to games when we can. The tailgating, the cheering of the crowd, I cannot wait!

4. Kaboom shower cleaner. Yes, I am now officially old and dorky. Ha ha! This stuff works great though. It's a foam that goes on blue and turns white when it's finished working. No more scrubbing my shower. Hallelujah! I wasn't paid to promote this, nor was I given this product to try. I just thought it worked really well!

5. My new iPhone 4. I love this thing. Thomas and I got them when they came out and have really enjoyed using them. They are much faster than the older iPhones and the picture quality is a lot better.

I am tagging my mom and my sister! I hope you all have a great weekend!

Willow House Giveaway!

In addition to the specials that Callie is already offering for my blog party - a 10% discount off of your order and 50% off of one item up to $40 if you spend $39.96 - we have another surprise to add... for anyone who places an order, you will also be entered into a drawing to win a $40 gift certificate to be used on your next order with Callie!!

To win the $40 gift certificate you have to place an order to be entered. When you place your order leave a comment stating that you placed an order and what you would like to use your gift card to buy. If you mention this blog party on your blog you get an extra entry, and if you become a follower of Callie's blog you will receive an extra entry. Please be sure to leave separate comments so that I can use random number generator to pick the winner. Good luck!

Here are some of the items that I have from Southern Living at Home that are now available through Willow House.

I use the Ruffled Glass Bowl for tons of different things. During Easter I used it to display my glittered eggs on the console table in my hallway. During Christmas I like to put Christmas ornaments inside. I also use it as a serving dish. I have definitely gotten tons of use out of this!

I use the Camille Vases on my bar. I like how they look with my Wedgwood tea set. These are great to use for a vase when you don't have a huge arrangement to display.

I use the smaller Rosedale Plant Holder to hold my kitchen sponge, sink stoppers, pot scrubbers, etc. Yes, it would look much neater if I put them under the cabinet, but I like them to be accessible.

I keep the Estate Trivet Trio above my oven. I like how these look displayed on the wall, but they are also right there when I need one.

Happy Friday! I hope that you all have a great weekend!

Willow House Blog Party!

I have been a long time buyer of Southern Living at Home, so when I heard about the introduction of Willow House I was excited to see what was new! The new products in the catalog are amazing! I was not disappointed! Some of my favorite SLAH products are still available and there are tons of new things, too. These are all high quality items that can be used for years. I have products that I bought from SLAH after they launched in 2001!

I was excited to meet up with Callie Parker to host this blog party! Callie is a sweet person and I am happy to have found a new Willow House consultant! She is friendly and full of fun decorating ideas. You can keep up with Callie at her blog, willowhousemom.com, and on facebook, facebook.com/willowhousemom. Keep reading for details on how to order and information on the special discount Callie is offering to my readers!

Today I am going to show you some of the new products that are on my wish list! Later this week I am going to share how I have used some of these products in my house. My favorite thing about the products are how versatile they are. I can use them year round, for formal or informal occasions.

I love the Annabelle Iron Votives. I think these would be great used for candle holders, but I would also use these for bud vases, or to hold condiments when I had a party. The glass insert is removable, so you could fill them with ketchup, mayo, etc. and place them throughout the table.


I think the Decorative Card and Photo Display would be perfect for the holidays. We always get tons of cards that I want to enjoy during the holiday season, but they end up in a pile on our counter. Problem solved!


One of the other items on my list is the French Wire Tiered Stand. I love the versatility of this. It can be used as a double or triple tiered stand, or each tier can be used upside down to elevate a platter or serving bowl. The Halloween candy display in this picture is pure eye candy. I like how they mixed the cupcakes, candy, and candied apples.

Below is a link to view the complete product line on Callie's website.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now for the fun part! For my blog party, Callie has graciously agreed to give 10% off all orders! AND if you order is $39.96 or over, you qualify for 50% off of any item $40 and under!!

Here's what to do:

Go to Callie's site: Willow House with Callie

Click on: Shop Online You can either choose to Browse the Catalog or Shop Online

When you Shop Online, you will choose the item (or items) that you would like, one at a time, and add them to your cart.

When you are finished, hit Finalize and Submit Order

You will be prompted to find a hostess, that's me! Mrs LSJ

You will enter your information and hit submit.

Once you press "Submit," you will be brought back to the Shop Online page, don't worry! Your order went through if you pressed submit. However, Callie will then have to contact you to get your payment information.

You can also email Callie at willowhousemom@gmail.com to send in your order!

Also, don't forget, when you purchase something $39.96 and over, you automatically qualify for 50% off ANY item $40 and under. When you qualify, add this item to your order as well, and Callie will make sure it goes in with the correct price!

Thank you and happy shopping!

Happy Wednesday!

Hello!  I hope that you all are having a great week and a nice summer!  I cannot believe that it is already August.  It really seems like summer just started.  We have gone to the mountains a few times and we just got back a few weeks ago from Ocean Isle.  The weather at the beach was beautiful and it was just the break that I needed.  Other than that, we have been lying low and enjoying our summer! 

 

I was just checking in to say hello and let you all know that I have several posts coming up in the next week or so.  I have a blog party that I am going to be hosting... more info to come on that... I can't wait to share it with you all!  I also wanted to post about a restaurant that we tried and share a few new recipes.

 

Have a nice afternoon and I will catch up soon!