Meet the Lady behind hooley with a 'z'

I am so excited to introduce you to this lovely {breast cancer research supporting} Minnesotan. Yep you heard right, this next lady I'm going to introduce you to only lives 4 hours from me! 

Say hi to Erin from hooley with a 'z'

Erin and her Mister Man are soooo cute

Erin makes mouthwatering soup {and even shares her recipes}

Erin does hair tutorials

Erin has faith

Erin is a TWINS fan

Erin makes a mean cocktail

Erin is a laura ingalls wannabe

I am so happy Erin took part in the inaugural happy hour hangout because now I have a real blate possibility … did you say Twins game and IKEA?! I'm In! 

Seriously go check Erin out, say hi and tell her Laura Beth sent you!!

Are you paying attention?

This is a guest post I wrote a few months back and I feel it is relevant again.  With Thanksgiving approaching and now with my new job I'm reminded to step back and take everything in!

Today, I wanted to talk a little bit about Paying Attention. To what? You may ask. Well I picked up this book at a rummage sale a few weeks ago, it is quite inspirational and makes you take a few steps back and really think. This chapter talks about paying attention, reflecting on what you have and stop thinking about what you want. 

I think this can be true in so many aspects of our lives. Wishing you had more than you need and not giving thanks for the people or things you already have in your life. I think this is true for me right now with my blog. I keep thinking I need this HUGE following when in reality I need to start reminding myself it isn't the followers that matter {don't get me wrong you people are beyond amazing and I've made some lasting friendships} but instead I need to keep writing for me, making this blog my journal outlet and a place to look back on in 20+ years and smile at everything I had. 

I need to start doing some living during the week instead of being attached to my blog, my computer, my phone or other technological devices. I need to go for a walk and take in the beauty that surrounds me. I need to spend some quality time with my dear husband. I need to start taking more photos just for me to enjoy. 

If only I could sit here and drink wine every night - My life would be complete

So, let me ask you ... Are you paying attention? 

Ask yourself: What are you thankful for? Who or what have you been taking advantage of? Don't loose sight of the important things in life because you never know what God has in store for your tomorrow. The relationships you make in life will be with you always, don't toss them aside when your life gets to be too much, you may need them one day. I came across a great quote today "Your body of work won't hold your hand while you're lying on your deathbed" just another reminder that we need Our People because our 'things' won't be there for us in the end. 

Meet a Rural Rookie

It is time for you to meet another one of the lovely ladies who has donated to breast cancer research. 

Say Hi to Nikki from Rural Rookie. 

I met Nikki in the first ever Happy Hour Hangout and I'm so grateful for this group of ladies we are now a part of! {We have an exclusive 'you can't sit with us club' and some of the best new friends a girl could ask for}

Nikki is optimistic

Nikki has the cutest puppy

Nikki can drive stick

Nikki doesn't believe in 'dieting' {and she ROCKS it}

Nikki goes outside her comfort zone

Nikki is now a country girl

Nikki's mood is dampened but she is hopeful

One thing I did notice is Nikki & her fiancé need more pictures of themselves {come to ND honey and I'll hook you up}

Nikki makes me smile and I'm so happy I have found her in blogland. She is beautiful and loves wine and I'm telling you to go check out her blog now! http://ruralrookie.com

Cheesy Chili Mac

The weatherman just said 'cold & chilly night' and 'snow' all in one sentence. I don't like it … at all. This North Dakota girl isn't ready for the 's' word! 

I will admit though, one nice thing about the cold is all the delicious warm comfort food. I threw this chili dish together yesterday and was quite pleased with it. It has been approved by The Hubby and The Father-in-law so I hope you enjoy it as well. **Notice how I combined our favorite foods : Meat & Pasta!! 

Cheesy Chili Mac

What You Need:

Ground Beef - 1 Pound

Noodles - 7 oz {noodle of your choice I used Rigatoni}

Chili Powder - 1 Tablespoon

Rotel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies - 1 Can

Stewed Tomatoes - 1 Can (15 oz) Drained

Sliced Olives - 1 Can (4 oz) Drained

Pinto Beans - 1 Can (15 oz) Drained

Chopped Onion - 1/2 of Onion {I used the equivalent in minced onion}

Minced Garlic - 1/2 tsp.

Velveeta Cheese - 1/2 Pound

What To Do:

Brown beef with onion and garlic. Drain any excess grease from meat. At the same time boil your noodles according to package directions & drain. Next, in a large pot or crockpot combine all ingredients, heat until the cheese melts and the chili is heated throughout. 

Now bundle up and enjoy your warm bowl of Chili Mac! 

Linking up for Taste of Tuesday with Ashley & Jessica

Meet Mrs. Thomas

Over the next few days {let's be honest, might be weeks at the rate I've been blogging} I'll be introducing you to some of my favorite ladies. And as you are reading these, keep in mind this isn't something I've been forced to do as a result of them sponsoring me … I really love these ladies! 

Also not because they have donated to Breast Cancer Research - but they do kind of ROCK for that! 

First up is the lovely Amber from Mr. Thomas and Me. 

I wish I remembered the exact day I stumbled upon Mr. Thomas and Me, however, I do know what kept me there. On her About Me page there was a photo of her and a John Deere Tractor {caught this farm girl's attention} and then the next picture, her with a glass of wine. Yep I knew, then and there, we had the great potential to be long lasting friends! 

Contrary to her photos Amber and her hubby (aka Mr. Thomas) are not farm kids but instead Cali kids, she says she is from a small town but I'm thinking it is a little bigger than my small town with no stop lights. 

Amber is a God fearing woman - I admire her.

Amber has a sense of humor mixed in with a little sarcasm. 

Amber makes the most out of the hand God has dealt her. Not letting anger overcome her.

Amber is Beautiful. {Mr T. and her compliment each other so Perfectly}

Amber enjoys Art.

Amber Says YES. 

Amber is a songwriter.

Amber is my Friend. Not just some fictional lady on the internet. She is real. She is a reminder of why I blog. If you haven't already said hi to her, Go Now! Tell her Laura Beth sent you!