BAKING & A Christmas Giveaway!

I'm in the midst of rounding up recipes for my yearly Holiday Baking Extravaganza. You all know {if you have been reading my blog for a while} that this part of the season is my FAVORITE because I l o v e to bake. Well I actually just love to cook in general.

Every year about this time I start to gather new recipes. I bake mini cakes, cookies, sweet rolls, whatever...you name it.

It all started about....maybe four years ago. My nanny and I started baking together for the holidays and we would make goodie baskets for friends and family. We love to spread the cheer! Two years ago, I was working at a printing company out of birmingham...LONG LONG LONG hours and LATE nights. So I was baking alone into the wee hours of the morning. By far, my least favorite year of baking. I put as much love into it as I burned out workaholic could be. Last year, I had the nice help of Mrs. Mary Mac Adams herself who is a GENIUS is the kitchen. This year will be my F I R S T Christmas to bake away in my very own kitchen. It will be so fun and so interesting. 

What are some of your FAVORITE Holiday goodies? Tell me your favorite Item and it might just make my Christmas Baking Extravaganza list this year! 

AND AND AND

I will be having a contest with a Giveaway! 

All you have to do is the following things:

1. Comment and tell me your FAVORITE Holiday treat.

2. Whats your Favorite Holiday Song?

3. Share this on any form of social media that you would like.

The winner will be announced before Christmas

Bye now

bB***

Spicy Cola Chicken

Hey there! If you have been reading my blog for a good bit, you probably already know that Chicken {&spicysalmonrolls} is the only thing that stands between me & vegetarianism. So, I think it's safe to say, I l o v e chicken. Like most people, I don't like to eat the same ole chicken, cooked the same ole way all the time. I am always looking for new {h e a l t h y} ways to give a new spin on some chicken!

Here is a delicious new recipe 

SPICY COLA CHICKEN

WHAT YOU NEED:

3 Chicken Breasts

1 Cup of Ketchup

1 Can Diet Coke {or Coca Cola, or Dr. Pepper, or Pepsi, Etc.}

1Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes

WHAT YOU DO:

In a bowl, mix Ketchup, Coke and Pepper Flakes all together. Set aside. Place Chicken Breast in a Crock-Pot then pour the Cola Mixture over the chicken making sure the chicken is completely covered with the mixture. Pop the lid on, now let this cook away for a good four or five hours. 

After the chicken is cooked thoroughly,  remove the chicken from the Crock-Pot and put in a square casserole dish. It doesn't have to be a big rectangular one. Now, shred the chicken using a fork. This should be very easy because the chicken should be very tender at this point. After the chicken is shred, pour the sauce from the Crock-Pot over the chicken and mix together to coat all of the chicken in the cola sauce. and thats it! You're donezo!!

Serve the chicken over your favorite rice!

This chicken is fantastic with Wild Rice, but you can serve it with whichever rice ir your favorite OR you can eat it solo. 

It's absolutely delicious and come on, does it get anymore simple?!?

I put mine in the crock-pot over my lunch break and let it cook the rest of the day while I was at work and while I went to work out.

It's great to come home to a meal that is almost finished cooking!

If you give this recipe a try, please let me know what you think.

OH and HAPPY FRIDAY! So glad its the weekend.

Bye now, 

B's

Bran Muffins

Hi there.

I've went to my favorite coffee shop several times this week and left with a coffee or tea in one hand and missing something I've been wanting so SO badly in the other. The other thing....a flippin bran muffin. On Monday when I met my friends Justin & Paul for lunch, they had some bran muffins, but they were either Pumpkin Bran or Blueberry, both of which are really wonderful. However, being the simple super lady I am, I just want a simple plain Bran Muffin. So in honor of my crazy want for a plain bran muffin here's a recipe for us all.

CLASSIC BRAN MUFFINS

1 1/2 Cups Wheat Bran

1 Cup Almond Milk

1/3 Cup Vegetable Oil

1 Egg

2/3 Cup Brown Sugar

1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

1 Cup AP Flour

1 Teaspoon Baking Powder

1 Teaspoon Baking Soda

1/2 Teaspoon Salt

WHAT TO DO:

Preheat over to 375. Grease Muffin Cups. Mix together wheat bran and milk. let stand for ten minutes so that the wheat bran becomes, well....soggy haha. Beat together the oil, eggs, sugar, and vanilla. Add the milk and bran mixture. Now sift together the flour, baking soda, powder, and salt. stir the flour mixture with the bran mixture. Now spoon the batter into the muffin tins. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted to the center of the muffin comes out clean. Let cool....if you can! ENJOY!!!

Rule of Threee

A while back I was approached by the founder of Rule of Threee to help promote about their new site when it finally launched. Well....It's LAUNCHED and its so wonderful.

Here are a few of the items from the site that I l o v e!

Stop by Rule of Threee and check out all of it for yourself.

Low Rider Sweat Shirt

Bushwick Ave Shirt

Jessa Maxi

Teal Blossom Dress

Aren't those so cute?!? and the prices are FANTASTIC! TAke a few minutes to stop by and see what you think. Also follow them on Twitter, Like on Facebook, and Follow on Insta!

Tootles for now....

B's

Love love love

Last night was a blast!! I got to hang with some of my favorite people and we gave out Red Bulls at UNAs Big Deal Event! It's basically where different organizations, groups, businesses, etc. line the entire Amphitheater with booths giving away goodies so new and old students can learn about the cool things that go on on campus as well as around the community! 

It was just a blast!!! seriously, students all over the place!!! I hope they come and visit us:) I think we made some great connections. We were also letting people sign up for a chance to win tickets to see the Lumineers!!!! Like how awesome is that?!?

I just LOVE my Epic Church family and I know from my own story what a blessing they are. So, naturally I want as many people to have that same experience that I had! I honestly can't imagine my life now without these great people in it and I am so beyond thankful that I listened when God was leading me to Epic. It has changed my life and I want others to come and see for themselves what God can do if you just let him.

Oh I also got to see my good good goood Artsy friend Adrianne! Miss that gal:)

She's precious! 

If you ever want to learn what Epic is about, please ask...and if you're ever in the shoals area or the Decatur area, Ill be more than happy to get you there if you want to go!!!

Happy FRIDAY loves

B's

Twenty-Five BEFORE Twenty-Six

Hey there!

I know I am a few weeks (or month, plus some) past my 25th birthday, but I wanted a pretty looking list for my motivation;) So here it is friends....This years motivation.

Last year, I chose not to have a goal list, 24 before 25, and I feel like that year was the most least productive year of my life!!! I am beyond happy that this year that wont be the case because I will be tackling this list full force, with lots of smiles, laughs, tears, memories and so much more I cant even imatgine. TWENTY FIVE is going to be a FANTASTIC year!!!

What do you think of my list?

bysie Bye for now.

bB***

Finally!

Hey hey!!!

Finally finally finally TODAY, after a good while of wanting to do so, I started back to school to conquer Degree number two!

As most of you know, Art, Creativity, and Embracing our free spirit are a few things that are very near and dear to my heart. And I've always loved being able to share that with people. So, what better way to share it than by teaching it!

I'm well on my way to being the person that helps students develop that passion and develop their skills in fine art just as my teachers and professors helped me! I am so soooooo overly excited about this new adventure in my life and I can't wait to share my love, joy, passion, and experience in the arts!

Tootles for now

bB***

So Worth Loving: Are We More Than Friends?

Hi love! I had to share a post I read that was written by {the obviously talented} Michelle Plett.

This post really REALLY struck home with me and made me so proud of myself. Sometimes my precious, sweet, loving, caring family can really voice their opinions to me or somewhat put the pressure on me about my dating life. {which i guess would be slightly non-existent at the moment.} Of course I value their opinions and I love hearing them. I carefully think about what they say and honestly take them to heart. 

That being said, I truly truly value who I am as BRIANNA. And who is that I guess you're wondering?!? I'm just not the type of girl to "pursue" so to speak. I feel like, just as Michelle said, that for me searching for Mr. right isn't the love story that is already planned out for me. Do I want a Mr. Right in my life, well OF COURSE I do! And much sooner rather than later. But I don't believe that he is someone that I will have to pursue. Like Michelle said, I {brianna} am a fabulous gal and one day {my} man will realize that and that will be it. No forcing! No making things fit. I truly honestly know in my heart this will just happen for me. Will it take some putting myself out there? Absolutely! Will it take risks? Absolutely! But what it won't take is making & forcing something because you think it might be able to turn into something else. I believe I will know beyond a shadow of a doubt that there is something more there and it will click on its own!

Again, I do value everyones opinions and I do love hearing them so please don't stop giving them because I mean that from my heart. I do take your opinions deeply to heart and I do think about them and measure them out one by one.

Here are a few clips from Michelles post...

PLEASE please, stop by So Worth Loving and read Michelles post! I think you will be able to see my view on my love life much more clearly.

Thanks friends

bB***

Kelly Wearstler

Hey Hey!!! 

It's TUESDAY and you know what that means.

YEAHHH TOP TWO time.

This week I bring you some GREAT pieces from Kelly Wearstler.

Here you go....

NUMBER ONE

Ornamented Stripe Jacket

NUMBER TWO

The Stripes Dress

DO I like stripes. Well thats a little obvious. 

LOVE them. and Icing on the cake....BLACK & WHITE.

g o r g e o u s

Here are a few more pretties

I think I might have a newly adored Design line. Oh whats it hurt to add one more to my ever long (and growing) list!

Stop by and check out Kelly Wearstler

Bysie 

B's

Sunshine Salad

Hey lovely!!! Hope your day was great (aside from the yucky weather).

Its time for a little recipe and what better way to brighten the day than with a little bit of s u n s h i n e ?

Here is what is called SUNSHINE SALAD. Enjoy!

SUNSHINE SALAD

ingredients

-15 ounce can mandarin oranges

- 20 ounce can of pineapple chunks 

- one banana sliced (or two if you really like bananas)...btw these are optional

- 1 ounce package fat free - sugar free instant vanilla pudding mix

directions

Okay... honestly don't know if you can handle this. It's a little difficult.

Open the cans of fruit

and DO NOT DRAIN the juice. 

Pour the fruit AND JUICE into a mixing bowl.

Add the sliced bananas

Pour the entire package of DRY Vanilla Pudding mix into the bowl.

Stir the four ingredients (three if you opt out the bananas) together until its all combined.

Cover and chill for at least an hour and thats it!

Delicious Delicious Delicious!!!

Hope you give this recipe a try.

Bysie

bB***

weekend fun.

How was your week?? I feel like mine just zoomed right on by. Which is good because I am always beyond ready for the weekend. This weekend I came to Birmingham to see the family.

It's been fun being home....but I can't lie. Part of me does miss my little homie apartment. So, next weekend I think I will just hang out in Florence all weekend.

Yesterday I had a super sweet little visitor

It's INSANE that this sweet little gal is about to be ONE!!!!

And it's also weird to me that not only are ALL of my high school friends married....they all have sweet kiddies too. Am I behind?!?! Nah...it all is different for everyone I guess.

Last night I went to the movies with my two friends Melissa & Donnie. We saw the Incredible Burt Wonderstone?!? ummm yeah...I slept on and off through the movie. eeek. It wasn't that the movies was terrible or anything. I guess I was just really tired. Not really sure, but they said the movie was just okay. not wonderful!

HAPPY WEEKEND my lovely friends. It's my FAVORITE day of the week. SUNDAY. My plan is to go to church. Clean my car. Go for a run. and relax!

Here are a few fashionies I am loving. enjoy.

JIgsaw London....loving their accessories & These linen jeans.

bB***

Thankful

I am beyond thankful for all of the people that are apart of my life. I was browsing through the photos on my phone and realized one simple little amazing thing.

All of these photos are from Sunday. Yes...just ONE day out of the week! Thats just so amazing to me. I am so lucky and BLESSED to have a BILLION different fun and wonderful moments like these...in just ONE day. ONE! I'm just so amazed by that. What I love and know about these is that each person in these photos loves me, just as much as I love them. There is not a smidgen of doubt in my mind about that. And just the simple fact that in ONE day I am so blessed to interact with these god-given people, is just a beautiful gift. I love it.

Think about the people you are blessed with and LOVE them with every ounce of you. Life is too fragile to take these moments for granted.

Just thought I would share the love I am feeling.

bysie for now

B

Decor.

Hey Hey!!

Since I've spent the last couple of weeks in decorating mode, this weeks top two is all about wall art! 

Here are my Top Two for this week

NUMBER ONE

Moroccan Metal Pieces

by Moda Industia

NUMBER TWO

Wood Grain World Map

by Right Grain

The last image Is my FAVORITE! It look SO much like my bed my dad and I built. 

I am LOVING My new apartment. It's so warm feeling! I will definitely be posting a little looksie of it soon!

So tell me, what are some of your FAVORITE decor items?!?

Bye for now.

bB***

Christmas goodies

Hey Loves!

Here is a TINY peak at my Christmas Goodies this year.  I made things from the time I got home from work until 10ish or so...Obviously thats whyI'm so late for the Wednesday Blog. 

FRIDAY can't get here fast enough. I am going HOME and will be there until the day after Christmas. SOOO happy. My plan is to absorb as MUCH family time as possible, see friends, and make LOTS of new memories. 

I LOVE THE HOLIDAYS...Speaking of, look at this ADORABLE card I got from my sweet girls.

It's a TRADITION for us to stay Christmas EVE eve at my Nanny and Paws house. We started it about fiveish (give or take a few) years ago....and Honestly, I guess I won't stop until I'm married away. And if that doesn't ever happen, Ill just keep the tradition going. 

expect lots lots lots of photos over the weekend and Christmas. Hope all of your Christmas presents are purchased and wrapped and nicely nestled under the tree. 

Bye for now.

B's

 

Toffee Candy

Hi there!! hows the week been so far?! Mine has been GREAT. I won't be doing exactly what I want to this weekend, but it will definitely be full of college graduations and family so I can't complain too much. Honestly, I'm just looking forward to the weekend!!!

On Monday night I went to a fun Christmas party! One of my GREAT friends Adrianne, who is a FABULOUS baker in general, made something that was SO delicious. So....I thought what a great time to share it, right here on itsy bitsy and creative share!

 

TOFFEE CANDY CRACKERS

INGREDIENTS
1.5 sleeves of saltine crackers
1 stick (4 oz) butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 cups chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spraying the foil with nonstick cooking spray. Arrange the crackers in a single layer on the baking sheet so there are no empty spaces in between them. Place the butter and brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir while the butter melts, and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, carefully pour the sugar-butter mixture over the crackers on the baking sheet in an even layer, trying to cover most of the crackers. If you miss some spots, don’t worry as the toffee will spread in the oven. Bake the toffee crackers at 350 degrees for five minutes, until the toffee is bubbling all over. Remove the pan from the oven and allow to cool for one minute. Sprinkle the chocolate chips on top of the hot toffee, and allow them to sit for one minute to soften and melt.  Spread the melted chocolate over the entire surface of the toffee evenly with a spatula. If you want, you can sprinkle whatever topping on them that your heart desires...such as crushed crackers, pecans, walnuts, almonds, marshmallows, sprinkles, etc. Refrigerate the pan to set the toffee and chocolate for about 30 minutes. Once set, break into small uneven pieces by hand, and enjoy! 

See how simple!!! oh gah SOOO delicious:) Thanks sweet A for bringing those to the party! I would LOVE some more. Guess I will just have to make my own batch.

Tootles for now. 

IF you have ANY Holiday recipes that a tradition for you and your family PLEASE share! I am gathering my holiday baking list and would LOVE to try new things!

Bysie 

B's

Cherry Cherry

Have I ever told you about me and cherries? Well if I haven't here's the scoop. 

Basically my entire life I was completely deprived of cherries. My dad gags at the thought of cherries, so naturally if dad doesn't like cherries, I for SURE won't like them either. Technically, I guess that wouldn't mean I was completely deprived...I guess I just chose not to ever try a cherry.

Anyway when I was around eighteen, I had my first cherry and couldn't believe I had gone SO many years without giving them a chance!

Well in honor of the delicious cherry, I have an OH SO even more delicious recipe for you that Mary Mac made last night!

CHERRY DUMP CAKE

INGREDIENTS

2 cans Cherry Pie Filling - 21 ounce cans
1 box Yellow Or White Cake Mix
1 stick Margarine
1/2 stick Butter

DIRECTIONS

Dump cherry pie filling into baking dish. Stir together. Sprinkle cake mix over the top of the fruit. Slice margarine and butter and distribute over the surface of the cake mix. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes to 1 hour. 

Thats it. Simple as that! And just a warning...you WILL go back for seconds. Its impossible not to do! Just do it...its the HOLIDAYS!

Thanks Mary Mac for all of your delicious cooking. You're AWESOME.

bysie for now

B's

Design & Sugarplum

Hey there!!!

How was Monday for you?

Mine was pretty good. I was super tired from working all weekend. BUT it was FUN work. So, it was totally worth the drag today. Maybe tomorrow I will be reenergized! 

Tonight I worked on a little design for a new wall piece. I think its cute and super motivating:)

What do you think????Please be COMPLETELY HONEST!

Here are a few photos from Sugarplum Marketplace. Enjoy.

We had a BLAST and we did REALLY great:) Can't wait until next years marketplace. We've already been planning planning and getting ideas!

Tootles for now

B's