Yummy Enchilada Casserole

Good day everyone! I am happy to announce that I am sharing my first ever recipe on here today!! It is something extremely easy to make & so far I have found no one who doesn't like it. While my husband was deployed I stayed with my brother-in-law, sister-in-law, & nephew. My sister-in-law is the one that introduced me to this recipe. And today I am extremely excited to share it with you all!

Enchilada Casserole

{Ingredients you'll need. Just add a casserole dish & 1lb hamburger meat}

Ingredients:
makes enough for four people

• casserole dish
  
• 1lb hamburger meat
  
• 2 cans refried beans
  
• 1 can enchilada sauce
  
• 1 package tortillas
  
• 1 package of Mexican Four Cheese shredded cheese
  

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 1. Brown 1lb hamburger meat over stove top & drain grease. 2. Cover bottom of casserole dish with torn tortilla pieces.

3. Pour browned hamburger meat evenly over tortilla pieces. 4. Empty refried beans into a bowl & place them in the microwave until heated. 5. Add refried beans to casserole dish as third layer.

6. The shredded cheese can then be added to the casserole dish as the fourth layer. Add as much or as little as you prefer.

7. Tear & place one final layer of tortilla pieces over layer of cheese. 8. Open can of enchilada sauce & pour over the layer of tortilla pieces. 9. Place in over for 20-30 minutes at 350 degrees.

10. Remove from oven and then serve.


Hope you enjoy!
♥,
Jessica

Almost Wordless Wednesday

Shine Through Sundays 3.27.11

Hello!! Once Again!

It has been forever since I have posted a "Shine Through Sunday" post and it feels good to be back! With that said I would like to Welcome everyone to my Wonderful series,
"Shine Through Sundays.".

For those who are new; Each week I feature a blog & an Etsy shop that I believe everyone should at least check out. When a new week comes around, the featured 'sites' are then be added to the "STS" Archive, where you can find then at any later date.


This week's featured sites are:

Featured Blog:
Visit 1+1+1=1 [HERE]
1+1+1=1 is a wonderful site run by Carisa. As a homeschooling momma of 3 children, this blog is filled with tons of wonderful learning aids for children 10 months on to preschool age. Numerous ideas are even laid out & organized by age under the "Tot School Ideas" section of her blog. I have found some amazing printables that I plan on using with Bubbie to teach him his alphabet and such. This site is laid out to make it easily navigable. The resources are unique and seem so fun for the children. & those are only a few reasons I believe that 1+1+1=1 is a "Shine Through Sunday" worthy blog. So be sure to swing by & give this site a look around. Be sure to let her know that "Sugar in My Grits" sent ya ♥


Featured Etsy Shop:
Trendy Peas
[SHOP HERE]
Looking for a beautifully unique canvas to hang in your baby's new nursery? How about a fabric wall decal to add that special umph! that you have been wanting to add to your toddler's room? Well, Trendy Peas has these items and much more.

(Custom Birth Print Canvas)

(20x20 Baby and Mommy Elephant Canvas)

Thank you everyone for stopping by for yet another week of the "Shine Through Sundays" series & I hope that I was able to introduce you to some really great sites again this week... Hope to see you all back next week!
Enjoy you're week!

***Know a blog or site that should be featured? Email the link to me at: jessica.bevil@gmail.com***

MilSpouse Friday Fill-in #35

{1} What is your must have gadget? submitted by Flying High With My Flyboy
-It would have to be a tie between my laptop, 4GB Zune, & Nikon D3000 camera.

{2} How does your adulthood compare to what you imagined it would be like when you were a little kid? submitted by L to the Third
-I can honestly say that I never imagined being an Army Wife. In my childhood imagination I don't even think I could fathom the thought of living the difficult lifestyle a Mil-Spouse is dealt.

{3} What is your favorite chocolate recipe? submitted by Our First Deployment
-My grandmother's homemade fudge candy. However, till this day- I am yet to get it to set up correctly.

{4} How do you deal with military life when it gets to be to much or to hard? submitted by Combat Boots And Pointe Shoes
-Honestly- I grab hold of my son, cry my eyes out, lace up my boots, & keep trucking. If it's during a deployment- I just hope & pray to hear from the Hubby sooner than later. His voice alone soothes choppy waters for me.

{5} What piece of advice would you give a new Military spouse facing their first deployment? submitted by The Albrecht Squad
-Be prepared! Hang in there, keep busy, & try not to give yourself too much time to think about what's going on over there.

Water For Elephants book Giveaway

One of my All-Time favorite books is Sara Gruen's
Water for Elephants.
One day while I was walking through the local bookstore I came across the book. It wasn't a title that I had heard of but I flipped it over & began reading the back cover. Taking a chance on 'faith' I walked out with the book that day. Started reading it shortly after. Hardly stopping to put it down until making it to the back cover. This is one book that I recommend to everyone who I meet that reads.

The characters are wonderful. The historic detail of the circus life is dead on, due to Gruen's extensive research. There is no wonder that this delightful book has been made into a major motion film scheduled to hit a theater near you 4.22.2011. One starring Reese Witherspoon, Robert Pattinson, & Christoph Waltz; none the less.


For the official movie site visit: HERE
News of this film excites me & after watching the trailer I do not believe I will be disappointed. However, what excites me even more is that fact that I am lucky enough to be able to offer one lucky winner a brand new copy of the Water for Elephants book. Equipped with the brand new cover and all!

Ways to enter giveaway:
All entries MUST include your email address. Also, be sure to leave one comment per entry. If an activity is worth 2 entries, be sure to leave 2 separate comments. Be sure to read the giveaway policy HERE before entering.

Open to US residents Only please.

Mandatory Entries
* (1+) Tell me, have you ever read Water for Elephants? Do you plan on seeing it in the theater?
* (1+) Follow me on GFC. Be sure to leave the name you're following under.

Optional Entries
* (2+) "Like" Sugar in My Grits on Facebook. Be sure to leave me your Facebook name.
* (2+) Follow me on Twitter. Leave me your name.
* Share this giveaway on Twitter. Be sure to tag @Bubbiesmom. Leave tweet URL.
#Win a Free copy of #waterforelephants the book by Sara Gruen from @bubbiesmom http://tinyurl.com/4kney2s #Giveaway ends 4.6 at 11pm EST
(3+) First tweet & (1+) Once each day there after
* (5+) Blog about this giveaway. Be sure to leave link.
* (4+) Place my button on your blog somewhere. Leave a link.
This giveaway ends 4.6.2011 at 11pm EST. The winner will be notified 4.7.2011 and has 48 hours to respond. Please be sure to leave your email address with each entry. It is MANDATORY so that I will be able to get in touch with you if you win.

DIY Personalized Kid's Canvas

Hello friends! As many may notice, this is my first real attempt at a DIY project. Well, the first Successful attempt, anyways. Enjoy!

Materials:

• Plain Canvas
  
• Modge Podge
  
• 2 pieces of Scrapbook Paper
  
• Letter Stencils
  
• Pencil
  
• Scissors
  
• Brush for Modge Podge
  
• Template for elephant
  

1. I covered the blank canvas in Modge Podge to seal the canvas and get it ready for paper-piece placement. Let it dry as you move on to the next steps.

2. Next, I used the letter stencils to trace my son's name onto the back of the scrapbook paper. Make sure to trace them backwards so that they will be correct once cut out and flipped over.

3. Using the an elephant template I had stored away, I trace and cut out the pieces from the paper of my choice. I chose plain black for the elephant & decided on the multi-colored for the ear so that it stands out.

4. After cutting out 4 black corresponding circles, I placed the before cut out letters onto them. Modge Podge works wonders as it is a sealant and works as a glue as well.

5. The Modge Podge that you applied to the canvas at the beginning of the project should be dry by now. Simply place the pieces onto the canvas, finding where you wish for them to be glued. Use the Modge Podge to glue each piece to the canvas. Place canvas to the side to allow for it to dry. 6. Once the pieces are successfully dried to the canvas, I suggest adding a layer or two of Modge Podge as sealant over the entire front of the canvas. Allow about 20 minutes to dry before applying each new layer. I plan on hanging this canvas on Bubbie's wall once I am done painting. Whenever that may be. lol. Also thinking about making one for Mrs. Emma. Just need to figure out what to make her's look like. Hope you enjoyed my first DIY tutorial. If you happen to give it a try and share it with your readers, be sure to let me know so I can take a peek. ♥,
Jessica

My True Nature Combo winner!!

Congrats Donna! I will be emailing you shortly for the needed information so that Kelly over at My True Nature may get your prize on it's way.

Thank you to everyone who entered & passed on the word! Keep a look out because there are many more giveaways yet to come!!

XoXo,
Jessica

Back To It...

Wow! I'm finally back after taking some time off to visit family in North Carolina. The entire time I was gone the only contact I had with the internet world was through my Blackberry & a few hours on my sister's computer. Let me tell you, it was nice to get away from it all but I am definitely glad to be back to my bloggy pals.

Even though I'm only 6 months along, I will not get to see my family again until either right before Emma is born or right after her arrival. While I was visiting they were generous enough to go ahead and throw a shower for Baby Emma and myself. Everything I received, I loved. It helped us out a great deal too because honestly, we hadn't even purchased an outfit at this point.

Anyways- now that I have returned home I have a few projects to take on. I was lucky enough to receive some products in the mail to review. Bubbie's room being painted is yet to be finished. There are a few giveaways that I need to get around to here soon.

And the biggest challenge I have ahead of me... Breaking Bubbie from the naptime & bedtime bottle.

Any suggestions on how to go about this? It's the hardest thing we've come across so far because he never really bonded with a binky. He only takes it at night time and nap time if we're home. Even if I lay down with him he is bouncing around like a mad man until he gets that bottle. It soothes him I guess. One minute he can be hyper but once I hand over the bottle- he's out! It's craziness. While I'm left clueless about the task ahead of me.

Hope everyone had a great St. Patrick's Day & continues to have a relaxing weekend!

♥,
Jessica

Be sure to check out my latest giveaway which ends March 22nd:
My True Nature 4oz kids shampoo/bubble bath combo

My True Nature Giveaway

.Giveaway has ended.
Welcome Friends!I am excited to announce another giveaway for you guys!
Recently, I contacted a company called "My True Nature". Their children's bath time products are 100% Natural & Organic. After becoming part of their affiliate program I was approached with a few marketing options. Not very many people seemed interested in a Bubble Bath photo contest and so here I am with a FREEBIE to giveaway... everyone loves a freebie. Am I not right?
One Lucky Winner Will Win:
4oz 2-in-1 Shampoo/body wash & bubble bath combo

Want a few good reasons to enter this giveaway & give My True Nature Shampoo/Body Wash a try?! Swing by to check out what My True Nature Founder & Momprenuer Kelly Boyd has to share with Heather Maddan of lilsugar.com: 5 Reasons to Use Natural and Organic Bath Products on Baby

Would you like to purchase something from the website while waiting to hear who the lucky winner is? Well, you're in luck! For the entire month of March my blog readers are being offers a 20% on any purchase. Head on over, check out everything offered on the site. There are also many items that are coming soon! Simply click the below button to visit the site & place your purchase. Be sure to use the discount code: FRIENDS when checking out.



Ways to enter giveaway:
All entries MUST include your email address. Also, be sure to leave one comment per entry. If an activity is worth 2 entries, be sure to leave 2 separate comments.

Mandatory Entries

• (1+) Visit My True Nature & let me know which new product you are excited about and looking forward to coming out soon.
  
• (1+) Follow me on GFC. Be sure to leave the name you're following under.
  

Optional Entries

• (2+) "Like" My True Nature on Facebook. Be sure to leave me your Facebook name.
  
• (2+) Follow me on Twitter. Leave me your name.
  
• Share this giveaway on Twitter. Be sure to tag @Bubbiesmom. Leave tweet URL.
  #Win a Free 4oz @MyTrueNatureSF Bubble Bath/Shampoo combo @bubbiesmom http://tinyurl.com/4e9cwev #Giveaway ends 3.22 at 11pm EST
  (3+) First tweet & (1+) Once each day there after
  
• (5+) Blog about this giveaway. Be sure to leave link.
  
• (4+) Place my button on your blog somewhere. Leave a link.
  
• (10+) Place an order at My True Nature.
  

This giveaway ends 3.22.2011 at 11pm EST. The winner will be notified 3.23.2011 and has 48 hours to respond. Please be sure to leave your email address with each entry. It is MANDATORY so that I will be able to get in touch with you if you win. **I am offering this Sponsored giveaway as a marketing opportunity as part the Affiliate Program with My True Nature.**

Wee Bit About Me v36

(1)What color is your kitchen?
It's kind of a cream color. We live with my brother-in-law and so it's the color he decides to have it. Maybe I can convince him to change it sometime in the future though.

(2)Do you have a good luck charm?
You know, I actually do not.

(3)Do you prefer to write with a pen or pencil?
I use pen mostly. Unless its a puzzle book.

(4)Can you use chopsticks?
I can pretend like I know what I'm doing but if I had to survive using them, I'd fail epically.

(5)Do you prefer baths or showers?
Showers. And even if I take a nice hot bath to relax my muscles, I take a shower as well before getting out of the tub.

(6)What is your favorite salad dressing?
I am one of those Ranch Dressing freaks! Especially the Buttermilk Ranch that most restaurants serve.

(7)Can you sing the alphabet backwards?
I'm sure I could but it would take a bit longer than singing it forward. And a great deal of thinking.

(8)Do you have any allergies?
Sure don't. I am very lucky when it comes to that.

(9)Crunchy or creamy peanut butter?
Creamy but recently I had a pregnancy craving for the crunchy. So, both reside in my cabinet at the moment.

(10)Have you ever hitch hiked?
Ummm No. & I have watched way too many crime shows. Therefore, no hitch hiking in my future at all. Ever.

Reasons I'm Terrified of Having a Daughter

(Photo courtesy of Photobucket)
1. Doing hair is NOT a strong point for me. Anyone who knows me can tell you that my hair is in a pony tail & clip 99% of the time. If it is down, it's a miracle. This is mostly because my hair is thick and has no style to it what-so-ever. However, I want my daughter to wear cute hair styles. Braids, Pig Tails, etc... Looks like I'm going to have to do some research and blogging before she has hair long enough to do anything with.

2. Boys! Yes, every parent's nightmare. It's going to be even worse if she is 1/2 the flirt her Daddy & brother are. My son is not scared to smile, laugh, and talk to just about any woman he comes in contact with. Once we found out we were going to be having a daughter my prayers at night changed a little. They became pleas that she was shy, quiet, reserved. My Husband began praying she'd be Lesbian like her aunt. lol.

3. Changing Her Diaper. I know it sounds strange. However, I am used to changing Bubbie's diaper. The wiping doesn't need to be as careful with a boy. I'm not going to lie; I'm worried of forgetting, wiping the wrong direction, and giving my helpless little girl irritation or worse. Maybe it's just the over cautious part of myself but yes- this is one of my true fears.

4. Hormones & Emotions. Sure my son has temper tantrums. I am aware that his will get worse before they become better. But on the flip side, is there really anything worse than a females hormones & emotions running a muck? Add dating, broken friendships, and esteem to the natural disaster of the two and it's worse than getting caught in the middle of a tornado.

5. She will be 3 times harder on me than I was on my mom. This has been forecast in my future for some time now. Other mother's have told their daughters the same as well. Low and behold, it has come true almost every time. Blame it on karma, deterioration of the generations, or just God playing minuet games. Either way you look at it: I'm screwed! Just one more reason for me to become the hermit once she hits her 12 year mark in life.

$30 CSN Gift Certificate Winner!

And the Winner is...
Suburban Prep

I will be contacting them via email today & they must respond within 48 hours to claim their prize.

Thanks again!
-Jessica

MilSpouse Friday Fill-in

This week’s questions are:

1. Do you or your {spouse} ever wish your {spouse} was in a different branch of the military? submitted by The Turner Family
-Sometimes we wish the Hubby was in the Air Force but not sure we'd really change it if we could.

2. What duty station(s) are on your “No Way, Hell No, Not Going, Have Fun Unaccompanied” list and why? submitted by Every Branch
-I can truly say that I will go with him where ever I am able to go.

3. If you could be one age forever, what age would you choose and why? submitted by Three Krakens
-I am only 25 but I think I would want to stop at 30. There's just something that seems wonderful about that age to me. Not too young, not too old either.

4. If you were a breakfast cereal, which one would you be? submitted by the C.W.
-Humm... Frosted Mini Wheats. Not really sure why but that's the kind that would be me. Plus, I'd get to wear a nifty backpack and go to school with me kids. lol

5. What is your morning beverage of choice and why? submitted by NH Girl Displaced
-Milk with my cereal and/or a glass of juice (either OJ, Apple Juice, or Grape Juice)

An ode of Koolaid

An Ode to Koolaid

Lap one!
And here he comes!
Running up the hallway; Back down the hallway!

Climbing onto one end of the couch.
Sliding down the other end.
Using Daddy's gamer chair this time.
Over the arm of the couch; Across the couch he goes!

Hopping down!
He's off for lap two!
Back down the hallway to his room!
Oh no! Here he comes once again!

I'm amazed.
Into walls he sometimes runs.
He gets back up; Takes off once again.
Laughing & cackling along the way!

Five minutes lapses!
We're coming up on the ten minute mark!
Wow! I'm tired & it's been fifteen minutes!
About thirty minutes & finally... he rests.

I ♥ My Bubbie!
Koolaid induced hyper state or not :)

♥,
Jessica

Weekend Project

Wow! Almost Friday once again & I couldn't be happier. This week has been full of ups, downs, and dancing all around. My life truly is a roller coaster lately. However, this weekend hold something fun. Something that I have been wanting to do for quite a while. This weekend we are painting Bubbie's room!! It would have been done earlier in the week but the Hubby prefers to help since I have, never in my life, painted a room alone. The color is a bright blue and perfect for both a boy and a girl's room. This being perfect since Bubbie will be sharing a room with Miss Emma once she is here.

This project is one of the numerous things listed on my 2011 Blog Goals page and don't fret, I will be posting before & after pictures for all to see. Not to mention- once this project is done, it opens up the door for decorating!! So be sure to check in frequently to see what is going on over in this corner of the blogging world.

Well, I have tons to do around the house today. Seems like my job never ends. Ugh~

♥,
Jessica

(In front of the White House during our Weekend Trip)

A Wordless Wednesday

2 Months Blogiversary!

(Font courtesy of Kevin and Amanda)

Wow! It's hard to believe that today marks 2 months that 'Sugar in My Grits' has been kicking! Note that I use the word "kicking" and that is because it has truly been kicking some butt! My views have grown to over 1,400 since opening the site. Another exciting statistic that I must mention: I am almost at my 100 followers goal!!

Other than the statistics though, I want to take some time to make note of some of the things that people sometimes look over when it comes to Mommy blogs. There is so much more to this niche than just writing, hosting giveaways, & making the stats. It's about sanity, clarity, being able to make it through the day sometimes when all you want to do is scream!! It's about making new friends, forming a never wavering support group, knowing that there are other people out there that do understand. I have been so lucky to achieve all of these things in the short 2 months that my blog has been active. I can only imagine what all is still in store for me in the months years to come.

So thank you to my readers! I am extremely appreciative to everything; Even what may seem like the smallest minuet words have meant the most.

With all of that said: Here is to 2 months down & many more to go!!

Much X♥X♥,
Jessica