Brighton.

My Brighton Bracelet

I adore my Brighton! It all started thanks to Jennifer. I was visiting her in Alabama when I saw a couple of charms her mom had gotten and I thought it was adorable. I have always loved charm bracelets simply because they can tell so much about a person. Corey added to mine for my birthday coming up this Sunday so I thought this was a great time to share. 
What charms do I have and why?
1st - Breast Cancer Awareness Ribbon. I lost my mom to breast cancer in 2005. So pink ribbons are something I have a lot of. It's always a constant reminder of my mom, the disease, and all of the fighters/survivors out there. 2nd - Camera. I love the camera. I found a lot of peace taking pictures while dealing with a lot through high school. I had to deal with my moms sickness and moving to Memphis during my Junior year. Taking pictures eased my mind and it still does to this day. Photos are priceless. 3rd - Bee. This is always the one to throw everyone off. (-: Melissa means "Honey Bee". Simple as that! I've always loved that about my name for some reason. 4th - M. I don't think we need an explanation. 5th - Turtle. I have a serious obsession. Hints to "oh my turtles" thing. It's a story for another time but there is an interesting story behind my turtle love. 6th - Engagement Ring. Corey got this for me shortly after he proposed.  7th - Lighthouse. We spent our Honeymoon in Savannah/Tybee Island, GA. Our wedding pictures have a lighthouse in the back and it means a lot to us. This was the newest addition for my birthday courtesy of the husband. <3 .="." nbsp="nbsp" span="span">
My bracelet is just about filled up so I plan on starting a keychain soon. A cute local boutique (I like to support the small local stores versus the department stores) has my keychain ordered so hopefully I can get started before long.
Until next time ...

Pinterest {one}

I love to browse Pinterest for ideas. Anything from beauty, projects for the boys, dream home (that we all know will never be owned), down to recipes.
I am no Paula Deen y'all. I can't cook worth a dime. That's what Chef Hubby is for, didn't you know? Lucky for me I got a crock pot as a wedding gift. Lemme just say that is a total must for everyone to have in their home. I don't know how I have gone so many years without one.
So, I came across a recipe for Chicken Tortilla Soup in the crock pot and immediately hit REPIN. I will share the recipe but I can't take credit guys. Great recipes here! 
Seriously, this recipe is so easy that anyone with a brain can make it. 
What You'll Need:
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 10oz cans of Ro-Tel (I tried Lime & Cilantro)
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can corn
1 onion, chopped
2 14.5oz cans low-sodium chicken broth
1-2 cups of water
1 Packet of Taco Seasoning

Top it off with:
tortilla chips
sour cream
Mexican blend cheese
fresh cilantro 
Are you ready for the easiness of this? Chop your onions. I have to admit I was excited to use my KitchenAid Chopper because this was probably one of 3 times. 

(yep, told you I was too excited.)

Then just add in all of the canned goods, water, and seasoning. 

Put your chicken in and make sure it is almost submerged in everything you have in your pot. Cover and cook on high 6-7 hours or low for 8-9 hours. Luckily my chicken shredded itself for the most part. If it doesn't, just take it out and shred it yourself and throw it back in. Grab yourself a bowl, I suggest a big one, and scoop some of this deliciousness in it. Top it off with your favorite toppings and dig in. Fresh cilantro made mine extra tasty.

Here is my bowl:

Let me just say that my husband is NOT a fan of leftovers and it's like getting a cat in water to make him eat any. Not this dish! Ladies, he ate on it for 2-3 days. We definitely decided to add this to our meal list. A must try and nothing better on a cool fall or winter day. 

Overall review: 10/10. Thank you, Pinterest.

List of Thoughts

I am going to label this a "brain dump" as my SIL likes to call it. I thought it was a cute way of just throwing out what's on your mind.

1. I am obsessed with Pinterest. I'm not sure if it's more fun to look at and dream or actually try some of the things I've pinned. But anything I try I will blog. Fall is in the air and I thought some sort of crock pot soup would be good. I will post the recipe on my next post. It was a total success.

2. I can't wait until Halloween! More like the 27th for us bc that is when Canyon is having his Halloween with us. Can you guess what he will be?

3. Speaking of that little booger, he had his first field trip Wednesday! He went to a pumpkin patch and got to pick a pumpkin. We weren't able to go to this one but hope our turn is next!

4. We won a free photo session! Our little family of 4 will finally have pictures of all of us. Absolutely can not wait.

... I guess this will be all for now. Don't worry, I'll be back tomorrow! I will share Pinterest Recipe #1.

Erin Condren

My Erin Condren Planner finally got here! It is so pretty and perfect. I have been wanting one for what feels like forever but just couldn't see paying the money. Lucky for me, I could use a coupon, and the husband said he wanted to get it for me. I love that you can make it so customized for yourself! I have always been a firm believer of planners but I also use mine as a daily journal. I'll just jot down things I did or how I felt that day.

So make sure you go check out www.erincondren.com and order your own planner soon. I promise you won't be disappointed.

Goodnight.

I have had two wonderful days off with my husband. I am not ready for it to end. Our work schedule is so hectic that we never know what days we will have together. Just enjoy the days when we have them. <3.

So with that being said, we just wanted to say goodnight! This is how we have enjoyed our last night off. Cuddled up and together!

School Time

Thursday was Canyon's first day of Kindergarten. We were probably more excited and nervous than he was, haha. Nicole {Canyon's mom} & Kolby {his step dad} brought him to school that morning so we can time to go and meet his teacher, Ms. Hays. She seems so kind and definitely a teacher for small kids. 

He was running just a little late so he had to hurry up and take his picture and get to his new seat. He didn't have a problem telling us bye at all. I hope he really enjoys this year! {We did receive an email this afternoon stating Canyon had some issues at school today. He was sent to the principal's office and we have a parent meeting next week. Already?! Holy Moly, this whole new mom thing is hectic! But in a great way. I wouldn't trade it for anything.} 

Hopewell is where my brother and I both went to school. I hold so many great memories there! It was pretty fun going inside and just smelling the school again. I'm on duty to be at school every Wednesday for pick up. That is so exciting!

Cars has to be one of his favorite movies! So of course, what is his backpack? Yep, you got it!

Canyon took a picture with his daddy and his mommy on his first day. It's hard to be a step parent but you have to learn to put aside what was in the past between adults and move on. Thank God, Nicole and I have a pretty decent relationship. There are ups and downs but I'll never be able to change who Canyon's momma is. So you have to make the best out of a funky situation. 

{This lights my heart up! He was so happy that his daddy and I were there!}

{Canyon and his mom.}

I feel like I totally left Caycee out of the loop but school to a 14 year old isn't exactly quite as exciting. He missed his first day {half of a day} Wednesday so he went back Thursday morning. It's this kids last year in middle school! He is a popular kid with lots of personality. He says he had a good day back but like I said, he seemed less than enthused. {Side note for self: He is in 8 Red}

Birthdays & Boys

Friday was a big & busy day for us! Our neighbor's little girl, Leighton, was having a birthday party for turning 2 years old. So we kept Canyon for the night so he could have plenty of time to play and then time with us at home. 
Leighton is the sweetest little girl and we have totally fallen in love with her. She turned 2 on Saturday so her parents had her a party for friends at the park on Friday. The theme? Pink & Hello Kitty! {Oh how I hope to have my own little girl one day} 

We got to eat these amazing cake pops at the party! Oh my goodness, I have never had one, but a bite of cake on a stick is seriously one of the best ideas ever. Vanilla cake with chocolate chips covered in chocolate and sprinkles. They were a hit!

Rachael {Leighton's Mommy} and I enjoying our pops!

Canyon starts kindergarten this week so we had to make that fun trip to Target to buy school supplies. He is getting really excited and he is already so smart! Hard to believe he is going to be in school this year. He had to make sure he carried all of his supplies himself and kept saying, "This has to go in my book bag!" LOL. 

Canyon came home completely exhausted Friday. He took a bath and played in there for awhile, watched some of Despicable Me and then he was out for the night! Meanwhile, I get a phone call from Caycee at midnight telling me he needed a ride home. He didn't want to go to a friends house he was going to have to go to and I am so glad he could pick the phone up and call me when he felt uncomfortable. I got my tired booty out of bed and picked him up to take him home. What's a step mom for, right?

Saturday we hung out with Canyon a little longer before he had to go home. We always try to make it a point to take him to see his Nana and I happened to get this picture of them talking and playing. I hope my MIL doesn't see this and kill me but I thought it was priceless.

Somewhere in this whole weekend I didn't get one picture of Corey and I. OOPS! Next time, right?! Last thing to leave a note on ... my Asters are blooming! I planted them as little seeds about 5 months ago and they are finally starting to make an appearance. I saw one bud, then a few more the next day, and now I have blooms and tons of tiny buds. This makes for one happy "future flower planter". 

Pinterest Clean

I am always adding little tips on Pinterest to clean the house using normal everyday products. I saved a pin about cleaning your dishwasher and thought it was a spot that could use some cleaning. Thank goodness for that pin because I noticed earlier in the week that my dishwasher was sort of stinky and was holding water at the bottom. I immediately thought of my pin and checked out what I needed to do.

1. Empty your dishwasher completely. Get a large measuring cup and fill it with vinegar. Place that cup on the top rack of the dishwasher and run the hottest cleaning cycle you can. This breaks down the grime, sanitizes, and gets rid of that nasty smell! {I could already tell a difference once this step was done.}

2. Once that cycle is finished, sprinkle baking soda on the bottom and wash on quick hot setting. This will remove any stains and help freshen it up.

My review would be 10/10. It's quick, cheap, and makes a huge difference! I will be keeping this "home tip" close by.

& here I am.

i finally have a blog up and running! i must give a humongous thanks to my friend jennifer for all of her hard work. i am thrilled to start documenting my first year of marriage, life as a step mom, and sharing all of the things i love most. i grew up always keeping a journal whether it be on paper or online. i slacked off and here i am -> returning for good! 

Coming Soon ...

A new blog layout is coming your way soon! 

I can't wait to share and document my married life with y'all. See ya soon!