crock pot conquests

Lindsey - 1 Crock pot - 0

Considering it's pretty much required to get a crock pot when you get married {or in most cases - multiple}- after 8 months I have finally decided to try and conquer the art of crock potting.
{the verb for the act of using a crock pot?}

In one corner, weighing in at 15 lbs we have the crock pot!

In the other corner, weighing in at {HA you thought I was going to tell you my weight!} we have me!

{Sneak peek photo of our honeymoon in Costa Rica- more to come next week!!}

For some reason the name "crock pot" just doesn't sit well with me...it just DOES NOT sound appealing. But now I am a domestic wifey and it's time to change that attitude!

My 1st conquest: pulled pork sandwiches

1/2 MEDIUM ONION, SLICED
PORK SHOULDER (APPROXIMATELY 4-5 LBS, PREFERABLY BONELESS)
1/2 CUP BEEF BROTH, WATER, OR YOUR FAVORITE BARBECUE SAUCE
2 TABLESPOONS WHITE VINEGAR

Sauce:
1/2 CUP KETCHUP
1/3 CUP WATER
2 TABLESPOONS WHITE VINEGAR
2 TABLESPOONS WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE
1 TABLESPOON BROWN SUGAR
1/2 TABLESPOON DALE’S SEASONING OR LIQUID SMOKE (OPTIONAL)
2 TEASPOONS GARLIC POWDER
1 TEASPOON SALT
1 TEASPOON TABASCO
1/4 TEASPOON PEPPER

Step 1: Place onion in slow cooker, and set pork shoulder on top of the onions.

Step 2: In a small microwave-safe bowl, whisk together all of the sauce ingredients for the sauce. Microwave the sauce for 45 seconds, then pour over the pork shoulder.

Step 3: In a separate bowl or measuring cup, combine the beef broth and remaining 2 tablespoons of vinegar. Pour around (not ON) shoulder.

Step 4: Cover with lid and cook on low for 8 hours. (After 6 hours, you can start basting the meat with the liquid in the pot every 30 minutes.)

Step 5: Using two forks, shred the meat inside the crock pot, removing the bones. Leave the lid off, but set the slow cooker to its low or warm setting to let the liquid reduce. Serve immediately on hamburger buns or cornbread cakes.

This was so incredibly easy! All I did was put it in with the sauce and left it for 8 hours and I had a delicious meal! Now that is my kind of cooking!

Maybe I will start calling it 'crack'pot cooking because I could get used to that amount of work!

What are some of your favorite crock pot recipes??

Lindsey Nicole

Love and Respect week 1 update

Okay so I know I am little late, but it's only because I have been thinking through everything we heard and trying to process everything!

And let me tell you it was more than I remember from the 1st time we participated in this series. So I will only hit the highlights:

Pink/blue earplugs, pink/blue sunglasses and pink/blue megaphones! {WHAT? I know - I will explain I promise}

The whole theme of the series is "Love and Respect", and how woman feel fulfilled through love and men feel fulfilled through respect. Now, I know for me and my husband this is right on the money! {Well for me its love and food...just joking...well only half way!}

Woman see through pink sunglasses, hear through pink headphones and speak through a pink megaphone while men see through pink sunglasses, hear through pink headphones and speak through a blue megaphone...now when I speak through my pink megaphone, my husband CANNOT hear that through his blue headphones and then what?

Now with every up there is a down, and the down for this is that each gender tends to not understand the needs of the other. When misunderstanding rears its ugly head each gender reacts in ways that strip the other of what makes them feel fulfilled...introducing the crazy cycle

And as you can see, once you get on the crazy cycle it can be difficult to get off...hence why you take the class!

Another theme for the evening was "It's not wrong, just different". This applies to the way your spouse feels fulfilled. Just because it is different from the way you do, doesn't mean it's wrong...JUST DIFFERENT.

For example: If I was to say "I have nothing to wear!" {through my pink megaphone} to my best friend - she hears {through her pink headphones} "I have nothing new!" - which all women know is what I MEANT!

Now, if I was to say the EXACT same thing to my husband, he would hear {through his blue headphones} "I have nothing clean"

NOT WRONG, JUST DIFFERENT...GET IT?!


Anyways - this series is full of funny stories that hit home and make you remember that your relationship with your spouse is for the most part...normal! But it shows how you can make it great and minimize the fights and strengthen what you have!

We have our 2nd class on Feb. 2nd so I will touch back on that then!

- Lindsey Nicole

P.S. - Tomorrow's post will bring my first adventure in crock pot cooking EEEK!

pizza pizza!

In a former life I think I must have looked like this:

because there is nothing I love more than a greasy steaming pizza piled with everything! {okay, maybe sushi, in which case I would have looked like this >>>

but that is a WHOLE other post!} For this post let's stick with the pizza pie and even better a HOMEMADE pizza pie.

If you a frequent visitor to the blog world and/or you love to cook and eat, then you MUST know who Ree Drummond is...better known as The Pioneer Woman...or as I like to call her - heaven's chef!

For Christmas, my wonderful brother-in-law bought me her cookbook {impressive I know!} and I haven't put it down since...a las....The Pioneer Woman's pizza dough!

What y'all need:
1 teaspoon (1/2 packet) dry active yeast
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

Step 1: Pour 1 1/2 cups warm water into a bowl; sprinkle yeast over the water

Step 2: Combine the flour and salt in a mixing bowl

Step 3: With an electric mixer on low speed, drizzle in the olive oil until just incorporated.

Step 4: Gently stir the yeast/water mixture

Step 5: Drizzle the yeast/water mixture into the flour/oil mixture; mix until the dough forms a ball.

Step 6: Drizzle a little olive oil into a clean bowl. Toss the ball of dough into the bowl and turn over to coat in oil.

Step 7: Cover the bowl with a moist kitchen towel and set in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours, or cover with plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 2 days.

{Here is what the risen dough should look like}

...unless you have mutant dough like I did and it doesn't stop rising even after its in the fridge overnight and slightly resembles the old horror story character The Blob!

Now it's time for the tastier part...building your masterpiece!

{Preheat your oven to 500 degrees...and reassure your husband that it DOES go that high}

Step 8: Split risen dough in half {it makes two pizzas} and using your hands, stretch the dough to the desired shape, pressing the dough into the pan with your fingers.
{Note - if you are not using a baking stone, then make sure to oil your pizza pan first}

Step 9: Fill all the finger prints with ooey gooey cheese, sauce and as many toppings {I recommend pepperoni, feta, sausage and as many veggies as your hubby will eat...notice there are none on mine...} as your little italian heart desires! Cook 8-10 minutes, until edges are golden brown.

Now that you have seen how Delicious that pizza looks, I know you will want to make it and once you start with Ree's recipes, you. can't. stop! You can find a link to the cook book below...Happy cooking!




- Lindsey Nicole

love and respect

"Many marriages would be better if the husband and the wife clearly understood that they are on the same side."

Well, it's been almost 8 months since I made the biggest and best decision of my life - I married my best friend, my soul mate and the person who makes living worth while.

And I couldn't have asked for a better 8 months! {I promise to post pics from Costa Rica asap!}

Before we got married, Mr. Wonderful and I went through a Christian couples series called "Love and Respect". It is a series that teaches how to best communicate and motivate the other person and keep your marriage cycle off the "crazy cycle". {

After we got married, we made the big move into the galleria area and wanted to join a new church and meet some other couples who are in the same stages of their life as us. We have recently joined a couples bible study group at Chapelwood Church and we could NOT be more excited to go to our first class tomorrow night.

Surprise Surprise - they are starting the "Love and Respect" series and personally, I can't wait to experience the series in a new way...as a married woman!

If any of you are looking for a marriage class that will make you laugh at the same time as making you stop and think then this series is what you need! You can participate in live conferences, web conferences and/or purchase the dvd's for your own personal viewing!

More updates tomorrow after the meeting!

- Lindsey Nicole

Lions, Tigers and BEARS. Oh My!

All jokes aside, I love going to visit my friend in Waco, but going from a city the size of Houston to a city of the size of Waco DEFINITELY calls for a little creative thinking when it comes to planning our attack on the city.
{Hey, I'm pretty good at creative things right??}

Enough chit chat...here is my comprehensive guide to bear country and all it has to offer!

First stop - "Beautiful Nail - Just one?" {please tell me you have seen this?? no, click here - it's HILARIOUS}

...anyways my friend and I decided we needed to feel a little girly so we headed to City Nails for a shellac manicure. Now I understand that this certain trend isn't everyones cup of tea, but personally I am all for anything that goes on and I don't have to maintain for up to 3 weeks. Seriously. Wow!

Here's the color I got..it's my new obsession

{Navy with gold and camel accents is one of my all time FAVORITE things this winter!}


Second stop - Movie date!
I could watch movies all day. every day. - and going to the movies is even better so OF COURSE we had go. Sadly, there was nothing there that excited me, so we decided to see Joyful Noise and surprisingly it wasn't half bad.

It definitely had it's level of corny, but the overall message was good and the music made you tap your feet. {And everyone loves Queen Latifah!}




Third stop - If you are looking to contribute financially back to our economy I have just the place for you.

The Shops at Spice Village are a collection of everything you could ever want. From shoes to clothes to jewelry to home decor to beauty products, you will NOT leave empty handed - as you can see above.
{Yes those shoes are purple, but they are very subtle and they were only $5 bucks!}
Take a look through their vendors here!


Fourth stop - I definitely saved the best for last and I almost don't want to tell y'all about this place because I want to keep it all to myself! But I guess I will share because it's definitely a gem! Junque in the Trunk is a wonderful vintage antique store with VERY reasonable prices on amazing things from statement pieces of furniture to the perfect knick knacks. Don't believe me? Check out what I snagged for only $40!

It's a solid wood, 3-drawer lingerie chest that has a grey distressed finish....and I. Am. In. Love. {trust me - this photo DOES NOT do it justice - my camera isn't it's best, sadly}

All I have to say is if you are ever in Waco {or God help me, if they open a 2nd store in Houston}, you HAVE to stop by and tell Ms. Emily Jones that Lindsey from Creatively Classy blog sent you and you need something amazing. Trust me - you. will. not. be. disappointed!

Or you can visit Junque in the Trunk here, where you can look through some of their new items and always be in the loop on their sales! "Like" their junque...I sure did!

As always I hope you find these reviews helpful and if you are ever in Bear country make sure to stop at these wonderful places!

- Lindsey Nicole

P.S. - all this Baylor talk has me craving my maroon and white so here is something to make my fellow Ags smile

headed to bear country

Everyone who knows me knows that I bleed maroon through and through, but unfortunately one of my best friends lives in bear country and I am forced delighted to have to go to the land of green and gold to see her.

Don't worry about me though, I will make it home safe and sound with all my aggie traditions in tact and plenty of things to tell you! Gig 'Em!

- Lindsey Nicole

need. to. eat...now

I don't know which I love more...food...or books...wait...nope definitely a toss up.

Well my life is officially complete - a book about Houston's best food/restaurants and its all mine. No more conversations with Mr. Wonderful like this

Me: I'm hungry let's go eat
Mr. W: Okay where?
Me: I don't know, where do you want to go?
Mr. W: I don't know, where do you want to go?
Me: Somewhere new and somewhere GOOD
Mr. W: I don't know...let's just go to Whataburger
Me: Ugh okay

Here is the solution:

But wait - this book will benefit y'all too...how you ask...here is another promise:

I promise to review each place I try from this book and post it on here so you guys can enjoy this book too!

Bon Appetit Houston!





- Lindsey Nicole

Cowboy Up Houston

For those of you native Houstonians {and those who yearn to be}, you know how much we love our ropin' and ridin' especially during the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Well this past Monday they released their 2012 entertainer line up and I am tickled pink!

Here it is:

Miranda Lambert and Chris Young here I come!

Who is your favorite singer on the lineup??
- Lindsey Nicole

"Jewelry takes people's minds off your wrinkles!"

Since I have been posting novels instead of posts, here is a short one for you!

My most recent Pinterest obsession was a jewelry holder made from vintage drawl pulls, so without further adieu...here is the newest reason my wallet is always empty.

The best part was how easy and cheap it was - Here's all you need:

Vintage pulls {you can find them for pretty inexpensive at World Market}
Scrap piece of crown molding {only .50 cents!}
1.5 inch screw-in hooks {from Home Depot}

Now just arrange them how you want and screw them in place - then if you are like me buy some new necklaces to put on it!

Now go. create. buy new necklaces!

- Lindsey Nicole

Family fish fry

As some of you know, mr wonderful loves to fish...see here-
And as some of you know, I love for him to fish too...when he brings some home for me and fries em up! {okay yes we are slightly hillbilly...but the high class kind!}

Over the break he took a little fishing trip with his dad and brother to dirty wonderfully sunny Galveston. And I must say I am proud of my little fisherman:

{thats how me likes them...this is how i like them}

After an amazing dinner, where sharing my fish was NOT an option, we had an equally amazing dessert that was homemade by yours truly. I picked this recipe mostly because I had the ingredients and was tight on time.....but also because its from the queen of the south herself, Miss Paula Deen

Now I occasionally crave chocolate cake - and by that I mean every second of every day - so here is one of my favorites!{trust me...there will be plenty more}

Sour Cream Yellow Cake with Chocolate Fudge Icing
Cast of Characters:

1 (18 1/4-ounce) box yellow cake mix
1 cup sour cream
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup water
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup flour
3 eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon butter extract - Who knew there was such a thing!
1/2 teaspoon salt

Now pay close attention; this is where it gets tricky!
Step 1: Mix everything together on a low speed for about 2 minutes.

Yep, that's it. Pour the mixture evenly into two greased cake pans and pop them in the oven on 350 for about 30-35 minutes. {I always say you should use this time wisely by having a margarita cleaning up the mess you just made, so get on it}

Once they are nice and brown, take them out and let them start cooling while you whip up the frosting.

This is what you will need:

4 ounces butter
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 pound confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

Step 1:
In saucepan, over medium heat, combine the butter and milk. Bring to a boil.

Step 2:
Sift the confectioners' sugar and cocoa powder into a large bowl. Add the butter mixture and whisk well. Add the vanilla.

*Note: I put my finished frosting in the fridge for a few minutes to cool it down so it didn't run off the cake when icing.

Now, I am a firm believer in cutting the top off of the bottom later in order to create a level spot for the top layer. {also because i enjoy eating that part while i finish my cakes...i dare you to try and not eat it!}

Next, put a small amount of frosting between the two layers and then ice the whole cake.
*Note: it's easier to ice between the layers if you flip the cake with the top cut off over so you are not trying to ice over crumbs

Feel free to eat any left over icing...hey, it's why the recipe makes so much isn't it?

Here is your finished product, ENJOY!

- Lindsey Nicole

on the corpus christi bay

WARNING: LONG POST (in all fairness it covers a WHOLE weekend)

"If I could live my life all over
It wouldn't matter anyway
Cause I never could stay sober
On the Corpus Christi Bay"

Why oh why did I come back....

Let me start from the beginning - after a 3.5 hour road trip with mr. wonderful we finally reached corpus christi where the wedding festivities began!

Friday...Rehearsal dinner: mr. wonderful and i joined our good friends April and Kelby for their rehearsal dinner at joe's crab shack at which i probably ate my weight in fried shrimp and seafood nachos...mmmmmmm

here is the gang

SWITCH TOPIC: This trip was also a chance for us to see a couple other really good friends....who also deserve a HUGE congrats as he just popped the question and she said yes :)

aren't they ADORABLE!

Okay back to the wedding..
Saturday.....WEDDING DAY!
the ceremony was outside on a beautiful waterfront platform at the Corpus Christie Aquarium and was absolutely beautiful, but definitely not as beautiful as he bride! take a look!

Oh yeah, here's her and her groom!

The reception was packed full of good food, margaritas and aggies, WHOOP! Oh and lots of FISH!
April and Kelby - we are so happy that we could a part of your special day! We love y'all!

Here is me and mr. Wonderful

Since we were there for the whole weekend we made sure to spend time with our newly engaged friends as well. We did one of my all time favorite things...fishing! (All my friends and family who read this just choked on whatever they were eating because I DON'T FISH!) but I do love boats and we were on a boat...hence the favorite part!

Isn't my honey so stinking cute!

Oh and here are our friends being so damn cute and not even knowing it!

I did learn one thing on this fishing trip...it must be a man code to take your picture with our fish

(He made me take this one...and let me say, fishing doesn't look good on me...that is for sure!)

The end! Great people - great weekend!
- Lindsey Nicole

playing catch up

I know, I know, I know. It's been awhile since we have talked. But in all fairness let me just recap (briefly) my life since we last talked.

- April and Kelby's wedding in Corpus
- 2 THANKSGIVINGSS!
- being a supportive law school student's wife during finals
- decorating for christmas; getting all christmas gifts bought and wrapped
- the first 2 weeks of December i had to wrap up my work life to get ready for my honeymoon :) details and pictures to come soon!
- LAUNDRY from the trip
- 2 CHRISTMAS'
- family trip to Tulsa
- family wedding
- new years eve

Deep breathe....and that's not to mention all the WONDERFUL new recipes and crafty projects I have been filling my few moments of free time with.

So here comes the promise (i'm raising my right hand)....I, Lindsey Nicole, promise to recap and continue to keep this blog updated as part of my new year's resolution!

Happy Reading!
- Lindsey Nicole