Always Remember..

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Happy Friday Folks!!

Meat & Potatoes

Who else out there is a meat and potatoes type gal?

Is there anything else I need to say?

I have a recipe.

It's an EASY one.

As always.

It doesn't even have a name.

So we'll just make one up..

Chicken, Beans & Potatoes...

or CBP

Or any other order of the words you choose

Ok the raw chicken is kind of grossing me out. 

Maybe I should not have taken a picture until after it was cooked. 

Or maybe I am just psycho when it comes to chicken..

Moving right along..

Ingredients:

Recipe Adapted from Here!

Chicken Breasts (Or Strips)

Green Beans

Quartered Red Potatoes

2 Lipton Onion Soup Mix Packets

1 Stick of Butter Melted

Onion Slices

Place chicken in center of Pyrex dish. 

Place drained green beans on one end.

Place potatoes on the other.

Throw in some onion slices (bc everything's better with onions)

Salt and Pepper.

Cover with Lipton Onion Packets.

Pout Melted Butter evenly on top.

Bake on 350 for an hour.

ENJOY!!!

I didn't give amounts bc you can make it as big or as small as you wish. I used 3 chicken breasts (will probably use chicken strips next time), one can of green beans and 4 or 5 quartered red potatoes. It was the perfect amount for three people. 

One Little Trip To...

One little trip to Hobby Lobby and all hell breaks loose, as expected...
I mean what was I supposed to do when the fall AND Christmas stuff is already 40% off?? Seriously, was this a cruel joke? Needless to say, I got lots of fall necessities and Christmas not-so-necessities.. They know I can't control myself when it comes to Christmas...

I've never been much of all fall decorator; a few pumpkins outside, a mum or two (that always die in a week), pumpkin door hanger and I was done. But this year I decided to spruce up the inside a bit and all it took was two packs of fall leaves, a pack of napkins and 3 mini pumpkins from Hobby Lobby. I Mixed those with the few  pieces that I already had and we're FULLY FALLIFIED!

1. Three new fake pumpkins replaced the candles on the left side of the mantle.
2. Pulled out the mystery ceramic pumpkin that's been in the cabinet for 4 years.
(I have no idea where it came from)
3. Swapped out the ole Cook Book on display to some fall Jams.
4. First go round with the Pinterest Printables. Spray painted an old frame brown
and grouped with my birdy and our scary Jamaican heads from our honeymoon.
(I thought they were pretty fall/Halloween appropriate.
5. Little Pilgrims on the right side of the mantle.

Over the Weekend..

Another busy, busy weekend in the books! And another Bulldog Victory.

 High School football on Friday night. Mississippi State Football on Saturday. My Grandmother's Birthday Party on Sunday. And a dinner with some of Kendol's family that's in town on Sunday night. Needless to say, I'm tired and about 10 lbs heavier than I was on Friday morning. I'm pretty sure last night I was to the point of waddling I was so stuffed.

First Pre-Game Fly Over of the year.
I'm so glad they are back. It's one of my favorite parts.

Early Morning in the Junction

Here I was attempting to get a possible Christmas Card and Kendol refused to participate.
So I did what anyone would do... Posed by myself..

Sweet Daddy!

If anyone has Nikon Coolpix L120, please tell me how to take normal pictures.
They turn out blurry EVERY single time...

Sweet Nicole who used to Blog. I wish she would start up again!!

And I'll leave you with a little recipe that seemed to be a hit with the tailgate and the birthday party. I don't even know the name, so I'll make one up.

"Crack"ers 
(Recipe from Sweet Teeth Blog)

1 Box of Saltines

1 1/4 Cup Canola Oil

1 oz. Ranch Packet

2 TBSP Red Pepper Flakes

Dump the entire box of crackers into a dish with a lid. 

Mix oil, ranch mix and red pepper together.

Drizzle the mixture over the crackers.

Put lid on and shake around for about 10 minutes.

(tilt back and forth and flip around gently so the crackers don't break)

Let sit over night so the crackers can absorb everything.

(You can also divide up crackers and mixtures between gallon zip locks)

I BET YA CAN'T EAT JUST ONE!!!!

I believe..

I believe in God's perfect timing.

Kendol and I met 2 weeks before college graduation.
Babies..

I believe a Sonic Coke can turn a whole day around.

I believe that a back road with country music blaring on the radio makes for the best day.

I believe a day in the country is good for the soul.

I believe in over the top Christmas spirit and I believe in great gifts.

I believe that even though Mississippi gets a bad rap most of the time, it is one of the most beautiful places and has most beautiful people (inside and out).

I believe there's nothing better than a day spent on the beach with my chair on the edge of the water and a beer in my hand.

And I believe in a good tan. Everyone looks better with a little color, in my opinion.

I believe learning to run really has changed my life for the better.

Right before we ran the St. Jude Half Marathon.

I believe in taking chances. Isn't that what life's all about?

I believe in continuing to "date" your spouse?

I believe in being yourself even if others think you're a little crazy.

I believe you can never have too many pairs of blue jeans... or cowboy boots.

I believe in a beautiful dress.

I believe in lazy days spent on the couch in your pjs..

I believe in a stuffing my face with Mexican Food weekly..

I believe every girl should know how to shoot a gun.

And I also believe every girl should own a set of Pearls.

I believe in retail therapy.

I believe in living every single day to the absolute fullest.

I believe in a good rap song and a legit dance party.

I think I spot a little sprinkler action

And I believe in any excuse for a themed party.

Dog and Beth the Bounty Hunters

I believe in manners and that everyone should say "Yes mam" and "No mam."

I believe in Zumba.. Seriously it works. Try it.

I believe in a good girls weekend.

My bachelorette party at the lake!!

I believe in living in your sorority house. It's where the best friends and memories are made during college.

I believe there are still good kids out there despite the crazy conditions of this world that they are being raised in. (Ex. my little sister)

I believe in bonfires... 

I believe in my husbands culinary skillzzz... Boy can cook y'all.

I believe the right scarf can complete any outfit.

I believe in intense loyalty.

I believe in tough love and competition. 

I believe that a cotton field in full bloom is one of the most beautiful sights in the world.

I believe in the power of good music.

I believe in family time.. and lots of it!

I believe Justin Timberlake WILL make music again... One day...

I believe any drink is better when served in a mason jar. 

I believe your wedding day really is the best day of your life.

I believe in a forgiving and encouraging God and for that I am Most thankful.

And lastly, I believe in myself.
Something I probably could not have confidently said just a few months ago.

Ridiculousness

I, Callie Collins, worked out this morning before work. 

MAJOR! 

Ridiculous..

I placed third for the 25-29 age group at the race I ran on Saturday. Ridiculous..

(there must not have been too many participants in our age range.. but that's besides the point) 

I bought not 2, but 4, candles at the 2 for $20 Bath & Body Works sale. 

My house will be smelling all kinds of deliciousness. 

Ridiculous..

It is 55 degrees in Mississippi in September.. 

Ridiculous..

Which means I got to use my seat warmers for the first time this year, which absolutely makes my day. Ridiculous..

It also means that I am psychotically trying to find time to get to Hobby Lobby so that I can get my  house decorated for fall.. 

Ridiculous..

It also means that I have to completely redo on my outfit for the ballgame on Saturday..

It was really cute too..

Ridiculous.. 

I am already dreaming about the crab cakes and bisque I will be eating at the In-Laws tonight.

Ridiculous..

Speaking of food, there's still caramel cake in the break roommmm..

I've had a piece every day this week..

Ridiculous..

The Stunning Leona Pendant Necklace is half off today at Stella & Dot... 

Seriously people, get it while it's HOT!

RIDICULOUS IN PERSON!!!!  

And last, but most certainly not least... There is a bar (saw on the travel channel) with a Bacon and Beer Happy Hour. Can we say heaven? They seriously give you a fish bowl full of bacon to share with your table... Why did I not think of this?

RIDICULOUS!!

Around the House

As I begin my two+ year journey of "waiting" to build a house, I am able to think of all of the possibilities and Holy Cow, is it overwhelming. We had picked out a house plan and have now moved on to another house plan. I don't believe it will change, but I cannot say for sure that it won't. The possibilities are endless and that is scary. Mainly because I have champagne taste on a beer budget.

Kendol doesn't get it but I already can't sleep at night because I try and place each piece of furniture we already have into what rooms I think they best fit in the new house plan. Why? Two reasons.

One. I must know what existing furniture is (possibly) going into which room to begin the narrowing down process of color schemes therefore picking out paint colors. Two. I need to know what pieces of furniture we need to be on the look out for over the next few years so that we are not in a rush to find something when the time comes and it not be exactly what we want. I am usually pretty passive and laid back. Not with this. I can't be.

There are a few things that we already know and agree completely on that are musts:

Front porch 

Hardwood/Brick Floors in certain areas 

House must look country. I am not having a modern house in the middle of the woods. That's silly.

NO white cabinets (or white anything really... gets too dirty) 

Decent sized laundry room and closets (ours are matchbox sized now) 

Hearth to sit on in front of the fire place (call me spoiled if you want but that's my favorite spot in a house... if there's a fire, that's where I'm sitting) 

Island in the kitchen 

Pool.... Kidding... Kinda..

Anywho, of course with all of this craziness I have been scouring pinterest like a mad woman! Ok, I already psychotically scoured the website for home ideas before this... but that's neither here nor there. On pinterest I just have everything in one big folder, so I want to kind of organize and share some of my ideas along the way. See how much changes.. how much stays the same.

First Up: Cabinet Colors

Source: google.com via Callie on Pinterest

My current favorite color for kitchen cabinets.
(that's why it's first..)
Just picture them with brick floors.
O my!

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Source: Uploaded by user via Callie on Pinterest

Weekend Top Ten

Most Photos Provided by Rod's Racers Photography

1. Fried Shrimp from the Hilltop and the Pillow ballgame on the radio
2. Broke my parents new t.v. remote (whoopsy)
3. My first 300 Oaks 5K
(this was the 31st race and it's my hometown... first time to participate... ridiculous)
4. Katie (in the maroon) had something in her cereal on Saturday and WON the race for our age group. Get. It. Girl.
5. Visits with both Grandmothers :)
6. Family Dinner complete with Ribs, Baked Beans, Potato Salad & French Bread
7.  Mississippi State beat Troy. 3-0 for the first time since 1999.
8.  Kendol and Daddy, along with others, had work day at the Deer Camp and got everything all ready for the season!! Can't Wait!
9. Sunday Nap
10. Surprise visit from Kaylis & Lawson :)

And I didn't get to meet sweet Alyssa who was staying at the Alluvian (jealous!) in Greenwood and figured out we were in the same place!! I sure hope she loved Greenwood as much as I do :)

P.S. The Military Man in the middle ran the entire race just like that. Full dress, carrying the flag. Bless him and God Bless America!!!

Friday Favorites

This past week I experienced an amazing revelation. See, I have this love/hate relationship with my hair bc it's thin, stringy and well... half grey... but that's neither here not there. And see, I have this friend. Her name is Leslie. She is the teasing, southern poofin' queen. I could play with my hair for four hours and it look the exact same as when I started, but when Leslie does it? She can have it looking like a million bucks in two minutes. Example:

Left: Me
Right: Leslie
Y'all didn't really think I did that myself did you?

After years and years and years of trying to figure out just how she does it, I think I have found the answer... I have always had a comb and hairspray and Bumble &Bumble styling gel and the list goes on and on... but it was not until this week that I found the miracle workers for the southern poof hair impaired. I furiously message Mallory on the computer regarding what hair products she uses. (I have no idea why this was so important at the time... I could care less about my hair) Seriously, she can wake up and her hair look like she just had it done for prom. I don't understand. (You would think after 18 of years of being next door neighbors and 4 years of being roomates I would have figured out her secret by now) She explained to me that she uses Big Sexy Root Pump and Big Sexy Powder Play. See this is where one problem comes in for me. $17 for some hair products? She must think I'm crazy? Anywho, after I got over my giggles from the names of the products and the fact that I had to dish out some money, I set off to Target where I purchased the Root Pump and a Teasing comb.

Y'ALL... 

SOUTHERN HAIR IMPAIRED NO MORE. 

CALLIE'S GOTTA POOF

PROOF

This would be the picture that I text to Mallory at 7:15 a.m. on Tuesday.

Seriously, if you want a poof get you some Root Pump. I did this myself. I'm not lying. If you know me then you know this is MAJOR.

Anywho, enough about my stupid hair and on to more important things.. such as Buffalo Chicken!!! I mean is there anything better in the world than buffalo chicken? I think not. So, I am going to share with you the easiest recipe of all time.

Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken
3 lb bag of Chicken Breasts
1 Bottle of Frank's Buffalo Sauce
1 Ranch Packet
2 TBSP Butter

Put ingredients in crock pot.
Cook all day.
Shred Chicken.
Serve however you wish.

We had ours in wrap form with some lettuce, green onion and avocado. You really didn't need anything but the chicken and tortilla. You could also serve on a bun or like a taco. And since you are using buffalo sauce and not hot sauce it really isn't too spicy for those weaklings (such as my sisters) who think a bell pepper is spicy. If you like Buffalo Chicken Dip then this is for you!! (if you don't... don't tell me bc we won't be able to be friends)

ENJOY!

It's Gonna Be a Good Day Tater

Today is going to be a good day... I can just feel it. Maybe it's the Buffalo Chicken I left cooking in the crock pot. Or the tractor I saw crossing the dirt road spillway this morning that reminded me of home. Maybe it's the abnormal mid 70's temperatures we have going on down here in Mississippi. Maybe, just maybe it's bc I finally got my work out on last night for the first time since last Thursday. And I got to run outside for the first time in months without dying of a heat stroke.

Or maybe it's because I have on what may just be my favorite Stella & Dot piece yet, The Stevie Necklace. Maybe it's because I am feeling a little refreshed in my Stella & Dot venture after I finally got to attend a fun meeting and meet some fellow stylists in the area.   Maybe it's because I learned some great new ideas and am feeling a little more confident about it all. Or maybe I am just a little excited to be running my first 5K in a while on Saturday. In my hometown. Which means a weekend with my family. Maybe it's the great nights of sleep I have gotten this week (very abnormal for me). I am not really sure what it is, but I woke up this morning with a smile my face and I like it that way. And maybe, just maybe, it's because Mary Kathryn and Ben are having..........

A BOY!!!!!

I still can't believe my little Sparkles is having a baby. Mary Kathryn (Sparky as we've always called her) has been one of my best friends since I was little. We grew up together. Played softball together. Went to church together. School together. You get the point? Ben grew up down the street from Kendol since birth. Same age. Same street. Same school. You get the point? Best friends. Soon after Kendol and I met and starting dating, these two both became single and we set them up immediately. And look at them now!!! About to be parents. I get to be an aunt again to sweet baby Cannon. 

And for all of you on Instagram, trying to hold back your comments and laughter about the "name" on mine and Mallory's message boards (middle pic, top row).... No worries!! That is most certainly not this sweet baby's name ha! Buckner and Hunter are both family names of theirs and that's what we have always picked on Sparky about since Ben is a HUGE hunter. 

He fills my life with good things. 

Psalm 103:5

You Know You're From Mississippi When..

Source: someecards.com via Callie on Pinterest

No truer words have ever been spoken.
Perfection.

Over the Weekend

This past weekend was one of the best in a while for quite a few reasons.

First, we spent Friday night with great friends catching up over some Mexican food. Much needed.

Then on Saturday Mallory, Kendol and I headed out bright and early for Starkville. The 5 a.m. wake up call did not go very well for Mallory and I, but we made it in the car in one piece before the sun came up. And for that, I believe we deserve a medal.

As we arrived in Starkville, it was raining a bit so parking was a disaster since there was "no parking on any grass". After a visit with some Boy Scouts who were raising money with a parking lot, we made the hike to campus. Arriving at the Junction by 8 a.m. just in time to get a few good hours of tailgating in before the 11 a.m. kickoff. As much as I hate the morning game times, I love the food and drinks that go along with it: Sausage balls, Pigs in a Blanket, Mini Sausage Quiches, Cinnamon Rolls, Mimosas, Bloody Mary's.. just to name a few. It is so weird on these early morning game days bc we are usually among the first to arrive in the Junction and we get to watch it fill up and greet everyone that makes our way past our tent. When we arrive on days like this, we are just another face in the mob of people rushing to get everything set up and ready for the day.

I have to admit that even thought I am aware that we have a great team this year, I am still a bit skeptical. I have to be.. for my health.. We are Mississippi State after all. But all skepticism might be kicked to the curb after Saturday's win over Auburn. Yes, you read that right. Mississippi State beat Auburn. Those words don't normally even go in the same conversation, much less the same sentence. Let me just say it again for effect, Mississippi State University beat Auburn University. It was a great game and the Bulldogs showed out a little.

But my favorite part of the day was getting to spend the game with my little sister and her boyfriend. The couple that usually sits with us couldn't make it to this game, so the two of them filled their seats. It was a great time even though they spent most of the game just laughing at mine and Kendol's intensity towards the game. We have to work on sister's love for football. It's a bit lacking at the moment. Kendol's best line of the game (as he frantically thought the girl in front of us was leaving in the third quarter.. he's very supersticious): "Where are you going?! You can't leave! We are beating Auburn! We have to hug and kiss and sing Kumbaya after this is over!!" to which Eleanor died out laughing and rolled her eyes while saying "Yep, he's definitely a Boy Scout Leader.."

And then I busted my butt in front of everyone... but that's not important..

Pardon us... we had been rained on.

Brothers!

After a full afternoon of tailgating, we headed home. But not without a pit stop to Papa John's first.

And this is what Sunday looked like... DUH.. Poor little Saints didn't do so hot, but my fantasy team did. Stephanie and I are neck and neck... point for point.. as always!!! May the best (Wo)man win tonight :)

And there was also a little park action with Hayes :)

In the 70 degree weather!!