Thankful

For the time I got to spend with my mom before she passed away.

For my sister's little one on the way.

For Mr. Beachy's love & support.

For friends and family who have reached out to my family during this tough year.

For the service of our military and sacrific made by their families.

For our jobs and what they allow us to do and enjoy.

For being able to live in Florida and the USA.

Island Style Fish Fry!

This weekend we went to Gasparilla Island State Park on Boca Grande to Amory Memorial Chapel's 50th Anniversary Fish Fry Festival to support the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse & Museum and the state parks of Gasparilla, Cayo Costa, Stump Pass Beach and Don Pedro.

This is the chapel. Isn't it precious?


Another view.


The Port Boca Grande Lighthouse


Just beyond the church is the beach.

This is a great spot for a wedding, don't you think?

We ate smoked mullet (below), low country boil, roasted pig, fried snapper, and baked beans. Of course there was great live music and it was a beautiful day!

Hope your weekend was as fun as mine.

Baby Shower Strawberry Pineapple Cake

I made and served this delicious cake for my sister's baby shower this past weekend. It's one of my favorite cake recipes and perfect for a baby girl's shower since it's pink!

CAKE:

1 package strawberry cake mix
3/4 cup water
3 eggs
1 (8 1/4oz) can crushed pineapple (reserve 1/2 cup pinapple juice)

Mix all ingredients including 1/4 cup reserved juice. Pour into a 9x13 inch greased and floured pan and bake 35-45. @ 350

FROSTING

1 (3 1/2 oz) package vanilla instant pudding mix
1 cup milk
1 cup cool whip

Mix pudding and milk. Fold pudding mixture and cool whip together. Frost cake, refrigerate.

I would have posted a picture, but it was gone before I could turn around.

You should make this.

Thank you, Whitney!

I just wanted to thank Whitney at Whitney Caroline Designs for hosting the first giveaway I've ever won! I won the beautiful Preppy Bow Bucket pictured above. For more of her beautiful designs visit http://www.whitneycarolinedesigns.com/!

Little Visitor

This little guy was just passing by my front door today on my lunch hour. He was about as big around as a teacup saucer. So cute!

A Big Weekend

I've been so busy this past week getting ready for my sister's baby shower! I'm so glad she's hung in this long. Her C-section is scheduled to take place in about 2 weeks, but she's had some contractions. I think we'll make it now! I decided on a pink and green palm tree theme and we are having it at a local restaurant in the party room. Say a little prayer for us that everything goes well. It's my first time planning a shower! Pictures next week!

Christmas Gift Idea #1: Sisters, Moms, Moms-to-Be, Teachers, Girlfriends

Don't you love a Scout tote? Well guess what? Tervis and Scout have teamed up and you can now purchase your choice of exclusive Scout totes with MATCHING, yes MATCHING Tervis Tumblers! Check out that "Pop of Green" inside the tumbler! These sets are offered at 2 great price points: $35 and $75.



(Click above image to order).

Instead of Manatee Monday

I thought you'd enjoy a picture of this spotted eagle ray jumping out of the water!

Here Comes the Sun

I had to stop during my morning walk and take these pictures to share with you.

To warm you up...

I know it's starting to get chilly for many of you so I wanted to share a WONDERFUL Chili recipe that Mr. Beachy and I enjoyed just this week. This is based on a Publix (a southern grocery store chain) recipe and I've made some changes. It's super easy, tastes delicious, and is very economical.

Ingredients:

1 onion (chopped)
1 lb ground beef
3 tablespoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 (10.75-ounce) can condensed tomato soup
1 (14.5-ounce) can Rotel (whatever kind you like, I used hot) (undrained)
2 small cans diced green chiles (undrained)
1 (16-ounce) can chili beans in mild sauce (undrained)
1 (15-ounce) can black beans (drained)
1 jalepeno (chopped)
1 can of beer (any kind)

Preheat large saucepan on medium-high 2–3 minutes. Place beef, chili powder, pepper, and onion in pan. Cook 4–5 minutes, stirring to crumble meat, or until meat is brown and no pink remains. Stir in remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil, stirring often. Reduce heat to low; simmer 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, to blend flavors.

Serve with shredded cheese, crackers, and sour cream for toppings. You can also make a nice cornbread and salad to go along with this chili.