Goals for Kentucky

As most of you know we're going to be moving back to Kentucky very soon and absolutely can not wait. As I type this we're actually waiting for someone to come look at our apartment!! YAY!

I decided to make a list of goals that I hope to achieve and develop into a daily routine and lifestyle once we move back.

1. Save more money. I have been doing great at using coupons. This also means no unnecessary expenditures--pedicures, manicures, hair coloring--I can do all of this myself and have been for a few months now. I do desperately miss these little treats though.

2. Saving money ties into my second goal which is to cook 6 out of 7 nights a week (normally we cook about 5 nights of the week), taking my lunch to work (instead of eating out) 4 out of 5 days a week, and bringing my breakfast and coffee from home, rather than stopping at McDonald's, Dunkin Donuts, or Starbucks. This also gives me the opportunity to try out all kinds of new recipes!

3. Cooking more should also help with the big goal of losing weight. I know weight loss seems like a mandatory point for a to-do list, so I'm going to be honest for the sake of my readers. I have gained more weight and weigh more since moving to Maryland last August than I ever have in my life. Although this seems like an excuse I'm ready to be back with real friends who will work out with me (Amanda) so I can get on a good exercise regimen. I am ready to put clothes on and them fit... rather than be too tight. I'm ready.

4. I would also like to start working on looking more polished. Those days where I feel very put-together and polished, I radiate confidence and I love that feeling. Feeling good about how you look to the outside world only helps with all smarts you may possess! I expect Sarah to help me with this!


I love and would appreciate all of the help and support I can get in accomplishing my goals. Does anyone else have goals they need support or motivation to help achieve? Let's share!

In The Kitchen...

If you know anything about me, you know that I love to cook. I am quite the foodie, and perhaps a wine-o. :) Oh well.

Anyway...as much as I love to create meals on my own, baking is not my forte. I wish I could bake, as I love delicious desserts--cakes, brownies, cookies, cupcakes...yum! So tonight I decided to start trying. I made homemade chocolate chip cookies, which were quite delicious. I have posted the recipe below. Enjoy!



Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 1/2 sticks butter (12 tablespoons)
1 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
1/2 cup white granulated sugar
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 1/4 cups sifted flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 cup semi-sweet morsels

Preheat oven to 375°F.

In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugars. Add eggs.

Sift flour and measure out 2 1/4 cups. After measuring the sifted flour, sift again with remaining dry ingredients. Add the flour mixture to the creamed butter and sugar mixture.

Stir in vanilla and semi-sweet morsels.

Drop the cookie batter by tablespoonfuls onto a parchment or silicone lined baking sheet.

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cookies are set and firm and only lightly colored. Do not allow cookies to brown.

Transfer to wire racks to cool. Store in an airtight container. Cookies may be wrapped well and frozen.