Liberto Family!

One of my favorite families, The Liberto's, asked me to do their family photos as a gift to their mom for Christmas. Some where along the line the cat got out of the bag, and their mom ended up finding out. Even so, we had so much fun taking pictures. They always make each other laugh, and it was hard for me to keep a straight face. They are an awesome family, and a good looking one too!

sisters 

Nick was making everyone laugh

Cassie and Vince

brothers

Robin is stunning! 

Steelers Family

Our Guest :: The Letter 4 Sisters

Hi there! My name is Jade, one of three sisters that blog over at The Letter 4!

We grew up so close to each other and now we all live far apart. Our blog is a way for us to have fun, do projects, share style, give tips, and just be close again! I love to cook so I decided to share my littlest sister's favorite with you today.

Every time my little sister Janae comes and visits me she asks me to make this recipe. I can hear her now -- "Will you cook that one meal for us. You know, the one with the red sauce, and there's rice, and chicken. That's my favorite." Well, Janae, I don't know if you know this but first of all, you are not the only one who loves that. In fact, everyone who has ever had it at our house asks for the recipe. And second, it's so fast and easy (my favorite kind of meal) and I am going to give you (and all our readers) the recipe so you can make it any time you want!

You Will Need:

4-6 Boneless, skinless thighs
3/4 cup white rice
1/2 onion, finely chopped
1/2 tsp. paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons chicken granules dissolved in 1 1/2 cups water
14 oz. can STEWED tomatoes
1/2 cup frozen peas

Directions: 

Take a large, deep skillet. Brown the meat on both sides for about 5 minutes. Toss the onion in and saute with the meat for the last couple minutes. Take the chicken out, and put the rest of the ingredients in the pan. Stir it up a little so its mixed. Set the chicken thighs back on top, and bring to a boil. Cover and turn down to a simmer for 35 minutes. Open the lid and pour the peas on top to steam for 10 minutes (don't mix them in yet).

TIPS:

When I first started making this, it would never turn out like Mark's and I have since figure out the two problems I was having, so I'll share.

1) Use STEWED tomatoes. DON'T use diced, or crushed, ect. The flavor is completely different.

2) It is essential that you take the chicken out before put in all the other ingredients.If you don't, all the rice won't get mixed with the liquid good enough and you'll get crunchy, uncooked, or burnt rice.  The rice needs to be submerged in liquid, so mix it together and lay the chicken on top so the rice does not end up on top of the chicken.

Grab a fork. Take a bite. MMMMMM!

Enjoy! Come on over to our blog The Letter 4 and say hi!

Thank you so much Kaytee for having us today on you're beautiful blog!

Thank you Ladies for Guest Blogging today on Eight, and for this WONDERFUL recipe! 

I am Thankful For

So, I told myself I wasn't going to do it. I was not going to give into the thankfulness post, only because everyone is doing it. I don't want to do something on my blog, just because it's the thing to do. I like to do things and post things for the sole purpose of them meaning something to me. One night recently, I was sitting in my office chair...listening to Turning Page by Sleeping At Last, and somehow or another I started thinking of how awesome God is, and how much he has blessed me with. So, at last, I am giving in. I am thanking God for all of the wonder adventures and people he has currently circulating in my life. Here is my list:

God. I would have none of this if I hadn't laid down my life to trust Him and His purpose. I trust Him to bring the people he needs to me witness to. I trust Him to tell me when I need to change something. I trust Him to help me shop. I trust Him for ideas. I trust Him for every area of my life I can possibly trust Him in.

My Husband. Joel and I are newlyweds, and have only been married for 5 months now. Being a newlywed sets you on a whole new adventure. We are in our 20's, both seeking our careers and purpose in life. We are also seeking to get to know each other on a deeper level. And on top of all of that, we are having fun, being young and in love.

My Dog. I rescued my dog Teddy 3 years ago. I cannot describe what he means to me. I believe that God specifically led me to him, and even helped me think of the name. I was on my way to the animal shelter and the name Teddy came to me. I remember thinking, oh no, what kind of name is Teddy for a dog! As soon as I saw Him, some how it fit. I still can't describe how.

My Tiny Family. Last year my dad passed away around this time, and the Holidays are starting to get harder as we come closer to the day he passed. Now all that's left of my immediate family is my mom, my brother &sister-n-law, and my grandma. And Teddy. Since my dad's passing, I have come to realize how important it is to take advantage of the time you have with the ones you love. I also have a new family to get to know, which I'm still trying to work on. I've never had a big family, so I'm still not used to the idea, but I'm lucky to have them.

My Camera. Ever since 9th grade photography class I have wanted a nice SLR camera. I always said I would wait until I was older, assuming that being older meant I would automatically have plenty of extra money to spare. Well, I am older. I have more money than I did went I was 14, but not extra cash laying around. Even so, I convinced my husband it was now or never to invest. We are pleased with the outcome our camera has brought us.

Blogging. I started blogging when I was 18, but since I made the switch to Blogspot I have made so many new friends, and expanded my blogging experience. I am thankful for all of you. I am especially pleased with the amount of Christian bloggers I have found. I've talked to some of you from Australia, California, and various places around the world. I am happy to be apart of the blogging community.

Starbucks. White Chocolate Mocha has taken on a whole new meaning this fall.

The Family I help. I have helped one family for 3 years now. I love them, they are a perfect fit for me. I have learned how to be a parent one day, how to react in a lot of situations, and how to be positive. I also discovered of a lot of things I didn't know I could do. For example, use a power drill. I am officially the designated hook, frame, and calendar hanger.

Baking. Baking is my thing. Over the years I have branched out and tried to new things, discovering I actually might be on to something. Bakery?

My Brother. I know I mentioned him under family, but how many people can say they are related to a well-known tattoo artist in New york? He is a positive person, always moving forward and looking ahead, not behind. He is successful, with a beautiful wife and house. He laid a lot of stepping stones for me growing up, which brought me to the ideals and places I have brought myself today. Convincing mom to buy me an iMac is one of them. I would still be stuck with a PC if not for him.

Trains. My dad worked for Amtrak his whole life. I grew up riding on trains, and walking on tracks. When a train passes by, I think of him.

My iphone. Who wouldn't be?

A Girl Named Leney Thanksgiving Giveaway!

Your Winner is:

Chic Stripes!

Leney will be emailing you for details! 

Happy Thanksgiving! 

Pumpkin Pie with Glaze

I don't usually eat pumpkin pie, but this was delicious. Also great for Thanksgiving dinner dessert! I usually try to make a 'prettier' pie, but I was in a rush to get out the door before Joel and I missed our movie! 

preheat oven to 425 Degrees 

You will need:

1 cup packed light-brown sugar
1 tablespoon of cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of ground ginger
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon of ground cloves
1 1/2 cups of fresh Pumpkin Puree, canned
4 large eggs
1 1/2 cups of evaporated milk
Pie Dough (I used a pre-made dough)
1 Tablespoon of heavy cream

Take a bowl and throw in brown sugar, cornstarch, salt, ginger, cinnamon

 add pumpkin puree and mix together

 Lightly beat 3 eggs, then add to the mixture

 (here, I was in a rush and forgot to mix the eggs first, be sure to mix the eggs in before you add the evaporated milk) Add evaporated milk

 Pour mix into pie shell 

 Lightly beat 1 egg and heavy cream together to make a glaze for shell

 pinch pie shell edges for decoration

 Lightly brush shell with egg and heavy cream mixture 

 Sprinkle cinnamon on top (optional) then bake pie for 10 minutes on 425. After 10 minutes, reduce oven to 350 degrees and cook for another 30 minutes

All done! Let cool before serving

-Martha Stewart recipe

Black&Gray

Outfit Details:

shirt- Target

pants- H&M

shoes- Blowfish

Scarf- Mark.

Necklace- c/o Sonya O'Donnell

Ring- Mother's Vintage 

Outfit Obession

Since cold weather hit, I have been nothing but cozy sweaters, soft leggings, and warm scarves. 

Outfit Inspiration:

Outfit Details:

shirt-Abbie Grey Knit Top 

pants-Michelle Mason Leggings 

scarf-Unit Eternity 

shoes-Christian Louboutin Vicky Suede Ankle Boot

lipstick-True Red by Revlon 

perfume-Flora by Gucci 

watch-Casio Analog by American Apparel 

purse-Lil Ukita Satchel by Marc Jacobs

necklace-Gorjana Chloe Xl Pendant 

sunglasses-Black Rayban Wayfarers 

Cutest Dog Contest Winners Photo Shoot!

Remember Kid Putty from the Cutest Dog Contest I held in October? Meet Kid Putty and his family from the photo shoot they won!