6.21.2012

So Long.....for now

You've probably noticed I haven't really been around the blogging world for awhile (since February to be exact).  As you all I'm sure know, I got engaged the end of February and life has been pretty busy ever since trying to pull together a July wedding.

But I have been thinking about my blog off and on during this time.  Thinking "should I update about my wedding plans?"  "Should I update about this?"  "Should I update about that?"  But, really, updating the blog just always came last on my list of to-do's.  So I've come to the conclusion to close up shop - for now.  I mean, after all, the title of my blog is "Just Christa," and let's face it, it's no longer just Christa in the picture.

I'm not positive yet if I'll blog again after I change my last name.  I'm hoping I will have more time to pay attention to a blog once I'm married and not planning a party for 300 people.  So if I decide to take the plunge again, you'll definitely be the first to know! 

Thanks for faithfully reading my blog for the last few years!!  Hope to see you again soon!

Christa

2.08.2012

Good morning, Ladies! (and gentlemen, if there any of you read my blog?!?)

I've been meaning to blog for awhile now and even have some pictures on my camera to share with you. But I have seriously been so swamped with work that I really can't justify spending any time blogging. (as for Pinterest and Facebook - that's a whole nother story...)

But I read the Choice Gleanings calendar for today and just enjoyed it so much I thought I would pass it on.


"Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart." Psalm 37:4

"Every dawn is a new morning and a fresh start. It can be a day to please ourselves or to please our Father in heaven. If a child chooses to please his earthly father, he finds a reward of happiness. When our hearts are willing to obey our heavenly Father, we too will enjoy a close and sweet communion with our blessed Lord. May we make today a day to please Him." E. MacLelland

1.16.2012

Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

So those of you that know me should know that if I'm posting a recipe, it's gotta be good. And I promise you - this is GOOD.

This is a recipe I found on Pinterest and made it yesterday along with turkey, veggies, etc. Both Hal and I, every time we took a bite, would just stop and stare at each other and say, "I can't believe how good this is."

Enough of the build-up. Here it is:

Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole:

5 1/2 cups mashed potatoes (around 6-7 large baking potatoes)
1/2 cup milk
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
2 teaspoons dried parsley
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
8 slices bacon crispy cooked and crumbled

Preheat oven 350 degrees. Peel, quarter, and boil potatoes for 15-20 minutes or until soft. Drain potatoes and and beat with a mixer until smooth. Add milk, cream cheese, sour cream, parsley, garlic salt, and nutmeg. Beat at a medium-high speed until nice and creamy. Add salt to taste keeping in mind that the cheese and bacon will add a little salt later.Spoon into a 9x13 baking dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Top with cheddar cheese and bacon. Cover and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until cheese melts.

Serves 12 people. (and I made it for 2 - ha!)