~ New Music Monday.....on Wednesday ~

Everyone knows how important music is to me . I list it on life necessities with the same importance as food , water , sunshine , etc . I NEED it to survive . I find music to be all the things we never seem to be able to say . Whether it's an argument , declaration of love , and for me most of the time it's the prayers I can't seem to pray . I'm known for making mix tapes to send friends as gifts or in times of need , inspiration , to share a new artist or just to help them get their minds off life . With that said I have started sharing what I like to call , " #NewMusicMonday " with my Facebook friends and on occasion via Instagram as well . I thought sharing the past few Monday's with you might be a good way of getting me back into the swing of blogging as well as potentially share some new tunes w you . I have been rather lazy this summer when it comes to The Faith Journals . I am not the kind of writer who can force inspiration and with out it I can't really write . Not in a way that I'm proud of so , I would rather have a dry spell than post something insincere . Thanks for hanging with me ! Here are the last few posts from #NewMusicMonday .

Starting with The Band Perry's first release off their next album . I grew up on family harmonies so I am of course drawn to The Band Perry's music . And the first release from The Band Perry's latest album does not disappoint. It is not what many cling too as "traditional" country, but the lyrics per usual w the siblings Perry are great. I think it's a encouraging , upbeat jam that I'ma have on repeat in the days to come !! I find myself singing over and over , " All the things that I don't know , All the dreams that I've been shown, All the ways that it could end " . Check out the video for " Life Forever " below .

 

 

Next !!! The newest from Meredith Andrews on iTunes NOW !!! As always, Biblically based & simply outstanding . It speaks so deeply to a period of waiting and what we are to do in the mean time . ‪#‎perfecttiming‬ ‪#‎His‬>Mine For real , check the couch cushions , look in the car ash tray and under the seats , break your piggy bank , empty out your old purses , you've got to find the buck whatever to download this one !!! I may be biased as Meredith is a Liberty Alumn like myself , but I really think her work is amazing . It is well worth whatever $2.00 thing you have to sacrifice today to download it .  ‪#‎worthit‬



Third on my list of catch up for #NewMusicMonday is Little Big Town's "Pain Killer" . The third track released from their album of the same title . With the headache that come w a normal Monday I figured we could all use a little ‪#‎PainKiller‬. This video just makes me wanna pack a bag and head to the beach . There really aren't that many albums I could listen to front to back , Pain Killer is one of them . I'm a good ol' southern girl who loves her good ol' southern harmonies and Little Big Town never disappoints in that department . After a brief hiatus due to Jimmy's vocal chord surgery, the band is back on the road . They'll have artists such as Casadee Pope , Charlie Worsham and Ashlee Monroe with them on varied dates . You can check for more info at www.littlebigtown.com .

 

 

Next on the list A band my local pals can check out for them selves when they play The Tennessee Theater in Knoxville , TN on Sept. 18th . While not technically a "new " album this is a new track off  The Lone Bellow's , " Then Came the Morning " .  Once again , I may be a bit biased as Zach Williams , lead vocal , is a LU Almuni also , but I have been listening to "Then Came the Morning" since before Christmas I think . I had heard Williams lead worship and play with other bands in my college years but The Lone Bellow and Then Came the Morning are simply another level . It is a beautiful , soul filled album w stories I feel so many relate too . Here is the video for the track "Fake Roses" . Again , for my local music lovers ‪#‎TheLoneBellow‬ will be in Knox at the Tennessee Theatre on Sept. 18th . If you are looking for a night out, date night or even just a new band to follow I think this show will be just right for ya . You can purchase tickets for the show on the Tennessee Theatres web site . Happy Listening ! The Bellow has ways of making a tune ache in all the right ways .

In her return from maternity leave Carrie Underwood does not want you to think she has become a writer of "mommy songs" . Well , her first release " Smoke Break " off her forth coming album titled " Story Teller "  due out October 23rd , is a good start . It has been stuck in my mind all day . I think it is a bit of a "lyrical style" departure when compared to other Underwood singles , but the truth that rings through out it is going to bring it as much success as past Underwood #1's . And of course......those vocals , flawless . In my opinion one of the top sets of chords in the industry right now.....potentially ever .

Last , but by no means least on my #NewMusicMonday blog catch up is Kip Moore . With the release of the highly anticipated #WildOnes this past Friday I think we can expect nothing but awesome from this , the second of Moore's studio albums . You can purchase the deluxe version online only , but the 13 track version is available at stores such as Wal-Mart , Target , Best Buy , etc . I got to the party a little late , but after watching and listening to tunes from his first album "Up All Night" for a little over a year , I am a proud fan of Mr. Moore . I have a deep respect for how he has chosen to pursue his music career so , prepare yourself because I am sure this will not be my last post on Kip Moore and the Slow Hearts music .  I have been listening to Wild Ones on repeat since Friday after it's official release . In an effort to please fans , but also keep them on the edge of their seats (as if waiting three years for a 2nd album isn't enough) Moore released "tease" videos made by Life in Rewind , with scavenger hunt clues for the six days leading up to the release . Each day a vid would be unlocked by fan hashtags and after reaching a certain amount the short vid and a location would be revealed . Fans won Wild One themed prizes such as a surf board , skate board , copy of the album , shoes , coat , etc . I found it to be such a clever way to promote what was coming , and to amp up that anticipation . Again , as if waiting three years wasn't enough . We  basically where hanging from the rafters with our anticipation of this album . Well , it is out now and well worth the wait . Below , "Girl of the Summer " ,  is the full version of the teaser vid and one of the tracks off Wild Ones . Again for my local music lovers you can experience Wild Ones live on November 5th at the Tennessee Theatre .

I hope to make a new habit out of #NewMusicMonday via social media and here on The Faith Journals . I love music and wanna share it with you !! What have you been jamming too this Summer ?! Share with us in the comments !! You can cruise through past post at www.thefaithjournals.blogspot.com for other musical thoughts , ways to snag free tunes , etc .


To purchase tickets for The Lone Bellow on Sept. 18th or Kip Moore on November 5th at The Tennessee Theatre go to

www.tennesseetheatre.com

or

www.kipmoore.net

or

www.thelonebellow.com

~ Summer Time ~

It has been a hot minute since my last post . Literally. I don't know about where you are , but it has been hot as fire here in East Tennessee . I hope that you all are having a restful and yet productive Summer . I can't say that The Faith Journals have much to report .

As in fourth of July's past I spent the holiday with several of my former roomies . This partial reunion was in North Georgia ( which is also hot as a freshly baked potato ) and to say our plate was full with princess-esq duties is an understatement .

Because when you are Snow White animals eat from your hand .
Riverbanks Zoo - South Carolina

As if a true Princess would allow her train to drag .
Aunt Ebe & BB aka Elsa

Jack Davis spent the majority of our visit hiding in his carrier . I learned that in his ripe age of 9 years old he is very set in his ways and refuses to make new friends . He clearly doesn't get this discipline from me . I could never resist this little face . P.S. who knew 10 month olds aren't allowed to have dip-n-dots ?! I mean it was one dot , everyone calm down . It isn't like we fed her half a cone of cotton candy......which we did once to Sophia , our groups first baby  . This among other reasons I why I am Auntie Stacie and not momma . LOL !!!

How does this face get resisted ?
I sure don't know , but he resisted it .

All Lucy wanted was just a bit of his attention
and just like a man he refused her .

Look closely and you will see JD is hiding in
his travel crate while Princess Elsa decides
which shoes go with that dress .

We spent the actual fourth of July close enough to fire works that we all came home with a bit of ash in our hair . You know it was a good night when you spent part of it a little afraid your hair might catch fire . That tends to be my rule of thumb for all outings . We also took the kids to a jump park one day . For those that do not know what that is , it is basically wall to wall trampolines . I of course could not hang as long as every one else so I tagged in for baby duty . Auntie Stacie is always available for baby holding . I also fell literally as soon as I stepped onto the trampoline . First thing . Actual first thing I did was fall . I mean , of course it was .

A good friend helps you up when you fall.......
while the other friend takes a picture .
AirStrike Jump Park - Augusta , GA

Addison Clare and I watching people
jump around ! Jump around !
Jump up ! Jump up ! and Fall Down !

We also (minus the children) saw Jurassic Park at a drive in . I highly recommend seeing this movie in the outdoors . It's like watching Jaws while floating in a lake . It was awesome !! As always time with friends was therapeutic . It is truly a treasure to find folks that love and accept you flaws and all . The summer heat mixed with my RA leaves me wore plumb out most of the time , but I am lucky to have friends that understand and are cool w nap time .

This trip along with a lot of normal day to day has been the Summer thus far and actually that is just fine with me . I'm becoming a content shut in , in my old age . LOL !! Jack Davis has spent many an after noon chasing bunnies .

 

I am not 100% sure what the rest of our Summer holds , but even in the stillness of a calm schedule I am learning a lot . I continue to pray , think on and pursue God's plans for me . I am doing my best to be faithful in the little and content in the now . I know that his silence has purpose . So , I continue to wait . What has God been teaching you this Summer ? Have you laid big requests at His throne in anticipation of an answer ? Please feel free to share in the comment section . We are all in this together !!  

~ Discount Diva ~ Quick Fix ~ Breakfast Comfort on a Budget and Time Limit ~

Follow me on Instagram for updates, quick fixes & more .
https://instagram.com/stacietennessee/

In my neck of the woods we woke up to lightening, thundering and bad dreams, oh my ! I woke myself up from a bad dream, literally sobbing . I was crying in the dream and I was crying in real life . I dream a lot and usually they are entertaining, but now and again the bad dream happens and I just hate it . To add too my immediate emotional distress (as if waking up isn't hard enough) it was thundering, lightening and raining so hard I was sure the house was afloat . It wasn't . So, I decided today was a good day for a comfort food type breakfast . Sausage, biscuits and gravy are just the southern stand by for a hot comforting breakfast meal .

Now, I do not make gravy . I know ! I know ! They debated taking away my southern belle status, but I have way too much "Julia Sugarbaker" esq sass for it to happen . So, with belle status in tact I shall tell you my gravy comes from a mix . Head held high . I don't cook with a lot of fatty meats ( I tend to cook w lean turkey or chicken) and the grease/run off from the fattier meat is important in true southern gravy making . So, instead I use Pioneer Brand gravy mixes . They have a variety, cost only a $1.00 at my local grocery and make 2 cups of gravy .

Todays Recipe for a quick comfort Breakfast =

~ 2 Frozen Turkey Sausage Patties (I use the kind from the frozen section that are in a bag, usually the store brand) - cooked in skillet for about 5-7 minutes ( I almost always end up sharing half a patty or so w Jack Davis ) . I want to say that the bag I purchased was no more than $3 . 00 and of course a freezer bag in opposition to a small box or the kind of sausage in the chilled meats section can potentially last you a while making it worth the cost . I would think you could also freeze your own from the sausage in the chilled meats section too . Just be sure to date and label it pre freeze .  

~ Can of biscuits (follow containers instructions) I never use a entire can of biscuits just for myself so I save the left overs for other meals through out the week or make a couple to-go containers and share w friends/loved ones . Who doesn't appreciate having one less meal to think about in a week ??!! No one . If you aren't into left overs or sharing (p.s. shame on you) , biscuits also come in the freezer section in a bag where you can cook one or two at a time . Easy ! A can of 5 biscuits , store brand is usually less than a $1 . 00 . The name brand almost always has a coupon in the Sunday paper of a certain amount off two cans . A bag of biscuits will run you maybe $3 or 4$ depending on size and brand . A bag may cost more , but will potentially last you longer than a simple can will . Depends on how many folks you are cooking for , etc .

~ And lastly, the Pioneer Brand gravy mix . Takes 1 & 1/2 cup water and calls for another half cup water, but I use 2% milk to make it a tad creamer . Follow packet instructions and in less than 15 minutes the entire meal is ready . As I mentioned earlier this costs only a $1 . 00 at my local grocer and sometimes there are coupons in the Sunday paper .

Quick, inexpensive, & yummy !!!!!

Hope this #quickfix helps you out w your meal planning this week .

Happy Cooking !!!

 

If you have tips , questions or just a comment to share please feel free to do so !!

You can search "Quick Fix" in the blog search box for past Quick Fix posts !!

~ Discount Diva-ing 101 ~ Coupons, Discounts, Clearance and More ~

Before I start this post I would like to share a bit of my heart on the topic of savings , coupons , discounts , and God's provision . As I write that it feels a little ridiculous , but for me every time I save some money , get something for free , or am able to share what I have with someone else , I am reminded of God's good grace and constant provision . I have been taught and believe with my entire being that what I have is not mine . It is God's . And I am grateful He see's fit every day to share some of what He has with me . I have never been more sure of His care for our every need and even for some of our wants than I have been in the last three years . He loves His children . His want for us is not to just survive, but thrive in what He has given us . So , when I "brag" on a savings or amazing coupons , what I am really saying is PRAISE THE LORD !!! HE HAS PROVIDED ONCE AGAIN !!!! In believing that everything I have is His I am compelled to be a steward of every ounce , penny, morsel and moment He allows me . I believe that in couponing , searching deals , etc . I am being a good steward of what He has provided for me and shared with me . I have also seen in looking at my finances , couponing , etc. that when I am diligent in this way He allows me to have enough to give away . Isn't that what it is all about ? It isn't mine anyway , I have , HAVE to be willing to give it away if it will serve Him and His higher purpose . On more than one occasion my couponing has provided me with something that I could pass on to someone else . I think that is kind of amazing . But , maybe that is just me . Now , onto Discount Diva-ing 101.....

 

Everyone knows that I love a bargain , but last weekend when I scored 5 out of 11 items for free with coupons & store promotions I was giddy as a school girl . I shared my excitement with Facebook and got several pm's (private messages) asking how it's done . Well , I would love to gather us all and share what has been shared with me , but geography and conflicting schedules just won't allow for it . So , instead I thought I would post my first two tips here as well as highlight a few past posts that I think are applicable . This may become a series of sorts and if you have any couponing or discounting tips or questions please feel free to let me know . I love to share a guest post !!! (Hint Hint Cindy Cook @ sothecooksaid.blogspot.com ) ;-)

 

Before we get too far into "Discount Diva-ing 101" I think it might be good to know these things first and foremost . 1. Before you can save any money by couponing , working a promotional , shop hopping , etc. you need a LIST . You can't save properly without knowing what it is that your household needs and uses on a regular/seasonal basis . So, if you are going out post Christmas to score some clearance wrapping paper it is best to do a little inventory first . Catch my drift ?!  2. Budget . Yes, the goal is to save money . Obviously . But , if you don't start with an acceptable amount to spend and an expected amount to save then you are sorda starting the game like a kid set loose in a candy store . I. E. Willy Wonka's Veruca Salt ,  "I WANT IT ALL AND I WANT IT NOW" mentality . 3. Know a stores coupon policy prior to shopping . Most stores have them posted online, they are easy to understand and it only takes a minute . Do not trust a cashier to know the policy . I have on more than one occasion known more than the person behind the counter about the stores policies . 4 . Become a "member" of  their club . If they have a free rewards program , join . This ALWAYS saves me money and as of late most stores have them in one form or another . Even Wal-Mart has jumped on the rewards band wagon . I don't mind anything that is FREE y'all ! 5. It never hurts to scan a stores sales paper or online ad . On occasion there will be store specific coupons that can be added to your manufacturer coupons and the stores promotions . I mean , it is just a glance and could end up saving you some green backs . Last, but not least in your pre 101 home work LOL, I would also suggest you read this past post on Stockpiling . I think if you can grasp the concept of the long run savings that can be had from stockpiling then these first two tips will  make a lot more sense .

                                

 

Now, to get us started on this edition of Discount Diva-ing 101 here are Tips #1 & #2 . Both related to seasonal items , i.e. post holiday clearance .

 

Tip #1

Post ANY holiday there will be massive amounts of clearance items . Items get slowly marked down as days past . Currently most Easter items are 50% off . In a few days it will be 75%  and eventually 90% off . Yes , 90% !! Post Christmas... I found super cute and fun finger "tattoo" puppets at just 10 CENTS a pack . They weren't Christmas themed and made for great Valentines to a few of my "nieces & nephews". The thing to keep in mind as you cruise the clearance is 1. Does it expire ? 2. Can I use it next (insert holiday here) ? 3. Is it "technically" holiday, but could be used year round ? 4. Will this item make it to the final discount ? Some items get snatched up immediately and never make it to the 90% off bin . You gotta decided if you are willing to risk it or pay the extra quarter or whatever . Even w the extra quarter it would still be less than originally priced . Today I scored adorable cupcake wrappers for half off . Making them less than the cost of "normal" cupcake wrappers and twice as cute!!!! Nothing about these wrappers say "Easter Only". A lot of seasonal items are some what generic and worth keeping an eye out for, especially at discount time . I use cupcake wrappers for just about anything that is cooked in a cupcake pan . Makes clean up a lot

easier .

"Easter" cupcake wrappers I purchased for 1/2 off
at Wal-Mart in the clearance section .

 

 Tip #2



A little pumpkin spice never hurt nobody.

Because sometimes , hoarding is good . Those tips I gave on discounted holiday items applies to the grocery section as well . While it will not be discounted to a 90% off , it is seasonal and so it only comes 'round once a year . There are usually seasonal coupons in the Sunday paper to go along w these temporary items. Most grocery items do not expire until several months after the season they are designated for, but ALWAYS check before you buy. Also as packaging or branding for a product changes they will often clearance out the old appearance . The product is usually still well within its expiration date the containers/packaging appearance has simply changed . I hope this little tip helps you as you grocery shop next time. And yes, I hoarded some pumpkin spice creamer for a rainy day. ‪#‎worthit‬ No, i did not put butter in it. Those are ingredients for bfast. Lol ! Just so we are all clear.

 

I hope that this is a good start for you . I have listed several past posts below to possibly answer a few of the questions that may be whirling around in your mind right now . If they do not answer those questions or even if they do , feel free to post questions, comments , tips in the comment section of the blog . You never know who is thinking what you are thinking , but is too afraid to ask . I'll do my best to answer and if I don't know I'll reach out to other resources .

 

Coupon Boot Camp

Provision

Earn When You Spend

Coupon Care Package

His Provision = Our Responsibility

 

 

Happy Saving Y'all !!!!

 

 

 



 

Quick Fix ~ A Commercial Inspired Dinner ~

Their version is shrimp and spinach .

I thought I would share this " quick fix " dinner inspired by a knorr pasta sides commercial . I am sure you have all seen it . The Chef comes in mixing some unexpected what not with a simple packet of pasta mix .

 

Well , their clever marketing got me and when I saw the Knorr Alfredo packet on sale for a dollar at the grocery I thought I'd give it a try . My version is a Chicken Broccoli Alfredo and it would serve two people .

1 packet of Knorr Pasta Side Alfredo Flavor (cook per labels instructions) (milk and butter required) cooks in 7-8 minutes once boiling
1-2 baked chicken breast depending on size ( place on cookie sheet lined w foil , drizzle with olive oil , salt , pepper , bake on 350 for 20 -25 minutes , flipping half way through )
1/2 bag of Green Giant Steamed Broccoli ( you could probably use the entire bag, but for me that was going to be too much broccoli compared to pasta ratio ) cooks in 7 minutes in the microwave

Cook everything , mix together and boom ! In less than thirty minutes you have a yummy , quick , inexpensive meal . I would recommend keeping watch over the pasta as it cooks . I tend to walk away and do other things , but this is one in my opinion you need to watch .

I hope this helps you out with one of your weekly meals and your budget . What are you cooking up this week ? Please feel free to share in the comment section of the blog !!! We are all in this together . We might as well share survival tips .

Little Big Town ~ Girl Crush

I am a music FAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Like , IDK "fan" is really even an appropriate word for it . It is my therapy , my encouragement , my sympathetic ear , the words I want to say, but can't . It is at times my prayer , my advice , and even my justification . It is EVERYTHING !! My parents have never understood why I'd spend money on multiple CD's or iTunes purchases when there is the radio and music t.v. , but I attribute it to one of those "parents just don't understand" things in life . When relocating one of the heaviest items was my container of CD's . DON'T JUDGE!!!! I listen to all genre's for the most part and was a radio D . J . for a hot minute in college . I also spent five years working concert production  along with many more years in booking , contract negotiations , venu rep, etc. . Also while in college one of my graphics projects ended up being a concert poster for my friends band . So, to say my hearts in the art form , is barely saying it right . My heart is in every part of the art form and when RIDICULOUS radio drama is going on over an AMAZING tune I get riled .

I was raised very conservative and in the south so, I totally see how folks (particularly the "typical" country music listener) could jump on a band wagon, get the message wrong or simply go on someone else's conviction when glancing the lyrics of "Girl Crush" . But , to not research for yourself ,  to not listen further , to not truly hear and understand the lyrics and protest it's being played is madness to me . It is the epitome of ignorance . It is those folks that picket because they "heard" such and such was going to happen , play , etc . I CAN NOT HANDLE the logic of " well someone told me...." or "everyone said that " . I CAN'T !!!!! I have this fire when it comes to a great many topics, but I tend to try and keep it contained . For whatever reason I just have to share it this time . I received Little Big Towns Pain Killers album as a gift and have listened to it on repeat . I was a fan to begin with , but have only grown to love them more with this new album . It took a bit longer than some albums take to be made and released, but the band always discussed how pain staking their effort was to make it the best yet . I vote well done .

 

Girl Crush, the second radio release from the album is a beautifully, skillfully, and cleverly written song about the woman not chosen . It was written by three women and it is the point of view of "if I was her would you want me ? " . A love song . A hurt song . A I wish or what if song . Some listeners have taken it to a all to literal level and are declaring it unfit for radio . Protesting stations that play it and forcing airwaves to remove it from their cycle . It is in the top for it's genre in itune sales and the lyric video's on Vevo.com  and Youtube.com each have almost 700,000 hits . Clearly people are relating to it , loving it and getting it . How radio can be so easily bullied is something I may never understand . I am attaching the lyric video so that you can not only hear the tune , but read the lyrics as it plays . Seriously , cleverly written and beautifully performed song . Who hasn't been there ? Who hasn't compared themselves ? Who hasn't at one time or another debated changing their hair color , lip stick shade , or perfume to catch the attention of someone ? If you are honest , we all have .

 

" I have a girl crush . Hate to admit it but , I got a heart rush that ain't slowin' down."

Little Big Town - Girl Crush

~ Spring Thaw ~

 

I am fully aware that writing this post is like washing my car, as soon as I post it there will be a snow . Don't blame me you guys !!!! The last week has been warm , rainy and gave a little sunshine here and there . Hints that Spring is close . This week also brought with it my Mamaw's 82nd birthday . We tend to always do a small family something for bdays and so that is how we celebrated this birthday . I am pretty much o.k. with any way we celebrate as long as there is cake involved . I don't even really need to know who or what we are celebrating . LOL !! Jack Davis got his spring grooming and not a moment too soon. He was on the verge of becoming this guy.....

The Komondor

I am not even joking!!! Along with getting Jack spring ready I am mentally preparing myself for the spring cleaning of my car inside and out . Again, I am sure that once this is done a torrential down pour will be unleashed from the heavens for days and days . And again you guys.....it isn't my fault !!! I have written several posts in the past on Spring and you can find them here , here, and here . I love the seasons . I guess that is why I have spent so much time waxing poetic about them on here . I am the kind of person who needs the changing of the seasons . I don't know that I could live in a climate that is always one way or another . My mind , my body , even my soul needs what each season brings with it . My body and hair could do without Summers 100 degrees and humidity, but alas for every positive there is a negative.....a. very. frizzy. negative .

For me Spring brings with it renewed hope and a reminder of promises long forgotten under the layers of snow . I get this excited feeling inside me that something big is going to happen . My skin can start to feel the warmer air almost as soon as the time changes . Suddenly the days are longer and with them a chance to be more productive . I am looking forward to whatever this Spring may bring with it . In my heart I have high hopes for promises fulfilled , new habits, and a renewed spirit . Now, if it snows tomorrow I will be giddy , but it is nice to think forward into what possibly is next .

Do you have traditions , decorations, or whatever that change with the seasons ? What is your favorite season and why ?! Got any spring recipes or DIY's to share with us ??!!

You never know what is growing underneath .
This pic is a reminder for me that even in difficult situations
something beautiful and even delicate can be seemingly
suddenly brought to the surface .