My 100th Post!!! A few dedications and a GIVEAWAY!

I seriously cannot believe that I am already at my 100th post!!! Six months ago, I was talking to my sister on the phone, commenting on her food blog, when she suggested that I start my own. My initial reaction was to think "oh, okay, Sarah...I'll get right on that!", because I honestly have always been a little intimidated by her talent and while I've always enjoyed cooking, I didn't necessarily think anyone would be particularly interested in what I made. To my surprise, I have had so much fun trying new recipes and sharing old family recipes and am so unbelievably grateful to the 70+ people who think enough of my blog to follow it...and to all of you who take the time to post such sweet comments! I've really enjoyed "meeting" people from all over the world and have truly enjoyed all of your blogs!

I want to extend a special "thank you" to my sister, Sarah, for getting this "hobby" of mine started. You have expanded my knowledge so much and really opened my eyes to trying new ingredients/techniques!

(My sister, Sarah and I...I was exceptionally tan--she's not that pale!)

I'd next like to thank my Mom and Dad for always inspiring me and making me feel as if the sky is the limit! Anytime I get discouraged, they are the two people I can count on to give me that little "boost". My parents both instilled such wonderful values in my sisters and I and it's because of them, that I have such a strong foundation for cooking. Both of my parents are excellent cooks! I'm especially touched that my Dad religiously follows my blog...how cute is that?!?



Now for my husband, Marcus...to say he has come a long way is the understatement of the century! When we first started dating, his diet consisted of smoked sausage, steak fries and frozen corn---NO JOKE!!! Granted, we were in college at the time, but seriously, that's all he ever seemed to eat!!! Over the years, he's progressively gotten so much better and he's been such a good sport about trying all of these new recipes. Had you asked me 8 years ago if I thought he would have eaten even 10% of what I've made recently, I would have told you that there was absolutely no way!!! He, too, follows my blog and is always good about giving me input regarding things he likes/dislikes or ways in which he thinks the recipe could be improved. I love you, baby, and thank you for being so open-minded :)


Last, but certainly not least, I have to make mention of my two most faithful "taste-testers"...my children, Jake and Maddie. They are my absolute pride and joy and they, too, have been so wonderful about trying new things and trust me when I tell you...I get VERY honest opinions from them :)

(Jacob, 4 yrs)

(Madeline, 16 months)

Now, onto my GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I could literally spend a good hour every time I'm at the grocery store, glancing through the cooking magazines. While on my last shopping trip, I selected three magazines that I just had to have and bought duplicates to give to THREE lucky winners, who will be chosen through a random integer generator.

The cooking magazines are as follows:

1) Taste of Home Summer Slow Cooker Meals (includes 160 "clip and keep" recipe cards!)
2) Taste of Home Bake Sale (166 crowd pleasing treats...all on recipe cards with photos!)
3) Pillsbury Best Ever Chicken (includes budget friendly dinners!)


To enter, please leave me a comment letting me know which of my recipes you'd most like to try or which recipe you have already tried! (Feel free to give me your honest feedback if you're commenting on a recipe you've tried, as I'm always looking for ways to improve!!!)

For additional entries, you can do the following: (One additional entry can be earned for EACH of the following!)
1) Sign up to follow my blog or leave me a separate comment letting me know that you're already a follower.
2) Make mention of my giveaway on your blog and then post a comment with the link.
3) Make mention of my giveaway on Facebook and leave me a comment letting me know that you did!
4) Share one of your favorite recipes with me--you can either post it under my comment section or send me the link to your blog.


GIVEAWAY ENDS AT 11:59PM EST ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 22ND! ANY ENTRIES POSTED AFTER THAT TIME WILL NOT QUALIFY. PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT YOU INCLUDE THE BEST WAY FOR ME TO CONTACT YOU, IF YOU DO NOT HAVE AN EMAIL LINKED TO YOUR BLOG!

***This giveaway is open to everyone...family and friends included! The winners will be selected completely at random!***