Movie-going

One of my many favorite go-to movies

Lately, going to the movies becomes increasingly rare. Not because the actual event is unappealing, but rather that the movie choices are distasteful and non-motivating. What happened to positive, fun, and intellectual movies? Like "You've Got Mail?" Or maybe movies that resemble the intellectual comedy of the hysterical sitcom "Frasier?" These examples leave you with a positive impression of the world and a notion to live better. Movies should have an objective of bettering a person, not encouraging profanity, perversion, fear, or any other ungodly behavior. 

So, lesson learned: I'll save my money and stay at home and watch "You've Got Mail" over and over again.... hope the husband is okay with that.... :-]

-Sarah

Organization; my hidden obsession

Bloggers,

I was recently asked, "what is your dream job?" My response was quickly, "teacher!" While this is true, I went home and discussed with my husband how I also have a REAL, DEEP passion for organizing.

My love for organization is quite funny: I take breaks from studying for school just to organize (or re-organize in some cases) old boxes or closet nooks - its a relaxing hobby indeed. I fiddle around with paper and purge all that is irrelevant very frequently. I'm constantly making my bed (sometimes at 8pm at night knowing that I'm just gonna get into it in 2/3 hours later). And, above all, being a newly married lady (2yrs in July), I've been fortunate to take on my husband's clothing and bill abundance and spend most of my time purging many items. (side note: my husband is not "unorganized" whatsoever -we're very alike in that regard - rather, he's always "saving." He takes precautions and I totally respect that and am inspired by that quality).

So, I confess, online, for all to see, my REAL HONEST PASSION to organize. I've never had the time to jump in one of my friends/families homes and organize an area, but it sounds like fun! My calling is to be a teacher, for sure. Children are a wondrous creation and being a primary teacher would be an honor. But, one the other hand, my hobby is organization (along with DIYing).

In the future, I'll be sharing some tips on what I do or have done to keep my life organized.

-Sarah

Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia

Why did I make this? Well, my husband and I went out with our longtime friends to Macaroni Grill and they had this dish on the menu. But, instead of tilapia, they used sole. The next day, I remembered I had a good amount of frozen tilapia (which is white fish like sole), so thus, I went and searched out a recipe ------> Rachael Ray's inspiring recipe. Tried it; and woweewow! Delish... I definitely need to add this to my recipe book. Here is the copy/paste version of the recipe: 

Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia

 

[4 servings Prep: 10 mins Cook: 10 mins]

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon chopped flat-leaf parsley
• 4 tilapia fillets (about 1 pound total)
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees . In a shallow dish, combine the cheese with the paprika and parsley and season with salt and pepper. Drizzle the fish with olive oil and dredge in the cheese mixture. Place on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake until the fish is opaque in the thickest part, 10 to 12 minutes. Serve the fish with the lemon wedges.

By-the-way, this was my first time using paprika in a dish and now I'm hooked. I've been brainstorming on all the things I can do with it. Happy cooking!

-Sarah

Coupon Suzy

We've all seen those annoying, yet catchy commericals ... Coupon Suzy!

So, I am going to actually try this endeavor -- now that I'm a wife. My husband and I are doing tons of renovations projects lately (backyard, garden, light fixtures, paint, kitchen...), which triggers the need to find GREAT SAVINGS AND DEALS... so try this great site with me and let's save together.

I'll post on my exciting feats from time to time...

-Sarah W.

Autumn is approaching!

As we've all seen and felt, Autumn is upon us! And what an exciting time it is. Ever since I was a little girl, the Autumn and Christmas seasons have always been my favorite. The movies, the treats, the smells, the colors, the holiday breaks, the meanings, and my family. Now that I am married, this year will be a very exciting one. I've always participated in years past around Thanksgiving and Christmas, but this year is the year I belong to another family. With that comes great sacrifice, but exceeding awards. Its wonderful to see that my family LOVES my husband and (as I can tell anyway) his family LOVES me. Formulas like these don't come out so smoothly... many people have told me of how they can't stand their in-laws, whether it be mother/father or brother/sister. But there's peace in the Bauder/Watson combo. And for that, I am so grateful. 


For this season, I"ll be doing TONS of crafts:
-making a wreath (done!)
-baking cookies
-making homemade applesauce (check!)
-painting canvases for home decor
-making gifts
-decorating with lights
-making a gingerbread creation
-painting rooms and trim/molding
-and (if it snows) making snowmen, angels, and forts!

I'm so exciting to start the season. But, for now, I have to finish an Econ paper by Monday! Ha, I just had to write a little front my heart. Here is a link to a DIY Thanksigivng Wreath.

Changes…

As many may know, I'll be a married women in 30 days. With that, comes many changes:

1. I'll have a forever sleeping partner.
2. Moving out and on my own.
3. I'll get to embrace cooking A LOT.
4. There will be times where there are NO animals around.
5. I'll never have another kitty cat as a friend (Nathan's allergic)
6. Joint $$ accounts which changes everything with the government.
7. I get to shop for 2 instead of 1.
8. I'll have another last name.
9. I get another set of parents, etc…
10. I have a person who is a part of me, forever.

:-) change is hard but it is also rewarding.

Here's to Godly marriage!

New Uses for OLD Things

Please check out this realsimple.com link. Being inventive has its advantages. Besides, you'll look like a genius when using these tricks! It will save you tons of hassle.

On a side note: I was doing some fun searches on etsy.com and found some great (yet expensive) items.

BriannaPaigeDesigns offers this darling cake topper.

FutureMrsRedfood offers these great custom hangers on that very special day.

Lastly, YandeBridal created this whimsical ring pillow = love.

New Home, New Age, New (almost) Husband...

*In  3 days, I'll be a home owner (along with my husband-to-be)

*In 5 days, I'll be 26 years old (pass the midpoint!)

*In 60 days, I'll get my dress! (with a few lbs less of course...)

***And, in 158 days, I'll be Mrs. Sarah Watson!

What a fun year, eh?!

Etsy is back up, with a new purpose

Knowing that a wedding has to be planned ... my fiance and I are in need of funds to make this process as painless as possible. With your purchase, you will be a huge blessing to our new life together. Thank you, ahead of time! Please visit me: (new items coming soon)

Guess who's engaged?!?!

It's me, its me! 

The awesome and handsome Nathan proposed a couple days after Thanksgiving. Yeah, I'm about 2 months late in telling the blog-world, but at least I told you! We'll be getting married later this year - haven't set a permanent date, but we're planning it fast and smoothly. I'll be heading to a bridal boutique (maybe Thursday) soooooon! I pray I find 'the one.' I was chatting with my fiance during lunch today and couldn't help but get gushy with him and tell him how excited I am to be his wife. To get flustered at almost 4 years together is quite a phenomenon. It's great to find another who lives like you live and loves what you love. We have so much fun together. A simple car ride is an adventure...

So, there you have it -- My Update! Thanks for reading. May our Lord bless you, abundantly.

Unique Packaging

I'm always looking for new, creative ways to gift wrap. It never fails, when I'm in a crunch for time, that's when my best gift wrapping happens, yet I could do without the stress involved.... so I went to one of my favorite sites - www.realsimple.com. I clicked on an appropriate tab, "holidays" and saw this heaven-sent article (with pictures!) --- 21 Easy Holiday Gift Wrapping Ideas

So, by using these techniques, I don't have a ponder and search for materials to come up with a cool way to gift wrap. I hope these finding help YOU in your joyful season that is Christmas! 

Merry Christmas,

Sarah

Little Worlds

I teach two Saturday morning art classes every weekend. The first class ranges from 2-3 years old. The second class is about 4-5/6. This past weekend, I was pretty proud of my second class. They made Little Worlds:

They started by tracing a circular paint palette as their Earth. Then, they took that same pencil and designed their own lands and boundaries. After that, they traced on top of their pencil etchings with a black marker. Next, they did the oceans. I explained to them the reason why the coasts were lighter and the further out the water gets darker. They got it and the outcome was pleasing to my eyes! After the ocean was done, we went onto the green lands. Here, the rules did not apply. They created their own shades and painted however the way they wanted to. I did, however, stress the fact that we didn't want perfectly straight lands, so I asked them to make wavy brush-strokes - and they did. ;-]

And lastly, my favorite, we painted the black universe and once it was semi-dry, we used glittery paint to represent all the magnificent stars!

So, how did they do?!

Midpoint of Semester

Seeing that my last post happened on June 9th, I think its time for an update - don't ya think?

Well, I started my second semester of college! It's a tad tougher and more time-consuming but the Lord prevails even in the most difficult of situations. I'm really excited about fall and am about to go buy a gorgeous Christmas tree with my mother (it has snow on it!!! yay!). I am fully moved into my new home and enjoy it sooo very much. I pulled out my heater two days ago b/c I like to have my own climate in my room - I'm a cold-natured person, ha. Nathan, my love, is super busy at work (which is a real good thing) regardless of the economic struggle, he is prospering! I enjoy playing tennis now. About four days ago, I went to one of my favorite stores and found great bargains on super cute winter coats. The lady at the registered was puzzled as to why I'm buying winter coats and said, "coat shopping already? Wow, you're ahead of the game!." And of course I replied with, "I'm really excited about fall and winter!" My etsy shop is on hold and truly miss having it up and running. It was a wonderful feeling when I found out I sold something and had the wonderful opportunity to deliver it to that desired customer. Auuuhh, memories. I'll get it up and running again someday, but in a day that has no school! (maybe Christmas vacation...hmmm).

So, anyway. Glad to be back. I look forward to reading about all my followers' lives and such. Thanks for listening to my update - I appreciate you!

Sarah

Whoa, busy busy busy

Lately I've been super busy moving all my belongings, cleaning two houses, prepping for a week vacation and summer classes, as well as unknowing work hours... summer camps will be starting soon, so right now, I think I can blog!

Be back soon (still trying to get internet installation - please pray)

:-] Sarah

Over? Say it aint so.

So, its 3:41pm and I have to leave for my last class in 30 minutes. My hair is wet and I gotta pack clothes for the gym (afterwards). I got the news this morning that I'm exempt from taking a final (in English). Yay! I've never been exempt --- ever! Not because I never got A's .. mainly because its simply never happened. I realize NOW how important it is to work your tail off the whole semester, regardless of how dreary the mornings are or the long nights of studying and writing papers is. 

So, with having to leave shortly to go play "Review Jeopardy" in Human Communications, I sit here in peacefulness - thinking. I ponder on all the hours, the hand cramps, and the forced-focus during each class and say YIIIPPEE, I  CAN'T WAIT 'TIL AFTER TODAY!

3 finals O wait, 2 finals left!

  A for Awesome!

Why, hello spring

Spring has its way of quietly saying hello. It greets us with a warm smile, sweet music, and colorful scenes. Napping outside begins in spring (which baffles me why I have never bought a hammock..hmm)

Along with the flowers and colors, I also find that many others celebrate spring in their own way: Like DonnaLeeJewelry, featuring these Rose Mallow Earrings.

Or like luxedeluxe with a brilliant Corrine, purple rose and turquoise necklace.  

These two crafters definitely have the spring feel goin'.

If its not jewelry you're going for, then take a gander at these cute barrettes by jewllori. She's got the picnic theme happening with those polkas! I just love them!

With birds being lively and flowers being friendly, I encourage you to take a walk and notice all the God things around you. These creations didn't "just" happen --> they all were meant for us to enjoy; for us to become inspired and for all of us to truly see the wonderful work the Lord has made.

Glad you stopped by to enjoy this great change in our world! Hello spring .. I welcome you!!

Cinderella, ella, ella

(check out these pics - 1. the modern-day Cinderella, 2. My birthday cake, 3. An inspirational wedding cake.)

Cinderella is by far my most favorite princess. I believe the reason for this is her life and mine are parallel.

The beginning of my life was not such an easy one. My family and I never had enough. I worked and worked just to get by. I delayed any further education b/c of my duty to work for my family. I never had a car of my own. I never would be able to go to any fancy, classy restaurant. For birthdays, my family couldn't afford a party, so we never had one. We couldn't afford many gifts either. All we could do was spend time, eating an ice cream cake and singing 'happy birthday.' It was nice, though. Times like those show character and I believe my family is the best.

Apart from all this doom and gloom tales... let me tell you of a great testimony. Today, I am currently enrolled in college (tuition free - and loving it!), I am shopping for a new car (any price I want, but you know me -- miss responsible, so I am finding a bargain.), I have the best man in the whole world to call my own (Nathan darling), I have a sweet, loving, giving family who stands up for one another, and above all this, I have a Savior who made a promise to a little girl..."I will take care of you... your labor is not in vain." He is right. He has taken care of me... and for that, I am eternally grateful.

It's snowing again... yay

Snow, snow snow!

 I love the wonderful snow. Let's play out in the snow.
O no?! Why not in the snow?

Well, let's play in the rain.
O no?! Not in the rain?

Ok, let's play in the sludge..
o no? Not in the sludge?
Why not in the sludge, the rain, or the snow???

...Because, its not just snow, not just rain, and not just sludge... its all three, with is not a fun playtime for me!

[Dr. Suess - what an inspiration]

3 days until the big 2-5

Three more days and I think, Woweee, how did my life zoom by like this?! I still feel 21, haha. I start to ponder on all the blessings I've received. I've had a rough first half of my 50 years, but wow, what a big turn around its been in the last 3-4 years. My Lord is great! Every time I needed the funds for a bill, a repair of some kind, or food on the table, He's responded swiftly with a donation or a job that miraculously appeared. He's a great father. I have had no father, so I'll take the best to replace the biological.

I have the BEST family in the whole world. They are all so smart, so giving, a lot more caring and loving than we were growing up (haha), and we get along so great - plus, they are all believe in our Lord, Jesus Christ, which makes me so joyous to know my family will continue on, with me, in the other realm -- Heaven. I have a superb boyfriend, with an awesome attachment of his family. Nathan (my baby) is such an intelligent man. He is the ultimate gentlemen -- always thinking of what he could do to help me. He puts his needs on the bottom and sacrifices his wants and desires for others. He's such an honest, trusting, and fun guy. I adore him. We have love; the true kind. The type that princess/prince storybooks are made of - and I got it! Hallelujah to my God. With Nathan's family, comes the other girlfriend (his bro's girl) which inevitably became my best gal pal. She's bright, caring, and fun to be around. She's not your typical drama girl (as I am not) so, we talk about the more substancial things (this is why I chose friends wisely ... cause I am just not interested in the drama, not one bit). Her name is Colbie -- like the chesse, which is awesome! :-] And, of course you have my boyfriends brother, Noah. He's a brilliant guy, who loves to point out how weird his girl and I talk. We understand eachother, yet he doesn't... I just don't get it... :) He's a great guy too. He's as musical as they come. He knows so much about so many instruments, etc...

So, I am having a moment of appreciation before I turn the big 2-5. I have lived such a full life. With more responsibility than expected, with more love than understood, and with more blessings than I deserve.

I love my Lord and My King. He's been so good to me. I await for His coming and grab as many as I can to go with me.

Sushi for lunch, yum.

Nathan and I often go out to lunch and enjoy an inexpensive meal. Though, this time, we both agreed on sushi for lunch. Something we've never done before and never understood why. The dilemma of this lunch date was "where?" We loooooooooooove this new Japanese steakhouse called Miyako, but its near me. It would clearly take Nate 45 minutes just to get over here. So, we pondered and Nathan shot out a suggestion => "how about Orient Express?!"  [this was the place of our first date - which happened to be on my 22nd birthday]

I, undoubtedly, agreed! When we arrived it was packed. I was first; Nate was close second. We dined and enjoyed every minute of it [minus the excessive wind blowing directly on me]. He order the Texas Roll [white rice] and I got the Millennium Roll [salmon on top]. Both were astounding and full-filling.

After that, I was assuming we were going to say goodbye, but surprisingly the meal didn't take too long so Nathan also suggested this new frozen yogurt placed called Yoforia. It's a self-serve, make your own frozen yogurt!!! The glee in my eyes was obvious. We paid for the amount we got. There's no rule -- you fill your cup up to the level desired. Fruit, candy, and chocolate toppings are at your disposal. When you're done, it's weighed and then you pay. Simple, right? Right! It was soooooooo yummy. [sorry, no personal pic of our creation]

So, what's the best sushi you've ever eaten? Where from?