Black Belt Living

In the Spotlight over at ASD

Turning so-so concert photos into a 60's Rat Pack look over on Andie Smith Designs today....

Have a great weekend!   

I Just Hadn't Met Him Yet....

The last month or so have been so bizarre and wrong that if I told you about it, you probably wouldn't believe me. So many of our friends and relatives are dealing with serious illness and even death that it seems like every day there is some kind of "bad news call". I'm getting "phone phobia" because there is never anything good. 

But last night, for six fabulous hours, I got to spend my time with five hilarious women and one insanely talented man. It was a much needed break from what has been a ridiculous month of stress and sadness, and a night that I'll never forget. 

I feel a bit hungover on all of the bliss that was last evening.  

Yes, I have photos.  No, they aren't great. I sure wish I could have toted my good camera equipment in last night, but that's okay. I have video too, so as soon as I figure out how I can edit that a bit, I'll put that up as well. 

 

In the next day or so, after I go through my photos and video, and have a chance to wake up a bit, I'll tell you more about the show.  But in the meantime, here are a few shots from the Dude Who Can Sing Like Buttah!

If I weren't married and more than ten years older, I'd wish he were my boyfriend.  But for now, I just wish his was my friend.  What a funny, charming, and really real guy. I think that's rare in a popular artist these days. He's humble and real in addition to being so ridiculously talented.  Ahhhhh......

More later! In the meantime, check out the latest video...super fun! The gorgeous blonde in the video is his fiance'.  I dare you not to smile....

It's Texture Time

...over at Andie Smith Designs!  Just got a post up over there and you might recognize my model this week!  

Here's a sneak peek:

 

So, so pretty!

New Stuff!

I thought I'd share a bunch of relatively new layout with you this morning. I'm trying to get back into posting more again. I miss my readers ~ I hope they miss me! I'm thinking I need to do a new blog give-away soon, what do you think? 

Anyhow, here are some new layouts that I haven't shared on her yet! I'm telling you, my gig with The Digi Dares sure keeps the creative juices flowing, as do my new creative teams.  Make sure to check out the new Dare up at TDD this moring ~ it's a really fun one!

For Two Glorious Weeks - Goodies by Jen Martakis and Suzy Q Scraps 

Bad to the Bone - Goodies from Jen Martakis, Mary Ann Wise, and Sugar Pop Designs.

 

 Be Still My Heart - goodies from Jen Martakis and Scarletheels Media

Beauty - Goodies from Laurie Ann Anderson - Heaven's Gate Designs

Horton and Friends - Goodies by Brandy Designs 

Communications 101 - Goodies by Stacy Marks Designs

E - Goodies by Laurie Ann Anderson / Heaven's Gate Designs

In My Next Life - Goodies by Jen Martakis, Karah Fredricks, and Lauren Reid   

Goodies by Gina Marie Huff at Weeds and Wildflowers Designs

Somewhere - Goodies by Vinnie Pearce and Wilna Furstenburg

Jellicle Cats - Goodies by Wilna Furstenburg

  

Girls Are Fun - Goodies by Kasia

That's it for now!  Thanks for peeking and be sure to check back for a new give-away...I'll make it a good one! 

When Life Gives you Lemons, Use Lightroom!

There's a new post of mine up on Andie Smith's blog today. She's got some smokin' hot new Lightroom presets and I get to play with them!  Pop on over to see some cool African animals as well, like this guy:

 Stop on by and see Mr. Lemur and other cool animals from Johannesburg, South Africa!

Recipe Tuesday - Cranberry Pork Loin

Okay, so it's Wednesday, but since I have been so bad about blogging lately, I didn't think you'd mind if as long as I posted SOMETHING! 

I tried creating something new last night and it was a huge hit. I actually thought there would be tons of leftovers today and there were basically NONE (much to Olive's dismay!). 

I was browsing some pot roast recipes the other day for new ideas. Frankly, I'm not a huge fan of pot roast, so I was looking to change things up a bit.  I found a cranberry variation, but I decided to switch things around a bit and use pork loin instead. My guess is that this would be good with beef, pork, chicken or turkey ~ anything goes! I think this would be fabulous in the crock pot as well!

 
 Cranberry Pork Loin

• 2 cans whole berry cranberry sauce
• 2 cans beef broth
• 1/4 C red wine
• 2 T cornstarch
• 1/2 onion, diced 
• large pork loin/pot roast
• olive oil
• baby carrots
• small round, red potatoes

Saute the onions in a large dutch oven in olive oil, then add the meat and brown it on each side. Remove the meat from the pot and set aside temporarily.  

Add broth, cranberry sauce, and wine to the pot, turn up the heat, and bring to a boil. Keep stirring so that the sauce and liquid melts into each other well.  Add cornstarch and continue to stir until thickened.  

Add meat back into the pot, along with carrots and small potatoes. Bake in a 325 degree oven for about two hours.  

This was a great dinner that was delicious, easy to make, one pot, and super easy to clean up! It doesn't get much better than that. Next time I'm going to try it in the crock pot, I'm sure it will be great. 

Try it out!