Lucky 13

Friday the 13th has been a feared day for many years by many people. Some people are so afraid of the day that they will avoid going outside, driving or even leaving for a trip on the day. I've read so many articles and seen so many personal stories about bad things happening on Friday the 13th but honestly, some of us actually really LOVE the day! 

I really wanted to share a little history about why some people are so afraid and some people nearly worship the day. This post could be labeled controversial and that's okay... I really just want people to have an open mind. I've tried really hard this last year to focus on self care and part of that means your spiritual side as well. I wouldn't label myself as one thing or another. I honestly just strive to live a happy, healthy life. Everyone has their own version of what that last sentence means and one day I plan to share more of my journey but for now we're going to dive into this spooky day! 

Friday The 13th..... 

Most people associate this day with nothing but bad things. Since this is the case, I wanted to share a little back story on why people feel this way. There's no surprise that this fear originated during Bible times. According to biblical tradition, 13 guests attended the Last Supper, held on Maundy Thursday, including Jesus and his 12 apostles (one of whom, Judas, betrayed him). The next day, of course, was Good Friday, the day of Jesus’ crucifixion. The seating arrangement at the Last Supper is believed to have given rise to a longstanding Christian superstition that having 13 guests at a table was a bad omen—specifically, that it was courting death.

On Friday, October 13, 1307, officers of King Philip IV of France arrested hundreds of the Knights Templar, a powerful religious and military order formed in the 12th century for the defense of the Holy Land.

In more recent times... 

A number of traumatic events have occurred on Friday the 13th, including the German bombing of Buckingham Palace (September 1940) & the death of rapper Tupac Shakur (September 1996). 

So as you can see, there are MANY reasons why people will associate this day with bad luck. I can kind of see both sides but let me shed a little light on why this day is sacred to some. 

In the Pagan world, Friday the 13th is considered a GOOD day for most. For ancient Pagans, Friday the 13th was a day where you would or could receive blessings & gifts from the Gods. There are many reasons why Friday the 13th is a sacred day for Pagans. Since this topic is very controversial and I'm not there just yet.. I just wanted to share that the biggest blessing on this day for any practicing Witch is spell casting. Whether it be for love, weight, fertility.. you name it.. The universe tends to take your spell with acceptance and ease. 

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Shopping + Eating Local

Every Friday Nick and I are normally off together so we try to get out and explore our small town just a little bit. We love trying little hole in the wall places and finding hidden treasures. I wanted to share a few places that has my heart here in Cookeville, TN. We may not have much but supporting your local businesses will only allow more growth to come into our lil town. 

Most recently... 

Broast 

Nick visited Broast to try out some fresh ground coffee in our French Press that has yet to be used. I wasn't sure what to expect as far as flavor and consistency but I have to say... I wish I had time every morning for French Press coffee. If you haven't heard of Broast, it is a local coffee roasting company who roasts all their coffees right here in town. Their coffees are fair trade certified & organic. We have chosen 2 different kinds and so far we're pretty obsessed. 

Back Room Bistro 

This is the best place to get a quick, healthy brunch in Cookeville. I was super happy with my service as well as my food. We all got the omelettes with only slight variations. Nick did the self serve tea and had so may options to chose from to infuse it. I will definitely go back here sometime. Maybe a girls day??

Father Tom's Pub

We've been to Father Tom's SEVERAL times at all times of the year. We absolutely love going here! The vibe is so chill and laid back it's a really great place to wind down after a long day or to escape the summer heat for a quick drink. I would highly recommend trying to this wonderful little restaurant at least once. My favorite thing to order is The Moose burger w/sweet potato fries.. DO IT! 

Southern Rock Bouncin BBQ

Who doesn't love some good bbq while being from The South?! This yummy place is right up the road from us and is super affordable for the portions that you're served. I was very pleased with my pulled chicken. Meanwhile, nick ordered the Loaded Tater.. pretty sure it was the size of a small child. I would highly recommend giving this place a shot. 

Below I've linked all the place mentioned above. I love sharing local places and supporting all of our local friends. If you're in the Cookeville area I'd love to know a few places that you'd recommend trying. I am a huge fan of places that aren't super well known. Thanks for sharing! 

Broast

Father Tom's Pub

The Back Room Bistro

Southern Rock Bouncin BBQ

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Our Family Has Grown

Nick and I have been searching high and low for several months to add a new little addition to our family. We knew that we wanted another Pug but really wanted a black male pug. I was starting to get really frustrated because the only ones I kept finding were either scams or way overpriced. 

After feeling pretty defeated I got on our Local Sales page ONE last time in an attempt to find our newest baby. I just so happened to come across 1 black male pug available only a short ride up the road from us. I immediately sent a message to make sure he was still available. After a quick visit with him, we fell in love. Two weeks later we came back to pick up our newest little love. 

Meet, Mortimer Dracula Trusty. 

He might only be 3.3lbs but he has the spunk of a 20lb dog. He tried to pick fights with his big brother and LOVES nibbling on everything. Originally he was supposed to have no middle name and only be Mortimer Trusty. After playing with him for a few days and seeing his little personality I really thought he needed something more. I can't exactly describe WHY I wanted Dracula but when I see him I can definitely see a lil vampire. 

I am forever thankful that we found him from such good breeders. He has truly complete our family <3  Big bro isn't too sure about him because that's only because Morty keeps thinking Frank's tail is a cinnamon roll hahaha. 

Get ready to see LOTS of baby puggo photos and videos alllll across my social media. Sorry not sorry! 

^^^ he looks just like a lil vampire here!! 

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A Couple Easy Recipes

Hello everyone!! I somehow always tend to fall off the wagon but here I am again... if you're still around then please know that I GREATLY appreciate your loyalty. I've cooked a few good meals this week and I thought it'd be fun to share with you guys. I don't have a lot of detailed instruction photos but I promise to include every step you need to take. 

Please share feedback if you try these or have had them.. I love hearing what other people think or did to make the recipe work for their family. 

BBQ Chicken Tostadas 

{served w/baked beans & pasta salad}

This meal SERIOUSLY wow'd me. I did not expect to really care for the tostada shell but it truly made this meal perfect. So here's how I made it.. 

- Boil chicken. This can be breasts, tenderloins.. any chicken preference you have is fine 

- After chicken is boiled, shred chicken 

-Add just enough bbq sauce to cover chicken & toss together

- Scoop a spoonful onto the tostada shell. At least enough to cover the shell with a small edge left. 

- Drizzle mozzarella cheese & a little extra bbq sauce on top

Bake these @400 for about 10 mins. You really are just melting the cheese an heating the shell. I added some extra bbq sauce to mine after the oven and they were soooo delicious. This is a meal that I will for sure be archiving for later. 

Chili w/ Fire 

{served w/sour cream & saltines}

THISSSSS.... Gosh it was so delicious and flavorful. I will definitely be making this recipe again VERY SOON. I almost would say this could become a staple in the Trusty household. So here's how it made... 

- Brown 1lb. hamburger meat in the skillet then drain

- Toss meat in a large pan along with:

- 2 cans of black beans

- 1 16oz can of tomato sauce

- I can of crushed tomatoes (I used fire roasted)

- 1 can of light red kidney beans

- I can of chili beans

(I drain all of my beans except the chili beans)

- 1 can of sweet corn

- Add water to make the soup juicy 

- Texas Pete Hot Sauce (pour in about 3 teaspoons... I didn't really measure, oops)

I generally bring my chili to a boil and then cut it down to simmer. I served this spicy chili with sour cream and Saltine crackers. I did eventually do a bowl with shredded cheese so I'd recommend that also. It's such an easy, throw together after work, meal. 

Fajita Baked Fish 

{served w/ Mexican rice & fiesta salad}

I will definitely say.. this meal was completely out of my comfort zone. I am all for trying everything one but not normally if I am doing the cooking. I've been craving spicy foods lately... no, I am NOT pregnant, so I've been trying to find all things spicy on Pinterest. I came across this fiesta salad that looked SO GOOD & happened to have fish in my freezer so I kind of freestyled this recipe. 

The fiesta salad is made up of rotel, black beans, corn and avocado. It's so easy and so filling. I also want to make mention that this recipe and the other two above are all super affordable! 

But here is how I made my fish... 

- 1 bag of your fish preference. I chose a simple cod fish fillet from Walmart

- Seasoned fish with Creole, Garlic Salt, Pepper & HONEY!! 

- I steamed some peppers and onions and then added them to the pan about 1/2 way 

- Cook until fish has a golden crispy top. I cooked mine for about 35 mins at 350 degrees 

I don't think I want this all the time but it's a nice change from our normal routine. The rice I cooked was just a simple bag of "taco rice" made my Knorr. It isn't the healthiest option but it sure tasted good. 

I hope to share more recipes like this in the future. I haven't enjoyed cooking for a little while but I'm starting to get back into the groove of things. I you like seeing recipes then comment below to let me know some of your favorite recipes! 

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