I'll be back

I intended to take a break from blogging....apparently my break was a little longer than expected.  I'll start back up soon enough.  Just stick with me!

Little Wonders

Sometimes I think we get soo busy with our everyday lives that we don't see the little wonders that are everywhere.  Over the weekend, I took the time to see them and have photographed them for you too.  Enjoy!

Giveaway! Giveaway! Giveaway!

If you love a giveaway, please make sure to check this out over at Pink Martinis & Pearls.  She is giving away a Vera Bradley Slim Case in Folkloric, just like this:

The giveaway ends Sunday, March 13th at midnight so hurry on over and sign up!!

Red Velvet Pancakes....

I just had to share this because I think it is pretty awesome.  Have you ever heard of Red Velvet pancakes?!?  No?  Well..... me neither!  The Griddle Cafe in Hollywood, California serves them up daily and you can even order the mix online!!  I mean, its like dessert for breakfast.  How cool is that?  This is probably going on my "to be purchased ASAP" list!

It even has powdered sugar & icing on top!!  :)

YKTR

I wasn't sure this was something I wanted to write about.  Its hard.  I wanted to share this though.  Its important. 

17 years ago today, I was 17 years old and a senior at St. John's High School.  17 years ago, life was pretty perfect.  17 years ago I was in the midst of picking out a prom dress, making plans for spring break and finishing up my college applications.  17 years ago today.....Chad died.  Chad is my step-brother. 

If I listen really hard, I can still hear "Hey Mickey" by Toni Basil playing in his room.  I hear him laughing because I wouldn't take the 3rd turn on the Bloody Mary mirror game.  I see us playing touch football in the hallway.  I remember us sneaking out to go to the gas station up the road to load up on junk food.  I hear Ms. Pac-Man chomping away and the sweetness of victory when I won a game (surely because he let me).  Fast forward a couple of years to Peach Beach.  I must have been around 15 or 16 years old.  I don't even know if I had a driver's license yet but I was driving Chad and some buddies to get something to eat.  Not too many years after that, he graduated, was living in Greenville and going to college.  Life was going just the way he wanted it.  He was really happy.  He was 20 years old when he was killed in a car accident.

I still have the Ms. Pac-Man game we played.  I pulled it out tonight and held it while all the memories from the past came rushing back.  I know Chad is in a better place but sometimes I wish that place was here instead.  RIP Chad..... we sure do miss you buddy.  You know that's right....

TRYING.... to be healthier!

I have been trying to make the choice to live a healthier lifestyle.  Here lately though, I seem to get sidetracked at every turn.  I bought a treadmill off of a friend in January.  After a couple of weeks of walking, I started the Couch to 5K and before too long, I had capsilitis.  For those of you who don't know what capsilitis is, it is when the ligaments in your toe become in flamed.  Treatment requires a shot of cortisone and rest.  I'm all healed now but when I get home in the afternoons, I don't want to walk or run.  I want to plant myself in front of the TV and catch up on the Bachelor, Housewives, or some other reality TV trash (that I love by the way!!).  



Since I was not feeling the healthy vibe last night, I decided to make fried pickles.  My sister-in-law makes the BEST fried pickles and shared her recipe, via Cooks.com, with me a couple of weeks ago.  I had been craving them so last night they finally made it to my deep fryer. (Does everyone own a deep fryer... or just unhealthy eaters???)  

Greasy Goodness!

Another shot of my unhealthy fried pickles
 but this time with spicy Ranch!

Since I was soo terribly unhealthy last night, I tried to start over again today with a healthy breakfast.  I always start out the days on a high but end eating crap like the above.....  Today I had a muenster cheese and Granny Smith apple sandwich with apple slices on the side.  See, I'm trying!! 

Maybe if I posted all of my meals on here I would begin to be a little more accountable for my actions.  I started using My Fitness Pal but slacked off a little lately.  Maybe I'll start again today.  No time like the present!! 

Ah Choo!!

So yesterday I might have been lovin' this weather and all that it brings but today I remembered why I prefer colder weather MUCH better.  Its allergy season and today is the start of my itchy & watery eyes. 



Example of a culprit:  Bradford Pears (aka Stinky Trees)



Another pretty culprit:  Pink Flowering Dogwood Tree

 

Before long, those itchy, watery and RED eyes will be followed by sneezing, snotty nose and other gross symptoms.  Yuck.  I read somewhere a while back that eating a tablespoon of honey each day could help with seasonal allergies but apparently I need to double the dose. 

I'm praying the rain that has been forcasted for this afternoon washes away all the pollen so I can go back to enjoying the colors and weather of spring.  If not the rain, maybe the wind will do some work on those flowering trees.  (Notice the 25 to 35 mph winds they are calling for here!!  Wow!!)

In the meantime, I'll overdose on honey and pray for the best! Pass the Allegra-D & Flonase please...  :)



Punxsutawney Phil may be right....

Every year, for the last 125 years, Punxsutawney Phil has been forecasting whether or not we would have an early spring or longer winter.  Luckily for the most of the country, Phil didn't see his shadow so spring is on its way!  Here is a sampling of spring from our yard:

Pink Flower from a Camilla Bush

As much as I love cold weather, I'm welcoming the warmer temperatures (like today, 80+ degrees) so I can open the windows and let the fresh air inside.  Soon I'll be pulling the lawn furniture from the basement and returning it to its spot on our back patio.  In the evenings, I'll look forward to sitting outside and just taking in the moment.  I might even be able to convince Michael to take a nice stroll down around the park after dinner. 

I think I might be ready for spring and a wee bit thankful that Phil didn't see his shadow.  Here is to a great afternoon and to enjoying the rest of it.  Happy Sunday in the South!!

What Would You Do?

If you won the lottery, what would you do with all the money?  Every now and then, my co-workers and I will put in a couple of bucks to buy some lottery tickets.  Since the jackpot is $184 million, we thought we would take our chances and play.  Each time we do, we all day dream about what we would do with the money.  A couple of people said they would quit their job, some said they would donate money, most said they would travel, some said they would take care of family, and the list goes on and on. 

All of the day-dreaming got me to thinking, if I ever won the lottery what would I do?  The answer is a little harder than it seems.  You think you know....but do you?  Would you take the full cash out or would you have it spread over 30 years?  Would you have it publicized that you won or keep it quiet?  Would you pay off everything or put it in savings and live on it?  Tough decisions.  If I had to give a quick answer, this is what I would do with it, in no particular order:

• Pay off all debt.
• Go to Europe.
• Donate money to the local Humane Society.
• Buy land & build a house.
• Give money to my family & close friends.
• Open a franchise business.
• Donate money to a local church.
• INVEST, INVEST, INVEST

Please don't judge if you don't like my list.  Its a quick, short list with not much thought.  Just day-dreaming....remember.  :)  But now its your turn. What would you do?  How would you spend it?  Its fun to day-dream so go ahead!! 

My Kinda Party!!

Michael and I went to the Jason Aldean concert last night and it was AWESOME!!  We had really great seats and sat around an energetic crowd. 

The JaneDear girls opened the show, followed by Eric Church.  Unfortunately, due to the lines getting into the civic center, we missed the JaneDear girls but could at least hear them sing "Wildflower" from the parking lot. 

Eric Church followed and rocked the house.  In my opinion, he is pretty much southern rock mixed with country.  There were a few times I thought the band was going to bust out some Metallica songs.  He has some really great musicians playing with him. 

As for Jason Aldean, he was AWESOME!!  I know I said that earlier, but he really was. He played lots of familiar songs with a couple new ones from the My Kinda Party album.  He is a great live musician and has a beautiful voice.  I always wonder whether or not an artist has a good voice or if they have just been "mixed over"in the studio. Fortunately, Jason is a true singer with great tone and richness to his voice.  (I admit, I do have a crush on him..   :)  Its okay, Michael knows!!) 

I look forward to seeing him again if he is ever around these parts again.

Jason Aldean singing "The Truth"...and yes, we were that close!!

Channeling Elvis!!

" Let's rock, everybody, let's rock.
Everybody in the whole cell block
was dancing to the Jailhouse Rock.”

~Elvis Presley - Jailhouse Rock~

I'm not really channeling Elvis but we do share something in common....our love for all things bananas & peanut butter.  For lunch I enjoyed a homemade (somewhat) chicken salad sandwich with a side of bananas and peanut butter.  I thought since it was soo very delicious, I would share it with you!  The recipe was pretty easy and included apples and walnuts too!  Can you say "YUMMMYYYY"?!?  This is the kind of lunch you might want to enjoy outside on a nice spring day!  (I enjoyed mine catching up on the Bachelor since it isn't something Michael generally likes to watch at night.  I just love Emily and hope that if Brad chooses not to keep her, she will become the next Bachelorette.... but I digress).

I was in the middle of cooking dinner when I decided to make this for my lunch this week so I had to improvise on the chicken.  Instead of boiling and dicing a boneless skinless breast, I opted for a can of all white meat Swanson Chicken breast (in water).  So, here is the recipe:

• 1 can of chicken breast - drained.
• 1 tsp of celery salt (I didn't have fresh celery so I used this instead.  I would have preferred the real thing though).
• 1 tsp Parley flakes
• 3 tbsp of sweet pickle relish (or more if you are like me...  I love sweet pickle relish!)
• 1/4 cup light, fat free or regular mayo (I used light since this is a healthier version).
• 1 tbsp of light, fat free, or regular sour cream
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 Granny Smith apple - chopped into small pieces

Mix together and store in frig.  Makes enough for probably around 5 or 6 sandwiches.  Double or triple the recipe for more sandwiches.  Enjoy!!

What are you eating for lunch today?  Inspire me!!



Look at those Granny Smith apple chunks!  Delicious!

 

The final glance before its all gone!!



Giveaway, Giveaway, Giveaway

Over at Sweet Tea & Pearls, there is a giveaway!  Check it out and enter!! 

My "Gotta Read Em" List

I have quite a few books that I want to read VERY soon.  Check em' out!

1.  Water for Elephants.  A co-worker of mine recommended this a while back and since it will be coming to theatres soon, I want to read it first and then see the movie. 

2.  Hunger Games.  It is part of a trilogy so I am thinking this might be a summer read, but we'll see.

3.  Safe Haven.  I have read all of Nicholas Sparks' books so I have to read this one too, right?  I enjoy his books as they are pretty easy read and sometimes make me cry too.  

4.  The Help.  Another co-worker of mine read this last year and literally couldn't put it down.  Ever since then I've been wanting to read it so its going on my list.

5.  Unbroken.  My Dad would really appreciate this book as well since its a true story about a man during WWII. 

Sometimes I think I could benefit from an Amazon Kindle or a Barnes & Noble Nook.  Then I could just download books and read, read, read!  What I should do though, is put my library card to some good use and get them for free. 

What are you reading?

Happy Birthday, Grandma

Often times I wish I could go back and spend a few extra moments with my Grandma.  She was and still is one of the most influential woman in my life.  I think about her almost everyday.  I hope that somewhere she and my Pe-pa are looking down on me and are proud of the woman I have become.  Happy Birthday Grandma....  I love and miss you dearly.

Happy Birthday, Mema

We miss you everyday...

Searching for My Lost Shaker of Salt

"Wastin away again in Margaritaville.....

Searching for my lost shaker of salt........"

~Jimmy Buffett~

It is the time of year when everyone has spring fever.....even toboggan loving, freeze my butt off, snow all day long, cold-weather loving ME!!  Something about laying on a beach, sipping a fruity drink with a little umbrella, is really calling my name!!  And, since Michael gave me the "go-ahead", I've been searching and researching all sorts of tropical vacations and have narrowed them down to a few.  I'm hoping to book something in the next week or so!

On my quest to find the perfect, yet fairly priced, vacation, I came across lots and lots of great places that I'd like to share with you in case you have the same itch for a sandy beach.  I mean, who doesn't love a good deal, right?

• RIU Resorts:  This is a massive chain of hotels and all-inclusive resorts all over the world.  I was particularly interested in their all-inclusive packages since a couple of friends recommended them.  Out of all the all-inclusive resorts, this one gave you the most bang for your buck.  The cheapest one I found was a 7 day all-inclusive trip to Hotel Cancun for $2332 - which includes airfare out of Atlanta.  Not too bad considering that is all of your meals, alcohol and resort activities. 
• Sandals Resorts:  If you want a great couples getaway, you need to check out these resorts NOW!  They have 65% off specials going on for 1 more day so get in while you can.  I was able to find a 7 day trip in July to the Grand Riviera Beach resort for $3347, including airfare.  This is a bit more than the RIU Resort price but it is for couples only.  It is also an all-inclusive resort.
• Couples Resorts:  And speaking of couples, here is one named just for that!  I know several friends that went to one of these resorts on their honeymoon.  The cheapest package I found was to Tower Isle for $2807, including airfare.  They also have some really great offers so take a look at their specials if you happen upon their website.  Yet another all-inclusive. 
• Secrets Resorts:  Here is a secret about this line of all-inclusive resorts.  They are opening a new resort in Huatulco, Mexico in June and are offering $99 per person per night.  Huatulco is located in southern Mexico on the Pacific coast, a little below Acapulco.  I found a 7 day trip, including airfare, for $2587.  That is a really great price for a brand new resort.  Check it out!
• Breezes Resorts:  This was the 2nd cheapest all-inclusive resort I came across.  I found a 7 day trip, airfare included, to Trelawny, Jamaica for $2430.  This place seemed to be a great place for groups so if you are planning a girls' trip, family reunion or something along those lines, this might be the place for you.
• Palace Resorts:  If you book right now, you qualify for a $1500 resort credit. This is an all-inclusive resort but you can use the credit for extras.  This really nice couple that will allow you to use their presidential premier membership to book:  Pippins Vacations.  These are some really beautiful resorts and have some great golf courses as well.  I found a 7 day package at the Sun Palace for $2909.  You could probably get some better deals going through Pippins Vacations as I got this price straight from the Palace Resorts website booking area.
• Carnival Cruise Lines:  If you haven't been on a cruise, there is no better time than the present.  Carnival has all sorts of specials and upgrades especially for those who are past guests.  In my opinion, cruising is like an all-inclusive resort that floats and happens to stop at some really great ports.  I found a 7 day cruise to Nassau, Bahamas, Half Moon Cay and Grand Turk for $1004.  That is $71 per person per day.  That is a bargain if I ever saw one!! 

Please note, all the prices are for 2 people but you can certainly book these trips for 2 or more.  Have fun!!

Now that you are armed with all these great deals, count your change, cash that tax refund check and go on vacation!  Don't forget to have a margarita (or 2 or 3) for me!!  Extra salt please!!

Happy Valentine's Day

For a brief history of Valentine's Day, click here.  Now.... that you are learned in all things Valentine, let's celebrate the overly commercialized day with my newest recipe find.... cake balls!!

I came across a recipe for these on Friday and thought I would give them a try.  Since they are for Valentine's day, I decided on strawberry cake with cream cheese icing as my main ingredients.  I also picked up some pink gel to decorate the tops.

I started by preparing the cake according to the instructions on the box.  After about 20 minutes or so, the cake was done and ready to come out of the oven.



This made my whole house smell sooo good!


I wasted no time in letting it cool (although I probably should have considering how dang hot it was) and started right away making the "paste" for the cake balls.  First you break up the cake and mix it on high with a hand mixer until its a fine consistency.  Next, add your icing of choice and mix some more.  The end result is a paste-like substance that goes into the frig to firm up.

Somewhat messy but oh so yummy!!

After a couple of hours, I took the paste out of the frig.  Since I don't have a melon baller, I used a tablespoon measuring spoon to scoop out just the right amount of cake paste.  Once finished, they went into the freezer for about 1 hour.

Now comes the messy part.  Using the double boiler method, I melted 2 1/2 bags of white chocolate morsels.  One at a time, dunk a cake ball into the chocolate bath (via toothpick) and place them on a sheet on tin foil.  (It calls for wax paper but I used what I had readily available - tin foil).

Make sure NOT to get it too hot or you will burn the chocolate and render it useless.

I gave them a little while to cool and set before removing all the toothpicks.  Please note, removing the toothpicks can be tricky.  I found that if I twisted as I pulled, they came out without cracking the shell.

And finally, its time to DECORATE!  I used Wilton sparkle pink gel to create little hearts for the tops of my cake balls.  It turned out to be a great cover-up for the holes let by the toothpicks too.

There you have it.  Cake balls.  Pretty easy recipe that I am sure I will make again.  Next time, I think I'll do chocolate cake with chocolate icing.  I might even put some sort of fruit or filling in the middle too.

I hope that my recipe inspires you to be sweet today!  And I hope that you and your sweetheart have a Happy Valentine's Day! 

Yummy Goodness!

One of my favorite blogs, Peanut Butter Fingers, is the inspiration behind this post.  Recently, she did a post where she asked her readers to name their favorite sweet treat.  Of course after reading ALL of the yummy desserts people left as comments, I decided to list mine (store-bought or restaurant made desserts, that is).  So, here you go.  Be prepared to drool a little....

• Redbone Alley's Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie.  Enough said.

• Frank's Outback Restaurant's Creme Brulee.  The desserts aren't listed on their website but believe me, its there and it is delicious!  (This reminds me.  I got a creme brulee kit for Christmas that I have yet to try out.... maybe a Valentine's day dessert?  We'll see.)

• Carnival's Chocolate Melting Cake.  Holy cow.....I remember NOT eating my dinner while on a cruise just so I would make sure I could enjoy this entire dessert! After searching the internet, it appears that many others share in my love for this dessert.  There are lots and lots of copy cat recipes out there. 

• Cupcakes from Cupcake.  I love all of their flavors but the black and white is probably my favorite..or maybe its the red velvet....or maybe the vanilla....  Ok, so I have many favorites.  Its pretty hard not too. 



Hungry now, right?  I know, me too. 

What are your favorite store-bought or restaurant desserts?  

Tully, our furry English Bully child

This is why I don't get much sleep.....  Our dog Tully sleeps in-between Michael and me every night.  He is sandwiched in-between us and happier than a pig in mud.  We tried to put him on the floor but really, who could say "no" to this sweet face? 

Night Blooming Jasmine

Why it is that the best scents from Bath & Body Works are always discontinued?!?  For instance, they had this "discontinued" scent in stock recently, but only for a limited time.  Don't they understand how terribly frustrating that is?  Either keep it or get rid of it - no more of this in-between business.  That is all.

THIS would be why I don't go to a gym.  Only at home can I wear brown socks with my grey shoes and run on the treadmill.  No one is judging me, eyeing my perfectly slouched brown socks or asking me to hurry up and get off of the treadmill.  At home, I can run, walk, sweat and watch TV in the privacy of my guest bedroom in the most hideous work-out attire known to man. 

Monogramming

I love just about anything with my monogram on it.  Right after I got engaged, a dear friend of mine gave me a necklace & earring set with my married initials on them.  It is something I will keep forever.  Since then, I've acquired several items with my initials on it.  I got this make-up bag for Christmas and think its really cute.  But all this monogramming got me thinking - is monogramming a "southern" thing?  Quite honestly, I'd probably put my initials on everything if I could but do northerners do this too?  In a couple of my travels up north, I've never seen anyone carrying a purse or bag with their initials on it.  Is that because they don't want anyone to know who they are?  I don't know.... I'm just asking.  What do you think?  Is monogramming a "southern" thing?

Dreaming of a Kitchen

Santa was really good to me this year!!  He brought the Kitchen Aid Mixer I had been eyeing for some time.  Since unwrapping it, I have made peanut butter cookies, Oreo balls, numerous pound cakes and a couple other things.  I even have plans to make homemade bread too. 

And speaking of all this baking, making & cooking stuff, I realize how much a spacious kitchen is important.  As large as my kitchen is now, its not nearly as big as I want it to be.  Michael and I have been discussing the possibilities and purchasing some land and building a house. I seriously think the largest room in the entire house could very well be our kitchen.  I'm really fortunate that both Michael and I enjoy cooking so having all that space is important to us both. 

I know exactly what I want in my kitchen but will surely need some help from a friend who's family owns Classic Cabinets for design ideas.  But since I'm dreaming, here is my list:

• I really like the idea of an island.  I can't tell you the number of times I run out of room in my current kitchen and having an island would be extra space for prepping. 
• Double ovens are also going to be a must....I'm a baker!! 
• Sub-zero refrigerator.  Nothing better.  Period.
• 2 sinks. 
• An ice maker that makes the good crunchy ice. 
• Gigantic gas stove and a hood that vents out. 
• Wet bar.  Sometimes all that cooking can be stressful!
• Bar stools so that friends and family can sit in the kitchen while I'm cooking.  Its usually the gathering spot anyways.
• Walk-in pantry.
• Pull out spice rack.  I use lots and lots of spices when I cook and having them on a cabinet shelf is not convenient for a vertically challenged person, like myself.  I want a spice rack that I can pull out and see everything.  Its hard to put into words but trust me, the way I've imagined it is pretty cool.
• LOTS AND LOTS OF CABINET SPACE.  I love dishes and bowls and kitchen appliance and gadgets.  I need space for all of this stuff.  The more cabinets, the better.

So there you have it.  Some of my wants for the dream kitchen.  I know most of it may be a long shot but it never hurts to dream out loud.  Who knows, maybe we will win the lottery.  In the meantime, I'll keep baking bread and pound cakes in my mid-sized kitchen.... 

I need to brag on another family member...  My Mom.  She is extremely creative and likes to put her talents to good use. Just recently, I became the recipient of one of her creations. 

My very own "Donna" painting.  I think she did a great job, don't you?  She has been painting on and off my whole life but has recently really gotten back into it.  She is even taking a class to become a little more skilled.  I'm really proud of her.

Thanks again Mama!  I plan to have it framed and hang it in our living room very soon. 

Made with Love

I have to give a big shout out to my Aunt Cynde who is the best crocheter I've ever seen.  She can literally make anything out of yarn.  This past Christmas she made toboggans for both my niece and nephew; they were soo cute and detailed I just had to have one of my own.  I told her what my favorite colors were and POOF:  in the mail came 2 toboggans - one for me and one for Michael.  Soon thereafter, I posted some pictures of our toboggans on Facebook and a couple more friends wanted a Aunt Cynde creation too. 

Thanks again Aunt Cynde!  Anything handmade is very, very special to me!!



Ready for all events!! 



Hat & Scarf set made for a friend.

Happy New Year!!

2010 was a great year but I am really looking forward to 2011 and what it has to offer.  Wherever you are and whatever you do, I hope that you have a Happy and safe New Years! The best is yet to come!