November

The sun's trying to come up. I think my favorite thing about November is the darkness in the morning. I'm sure most people wouldn't agree with me, but I like waking up before the sun, there's something cozy about it. It's like being inside on a stormy day.


Anyway, as previously mentioned, I'm having a hard time resisting the temptation to wish my November away with thoughts of thatwinterholidaywhichshallremainnameless, so I had to do something. I give you, the Thanksgiving Banner.....

I made little flags out of magazine pages and designated each with something I'm thankful for. Here are a few of my favorites.....

My Marriage


Clothes

Cooking

Our Home

(And of course, being in Alabama)

Football


It was super easy, really fun, and I gotta say a bit therapeutic. If anyone wants a tutorial just let me know - I'd be happy to oblige!

The sun made it's way up and is turning my backyard blue through the clouds. Looks like it's time for me to go!

Day Off

Listen. You hear that? It's the sound of my day off leaking away. It's funny how I get so surprised when months fly by (It's November ladies!) but, as much as I appreciate my job, I spend my days wishing the hours away, longing to be home, then wishing the week would speed on so I could get to the weekend, then the weekend flies by all on it's own, and then an entire month of my life is gone, and I willed it to rush on. That being said, I am on a campaign to soak in every second. Sounds awfully cliche doesn't it? It's kind of sad how in this hurry-up society that it's more acceptable to run your life away and it's considered "cute" to try to slow down. Well, "cute" I shall be!

That being said, I am having a terrible time keeping the Christmas elf inside me from coming out prematurely. I was raised with a very healthy respect for Thanksgiving, and was drilled into the habit of keeping my beloved Christmas decorations, movies, and music packed away until the last Friday in November. But these days, everyone seems to want to throw Thanksgiving into the "Holiday Season" as if it's an extra meal for Christmas. I don't judge that. It's awfully tempting. Still, I'm doing my best to be patient - not to mention that Bama Man probably wouldn't let me get away with it.

I have some delicious plans for today that involve grocery shopping, nesting, a few "chores," blogging, Thanksgiving decorations, old movies, and drinking lots of coffee. The only blight on the day is that I'm running low on half and half. I'm actually wondering how immature it would be to run to Publix in my pajamas. Also, Walker and I will be taking a trip to the vet. The poor guy, is in need of some professional help. But I won't spill too much about it - I wouldn't want him to be embarrassed. As for the moment, I'm quite content with All About Eve, drop biscuits, and my laptop.

P.S. It's been over a year since my first post in this delightful place. Thanks for making it so much fun!

Happy Halloween Eve

Whew! Feels like the first time I've really sat down all day. As most of you probably know, Alabama didn't have a game today which left Bama Man and I to revert to our pre-football season routines of getting our own little projects done around the house. It's been one of those weeks, so I was a little daunted by my weekend to-do list, but I took one last swig of my coffee and got to it.

To be honest, it's been kind of amazing. I really do love working around our house. Tuesday, my weekday off, is usually when I spend time "homemaking," but this last Tuesday I spent the entire day holed up in my make-do storm shelter I put together in our guest bathroom, waiting for tornadoes that never did end up coming by the house. (I am grateful, by the way!) So my house has been crying out for me a little bit.

After cinnamon rolls and bacon, Bama Man and I hit a couple of yard sales. I scored James Taylor's greatest hits and the Best of Bob Marley for a grand total of $2! Possibly the highlight of my day. Then we came home, and I did weeks (and I mean weeks) worth of laundry, then to put that laundry away I had to reorganize my entire dresser and closet, then I realized I'd have more room if I moved out the summer clothes, but then I moved in the cold weather clothes - which took some more organizing. Then it was on to cleaning my kitchen from top to bottom (including throwing out old stuff from the fridge - and you know how I feel about that), and then I turned on the porch light, put out my pumpkin, donned my orange sweater, and waited for trick-or-treaters.

Actually, I've been pretty excited about the trick-or-treaters! Every Halloween, I've either been a kid, living in the boonies, or at work, so I've never actually gotten the opportunity to pass out candy to decked out kids. I was actually feeling a little hopeless, I even started eating some of the candy myself, but then it happened! A ring of the doorbell, and a bride, two princesses, and spiderman came to my door. It was a dream come true! Okay, maybe I wouldn't go that far, but it was pretty fun. No other rings yet, but I'm doing my best to save the candy.

What are y'all up to tonight?

"Finger-Lickin' Good"

Here is one of my favorite little guys enjoying the Peanut Butter Cookie recipe below. Just wanted to remind everyone to check out http://www.prayfornoah.com!

And to take some time today to bake those cookies - apparently they're pretty good ;)

Happy Wednesday!

I'm not supposed to be here right now, so if anybody asks, you never saw me. I should be doing Spanish homework (and I WILL...in just a second) but I just had to take a moment to visit with all of you! The allure of this blog is positively witchcraft I tell you. I don't even really have anything to say, just wanted to come around and yap. Besides not doing homework, I've been spending my morning with my head buried in my Bible, and trying to ward of the overly affectionate advances of the cat - who keeps trying to bury his head in my coffee. Eggs and toast for breakfast, how very cliche - but yummy.

What are you up to this morning?

Also, I just had to show you this....

It's one of this "tee-shirt" necklaces. I saw a tutorial the other day and I Simply had to try my hand at it - and I did! It's little rough around the edges, but that's part of the charm.....right.

Women, Their Recipes, and Peanut Butter Cookies

Some women are viciously protective of their most prized recipes, jealously guarding them with their very lives. They would probably keep them in secret recipe vaults, hidden behind portraits of ancient ancestors, if such a thing exsisted. I have been of the opinion that food is for sharing - though mostly because I am not very good with trial and error and would much rather my friends let me in on their secrets than make me figure it out myself.

When I graduated from high school (Which seems like forever ago, but was more recent than I care to admit) I spent some time waiting tables at the local counrty club. I worked closely with a woman named "Marge" who, among other things, was our baker. After weeks of devouring the most amazing peanut butter cookies I've ever had, I finally broke and asked for the recipe. Marge told me this story:

She was invited to a party hosted by a coworker of her husband. The desserts were all delicious, but the peanut butter cookies stood way out. A group of women flocked their hostess and begged for the recipe, but she refused to relinquish it. Lucky for us, Marge is a tough cookie (no pun intended) and went snooping in the kitchen until she found said recipe and was able to copy it down on a cocktail napkin without being caught. Yeah. That's right.

Since she risked her reputation, her husband's social standings, and practically broke the law, she felt it only apprpriate to share it with me, and I am paying it forward. So from Me, Marge, and Poor-unsuspecting-greedy-recipe-lady, have a cookie.....



Peanut Butter Cookie

1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
1 cup peanut butter
3 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
Dash of salt
Granulated sugar

1. Cream sugars and butter until fluffy. Add vanilla, then eggs, beating each addition until smooth. Stir in peanut butter,

2. Mix dry ingredients and stir into creamed mixture.

3. Form balls of dough at least an inch apart (these guys spread) on an ungreased cookie sheet. Dip a fork in remaining sugar and press cookies in a criss-cross.

4. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until they look like this.....

Cookies will still seem a bit soft but will solidify as they cool - be careful not to over bake.

5. Enjoy!

This is the part they never tell you about on Food Network....

Laundry Tonight

What will you be up to tonight?

Happy Saturday!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful, and restful day! I've had quite a bit going on today, but it's all been lovely. Now, I am back in my comfy, crimson, cozy clothes, overdosing on football and blogs, enjoying a well-deserved cup of french roast coffee (and yes, I realize it's after five, but java-flavored happiness knows no time!). Bama Man is back from a recent trip, and everything is now right with my world.

Does anyone else have an insatiable obsession with cinnamon rolls? I think I'm definitely in a phase. Luckily, I am very careful as to eat them in the company of others (i.e. Bama Man) so as not to eat every single one. Friends don't let friends eat cinnamon rolls alone!

Well, enjoy what is left of your Saturday, friends!

And, oh yeah.........

Delightful Day

A few bits and pieces of a day spent in rest, Bette Davis movies, and coffee....

Cream of Wheat, Coffee, Country Living Magazine, and - oh yeah - extra strength ibuprofen

Stationary I made!

How cute is that?

First wool socks of the season!

I hope you are all enjoying the little things that make life so special!

Thank You Pioneer Woman...

For giving me the perfect recipe for my new dutch oven!

It was a pleasure to make and even better to eat! Most importantly, it left Bama Man smiling.

I strongly suggest you try The Pioneer Woman's perfectpotroast, but I'm warning you - you'll be hooked!

Stick it with mashed potatoes and yeast rolls for even less resistable supper.

VW Day!

Yesterday, my friends, was VW Day (that would be, Victory over Wisdom Teeth). It's true, the event I've been dreading since childhood has come to pass, and I have come out on the other side. I made Bama Man promise to keep me from blogging yesterday since the last time I tried blogging on heavy medication I left out all the letter P's. Hopefully I will have more luck today.

(My setup: Ice pack, meds, Starbucks coffee, and breakfast. Plus pillow, leggings and one of Bama Man's comfy sweatshirts.)

Speaking of Bama Man, he has been soooo amazing! Protective as ever and more than happy to provide me with anything I need, and more. He said I was pretty, chipmunk cheeks and all. He even made me cream of wheat. I am so incredibly blessed to have such a wonderful husband!

(My guardian for today. I'm pretty sure he's been given strict instructions by Bama Man; he hasn't left my side all day)

I tend to be an anxious dreamer so all Wednesday night different scenarios for my big day ran through my head. Turned out to be a lot less eventful than I expected. For one thing, I didn't do anything remotely funny when I came too after the surgery. Quite the contrary actually - I woke up sobbing uncontrollably. Apparently it's a common side effect for women (though for some men as well). I was shaking and crying so much that they actually had to wait until I calmed down before they brought Bama Man back because they didn't want him to worry about me. Good grief! It was kind of embarrassing that after I worked so hard to seem brave, all my pent up anxiety came streaming out when I was no longer in control of my faculties. Oh well. I tried my very best to smile and let the incredibly nice nurses know that I was grateful for everything. I think they got the message.

We eventually made it home safe and (almost) sound. I haven't been as loopy or groggy as I thought I'd be. Just a little sore and sleepy, trying to get as much rest as I can. I can't say that I'm not absolutely loving the chance to kick back for awhile. It's been really nice. Kind of sad to think it's moving so quickly. I've been watching movies, blogging, and eating to my little hearts content. Well, maybe not eating to content - I had no idea I would be so HUNGRY! There goes my naive hope of losing a few pounds this weekend. I did make a yummy mashed potato soup in my new dutch oven. I'll have to post the recipe (If I can remember the measurements).

(My stash: Cream of wheat, pudding cups, oatmeal, coffee, mashed potatoes, and ice cream)

I can feel my senses clouding again so I had better end this before I start babbling or reveal Bama Man's true identity or something :) I look forward to blogging with you today!

Construction

Hello Friends!

In case you didn't notice (and if you've been here recently, I'm sure you did), I have been fighting that immortal battle against blogger. It all started out as a harmless attempt to change up the look for fall......and before it was over, due to blogger's occasional incompetence and my own indecisiveness, I had destroyed my blog.

Luckily, all's well that ends well.

Enjoy!

This Morning...

...needs to take a chill pill and slow down....

Hello Autumn, I've Missed You

Scarves, cardigans, and I daresay light jackets - It's here, Fall is finally here! Okay, so I may seem a little overly excited...I guess my flannel pj's are going to my head......




Go leaves go, you can do it! I took this a couple days ago when it was still warmer, but the trees were already doing their part. There's a lot less green out there now.

I've never been much for Halloween decor (or orange, for that matter) but I made my first round of the season at our local orchard stand and these little guys were too cute to pass up! A little black craft paint made them even better.

The autumn table runner I made (read: still working on), homemade muffins, and a Cinderella Pumpkin. I looooove it! If the temperature spikes tomorrow, I am going to be put out....

Also, Pumpkin Spice Latte is back at Starbucks, baby!

*Sigh of contentment*

Apathy

The other morning, I woke to the smell of apathy. Okay so it was actually the smell of tacos....last night's tacos. The truth is, I left the dinner dishes in the sink instead of washing them before I went to bed. I'm sure I had a good reason a the time...and by "good" I mean I really didn't need a reason. And hey, I've got nothing against tacos. They were delicious. But that is not what you want to be greeted with on your way to the coffee maker. Then I had to take valuable time out of my morning to take care of them. Time I could have spent blogging - er- doing Spanish homework. The fact of the matter is, the reason I left the dishes is that my good friend apathy told me to.



Apathy and I go way back. Turns out when you're a kid and your parents tell you to stop hanging out with her, and you don't cause you figure you'll eventually grow out of the relationship...you're wrong. No, apathy has moved into my married life with me. I'd offer her the guest room, but she prefers to follow me around the house. She's the reason I leave clutter in Bama Man's car, why I leave dirty dishes in the living room, why I don't start on Spanish till the week it's due, why my laundry piles up, and why I "forget" to spend time with God in the morning. I mean, it's true that sometimes I just don't have time for things, but it's when I have time to use and I choose to spend it the wrong way or neglect to take a second of it to look around me that I find myself in trouble. Well, no more.



Apathy, you've been friend-dumped.

I DID IT!

After many (oh so many) failed attempts at the perfect southern style biscuits, I have emerged victorious! (yes it is dramatic!)

Look! They look like real biscuits and everything! Bama Man coudln't keep his hands off'm.

Thank you Alton Brown, you're my hero

Dear Chuck Letter

To my dear, boy-sized 3, low-top converse sneakers,

I've been doing a lot of thinking about us, and..well...this just isn't working out. I'm so sorry. It's not you, it's me. I've just grown too much for this relationship. Okay, maybe it's you - you've just caused me too much pain. I've given you so many chances, and I've tried to give you the benefit of the doubt. I waited patiently for something to improve, but I can't ignore the truth anymore. It's true, we've had a lot of good times - great times! And we are a very attractive couple. But it's time.

This is over. I hope we can both find a way to move on. And no, it's not about the new silver Steve Madden flats, it's about you and me. I'll never forget you.

All my enduring love,

Me

Watching Laura

Oh, how I looooove this movie!

Waldo: [For her] I tried to be the kindness, gentlest, and most sympathetic man in the world.

Mark: And?

Waldo: Let me put it this way, I should be sincerely sorry to see my neighbor's children devoured by wolves.

Coconut Cake

Hello everyone! September has officially descended upon us, and, even though it's still a million degrees here, Summer with it's sweet feelings of freedom and light, is a thing of he past.

But our favorite summer desserts needn't be!

I made this coconut cake for mother's day and it was a huge hit! (And delicious, if I do say so myself) So, if you're already missing those summery feelings, go here and kick back with a summer classic.

Enjoy!

Nail Oddesey

I know we have yet to really break down my physical structure, seeing as there has never been a need, but something you should know: My hands are really tiny. Really tiny. I saw a newborn baby on Sunday who has longer fingers than me. So, that being said I keep my nails neatly long, and I'm more of a french manicure sort of girl (and by manicure, I mean me, my bathroom, and a horrible paint job) and I tend to stay away from colors on my nails.

But I've been toying with the idea. Chewing one it (no pun intended). And I finally did it. I chopped them off and painted them pink.

I haven't decided how I feel about it yet....and my fingers do feel smaller. But one thing is for sure, I do feel very Kate Beckinsale ala Pearl Harbor.

Dishwasher Diva

Hello Everyone, I am officially a dishwasher Diva! Lately, when BamaMan and I (Yes, BamaMan is not at all above helping in the kitchen) unload the dishwasher we have been met with scum, and residue, and general ingratitude on the part of the dishes we so lovingly care for. It has been quite maddening! Finally, at the end of my rope, I did a little Internet searching and found something that made me feel like an absolute ditz: our dishwasher needed to be cleaned!


I like to think that in my mere year and (almost) nine months of keeping my own home that I have succeeded in learning (most of) the ropes. I was, apparently, wrong. I realize that most of you, my faithful readers, are seasoned pros, but for my fellow greenhorns, here are a few tips:

1. The best results will be had directly after you run the dishwasher, when it is still warm and wet-ish.

2. Mercilessly scrub the inside of dishwasher, particularly around the filter and under the door (which, I am ashamed to admit, was absolutely disgusting!) with a toothbrush and wipe out the exposed grime with a warm, slightly soapy paper towel or cloth.

3. Pour a reasonable amount of white vinegar into the liquid detergent area and run a cycle. I also read that unsweetened lemonade mix, tang, and other powered acidic drink mixes work as well, but be careful because some will stain!

I should also take a moment to warn you about something that should have been obvious to me and wasn't: vinegar is absolutely awful! It's all worth it in the end, but you should be prepared for your house to smell a little like an Easter egg-dying party for as long as the dishwasher is running.

4. Now that the inside of your dishwasher is spotless (which it should be, and if it isn't, run a cycle with a little tiny bit of bleach instead of vinegar - and NEVER mix chemicals!) give the outside a thorough going over with the warm, soapy cloth, and...

Voila, you are now a dishwasher diva! Congratulations. You owe me one :)

June's Fab Five: The Things I Adore (at the moment)

1. Kari Jobe's CD - Kari Jobe:

Just bought the CD and cannot physically stop listening to it. The girl has always been my worship muse, but she has completely outdone herself with this project. The lyrics are incredible and cowriters include such worship icons as Chris Tomlin, Mia Fieldes, and Paul Baloche. The whole album just spreads a balm over the heart of every woman!

*Only 7.99 right now at Lifeway Christian Bookstores!

2. Bananas:

Here's the thing, they have B and C vitamins, and enough potassium in them to replenish electrolytes, they're said to prevent certain cancers, and, let's face, they're just so darn good!

3. Mr. Clean Magic Erasers:

What in the world is in these things?!?

Whatever it is, it is God's gift to Domestic Divas everywhere!

4. That the "Natural" Look is in for Fall Makeup:

Okay, so even though I don't actually care too much about what's "in," as a girl who prefers to go Au Naturel, this Fall trend is going to be a godsend. I mean sure, I like going glam as much as the next girl, but most of the time, less is more. So lay off the eyeliner, slap on the shimmer and nude shades, and show off those beautiful faces ladies, and embrace what God gave you!

5. Panko:

I thought I was fine with flour, but allow me to tell you, that Panko breadcrumbs have revolutionized my life! I charge you to never try to pan fry anything again without them! Plus, they're cheaper than you think if you can get a generic version (Fresh Market's are the best!)

Blogging and Psalm 107

Hi, I'm back! Goodness, has it really been June since I reclined in this delightful space where I get to be obnoxiously obsessed with food, pretend to be good at housework, and talk as long as I want?!? As it happens I only have a second before work, but I miss you.

It's funny actually, how, when it's been a while, I feel like I have to apologize or make it up to you....play catch-up. Even more funny, I usually feel like that with God too.

When it's been awhile between my quiet times, when I let my priorities get out of line, I feel like, before I get to "come back" or get in God's good graces again, I have to earn it...make it up to Him. Read a certain amount of scripture, pray enough, stop listening to secular music for a week. I know, sounds ridiculous right? Well it is!

In fact, when I was reading my daily psalms, I found something I've never really noticed. Psalm 107 begins my thanking the Lord for His goodness and faithful love. Then it launches into a couple scenarios of His people who mess up. Some are rebellious, some are foolish, all end in some sort of suffering or bondage. You know what happens next? They call on the name of the Lord and He rescues them! There they are, suffering form the consequences of their own actions and they don't have to pray or read the Bible, or really even try to do anything at all. All they have to do is acknowledge their complete and utter need for God, and He "snaps their chains." Wow! How powerful is that?

Anyway, I will be a better blogger in the future, and looking forward to it. I will also be a better child of God, even if that means remembering that I don't have the power to do it for myself.

Saturday Snipets: Almost

Turns out I don't really have snipets today, just snipet - singular. And that is this:

I was planning on sharing that I had decided to get to work on my Charles Dickens collection by reading A Tale of Two Cities. You would have been so proud. Alas, I am in about 4 1/2 chapters and I pysically cannot stand to read another word. I was going to move through it like a trooper, because I felt a tremendous amount of guilt. But no more. I'm telling myself I'll come back to it someday. And those great classic novels are still sneering at me from my bookshelf. But life is too short for reading boring, British books. Sorry Charles, it's nothing personal.

Go ahead...judge me, it's worth it :)

Ode to Bacon

So, I have a confession. I have this little thing going on the side...with bacon. It's like a foodie love affair. I know you probably think I sound nuts, but that would be fairly hypocritical of you. I mean, really, ask yourself, is there anything more divine than bacon? Is there anything with bacon on it that is not delicious? In the movie "Julie and Julia," Julie blogs that when you eat something and you wonder what makes it so amazing, the answer is always going to be butter. Well, that is how I feel about bacon. Dare I say it...bacon is better than butter. Can you eat butter by itself? Well, yes I suppose, but that would be gross.

At this point I am sure you are wondering what in the name of Rachael Ray got me going on this bacon thing...well, I will tell you. And lucky for you it's a recipe.

For those of you who know me, or have been following this blog for awhile, you know that when I try to take culinary matters into my own hands, it tends to be a messy affair. I fin my best bet is to slightly alter recipes I trust already. So the other night, I looked in my fridge and noticed two poor, lonely slices of bacon, and I couldn't possibly let them go to waste. So I put them to good use, and it was fantastic! I apologize for not having a picture. I didn't realize I was creating a little piece of comfort food heaven. So you'll just have to make it to see what it looks like. Like I often say, you'll thank me later.

Amazing, Nameless, Chicken, Bacon, Cheesy Pasta

6 oz. short pasta (macaroni, penne, etc.)
2 chicken breasts, cubed
Pinch Salt
3/4 cup shredded cheese
Garlic salt
1 can cream of mushroom soup
2 or 3 slices of bacon, diced

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Boil pasta. Season with salt and pepper. Fry bacon in large skillet until almost crispy. Remove bacon from skillet to plate with paper towel to catch grease. Brown Chicken in remaining bacon grease.

2. When chicken is cooked through, add soup and garlic salt to skillet and mix well. Add cooked pasta and bacon and stir until flavors are incorporated. Pour into baking dish and top with cheese.

3. Bake for 15-20 minutes and, most importantly, eat!


A Couple Notes:

a) This recipe was just for BamaMan and me, so be sure to increase the ingredients for more than two people.

b) I never pretended to be offering you recipes that will trim your waste line - I just told you to put all the ingredients in bacon grease to pick up every little shred of fat - but this I do promise: it will be worth the calories.

Enjoy!

June's Fab Five

Welcome to our new segment (which will be featured completely randomly - as often as my fancies change) detailing the things I simply ADORE at the moment!

1. Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

Yes, the novel. I have heard some fans of Miss Austen's work are less than in love with this particular book, but I disagree. It's charming, clever, and romantic! Austen's subtle humor made giggly inside while reading. I had seen two different film adaptations of the book but, as much respect as I have for Emma Thompson and as much as I adore the new BBC version, neither really do justice to the complex characters and intricate story lines of the book. I absolutely recommend it as a summer read....on a cloudy day...with some tea and scones perhaps? And then go watch the movies if you haven't already.......Alan Rickman makes a wonderful Colonel Brandon....

2. Long Cardigans!

I lucked out and found a couple on sale at Old Navy, and have been living in them ever since (I'm actually wearing my black one right this second!) They're cozy, stylish, sophisticated, and just light enough for the air conditioned spaces of summer. Do I really need to convince you further?

3. Vitamin Water

I got hooked on these a couple months ago after my bout with food poisoning. These babies contain water, a ton of vitamins and nutrients your body needs with an emphasis on some key element, plus electrolytes, all for about half the calories of typical sports drinks. LOVE IT! My favorite at the moment is "Power-C" but they're all fantastic. Feeling droopy or in need of refreshment? Grab an "Energy"...you'll thank me later

4. Mrs. Meyers Cleaning Supplies

It's aromatherapy cleaning supplies. AROMATHERAPY CLEANING SUPPLIES! I'm really not sure why someone didn't think of his sooner, but it's deserving of a noble prize of some sort. I don't know about you, but just with Bama Man and myself in the house I spend about 85% of my day washing dishes. And all it takes is a little lavender dish soap for all my worries to wash right down the drain with all that icky stuff that was left on the dished last night. Can you say Domestic Diva?

You can order from the website http://www.mrsmeyers.com/ (and pay a hefty shipping price) or strike it lucky at a local store (like Fresh Market!)

5. ZEPPOLES!

I'm not sure we've discussed this before, but I have this thing for doughnuts. Just thinking

about it make me feel like there's a hole in my mouth, just waiting for some airy, sugary thing to fill it. So I thought I'd try my hand at making some myself. I used Giada's recipe for Zeppoles (Italian Doughnuts) and they turned out really nicely. Now I'm going to pass it onto you. A couple things to know: There's not yeast so they're not as light as a traditional doughnut, that being said they are best fresh. I recommend tossing them in powdered sugar but granulated sugar and/or cinnamon would probably be fantastic as well. Enjoy!

Zeopploe (Italian Doughnuts)

1 stick of unsalted butter, cubed

1/2 cup water

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup flour

3 eggs

1 egg yolk

vegetable oil for frying

*Vanilla or almond extract would probably be Delicious add-ins*

1. In medium saucepan mix butter, water, sugar, and salt over medium heat. Bring to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally. Boil for ten seconds.

2. Remove from heat and add flour. Use a wooden spoon to quickly stir the mixture until flour is fully incorporated. The dough will be thick. Return the pan over heat for two minutes, stirring constantly.

3. Place mixture in a bowl (or kitchen aid if you've got it) and add eggs and yolk, one at a time until mixed well. Beat the mixture or 4 to 5 minutes (with wooden spoon or paddle attachment if using a mixer). Refrigerate for 15 minutes.

4. In a large, heavy bottomed saucepan, pour enough oil to fill almost a third of the way up. Heat over medium. (An easy way to test when it's ready is that a cube of bread will brown in about a minute) Use two spoons to carefully drop dough into the oil, about a tablespoon at a time. Turn when one side gets golden brown and starts to puff. It should be fairly obvious when they are finished.

5. Drop carefully in a paper lunch sack, sprinkle with powdered sugar, and shake!

Snipets: All About June Edition

In light of the recent negligence, here's a mid-week snipet, full of little known facts about me! I know, I can hear the excitement from here.....

1. I arrange my groceries a very certain order on the conveyor belt at the cash register so that they are bagged in a particular way. You know, like snacks, etc. Here's the thing - they NEVER ring it up in the order I put it in! I know.....I'm a little bit of a control freak.

2. I constantly find myself in what I call the "fridge catch-22" it goes something like this: I have this serious phobia of spoiled food, coupled with an out of control gag relax which results in a problem when cleaning out old food from the fridge. The catch comes when I delay the process for fear of spoiled smells, and then I let it sit there until it becomes a self-fulfilled prophecy of disgust! I currently have a tupperware of old spaghetti and a pyrex of tomato soup in my fridge, and - don't judge me - I don't remember when I put them in there. I just can't bring myself to open them!

3. I've never read a single Charles Dickens book. I'm sure this doesn't sound like a huge deal to most of you, but, until recently, I was a pompous English major. Plus, I own like five. They're just sitting there on the shelf, staring at me, judging me.

Well, I'm sure you're just dying for more, but I have to go to work. Have good rest of the week, and I promise to be back to report on my recent national travels!

Pardon Me

Sorry I have been under the radar lately. My laptop hates me again and, even though Bama Man is very generous with his, it's still difficult to be consistant. Also, in case you couldn't tell, there's some construction going on around here. You know me, the perfectionist. Don't judge it until it's done, haha! So excuse the transitions, and I promise to be back soon!

THE END

LOST is over, and I have been left with revelations about the show, the island, the characters we love, and myself. I am sorry to say, I'm still not exactly equipped to be eloquent on the subject, but I do have a few things to say, as well as a brilliant article for you to read to fill in the blanks I leave.....

*and yes, there are spoilers for those of you still catching up - stop reading! :)

Biggest Likes:

1. All the romantic happy endings!
2. Hurley ending up as the Island protector (which I totally called, by the way)
3. That Hurley finally gets Libby back

and possibly most of all.....

4. the ultimate survival of pilot Frank Lipidus.

P.S. I also promised Bama Man that I would be satisfied with the show as long as I found out what was up with the smoke monster, so I am officially obligated to be a happy camper "answer-wise"

Biggest Dislikes:

1. The fact that Ben doesn't get to "go in"
2. That we didn't get to see Penny and Desmond's final reunion.
3. That certain people and critics thought that happy endings were "cheesy"

and most most most of all...

4. That Kate gets to kill "Smokey" Hello, totally not fair.

Well there you have it. Check out the other article if you'd like.

Lost, we'll miss you....for the most part :)

Saturday Snipets

1. Well, my computer has pretty much decided to go on strike. Apparently I'm not a very good boss? Anyway, my battery has been off it's game for awhile, but my laptop stayed alive when it was plugged in (which, by the way, totally defeats the purpose of a laptop). Well, then a virus got opened, but I was luckily able to get it to a computer geek friend who fixed it. Then, when I got it home, my charger decided it had enough, rendering my laptop completely useless. Luckily, Bama Man is gracious with his computer, and I can also use my laptop at work, by borrowing another charger. Didn't necessarily want to whine, just to explain why I haven't been my compulsively blogging self. Luckily, Bama Man is a firm believer in Ebay, and my brand new charger is heading this way from Hong Kong.

2. Speaking of work, it is time for you to meet Little Girl. Little Girl is the one and a half-year-old I nanny. Little Girl has blue eyes, and brown hair that grows directly into her face. I try to keep it pulled back in one of her many bows, but that tends to be futile. Interests include electrical outlets, "My Friends Tiger and Pooh," singing, playing with the cords that hang down from the blinds, using the dog as a jungle gym, balls, bubbles, and running down the driveway. Little Girl is not a very good listener. She is, however, cute enough to get away with it. Most importantly, she seems to like me, and does at least one thing a day that makes me smile. That being said, I figured it was time for all of you to meet because I am quite certain she will be making an occasional appearance.

3. I realize this is not an entertainment blog, but I would be remiss to let the eve of the LOST series finale pass without a blip. I don't know if any of you have that love hate relationship that is watching Lost, but I do. Tomorrow, it will all be a distant memory, and I am quite sure I will have something to say about it - so brace yourselves.

4. I went to the grocery store yesterday to buy buns last minute for grilled chicken Bama Man was cookin' up. I had before me two options: I could buy regular, generic hamburger buns for price A, or freshly baked French bread buns from the bakery for price B, which is about a dollar more than price A. despite my better judgement, I went with the latter. I couldn't help myself. Now, I know what you're thinking, "It's just a buck!" and you're right, but it got me lying awake thinking (Listen, we've been through this, I'm a little obsessed with food) about how often, lately, I have chosen the slightly expensive, while seemingly gourmet options at the grocery store. Would the generic buns been as amazing as the french bread? No. But it would have been just fine! It's not really a big deal in and of itself, but I realized that between this blog and all the Barefoot Contessa cookbooks I've been reading at work, that I have somehow begun to think that I have to turn every single meal into a gourmet experience to be a good cook. That isn't even what I started this blog for! I started it to prove that a newlywed could be a domestic diva while dealing with reality, financial or otherwise, even if that means making chicken casserole every night. It's the little things that make seemingly ordinary meals special, and that shouldn't have to mean going out of budget. I could have bought those painfully normal buns and toasted them up with some butter. So I am starting fresh. Shopping sales, planning menus, and finding little ways to make ordinary extraordinary. I'm not sure if this makes sense, and it's not exactly a "snipet," but I am through accidental overspending at the grocery store. Anyone else know what I mean?

Whew!

I'm Not Exagerating When I Tell You This Changed My Life.

Well, this blog is supposed to be about all things life and domestic - not just cooking! So I am diverging from my obsession with food to give you a little motivation to organize that linen closet this weekend.

Enjoy!

Saturday Snipets

When I started this segment, I did not plan on Saturdays being the only day I actually got around to blogging, but that is just how the last couple weeks have played out. I will make an attempt at improvement...promise....

1. Is there anything better than hot fudge? I got ice cream sundae fixin's to celebrate BamaMan's return from his latest business, and I swear I could heat up that little hot fudge jar and eat straight out of it with a spoon! And don't even get me started on whipped cream.....

2. While we're on my food obsession, I need help! I have tried several times to make some tasty, airy, down-home biscuits, and even though my amazing husband has managed to eat the fruits of my labor, they've all pretty much been flops. Does anyone have a tried and true biscuit recipe? Thanks!

3. Thank you Womens Entertainment Television for playing Grease today, and thank you for a man who love his wife enough to sit through (most) musicals. You know what though, I feel like Sandy sometimes - maybe most of the time. I think we've already discussed how I end up being Doris Day instead of Gene Tierney, but I'm jst restating the point. Anyone feel the same way?

Gotta run...I will be back before next Saturday :)

Momma

Thank You For:

1. Spending an agonizing 72 hours bringing me into this world

2. Thinking I'm funny and making me laugh...a lot

3. Not treating me (completely) insane when my hypochondria gets the best of me

4. Filling my Christmas stocking with stuff I didn't even realize I wanted, but really did

5. Becoming a "slave to my education," even though most people you knew at the time thought you were nuts

6. Video taping a million hours of my infant self doing absolutely nothing

7. Carting us (partially against our will) to every Oregon Trail landmark and Native American burial ground in the greater North/Mid West, in the smoldering heat, blasting John Denver all the way

8. Teaching me to sing

9. Living through the drama of three girls, teen years and all

10. Being my best friend

11. Loving Daddy

12. Being such an amazing role model

13. Acting like it was totally normal when I called you twice a day for the first week after I got back from my honeymoon, just to ask for wife advice

14. Letting me cry

15. Making me read as a kid

16. Crying every day for a week after I moved out

17. All the Disney trips

18. Dealing with the trauma of telling me about sex and Santa Claus in the same year

19. Making sure I knew how much God loves me

20. Teaching me how to cook

21. Accusing me of plagiarizing everything I wrote as a kid (I learned to take it as a compliment)

There you go, one thank you for every year you've kept me alive.

I love you, happy Mothers Day!

Saturday Snipets

This is the first time I can remember that I don't really feel like blogging, but I promised a Saturday series, and by golly, I am going to deliver ;)

1. Today was my 4-year-old nephew's birthday party. I just have one question: are little boys born with some intrinsic video-gaming gene? Because, let me tell you, and trust me when I tell you I am not underrating my ability - he pretty much beat me to a pulp on Mario Brothers......and he can't even count higher than 10. Am I just that bad at video games? Anyway, I would like to think there is something more to this phenomenon than simply my inability.

2. You are talking to (er.......reading from?) a new woman. As of Friday, I am free from all obligations scholastic! I am thrill to be able to spend my summer reading, and cooking, and writing without worrying about turning in homework on time!

3. Speaking of summer reading, any suggestions? It occurred to be the other day that my personal library is not as large as I like to think, so I will be getting my first library card in 5 years (gulp) and making good use of it. I already have a few things in mind, but....what do you think?

Well, I am sorry, but that is all I have right now. More next week, I am sure :)

Be Careful What You Wish For

I remember only a few short days ago I was whining about the fact I didn't want to go to work. I believe my exact words were "I just want to sit and drink coffee....." Well, God was listening, and with a muffled chuckle said, "okay" and now I have pink eye. Yep, conjunctivitis.

But, any of you who know me probably realize I'll take just about any excuse to lie low. So, I have a pot of coffee on, a stack of papers to grade, and the food network blaring.

While we're on the subject of the Food TV, does anyone else think that competition cooking is (addictingly) ridiculous. Today it was a cake competition. The rules are simple: Make a completely unrealistic cake, do it in a unrealistic amount of time, and then, oh yeah, carry it up a flight of stairs to the judges platform. Now that is good television.

Anyway, that's enough randomness for one day. Hope the first half of the week went well for you , good luck with the rest!

Many Thanks!

Just wanted to take a moment to thank all my readers, followers, and comment-ers, both new and familiar.

I started this blog to write again, but I also wanted to create the kind of place that I want to be. A place of cooking, and coffee, and finding the intricate pattern of life in the simple things - like cleaning the kitchen. Deep, huh?

Whatever you feel this blog is, it means a lot to me that you are here. So thank you very much, and make yourself at home!

Saturday Snipets

Well, it seems to me that so many blogs have some weekly series that I though I should do the same. So here we go, every Saturday I will subject you to the random thoughts of my semi-deranged mind. Ready? Here we go...

1. While I generally do not condone those people who make a huge deal of parading their illness around their social networks, generating sympathy from their friends, allow me to parade mine around for a second.

The truth is, for the last three days I have been fighting to keep my throat from closing up on itself (no, not literally, but that's what it feels like). Luckily, the ibuprofen and I have been winning. In an effort to end the war altogether I did something I hate - I took vitamin C.

Look, I know it doesn't sound like an accomplishment, but if you are at all familiar with vitamins in general you know what I'm talking about. I mean, really, with all the technological advancements in the world, can they not make a vitamin that is smaller than a football stadium? So, long story short, here is what I subjected myself to in the name of the cause

Thank you, I know. Luckily, vitamin water was on sales at Publix, so I have been drowning my sorrows in "Power-C." And of course it can't keep me out of the kitchen - I even made homemade pancakes for breakfast (and yes, I washed my hands - a lot).

2. Bama Man and I have been taking Spring Cleaning to the max by doing our very first home improvement projects together. We have now re-vamped over half the house, and I am loving it!

It all started when we painted the kitchen - a beautiful shade of silver (I call it blue when Bama Man is not listening, even though it really does look silver everywhere else in the house) but we have now moved onto the bedroom, living room, and hallway. It is an amazing feeling to me making the house so intensely personal and fresh.

Here's the thing: When we painted to kitchen I (for some insane reason I honestly cannot recall) stripped the photos and magnets off the refrigerator. That's right. Stripped. As in, removed every single thing off of the fridge. It's like I completely forgot the memories of the agonizing hours I spent perfecting it the first time.

Refrigerator placement is an art. There is a very fine line between cozy and cluttered. Unfortunately, now that I got them off, I cannot find one single way I like them back on. I have tried just about everything. Wish me luck.

3. Listen carefully, because I am about to let you in on something that may change your life! At least in a culinary sense. I was given a book for my wedding that I never really got around to digging into - until today. It is amazing!

It has everything you could possibly imagine inside it's deceptively quaint frame - and a lot of things you didn't even think of. It certainly referenced many of the foodie thoughts that have occupied my mind recently; What sort of roasting pan should one buy? How to make homemade pasta? How to buy pork? Which herbs to use and when? And, possibly the most revolutionary, how to store butter. Which, by the way, is cold, otherwise it becomes oily in the food you add it to instead of creamy. Who knew?

I was so very excited that Bama Man even pretended to care. This is the sort of thing that make our relationship work: I get excited about the Cubs, he gets excited about butter.

Anyway, check the book out! You're welcome.

Comfort and Cheesy Chicken and Rice

There are a lot of advantages to being a nanny. Like being "part of the family." One of the disadvantages is that when the family is sick, you are "part of the family."

So I have some mysterious virus, and after a day of working on a sore throat, all I wanted was something creamy, and gooey, and warm. So I came home and made Cheesy Chicken and Rice for dinner.....and it was everything I hoped it would be!

So I thought I would share it with you! It may not be gourmet, but it is the absolutely perfect thing on those days when you need a true comfort food that takes more unattended time than effort, and gives you exactly that warm gooey feeling you lacked before.......

Cheesy Chicken and Rice

2 Chicken breasts, uncooked and halved
3/4 Cup rice
1 Can cream of mushroom(or chicken)soup
1 1/3 Cup water
1 Cup cheese
Garlic salt
Pepper

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Mix soup, rice, water, half of the cheese, salt, and pepper. Lay the chicken on top. Cover and cook for 50 minutes.

Cover with remaining cheese, and let sit for 10 minutes until thick (and creamy, and gooey, and...you get the point)

Serve and enjoy!

*Add veggies to the mix to incorporate even more goodness!

Try it, you'll thank me later :)

Happy Wednesday!

Watching "Julie and Julia" and drinking coffee. I have a love-hate relationship with this movie, mostly because I don't like the way Julie treats her husband, however, I absolutely adore the rest of it! The cooking, the romance, the writing. It makes me want to be a better person. It almost makes me wonder if June Cleaver is truly the proper model of homemaking. Of course the answer is yes, because she is all the good things Julia Child is, only better - because she has the advantage of being fictional.

Truth be told, I don't much feel like going to work today. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I don't enjoy my job. I suppose it's just spring fever, or summer fever as it were. I'll be taking the summer semester off from school and, completely contrary to my typical scholastically ambitious character, I am thrilled! So I guess my psyche is just preparing for the thrills of freedom prematurely. All I want to do is drink coffee, and read, and cook, and bake, and write. But hey, the time is coming. And of to work I go. In honor of Julia, I shall wear pearls.

I realize when I refer to you readers as if there are more then 3 of you, it possibly sounds silly, but:

I hope you all have wonderful Wednesdays!

It is my express wish to eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich everyday for the rest of my life.

Wiffle Ball and Other Life Lessons

I did it. I played wiffle ball.

Yes, it IS a big deal. People play wiffle ball everyday - but I don't. In fact, I have managed to get through 21 years of living without subjecting myself that particular game. Actually, I have spent the last 21 years avoiding any game or situation with a large possibility of looking stupid, making mistakes, or general humiliation of any kind. And Wiffle Ball is a game where the primary purpose is to hit a ball a couple inches wide, with a "bat" that has the circumference of about a nickel, and if you actually manage to succeed at this, you then have to run faster than the opposing team can catch.

Insecure? Me? Maybe.

But working with a bunch of teenagers can cause you to do surprising things however, and after spotting the "cool" kids sitting on the wall, refusing to play all for the sake of not looking "stupid" it suddenly occurred to me that I did not want to be a "cool" kid sitting on the edge of life! So, against my better judgement, I played.

I wish this was one of those Hollywood stories where I tell you that I hit a home run, scored the winning run, or at least saved myself from acute embarrassment. If that is what you are waiting for, you are about to be sorely disappointed. If that's what you would like to think happened, you have my permission to go ahead and leave with nice happy vision of my success in your head. I need all the help I can get. In actuality, I was pretty awful. You think I'm exaggerating? I have at least 30 witnesses that can attest to the fact that, at one point, I actually batted the ball into my own head. Yep. Absolutely disgraceful. Here's the thing though: I had so much fun! Our team won 13-1 (without my help, obviously, but I still take part in the victory), and it was amazing to simply let go and play a game!

Now, I realize I'm probably taking this wiffle ball analogy a little deep. It is, after all, just a game. Life is a lot more than a game. But is it really? Beyond the real reasons we're here, our purpose, our mission to live the life God has for us, isn't the rest about getting up every morning and choosing to get out of bed and step up to the plate of life (I know, it's so very very corny), even at the risk of looking like a complete idiot. And isn't that kind of what the big stuff is about too? I know it is to me. I am completely ashamed at how many hours of my day are consumed with thoughts designed to keep me saying the right things, doing the right things, being the right person. And when I say "right" I don't really mean "right." All I really mean is cool.

Well, I am done. Done being the "cool" kid on the wall, and ready to be the moron risking personal safety and the good opinion of all to have a little fun, and maybe, just once in awhile, actually score.