Vacuum in Pearls

Right this Second

2011-12-30T14:16:00.002-06:00

I'm sitting in one of my favorite chairs in the house, in flannel pajamas that came in a thoughtful Christmas package intended for Husband, stolen by me, and so big that they swallow me and the bump whole, drinking my favorite roast of starbucks coffee (decaf of course) that was on sale at the grocery store today, brewed in the french press I got for Christmas from my Daddy, with the delicious knowledge that this is day one in the second 4-day weekend in a row, while Husband is within arms reaching watching what promises to be one of many, many football games to be watched today and Baby Boy it poking what used to be my belly button. And I'm drinking in the overwhelming feeling of comfort.

Yeah, my to-do list is pretty long, yep my nose is stuffy, yes I'm starring at a fully dressed Christmas tree that needs to retire today, yeah I need to get up like right now and put supper in the crokpot if we plan on eating it before bedtime, but right this second, everything is right with the world. And I am so very, very comfortable.

Happy New Years Friends!

P.S. I'm so freakin' excited about a fresh new year. I'll have to check back in soon with some of the ways I plan on filling it up :)

Mercy

2011-11-16T20:07:00.003-06:00

"Who has given me anything that I need to give back..."
Job 41:11a

Occasionally, I have this tendency. Maybe (hopefully, cause I'd hate to be the only one) you do too. It's called, getting the idea in my head that God owes me something. As if attempting (and that's putting it politely) to be "good" and live in His will somehow entitles me to things. Things that I get all uppity about when I don't get them. Like when life's just the teensy-est bit hard or when things aren't perfect and I launch straight into "Are you kidding me?!? C'mon!"

Please don't stop reading because I sound like a horrible person right now. It's just my flesh, I know better, I promise.

And it's not always. It's just the sort of thing that creeps in before you realize it's there in the first place.

Anyway, I was reading through Job, and if you can make it through Job's whining and his friends' preaching, it starts getting pretty freakin' awesome. Because God shows up and lets loose. And the verse from above hit my poor little human heart, and I might have audibly gasped a little at it's implications.

Because do you realize how preposterous it is to even begin to feel entitled when it comes to God? Like He owes me something? When it's actually the other way around and I owe Him absolutely everything, except that nothing I have to give even comes close to being anything He's worth? Yeah. Let that sink in for a second.

But that's not even the best part.

The best part is that He gives me a bunch of the stuff I feel "entitled" to all the time, even though He's completely aware that I'm being such a big misguided baby about it. And, and, He doesn't give me what I actually deserve, which (in case you were wondering) is a kick in the pants followed by an eternity without Him. That, my friends, is mercy.

Case in point:

My camera's been missing. And I know it's "just a camera" and there are actual tragedies occurring at this very moment, but I've basically been a basket case about it, because it's not the sort of thing you just "lose" and it's certainly not the kind of thing you just replace on a moment's notice, and I couldn't even begin to think of where else to look, and the holidays are coming up, and I'm going to have Baby, etc, etc, etc

So after a an emotional conversation about all the above, this is what followed...

Me: (To God) I know You don't owe me anything, and it's just a camera, and You've obviously got bigger things to do, but I'm feeling absolutely defeated about this, and -

Husband: Are you sure you checked under the cushions of the chair?

Me: (To Husband, as I begin digging in the chair for the millionth time) Yes, I took all the cushions off, and dug all around, and - wait - there's a divot under here!

And out came the camera I hadn't even finished praying about finding.

That's just showing off.

And some of you may be thinking "It's just a camera" and yeah, maybe it is just a camera, and not finding it wouldn't have been the end of the world. I'd still be happy and healthy and pregnant and blessed, BUT that's why, for this little pregnant lady in that moment of (albeit superficial) desperation, it is mercy.

Over the top, undeserved, mercy.

Is God awesome, or what?

If you're unsure, check out the book of Job, starting around chapter 38 :)

Coffee and a Confession

2011-11-15T09:00:00.001-06:00

Hey strangers! It's me. I know you may not remember me because, as I so often tend to do, I completely abandoned this poor little blog for awhile.

If we were really having coffee this morning, I would start by letting you share your heart because, when it gets to be my turn, I have a little confession to make. I would use the golden opportunity of some girl time to talk to you about my little blog here. I could give you a bunch of excuses as to why I haven't been around - especially in one of my favorite seasons to blog. I could say that it's because I'm growing a person and I simply don't have time for such things (untrue - not the person growing part, the other part -it's really not that time-consuming). I could say I just haven't had anything to say (also untrue, I have been cooking up a storm, and I freakin' love Fall!). I could say I just haven't felt like it (again, also untrue, I've been missing you guys).

No, the real reason I haven't been around is....I lost my camera. Yep. Because you can't write one of those "cool" blogs that people want to read unless you post "cool" photos with every post. I mean come on, everybody knows that. Hip blogger 101. Pretty silly, huh? But that's actually what's been swarming around in my mind. (Okay, this is the part where I play my pregnancy card to excuse myself for not firing on cylinders both mentally and emotionally, did it work?) So I guess you could more accurately say that I haven't been blogging because I've lost my focus.

About a kajillion of the bloggers I admire most attended Blog Sugar a few months back (of which, I am insanely jealous because, let's face it, I live on the other side of the country so that was totally not happening). A bunch of them came back and started blogging about purpose. How we all begin our blogs with one, whether we realize it or not, and how it can evolve over time, and how easy it is to lose sight of it. As embarrassing as it is to admit that I'm one of those people, somewhere along the way of collecting comments and counting followers, and throwing myself into every linky party I could find, and reading pots on "how to get your blog noticed," I couldn't even remember why I started blogging in the first place. Because, let's face it, I don't think any of us start our blogs with those things in mind. Heck, we're not even sure what most of those things are when we sign up for our very own blogger account. But we learn, and oh boy do we learn quick. (The English major in me wants to correct that to "quickly" but it doesn't pack quite as much punch. Just wanted you to know that I know it's not exactly correct)

And so, here I am. Photo-less and transparent. Because I really want to come back. I want to blog again. Do you know why I started this blog? Because I remember now. I started this blog because I wanted to be a better person. A better Wife, a better housekeeper, a better cook. A better enjoyer-of the little things in life. A person who lived in daily gratitude for my sweet house and my sweet husband, and for baking sweet things. And I wanted to help other people be those things too. I wanted to create a place where we could share that journey together, whether any of us succeeded in being June Cleaver or not. And if God wanted to occasionally use those things, all the better.

So here we go again, if you'd like to join me, I would love to have you! Because life is too short to do it alone and to do it without enjoying it. Where's the fun in that?

Hello little blog, welcome to the first day of the rest of your life...

P.S. Just to be clear, I'm not beginning to say that pictures, linky parties, etc are wrong - AT ALL! I'm merely speaking about MY intent. And I totally plan on utilizing both...as soon as I find that darned camera........I knew you'd understand :)

<

2011-10-02T11:52:00.004-05:00

My pumpkin stand trip last year

Happy Sunday Friends! Have you been enjoying the season so far? I have! But I'll let you in on a little secret: the only yearly thing I love more than Fall, is...Christmas!

Did she just say the "C" word in October?

Yes, she did, but she's making a point.

I've been jonesing, pretty badly, for "the most wonderful time of the year," but my parents raised me with a healthy respect for all seasons and I DO NOT indulge my Elfish tendancies until the turkey has been carved, Miracle of 34th Street has been shown, and Santa wraps up the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. I know, my self-control is awe-inspiring. That, coupled with my recent realization of how fast time goes (a Baby in your tummy will do that) I've decided that, instead of wishing my second favorite season away, I'm going to throw myself headlong into all the festivities this lovely time of year has to offer. The way I see it, there are 53 days left to get it done.

Sound like a plan?

That being said, I give you...

To do this Fall:

( ) Visit my favorite pumpkin stand

( ) Make caramel apples

( ) Use all the junk I already have to make bunches of fabulous decorations

( ) Find new comfort food recipes for cozy suppers

( ) Use all the old candle wax I've saved up to make my very own candles

( ) Make cinnamon rolls from scratch

( ) Have Trick or Treaters

( ) Come up with awesome preggo halloween costume

( ) Bake apple crisp

( ) Go to a home game in Tuscaloosa (Roll Tide!)

( ) Make something for at least one of the many meals we will attend on Thanksgiving

( ) And finally, participate in this fabulous par-tay...

So, that's the plan of action.

What do you think?

What are some of the fabulous Fall things on your list?

There's always room for more on mine :)

Happy Fall!

2011-09-24T15:26:00.003-05:00

Hello Friends! It's Saturday, and better yet, the first Saturday of Fall.

How did you celebrate yesterday?

I tried to soak it in. Alabama cooperated and gave us a bright cool day in honor of the occasion. I spent a lot of it grocery shopping, which may sound a little sad, but I get a secret kick out of it. I ran all over town in search of the best deals. Did you know that Target gives you a discount for bringing your own bags?!? Okay, so it's only five cents per bag, but this girl will take what she can get. As if I needed another reason to be in love with Target.

I took a beautiful lunch break - broccoli cheese soup, what else - to keep my strength up and go over my grocery list. (See picture above for deliciousness)

Then it was home for some hot cocoa, coffee, and girl talk with my sissies. Followed by cleaning like gang busters until Husband got home. We spent the rest of the evening at a local high school football game, armed with my chunkiest sweater and more hot chocolate.

*Insert cool picture of my bundled up legs, carafe, and football field that I meant to take, but forgot, cause that's what I do these days*

It just seemed like the perfect way to wrap up the first day of Fall.

Hope yours was equally delightful.

Stay tuned for my list of how I plan to absorb everything the season has to offer.

Happy Saturday!

Coffee

2011-09-20T09:19:00.004-05:00

Good morning friends, I'm so glad you're here! Time for coffee. Actually, this is my first coffee in awhile. Apparently Baby is more the Hot Cocoa type. Anyway, if you were here for coffee today I would ask if you mind if we watch Julie and Julia while I fold my laundry, since I can't ever seem to be able to decide what to wach when I end up with spare time and I just end up in a revolving door of about three or four movies so I don't have to make any decisions (other titles include: Sense and Sensibility, Meet Me in St. Louis, Run Fatboy Run, and, more recently, Tangled)

We would probably discuss the weather, since I'm super excited about the coming of Fall. I got up super early this morning with Husband and it was still nice and dark as I ate a candlelit breakfast after he left for work. It started raining profusely, looked like it would never stop and, just like that, the sun came out. Crazy September. I'm still secretly keeping my fingers crossed that it'll be nice and crisp today. And you would probably agree with my because Fall is the best. I've been doing my very best to pace myself too. I think you would be proud of me. I haven't stopped at the pumpkin stand once! I haven't gotten any of my decorations out, I haven't even cracked open my October issue of Country Living. I have a will of steel.

At this point I would probably excuse myself to use the ladies room for the fourth time or so. I love being pregnant though. Okay, so maybe I had a phase of over-thinking everything, and reading too far ahead in my books, freaking out a little that there is no way I can adhere to the suggested pregnancy diet, feeling like I need to be doing something. My intentions were good, I was just excited and wanted to do everything right. Luckily, it was brought to my attention by someone who loves me very much, which caused me to do some thinking and take a serious prenatal chill pill. I'm not making any promises that I will now be one of those perfect pregnant women that glow, and look cute and put together, and laugh in the face of prenatal to-do lists, however, I am going to rest in God and enjoy this process........and maybe wait a few more months before I start worrying about whether or not to use disposable diapers. Just sayin'.

I would probably take this opportunity to brag on Husband a little. Cause let's face it, nobody makes me happier that man. I mean, come on, he's a keeper. It's okay to be jealous.

And what about you, friend? What have you been up to? And, after you answered that, it would be over. So sad. But laundry's calling, and I've got dinner to prep. What's on your to do list today?

I'm so glad you stopped by for coffee, have a fabulous Tuesday Friends!

Weekending

2011-09-19T08:32:00.004-05:00

Nothing like homemade roadies and (winning) college football watching for a Saturday.

How was your weekend?

Blog Love

2011-09-15T09:44:00.007-05:00

One of the most precious bloggers I know recently awarded me this...

You should definitely go see Breeann like, right this second!

The rules for this award are:

1. List 7 random facts about myself
2. Link back to the sweetheart who gave me the award
3. Pass it on to 8 other sweethearts

Randomness...

1. Fall is my favorite season (after Christmas, duh!). Something about the cool weather, and the soup eating, and the pumpkins, and the baking, and the sweaters. I don't know, just seems mighty festive, no?

2. Before I got married, I had never sat through an entire televised sporting event, and only a handful of live ones. Then I married a man who wakes up to ESPN, plays fantasy sports, and is a faithful southern college football fan. I really just participated in the beginning to humor him....but the truth is.....it kinda grew on me...a little....okay, a lot.

3. I used to hate ketchup. Everything about it. Now that I'm pregnant, I could eat Idaho out of french fries, just so I could eat them with ketchup. Only with french fries though.

4. My only pregnancy food aversion is fried fish ala Captain D's or Long John Silver. Weird too, cause I used to LOVE it. But now, just typing this is making me feel icky...

5. I recently got a library card for the first time in almost three years. I might be a little bit of a fine collector....keeping track of things is not really my forte. However, it's a new day and I'm attempting to rack up some responsibility. In fact, I need to return some today.

6. Between my childhood and High School years I wanted to be a teacher, lawyer, baker, actor, novelist, singer, journalist, store owner, wedding planner, personal assistant, psychologist, and Homeschool Mom. So far only the Mommy part is sticking.

7. I got my wisdom teeth out almost a year ago, at 22-years-old. Despite my "David after the dentist" expectations, I didn't say anything funny when I came too. I cried - uncontrollably. Apparently it's a common side effect for women

And now my lucky ladies...

1. Melinda at Fine as Frog Hairs
2. Ariel at Void Between the Stars
3. The Frat Pack + Me

4. Heather at Life Made Lovely
5. Alyss at Roots
6. Mandy at Mandipidy
7. Heather at Finding Beauty in Ordinary

Have a great Thursday Friends!

Hormones

2011-09-14T20:17:00.004-05:00

So, I had what I would consider my first real pregnancy-fueled, emotional, mood swing today (okay, except for the fact that I may, or may not, have cried watching "Tangled" yesterday).

It wasn't over anything major, of course. Just an ecstatic morning, moderate noon, and an afternoon of being tempted to tears. And then something kind of amazing happened. God showed up. He reminded me that, pregnant or not, I am not a slave to my emotions. He reminded me that there was a roast waiting for me in the crockpot at home. That work is not forever. That those little twinges in my tummy is the precious Baby I've been waiting on. That Fall is coming, and it's pretty gorgeous. That Husband's red truck would be waiting in the driveway when I got home, and his arms would be waiting inside. And mostly, that He loves me, and His strength is perfected in my weakness.

And I realized, maybe "bad days" aren't really worth the energy....

p.s. Figured out what happened to my sidebars. From now on, if you're looking for followers, labels, etc you can find them at the bottom :)

S.O.S.

2011-09-07T17:42:00.001-05:00

Um, not sure exactly what I did to merit such a response..but...Blogger ate my sidebars! Does anyone more versed in Blogger know what the issue might be, and how I can fix it? Thanks Friends!

First Comes Love, Then Comes Marriage, Then Comes....

2011-09-06T14:29:00.002-05:00

A bun in the oven!

*Insert picture of me (which sadly does not exsist) and my newly developed and completely adorable baby bump*

I was waiting for a cute picture before I posted, but heck, I can't find my camera and a girl can only wait so long.

After a wonderful marriage of almost three years with the man of my dreams, our little family is finally expanding. We are due in March, which means we're just peeking our heads into the second trimester, which is especially exciting since our first trimester was a little bumpy. And of course while I'm typing this I can hardly believe that this is really happening - God is so good! There has been so much baby buzz going around, most exciting some heartbreaking, that it makes me feel especially grateful, humbled, and a little amazed that God would see fit to bestow such a blessing on us. I cannot wait to see where this little journey leads!

I know I've been absent awhile. I was going to blame it on the baby thing, since it was a pretty huge secret and I'm pretty terrible at keeping my own secrets, but let's be honest, I've been away a bit longer than that. And I've missed you. I don't really have an excuse. Maybe it was because (and this may shock some of you) Summer doesn't really inspire me that much (see, told you). I'm really more of a cold weather girl. In the summer, I basically just sit around and melt....and read other people's blogs. But now that it's September, and the Alabama weather has condescended to lower itself to about 60-degrees, and I'm sitting here in my scarf, and it's almost time to make apple crsip, I can make a fresh start. Plus, I now have a new and never-ending pool of inspiration growing inside me.

What do you think?

What fresh things are you beginning with this change of the seasons?

Periods of Peace

2011-06-16T09:06:00.002-05:00

Why do bad things happen?

That's the million dollar question isn't it? That's what everyone wants to know. Why does God let bad things happen? And to "good" people no less! I've been there.

Funny thing is, we never seem to look around and ask why good things happen. When things are going well, do I take the time to seek God's purpose?

2 Chronicles talks about the life of Asa, one of the only (mostly) good kings of Judah. His reign was fraught with war and turmoil, but then in 2 Chronicles 14:5-6 it says,

"...So Asa's kingdom enjoyed a period of peace. During those peaceful years, he was able to build up the fortified towns throughout Judah. No one tried to make war against him at this time, for the Lord was giving him rest from his enemies."

King Asa was given a "period of peace" by God and instead of sitting on his hands, or reveling in his free time, he got to work preparing for the future. He fortified and built up when he didn't need it, so that he would be prepared when he did. God knew what future struggle Asa would face, and He knew that he would need time to prepare, to build up his defenses.

God has blessed me with some amazing seasons of life. I am so incredibly blessed! But the second I'm faced with a "rough patch," when my emotions get the best of me, when the enemy attacks, it is so incredibly easy to just start floundering around like it's the end of the world. You know why? Because my defenses are weak. In the periods of peace that my God has blessed me with, I waste time. Instead of resting in Him, stocking up on scripture, and seeking the Spirit to fill me, I sit on my hands. Not to say that life is all work, that God doesn't want me to enjoy what He's given, that I have the power in myself to make life go the way I want. Nope, nope, and super nope. No, it's just that God wants more for me than a good time. More than ease. It's better than that. God wants me to live a life of purpose, a life worthy of His call. A life of peace that's not dependant on my circumstances. And that is only found by letting Him fill me - in good times and bad. God has known everything about me since before the world began. He knows what I need and when I'll need it. What an amazing God!

Wherever we are today, on the battlefield or in green pastures, I hope we take a minute to look around and ask God, "What do you want from me while I'm here?"

Have a fabulous day friends!
xoxo

The Now, Dahhling

2011-06-15T16:51:00.003-05:00

source

"I never look back darling, it distracts from the now"

Funny how easy it is to get dsitracted from the now, huh? Personally, my now is pretty amazing, but it's hard to realize that when I'm busy running to and fro. So, why not have a blog feature dedicated to soaking in "the now," no? So, now......

South Pacific. Popcorn.

"I'm as corny as Kansas in Augsut, I'm as normal as blueberry pie!"

Iced chai sweet tea. Fan blowing.

Off work early. Coupon madness. Husband almost home.

Mentally preparing myself to run the dickens out of the treadmill at the gym.

Happiness.

Quick Hello

2011-05-29T21:50:00.002-05:00

Hello friends!

I know, I've been pretty absent this month, and honestly don't have that much time to hang out now, but I just wanted to drop in and let you know I'm still alive and well.

Very well.

Husband and I have kicked off our long weekend right, and it's been lovely.

For now, I'm enjoying some "Moose Tracks."

I originally bought it as a pick-me-up for Husband...until I realized that he's a man, and therefore basically immune to edible pick-me-ups, haha.

Ice cream for moral support's more my domain.

Oh well, any excuse for ice cream, no?

How are you?

Have a delicious holiday weekned, and I should be seeing you for coffee on Tuesday!

Coffee Date

2011-05-10T13:12:00.002-05:00

If we were really having coffee this morning, you'd probably want to roll up your sleeves...

Coffee, Josh Turner, and getting my clean on!

What are you up to today?

Recipe Swap!

2011-05-10T08:20:00.003-05:00

Good morning! It's such a beautiful day here today! I hope your weather is fine too.

What are you planning for your Tuesday?

One thing I'm planning?

Recipe exchange!

One of my bloggy idols, Casey Wiegand, is hosting a Tuesday recipe swap and I'm joining in!

Even though it's about a million degrees outside, I just haaave to post this cozy recipe. I waited my entire life to cook homey meals for my husband, and then started running out of ideas pretty quickly. After one epic chicken 'n' dumplings fail, I got my girlfriend to give me her recipe, and it rocks! In fact, it tastes just like my sweet, late, Granny's recipe. Obviously, I can't be greedy with gold like this, so here you go!

"Granny's" Chicken 'n' Dumplings...

Ingredients:

1 4-5 lb. chicken (this recipe is for two, plus leftovers, but you could easily make it for more)

2 cups flour

2 1/4 Tablespoons shortening

1 cup ice water

1 Tablespoon butter

1/4 cup milk

Wash the chicken and boil over medium-high heat in 5-7 cups of water, and simmer for one hour.

Take out the chicken and shred (caution: that chicken will be boiling hot! If you want, the recipe can be followed up until this point and refrigerated for up to a few days). Set aside.

Knead together flour and shortening until doughy. Add ice water. Using two spoons, drop dumpling dough by rough tablespoons into boiling broth. Be sure to "mash" the dumplings often (after every five or so) so they don't get dense.

Add chicken back to dumpling broth and add butter and milk, to make it creamy. Simmer for 15 minutes on low.

Salt to taste and enjoy!

Good luck and happy cooking!

A New Feature: I am Walker, hear me roar

2011-05-05T09:02:00.003-05:00

Okay, so most of you who have been around for awhile know that I don't do very well with feature posts. As previously stated, finishing things is a bit of an issue for me, and anything that requires consistency can easily be discarded. But I'm going to try again. Walker informed me today that if I'm going to spend so much time sitting in "his" chair and blogging that he deserves the right to express himself. Fair enough....

Dear Friends,

I am Walker, it's nice to meet you. I know Mom has mentioned me a couple times, but it's only fair that I get a chance to defend myself against any impressions you may have gotten of how things roll around here.

For starters, I've been here a lot longer than Mom. I used to give her a hard time about that, but it's actually really nice having her around. She might be my favorite. Just don't tell her I said so. I wouldn't want Dad to think I was a momma's boy....which I am. He reminds me pretty often that I'm no longer a "Man Kitty" as it is, and it's kind of embarrassing. We're buddies though. I try to impress him by defending them against twisty ties and flying bugs. No really, the twisty tie threat level in this house is a secure green thanks to me. They should be grateful.

But to be honest, I sleep about 18 hours a day and the rest of the time is divided between lounging on the windowsill, eating, being pet my Mom, watching sports with Dad, batting at birds and bugs through the window, and getting into things I'm "not supposed to." I don't really understand what this phrase means, but I think it has something to do with the kitchen counters, dining room table, outside, and the guest room. In my defense, the "guest room" doesn't seem all that special. Mom goes through phases where she spends blocks of time in there, but I don't really see any difference. She shut me in there today. I'm certain it was an accident. I tried to play it cool...until it had been about fifteen minutes and I got a little worried that she might need me for something. I only cried a little. I just wanted to remind her where I was. I was just trying to protect her. There could have been a twisty tie invasion, and she would have been defenseless.

Well Friends, I need to get going. Big agenda to keep and all. Thank you again for the opportunity of chatting with you. See you soon.

Sincerely,

Walker

Who Me?

2011-05-03T20:24:00.003-05:00

Guess what, guess what, guess what?

My one of my sweet bloggy idols actually gave me an award!

Thank you April, that was so sweet!

Here are the rules:
1.} Thank and link back to the blog that gave you your award
2.} Share seven things about yourself
3.} Award 5 great bloggers
4.} Contact the bloggers to let them know you've given them an award

Here are my 7 things about myself:

1. I am a terrific self-starter....just not quite as good at self-finishing. No one really talks about that part. I love new beginnings, organizing, and such. I just find myself organizing and cleaning and decorating the same spaces over and over (coughguestroomcough) because I can never seem to get over a certain point. They say self-awareness is half the battle, though, so I'm on my way!

2. I was raised right outside of Seattle, Washington so coffee is more like a ritual than a beverage to me. I used to be kind of a snob about it, but I've reformed. Okay, some people would say I've learned to settle, haha. But hey, sometimes, you just need a decent cup of coffee.

3. While we're on the subject, my parents owned a coffee shop for a short season, and ever since I've had the itch to own my own business. A store, or bakery, or cafe, or something. I don't really like working, though, so I would probably change my mind. And let's be honest, it's mostly when I see pretty office supplies or custom business cards, haha.

4. I love to read, but I don't do very much of it. Here's why: I just graduated with an English degree and it's hard for me to justify reading good, interesting, slightly fluffy modern novels (read: what I really want to read) when there are so many classics I haven't read yet. I've yet to find that balance between the two, so I usually end up reading nothing. Sad, right? I think the simplest thing to do is just to alternate the two. Don't you agree?

5. Right now I work outside of home, because I can, but what I really dream of is being an "at home" mom. That's what my Momma did, and it's what I've always wanted to do. My Momma also homeschooled us, and I think I'd like to homeschool as well, but Bama Man and I have decided to Cross that bridge when we come to it.

6. I play the piano. I am one of those kids who were encouraged, told, commanded to practice....and didn't really. So all my years of lessons have landed me with just enough knowledge to haltingly play...and teach a 7-year-old to play better than I can (which I do). So let this be a lesson to all children currently in lessons - practice! You'll thank me later.

7. I used to be one of those girls who loved big houses with foyers, and "entertaining space," and stair cases, etc. Even though I'm not sure I'm cut out to be the first lady, the idea of living in the White House used to make me swoon. Not so anymore. Maybe it was discovering Antrhopologie. Or maybe I'm going back to my roots of being an almost-city girl. Whatever the cause, I am just in love with the loft apartment, reasonably-sized house type space crammed with the organized clutter of coziness. You know what I mean? No mansion for this girl, thank you very much.

So there you have it! The lovely bloggers upon whom I am bestowing this award are...

1. Ariel @ voidbetweenthestars

2. Melinda @ fineasfroghair

3. fratpack+me

4. Casey @ TheWiegands

5. Emily @ Blueberry'sblog

April, thanks again! And thanks to anyone who reads this blog, leaves comments, etc. I don't say it enough, but it means a lot to me! Go see these lovely ladies, I Adore them! And have a wonderful Wednesday - two more days until the weekend!

Coffe Date

2011-05-03T08:28:00.008-05:00

Good morning Friends! If we were really having coffee today...

I wouldn't really know where to begin.

Yes I would, I would begin my mentioning how amazingly grateful I am for this coffee this morning.

For those of you who don't know, last Wednesday, April 27th, Alabama (Where Bama Man and I live, in case that's never been clear) was hit with the greatest natural tragedy the state has seen this side of modern technology. The tornadoes left hundreds dead, thousands displaced, and over a million without power. It was considered a State and Federal Disaster and we began picking up the pieces.

Bama Man and I have been without electricity for the last five days, which is why I've been absent, but we, and everyone we know and love made it through unscathed (both sets of our parents never even lost power) and praising God that He allowed this trial to pass over us!

It has been such a privilege to join with our church and the EMA to help those who have lost so much more than utilities! The church (the body, not the buildings) of Alabama has kicked into high gear, and done everything possible to give comfort and aid to the many hurting in our community.

I'm thanking God that He has allowed my senses to be heightened. How important my friends and family are, how spoiled I've become having Bama Man home with me for the last week, how much I love my house, how nice it is to have a safe cat taking up my space in this chair, how blessed I am to have a husband who has given us enough financial security to make it through crisis, how much I am going to enjoy vacuuming now that our power has returned. How much He loves us! Not because He shielded us from this tragedy, but because He would have been with us either way.

What are you grateful for this morning? :)

If you would like to help those in need here in Alabama, please go to redcross.org to find out how to donate. Thank you so much!

On a lighter note, Bama Man and I have learned to love our "Amish Experience."

My activities this week have included, but are not limited to:

Dinners over candlelight, one game of Rummy, reading through a book and a half, organizing our bookshelf so that all of our books fit, laying contact paper in (most of) the kitchen cabinets, cleaning and organizing the study, also...

Walker made a froggy friend (see him hanging on the screen?)....who he then tried very hard to kill and could not, with the window and all. Nice try Walker.

About a hundred games of solitaire, the old-fashioned way, of which I won a few...

And possible the piece de resistance,

Grilling cinnamon rolls!

Ingenuitive, no?

It worked too!
Sure there was a little scorching, and a touch of charbroiled flavor, but they were still delicious!

Bama Man, thank you for being adventurous, and not looking at me like I was crazy when I suggested this...and also, for pulling it off! You're the best :)

What would you have to share today, friends?

I hope you all have a fabulous Tuesday!

Coffee Date

2011-04-26T08:19:00.003-05:00

Good Morning Friends!

I could say, good, rainy, yucky, slightly blustery morning

but let's focus on the positive, shall we?

If we were really meeting here for coffee today

you would have found out that I have an addiction.

To coffee mugs.

It's true.

I have dozens of them!

Bama Man and I have agreed it's okay.

And one reason it's okay is because

almost all of them have some sort of sentimental significance.

So I figured, since you will probably see me with

a different mug each week,

you might as well know why :)

This one, for example is from our trip to Disneyland.

Bama Man and I made the trek to California

last year for the National Champoinship Game.

The game was great, we won, that was exciting.

The true prize for me?

My sweet husband took me to Disney!

We may not have covered this before in our relationship,

but I'm a little bit of a sentimental sucker

when it comes to Disney.

I grew up with bi-yearly trips to Disneyworld,

idolized the princesses,

and generally fed my hopeless romantic streak

with the "magic" of the "Happiest Place on Earth."

But something was missing.

I hadn't been there with my "Prince" yet.

Until last year!

We chose California Adventure

since it was a new experience for both of us.

And it was fabulous!

So obviously, it was worth celebrating with a mug.

Inside it has this quote from Walt,

"To all that come to this happy place;welcome."

Love it!

So, what are you up to today?

I've alotted out my morning off with

a reasonable balance of housework and frivilous activity.

I gave up daytime television (including movies)

for Lent, and I thought long and hard

about how to indulge this morning.

After browsing our DVDs, cable, and Netflix

I just ended up with

"Cat on a Hot Tin Roof"

...again.

I know, it's not super exciting.

If you missed how I feel about this movie,

you can check it out here.

Did you enjoy breaking your Lent fast (if you had one)?

How did you do it?

My clothing project

has been particularly un-fun recently.

But I got to wear my favorite dress

in the whole world on Easter Sunday,

so I felt a little better.

The truth is, I've been finding quite

a few treasures hidden away in my own closet.

I've been meaning to show you a few of them.

Maybe I'll get a

"what I wore Wednesday"

out tomorrow.

Well, it's on to maintaining my wonderful house.

Enjoy your Tuesday Friends!

Guess what?

Good news:

The caffine in your cup of coffee this morning

has raised your resting metablic rate

by about 15%

which means you can burn

up to an extra 50 calories today.

So drink up!

Today is Thursday...

2011-04-21T13:15:00.004-05:00

I'm just reminding myself since it seems

I've been misplacing myself in my week.

Does that ever happen to you? It does to me.

A lot.

For one thing, I've been pretty busy. Not with anything unusual,

just the normal stuff.

Making sure our house is pleasant place to come home to,

keeping the cat alive,

attempting to sculpt some muscle out of this wimpy body via the gym,

bringing home a paycheck.

Just that stuff.

And then there's the fact I've been sublimely happy.

I know it sounds crazy.

I kind of feel like I shouldn't even say (type) that out loud.

There's certainly a combination of factors going on here,

but I'll let you in on a good secret for starting out.

Ask God for stuff.

No, not like the vending machine,

"Can I have a million dollars?" sort of thing.

Stuff you know He already wants you to have...

An overwhelming sense of His presence.

The strength to do what I cannot do by yourself.

The ability to love well.

The assurance that my worth is secure in Him.

The wisdom to conciously make the right choices.

(especially when I don't feel like it)

The power to pray.

Peace.

Joy.

Before we go getting any ideas that I've actually figured any of this out, let's nip it in the bud and say: yeah right.

I've messed up a lot this week (...day...hour)

But I can feel it beginning.

He is gently showing me how I could be, what life could be like,

as I allow Him to cultivate these things in me.

He is so faithful

And I realize I'm not always going to be on the "gentle-mercy lesson plan."

Sometimes His lessons are the tough love sort.

Sometimes things don't "work out."

Okay, let's face it, sometimes our fallen world sucks.

I'm not saying any of that is any less true.

He is quite possibly preparing me for battle.

But He's allowing me to learn in "green pastures" right now,

where blessings are obvious and I know I can feel Him.

And I am loving every minute!

On a lesser note....

Last night I had my first experience with the show, "Extreme Couponing."

Poor Bama Man had to sit there while I

boomeranged from excited to envious to disgusted

and back.

As a "couponer" who tries pretty hard and has some luck

(but no real skill or consistancy -

you know how I am about finishing things)

Part of me wishes I had the time or energy

to be as devoted, and reap the benefits,

that those people do.

Cause let's face it, I am definetely still in the

"You saved $15.60 with us today,

and still spent a ridiculous amount of money" phase.

But then I saw some of the crap that these people are buying

IN HUGE AMOUNTS!

Who really need 100 packages of Airheads candy?
Short of someone opening a candy stand at summer camp.

I'm just sayin'

So, here is my verdict:

Working really hard to provide food for your family at the right price

Good.

Purchasing 150 bags of cat treats because they were on sale

and you had the coupon

but you don't own a cat.

And you still keep them in your stockroom

instead of donating them to a shelter or something.

A little sick.

I think I've made my case.

Even if I'm going to be a complete hypocrite and

watch the show every chance I get.
Just being real.

I hope y'all are having a fabulous Thursday!

The weekend is just two days away.

And not just any weekend, on of the best:
Easter!

Hasta pronto...

Saturday Snipets

2011-04-09T15:18:00.004-05:00

Happy Saturday!

Bama Man and I joined the gym this week.

As the wife of very dedicated man, it should go without

saying that we have been there everyday since

signing up (which I love),

and I think it's finally catching up with me.

That, coupled with a morning of service projects

(with basically the coolest church peeps around),

yard work, and washing the car,

has left this girl pooped.

But proud of her hard work.

Now Bama Man is watching the Masters, leaving

me plenty of time to catch up on my blog reading

and recipe/coupon searching.

There are exactly two things I enjoy about the Masters:

1. Watching Tiger mess up (is that a little bitter?)

2. Hearing Mister say "Called it" when shots

go the way he predicted (which is pretty often)

Other than that it's a bit of yawn.

After living here in Alabama for almost seven years

I shouldn't be at all suprised that Spring

completely passed us by again

and just gave up and surrendered to summer.

Honestly though, I'm not complaining.

It's MUCH better than Winter.

Plus, I vowed to myself

(and now to you which means there's no way out)

that I would be a good sport about the heat this year.

I do not do heat.

I am a Seattle Native.

But, this year, I will be a good sport.

Big news around these parts:

Walker (the cat) actually wounded his very first living thing!

Actually, make that "attacked something not a twisty tie"

for the very first time.

It's just a fly, but it's a big deal.

"Daddy" is very proud.

Made some yummy chicken tacos for lunch.

Getting a little bored with all my recipes.

I remember when Mister and I were engaged

he told me all I really needed to know

was five ways to make a chicken casserole.

It sounded like a good plan to me at the time.

But I think, after two years of marriage

we've both changed our minds.

Don't get me wrong, I've certainly branched out,

but I'm sill in a rut.

Any suggestions?

Well, that's about all I've got.

How are you spending your Saturday?

Hope it's fab!

Life Made Lovely Monday

2011-04-04T20:19:00.003-05:00

One of my favorite places in my whole house!

Thanks, Bama Man, for letting me make our kitchen my own

special - lovely - place.

Good Morning April!

2011-04-01T07:32:00.002-05:00

Honestly, I expected a little more out of you.

What does it take for a girl to get a little sunshine around here?

Is that too much to ask?

If Spring doesn't come soon then it will be too late

it will be summer

And you know how this chick feels about Alabama summers.

I promised myself that I would be a good sport this year,

but you could a least reward my intentions with some moderate heat!

I'm thinking 75 degrees and sunny oughta do it.

Good, now that we understand each other,

I will look forward to the weekend with hope.

But really, I'm just glad you're here

You know March, she was dragging on there.

P.S. My almost-baby (read:middle) Sister is coming home today!

For those of you lucky enough to know this girl

you understand how freakin' awesome that is!

I will try not best not to think about the fact it is only for a visit

Roller Coaster

2011-03-29T18:28:00.004-05:00

Today has been a little insane.

First of all, I didn't link up to virtual coffee today

because I was busy having a real-life coffee date with my sweet

"pick up where we left off last time" girlfriend

who just became a Mommy.

(and also incidentally, actually thinks I keep my house clean)

(She is also reading this right now and knows I'm talking about her)

(Hello, sorry I talked about you in the third person)

It was wonderful!

Then I went to work, which was fine...

until I went to leave and realized I had locked

my key in the car for first time ever!

But then, my amazing Husband rescued me

but we had to gallup his Noble Steed home as quickly as possible because....

I was late for the piano lesson I teach!

I felt bad for making my 7-year-old student

and her parents wait on me (as they were...in the driveway)

And then you know what happened?

They brought a fancy cupcake!

With the most impossibly high pile of pink frosting

I have ever seen!

And sprinkles!

And, as much I would love to show it to you,

this description and your imagination will have to do...

Because I....

might have eaten most of it already.

Which will also explain how scattered this post seems.

I am currently on a very serious sugar high.

The best kind.

Crazy, crazy crazy.

But I think girlfriends with babies,

bold rescues by Husbands,

and cupcakes

trump locking keys in your car.

Don't you agree?

For Love of a Book: Part One

2011-03-28T07:30:00.002-05:00

I have always (okay, maybe not always) loved reading, and my

old love has made a recent resurgence.

I had a couple bumps along the reading road lately

(to be described in detail at a later time)

and then I stumbled upon this classic sitting

unassumingly on my bookcase and it has been like a safe haven in the

windy sea of literature. I know.

Dramatic.

But I am in looooove.

And, okay, I haven't even finished it yet, though I will soon,

but I've seen enough BBC renditions of this baby

to know I will be like how it ends.

I almost can't wait to get to work so I can read a few more chapters

before my little charge wakes up.

It's Monday. But never fear,

there's only a few more days until next Saturday.

Happy weeks to all!

Have you made any booky friends lately?

A Few Tidbits

2011-03-23T20:41:00.006-05:00

I feel like I've been pretty MIA lately.

I missed "Life Made Lovely Mondays" and "Virtual Coffee" on Tuesday.

And when I say "missed" I really mean missed.

I guess ever since I've been back to the bloggy world, I've been trying to make sure I don't end up in the hole that made me take a break in the first place -

putting my blog over things that (while usually less fun) are more important.

Read: cleaning the bathroom before work.

So, unfortunately, a heightened sense of priority has kept me away, but I'll be back in full force tomorrow. Prepare yourself for an announcement concerning my "10 To Do in 2011," how I really feel about "Moby Dick," and possibly some pictures. In the meantime, here are a few things...

1. Can I just take a moment to tell you how much I looooooove Fresh Market. Now, they didn't pay me to say that.....but I wish someone would. Then I could actually shop there...

I mean more than I currently do,

which is a few minutes every month or so to grab some specific item,

when I don't have enough time to peruse aisles and spend my entire paycheck.

2. This is one reason I didn't have time to blog yesterday....

It's my closet - organized and arranged according to color!

Yes, it did take me all morning, but it's basically changed my life. In the last 48 hours, if I have felt even the slightest unhappiness, all I have to do it walk in and take a quick glance, and every little trouble floats away. Yeah, I'm talking about a closet.....

3. Bama Man and I just finished "The Social Network." I really enjoyed it, but I have to admit...it might be the last straw that causes me to give up Facebook for real, instead of just saying I might when I get tired of it. I'm not sure I want to be a cog in the Mark Zuckerburg machine. I'm just saying.

Hope you all had a wonderful Wednesday, see you tomorrow!

An Unconventional St. Patrick's Day

2011-03-17T10:08:00.005-05:00

"When Irish eyes are smiling, they're up to something"

So here's the deal, I'm usually pretty over-the-top about St. Patrick's Day. I love it! And, hey, the only reason I'm alive is because my Great-Great-Grandfather came over on the boat from "Erin" and planted himself here in the States, so I have a wee bit of right. So, in my usual way I planned this day out to perfection to be filled with mint thin making and Riverdance watching (Yes, I own it). Instead, I ended up scrubbing the mess (punny, no?) out of my kitchen and baking banana bread. I know....it's a little sad. OR it would be if this banana bread was not scrumptious! See?

When I have more time, I'll have to share! For now, I hope you're all having a wonderful time, and a wee bit '0' Irish fun.......

Coffe Date

2011-03-15T09:13:00.003-05:00

That's Bama Man and me twirling back there, isn't he wonderful

Good morning! How are you? If we were having coffee today... I'd offer you some breakfast...but secretly wish you had brought some scones with you. I could really go for a scone right now.

I'd probably ask you if you noticed that I've been messing with my blog a lot lately. If you did, I would probably apologize, and thank you for sticking it out. I'm just nesting really. Growing up my Momma was constantly moving furniture around, perfecting her home. To this day when I walk in for an occasional visit, the living room is almost certain to be arranged differently than the last time. It's part of her charm. So, it should go without saying that I was a teenager and young adult who rearranged her bedroom quarterly or so, and that I have basically been genetically formatted to be in "nest perfection" mode....well, a lot. Turns out, when I married the man of my dreams and moved into a place of my own that, for the most part, everything is kind of situated the way it works and the way we like it, so it usually stays that way. So my nesting energy usually gets channeled into compulsive fits of straightening and dish washing. Turns out it also gets channeled into my blog layout. Don't be alarmed, I think I'm done....for a minute.

As with most social activities, I'd probably talk too much, so I'd tell you about the phase that I'm in right now. Not a phase, as in a fleeting thing, but as in transition to something permanent and workable, phase. Like a "phase 1" phase. It seems like these days "minimal living," and "simplifying" are all the rage. And the idea is certainly alluring. I bought in. I considered the idea of "downsizing." I purged my closet and packed up unneeded household items for the eventual yard sale I hope to have. But I looked around, and I didn't feel done. And after kicking the idea around with my Baby Sister I realized what I really need. I call it "utilizing." Yes, it's important to declutter and release ourselves from unneeded things, but isn't the idea also about eliminating waste? I whine about having "nothing to wear" but my closet it full. I complain about not having enough "entertaining space" while I have a husband who is a grill master and my (almost) gigantic back porch lays in disrepair. I browse the clearance section of Anthro for more and more dishes when my kitchen cabinets can barely hold the ones we have. Maybe what I really need is to take stock and start using the things and spaces I already have. Does that make any sense at all?

Then you would probably think "Soapbox much?" but you're polite so you would probably just nod and smile, drink your remaining coffee as quickly as possible, and head out. And that's okay, I understand. I have to get going anyway, those bathrooms aren't going to clean themselves :)

I am so glad you stopped by today! Same time next week?

Check in later this week for a post about the amazing vacuum cleaner my amazing husband bought me!

I'm linking up here today!

Ankles, You Are Lovely

2011-03-14T19:34:00.001-05:00

Dear Ankles,

I have missed you so much! Thank you for gracing me with your presence today. I will look eagerly for your next coming...please make it soon.

Your devoted servant,

Me

What have you done with the recent Spring weather (if you're lucky enough to have it)?

I'm linking up here today, go check it out!

Coffee Date

2011-03-08T09:33:00.000-06:00

Good morning! If we were having coffee today, the first thing I would do is introduce you to my Momma which would only be fair since I'm sitting enjoying the view from her bedroom windows. I would admit to you that staying here always makes me realize I'm a little more of an outdoor girl than I think. Not a hiking, fishing, muddy sort of outdoor girl. And not if the temperature is under about 60 or about about 80. But a leisurely stroll, coffee on the porch, sunshine-y outdoor girl. The kind of girl that makes my parent's 5-acre property kind of alluring. Waking up to sun streaming through multiple windows, looking out on trees and lawns is awfully cheery. Still, I don't think there's anything better than waking up at my house. I love my house. Even if I get spoiled a little by my Momma while I'm here...

Breakfast in Bed

But let's face it, Bama Man spoils me an awful lot too...wow, I think you were just party to a pretty major personal discovery...Let's move on...

I'd also probably let you in on the clothing fast I started. It's not like I'm racking up big totals at the mall or anything, but I pass Plato's Closet and its magnetic pull everyday on the way to work. And I'm a little done with all the "I want a new cardigan," or the "I want a new spring-y skirt," or the "I want a pair of dress pants that are actually flattering," thoughts that I've been having lately while my dresser and closet remain full. So I'm on a mission. And I'd probably whine about it a little bit. Okay, okay, so it's only been a couple days and fine, I haven't even had the opportunity to buy anything, but the idea itself is getting to me, okay! I will admit that it has already been providing me with new insight, though. On Sunday I coupled my favorite pencil skirt that I wear all the time with a top and sweater that I never wear. And it looked pretty good (if I do say so myself). And then you would congratulate me for being thrifty resourceful. Right?

Now that you let me have my whine, I'll put my big girl panties on and get over myself. To make myself feel even better, I think I'll probably be showing you some new outfits I find in my old wardrobe, as they come along. Anyone want to join me?

Well, this has been so much fun, wish I could stay a little longer, but this little thrifty girl has to go to work. Enjoy your Tuesday!

Linking up here today!

Embracing the Tedious

2011-03-04T20:10:00.000-06:00

"If I am incapable of washing dishes joyfully, if I want to finish them quickly so I can go and have a cup of [coffee], then I will be incapable of drinking the [coffee] joyfully."
~ Thich Nhat Hanh

Gotta Let You Know..

2011-03-04T07:45:00.000-06:00

There is a FABulous giveaway going on over at Casey's blog! It is a gift card for the Just.Lovely.Things Etsy shop. If you haven't seen the adorable-ness going on over there, you should certainly check it out!

Enjoy Friends, more blogging this weekend :)

Coffee Date

2011-03-01T07:47:00.000-06:00

If we were having coffee this morning, I'd ask you what you like on your crepes. I'm getting my morning off right with some french press and Turner Classic Movies. Which is why I would also ask you if you've ever seen "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof." Now I'm not usually one for conflict in the movies, but there is something about this movie that makes me watch it everytime it comes on tv. I think it's a combination of factors; Paul Newman, Elizabeth Taylor, Burl Ives, the sensuous beauty of the south in old movies......but you know what I think it is most? The bedroom!

Look at it! Look at how lavish and airy and lovely it is...

Look at that bed...Yes please!

The curtains above the bed, the wicker, all the white....

And you know what, it's all fine in the end. Maybe that's why I like it, because it's real and it's still alright. Anyway, I suggest it if you feel like some drama, southern beauty, and classic Elizabeth.

P.S. Happy March! Spring is just around the corner......

P.P.S. I'm linking here today, stop on over!

Life Made Lovely

2011-02-28T07:32:00.000-06:00

Hello Everyone! The weekend is over, but it's okay. Remember that great blog I mentioned a post or so ago, @blessedlittlenest? Well, she has a weekly segment called "Life Made Lovely Mondays" where she posts something lovely, and readers can join in. So, if Monday has already got you down, head on over and view some lovelies! In the mean time, here is my contribution....

The beautiful, pink, flowery House Plant that I have kept alive for almost a whole month! Aren't you proud? Don't forget to click the link below for more loveliness!

Happy Monday friends!

Burgers and DVR = Date Night Done Right

2011-02-25T19:06:00.000-06:00

Okay, so maybe today was kind of long, but can I just take a moment to give you a few reasons why I'm so very happy right now?

It's Friday, which means tomorrow is Saturday.
My husband is grilling out for supper, and until you've had a burger marinated in Dales, grilled by Bama Man you are incapable of knowing how good it is to own a grill, sorry.
Our DVR is full of good things that will probably have me laughing hysterically, plus "Smallville" which is entirely over-dramatic but sucked me in against my will.
I recently vacuumed, which is my one OCD chore obsession. My poor stained carpet looks amazing.
I just found a blog I looooooove! www.blessedlittlenest.com - check it out
My Daddy stopped by for coffee this morning and we had a good laugh over a sarcastic column about the new zodiac change.

And oh so many things, but I think I've made my point. Hope everyone is thoroughly enjoying their Friday night. Gotta run and put some cheese on those babies..........

Happy Wednesday

2011-02-23T21:00:00.000-06:00

I don't really have anything meaningful or fascinating to share with you tonight. I just thought I'd say hello so you wouldn't forget who I was. Made yummy chicken noodle (and cheese, obviously!) casserole for dinner, and now I'm craving something sweet. Yeah, I'm about five minutes away from raiding my pantry in case there's something I can scrape together into sweet deliciousness. I am not optimistic, but wish me luck.

Maybe chocolate chip muffins?

P.S. Totally enjoying the little preview of Spring here in northern alabama. 7o degrees.....heck yes! After all, the next time it will be this warm it will actually be more like 80-something, and I will begin my yearly melt. So, taking advantage of the moderate, sunny perfection...and trying to forget that more snow is just around the corner...

What I've been up to

2011-01-19T21:00:00.000-06:00

Hello Friends!

Bama Man and I celebrated our anniversary last weekend (It's actually on Monday) so I spent a large portion of my Saturday morning recreating the cupcakes from our wedding. I know quite a few of you who read this blog were there two years ago when Bama Man and I tied the knot, but for those new bloggy friends who were not, there is something you need to know: Our wedding was home to the best chocolate cupcakes (with buttercream frosting, of course) the world has ever seen. It's true. And ever since the last, solitary leftover cupcake was eaten, I have missed them very much. Me, being overly emotional about cupcakes? Shocking, I know. Anyway, I have never been able to do anything about it previously, but my dear friend who baked them let me in on a few secrets, and guess what, I did it! Granted, they are not exactly the same, but they are so very, very close and I am satisfied. Which is evidenced by the fact we have managed to eat almost two dozen in 5 days. I would post a picture...but there isn't really much to see anymore...

Let's see, what else....

Well I managed to wash my brand new amazing white Christmas sweater with last year's red Christmas sweater, which resulted in a few pinks spots, but after soaking it in freezing cold water for 3 days, and trying very hard not to cry, they (almost) completely came out!

Also, I can't stop watching Gwenyth Paltrow's 'Glee' rendition of "Forget You" even though I stopped watching the show months ago. And I have been playing a reidiculous amount of computer solitaire, since Bama Man introduced me to the 'Vegas' option...and I might have a fake money gambling problem.

I know I said I would post my To Do in 2011 list, and I haven't forgotten. I've just been thinking about it. I had quite a few short term goals on it that I have already completed (not the least of which is making my linen closet look like the magazine pictures that make me shudder at my own inadequacy) so I'm trying to limit my updated list to slightly more long-term goals. Or, at least things that may take me more than an afternoon. Know what I mean? Unfortunately, you may recognize some of these from last year. I'll do better this time. So here they are..

Master the Pancake (I am quite good at homemade waffles, pancakes on the other hand, are my constant struggle)

Get Wedding Pictures and album developed (I know, it's awful I still haven't done)

Develop Honeymoon pictures

(Finally) Finish the Guest Room

Figure out a way to keep from falling asleep on the couch at eight or nine every night

Make curtains for our house

And something else I forgot, but will post when I remember

Hello Dear World

2011-01-10T08:51:00.000-06:00

Hello Friends,

It's possible you may have noticed my recent absence of (oh my goodness) a month or so. It's simple really. A little over a year ago, frustrated as a newlywed by the shocking lack of resources available to help an old fashioned girl like myself simplify and enjoy everyday living, I set out to remedy the situation myself. I started this blog, Vacuum in Pearls, and attempted to create a place to document my advances and encourage others as I become a better housekeeper and wife. It was a lovely experience. Until the day I looked around and found I was doing more blogging about than actual "becoming." Pardon my transparency, but it was time for a priorities check. I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss it, but God gave me the grace to think about it a lot less often than I thought I would.

Anyway, I'm back! Probably not as often as I was previously, but still back. I've honestly embraced this year as a time to simplify, downsize, organize, and get back to basics. (Cliche right?) I'm thinking....fresh. Like my new blog layout (that's my stove back there by the way).

As I revamped my blog I took a good hard look at my "To Do in 2010" list and stuck my tongue out at the many things left undone this year (see why I needed a break). I'm bumping them to 2011. Stay tuned for a new and improved to-do list for the coming year. What are some of your expectations for this year?

I hope y'all had a wonderful Christmas season, and that 2011 is treating you well. I hope you'll stick around and celebrate this fresh year with me!

p.s. I just have to tell you that this weekend I became a virtual superwoman and cleaned out, organized, and labeled both my linen closet and pantry. Aren't you proud?

November

2010-11-04T07:45:00.000-05:00

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

2010-11-02T08:49:00.000-05:00

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

2010-10-30T19:40:00.000-05:00

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"

2010-10-26T08:57:00.001-05:00

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!

2010-10-20T07:23:00.000-05:00

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

2010-10-18T12:14:00.000-05:00

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

2010-10-17T14:32:00.000-05:00

What will you be up to tonight?

Happy Saturday!

2010-10-16T17:37:00.001-05:00

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

2010-10-12T19:02:00.000-05:00

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...

2010-10-10T08:00:00.001-05:00

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!

2010-10-08T15:00:00.000-05:00

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

2010-10-02T21:55:00.000-05:00

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...

2010-09-30T07:44:00.000-05:00

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

Hello Autumn, I've Missed You

2010-09-29T19:30:00.000-05:00

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

2010-09-26T10:02:00.000-05:00

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!

2010-09-25T11:13:00.000-05:00

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

2010-09-23T18:18:00.000-05:00

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,

Watching Laura

2010-09-21T07:12:00.000-05:00

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

2010-09-09T07:26:00.000-05:00

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

2010-09-07T10:27:00.000-05:00

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

2010-08-28T12:00:00.000-05:00

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)

2010-08-21T14:13:00.000-05:00

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

2010-08-20T07:10:00.000-05:00

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

2010-06-26T18:39:00.000-05:00

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

2010-06-26T13:54:00.001-05:00

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

2010-06-20T16:19:00.000-05:00

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

2010-06-16T09:06:00.000-05:00

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

2010-06-15T18:03:00.000-05:00

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

2010-05-24T18:43:00.000-05:00

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

2010-05-22T20:51:00.000-05:00

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.

2010-05-20T13:11:00.001-05:00

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

2010-05-15T17:15:00.001-05:00

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

2010-05-11T18:40:00.000-05:00

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

2010-05-08T19:42:00.000-05:00

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

2010-05-05T18:41:00.000-05:00

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!

2010-05-05T17:34:00.000-05:00

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

2010-05-01T15:10:00.000-05:00

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

2010-04-29T19:36:00.000-05:00

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!

2010-04-28T09:36:00.000-05:00

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!

2010-04-27T12:41:00.000-05:00

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

2010-04-20T17:44:00.000-05:00

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.

Fried-Day

2010-03-29T21:03:00.000-05:00

That's right. This last Friday I home-fried chicken. All by myself! I mean, I have done it before, but not without, what you might call, "adult supervision." Sure, the homemade macaroni I made to go on the side was a complete failure (word of advice: do not confuse "corn starch," "with corn meal") but even that could not qualsh my triumph.

My Mammaw would be proud.

Grocery Budget

2010-03-26T20:24:00.001-05:00

Whew! 2 hours, 3 grocery stores, and about $100 later, I have enough groceries to last the rest of the month (with the exception of milk, which is kind of annoying, but nothing I can't deal with). I think I have previously communicated my frustration at keeping on top of things. I am done constantly running out of food when it feels like I live at the grocery store. Done with the 5 o'clock panic when deciding what to make for supper. Done being bored when I get locked into making the same four casseroles over, and over, and over. Done, done, and.....done. So, with a little determination, forethought, and a pinch of elbow grease I did it!!!

I made a plan, got to shopping, and spent my entire grocery budget for exactly what we needed to eat, eat, eat. Sure, I had to shop sales at three different stores, and sure I spent my whole month's budget, and sure it was kind of a hassle to get all the planning done, especially with the knowledge that we will probably deviate from the planned menu. But I can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that I have a little structure, and a stocked kitchen! So, as it stands now, here is the intended menu for the next few weeks:

Friday: Homemade chicken tenders with macaroni and cheese
Saturday: Tacos
Sunday: TBD
Monday: Chicken on the Ritz casserole with a veggie
Tuesday: Taco Skillet (With leftover taco meat)
Wednesday: TBD
Thursday: Slow cook Cajun chicken with rice (New recipe, so we'll see how it works out)
Friday: Asian chicken rice or noodles
Saturday: Calzones (I'm pretty excited about this!)
Sunday: TBD
Monday: Cheesy chicken and rice casserole
Tuesday: Spaghetti
Wednesday: TBD
Thursday: Pork Chops with mashed potatoes
Friday: Homemade lasagna

That's two weeks, and by then I'll have a new plan. Sundays and Wednesdays are the wild cards because of church, so the options include eating out, paninis, burgers, leftover, etc. In fact, Bama Man is an expert on the grill, so burgers are a worthy substitute any night of the week, if the weather permits.

So, are you proud? I am! We'll see how long this lasts, and I will be sure to keep you posted. Sooner, rather than later I'm sure, as my first step is to make homemade fried chicken, which I have done before, but not without "adult supervision."

It will be blog-worthy, I am sure.

Happy Thursday!

2010-03-25T08:23:00.001-05:00

7 o'clock came too early this morning. It's rainy, gray, and a little chilly. It's pretty slow going around here, even Walker is slumming it this morning. I have a cup of french press and two biscuits in me, and it's still not working any miracles. Even watching Chandler (From Friends) sing "I will survive" in a helium voice isn't getting the job done. Good thing I read my Psalms this morning. I highly recommend Psalm 25 - check it out!

Hope your Thursday is brighter and perkier than mine!

Concerning Shopping

2010-03-24T13:12:00.000-05:00

I've never been one of those girls who finds the gratification of life within a mall. Don't get me wrong, I have always enjoyed a little shopping. I've just never felt, like so many other normal young women I know, the urge to "shop 'til you drop."

Lately, however, I have really been in the mood for new clothes. Maybe it is the changing weather that triggers my childhood remembrance of buying "vacation clothes." Maybe it's the fact that I am purging and ridding myself of a mountain of previously loved items. Maybe it's the new job, Easter, or just plain want. It's not ungratefulness or anything, just a little craving for the new. Regardless of the reason, I think I am going to have to satisfy my craving soon.

Anyone want to join me?

Last Minute Drop Biscuits

2010-03-24T10:54:00.000-05:00

I realize it's been all recipes lately, but I suppose I've just been in that sort of mood. It's been one of those weeks where groceries are starting to run thin, my appetite (unfortunately) is not. That being said, I have taken part in more than one frenzied search of something to munch. So, I did some internet browsing, some tweaking, and finally - BAKING! So, this is for those of you craving something munchable - add butter, jelly, or honey, for extra yummy goodness!

2 cups flour
2 Tablespoons sugar
1 Tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 shortening (I'm sure butter would be just as good, if not better)
1 cup milk

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Lightly grease cookie sheets.

2. Mix dry ingredients. Cut in shortening with a fork (I found this easier than loading up my food processor, but you may prefer to use one). Stir in milk.

3. Bake for 12 minutes until golden brown

4. Curl up with a cup of coffee, Pride and Prejudice, and enjoy!

"Just Like Taco Bell" Quesadillas

2010-03-23T21:41:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I wouldn't give something I cooked myself that sort of endorsement (I try to hold on to some shred of modesty), I am merely passing on BamaMan's opinions. Also a favorite with my Daddy, but he still has an obligation to say stuff like that. I am so incredibly blessed by the men in my life! You can make them yourself and see if you agree. (The quesadillas. Not the men. Sorry.)

My recipe was just for the two of us, so you will probably want to double it, in fact the whole recipe is pretty much up to interpretation (I'm almost positive you really can't go wrong) but this is what I used....

1 large (about 1/2 pound) chicken breast
4 8-inch flour tortillas
2 cups of shredded cheese
Taco Seasoning
Water
Salsa, for dipping

1. Boil the chicken breast until cooked through (this would actually be an ideal recipe to use for leftover chicken of some kind - just use whatever you have). When chicken is cooked through use two forks to shred it. Place in medium skillet and follow directions on taco seasoning package to flavor chicken.

2. Heat griddle or skillet and butter surface. When butter is melted, lay first tortilla on top. Layer 1/2 cup cheese, half of chicken, 1/2 cup cheese, and second tortilla. When cheese is starting to melt and the bottom tortilla is browned - flip. When both sides are browned, and cheese is melted, remove from heat and slice however you see fit.

3. Repeat for second Quesadilla!

Admittedly, ridiculously easy. So easy, it was almost difficult to write you a recipe for it :) Perfect for any guys in the house who are biting there manly nails over the College Basketball tournaments.

Enjoy, let me know how it goes!

Dreaming of Sweets

2010-03-23T10:32:00.000-05:00

Okay, I gave up all things sweet for Lent and even though there are only a few weeks left,for any of you that know me personally, you now I am battling great cravings. With that in mind, I have been fondly remembering the homemade cupcakes I made several weeks ago, and thought I would share the recipie with you so that someone could benefit from the chocolate-y, creamy goodness!

I found these recipes in a cookbook I have cherished to the point of tattered pages and crinkled cover: "How to Cook Everything" by Mark Bittman - Check it out!

Chocolate Cake

ingredients:

8 Tablespoons of Butter, softened

2 cups flour (All purpose or Cake)

3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, roughly chopped

1 cup sugar

2 eggs, separated

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 & 1/4 cups milk

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and butter muffin tins.

2. I used a double broiler but you can also use a small saucepan to melt the chocolate over very low heat. When chocolate is almost completely melted, remive from heat and stir until smooth.

3. With electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. beat in egg yolks, one at a time, then the vanilla, and finally the chocolate. Mix the dry ingredients and then add them to the chocolate mixture by hand, alternating with the milk. Stir until combined and smooth.

4. Beat egg whites until white and fluffy. Use a rubber spatula to gently, but thoroughly, fold them into batter. Pour into muffin tins, filling over halfway.

5. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Cool before icing with Butter Cream Frosting - see recipe below!

Vanilla Butter Cream Frosting

8 Tablespoons butter, softened

4 cups cofectioners' sugar

6 Tablespoons cream or milk (I originally used milk, but it ended up slightly thinner)

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1. Depending on how soft the butter is, use a firk or electric mixer to cream the butter. Gradually work in sugar, alternating with the cream*.

2. Stir in vanilla. Mix well after each addition, and if mixture seems too thick add milk/cream, if too thin, refrigerate it.

*If you want a double chocolate experience, add 2 ounces melted and cooled unsweetened chocolate to mixture after adding about half the sugar. Make it mocha by substituting 2 Tbs. very strong coffee for 2 Tbs. milk/cream with the chocolate.

Happy baking! (And know I am insanely jealous of you)

June Goes Nanny

2010-03-21T08:53:00.001-05:00

Oh my goodness. I failed to come through on the blog-promises, yet again. I will get around to Irish-ness by April 17th I am sure.

The truth is, time has truly been slipping through my fingers. Between work, and school, and teaching, and keeping my house realatively clean, there jut doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day. And I hate cliche terms like that, but it just so happens to hold true in this situation. The mere fact that Iam squeezing in blogging time before running out the door to church should be evidence of this. (And I should actually be using these precious minutes to work on my Spainish.) The unpleasant fact is, my life has been running a little mad as of late.

But I have good news.

I finally found a new, better for my life, will actually work with my schedule, has something remotely to do with my life goals, job! Yep, that dear little wish I have been praying for has finally come to pass, and I feel like a new woman. More money, more time, more being off on weekends and evenings. More happy. Plus, I don't have to contort myself into being a salewomen anymore. June Cleaver is going Nanny! I get to spend my days chasing around a sweet little one-and-a-half-year old girl, blogging - I mean- doing homework while she is napping, and wrap up the whole thing by being home in time to make dinner and spend the evening with BamaMan! Like I said, I am just a touch excited. Just a touch.....

Unfortunatly, every silver lining has some smoggy mass attached to it. The only downside to beginning my new wonderful job.........is giving notice at my old one. I've always been close with my managers, and my assistant managers already know I am leaving. They are understanding. They are excited for me. They are not my store manager.

Wish me luck as I head out into the unknown armed with nothing but determination, and my two-week notice....

Blog Failure

2010-03-16T15:05:00.000-05:00

Well, I have officially become a blog failure. I knew this would happen eventually. As with most of my writing projects, I have managed to push my blog so far onto the back burner that I can't even smell what a horrible neglected mess it is. So, seventeen days ago I promised to spend the month delving in Irish History and culture and to pass on my discoveries. It is now March 16th and I haven't related one "wee" bit of celtic-ness. I have let down my readers who were looking forward to this (read: Miss Deb).

Not that it matters, but I happen to have a couple pretty good excuses. First, due to Spring Break, I've been pulling overtime at work, which has pretty much sucked the life out of my exsistence, plus when I had the time my computer has been really flakey, and, as it turns out, Ireland happens to have a lot of information to choose from. Whew. Okay, now that I am done whining, I actually have a pretty good solution: The Year of Erin Go Braugh!

Starting tomorrow, Saint Patrick's Day, I will feature an Irish tidbit, recipe, trivia, etc, on the 17th of each month, until we meet again on St. Patty's Day 2011! This way, I acomplish my goal of expanding my knowledge of all things Irish in a balanced attainable way I might actually be able to pull off, and you get to be along for the ride. So, that is the plan ladies and...ladies. We'll see you back here tomorrow for our first Erin Go Braugh segment!

Erin Go Braugh!

2010-03-01T11:06:00.000-06:00

As it is March, it's time to celebrate my heritage (and actually accomplish one of my New Year's Goals along the way!). Stay tuned for Erin Go Braugh! From now until Saint Patrick's Day, March 18th, we will be featuring tidbits of Irish Culture and History for your enjoyment, and as previously mentioned, the fulfillment of my 2010 goals!

For starters, here is some trivia for you:

The term "Erin Go Braugh!" is an old Gaelic phrase, generally translated as "Ireland Forever!" traditionally used to express allegiance to Ireland.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-03-01T10:25:00.000-06:00

Okay, so I get that it's practically a month late, but my blogging has been unavoidably detained as of late. Did you have a pleasant Valentine's Day? I hope so. Mine was spread out over the weekend, and quite fabulous! The headliner of the event was BamaMan's gift to me......a Food Processor!

Sure, most women prefer more "sentimental" things like choclate, flowers, and the like. Some might even have been offended by the offering of a kitchen appliance. BamaMan was warned by coworkers, and chastised by friends. But here's the funny thing: I love it!

Sure, part of it is because I'm so darn domesticated. I'm the sort of girl who revels in redecorating, and delights in housekeeping. But it's more than that. I've been mentioning my desire for a food processor for months. I assumed it would be one of those things I would save up for a little and eventually buy. And all the while, BamaMan was listening. He acknowledged my desire, remembered my off-hand remarks, thought about what I really wanted, and made it happen.

Now that's romantic!

Next step: Actually using it! Any ideas?

Now, Voyager

2010-02-10T10:11:00.001-06:00

My favorite Bette Davis movie, "Now Voyager" came on Turner Classic Movies, yesterday. I can hear my Momma laughing to herself as she reads this since I have a tendency to claim every Bette Davis movie as my "favorite," but I think this might actually be it, besides "All About Eve" and "The Letter" and "Mrs. Skeffington" okay, so I have problem. But here's the thing: I think I finally figured out what makes these movies so attractive to me. Bette Davis is simply dripping with glamour. And I want it! Unfortunately, glamour seems to be an illusive quality for me.

I seem to have an immortal struggle with the quality that starlets like Bette, Grace, and Gene just seem to intrinsically posses. Grace Kelly oozed so much glamour, she caught the attention (and love, we hope) of an actually Prince, and became a true life Princess.

And then there's me. The girl who got "Doris Day" on the "Which Classic Hollywood Lady are you?" Before any Doris Day fans get riled up, I am not suggesting that Doris doesn't have a certain glamorous quality about her. She has her moments. But if someone had to describe her in one word......cute. I'm really done being cute. Cute is fine, I'd just like to channel a little glamour occasionally.

So, along with the rest of my self-improvements (which have not been going very well in general , but that's another post altogether) I'm putting, "Add more glamour to your life" on the list. Of course, I have really no idea how to go about it.

Any ideas?

P.S. I hope it's obvious, but I in no way approve of the fact Bette is smoking in the first picture

Rest in Piece, Pierce

2010-02-10T09:16:00.000-06:00

This week, after a brief illness, our cat Pierce, the Momma's boy concerto, passed away. I'm angry and sad, but adjusting. I realize, and always knew, that pets eventually die, but it was still so unexpected. I guess part of me just assumed there would be two cats to terrorize the Christmas tree next year. That there would be two curious faces waiting for us at the door when we brought the first baby home. That I would never have a moment's peace in the ladies' room, because his little mustached face would always be watching me. Now there is no one to steal my pen while I'm trying to do homework. I even threw a wad of notebook paper on the ground for him to play with yesterday, only to recall his absence. Of course, there is always Walker. Our new Momma's boy in this time of tragedy. I still have no peace in the ladies' room, and I still have a hard time doing homework, even if the method is different (Walker simply sits on whatever it is that I'm working on, notebook, laptop, etc.) Yes, we still have one little terror running around, and I am more grateful for him than ever before.

So long little buddy, it was a blast while it lasted. I hope Heaven is full of twisty ties...

Desert Song

2010-02-04T15:50:00.000-06:00

This is my prayer in the desert
When all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in my hunger and need
My God is the God who provides

This is my prayer in the fire
In weakness and trial and pain
There is a faith proved of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord through the flame

I will bring praise, I will bring praise
No weapon formed against me shall remain
I will rejoice, I will declare
God is my victory and HE is here

This is my prayer inthe battle
When triumph is still on it's way
I am a conquerer and co-heir with Christ
So firm on His promise I'll stand

I will bring praise, I will bring praise
No weapon formed against me shall remain
I will rejoice, I will declare
God is my victory and He is here

All of my life, in every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship

This is my prayer in the harvest
When favor and providence flow
I know I'm filled to be emptied again
This seed I've recieved I will sow

By Brooke Fraiser, Hillsong United

To Bama Man

2010-01-17T09:16:00.000-06:00

Before we got married, I was tried constantly with well-meaning people who told me I wouldn't always feel the same way about you, that the honeymoon doesn't last forever, that after the first year things would be different.

Well, I never thought I'd say this, but I guess they were right.

Because you show me something new everyday that I love about you, the "real world" has turned out to be even better than a few days in Peurto Rico, and after this first year together I'm even more in love with you than I ever was before.

Thanks for the best time I've ever had. Happy first year anniversary, here's to the rest!

Yes, I Know It's The 12th

2010-01-12T16:09:00.000-06:00

Though I'm not a general believer in New Year's resolutions I am a firm believer in self-improvement. Sometimes self-imprvement is like stepping into a vat of ice water, but hey, it's good for you (the improvement, not the ice water) And so, as ambitious as this list has gotten, here are a few thoughts for my new year.....

1. Get my wedding album developed - It's been almost a year for goodness sake

2. Develop an organization/cleaning schedule, and stick to it - No matter how tired I am after work

3. Pick 12 deserving books from my over-crowded shelves and actually read them

4. Write to my Meme every-other Friday

5. Purge my wardrobe and other formerly-beloved things that could use a better home - As well as recirculate and put to god use the things I can't live without

6. Have a Yard Sale - That stuff's got to go somewhere

7. Set up my guestroom and put it to proper use at least once this year - It is currently serving as the scary room full of misplaced junk that you see on shows like "Clean House"

8. Become an expert on Irish history and culture - For a third generation immigrant, obsessed about her roots, I know embarrassingly little about the beautiful county I (partially) came from

9. Cook or Bake one new thing a week - Topping the list are homemade pasta, chocolate mouse, and pork chops

10. Lose 5 pounds - or tone it but it's got to go somewhere, by exercising portion control and..just exercising

11. Put things away when I am done with them - sounds elementary, I know, but when your parents tell you it's an important habit to get into before you grow up, they are not kidding!

12. Master the art of extreme couponing

13. Decrease my sugar intake - Possibly the hardest since I'm such a sweet tooth, but I'm starting small, with my morning coffee

14. Drink more water and start drinking green tea - my skin needs a little more love

15. Become a better student and a better teacher by remaining organized - as well as getting of my you-know-what and getting stuff done

16. Get my rings cleaned once every six months

And possibly the most important...

17. Talk less and listen more!

Sure, I've lost almost two weeks headstart, but better late than never. Wish me luck!

Nocturne

2010-01-03T13:32:00.000-06:00

Cats. They can't be trusted. I am not a dog person and generally advocate for cats against the many confused Americans that seem to think that cats are fickle creatures with too much attitude and too little personality. Okay, so cats ARE fickle, and I can't argue that they have LOTS of attitude, however, one thing cats DO NOT lack is personality. Let me tell you something, Our cats have placed themselves as the substitutes for our unborn children from day one. They are worse than toddlers.

Before I moved in, my husband had one cat, Walker, who followed him around to the point of insanity where he actually brought home a second cat, Pierce, just to give Walker something to do. In typical fashion, he was unable to outsmart the cat, and now they both follow him around. When I moved in, even though they had seen me on numerous occasions and were plenty grateful for my attention on those days, we had some adjustment issues. The cats actually shunned me and made it perfectly clear they were choosing to ignore my existence until I actually ceased to exist. Which I didn't. I'm happy to say that after almost a year, filled with an embarrassing amount of bribing, they've given in. Of course, what I neglected to prepare for was that I am now the one they follow around when my Husband is not home. Pierce is the particular Momma's boy. When I wake up, Pierce is there. When I eat breakfast, Pierce is most definitely there. When I do chores, Pierce is there. When I use the ladies room, you guessed it.

The thing about overly attentive cats is that they expect you to be overly attentive. That being said, it should come as no surprise that it makes the cats very anxious when we go to bed at night. Since Christmas we have taken to locking them in "their" room rather then merely locking them out of ours. But those cats. They are not to be trusted. They simply can not stand the fact that I may be sleeping peacefully somewhere in the house instead of begging them to let me pet them! So last night, minutes after drifting in to sleep, my husband and I were woken by a melodic crashing of fantastic proportions. Think "Phantom of the Opera." Since a picture is worth a thousand words, allow me to simply leave you with this...

I'm sure our neighbors were thrilled....

A Writer Writes

2010-01-02T14:08:00.001-06:00

Happy January 3rd! The new year is starting to feel just a little less unique even though the faint smell of explosives is still hanging in the air. Due to time off from work, my husband and I have been absolutely gorging ourselves on rest. It's been a wonderful lapse from reality. So, today I spent all morning and 4 cups of coffee (which is less common than most people that know me may think) poring over a delightful married life blog I just accidentally happened upon. It was refreshing, honest, informative, and above all fun. It astounded me how kindred I felt to the blogger as I giggled and winced over so many situations I felt myself personally relating to, all the while thinking to myself, "I could have written this!" Bringing up the now painfully obvious question - "why don't you, ya dingbat!"

It's shocking how much of my life has been filled with me, whining in the shadows of other blogs, columns, and books that I planned on writing, want to write, but just....don't. Now, I'm sure there is some overwhelming psychology that keeps me in this catatonic writer's block. My Dad's solution was attempting to break down the walls by repeating, practically constantly, that "a writer writes." Don't get me wrong Daddy, I'm grateful. It's just weird seeing yourself as such a hypocrite. Of course, this is one hypocrisy that would be easily solved if I was just a little less lazy, and a little less concerned about perfection. My goodness, ego is a powerful force!

Now while I remain intensely cynical of New Year's resolutions in many respects, I do intend on making a comeback in 2010. Here's to rising above hypocrisy and fear, and actually getting something done. What about you? What great fear are you rising above this year?

My First Christmas As A Mrs.

2009-12-29T16:23:00.000-06:00

Since it was an absolute blast, I think it only far that I touch on my first Christmas as a Married Woman. I suppose I won't go into the details of festivities and such (We made rounds with the families, spent time by ourselves, and wrapped it all up with the new Sherlock movie, which was incredible by the way) but i do have one thing to point out.

There comes a time in every young lady's life when she looks herself up and down, taps herself on the shoulder, checks her pulse, and realizes....she's a woman. My moment came, quite appropriately, on my first married Christmas when I looked around and realized that, among the many other things, many of my gifts were kitchen appliances, aromatheraputic cleaning supplies, and gift cards to high-end grocery stores - because that's what I wanted!

Growing up, I have found my Momma ridiculous to buy gifts for. Partially because I have a hard time picking out gifts for anyone I care about that I feel are "good enough." but mostly, in her case, because she very often asks for "tools" of her trade...which happens to be a full time Homemaker. Something about buying Mom a good set of pots and pans never seemed adequate to me. This however, was before I understood the relationship of a woman and her household, a woman and her kitchen. I suddenly, and quite unexpectedly do now. Which also begs the question, is that transformation into womanhood actually found in that quirky moment when you look and realize you're becoming your Mother.

What do you think? When did your a-ha moment come?

Lesson Learned In 2009

2009-12-29T16:17:00.000-06:00

When it comes to cooking mistakes, cut your losses and start over.

Now I realize some - if not most- of you may disagree with me, and perhaps this is a guideline subjecive to each home chef, but for me, it had become gospel. It's a matter of control really. Wanting to fix something, that is cearly beyond you. Trying to work outside the law! Okay, maybe not the law, but the recipie. Unfortunatly for me, I usually find myself ending in failure...messy failure. Anyway, wish me luck!

May I rise above my kitchen mistakes in 2010!

P.S. Christmas reporting soon to come