Well, I thought I was done for today after the previous post but then I remembered that today is Friday. And I have a GREAT recipe. Make it today if you are starting your diet tomorrow because this is probably not going to be on the list of foods you can have.
So, here's the challenge: go now to your locally-owned grocery store, get all of the ingredients, make this immediately and eat til your hearts content. I have this cake in the refrigerator right now. I think I'll go have a piece. Yes, I know. You don't have to remind me it's only 9:20 in the morning.
Butterfinger Cake
1 box chocolate cake mix (Duncan Hines Dark Chocolate Fudge is a good one), plus eggs, water, and oil needed to prepare
1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
1 jar caramel sauce (the ice cream topping)
1 8 oz container Cool Whip
3 full sized Butterfinger bars, crushed
Directions:
1. Prepare cake mix and bake as according to instructions on the box using a 9x13 pan.
2. Leave oven on. While cake is still hot, poke holes in it ( a wooden skewer works well). Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over the hot cake. Let sit until most of the milk sinks into cake.
2. Heat caramel in microwave just until it is a good consistency for pouring. Pour evenly over cake. Turn oven off and then place the cake in the oven for about 5 minutes. Take out and place in refrigerator overnight.
3. When ready to serve, spread Cool Whip over the top of the cake and sprinkle with crushed Butterfingers.
Friday, December 31, 2010
2010 Top 10
I know some bloggers do those really deep and meaningful Top Ten Lists each year and I had high aspirations of that at first but to tell you the truth, I’m just not feeling too deep or meaningful today. So for my Top 10 you’re getting such deep subjects as fashion, movies and make-up. Par for the course, I suppose.
1. However, I do have to start with a serious one because when I think back on this year, I think of how good God has been to me and my family. His blessings have overflowed. Yes, we have had our share of troubles, disappointments, and hurts but if I know anything I know that my God is faithful. He is good. He is full of grace and mercy. He is loving. Among a lot of other thankful moments, I just can’t think about this year without thanking Him for protecting my children. That’s why my most thankful moment of 2010 came when in separate accidents both of my children totaled their cars but neither was injured. Praise Him!
Okay, deep breath. Dry my eyes.
2. My favorite movie of 2010: “Toy Story 3.” Hands down. Loved it.
3. My favorite book of 2010: My favorite book of the Bible this year has been Nehemiah. My favorite totally-superficial book is “Happily Ever After” by Nora Roberts. The 4th and final installment in the Bride Quartet about wedding planner, Parker Brown. I aspire to be the wedding planner she is written to be.
4. My favorite television show: Castle. Monday night on ABC. Wouldn’t miss it.
5. My favorite fashion addition. My black tall boots with the 4inch heels. I feel long, lean and sleek in them. And since I am none of those things, I call them “miracle boots.”
6. My favorite beauty addition: My L’Oreal Anti-Redness Primer. The stuff is as green as a gourd. I look like some sort of swamp creature when I put it on. I’m not sure how or why it does what it does but thank goodness, it does.
7. My favorite home addition: The bed in the guest bedroom. It’s rich, dark, heavy and wonderful. Everything else in this room is neutral in color. I love the way that bed anchors the room. Followed closely by the “ground beef crumbler” from Pampered Chef. One of the best kitchen utensils ever.
8. My favorite travel moment: Our trip to San Francisco in September. And when at the last minute, we got to go to the Georgia/Florida game. And when the entire family traveled to Orlando. Okay, I can't choose.
9. My favorite activity: I’d have to say it is doing the “What’s for Supper?” segment every day. This is a God-thing if there ever was one and I could not enjoy it more.
10. My biggest accomplishment this year: I guess that would be losing some weight. I give God the glory here for the resolve, discipline and self control He gave me because goodness knows it came from Him and not me.
I’m going to be back soon with some 2011-related goals. I would love to hear yours.
1. However, I do have to start with a serious one because when I think back on this year, I think of how good God has been to me and my family. His blessings have overflowed. Yes, we have had our share of troubles, disappointments, and hurts but if I know anything I know that my God is faithful. He is good. He is full of grace and mercy. He is loving. Among a lot of other thankful moments, I just can’t think about this year without thanking Him for protecting my children. That’s why my most thankful moment of 2010 came when in separate accidents both of my children totaled their cars but neither was injured. Praise Him!
Okay, deep breath. Dry my eyes.
2. My favorite movie of 2010: “Toy Story 3.” Hands down. Loved it.
3. My favorite book of 2010: My favorite book of the Bible this year has been Nehemiah. My favorite totally-superficial book is “Happily Ever After” by Nora Roberts. The 4th and final installment in the Bride Quartet about wedding planner, Parker Brown. I aspire to be the wedding planner she is written to be.
4. My favorite television show: Castle. Monday night on ABC. Wouldn’t miss it.
5. My favorite fashion addition. My black tall boots with the 4inch heels. I feel long, lean and sleek in them. And since I am none of those things, I call them “miracle boots.”
6. My favorite beauty addition: My L’Oreal Anti-Redness Primer. The stuff is as green as a gourd. I look like some sort of swamp creature when I put it on. I’m not sure how or why it does what it does but thank goodness, it does.
7. My favorite home addition: The bed in the guest bedroom. It’s rich, dark, heavy and wonderful. Everything else in this room is neutral in color. I love the way that bed anchors the room. Followed closely by the “ground beef crumbler” from Pampered Chef. One of the best kitchen utensils ever.
8. My favorite travel moment: Our trip to San Francisco in September. And when at the last minute, we got to go to the Georgia/Florida game. And when the entire family traveled to Orlando. Okay, I can't choose.
9. My favorite activity: I’d have to say it is doing the “What’s for Supper?” segment every day. This is a God-thing if there ever was one and I could not enjoy it more.
10. My biggest accomplishment this year: I guess that would be losing some weight. I give God the glory here for the resolve, discipline and self control He gave me because goodness knows it came from Him and not me.
I’m going to be back soon with some 2011-related goals. I would love to hear yours.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Christmas 2010
Well, how was everyone's Christmas? Our family had an amazing day then it started to snow and they all ran like the wind. Mother was just sure she was going to have to stay with us if she didn't get home this very second and that wouldn't be so bad except we don't go to bed at 6:00 and don't have two electric blankets in every room. Oh, by the way, D got me an electric blanket for Christmas and the two of us are extremely happy together. In fact, he calls my name every night when I get home and we don't leave each other's company until I absolutely have to. And then I have separation issues.
Christmas morning every one of my family members was under my roof and nothing makes me happier. I served them homemade cinnamon rolls and yes, I did make them myself. And they had yeast in them which is important to note because in the past, I have sworn off any recipe that had yeast in it. I admit, it was pure fear - fear of not rising or fear of rising so much that the batter would take over the whole kitchen. (I think I saw that in a really bad movie once). I conquered my fear and made the best cinnamon rolls in history, my history anyway. Then we opened presents and ate again. We do love to eat in this family. Oh and I got two cookbooks and recipe software for Christmas!! (Actually I got three cookbooks for Christmas because I treated myself to Christy Jordan's cookbook, "Southern Plate" because I got one for E and hey, I needed one too after all). Anyway, I simply cannot wait to get cooking. Yay!!
We braved the snow Christmas evening and went to the movies. We saw "The Tourist" and I liked it alot. We had seen "True Grit" earlier in the week and I liked it even more. Yes, it is a western with lots of saloons, hangins', shootin' and the such but for a girl who watched "Gunsmoke" and "Bonanza" every time they came on tv as a child, I am very accustomed to a good western. I thought Jeff Bridges did a great job (okay, he's no John Wayne but who is?) and the girl who plays Mattie is awesome. All in all, both of these movies were worth the money we paid and I don't say that too often.
By Sunday, my electric blanket and I were warming up to each other and by the end of the day, we had totally cemented our relationship. We didn't leave each other all day. G had gotten me John Grisham's new book for Christmas, "The Confession" and I read it all in one day. And it was no easy read since it deals directly with the death penalty and someone who is facing it. But like most of John Gresham's books, once you start them, you just can't stop. And then, since I was totally in the reading mood, I moved on to the book I had gotten D for Christmas, George Bush's "Decision Points." Well, it's like reading a suspense novel so I can hardly put it down. I have total respect for this man and his presidency especially after reading his accounts of 9/11 and the struggles he faced not only as president but as a man.
Because we have been snowed in (i.e. there is snow on the ground), I thought I would rent us a few movies. NetFlix just couldn't get them to us fast enough so I went to the movie rental store and got three movies. I watched "Eat, Love, Pray" with Julia Roberts last night. Interesting movie. I hadn't read the book so I wasn't sure what to expect. Let me just say, I thought the scenery of Italy, India and Bali was the best part. You didn't know you were going to get a movie review post today, did you? It's so rare that we see a movie that's not at least a year out from the box office and then they are pretty much forgotten.
Thinking about "Eat, Love, Pray" - there is FREE download on Beth Moore's website (lproof.org) of her Living Proof Live teaching called "Eat, Pray, Love" except this is based on the book of Jeremiah. It will only take you a few minutes to download to your computer. I have only listened to the first one but it was powerful. Much better than the movie. :)
So, if you're thinking all I've done since Christmas is read books and watch movies, you're pretty much right. I have managed to squeeze in working in the office; going to the WindowShop for a total redo of the whole store (after Christmas sale wiped everything out) and a long, wonderful breakfast meeting with a good friend this morning.
Tonight, my boy and some of his buddies have their first paying gig at The Monkey Barrel downtown. I haven't actually seen G play in a band since he played in the Praise Band at church in high school. I know he has because I've seen him toting those drums in and out of our house a jillion times. So I'm excited to actually see him play. I think I am going to have to have a nap before we go because apparently if you play at somewhere like The Monkey Barrel, the bands don't start playing until 10:00. Really? That's getting pretty close to my bed time but you better believe, I will miss my curfew with my electric blanket for my boy.
This is what our house looked like the day after Christmas.
Just a few pictures from Christmas. My family started hollering at me to use my big, beautiful, fancy camera that takes amazing pictures after I pulled out my little pocketsize Nikon. So most of my pictures are on that camera. But to tell you the absolute truth, I have no earthly idea how to load those pictures off of that big camera to this blog. It is my goal in 2011 to learn that skill.
For some reason, G said this nutcracker reminded him of me (well, why do you think I get nutcrackers for you? because someday when I'm dead and gone and you are looking at your nutcracker collection hopefully it will remind you of me :)) This nutcracker is wearing black and white houndstooth with lots of rhinestone bling. And why in the world would that remind him of me?
The first weekend of December, E and N were at a pre-SEC championship concert in Buckhead. They had parked E's car in a parking garage and soon realized that someone had broken into it and stolen both of their briefcases, laptops included. In N's briefcase was a leather portfolio that he used regularly. We had given it to him for either his birthday or Christmas a couple of years earlier. So, he got a deja vu gift from us - another leather portfolio. I don't know what upset E more - losing her laptop or her Coach pocketbook (thankfully it was empty).
Christmas morning every one of my family members was under my roof and nothing makes me happier. I served them homemade cinnamon rolls and yes, I did make them myself. And they had yeast in them which is important to note because in the past, I have sworn off any recipe that had yeast in it. I admit, it was pure fear - fear of not rising or fear of rising so much that the batter would take over the whole kitchen. (I think I saw that in a really bad movie once). I conquered my fear and made the best cinnamon rolls in history, my history anyway. Then we opened presents and ate again. We do love to eat in this family. Oh and I got two cookbooks and recipe software for Christmas!! (Actually I got three cookbooks for Christmas because I treated myself to Christy Jordan's cookbook, "Southern Plate" because I got one for E and hey, I needed one too after all). Anyway, I simply cannot wait to get cooking. Yay!!
We braved the snow Christmas evening and went to the movies. We saw "The Tourist" and I liked it alot. We had seen "True Grit" earlier in the week and I liked it even more. Yes, it is a western with lots of saloons, hangins', shootin' and the such but for a girl who watched "Gunsmoke" and "Bonanza" every time they came on tv as a child, I am very accustomed to a good western. I thought Jeff Bridges did a great job (okay, he's no John Wayne but who is?) and the girl who plays Mattie is awesome. All in all, both of these movies were worth the money we paid and I don't say that too often.
By Sunday, my electric blanket and I were warming up to each other and by the end of the day, we had totally cemented our relationship. We didn't leave each other all day. G had gotten me John Grisham's new book for Christmas, "The Confession" and I read it all in one day. And it was no easy read since it deals directly with the death penalty and someone who is facing it. But like most of John Gresham's books, once you start them, you just can't stop. And then, since I was totally in the reading mood, I moved on to the book I had gotten D for Christmas, George Bush's "Decision Points." Well, it's like reading a suspense novel so I can hardly put it down. I have total respect for this man and his presidency especially after reading his accounts of 9/11 and the struggles he faced not only as president but as a man.
Because we have been snowed in (i.e. there is snow on the ground), I thought I would rent us a few movies. NetFlix just couldn't get them to us fast enough so I went to the movie rental store and got three movies. I watched "Eat, Love, Pray" with Julia Roberts last night. Interesting movie. I hadn't read the book so I wasn't sure what to expect. Let me just say, I thought the scenery of Italy, India and Bali was the best part. You didn't know you were going to get a movie review post today, did you? It's so rare that we see a movie that's not at least a year out from the box office and then they are pretty much forgotten.
Thinking about "Eat, Love, Pray" - there is FREE download on Beth Moore's website (lproof.org) of her Living Proof Live teaching called "Eat, Pray, Love" except this is based on the book of Jeremiah. It will only take you a few minutes to download to your computer. I have only listened to the first one but it was powerful. Much better than the movie. :)
So, if you're thinking all I've done since Christmas is read books and watch movies, you're pretty much right. I have managed to squeeze in working in the office; going to the WindowShop for a total redo of the whole store (after Christmas sale wiped everything out) and a long, wonderful breakfast meeting with a good friend this morning.
Tonight, my boy and some of his buddies have their first paying gig at The Monkey Barrel downtown. I haven't actually seen G play in a band since he played in the Praise Band at church in high school. I know he has because I've seen him toting those drums in and out of our house a jillion times. So I'm excited to actually see him play. I think I am going to have to have a nap before we go because apparently if you play at somewhere like The Monkey Barrel, the bands don't start playing until 10:00. Really? That's getting pretty close to my bed time but you better believe, I will miss my curfew with my electric blanket for my boy.
This is what our house looked like the day after Christmas.
Just a few pictures from Christmas. My family started hollering at me to use my big, beautiful, fancy camera that takes amazing pictures after I pulled out my little pocketsize Nikon. So most of my pictures are on that camera. But to tell you the absolute truth, I have no earthly idea how to load those pictures off of that big camera to this blog. It is my goal in 2011 to learn that skill.D got a new shirt and tie from my momma (I picked it out while she supervised).
For some reason, G said this nutcracker reminded him of me (well, why do you think I get nutcrackers for you? because someday when I'm dead and gone and you are looking at your nutcracker collection hopefully it will remind you of me :)) This nutcracker is wearing black and white houndstooth with lots of rhinestone bling. And why in the world would that remind him of me?The first weekend of December, E and N were at a pre-SEC championship concert in Buckhead. They had parked E's car in a parking garage and soon realized that someone had broken into it and stolen both of their briefcases, laptops included. In N's briefcase was a leather portfolio that he used regularly. We had given it to him for either his birthday or Christmas a couple of years earlier. So, he got a deja vu gift from us - another leather portfolio. I don't know what upset E more - losing her laptop or her Coach pocketbook (thankfully it was empty).
I'm sure you noticed that one skill I have learned in the past couple of days is the changing of my blog background. E had typically done this for me in the past but I was playing around with things the other night and figured it out for myself. (Actually the blog background website had very specific instructions and sometimes I can follow instructions . . . sometimes) So what do you think? Now that I know what I know, I'll be mixing it up for 2011. Speaking of 2011, what your goals? I have goals not resolutions. I'll be sharing mine soon.
Happy Wednesday!
Friday, December 24, 2010
Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree
I have a few minutes before all of our Christmas eve festivities begin, so I was sitting here staring at our Christmas tree, visually taking in all of the beauty. I have a formally "decorated" tree in our living room but the family room tree is just that, the family tree. When I look at our Christmas tree, is nothing but a trip down our family memory lane. I have collected ornaments from every location we have visited on our family vacations. I have every ornament my children ever made. I have many that were precious gifts from special people. I love each and every one.
And then I do the unexpected maybe. I saved E's Christmas doll from when she was a little girl and put it on the tree every year.
And G's angel he made in elementary school. His name written in his own handwriting.
Special photos. G "loves" this one. Check out those beads. :)
E's senior picture.
Both of these were gifts from a precious friend. And the true reason we celebrate.
This just makes my heart happy!
And then I do the unexpected maybe. I saved E's Christmas doll from when she was a little girl and put it on the tree every year.
And G's angel he made in elementary school. His name written in his own handwriting.Special photos. G "loves" this one. Check out those beads. :)
E's senior picture.
Both of these were gifts from a precious friend. And the true reason we celebrate.
This just makes my heart happy!
The Love Bug. My favorite movie when I was growing up. Love that Herbie.
This ornament is so cool. Mickey's silhouette from our surprise Disney vacation in the fall of 2009.
Oh, and the one behind it is one from mine and E's craft party this year. I wrote JandJ on it.
From one of my trips to NYC when we saw the Radio City Music Hall's Rockettes Christmas Spectacular.
This ornament is so cool. Mickey's silhouette from our surprise Disney vacation in the fall of 2009.
Oh, and the one behind it is one from mine and E's craft party this year. I wrote JandJ on it.
From one of my trips to NYC when we saw the Radio City Music Hall's Rockettes Christmas Spectacular.And finally, a photo of my mom and dad taken in the late 70s. Oh my heart.
Merry Christmas Eve 2010!
It's Friday but it's not Food Friday, it is Christmas Eve Friday! Isn't that exciting? and how did that happen, by the way? Doesn't time just go by WAY too fast?
I'm gonna have to be honest with you, I have been in a little funk lately. Don't ask me why. Does a woman have to have a reason? No faster than you can say hormones may be the reason for this. I don't know. But I do know that there is no better way to get a girl out of her self-absorbed funk and smacked back into her reality than to begin counting my blessings. And in my case, hearing about some folks who have some real concerns - like spending Christmas in the hospital because of some very severe injuries; or like having very, very sick children; or like missing their fiance because he is serving in Afghanistan; or like wondering where their rebellious young adult child is spending Christmas. Oh, heavenly day. All this not too depress you, only a reminder to this sometimes too-wrapped-up-in-her-own self girlfriend, that you know what? I.Am.Beyond.Blessed. Beyond. And even if I were in my own personal wilderness, I am still blessed. Because I have a Father who so loved this world that He gave His one and only Son so that I will not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16).
And because of that, we should all have a very Merry Christmas. I hope you do.
I'm gonna have to be honest with you, I have been in a little funk lately. Don't ask me why. Does a woman have to have a reason? No faster than you can say hormones may be the reason for this. I don't know. But I do know that there is no better way to get a girl out of her self-absorbed funk and smacked back into her reality than to begin counting my blessings. And in my case, hearing about some folks who have some real concerns - like spending Christmas in the hospital because of some very severe injuries; or like having very, very sick children; or like missing their fiance because he is serving in Afghanistan; or like wondering where their rebellious young adult child is spending Christmas. Oh, heavenly day. All this not too depress you, only a reminder to this sometimes too-wrapped-up-in-her-own self girlfriend, that you know what? I.Am.Beyond.Blessed. Beyond. And even if I were in my own personal wilderness, I am still blessed. Because I have a Father who so loved this world that He gave His one and only Son so that I will not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16).
And because of that, we should all have a very Merry Christmas. I hope you do.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Food Monday
I have no excuse. It's Monday and here's a great recipe.
I made this recipe a couple of weeks ago and it is amazing. Just be very careful not to overcook it. It is, after all, prime rib. If you don't have a meat thermometer, it's totally worth a couple of dollars to buy one. Better to spend there than to overcook a good (and pricey) cut of meat.
Christmas Dinner Standing Rib Roast
Ingredients:
2-3 Tablespoons olive oil
1 Tablespoon lemon pepper
1 ½ teaspoon garlic salt or powder
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 7 pound standing rib roast
Directions:
1. Rub olive oil over roast. Combine lemon pepper, garlic salt, rosemary and black pepper. Rub over roast.
2. Place roast, fat side up, in a large roasting pan. Insert a meat thermometer.
3. Bake, uncovered, at 425 degrees for 30 minutes. Reduce heat to 325 degrees and bake, 20 minutes per pound.
Enjoy!
I made this recipe a couple of weeks ago and it is amazing. Just be very careful not to overcook it. It is, after all, prime rib. If you don't have a meat thermometer, it's totally worth a couple of dollars to buy one. Better to spend there than to overcook a good (and pricey) cut of meat.
Christmas Dinner Standing Rib Roast
Ingredients:
2-3 Tablespoons olive oil
1 Tablespoon lemon pepper
1 ½ teaspoon garlic salt or powder
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 7 pound standing rib roast
Directions:
1. Rub olive oil over roast. Combine lemon pepper, garlic salt, rosemary and black pepper. Rub over roast.
2. Place roast, fat side up, in a large roasting pan. Insert a meat thermometer.
3. Bake, uncovered, at 425 degrees for 30 minutes. Reduce heat to 325 degrees and bake, 20 minutes per pound.
Enjoy!
Sunday, December 19, 2010
It's a Wonderful Life!
I've been hearing rumblings from one of my regular readers (aka my firstborn) that I haven't been posting often enough for her liking. Well, you know, it's not like I've been sitting around eating bon-bons (or Nutter Butter cookie truffles - hypothetically speaking, of course). So let's just see what I've been up to the past few days. I am requiring order in my life right now, therefore my writing will be numbered. Just the way I like it.
1. Wednesday morning I volunteered at the Care Center. What a blessing it is to be there. I count it a privilege and an honor to share the love of Jesus with the women who come through those doors.
2. Wednesday evening was our annual Christmas Communion at church. This is one of my favorite things to do during the Christmas season. And to make it even more special, not only were my immediate family members all there, so was my momma, D's parents, and our niece. It was awesome. D's sister and her husband were expected to come but they got caught in the 285 parking lot during the ice storm that night. Thankfully, they made it safely to D's parent's house later that evening. I had chili cooking in the crock pot for everyone afterwards along with a Sour Cream Pound Cake, Buttermilk Coconut Pie and German Chocolate Fudge for dessert. You can't have too many desserts I always say.
3. On Thursday, I had lunch with one of my favorite people. You've heard me talk about D's aunts who I love so very much. Well, one of them lives right here in Gainesville so we get together periodically for lunch and this time, to exchange Christmas gifts. We laughed, we cried and everything in between. And we had chicken quesadillas. I don't know what it is with me and chicken quesadillas but every time I go anywhere I feel compelled to order them. They took me to my happy place.
4. Friday, oh, Friday was non-stop. I got to the office about 10:00. Now getting to the office at 10 may sound like I laid in the bed til 9 and then got ready and went. No, sirree. I was out the door by 7:30 and ran errands right up til 10. You know how it is this time of year, there's a million things to do. If the stores would open before 10 in the morning, that would be very helpful. At 11:00 E and I were meeting a bride and her mother. One coming from Ohio; the other from Alabama. There is a really long story about how this couple arrived to get married at Montaluce Winery in May and you wouldn't believe me if I sorted it all out for you. It was incredible. Anyway, we LOVED this mother and daughter. E said to me after the fact, "Mom, they were just like the northern version of us." It was true and that statement just made me smile.
5. Friday afternoon: As you know, I usually go into the radio station at about 4:40 p.m. every day, for about 20 minutes, to do the What's for Supper? segment. Well, the big news on Friday was that the George and BJ Show was coming to us - J and J Foods Limestone Parkway location!! They did the whole show right there in the frozen food section. I thought this was a great idea when we all first talked about it. Then I went to a meeting concerning the details and soon discovered that I was to not only be there the whole time, I would do 10 different segments!! Now granted they were very short segments but still you have to appear to know what you're talking about during those segments. Whoowee! It was interesting to say the least but I had a great time. The folks at Jacobs Media are truly the greatest folks to work with and we just could not have had more fun!
At about 6:15, when the show was over, I ran home, grabbed G, D and our Christmas gifts and headed to D's parent's house for our celebration with his family. Oh, my goodness. As soon as I walked in the door, I could smell the awesomeness. I kicked off those high heels I had been wearing all day and settled in for an amazing evening. We had ham, creamed corn, green beans, sweet potato casserole, homemade yeast rolls - need I go on? We took our traditional family photo, opened gifts, played the Wii and overall, enjoyed each other's company.
6. Yesterday morning, E and I had our annual Cookie Baking Day. We decided to mix it up a little as far as our cookies and little did we know, how much we really would mix it up. I have told y'all that I have created what I call, Crevolyn's Christmas Cookie. So I was telling her about it and feeling a little on the wild side, we decided to change it up even more with our ingredients. What we didn't realize til right before we got ready to drop them on the cookie sheet was that we had left out a very important ingredient - the brown sugar. Oh.No. We had put the white sugar in but completely forgot the brown sugar. I told E that we would have to just go with it and guess what? They turned out great, different but great. This was D's comment when he tasted them, "this may be the weirdest cookie I have ever tasted. It's like a pecan sandie with no pecan, just sandie and chocolate. I can't stop eating them." Now, I'm not quite ready to give away all my secrets because well, to be honest, I haven't quite perfected it yet. It's a process, you know.
Then we made Cookie Truffles with Nutter Butters and milk chocolate. This is another story. We get to the point in the recipe where you are supposed to chill them before you dip them in the chocolate. So, I think I'll be really smart, and go put them out in the cooler in the garage. I get one cookie sheet full in the cooler and then the second. Except the second one is sitting on some bottles and yep, you guessed it, it shifted and cookie truffles went rolling everywhere! All over that garage floor! It was a sad moment in our cookie baking day. But the show must go on and we made it through and had a great time. Finished in plenty of time to have lunch at Panera so all was well with the world.
7. This morning, D and I were pretty tired so we decided we would go to our 11:00 service at church. Now this is what they call the Real Life Service, but we affectionately call it the Rock and Roll Service. But this morning, the music could not have been better. It was awesome. Yes, it was loud and yes, the drums were prevalent. Oh, and get this, the drum line from Chestatee High School even made an experience during one of the songs. It was so cool. I am constantly amazed at the talent of these folks. And Tom's sermon was again, the best. I hope I can share more about it later in the week.
8. Okay, so then after church, we decided to go out to lunch. I have cooked alot this week and honestly, I needed a break. So, we went to one of those buffet places, where it's all you can eat and you pay as you go in. I really wasn't paying much attention as D was paying but something did catch my attention very soon. D handed this young lady a $10 bill for our lunch. Ten Dollars for both of us to eat lunch?? I kinda looked at him puzzled and he just smiled. I thought, oh no, it couldn't be, it just couldn't be. I proceeded to go through the line and couldn't wait until we got to the table to ask the question. Before I could even open my mouth, D handed me the receipt. OH.NO. She.Did.Not. She.Couldn't.Have. But she did. She gave us the . . . Senior Discount.
And on that note I'm done. I'm going to go put my teeth in a glass.
1. Wednesday morning I volunteered at the Care Center. What a blessing it is to be there. I count it a privilege and an honor to share the love of Jesus with the women who come through those doors.
2. Wednesday evening was our annual Christmas Communion at church. This is one of my favorite things to do during the Christmas season. And to make it even more special, not only were my immediate family members all there, so was my momma, D's parents, and our niece. It was awesome. D's sister and her husband were expected to come but they got caught in the 285 parking lot during the ice storm that night. Thankfully, they made it safely to D's parent's house later that evening. I had chili cooking in the crock pot for everyone afterwards along with a Sour Cream Pound Cake, Buttermilk Coconut Pie and German Chocolate Fudge for dessert. You can't have too many desserts I always say.
3. On Thursday, I had lunch with one of my favorite people. You've heard me talk about D's aunts who I love so very much. Well, one of them lives right here in Gainesville so we get together periodically for lunch and this time, to exchange Christmas gifts. We laughed, we cried and everything in between. And we had chicken quesadillas. I don't know what it is with me and chicken quesadillas but every time I go anywhere I feel compelled to order them. They took me to my happy place.
4. Friday, oh, Friday was non-stop. I got to the office about 10:00. Now getting to the office at 10 may sound like I laid in the bed til 9 and then got ready and went. No, sirree. I was out the door by 7:30 and ran errands right up til 10. You know how it is this time of year, there's a million things to do. If the stores would open before 10 in the morning, that would be very helpful. At 11:00 E and I were meeting a bride and her mother. One coming from Ohio; the other from Alabama. There is a really long story about how this couple arrived to get married at Montaluce Winery in May and you wouldn't believe me if I sorted it all out for you. It was incredible. Anyway, we LOVED this mother and daughter. E said to me after the fact, "Mom, they were just like the northern version of us." It was true and that statement just made me smile.
5. Friday afternoon: As you know, I usually go into the radio station at about 4:40 p.m. every day, for about 20 minutes, to do the What's for Supper? segment. Well, the big news on Friday was that the George and BJ Show was coming to us - J and J Foods Limestone Parkway location!! They did the whole show right there in the frozen food section. I thought this was a great idea when we all first talked about it. Then I went to a meeting concerning the details and soon discovered that I was to not only be there the whole time, I would do 10 different segments!! Now granted they were very short segments but still you have to appear to know what you're talking about during those segments. Whoowee! It was interesting to say the least but I had a great time. The folks at Jacobs Media are truly the greatest folks to work with and we just could not have had more fun!
At about 6:15, when the show was over, I ran home, grabbed G, D and our Christmas gifts and headed to D's parent's house for our celebration with his family. Oh, my goodness. As soon as I walked in the door, I could smell the awesomeness. I kicked off those high heels I had been wearing all day and settled in for an amazing evening. We had ham, creamed corn, green beans, sweet potato casserole, homemade yeast rolls - need I go on? We took our traditional family photo, opened gifts, played the Wii and overall, enjoyed each other's company.
6. Yesterday morning, E and I had our annual Cookie Baking Day. We decided to mix it up a little as far as our cookies and little did we know, how much we really would mix it up. I have told y'all that I have created what I call, Crevolyn's Christmas Cookie. So I was telling her about it and feeling a little on the wild side, we decided to change it up even more with our ingredients. What we didn't realize til right before we got ready to drop them on the cookie sheet was that we had left out a very important ingredient - the brown sugar. Oh.No. We had put the white sugar in but completely forgot the brown sugar. I told E that we would have to just go with it and guess what? They turned out great, different but great. This was D's comment when he tasted them, "this may be the weirdest cookie I have ever tasted. It's like a pecan sandie with no pecan, just sandie and chocolate. I can't stop eating them." Now, I'm not quite ready to give away all my secrets because well, to be honest, I haven't quite perfected it yet. It's a process, you know.
Then we made Cookie Truffles with Nutter Butters and milk chocolate. This is another story. We get to the point in the recipe where you are supposed to chill them before you dip them in the chocolate. So, I think I'll be really smart, and go put them out in the cooler in the garage. I get one cookie sheet full in the cooler and then the second. Except the second one is sitting on some bottles and yep, you guessed it, it shifted and cookie truffles went rolling everywhere! All over that garage floor! It was a sad moment in our cookie baking day. But the show must go on and we made it through and had a great time. Finished in plenty of time to have lunch at Panera so all was well with the world.
7. This morning, D and I were pretty tired so we decided we would go to our 11:00 service at church. Now this is what they call the Real Life Service, but we affectionately call it the Rock and Roll Service. But this morning, the music could not have been better. It was awesome. Yes, it was loud and yes, the drums were prevalent. Oh, and get this, the drum line from Chestatee High School even made an experience during one of the songs. It was so cool. I am constantly amazed at the talent of these folks. And Tom's sermon was again, the best. I hope I can share more about it later in the week.
8. Okay, so then after church, we decided to go out to lunch. I have cooked alot this week and honestly, I needed a break. So, we went to one of those buffet places, where it's all you can eat and you pay as you go in. I really wasn't paying much attention as D was paying but something did catch my attention very soon. D handed this young lady a $10 bill for our lunch. Ten Dollars for both of us to eat lunch?? I kinda looked at him puzzled and he just smiled. I thought, oh no, it couldn't be, it just couldn't be. I proceeded to go through the line and couldn't wait until we got to the table to ask the question. Before I could even open my mouth, D handed me the receipt. OH.NO. She.Did.Not. She.Couldn't.Have. But she did. She gave us the . . . Senior Discount.
And on that note I'm done. I'm going to go put my teeth in a glass.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Promised Land Living
Updates: I didn't go to Unicoi yesterday. I stayed right here where it was only 29 degrees for the high and the wind chill was in the single digits. Oh, at the cold. When I called up to Unicoi yesterday morning to let them know I needed to reschedule, I asked the young lady who answered the phone how the roads where. When she answered, "I really don't know. I didn't go home last night, it was just safer for me to stay here at the Lodge," I knew I had made the right decision.
Yesterday afternoon I marched myself right into Wolf Camera and had multiple copies of our family photo made for yes, you guessed it, our Christmas cards. So, as of 10:00 this morning, I will have a zillion copies of a family picture that none of us are really crazy about but that's okay. Later in the day I went to Family Christian Store and got the cards. I walked around and around that card display until I was dizzy and finally yelled to myself "MAKE A DECISION ALREADY." Just to myself, not out loud. So, if I can continue in this semi-motivated vein, I might get a Christmas card or two out this year. That remains to be seen.
One a a more serious note . . . During my quiet time, I've been doing Priscilla Shirer's study, "One in a Million" and oh, at the good. The basic thought is that we need to be doing some Promised Land Living in Christ. Of the two million Israelites that were in oppression in Egypt for 370+ years, TWO made it to the Promised Land of Canaan. TWO. That's one in a million. For the Israelites to obtain freedom from Egyptian bondage, they had to trust in God-empowered Moses as their deliverer. Just as we have to trust in Jesus as our deliverer from our sin.
There is a difference between being free in Christ and living free in Christ. If we are believers, we have been granted freedom. God gives believers in Christ positional sanctification. This means we have a position of "set-apartness," holiness and righteousness that cannot be manipulated or altered. Nothing can be done to remove a true believer from this position. But this cannot be the end goal for someone determined to live in the freedom of Christ.
"It was for freedom that Christ sets us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1
So here is the question to be answered: am I living a lifestyle of freedom? Rest assured, the Enemy want to keep us from living free. He is working against us, so we must work through a process that requires obedience and yieldedness to God . . . everyday.
Now listen closely to this: Being declared free gives us eternal freedom but walking in it gives us daily freedom. It's that daily dying to our fleshly ole selves and submitting to what God desires. I believe to some extent we are all entangled in some sort of bondage and the fact is in some areas, we may not be fully aware of it. To truly live free, we've got to search our hearts and ask God to reveal those areas where we aren't living that full and abundant life He desires for us. There is only one way to promised land living and that is obedience to the only One who can unshackle us from the curse and consequence of sin. He is our Ultimate Deliverer and . . .
He is the Prince of Peace
He is the King of Kings
He is the Lord of Lords
He is the Everlasting Father
He is the Wonderful Counselor
He is the Faithful and True
He is the Light of the World
He is the Redeemer of All Nations
He is the Rock and Salvation
He is the Ancient of Days
He is the Alpha and Omega
He is the One Who Was, Who Is and Is To Come
Amen and Amen!
Yesterday afternoon I marched myself right into Wolf Camera and had multiple copies of our family photo made for yes, you guessed it, our Christmas cards. So, as of 10:00 this morning, I will have a zillion copies of a family picture that none of us are really crazy about but that's okay. Later in the day I went to Family Christian Store and got the cards. I walked around and around that card display until I was dizzy and finally yelled to myself "MAKE A DECISION ALREADY." Just to myself, not out loud. So, if I can continue in this semi-motivated vein, I might get a Christmas card or two out this year. That remains to be seen.
One a a more serious note . . . During my quiet time, I've been doing Priscilla Shirer's study, "One in a Million" and oh, at the good. The basic thought is that we need to be doing some Promised Land Living in Christ. Of the two million Israelites that were in oppression in Egypt for 370+ years, TWO made it to the Promised Land of Canaan. TWO. That's one in a million. For the Israelites to obtain freedom from Egyptian bondage, they had to trust in God-empowered Moses as their deliverer. Just as we have to trust in Jesus as our deliverer from our sin.
There is a difference between being free in Christ and living free in Christ. If we are believers, we have been granted freedom. God gives believers in Christ positional sanctification. This means we have a position of "set-apartness," holiness and righteousness that cannot be manipulated or altered. Nothing can be done to remove a true believer from this position. But this cannot be the end goal for someone determined to live in the freedom of Christ.
"It was for freedom that Christ sets us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1
So here is the question to be answered: am I living a lifestyle of freedom? Rest assured, the Enemy want to keep us from living free. He is working against us, so we must work through a process that requires obedience and yieldedness to God . . . everyday.
Now listen closely to this: Being declared free gives us eternal freedom but walking in it gives us daily freedom. It's that daily dying to our fleshly ole selves and submitting to what God desires. I believe to some extent we are all entangled in some sort of bondage and the fact is in some areas, we may not be fully aware of it. To truly live free, we've got to search our hearts and ask God to reveal those areas where we aren't living that full and abundant life He desires for us. There is only one way to promised land living and that is obedience to the only One who can unshackle us from the curse and consequence of sin. He is our Ultimate Deliverer and . . .
He is the Prince of Peace
He is the King of Kings
He is the Lord of Lords
He is the Everlasting Father
He is the Wonderful Counselor
He is the Faithful and True
He is the Light of the World
He is the Redeemer of All Nations
He is the Rock and Salvation
He is the Ancient of Days
He is the Alpha and Omega
He is the One Who Was, Who Is and Is To Come
Amen and Amen!
Sunday, December 12, 2010
The Weather Outside is Frightful
Why yes, the weather is a little on the frightful; no, not that bad, maybe just a little on the nervous. The wind is blustery (I have always wanted to use that word. It's one that seems only the meteorologist have right to but hey, I can assume the identity on this blog) and there is some precipitation in the air. I'm supposed to go up in the mountains tomorrow to Unicoi State Park to meet with their site manager about a wedding we have there soon. But believe you me, if it's snowing, I'm not going. No need for unnecessary travel, I always say.
Okay, so what's new? D and I had dinner at Roosters Friday night and it was awesome. I love that place - the chicken quesadillas were to die for. After that, we went to see"Nuncrackers" at the Holly Theatre in Dahlonega. Honestly, the best part of that whole trip, other than those chicken quesadillas, was the walk around the Square. It is gorgeous, I tell you. Love that place. Oh wait, there was something else that was amazing - the milk chocolate turtles that we got at Paul Thomas Chocolates on the Square. Somehow, I had totally missed this little chocolate shop on the Square before but I won't miss it again. Those turtles - think manna from heaven.
Yesterday I spent all day, ALL day in the kitchen cooking up baked goodies as a gift for our Handbell Choir. Here is what was the on the menu:
Graham Cracker Bark
Cream Cheese Fingers
Orange Tea Cakes
Peanut Butter Fudge
Pecan Pie Squares and
Drum Roll please . . . . I have created my own cookie. I know. Who knew? I'm calling it "Crevolyn's Christmas Cookie." I know not that original of a title (unless you consider my name which in it's own right makes it original) but I'll be doggone if this cookie wasn't pretty darn good. Especially, for something I created my own self. I'll share this recipe pretty soon. Trying to decide if I should get some sort of patent on it or something. D says they don't patent cookies - I think they should.
Today . . . Well, can I just say our church service this morning was beyond incredible. I tell you, if you didn't feel the Spirit of Jesus this morning in that Sanctuary, you must have slept through the entire thing. The handbells :), the choir, the solos, the orchestra but most of the all, the sermon . . . awesome. Tom spoke on Joy, having the joy of Jesus. He brought it to the table, I tell you. So good.
I'm sitting here for just a few minutes before I've got to get right back out in the cold and head over to the Limestone store for the joy of some children's voices. The Enota Elementary Show Choir (65 voices!) is sharing a special performance right in our store this afternoon. My good friend, Sheila, is their very talented director and I wouldn't miss it for the world. After that, D and I are headed out to do some shopping for our Secret Santa family. While I won't go into much detail here, trust me when I say, I am so burdened for this family. Alot of folks have alot of troubles. Maybe we can relieve just a few of their worries for a little while. That is my prayer.
By the way, because I know y'all have been on the edge of your seats about this, we still have no Christmas cards or picture to go in it. What is wrong with me? Not sure this is going to happen this year and if it doesn't, it's not the end of the world. Just the first time in 25 years that we haven't sent a Christmas card. Can I live with that? Hmm.
Have a good Sunday!
Okay, so what's new? D and I had dinner at Roosters Friday night and it was awesome. I love that place - the chicken quesadillas were to die for. After that, we went to see"Nuncrackers" at the Holly Theatre in Dahlonega. Honestly, the best part of that whole trip, other than those chicken quesadillas, was the walk around the Square. It is gorgeous, I tell you. Love that place. Oh wait, there was something else that was amazing - the milk chocolate turtles that we got at Paul Thomas Chocolates on the Square. Somehow, I had totally missed this little chocolate shop on the Square before but I won't miss it again. Those turtles - think manna from heaven.
Yesterday I spent all day, ALL day in the kitchen cooking up baked goodies as a gift for our Handbell Choir. Here is what was the on the menu:
Graham Cracker Bark
Cream Cheese Fingers
Orange Tea Cakes
Peanut Butter Fudge
Pecan Pie Squares and
Drum Roll please . . . . I have created my own cookie. I know. Who knew? I'm calling it "Crevolyn's Christmas Cookie." I know not that original of a title (unless you consider my name which in it's own right makes it original) but I'll be doggone if this cookie wasn't pretty darn good. Especially, for something I created my own self. I'll share this recipe pretty soon. Trying to decide if I should get some sort of patent on it or something. D says they don't patent cookies - I think they should.
Today . . . Well, can I just say our church service this morning was beyond incredible. I tell you, if you didn't feel the Spirit of Jesus this morning in that Sanctuary, you must have slept through the entire thing. The handbells :), the choir, the solos, the orchestra but most of the all, the sermon . . . awesome. Tom spoke on Joy, having the joy of Jesus. He brought it to the table, I tell you. So good.
I'm sitting here for just a few minutes before I've got to get right back out in the cold and head over to the Limestone store for the joy of some children's voices. The Enota Elementary Show Choir (65 voices!) is sharing a special performance right in our store this afternoon. My good friend, Sheila, is their very talented director and I wouldn't miss it for the world. After that, D and I are headed out to do some shopping for our Secret Santa family. While I won't go into much detail here, trust me when I say, I am so burdened for this family. Alot of folks have alot of troubles. Maybe we can relieve just a few of their worries for a little while. That is my prayer.
By the way, because I know y'all have been on the edge of your seats about this, we still have no Christmas cards or picture to go in it. What is wrong with me? Not sure this is going to happen this year and if it doesn't, it's not the end of the world. Just the first time in 25 years that we haven't sent a Christmas card. Can I live with that? Hmm.
Have a good Sunday!
Friday, December 10, 2010
Food Friday - This May be Your Christmas Card
Earlier in the week, my good friend and I were discussing her husband's office Christmas party, which she is hosting in their home this evening. We were talking about what her menu might include and I told her about this great Buttermilk Coconut Pie recipe.
When her plate began to get full right before this party (which always seems to happen when you are hosting a party), I told her I would make her pies for her. So last night, I made the pies and hopefully, they will taste as good as they smelled in my kitchen. It was all I could do to keep my husband from sticking a fork right in the middle of one of them.
As yummy as they taste and as good as they smell, they just aren't anything special to look at. Not that every pie has to be a beauty queen but it's an added perk if they are. Anyway, I remembered these Martha Stewart cake stencils I had and wondered how they would look on a pie. Well, what do you think?
Here is the recipe and it is yummy! 
When her plate began to get full right before this party (which always seems to happen when you are hosting a party), I told her I would make her pies for her. So last night, I made the pies and hopefully, they will taste as good as they smelled in my kitchen. It was all I could do to keep my husband from sticking a fork right in the middle of one of them.
As yummy as they taste and as good as they smell, they just aren't anything special to look at. Not that every pie has to be a beauty queen but it's an added perk if they are. Anyway, I remembered these Martha Stewart cake stencils I had and wondered how they would look on a pie. Well, what do you think?
Here is the recipe and it is yummy! Buttermilk Coconut Pie
3 eggs
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/8 tablespoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 cup grated coconut
1 deep dish pie shell or 2 regular pie shells
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Beat eggs until frothy; add butter, sugar and flour. Beat until smooth.
3. Stir in buttermilk, vanilla, lemon juice and nutmeg. pour into pie shell.
4. Bake at 40 to 45 minutes, or until center is firm.
Enjoy!
With all my Christmas card concerns this year, you may just have to consider this your formal greeting. If so, I'll add a photo of G to make the family complete.
These were taken at the GFIA Holiday Extravaganza in Atlanta last week.
Merry Christmas from our house to yours!!!
Thursday, December 9, 2010
The Long and Short of It
You know it's that time of year when you are in such a flurry you don't know exactly where the time goes. This week has been full of the usual for this time of year - working, shopping, wrapping, and cooking mixed in with a little (or alot) of time spent in the Windowshop. We were there on Monday, Tuesday and went to the Mart on Wednesday to buy for the shop. Folks keep buying and we keep stocking it; trying to make it look attractive. It very well could be a full time job if we let it.
And in between all that, I am trying to do my real job. We are working with three of the sweetest brides ever who are all three planning weddings for next fall. But . . . right now is when all the decisions are being made on things such as vendors, colors, and venues. Their save-the-dates are going out and they are on top of it. They are wanting things done and done right which, by the way, is the way we do things.
Just a couple of things that I think you may need to know in absolutely no order whatsoever.
1. First of all, I just want you to know how much I love the wrapping paper that they sell at Hobby Lobby. Love it. It has lines on the back for cutting and on top of that; it's thick but not too thick; and it is just plain beautiful.
2. I have bought the best Christmas presents this year for my family and friends. I cannot wait to give them their gifts! There is nothing I love better than to give someone something that they love. I am surrounded by good "gift-givers" in my family so that really raises the bar in the whole gifting area. I wish I could tell you about them but I happen to know that at least three of the recipients are frequent readers, so I'm gonna have to keep my mouth shut on this one.
3. I said this last year and I'll say it again, Harry Connick Jr.'s Christmas CD is fabulous. I love it so much.
4. As you know, I'm just not that into politics but I do have an interest in who is elected and what kind of, how should I say this, moral foundation they have. D, on the other hand, reads about it, listens to talk radio about it and watches tv about it. I get worn out with the whole thing in about oh, maybe 15 minutes. However, when I saw the email come through from the Chamber about the Eggs and Issues Breakfast Meeting this morning at the Civic Center, I knew I wanted to go. Our new governor-elect and Lieutenant Governor were both there as well as most of the elected officials from our area. Our governor-elect and Lt. Governor are both from Gainesville which honestly, is pretty amazing when you think about it. As I sat there and listened to all these men speak, I thought about several things.
It's a pretty thankless job.
It comes with alot of risk to the person in office as well as their families.
You have to know alot about alot of stuff. I sat there thinking, how do they know all of this information about all of these issues, serve on 42 committees at the Capital and still have time to run businesses and raise families?
I just know, my prayers go with them as they attempt to make a better place for us, our children and the generations to come.
5. Do you not love getting Christmas cards in the mail? I love the ones with photos. Just makes me smile. We attempted to have our family photo made over the weekend and that was pretty much was a disaster. So I may just have to live vicariously through those of you who send me super awesome pictures of your families this year. If the mood strikes, I might attempt it.
6. I get to go on a date with my husband tomorrow night! I'm so excited. This has been a really, really stressful week for him at work so we are going to forget our troubles and drive up to Dahlonega, have some supper and take in a local theatre production. The play is "Nuncrackers" and if it is anything like it's predecessor, "Nunsense," we should be in for a treat. I'll let you know.
7. It is cold. Cold, cold. Honestly, I don't mind the cold as long as we don't have snow, ice or anything resembling them. In my opinion, the cold just makes the fire warmer, the house cozier and the Christmas tree brighter.
8. My boy has one more final in the morning and then he is done for the semester. Let's just say this has been a most trying couple of months for our family and I'm ready for a fresh start. The boy has persevered through some tough circumstances and for that, I could not be prouder of him.
Well, that's it for now. I've got some cooking to do and I better get in there and do it.
Until tomorrow . . .
And in between all that, I am trying to do my real job. We are working with three of the sweetest brides ever who are all three planning weddings for next fall. But . . . right now is when all the decisions are being made on things such as vendors, colors, and venues. Their save-the-dates are going out and they are on top of it. They are wanting things done and done right which, by the way, is the way we do things.
Just a couple of things that I think you may need to know in absolutely no order whatsoever.
1. First of all, I just want you to know how much I love the wrapping paper that they sell at Hobby Lobby. Love it. It has lines on the back for cutting and on top of that; it's thick but not too thick; and it is just plain beautiful.
2. I have bought the best Christmas presents this year for my family and friends. I cannot wait to give them their gifts! There is nothing I love better than to give someone something that they love. I am surrounded by good "gift-givers" in my family so that really raises the bar in the whole gifting area. I wish I could tell you about them but I happen to know that at least three of the recipients are frequent readers, so I'm gonna have to keep my mouth shut on this one.
3. I said this last year and I'll say it again, Harry Connick Jr.'s Christmas CD is fabulous. I love it so much.
4. As you know, I'm just not that into politics but I do have an interest in who is elected and what kind of, how should I say this, moral foundation they have. D, on the other hand, reads about it, listens to talk radio about it and watches tv about it. I get worn out with the whole thing in about oh, maybe 15 minutes. However, when I saw the email come through from the Chamber about the Eggs and Issues Breakfast Meeting this morning at the Civic Center, I knew I wanted to go. Our new governor-elect and Lieutenant Governor were both there as well as most of the elected officials from our area. Our governor-elect and Lt. Governor are both from Gainesville which honestly, is pretty amazing when you think about it. As I sat there and listened to all these men speak, I thought about several things.
It's a pretty thankless job.
It comes with alot of risk to the person in office as well as their families.
You have to know alot about alot of stuff. I sat there thinking, how do they know all of this information about all of these issues, serve on 42 committees at the Capital and still have time to run businesses and raise families?
I just know, my prayers go with them as they attempt to make a better place for us, our children and the generations to come.
5. Do you not love getting Christmas cards in the mail? I love the ones with photos. Just makes me smile. We attempted to have our family photo made over the weekend and that was pretty much was a disaster. So I may just have to live vicariously through those of you who send me super awesome pictures of your families this year. If the mood strikes, I might attempt it.
6. I get to go on a date with my husband tomorrow night! I'm so excited. This has been a really, really stressful week for him at work so we are going to forget our troubles and drive up to Dahlonega, have some supper and take in a local theatre production. The play is "Nuncrackers" and if it is anything like it's predecessor, "Nunsense," we should be in for a treat. I'll let you know.
7. It is cold. Cold, cold. Honestly, I don't mind the cold as long as we don't have snow, ice or anything resembling them. In my opinion, the cold just makes the fire warmer, the house cozier and the Christmas tree brighter.
8. My boy has one more final in the morning and then he is done for the semester. Let's just say this has been a most trying couple of months for our family and I'm ready for a fresh start. The boy has persevered through some tough circumstances and for that, I could not be prouder of him.
Well, that's it for now. I've got some cooking to do and I better get in there and do it.
Until tomorrow . . .
Friday, December 3, 2010
Food Friday - on Friday!
Well, look at me, why don't ya? Actually got a Food Friday on Friday and before 9:00 in the morning, no less!
This is the recipe I told y'all about on Tuesday - the Pork Tenderloin and Cranberry Chutney. I am telling you the truth when I say this is the best, most moist pork tenderloin I have ever had. And it was so easy.
Let me tell you a few things about the Cranberry Chutney. First, it's great as written, maybe a little sweet so I would suggest adding the sugar a little at a time and getting it just right for your own taste buds.
Second, if you don't have fresh cranberries, you can use two cans of whole berry cranberry sauce and omit the sugar. Works just fine.
Third, this recipe is great served as an appetizer - over a block of cream cheese with crackers.
Fourth, it's also a great gift. It doesn't have an extremely long shelf life so you would need to wrap it up pretty and give it quickly.
So there you go. Believe me, if you try this, you'll be thanking me.
Elegant and Easy Pork Tenderloin with Cranberry Chutney
½ cup olive oil
1 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups Italian Seasoned Bread Crumbs
2 pounds Pork Tenderloin
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
2. Rub olive oil over pork tenderloin. Then sprinkle with powders, salt and pepper.
3. Put bread crumbs in large resealable bag; add tenderloin and shake to coat.
4. Place pork on a foil-lined shallow cookie sheet. Press remaining bread crumbs into pork. Put a tent of foil over the top of cookie sheet and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil tent and cook an additional 15 minutes until meat thermometer reads 160 degrees. Let meat rest for 10 minutes then cut into ½ slices.
5. Serve with Cranberry Chutney
Cranberry Chutney
1 12 oz. bag fresh or frozen cranberries
1 ¼ cups sugar
¾ cups water
1 large granny smith apple; peeled, cored and chopped
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground ginger
¼ tsp. ground cloves
1. In a saucepan, combine all ingredients; bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat. Simmer for 15-20 minutes or until apple is tender and mixture thickens. Cool completely.
2. Store in the refrigerator.
This is the recipe I told y'all about on Tuesday - the Pork Tenderloin and Cranberry Chutney. I am telling you the truth when I say this is the best, most moist pork tenderloin I have ever had. And it was so easy.
Let me tell you a few things about the Cranberry Chutney. First, it's great as written, maybe a little sweet so I would suggest adding the sugar a little at a time and getting it just right for your own taste buds.
Second, if you don't have fresh cranberries, you can use two cans of whole berry cranberry sauce and omit the sugar. Works just fine.
Third, this recipe is great served as an appetizer - over a block of cream cheese with crackers.
Fourth, it's also a great gift. It doesn't have an extremely long shelf life so you would need to wrap it up pretty and give it quickly.
So there you go. Believe me, if you try this, you'll be thanking me.
Elegant and Easy Pork Tenderloin with Cranberry Chutney
½ cup olive oil
1 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups Italian Seasoned Bread Crumbs
2 pounds Pork Tenderloin
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
2. Rub olive oil over pork tenderloin. Then sprinkle with powders, salt and pepper.
3. Put bread crumbs in large resealable bag; add tenderloin and shake to coat.
4. Place pork on a foil-lined shallow cookie sheet. Press remaining bread crumbs into pork. Put a tent of foil over the top of cookie sheet and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil tent and cook an additional 15 minutes until meat thermometer reads 160 degrees. Let meat rest for 10 minutes then cut into ½ slices.
5. Serve with Cranberry Chutney
Cranberry Chutney
1 12 oz. bag fresh or frozen cranberries
1 ¼ cups sugar
¾ cups water
1 large granny smith apple; peeled, cored and chopped
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground ginger
¼ tsp. ground cloves
1. In a saucepan, combine all ingredients; bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat. Simmer for 15-20 minutes or until apple is tender and mixture thickens. Cool completely.
2. Store in the refrigerator.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Live it UP Plan - Part 3
Well, I did it! I got through my speaking engagement and enjoyed every minute of it, despite the massive butterflies in my stomach. The ladies of WomenSource were so great. Oh, the fun. I am honored that they asked me.
Okay, let's finish this UP. As you remember, I am talking about my Live It Up Plan for Entertaining. We've already discussed Live and It. So now onto Up.
Unleash your food inhibitions. Food, glorious food! What's a party without food? Not much of a party. I suggest you have 4 or 5 "go to" fool-proof recipes you rely on for entertaining. Try these throughout the year so you'll know they are good ones. Trying them the day of the party is not recommended. I've been there and done that.
Planning is key. Do as much ahead of time as possible. Make lists - check them twice. You technie folks probably have an app for that. Me - I have a spiral bound notebook that keeps me organized.
Well, I'm putting my feet up for all of about 5 minutes before I have to go in there and change out of these clothes and into my "Par-tay" clothes. D and I are headed down to the Cobb Galleria for the Georgia Food Industry's Annual Holiday Extravaganza (that's the exact name of this event.) I'll report on all the fun tomorrow.
Until then . . .
Okay, let's finish this UP. As you remember, I am talking about my Live It Up Plan for Entertaining. We've already discussed Live and It. So now onto Up.
Unleash your food inhibitions. Food, glorious food! What's a party without food? Not much of a party. I suggest you have 4 or 5 "go to" fool-proof recipes you rely on for entertaining. Try these throughout the year so you'll know they are good ones. Trying them the day of the party is not recommended. I've been there and done that.
Planning is key. Do as much ahead of time as possible. Make lists - check them twice. You technie folks probably have an app for that. Me - I have a spiral bound notebook that keeps me organized.
Well, I'm putting my feet up for all of about 5 minutes before I have to go in there and change out of these clothes and into my "Par-tay" clothes. D and I are headed down to the Cobb Galleria for the Georgia Food Industry's Annual Holiday Extravaganza (that's the exact name of this event.) I'll report on all the fun tomorrow.
Until then . . .
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Live It Up Plan - Part 2
We are continuing with our Live It Up Plan for Entertaining. Yesterday was our first great word - Live. Allow me to tell you a little more about Live.
Life Impact: This is the primary reason we entertain. We want to share life with those we care about. We come together in the comfort of our homes; share some good food and conversation; basically, share life. This is truly what it is all about. Life is busy. We really just need to slow down and enjoy the relationships God has blessed us with.
Ideas for life-impact holiday gatherings:
1. Progressive Dinner. This can be done with all groups of people but the houses need to be fairly close together. We've done this on several occasions and it's really fun.
2. Tour of Homes. You know, we spend lots of time decorating our homes so why not get together with a group of friends and have your own little tour of homes? You could have a little snack at each house or at the last house, have everyone bring a dish and have dinner together.
3. Cookie Swap. Can I just tell you how much I love a good cookie swap? Our birthday group has one every year and I can hardly wait til it rolls around. We cook up a batch of our favorite cookies and take them to share. The best part - you get to come home with a platter of some of every one's great cookies. WooHoo - breakfast!
4. Cookie Baking/Decorating Party - E and I started doing this several years ago and we have so much fun. We bake and our boys eat. We bake all kinds of cookies but our favorites are the basic sugar cookies that we cut into all different shapes then decorate with icing of every color, sprinkles, etc. We also have done Gingerbread Houses together - now that is a story for another day.
5. Cocoa Party - everything served is chocolate (moment of silence).
6. Crafting Party - Grab your children, friends or family; get together several craft projects and sit around the table and have a blast. E and I did this a few weeks ago and it was great.
7. Neighborhood Open House - Open your home to your neighbors and get to know those around you.
8. Tree trimming party - If you know someone who might need some help decorating their tree, gather together to get that job done for them. Bring some snacks with you and take the party to them.
9. Gathering of Giving Back - Encourage your guests to bring something to give - canned food or toys, for example. There are lots of needs in our community. Encourage giving to some worthy organizations.
10. Gift Wrapping Party - This makes a sometimes daunting task a lot more fun. Get together with some friends along with their gifts and wrapping supplies and this has all the makings of some major fun. And think about what you will have accomplished when it's over.
Invite the Main Ingredient - the people. Whether it be family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, make a plan and get them together. The group you invite to your gathering will determine the rest of your decisions.
Just for me personally, I am not a fan of an evite. I know there are times when it is appropriate but I like to get a piece of paper for a party. Probably not the "green-est" thing to do but I really love all of the fun invitations that are out there and I love to receive them! Or you can also do something special on your home computer. Either way is fine with me.
Variety is the spice of life. Be creative! Tomorrow I'll be speaking about all kinds of fun ideas for decorating and tablescapes. I think I'll save this for a another post so that I can do it justice.
Embrace your strengths and delegate your weaknesses. This is a great time to barter with your friends and family. Say if you love to decorate but you're not so much in the cooking department, something like . . . "I'll come decorate your house if you'll make my desserts for me." It might just work!
Today is our next word - it. Not the most exciting word in the English language but let's face it, where would we be without . . . it. That was lame.
Incorporate traditions into your entertaining. Traditions are so meaningful even if it is just one thing you do every year.
Takeaways make your guests feel special. I love to give my guests just a little something for them to take home. Several ideas:
* Tie an ornament to their napkin ring or have it at each place setting.
* Give a small gift, special to them, as they are leaving. Along with a hug.
* Or my personal favorite, a food gift wrapped in a special package. Lots of options here.
* Or something theme specific. If you are hosting a cookie swap, you might do a cookie mix, tied with a cookie cutter.
Well, tomorrow our word is "UP." You'll find out what's up with that.
Oh please, put me to bed.
Life Impact: This is the primary reason we entertain. We want to share life with those we care about. We come together in the comfort of our homes; share some good food and conversation; basically, share life. This is truly what it is all about. Life is busy. We really just need to slow down and enjoy the relationships God has blessed us with.
Ideas for life-impact holiday gatherings:
1. Progressive Dinner. This can be done with all groups of people but the houses need to be fairly close together. We've done this on several occasions and it's really fun.
2. Tour of Homes. You know, we spend lots of time decorating our homes so why not get together with a group of friends and have your own little tour of homes? You could have a little snack at each house or at the last house, have everyone bring a dish and have dinner together.
3. Cookie Swap. Can I just tell you how much I love a good cookie swap? Our birthday group has one every year and I can hardly wait til it rolls around. We cook up a batch of our favorite cookies and take them to share. The best part - you get to come home with a platter of some of every one's great cookies. WooHoo - breakfast!
4. Cookie Baking/Decorating Party - E and I started doing this several years ago and we have so much fun. We bake and our boys eat. We bake all kinds of cookies but our favorites are the basic sugar cookies that we cut into all different shapes then decorate with icing of every color, sprinkles, etc. We also have done Gingerbread Houses together - now that is a story for another day.
5. Cocoa Party - everything served is chocolate (moment of silence).
6. Crafting Party - Grab your children, friends or family; get together several craft projects and sit around the table and have a blast. E and I did this a few weeks ago and it was great.
7. Neighborhood Open House - Open your home to your neighbors and get to know those around you.
8. Tree trimming party - If you know someone who might need some help decorating their tree, gather together to get that job done for them. Bring some snacks with you and take the party to them.
9. Gathering of Giving Back - Encourage your guests to bring something to give - canned food or toys, for example. There are lots of needs in our community. Encourage giving to some worthy organizations.
10. Gift Wrapping Party - This makes a sometimes daunting task a lot more fun. Get together with some friends along with their gifts and wrapping supplies and this has all the makings of some major fun. And think about what you will have accomplished when it's over.
Invite the Main Ingredient - the people. Whether it be family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, make a plan and get them together. The group you invite to your gathering will determine the rest of your decisions.
Just for me personally, I am not a fan of an evite. I know there are times when it is appropriate but I like to get a piece of paper for a party. Probably not the "green-est" thing to do but I really love all of the fun invitations that are out there and I love to receive them! Or you can also do something special on your home computer. Either way is fine with me.
Variety is the spice of life. Be creative! Tomorrow I'll be speaking about all kinds of fun ideas for decorating and tablescapes. I think I'll save this for a another post so that I can do it justice.
Embrace your strengths and delegate your weaknesses. This is a great time to barter with your friends and family. Say if you love to decorate but you're not so much in the cooking department, something like . . . "I'll come decorate your house if you'll make my desserts for me." It might just work!
Today is our next word - it. Not the most exciting word in the English language but let's face it, where would we be without . . . it. That was lame.
Incorporate traditions into your entertaining. Traditions are so meaningful even if it is just one thing you do every year.
Takeaways make your guests feel special. I love to give my guests just a little something for them to take home. Several ideas:
* Tie an ornament to their napkin ring or have it at each place setting.
* Give a small gift, special to them, as they are leaving. Along with a hug.
* Or my personal favorite, a food gift wrapped in a special package. Lots of options here.
* Or something theme specific. If you are hosting a cookie swap, you might do a cookie mix, tied with a cookie cutter.
Well, tomorrow our word is "UP." You'll find out what's up with that.
Oh please, put me to bed.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Live It Up Plan - Part I
It's rainy. It's soupy. It's not cold. This weather is the weirdest ever. There was even a tornado that made an appearance in Buford today. Very, very strange. This is, however, the best weather for sleeping and cooking. I didn't get a nap but I have been very busy in the kitchen. Last night I whipped up an amazing dessert - Cranberry Cinnamon Chip Bars. I did good - had one, maybe two :) bites, cut it up and sent it off. I have discovered that I love cinnamon chips. I think I might like them better than chocolate chips. *gasp* I know.
Then tonight I made the best pork tenderloin I have ever tasted. Not braggin, just fact. I finally found a great recipe that I love - it's easy and delicious. The pork was juicy and tender with a little crusty on the outside. Pretty much perfect. I also made a cranberry chutney that was really good; baked sweet potatoes and green beans. I'll be sharing the recipes very soon. You're gonna love them.
So . . . I promised you the Live It Up Plan for Entertaining. I'm sure you can't take so much excitement in one day, so I'm going to talk about one word at a time.
Today's word: Live. That's a great word.
L - Life Impact. The most important reason for entertaining.
I - Invite. The people are the most important Ingredient.
V - Variety is the spice of life. Be creative!
E - Embrace your strengths and delegate your weaknesses.
So there you have the first word. I have lots to say about each of these points but honestly, right now, I'm exhausted. Like I said, I cooked earlier instead of napping. And that cooking and eating will sure take it out of a person.
The End.
Then tonight I made the best pork tenderloin I have ever tasted. Not braggin, just fact. I finally found a great recipe that I love - it's easy and delicious. The pork was juicy and tender with a little crusty on the outside. Pretty much perfect. I also made a cranberry chutney that was really good; baked sweet potatoes and green beans. I'll be sharing the recipes very soon. You're gonna love them.
So . . . I promised you the Live It Up Plan for Entertaining. I'm sure you can't take so much excitement in one day, so I'm going to talk about one word at a time.
Today's word: Live. That's a great word.
L - Life Impact. The most important reason for entertaining.
I - Invite. The people are the most important Ingredient.
V - Variety is the spice of life. Be creative!
E - Embrace your strengths and delegate your weaknesses.
So there you have the first word. I have lots to say about each of these points but honestly, right now, I'm exhausted. Like I said, I cooked earlier instead of napping. And that cooking and eating will sure take it out of a person.
The End.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Live It Up Plan for Entertaining
As I mentioned earlier in the month, I've been asked to speak to a ladies' group here in our community this Thursday. If you've talked to me in the past few weeks, I'm sure I've bored you to tears lamenting my nervousness about this event. This is a large group; a large group of my peers. Oooh. I'll just be honest with you, I'm intimidated. I've been praying up though and I'm beginning to feel my whole upper body start to relax. A little. My girl has agreed to create and run my power point presentation so just having her there will reduce my stress level immensely.
When I first found out about this speaking engagement, my mind was just going from one end of the spectrum to the other. Oh, I guess I should tell you the topic I was asked to speak on . . . Entertaining for the Holidays. So, where do I begin? There are so many things to talk about. I honestly could talk for two whole days about this topic but I just have 40 minutes. Oh, that's another thing - when they first asked me to speak, they said I had 25 minutes. After speaking with the coordinator for the event last Monday, I now have 40 minutes. That extra 15 minutes makes a huge difference. Anyway, I stewed and prayed and stewed some more, when finally I thought that just maybe I should create an outline that would perhaps order my thoughts. Novel idea, right?
I stared at the blank page for about 30 minutes when I realized that I love acronyms. You might not. It's the way I learn and remember things.
For example, I learned to spell arithmetic in 3rd grade by this saying - A rat in Timothy's house might eat Timothy's ice cream. Get it? The beginning letter of each word in that little sentence spells the word arithmetic. I know, I have a weird brain but it works for me.
So . . . I thought maybe this might be a jumping off place for my little talk on Thursday. (acronyms not Timothy's rat or ice cream.) Guess what we (I was divinely inspired) came up with: The Live It Up Plan for Entertaining! What do you think?
So this will be the foundation for my talk on Thursday. Check back tomorrow and I'll give you a sneak peak at how we can all "Live it Up!"
When I first found out about this speaking engagement, my mind was just going from one end of the spectrum to the other. Oh, I guess I should tell you the topic I was asked to speak on . . . Entertaining for the Holidays. So, where do I begin? There are so many things to talk about. I honestly could talk for two whole days about this topic but I just have 40 minutes. Oh, that's another thing - when they first asked me to speak, they said I had 25 minutes. After speaking with the coordinator for the event last Monday, I now have 40 minutes. That extra 15 minutes makes a huge difference. Anyway, I stewed and prayed and stewed some more, when finally I thought that just maybe I should create an outline that would perhaps order my thoughts. Novel idea, right?
I stared at the blank page for about 30 minutes when I realized that I love acronyms. You might not. It's the way I learn and remember things.
For example, I learned to spell arithmetic in 3rd grade by this saying - A rat in Timothy's house might eat Timothy's ice cream. Get it? The beginning letter of each word in that little sentence spells the word arithmetic. I know, I have a weird brain but it works for me.
So . . . I thought maybe this might be a jumping off place for my little talk on Thursday. (acronyms not Timothy's rat or ice cream.) Guess what we (I was divinely inspired) came up with: The Live It Up Plan for Entertaining! What do you think?
So this will be the foundation for my talk on Thursday. Check back tomorrow and I'll give you a sneak peak at how we can all "Live it Up!"
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Black Food Friday!
Why in the world did I think I needed to get up at 5:15 a.m. again on Friday morning? On the one day of the year when every single one of the crazy people get out of bed at the same time. I only have one explanation. My girl wanted me to. And that you know is all it takes.
I met her at 6:15 at Chick-fila. But goodness knows, we were not alone. The place was packed. I saw D's aunt and her daughter and they had already made two stops and lots of purchases. E and I apparently were late arrivers to this whole shopping party but we were okay with that. However, we quickly consumed our nutritious breakfast and caffeine-infused beverage and headed out. Mind you, E had to be at work at 8:00 a.m. and it was already 6:45.
First stop, Old Navy. They had $15 men's jeans (maybe women's too but who had time to go through the ordeal of finding a pair of jeans at this hour?). Forgetting the hour, I called D to see if he wanted in on the deal. I woke him up. Silence. Oh no. In his always-kind-and-loving-tone he says, "are you really calling me at this hour to ask me if I want a pair of jeans?" I let out a barely audible, "yes, but maybe this wasn't a good idea after all. I think I'll just let you go back to sleep." I don't think I could have felt worse.
Second stop: Michaels. Had a coupon. Got what I wanted. Done. Check.
Next stop: Bed, Bath and Beyond. Bought 4 gifts - woohoo!
It was a great day. I ended up having lunch with D, G and D's parents at Brad's Grill. Honestly, we could not have planned it if we'd tried. Nothing like a cheeseburger and some slaw to jumpstart your mid-day slump.
And I knew that needed to happen because we had big plans for the evening. We were going to dinner and the John Berry concert with E and N and N's parents. And because of that alone, I was energized! Yay! I'm sure I don't have to remind you how much I enjoy N's parents and to top that off with John Berry - it just doesn't get much better.
I won't blabber on and on about how much fun I had and how much I love John Berry because I know you've heard it all before. Suffice it to say . . . it was a great ending to a great week.
I will not forget about Food Friday. I will not forget about Food Friday. I'll write it 100 times. But maybe you'll cut me some slack since I was in some sort of food and shopping induced comatose state on that day.
Well, these little darlins' are causing a stir all over town. I made these for testing purposes a couple of weeks ago and because this recipe makes almost 60, I dispersed these to lots of folks - D's co-workers, the Jacobs Media staff, friends and family. I have heard nothing but rave reviews. This recipe is a keeper. These would be great to make for your upcoming Christmas gathering. You're gonna love em!
Homemade Almond Joys
Ingredients:
14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
2 cups powdered sugar
2 Tablespoons pure vanilla extract
5 cups unsweetened flaked coconut
60-90 salted roasted almonds
2 bags milk chocolate chips
Directions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Stir in coconut. The mixture will be thick. Place mixture in the freezer for 30 minutes.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove the coconut mixture from the freezer. With clean hands, shape one tablespoon of coconut into a little log about 2 inches long and ¾ inch thick. Press the logs together very well so they don’t crack.
3. Press 1 or 2 almonds on top of each log.
4. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator to chill while melting the chocolate.
5. Place a medium pot with two inches of water over a medium flame. Bring the water to a simmer. Place chocolate chips in a heat proof bowl and place the bowl over the simmering water. Stir the chocolate as it melts. Turn off the heat once the chocolate has melted but keep the bowl of chocolate over the hot water.
6. Remove the coconut candies from the fridge. Spoon chocolate over the top of each coconut log.
7. Let candy harden in the refrigerator for 45 minutes. Store in an airtight container at room temperature. Use wax paper if you layer in containers.
I met her at 6:15 at Chick-fila. But goodness knows, we were not alone. The place was packed. I saw D's aunt and her daughter and they had already made two stops and lots of purchases. E and I apparently were late arrivers to this whole shopping party but we were okay with that. However, we quickly consumed our nutritious breakfast and caffeine-infused beverage and headed out. Mind you, E had to be at work at 8:00 a.m. and it was already 6:45.
First stop, Old Navy. They had $15 men's jeans (maybe women's too but who had time to go through the ordeal of finding a pair of jeans at this hour?). Forgetting the hour, I called D to see if he wanted in on the deal. I woke him up. Silence. Oh no. In his always-kind-and-loving-tone he says, "are you really calling me at this hour to ask me if I want a pair of jeans?" I let out a barely audible, "yes, but maybe this wasn't a good idea after all. I think I'll just let you go back to sleep." I don't think I could have felt worse.
Second stop: Michaels. Had a coupon. Got what I wanted. Done. Check.
Next stop: Bed, Bath and Beyond. Bought 4 gifts - woohoo!
It was a great day. I ended up having lunch with D, G and D's parents at Brad's Grill. Honestly, we could not have planned it if we'd tried. Nothing like a cheeseburger and some slaw to jumpstart your mid-day slump.
And I knew that needed to happen because we had big plans for the evening. We were going to dinner and the John Berry concert with E and N and N's parents. And because of that alone, I was energized! Yay! I'm sure I don't have to remind you how much I enjoy N's parents and to top that off with John Berry - it just doesn't get much better.
I won't blabber on and on about how much fun I had and how much I love John Berry because I know you've heard it all before. Suffice it to say . . . it was a great ending to a great week.
I will not forget about Food Friday. I will not forget about Food Friday. I'll write it 100 times. But maybe you'll cut me some slack since I was in some sort of food and shopping induced comatose state on that day.
Well, these little darlins' are causing a stir all over town. I made these for testing purposes a couple of weeks ago and because this recipe makes almost 60, I dispersed these to lots of folks - D's co-workers, the Jacobs Media staff, friends and family. I have heard nothing but rave reviews. This recipe is a keeper. These would be great to make for your upcoming Christmas gathering. You're gonna love em!
Homemade Almond Joys
Ingredients:
14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
2 cups powdered sugar
2 Tablespoons pure vanilla extract
5 cups unsweetened flaked coconut
60-90 salted roasted almonds
2 bags milk chocolate chips
Directions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Stir in coconut. The mixture will be thick. Place mixture in the freezer for 30 minutes.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove the coconut mixture from the freezer. With clean hands, shape one tablespoon of coconut into a little log about 2 inches long and ¾ inch thick. Press the logs together very well so they don’t crack.
3. Press 1 or 2 almonds on top of each log.
4. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator to chill while melting the chocolate.
5. Place a medium pot with two inches of water over a medium flame. Bring the water to a simmer. Place chocolate chips in a heat proof bowl and place the bowl over the simmering water. Stir the chocolate as it melts. Turn off the heat once the chocolate has melted but keep the bowl of chocolate over the hot water.
6. Remove the coconut candies from the fridge. Spoon chocolate over the top of each coconut log.
7. Let candy harden in the refrigerator for 45 minutes. Store in an airtight container at room temperature. Use wax paper if you layer in containers.
Thanksgiving 2010
Well, as you know the first half of our Thanksgiving day was spent at the Turkey Trot. Since we had gotten up at 5:15 a.m., we took the opportunity to rest a bit that afternoon before heading over to D's parent's house for the big feast. And that it was.
Oh my heart. I love them so.
I don't know whether it is because I haven't eaten bread hardly at all since March or because I just love it so much but I could have eaten the entire platter of dressing and that alone. It was just that good. Oh, and maybe some sweet potato pie. I'm easy to please.
Oh my heart. I love them so.
This year we were honored to have a very special young lady join us. I think they make a pretty good-lookin couple.
We called ourselves the scarf girls. At least all three of us got the same memo.
It was a fabulous day. One to be thankful for.
Dahlonega and The Turkey Trot!
It's Sunday already and I haven't even told you about the rest of my week last week. Uneventful by some standards but here goes.
On Wednesday I worked at the office and then came home, packed a quick bag and hopped in the truck with D to go to Dahlonega. That afternoon there were big happenings in that little town in that our Nation's Capitol Christmas tree was passing through on it's way to D.C. This year's tree is from Wyoming so they had already journeyed across the country on the way to their final destination. The company that is in charge of transporting that massive tree is based in Dahlonega so he wanted to make sure that his hometown got a look at it. What I thought was interesting was that on one truck was the tree - over 100 feet from bumper to bumper. On a second truck were an additional 75 smaller trees along with over 65,000 (yes, that's correct) ornaments that artisans in Wyoming had made to adorn these trees. I just think that is so cool.
The radio show was live from the square that day so since D had to go to the store up there anyway, I just thought I would ride along. And I'm so glad I did. It was so fun. I bet there were over 1,000 people there. There were bands playing, face painting and of course, the most popular was the big man himself, Santa.
The truck was delayed getting to Dahlonega because of traffic so it wasn't there by the time we had to leave. We did, however, meet it coming up Hwy. 400 on our way down to Atlanta. We were spending the night in Atlanta because of the Turkey Trot start bright and early the next morning.
I am so proud of my husband, daughter and son-in-law for running and walking 13.1 miles Thanksgiving morning. They were amazing. I, on the other hand, walked a 5K on my three trips between the porta-potty and our parking spot at Turner Field. I just didn't get a t-shirt to prove it.
Just a few photos to share. This is George and BJ doing the radio show on the balcony of the Dahlonega Visitors Center, high above all the action.
This was my view once I got up to the balcony to do the show. The Square is beautifully decorated. It is definitely worth a trip up there to maybe do a little shopping or say get a little treat at the Fudge Factory. Not that I would know about either of those.
Here are my Turkey Trotters - successfully completed their first Half Marathon! Way to go!
On Wednesday I worked at the office and then came home, packed a quick bag and hopped in the truck with D to go to Dahlonega. That afternoon there were big happenings in that little town in that our Nation's Capitol Christmas tree was passing through on it's way to D.C. This year's tree is from Wyoming so they had already journeyed across the country on the way to their final destination. The company that is in charge of transporting that massive tree is based in Dahlonega so he wanted to make sure that his hometown got a look at it. What I thought was interesting was that on one truck was the tree - over 100 feet from bumper to bumper. On a second truck were an additional 75 smaller trees along with over 65,000 (yes, that's correct) ornaments that artisans in Wyoming had made to adorn these trees. I just think that is so cool.
The radio show was live from the square that day so since D had to go to the store up there anyway, I just thought I would ride along. And I'm so glad I did. It was so fun. I bet there were over 1,000 people there. There were bands playing, face painting and of course, the most popular was the big man himself, Santa.
The truck was delayed getting to Dahlonega because of traffic so it wasn't there by the time we had to leave. We did, however, meet it coming up Hwy. 400 on our way down to Atlanta. We were spending the night in Atlanta because of the Turkey Trot start bright and early the next morning.
I am so proud of my husband, daughter and son-in-law for running and walking 13.1 miles Thanksgiving morning. They were amazing. I, on the other hand, walked a 5K on my three trips between the porta-potty and our parking spot at Turner Field. I just didn't get a t-shirt to prove it.
Just a few photos to share. This is George and BJ doing the radio show on the balcony of the Dahlonega Visitors Center, high above all the action.
This was my view once I got up to the balcony to do the show. The Square is beautifully decorated. It is definitely worth a trip up there to maybe do a little shopping or say get a little treat at the Fudge Factory. Not that I would know about either of those.Here are my Turkey Trotters - successfully completed their first Half Marathon! Way to go! 
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Tuesday Update
Well, I am just having the best week and it's only Tuesday. And it's bound to get better because we all know all the fun that's to be had before this week's end. Woo and Hoo!
Okay, so Sunday. D went to regular church and I had "church" with a whole slew of High Schoolers. Why you might ask? This is a really long story but I'll give you the short(est) version. Several months ago, God put the most wonderful young woman in my life. The way it happened is a super cool story and one that can only be described as a God-thing. She is a young wife and mother trying to all the right things in God's eyes and has two of the most precious young girls you've ever seen. Anyway, this young woman was speaking to this group of high schoolers on the subject of sex and as you might imagine, I thought she just might need to see a familiar, smiling face of encouragement in the audience. So I went for moral support. She did a great job and honestly, I was beyond impressed at her level of comfort speaking openly about an extremely sensitive subject. She handled it perfectly. And, by the way, kudos to our youth minister for his support of her presentation. I really wanted to give her a standing ovation when she was finished but I thought that might not be appropriate given the circumstances but I sure was giving her one on the inside.
And the rest of the day Sunday was beyond relaxing. We came home, put on our comfortable clothes and never got out of them the rest of the day. G and his girlfriend were with us all day and it was great. We watched football, laughed, ordered pizza and even went to the grocery store together. I loved every minute of it.
So Monday I was up and out early for a full day of appointments and errands. Late in the day, I got to see my girl. She had been out of town for a few days so it had been awhile, and I could hardly wait to lay eyes on her. We met with a sweet bride and her mom about her wedding in April. I know I say this all the time but I love my job. We had so much fun with them talking about all the details of her big day.
After that, it was time for our monthly birthday group girlfriend get together. Well, let's just say I could hardly wait to get there and see these precious women. We sat around our friend's kitchen table and talked for a solid two hours and never moved. Honestly, I think my rear might have been a little numb when I finally got up. At one point, we declared ourselves officially old when we realized we were comparing surgeries, symptoms, medications, aches and pains. I could not have been happier to be there.
And today, Tuesday. Actually I think I may have crossed the midnight time line with this post into Wednesday so honestly, I don't know if today is today or today is tomorrow. Anyway, I won't bore you with all the details but there are two highlights that must be noted.
1. I had a great lunch with one of my heart-friends and oh, at the joy. We hadn't had any face time in months and it was awesome to get to see her and catch up with each other''s lives.
2. It is official. I am now in the full-blown Christmas spirit. D and I have just returned from seeing Mannheim Steamroller in concert. We went to the Classic Center in Athens with our good friends and we had the very best time. MS have been around for 25 years and I think we have every CD they have ever released. Nothing says Christmas to me like Mannheim Steamroller. They are super-duper talented musicians and they can take the most traditional Christmas song and turn it into the absolute coolest thing you have ever heard. There are keyboards, guitars, violins, recorders, strings, horns and drums. I will tell you that you still have a chance to see them in our area as they will be performing at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta the last week in December. It is definitely worth the price of admission.
Seems like the common thread of this post is the good quality time that has been spent with family and friends the past few days. I honestly didn't intend that to be the theme but it sure has come shining through. So, I'll just end here and say that during this season of gratitude I am so very thankful for the family and friends that God has blessed me with.
"Enter His gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name." Psalm 100:4
Okay, so Sunday. D went to regular church and I had "church" with a whole slew of High Schoolers. Why you might ask? This is a really long story but I'll give you the short(est) version. Several months ago, God put the most wonderful young woman in my life. The way it happened is a super cool story and one that can only be described as a God-thing. She is a young wife and mother trying to all the right things in God's eyes and has two of the most precious young girls you've ever seen. Anyway, this young woman was speaking to this group of high schoolers on the subject of sex and as you might imagine, I thought she just might need to see a familiar, smiling face of encouragement in the audience. So I went for moral support. She did a great job and honestly, I was beyond impressed at her level of comfort speaking openly about an extremely sensitive subject. She handled it perfectly. And, by the way, kudos to our youth minister for his support of her presentation. I really wanted to give her a standing ovation when she was finished but I thought that might not be appropriate given the circumstances but I sure was giving her one on the inside.
And the rest of the day Sunday was beyond relaxing. We came home, put on our comfortable clothes and never got out of them the rest of the day. G and his girlfriend were with us all day and it was great. We watched football, laughed, ordered pizza and even went to the grocery store together. I loved every minute of it.
So Monday I was up and out early for a full day of appointments and errands. Late in the day, I got to see my girl. She had been out of town for a few days so it had been awhile, and I could hardly wait to lay eyes on her. We met with a sweet bride and her mom about her wedding in April. I know I say this all the time but I love my job. We had so much fun with them talking about all the details of her big day.
After that, it was time for our monthly birthday group girlfriend get together. Well, let's just say I could hardly wait to get there and see these precious women. We sat around our friend's kitchen table and talked for a solid two hours and never moved. Honestly, I think my rear might have been a little numb when I finally got up. At one point, we declared ourselves officially old when we realized we were comparing surgeries, symptoms, medications, aches and pains. I could not have been happier to be there.
And today, Tuesday. Actually I think I may have crossed the midnight time line with this post into Wednesday so honestly, I don't know if today is today or today is tomorrow. Anyway, I won't bore you with all the details but there are two highlights that must be noted.
1. I had a great lunch with one of my heart-friends and oh, at the joy. We hadn't had any face time in months and it was awesome to get to see her and catch up with each other''s lives.
2. It is official. I am now in the full-blown Christmas spirit. D and I have just returned from seeing Mannheim Steamroller in concert. We went to the Classic Center in Athens with our good friends and we had the very best time. MS have been around for 25 years and I think we have every CD they have ever released. Nothing says Christmas to me like Mannheim Steamroller. They are super-duper talented musicians and they can take the most traditional Christmas song and turn it into the absolute coolest thing you have ever heard. There are keyboards, guitars, violins, recorders, strings, horns and drums. I will tell you that you still have a chance to see them in our area as they will be performing at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta the last week in December. It is definitely worth the price of admission.
Seems like the common thread of this post is the good quality time that has been spent with family and friends the past few days. I honestly didn't intend that to be the theme but it sure has come shining through. So, I'll just end here and say that during this season of gratitude I am so very thankful for the family and friends that God has blessed me with.
"Enter His gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name." Psalm 100:4
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Food Friday
I was just reading an article about how to be a successful blogger. Guess what Rule #1 is? Be consistent. Rule #2: Pick a topic and blog about that topic - i.e. cooking; parenting; fashion; crafting, etc. Well, what I have been successful at on this blog is not following rules 1 or 2. Oh well.
Therefore, Food Friday will probably continue to float somewhere around Friday and I will continue to write as a non-expert on a variety of topics. Basically, I'll just continue to do what I do best.
So, who's ready for Thanksgiving? I am totally geared up for Thanksgiving and Christmas this year! As soon as I close up this computer I'm going to the basement to pack up fall and unpack Christmas! Yay!! So ready for all things Christmas. Not to negate Thanksgiving but we don't celebrate Thanksgiving at my house so I can go ahead and get a jump start on the Christmas decorating. However, the inside and outside of my house will have a split personality until next weekend. For some reason, I am totally comfortable decorating the inside for Christmas before Thanksgiving but I just can't bring myself to do the outside. So to the outside world, we will still be all things fall but to the inside, we are all things Christmas!
I wanted to share a recipe that I will make about 10 times from now until Christmas Day. I'm asked to bring this salad to every family or friend get together that I attend. That's okay, it's easy, it can be made the day before (actually it's best to do that) and it is delicious!
**EDITED TO ADD: In the second paragraph, when I said we don't celebrate Thanksgiving at my house what I meant was, we go to D's paren'ts house for Thanksgiving; I do not host it. So . . . yes, we do believe in giving thanks and setting aside a day to do just that. Just to clarify.
Crunchy Cranberry Salad
Ingredients:
3 oz. pkg. strawberry gelatin
3 oz. pkg. raspberry gelatin
2 cups boiling water
1 10 oz. pkg. frozen sliced strawberries, partially thawed
1 15 ¼ oz. can crushed pineapple, don’t drained
1 16 oz. can whole berry cranberry sauce
1 cup chopped celery
½ cup chopped pecans
Directions:
1. Dissolve gelatins in boiling water and let cool.
2. Add strawberries, pineapple, cranberry sauce, celery and pecans.
3. Spoon into a 12x8x2 pan or your favorite mold, sprayed lightly with cooking spray. Cover and chill until firm.
4. Unmold onto a lettuce-lined plate.
This recipe is best if prepared the day before serving.
Therefore, Food Friday will probably continue to float somewhere around Friday and I will continue to write as a non-expert on a variety of topics. Basically, I'll just continue to do what I do best.
So, who's ready for Thanksgiving? I am totally geared up for Thanksgiving and Christmas this year! As soon as I close up this computer I'm going to the basement to pack up fall and unpack Christmas! Yay!! So ready for all things Christmas. Not to negate Thanksgiving but we don't celebrate Thanksgiving at my house so I can go ahead and get a jump start on the Christmas decorating. However, the inside and outside of my house will have a split personality until next weekend. For some reason, I am totally comfortable decorating the inside for Christmas before Thanksgiving but I just can't bring myself to do the outside. So to the outside world, we will still be all things fall but to the inside, we are all things Christmas!
I wanted to share a recipe that I will make about 10 times from now until Christmas Day. I'm asked to bring this salad to every family or friend get together that I attend. That's okay, it's easy, it can be made the day before (actually it's best to do that) and it is delicious!
**EDITED TO ADD: In the second paragraph, when I said we don't celebrate Thanksgiving at my house what I meant was, we go to D's paren'ts house for Thanksgiving; I do not host it. So . . . yes, we do believe in giving thanks and setting aside a day to do just that. Just to clarify.
Crunchy Cranberry Salad
Ingredients:
3 oz. pkg. strawberry gelatin
3 oz. pkg. raspberry gelatin
2 cups boiling water
1 10 oz. pkg. frozen sliced strawberries, partially thawed
1 15 ¼ oz. can crushed pineapple, don’t drained
1 16 oz. can whole berry cranberry sauce
1 cup chopped celery
½ cup chopped pecans
Directions:
1. Dissolve gelatins in boiling water and let cool.
2. Add strawberries, pineapple, cranberry sauce, celery and pecans.
3. Spoon into a 12x8x2 pan or your favorite mold, sprayed lightly with cooking spray. Cover and chill until firm.
4. Unmold onto a lettuce-lined plate.
This recipe is best if prepared the day before serving.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Put on Those Boxing Gloves and Fight!
I just wanted to share something that has been speaking to my heart of late. As you know, I'm all about the book of Nehemiah right now for so many reasons but this verse in the 4th Chapter has really stuck with me:
"Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome , and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes." v. 14.
At this risk of taking this verse out of context, I do believe this could apply to us today. Nehemiah finds himself in quite the battle with some his contemporaries who do not want the wall around Jerusalem to be rebuilt. He is facing major opposition. Well, who do you think this opposition originates with? If Nehemiah is doing God's work, then who are the "enemies" (v.11) working for? Yes, the enemy.
So, when we face opposition (and we will), who does that originate with? We live in a fallen world and we know that trouble will surround us. Trouble with our children, our families, our friends, our work, our churches - we can expect it. So, what do we do? We Fight! We fight for our brothers, sons, daughters, spouses and homes. Do you realize the magnitude of the attack on our families right now? The attack on morals, values, family unity, marriages - it's unbelievable. But in that one little sentence, what does Nehemiah say?
First: "Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome." Well, amen! If we didn't know as believers that our God is Sovereign and in control of everything: that He will work all things to the good of His people; that He is just and in the end, He will have the final word - where would we be? Personally, I think some days I might just be in bed in the fetal position too weary and overwhelmed to press on. But because of His great love, we keep on; we keep on praying; we keep on digging into His word, we keep on battling; . . .
Second: we keep on Fighting!! Because that's what He wants us to do. Nobody said this life would be easy. Nehemiah says, FIGHT for your families and your homes!! Let's not be wimpy and passive about these things that are attacking our families on every side. Do.Not.Let.Satan.Win.This.Battle! Do what it takes, even at the risk of being radical if you must, to fight for your family and home. Satan's main goal is stated simply in John 10:10: 'kill, steal and destroy." Okay, any questions about that? That is plain and simple. God's goal: "give us life more abundantly."
So, let me just share with you a few ways that I personally fight for my husband, children and home:
1. Pray: I get down on my knees and cry out on behalf of my family. From the biggest to the smallest concern I have, I give it to God.
2. I prayer walk my home. I go into each room and pray over the people who enter there. I pray for protection and provision. I walk the perimeter of my house outside to ask for protection from attack.
3. I dig into God's Word to find the encouragement and "ammunition," if you will, to continue to play through the pain of day to day life. God's word is active, it's alive and it will answer every question we have about life.
4. I share my concerns with my husband and united, we work toward a common goal. Let me just say this, as one who has been married a long time, sometimes you have to compromise. I know that almost sounds trite, but believe me, if you've had to practice it on more than one occasion, it is not. You have to understand the greater goal and work together towards that. You have to realize where your strengths and weaknesses lie and how working together you are a thousand times stronger than when you work apart.
5. I seek out the wisdom of others. I have a few "go to" girls that know all the yuck stuff and still are there to speak truth over me with no condemnation. What a blessing.
So, if today or tomorrow you feel like you are persecuted on every side, stand strong.
"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world." words of Jesus, John 16:33.
"Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome , and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes." v. 14.
At this risk of taking this verse out of context, I do believe this could apply to us today. Nehemiah finds himself in quite the battle with some his contemporaries who do not want the wall around Jerusalem to be rebuilt. He is facing major opposition. Well, who do you think this opposition originates with? If Nehemiah is doing God's work, then who are the "enemies" (v.11) working for? Yes, the enemy.
So, when we face opposition (and we will), who does that originate with? We live in a fallen world and we know that trouble will surround us. Trouble with our children, our families, our friends, our work, our churches - we can expect it. So, what do we do? We Fight! We fight for our brothers, sons, daughters, spouses and homes. Do you realize the magnitude of the attack on our families right now? The attack on morals, values, family unity, marriages - it's unbelievable. But in that one little sentence, what does Nehemiah say?
First: "Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome." Well, amen! If we didn't know as believers that our God is Sovereign and in control of everything: that He will work all things to the good of His people; that He is just and in the end, He will have the final word - where would we be? Personally, I think some days I might just be in bed in the fetal position too weary and overwhelmed to press on. But because of His great love, we keep on; we keep on praying; we keep on digging into His word, we keep on battling; . . .
Second: we keep on Fighting!! Because that's what He wants us to do. Nobody said this life would be easy. Nehemiah says, FIGHT for your families and your homes!! Let's not be wimpy and passive about these things that are attacking our families on every side. Do.Not.Let.Satan.Win.This.Battle! Do what it takes, even at the risk of being radical if you must, to fight for your family and home. Satan's main goal is stated simply in John 10:10: 'kill, steal and destroy." Okay, any questions about that? That is plain and simple. God's goal: "give us life more abundantly."
So, let me just share with you a few ways that I personally fight for my husband, children and home:
1. Pray: I get down on my knees and cry out on behalf of my family. From the biggest to the smallest concern I have, I give it to God.
2. I prayer walk my home. I go into each room and pray over the people who enter there. I pray for protection and provision. I walk the perimeter of my house outside to ask for protection from attack.
3. I dig into God's Word to find the encouragement and "ammunition," if you will, to continue to play through the pain of day to day life. God's word is active, it's alive and it will answer every question we have about life.
4. I share my concerns with my husband and united, we work toward a common goal. Let me just say this, as one who has been married a long time, sometimes you have to compromise. I know that almost sounds trite, but believe me, if you've had to practice it on more than one occasion, it is not. You have to understand the greater goal and work together towards that. You have to realize where your strengths and weaknesses lie and how working together you are a thousand times stronger than when you work apart.
5. I seek out the wisdom of others. I have a few "go to" girls that know all the yuck stuff and still are there to speak truth over me with no condemnation. What a blessing.
So, if today or tomorrow you feel like you are persecuted on every side, stand strong.
"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world." words of Jesus, John 16:33.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Much Ado about Nothing
Well, this post is truly, much ado about nothing. But here goes . . .
Well, Saturday's crafting experiment turned out to be so much fun and E and I came away with the cutest ornaments. We also made napkin rings out of jingle bells. Who knew the possibilities? So maybe if I keep my crafting projects in the age ranges of "6 and up," I will be able to accomplish great things. Go over that age level and I'll only get discouraged and disillusioned. The boys watched the Georgia/Auburn game and I made that amazing sausage dip that we reserve only for Georgia-game-watching, hamburger sliders, slaw and sweet potato fries. Oh the goodness and fun.
On Sunday morning, D and I got up at the crack of dark and headed to the church because the Handbell Choir was leading in worship during the early service. We played "Give Thanks" and if I do say so myself, it was beautiful. We practiced after church so that we wouldn't have to go back that evening so by the time we got home Sunday, I was pooped. However, I knew I had much to do in order to get the office decorated for Christmas, so my afternoon was filled with the making of bows and the decorating of wreaths.
Then Sunday night, D and I were so excited to have dinner with his two aunts and one husband (the other was sick) to celebrate my birthday. These two women have been incredible to me. From the day I entered their family, they have loved me like their own. When I married D, I knew I was marrying a wonderful man; what I didn't know was that I would gain two of the most amazing women as "sisters." We love them like crazy as they do us. We had so much fun.
Let's see what did I do on Monday? Oh, yes. By 8:00 that morning I was in a meeting with the J&J Leadership team and our grocery supplier to plan out the promotions for 2011. I was asked to come because of the What's for Supper? segment. Apparently, I am supposed to plan my recipes so that they coincide with the special promotions at the store. Well, overall I think I might have been doing that but now, since I have been in on the planning, I'll have no excuse. I think this may squelch my creativity. Just.kidding.
Monday night I was at the office putting the final touches on the Christmas decor - the tree and our tablescape table. I think we are quite ready for the Jingle Mingle on Thursday.
Yesterday was hospital-volunteering day. We worked in the shop and soon realized just how much we needed to do there to prepare for Christmas. Basically, the whole shop needs to be redone. However, we are going to start with putting up the Christmas tree; redoing all the displays; and moving around about 1/2 of the entire inventory. We are going back early Friday morning to accomplish that goal.
Today. Oh, today. Well, D and I got up at 6:30 this morning to exercise - he ran 9 miles and I walked 3. And then at 11:00 - and I'm so excited about this - I've been invited to judge the Annual Thanksgiving Chili Cook-Off for the staff at the radio station. This should be interesting. I'm taking Tums and GasX with me just in case.
After that, I'm headed to the Care Center to work with their clients for the afternoon. I'm always a mix of excited and nervous when I go there. I so want to do and say the right things to these precious women. It's always a blessing to be a part of the monumental work of God that goes on in this place.
Okay, well I'm absolutely sure that's all of the randomness about my life you can take for one day. Hope you have a good one!
Well, Saturday's crafting experiment turned out to be so much fun and E and I came away with the cutest ornaments. We also made napkin rings out of jingle bells. Who knew the possibilities? So maybe if I keep my crafting projects in the age ranges of "6 and up," I will be able to accomplish great things. Go over that age level and I'll only get discouraged and disillusioned. The boys watched the Georgia/Auburn game and I made that amazing sausage dip that we reserve only for Georgia-game-watching, hamburger sliders, slaw and sweet potato fries. Oh the goodness and fun.
On Sunday morning, D and I got up at the crack of dark and headed to the church because the Handbell Choir was leading in worship during the early service. We played "Give Thanks" and if I do say so myself, it was beautiful. We practiced after church so that we wouldn't have to go back that evening so by the time we got home Sunday, I was pooped. However, I knew I had much to do in order to get the office decorated for Christmas, so my afternoon was filled with the making of bows and the decorating of wreaths.
Then Sunday night, D and I were so excited to have dinner with his two aunts and one husband (the other was sick) to celebrate my birthday. These two women have been incredible to me. From the day I entered their family, they have loved me like their own. When I married D, I knew I was marrying a wonderful man; what I didn't know was that I would gain two of the most amazing women as "sisters." We love them like crazy as they do us. We had so much fun.
Let's see what did I do on Monday? Oh, yes. By 8:00 that morning I was in a meeting with the J&J Leadership team and our grocery supplier to plan out the promotions for 2011. I was asked to come because of the What's for Supper? segment. Apparently, I am supposed to plan my recipes so that they coincide with the special promotions at the store. Well, overall I think I might have been doing that but now, since I have been in on the planning, I'll have no excuse. I think this may squelch my creativity. Just.kidding.
Monday night I was at the office putting the final touches on the Christmas decor - the tree and our tablescape table. I think we are quite ready for the Jingle Mingle on Thursday.
Yesterday was hospital-volunteering day. We worked in the shop and soon realized just how much we needed to do there to prepare for Christmas. Basically, the whole shop needs to be redone. However, we are going to start with putting up the Christmas tree; redoing all the displays; and moving around about 1/2 of the entire inventory. We are going back early Friday morning to accomplish that goal.
Today. Oh, today. Well, D and I got up at 6:30 this morning to exercise - he ran 9 miles and I walked 3. And then at 11:00 - and I'm so excited about this - I've been invited to judge the Annual Thanksgiving Chili Cook-Off for the staff at the radio station. This should be interesting. I'm taking Tums and GasX with me just in case.
After that, I'm headed to the Care Center to work with their clients for the afternoon. I'm always a mix of excited and nervous when I go there. I so want to do and say the right things to these precious women. It's always a blessing to be a part of the monumental work of God that goes on in this place.
Okay, well I'm absolutely sure that's all of the randomness about my life you can take for one day. Hope you have a good one!
Friday, November 12, 2010
Food Friday
Happy Friday! What have you been doing today? Well I've been b-u-s-y, thanks for asking. Next Thursday night is the annual Jingle Mingle on the downtown Square and since Wonderful Events now has an office inside Mainstreet Market, our little space has to be all dressed up and ready for Christmas by then. So . . . I've been to our local wholesale florist twice in the past two days along with trips to Big Lots (which has fabulous Christmas items by the way) and of course, the mecca of all things holiday, Hobby Lobby. I think I have accumulated all of my supplies for decorating the tree and accessorizing the wreaths. The wreath adorning is a new venture for me, by the way. I am a going to try my hand at wiring/hot gluing your average fir wreaths into something fabulous using ribbon, garland and ornaments. We'll see. I'm kinda a gene short in the crafting pool so this may turn out to be a total disaster. If so, I'm not too proud to admit my defeat and consult a crafting professional.
And speaking of crafting, E and I are getting together tomorrow afternoon for a little "Ornament Crafting Party." I've done extensive search on the internet and come up with two of the easiest ornament construction projects ever created. The age requirement on both: 6 and up. Yep, that's about my speed. E will probably fly by me and create an ornament masterpiece. Our men folk will occupy themselves with the Georgia/Auburn game and all will be well with the world. If Georgia wins that is . . .
Okay, to the issue at hand - Food Friday. All this week and until Thanksgiving, I'll be talking about recipes to make your Thanksgiving menu fabulous on the What's for Supper segment. Therefore, I have over a dozen recipes that are perfect for any menu but especially during the holidays. I decided to share this recipe in honor of D's mom. She was making this dish when I married into the family.
Baked Curried Fruit
Ingredients:
1 can (20 oz) chunk pineapple
1 can (20 oz) pear halves
1 can (20 oz) peach halves
10 maraschino cherries
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon curry powder - more or less to taste
Directions:
1. Drain fruit; cut up as desired.
2. Combine fruit and place in a 2 quart casserole.
3. Melt butter in a medium bowl. Stir in brown sugar and curry powder. Pour brown sugar mixture over fruit.
4. Cook for about 30 minutes in 350° oven.
And speaking of crafting, E and I are getting together tomorrow afternoon for a little "Ornament Crafting Party." I've done extensive search on the internet and come up with two of the easiest ornament construction projects ever created. The age requirement on both: 6 and up. Yep, that's about my speed. E will probably fly by me and create an ornament masterpiece. Our men folk will occupy themselves with the Georgia/Auburn game and all will be well with the world. If Georgia wins that is . . .
Okay, to the issue at hand - Food Friday. All this week and until Thanksgiving, I'll be talking about recipes to make your Thanksgiving menu fabulous on the What's for Supper segment. Therefore, I have over a dozen recipes that are perfect for any menu but especially during the holidays. I decided to share this recipe in honor of D's mom. She was making this dish when I married into the family.
Baked Curried Fruit
Ingredients:
1 can (20 oz) chunk pineapple
1 can (20 oz) pear halves
1 can (20 oz) peach halves
10 maraschino cherries
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon curry powder - more or less to taste
Directions:
1. Drain fruit; cut up as desired.
2. Combine fruit and place in a 2 quart casserole.
3. Melt butter in a medium bowl. Stir in brown sugar and curry powder. Pour brown sugar mixture over fruit.
4. Cook for about 30 minutes in 350° oven.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
A Day in the Life
Okey Dokey – how about one of my boring old posts about a day in my life. Honestly, I really wonder sometimes who cares. My momma would care I guess but she doesn’t read my blog. Anyway, here goes:
1. Outside my window . . . it is the most bee-u-ti-ful of days. The sun is bright, the trees are wildly glorious with color and the temperature could not be more perfect. Somebody say Amen!
2. I am reading . . . . Book #4 “Sunset” of the Sunrise Series by Karen Kingsbury. So who loves Karen Kingsbury’s books? I certainly do! This series brings to a close the saga of the Baxter family. I’ve been reading about them so long I feel like they are family. Yes, I know, they are fictional and I will have to deal with that. I also have downloaded to my Kindle the final installment of Nora Roberts’ Bride Quartet series, “Happily Ever After.” I’m saving it for the perfect reading moment. And, of course, from my favorite book of all, I’m still reading the book of Nehemiah. I just cannot get enough of this book. It is chock full of practical life lessons from this amazing man of the Old Testament. He was a political leader who sought God at every turn. Because of his obedience, he was able to accomplish amazing things during his lifetime.
3. Okay, this really doesn’t have anything to do with anything but I just loved the CMA Awards last night. I tell you that Carrie Underwood is ten kinds of pretty. As the co-host with Brad Paisley, she had many wardrobe changes and she wore one gorgeous gown after another. It was like this incredible fashion show along with awesome music all rolled into one. And who knew Gwyneth Paltrow could sing like that? Plus she had the good sense to sing a duet with the best singer/songwriter in country music and one of my personal favorites, Vince Gill. It was icing on the country music cake. I loved every minute of it . . . except maybe when Kid Rock sat down at that piano and tried to screech out a song. Besides who decided he was a country music singer anyway?
4. I am watching . . . well, Dancing with the Stars is just full of surprises this season is it not? Kurt Warner didn’t make the cut this week but golly what a gentlemen he is. So, we have Jennifer Grey, Brandy, Kyle Massey and the much-improved Bristol Palin. I’m keeping my opinions close to the vest but let’s just say the girls have it. Okay, if you remember from last year, D and I are huge “Undercover Boss” fans. What would Sunday night be without it and “Extreme Home Makeover.”
5. I am wearing . . . black pants, black turtleneck and a tan/black zebra print jacket. I just returned from the Challenged Child Brunch and Fashion Show which has inspired me on several levels. First, I feel sure we all need to have a great pair of boots even in Georgia because it will eventually get cold here and even if it doesn’t, I’m wearing my boots anyway. I’ve never seen as many cute pairs of boots as I’ve seen today. I’m also loving the bootie. Last year I must admit I had mixed emotions about the bootie but since I purchased a super cute pair at Target, I’m thinking they are the answer to my winter footwear dilemma. By the way, dear friends, accessories make your outfit. I could talk about this for hours but truth is truth and if you don’t pay attention to the details, you’re sunk in the fashion department. It’s worth the time to seek out cute and/or funky belts, necklaces, earrings, scarves, rings and watches. They will, I promise, change your life . . . . well at least your fashion life. And now I will step down off my accessorized soap box.
6. I am listening . . . to the new Zac Brown CD. G got it the day it came out and I swear the more I listen to it the better it gets. As you may know, Zac and his band are from our neck of the woods – Dahlonega and Gainesville. The lead guitar player graduated from Gainesville High. And by the way, they won the “New Artist of the Year” award at the CMAs last night. Way to go – they deserve it. I am contemplating the merits of breaking out the Christmas CDs. It’s a fine line – you don’t want to get them out too early for fear of them wearing out their welcome by the time Christmas rolls around. On the other hand, you really only listen to them once a year so why not? The jury is still out – I’ll let you know.
7. I am thinking . . . about my sweet daddy. Why does this never go away? He’s been gone almost 15 years and there is not a day goes by that I don’t think about him. I was telling G this morning in the car a story about him. G and E were only 7 and 10 when he went to be with Jesus so I feel I have an obligation to keep his memory alive with them. Oh, how I would love to be in the same room with him and my children. Someday . . .
8. Okay, let’s end on a happy note! :)) The Loft Outlet has everything in the store 30% off November 11 through the 14th – even their clearance items.
We have 44 days until Christmas. – are you ready? I found the perfect gift for our niece at the Mart on Tuesday (I love when that happens).
I’m having dinner with my “adopted sisters” (D’s aunts) and their husbands Sunday night and I cannot wait. I love them so much.
I do believe that is it for now.
1. Outside my window . . . it is the most bee-u-ti-ful of days. The sun is bright, the trees are wildly glorious with color and the temperature could not be more perfect. Somebody say Amen!
2. I am reading . . . . Book #4 “Sunset” of the Sunrise Series by Karen Kingsbury. So who loves Karen Kingsbury’s books? I certainly do! This series brings to a close the saga of the Baxter family. I’ve been reading about them so long I feel like they are family. Yes, I know, they are fictional and I will have to deal with that. I also have downloaded to my Kindle the final installment of Nora Roberts’ Bride Quartet series, “Happily Ever After.” I’m saving it for the perfect reading moment. And, of course, from my favorite book of all, I’m still reading the book of Nehemiah. I just cannot get enough of this book. It is chock full of practical life lessons from this amazing man of the Old Testament. He was a political leader who sought God at every turn. Because of his obedience, he was able to accomplish amazing things during his lifetime.
3. Okay, this really doesn’t have anything to do with anything but I just loved the CMA Awards last night. I tell you that Carrie Underwood is ten kinds of pretty. As the co-host with Brad Paisley, she had many wardrobe changes and she wore one gorgeous gown after another. It was like this incredible fashion show along with awesome music all rolled into one. And who knew Gwyneth Paltrow could sing like that? Plus she had the good sense to sing a duet with the best singer/songwriter in country music and one of my personal favorites, Vince Gill. It was icing on the country music cake. I loved every minute of it . . . except maybe when Kid Rock sat down at that piano and tried to screech out a song. Besides who decided he was a country music singer anyway?
4. I am watching . . . well, Dancing with the Stars is just full of surprises this season is it not? Kurt Warner didn’t make the cut this week but golly what a gentlemen he is. So, we have Jennifer Grey, Brandy, Kyle Massey and the much-improved Bristol Palin. I’m keeping my opinions close to the vest but let’s just say the girls have it. Okay, if you remember from last year, D and I are huge “Undercover Boss” fans. What would Sunday night be without it and “Extreme Home Makeover.”
5. I am wearing . . . black pants, black turtleneck and a tan/black zebra print jacket. I just returned from the Challenged Child Brunch and Fashion Show which has inspired me on several levels. First, I feel sure we all need to have a great pair of boots even in Georgia because it will eventually get cold here and even if it doesn’t, I’m wearing my boots anyway. I’ve never seen as many cute pairs of boots as I’ve seen today. I’m also loving the bootie. Last year I must admit I had mixed emotions about the bootie but since I purchased a super cute pair at Target, I’m thinking they are the answer to my winter footwear dilemma. By the way, dear friends, accessories make your outfit. I could talk about this for hours but truth is truth and if you don’t pay attention to the details, you’re sunk in the fashion department. It’s worth the time to seek out cute and/or funky belts, necklaces, earrings, scarves, rings and watches. They will, I promise, change your life . . . . well at least your fashion life. And now I will step down off my accessorized soap box.
6. I am listening . . . to the new Zac Brown CD. G got it the day it came out and I swear the more I listen to it the better it gets. As you may know, Zac and his band are from our neck of the woods – Dahlonega and Gainesville. The lead guitar player graduated from Gainesville High. And by the way, they won the “New Artist of the Year” award at the CMAs last night. Way to go – they deserve it. I am contemplating the merits of breaking out the Christmas CDs. It’s a fine line – you don’t want to get them out too early for fear of them wearing out their welcome by the time Christmas rolls around. On the other hand, you really only listen to them once a year so why not? The jury is still out – I’ll let you know.
7. I am thinking . . . about my sweet daddy. Why does this never go away? He’s been gone almost 15 years and there is not a day goes by that I don’t think about him. I was telling G this morning in the car a story about him. G and E were only 7 and 10 when he went to be with Jesus so I feel I have an obligation to keep his memory alive with them. Oh, how I would love to be in the same room with him and my children. Someday . . .
8. Okay, let’s end on a happy note! :)) The Loft Outlet has everything in the store 30% off November 11 through the 14th – even their clearance items.
We have 44 days until Christmas. – are you ready? I found the perfect gift for our niece at the Mart on Tuesday (I love when that happens).
I’m having dinner with my “adopted sisters” (D’s aunts) and their husbands Sunday night and I cannot wait. I love them so much.
I do believe that is it for now.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Veterans Day
"This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave."
Thanking God for the men and women who have served and continue to serve our country.
Thanking God for the men and women who have served and continue to serve our country.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
The Knots Prayer
A friend sent this to me the other day and I just wanted to share.
The Knots Prayer
Dear God, please untie the knots that are in my mind, my heart and my life.
Remove the have nots, can nots and the do nots that I have in my mind.
Erase the will nots, may nots and might nots that may find a home in my heart.
Release me from the could nots, would nots and should nots that obstruct my life.
And most of all, Dear God,
I ask that you remove from my mind, my heart and my life all of the "am nots"
that I have allowed to hold me back ,
especially the thought that I am not good enough.
Amen
Author Known to God
The Knots Prayer
Dear God, please untie the knots that are in my mind, my heart and my life.
Remove the have nots, can nots and the do nots that I have in my mind.
Erase the will nots, may nots and might nots that may find a home in my heart.
Release me from the could nots, would nots and should nots that obstruct my life.
And most of all, Dear God,
I ask that you remove from my mind, my heart and my life all of the "am nots"
that I have allowed to hold me back ,
especially the thought that I am not good enough.
Amen
Author Known to God
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Food Friday Sunday
Since I was gone on Friday to Barnsley Gardens, I didn't get a chance to post a Food Friday recipe. This is hands down my new favorite dessert. And let me just say that you don't have to be a huge fan of pumpkin to enjoy these. D is not a fan and he loved them! These bars would be a great Thanksgiving dessert in lieu of the more traditional pie. Happy eating!
Pumpkin Pie Bars
Ingredients:
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup granulated sugar, divided
½ cup packed brown sugar
¾ cups (1 ½ sticks) cold butter
1 cup old-fashioned or quick-cooking oats, uncooked
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
1 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
3 eggs
1 15 oz. can pumpkin
1 Tbsp. pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Butterscotch or chocolate chips for sprinkling on top
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Line 13x9 inch pan with foil, with ends of foil extending over sides. Spray foil with cooking spray.
3. Mix flour, ¼ cup granulated sugar and brown sugar in medium bowl, cut in butter with pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in oats and nuts.
4. Reserve 1 cup oat mixture; press remaining onto bottom of prepared pan. Bake 15 minutes.
5. Beat cream cheese, remaining sugar, eggs, vanilla, pumpkin and spice with mixer until well blended. Pour over crust; sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture and butterscotch or chocolate chips.
6. Bake 25 minutes; cool 10 minutes. Use foil to transfer dessert from pan to wire rack; cool completely.
7. Cut into bars.
Pumpkin Pie Bars
Ingredients:
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup granulated sugar, divided
½ cup packed brown sugar
¾ cups (1 ½ sticks) cold butter
1 cup old-fashioned or quick-cooking oats, uncooked
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
1 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
3 eggs
1 15 oz. can pumpkin
1 Tbsp. pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Butterscotch or chocolate chips for sprinkling on top
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Line 13x9 inch pan with foil, with ends of foil extending over sides. Spray foil with cooking spray.
3. Mix flour, ¼ cup granulated sugar and brown sugar in medium bowl, cut in butter with pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in oats and nuts.
4. Reserve 1 cup oat mixture; press remaining onto bottom of prepared pan. Bake 15 minutes.
5. Beat cream cheese, remaining sugar, eggs, vanilla, pumpkin and spice with mixer until well blended. Pour over crust; sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture and butterscotch or chocolate chips.
6. Bake 25 minutes; cool 10 minutes. Use foil to transfer dessert from pan to wire rack; cool completely.
7. Cut into bars.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
What I love about November 2010
After that last over-exhaustive post, I'll spare you alot of talk and get to the point. What I love about November 2010 . . . what's not to love?
1. Marketplace is this Friday and Saturday! It's a shopping extravaganza to benefit a very good cause. Sponsored annually by the hospital Auxiliary, 100% of this year's ( and last year's) profits go to benefit New Horizons North, a long-term care facility.
Thursday, November 4th - Preview Party, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Tickets $40
Friday, November 5th - 9:30 a.m. til 6:30 p.m. Tickets $5
Saturday, November 6th - 9:30 a.m. til 5:00 p.m.
Location: Gainesville Civic Center
I'll be there most of the day tomorrow helping with set-up. Get a head start on your Christmas shopping - it's going to be good!
2. I'll be spending this weekend with my husband in one of my favorite places in Georgia - Barnsley Gardens. This is the annual trip for the GFIA Board of Directors and I'm just blessed to get to go along. Oh, I can hardly wait. Weather - you are going to be perfect!
3. It's that time of year . . . the annual Cash and Carry at the Mart in Atlanta. I'm getting my Christmas list ready and hope to put some check marks beside some names!
4. On November 11th, Challenged Child and Friends will be hosting a Brunch and Fashion Show at the Chattahoochee Country Club. Another very good cause to support plus you get brunch and a fashion show - sounds like a win-win to me! I'll be taking the Mimi and Nana along with me for this!
5. My driver's license expires on November 19th. I guess you know what that means. My youth is expiring right along with it.
6. Jingle Mingle on the Square on Thursday, November 18th. This kicks off the holiday season on the Downtown Square. Rumor has it Santa will be there. D and I attended this last year and had a great time.
7. Going to Athens with some very special friends the Tuesday before Thanksgiving to see Mannheim Steamroller. What a great way to get in the Christmas mood!
8. Thanksgiving! WooHoo! Y'all know this may be my favorite holiday of all. There is not a single thing that I do not love about Thanksgiving.
9. This year on Thanksgiving we'll be doing something a little different and trotting with the other turkeys down in Atlanta for the 1/2 marathon at Turner Field. Actually, I will not be trotting but the husband, daughter and son-in-law will be. I'll go along of course for moral support. I really think they are doing this so they can have a free pass on anything they want to eat the rest of the day. Pretty good plan actually.
10. Day after Thanksgiving - John Berry at Pierce Auditorium. Enough said.
Oh, this time of year makes me just giddy with excitement. The family, the traditions, the food, - oh, the joy! Hope your November is a blessed one!
1. Marketplace is this Friday and Saturday! It's a shopping extravaganza to benefit a very good cause. Sponsored annually by the hospital Auxiliary, 100% of this year's ( and last year's) profits go to benefit New Horizons North, a long-term care facility.
Thursday, November 4th - Preview Party, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Tickets $40
Friday, November 5th - 9:30 a.m. til 6:30 p.m. Tickets $5
Saturday, November 6th - 9:30 a.m. til 5:00 p.m.
Location: Gainesville Civic Center
I'll be there most of the day tomorrow helping with set-up. Get a head start on your Christmas shopping - it's going to be good!
2. I'll be spending this weekend with my husband in one of my favorite places in Georgia - Barnsley Gardens. This is the annual trip for the GFIA Board of Directors and I'm just blessed to get to go along. Oh, I can hardly wait. Weather - you are going to be perfect!
3. It's that time of year . . . the annual Cash and Carry at the Mart in Atlanta. I'm getting my Christmas list ready and hope to put some check marks beside some names!
4. On November 11th, Challenged Child and Friends will be hosting a Brunch and Fashion Show at the Chattahoochee Country Club. Another very good cause to support plus you get brunch and a fashion show - sounds like a win-win to me! I'll be taking the Mimi and Nana along with me for this!
5. My driver's license expires on November 19th. I guess you know what that means. My youth is expiring right along with it.
6. Jingle Mingle on the Square on Thursday, November 18th. This kicks off the holiday season on the Downtown Square. Rumor has it Santa will be there. D and I attended this last year and had a great time.
7. Going to Athens with some very special friends the Tuesday before Thanksgiving to see Mannheim Steamroller. What a great way to get in the Christmas mood!
8. Thanksgiving! WooHoo! Y'all know this may be my favorite holiday of all. There is not a single thing that I do not love about Thanksgiving.
9. This year on Thanksgiving we'll be doing something a little different and trotting with the other turkeys down in Atlanta for the 1/2 marathon at Turner Field. Actually, I will not be trotting but the husband, daughter and son-in-law will be. I'll go along of course for moral support. I really think they are doing this so they can have a free pass on anything they want to eat the rest of the day. Pretty good plan actually.
10. Day after Thanksgiving - John Berry at Pierce Auditorium. Enough said.
Oh, this time of year makes me just giddy with excitement. The family, the traditions, the food, - oh, the joy! Hope your November is a blessed one!
Sunday, October 31, 2010
I think I'm the Talkative Sort
I have approximately five minutes to tell you everything that we've done in the last three days. D and I have been gone since Thursday afternoon and we have covered some territory in a short amount of time I'm telling you.
Late Thursday afternoon we caught a flight out to Orlando. But not before I got detained in Security for the possession of an unidentified liquid. Unidentified? Excuse me? Anybody knows that would be my 3 Minute Miracle. And I really didn't want any ole grumpy Atlanta security personnel to have my Miracle. But apparently, these airport security folks have something to do with Homeland Security which I do know is part of our federal government which I do know can throw you in the slammer for disagreeing with their rules. So I decided not to argue the point that The Miracle is not technically a liquid . . . but a thick gel (not a liquid I repeat). Bottom line, I had to give them my Miracle. But come to think of it, maybe I was the grumpy one. My dear sweet husband had neglected to tell me that because of the brevity of our trip, we would not be checking our bags. We would be carrying everything on. Well, if I had known that I would have brought something smaller than my mega-super size hairspray and mousse. Because I only buy those in the huge cans because if I didn't I would be going every other day to replenish my supply. I can go through some hair products I tell you. So . . . I had already agreed to leave the above-mentioned items in the truck. So, if you are following me here, you realize this means that I am going to Florida (otherwise known as the "The Official State of Heat and Humidity") without my mousse, Miracle or my hair spray. Well, I might as well just wear a bag over my head. D, realizing the severity of this situation, bless his heart, kept saying, "honey, as soon as we get on the ground in Orlando I will find a way to get you some hair products." I had to grin. He knew his chances of a good mini-vacation were vanishing right before his very eyes. Because if there is something that will put a girl in a bad mood in a hurry, it is the fact that she is experiencing less than ideal hair conditions.
Well, once we were on our way, things happened beyond our control - like being 45 minutes late leaving Atlanta, waiting 30 minutes at the airport for our shuttle and then taking a one-hour long tour through the Disney World hotel system before arriving at our hotel, which by the way, was not part of the Disney hotel system and therefore, warranted the very last stop. So, by the time we got to our room, we were tired and hungry. We ordered room service and went to sleep.
But I woke up Friday morning to the fresh realization that I still had no hair products. The way I saw it, I had two options: I could go purchase some ridiculously priced products at the resort's spa (and would still have to leave them because I couldn't get back on the plane with them) or I would have to suck it up and go as is to the food show with D. Realizing you just have to let these kinds of things go sometimes, I did the best I could with the nothing I had, I held my head and hair high and accompanied my husband to the show. By mid-afternoon, he had to go to meetings so we parted ways and I just decided to throw caution to the wind (literally) and sit outside and enjoy the heat and humidity that makes Florida what it is. I made it a priority to forget about my over-egotistical hair problems and enjoy the loveliness of my location. Which, in fact, I most certainly did. I will say, however, no photographs were taken to document this day. So much for my self-sacrifice of ego. :)
That may have been the most ridiculous thing I have ever written. I am ever so sorry.
I've got to tell you something that was so funny to me. We are standing in the Atlanta airport at the gate waiting for our flight to board. The pilot was standing there as well and we just struck up a conversation with him. Sidenote: Pilots are like doctors to me. I swear, some of them don't look like they are even old enough to drive much less hold the monumental jobs of flying commercial airplanes or doing surgery. I must be getting old, that sounds just like something my mother would say. Anyway, we discover even though he's from Orlando, he does bike rides through the north Georgia mountains. D asks him if he's been to Dahlonega; he says he has several times; D says we have a grocery store there; he asks D about the grocery business; D gives him his little assessment of the grocery store business climate; and then he says . . . "I'm thinking about changing jobs and thought I might enjoy working in a grocery store. Do you have a business card?" Is it just me or does that strike you as funny? Here he is a pilot for a major airline but he's thinking he might enjoy the grocery store business (which he admitted, he knows nothing about). Well, go figure. Anyway, we say our goodbyes to him and we are walking down the hallway to the airplane and D turns to me, not a smile on his face and says, "well, he was a talkative sort, wasn't he?" After that entire conversation and all the things he could have said, "a talkative sort?" I just cracked up. This whole scenario just struck me as hilarious. Yes, dear, yes, he was . . . a talkative sort.
That may have been the second most riduculous thing I've ever written.
Okay.
The original plan was for us to fly back home on Saturday morning. Oh, but we had the most wonderful of unexpected surprises! Thanks to the kindness and generosity of some very special people, we were able to rent a car, drive to Jacksonville, get some tickets and catch a late flight out of Jacksonville on Saturday night. WooHoo - because you know what happened in Jacksonville yesterday. Oh.Yes.We.Did. We went to the Georgia/Florida game!! Yes, the overtime ending was awful - that goes without saying. BUT . . . the time with my husband, the time with our friends and that ballgame atmosphere on 3rd row seats was awesome! Oh my gosh, we had a good time. The new UGA, Bruce was even right in front of us the whole time. I'll share photos later.
And because I'm sure you are dying to know, as soon as we got that rental car we made a bee-line to the nearest Target, which did in fact have those 3 oz. sizes of mousse and hairspray. And all was well with my soul.
But for right now, I gotta go. Since I've been gone, I'm behind on most everything including some work-related projects, housework and laundry. Oh, and tomorrow night is our 2nd Annual Soup Swap Extravaganza for my Monday night Bible study girls here at the house. Yay! We are finishing up the Bible study, "Anointed, Redeemed and Transformed." And can I just say, WOW. What an amazing study. It is just a six week study and boy oh boy, it's a good one.
Happy Halloween!!
Late Thursday afternoon we caught a flight out to Orlando. But not before I got detained in Security for the possession of an unidentified liquid. Unidentified? Excuse me? Anybody knows that would be my 3 Minute Miracle. And I really didn't want any ole grumpy Atlanta security personnel to have my Miracle. But apparently, these airport security folks have something to do with Homeland Security which I do know is part of our federal government which I do know can throw you in the slammer for disagreeing with their rules. So I decided not to argue the point that The Miracle is not technically a liquid . . . but a thick gel (not a liquid I repeat). Bottom line, I had to give them my Miracle. But come to think of it, maybe I was the grumpy one. My dear sweet husband had neglected to tell me that because of the brevity of our trip, we would not be checking our bags. We would be carrying everything on. Well, if I had known that I would have brought something smaller than my mega-super size hairspray and mousse. Because I only buy those in the huge cans because if I didn't I would be going every other day to replenish my supply. I can go through some hair products I tell you. So . . . I had already agreed to leave the above-mentioned items in the truck. So, if you are following me here, you realize this means that I am going to Florida (otherwise known as the "The Official State of Heat and Humidity") without my mousse, Miracle or my hair spray. Well, I might as well just wear a bag over my head. D, realizing the severity of this situation, bless his heart, kept saying, "honey, as soon as we get on the ground in Orlando I will find a way to get you some hair products." I had to grin. He knew his chances of a good mini-vacation were vanishing right before his very eyes. Because if there is something that will put a girl in a bad mood in a hurry, it is the fact that she is experiencing less than ideal hair conditions.
Well, once we were on our way, things happened beyond our control - like being 45 minutes late leaving Atlanta, waiting 30 minutes at the airport for our shuttle and then taking a one-hour long tour through the Disney World hotel system before arriving at our hotel, which by the way, was not part of the Disney hotel system and therefore, warranted the very last stop. So, by the time we got to our room, we were tired and hungry. We ordered room service and went to sleep.
But I woke up Friday morning to the fresh realization that I still had no hair products. The way I saw it, I had two options: I could go purchase some ridiculously priced products at the resort's spa (and would still have to leave them because I couldn't get back on the plane with them) or I would have to suck it up and go as is to the food show with D. Realizing you just have to let these kinds of things go sometimes, I did the best I could with the nothing I had, I held my head and hair high and accompanied my husband to the show. By mid-afternoon, he had to go to meetings so we parted ways and I just decided to throw caution to the wind (literally) and sit outside and enjoy the heat and humidity that makes Florida what it is. I made it a priority to forget about my over-egotistical hair problems and enjoy the loveliness of my location. Which, in fact, I most certainly did. I will say, however, no photographs were taken to document this day. So much for my self-sacrifice of ego. :)
That may have been the most ridiculous thing I have ever written. I am ever so sorry.
I've got to tell you something that was so funny to me. We are standing in the Atlanta airport at the gate waiting for our flight to board. The pilot was standing there as well and we just struck up a conversation with him. Sidenote: Pilots are like doctors to me. I swear, some of them don't look like they are even old enough to drive much less hold the monumental jobs of flying commercial airplanes or doing surgery. I must be getting old, that sounds just like something my mother would say. Anyway, we discover even though he's from Orlando, he does bike rides through the north Georgia mountains. D asks him if he's been to Dahlonega; he says he has several times; D says we have a grocery store there; he asks D about the grocery business; D gives him his little assessment of the grocery store business climate; and then he says . . . "I'm thinking about changing jobs and thought I might enjoy working in a grocery store. Do you have a business card?" Is it just me or does that strike you as funny? Here he is a pilot for a major airline but he's thinking he might enjoy the grocery store business (which he admitted, he knows nothing about). Well, go figure. Anyway, we say our goodbyes to him and we are walking down the hallway to the airplane and D turns to me, not a smile on his face and says, "well, he was a talkative sort, wasn't he?" After that entire conversation and all the things he could have said, "a talkative sort?" I just cracked up. This whole scenario just struck me as hilarious. Yes, dear, yes, he was . . . a talkative sort.
That may have been the second most riduculous thing I've ever written.
Okay.
The original plan was for us to fly back home on Saturday morning. Oh, but we had the most wonderful of unexpected surprises! Thanks to the kindness and generosity of some very special people, we were able to rent a car, drive to Jacksonville, get some tickets and catch a late flight out of Jacksonville on Saturday night. WooHoo - because you know what happened in Jacksonville yesterday. Oh.Yes.We.Did. We went to the Georgia/Florida game!! Yes, the overtime ending was awful - that goes without saying. BUT . . . the time with my husband, the time with our friends and that ballgame atmosphere on 3rd row seats was awesome! Oh my gosh, we had a good time. The new UGA, Bruce was even right in front of us the whole time. I'll share photos later.
And because I'm sure you are dying to know, as soon as we got that rental car we made a bee-line to the nearest Target, which did in fact have those 3 oz. sizes of mousse and hairspray. And all was well with my soul.
But for right now, I gotta go. Since I've been gone, I'm behind on most everything including some work-related projects, housework and laundry. Oh, and tomorrow night is our 2nd Annual Soup Swap Extravaganza for my Monday night Bible study girls here at the house. Yay! We are finishing up the Bible study, "Anointed, Redeemed and Transformed." And can I just say, WOW. What an amazing study. It is just a six week study and boy oh boy, it's a good one.
Happy Halloween!!
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