Food Friday!

Since all I've talked about is hamburgers, onion rings and pie this week, you might find it ironic that the theme for the What's for Supper? segment has been Healthy Choices. But trust me you'll need them if you follow the HOP diet I've modeled for you. You know, I might be onto something. I can see it now on the infomercials: "Follow the HOP method for a diet of empty calories and high saturated fats! You'll be flabby and on high blood pressure medicine in no time!" Okay, maybe not.

Anywhoo, how about a recipe for Pecan Crusted Flounder? Or you could use tilapia or trout if you so desire.

Pecan Crusted Tilapia
Ingredients:
½ cup seasoned bread crumbs
½ cup pecans, finely chopped
1 teaspoon Creole seasoning
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 pound fish, flounder, 4 (4-ounce) fillets
Cooking spray
2 tablespoon mayonnaise, nonfat
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
2. Mix together bread crumbs, pecans, Creole seasoning and salt.
3. Place fish on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray.
4. Combine mayonnaise and lemon juice. Brush over top of fish.
5. Sprinkle fish evenly with crumb mixture and coat lightly with cooking spray.
6. Bake for 15 minutes or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork.
Serves 4.

Enjoy!

Gainesville Bridal Expo this Sunday!!

It just occurred to me that while I've blabbered everywhere about the Bridal Expo this weekend, I haven't mentioned here. So, without further ado . . .

Gainesville's Bridal Expo will be held this Sunday, January 30th at the Gainesville Civic Center. It begins at 1:00 and ends at 4:00 with the Fashion Show starting at 3:45 p.m.

This year's Expo will feature a "Be Inspired" Theme with a room specifically dedicated to beautiful tablescapes, cakes, decor, catering and bridal fashion.

Wonderful Events and Celebrations has partnered with Soirees Southern Events, JB Jams and the Civic Center staff to create a unique and fabulous show!

Admission is $3 at the door.

E and I will do a special promotional segment on WDUN 550 tomorrow (Friday) at 3:10 p.m. Pass the word and come by and see us Sunday afternoon!

What I've Learned and Various Other Things

Some things I've learned since I talked to you last (and some I already knew):

1. No matter the age, size or shape of a group of ladies when they get together somehow the talk will turn to hair . . . or shoes. It's the universal icebreaker. You've heard the Southern greeting: "Love your hair, love your shoes, how's your momma?" Well, that is just pretty close to the truth. It was so fun to be with a bunch of women all in one place talking about God, ministry and where they got those boots. Men do not have that much fun together I'm just sure of it.
2. It's all in the timing. I got kinda worried about when I was scheduled to speak on Friday. I don't know about the whole female population but to me there are two things that can happen right after lunch: go to sleep or go to the bathroom. Thankfully, these ladies did neither. I would have probably done both.
3. I want to have a bigger servant's heart. I saw two precious ladies who served and loved on this bunch of women like no body's business. They inspired me.
4. I love speaking on something I'm passionate about. (I guess you shouldn't be speaking about something you aren't passionate about but you know what I mean.) It was a thrill for me to pour out my heart about something that God has seared into me.
5. I do not like to drive in Atlanta - at all.
6. I love to stay in a hotel room with my husband.
7. I love sleeping late on Sunday morning. This rarely happens for us but when given the opportunity you better believe we took advantage of it.
8. I really like Hardee's hamburgers. I had the 1/3 lb. Thickburger and oh my, it was delish.
9. I would love to be a food stylist for Southern Living. One of SL staff stylists taught a class I attended on Saturday and she was just so cool and talented. Of course, she did have a double Master's degree in Culinary Arts and Art Design. (I don't have that) And a really adorable haircut. (I don't have that either).
10. We all should take a pie break. We had an mid-afternoon pie break at the conference and they served about ten different kinds of pies, ie. Apple and Cheddar; Sweet Potato with Gingerbread Crust; Chocolate Fudge, just to name a few. I think it should become custom that every day about 3:30 we break for pie, like an afternoon siesta break. They do that in other countries, you know. Oh and a bumper sticker: "I brake for pie."
11. Birmingham is a really cool city. Now granted we didn't see much of it, but where we stayed had this really interesting funky, artsy vibe. That might be attributed to the fact that it was next to UAB. Colleges are known to have that effect on their surroundings.
12. Never take just one pair of shoes (or boots in my case) for a four day getaway. I NEVER do that. What was I thinking? I took enough clothes for two weeks but only one pair of shoes?? Big.Mistake. (think Julia Roberts) Big.Mistake.
13. Have the onion rings at Bahama Breeze. Now, you might think, given these points that all I have done all week is eat pie, hamburgers and onion rings. You might be right but that's not ALL I've done. But we did meet my "sisters" (D's aunts) and their hubbys at BB Sunday night and I left wondering why I hadn't been there in five years. Oh, it was so good!
14. Okay, and the very last point to this endless ramble. Cracker Barrell has the best gift shop EVER! It's awesome! Everytime I go there I find about ten things that I would like to come home with me. So this time, I just got two. But I wanted ten.

Just a reminder for any of my buddies in Gainesville. Today is the Buy Local Expo at the Georgia Mountain Center from 1:00 - 6:00 p.m. I'll be there most of the afternoon and will do the radio segment live from there. This is a great event that encourages all of us to BUY LOCAL! It's so important to our local economy!

Highs and Lows

This week, so far, has been a series of highs and lows. Monday found me first at a low - at a funeral for a friend's mother. The reason this stung so deep was because exactly 15 years ago on this day I was at another funeral - my dads. I just really couldn't think about that as I was sitting in the chapel but trust me when I say, some things just don't leave you. That's one of them.

Thankfully, as soon as I left the funeral, I got on the road to Roswell to meet one of our brides. She was trying on wedding dresses. I got to be there. Be still my heart. It was a major highlight to be sure. Her mother and I are friends from Bible study and to say that I was honored to be a part of this well, that's an understatement. When she came out in that first dress, I thought I would just lose it. One reason for that is because this is the same bridal shop where my very own girl tried on dresses and found her "yes" dress. Another reason is because this bride was absolutely stunning in every gown she put on. She had a tough decision in front of her. But she finally narrowed it down to just two dresses and we deliberated over that, weighing the pros and cons of each, until she picked one - my personal favorite. But I told her that fact only after she had made the decision. I sure didn't want to be one of those over-bearing, pushing friends/wedding planners who thinks she knows it all. I do know that this groom is going to practically faint when he sees her. He is absolutely crazy about her and this will sure enough send him over the edge. I can't wait to see it!

Tuesday morning was filled with a shift at the hospital and Tuesday afternoon with Mother's long list of errands. Now, remember that she hadn't been out of the house for almost nine days and we had a very long list indeed. But she's a trooper (and so was I for that matter); we completed that list in record time.

Today, we'll it's just 1:30 and I feel like I've already done a full day's work. Hair cut. Check. Bridal Show planning meeting. Check. Bride meeting with photographer. Check. Lunch with my boy. Check. Now I'm preparing for another bride and photographer meeting. Oh, I love what I do so much.

You probably won't hear much from me for a few days as I am heading down to Jackson, GA to hang out with some very cool ladies from all over the state. The Georgia Baptist Convention's Women's Ministry Team is having a retreat down that way and I've been asked to speak to them. Lord have a mercy, me speak to them? But God called and I answered. I'd appreciate your prayers for this venture. I rely greatly on God and His power to calm my nerves and speak what He would have me to say. And I'll just tell you He doesn't disappoint. He is faithful.

After I speak on Friday, I'll leave Jackson and head to Birmingham. Guess what I'm going to attend? A Food Blog Conference!!! Who knew there was even such a thing!! I bet y'all didn't know I was writing a food blog as well, did you? Well, technically I haven't started yet. Thus the reason for going to this conference. This food blog will link to J and J Foods' website and will coordinate with the What's for Supper? segment. I will blog about food, recipes, entertaining and the whatnot. But while I know some about blogging, this is a whole new ballgame. This requires that I be like professional and all. While this blog is fascinating :), it's certainly anything but professional.

So happy weekend to you! I'll see you on the other side of it!

There She Is

I cannot believe I posted yesterday and didn't say a word about the Miss America pageant Saturday night. I'll just be honest, watching the pageant makes me miss my girl. Back in ye olden days when she was at home, we were faithful watchers of the pageant together. We would discuss who had the best hair (or biggest), the best talent and without a doubt, the best evening gown. It was a bonding experience of sorts.

I had forgotten about it and was watching the Falcons game with the boys. Then . . . I get a text from E - "I'm watching Miss America." Whoa. Hold Up. You're what? I spring for the bedroom, turn on my electric blanket and settle in. So since my girl wasn't right upstairs, we did the next best thing and texted back and forth through the entire program. Here's a sample:

"I think the bob is the new pageant hair-do" (which I decided was a myth because none of the girls with the cute bob made it to the top 10)

"Some of these girls have a little meat on their bones. I like that." (We like girls who look like they eat more than a carrot stick a day)

"These dresses. Love the first. Hate the next three." (We have strong opinions about evening gowns)

"I just noticed that Miss Delaware is wearing a wig. Impressive." (She had a disease that caused her to lose her hair as a child)

"Wow. A ventriloquist?" (And a yodeling ventriloquist no less)

"Miss Nebraska is the youngest Miss America ever. Born in 1993." (The snow boots I wore just last week were older than that)

So, Miss Nebraska is the new Miss America at the ripe old age of 17 years old. I just can't imagine if I had been Miss America at the age of 17. I thought going to the Dairy Queen was a big deal back then. I did, however, have good sense about evening gowns. I wore a Gunne Sax to my senior prom. It was The.Bomb. With or without a crown.

A Sunday Ramble - Part 2

Okay, so for this post to make sense you must first read the previous post. I totally made a wise decision in choosing to go to Target because oh at the cuteness that was found there. And by the way for any of you that might want to know this . . . they have their swimsuits out. Of course, I flew by those like a bat out of somewhere but came to a screeching halt when I saw this. It came home with me. It wasn't on the list.

And this might have come home with me, too.

And of my word, this. You know I've never, ever met a polka dot I didn't like. So this dress and I cozy-ed right up to one another. There might have even been a polka dot skirt like this that came home with me too.

And this little top is adorable. However, since I have one almost like it, it stayed.

Measuring cup. Check. Silicone whisks. Check. Except that I had to go to Bed, Bath and Beyond for the whisks. Oh and as I stood in the coffee pot aisle at Target I remembered I have an extra coffee pot. I bought it as a back up when I'm entertaining and it didn't even dawn on me until I saw another one just like it.

Oh and the Dutch oven? No Dutch ovens at Target. So, I looked at BB&B and yes, they had one in the same line as my cookware . . . for the mere price of $149.99. Are you kidding me? I think I'll make do without one because after all, some things, like polka dot dresses are more important.

A Sunday Ramble

A sunny Sunday - super glorious and much appreciated. Both of my men folk are gone and I'm having a big dilemma as to whether to start on a new book I downloaded to my Kindle yesterday or go to the Target. As you can see, it's a quandary. I have not been to Target in well over a month so I'm really itching to see all the new wonderful merchandise that I'm sure is sitting on their shelves. I actually have a list of things that I need at the Target: a new coffee pot (mine died an untimely death just when I needed her most last weekend); a non-metal whisk (I can't stand to use my metal whisk on a metal pan - yuck); a new OXO measuring cup (I ruined mine melting butter in it, apparently that's a no-no); and a heavy-duty Dutch oven (because I want one). All fascinating items, you see. But honestly, I guess I lead a simple life - some of my most leisurely moments have been found on the aisles of Target. Rows and rows of things you didn't even know you needed. And I'm thinking I need the exercise. I'm sure I would work off more calories "walking" at the Target than sitting on my sofa reading.

Actually, I'm positive I need the exercise because all I've done this weekend is eat good stuff. Our Friday night dinner with friends was beyond delightful. The company was great and the food was amazing. We ate at Piazzas and every bite was a treat for the taste buds. I can hardly wait to go back. Then last night we celebrated family birthdays at the Red Lobster and came back to our house for dessert. I made Buckeye Brownies, a Sour Cream Pound Cake and a Banana Pudding Cheesecake. The cheesecake is low-fat and honestly, quite delicious. So now you can see why I need to go burn some calories. So in the interest of my health, I'm gone to Target. I'll let you know how it goes.

My Memory Verse #2

As you might remember, I am participating in the Scripture memory challenge on Beth Moore's website. So, if you don't mind, I am going to use the blog as a way of holding myself accountable. Which I know is kinda of strange . . . using the internet as one of your accountability partners. Who would have thunk such a thing back in the day?

Anyway, each 1st and 15th of the month, I will be writing my memory verses here. This is totally for my benefit and you can feel free to sign off now if you want to. No hurt feelings here but in my humble opinion, it might do us all some good to read the Holy Scripture.

Verse 1: "Whatever you do work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord not for man." Colossians 3:23. (NIV)

Verse 2: "Therefore, I urge you, brothers (sisters), in view of God's mercy to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship." Romans 12:1

Have a great weekend!

EDITED to add: I was just reading some verses in The Message. And oh my word, y'all have just got to here this. I LOVE this so much.

Psalm 1:1-3
"How well God must like you— you don't hang out at Sin Saloon, you don't slink along Dead-End Road, you don't go to Smart-Mouth College.
Instead you thrill to God's Word,
you chew on Scripture day and night.
You're a tree replanted in Eden,
bearing fresh fruit every month,
Never dropping a leaf,
always in blossom."

Nope - I'll try really hard not to hang out at Sin Saloon or go to Smart-Mouth College. Oh wait, I definitely took some classes there so I better go chew on me some Scripture!

Happy Food Friday!

Hello dear friends! I've got a little bit of "cabin fever" going as I've been on snow-restriction most of the week. I am going to attempt to get my car out of the garage in just a little bit for the first time since last Saturday. Our driveway is solid ice and uphill to the street so I'm not sure how it will go but by-golly and by-george, I'm gonna get out of here one way or another.

So what are your plans for the weekend? We have dinner plans TWO nights in a row. I know, aren't we the social butterflies you just knew we were? not. We're meeting some friends we haven't seen in almost a year for dinner tonight in Dahlonega. One couple has moved from our area and the others, well, time flies and we just haven't gotten together. Isn't that just sad? Life gets whirling so fast that pretty soon you realize that you have friends you haven't seen in forever. I just hate that.

I'm so excited to see all of these precious people I could just jump for joy. Except that I went back to the gym last night for the first time in like two months and trust me, there will be no jumping today. There will barely be walking today. I'm determined to live up to my goal of healthy choices and that includes that stupid gym (I'm sorry - I always told my children that stupid was a bad word and I'll stand by that except when used in reference to the gym). Once again, my sweet husband was my motivation because honestly if it had been up to me I would have stayed under my electric blanket last night. But he was feeling all energetic when he got home from work and gently insisted that I join him at the gym. Ahh. He practically bolts in the front door while I lag behind, careful not to fall on the ice, mind you, and begins his 6 mile run. 6 miles. Well, I was doing great until I hit about oh, mile 1 and then I thought I would die. But you know, I got to thinking about that. If you die at the gym, people will think you were this super in-shape person so there would be worse places to die, like at the Krispy Kreme.
Anyway, I was wheezing, gasping and stopping every 2 minutes to see if G had texted me about my instructions for fixing dinner (that's my story okay). Yes, so overall, it was a wonderful experience. I finally put in my miles and then I bolted for the door! Maybe someday I'll fall in love with the gym and exercising. A girl can dream.

So, Food Friday! I really wanted to put up my recipe for the Buckeye Brownies I have sitting on my counter. But given now what I've said about the gym, you might think I was a contradiction of sorts. I am.

So, how about a great Weight Watcher recipe I found? I am making this for my family Sunday night and I can hardly wait.

Spicy Shrimp and Lobster Linguine
Ingredients:
1 Tablespoon olive oil
3 onions, chopped
6 garlic cloves, chopped
1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
2 Tablespoons chopped fresh oregano, or 2 teaspoons dried
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon coarse-ground black pepper
1 lobster tail (about 1/2 pound)
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3/4 lb. linguine, cooked according to package directions; drain
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Directions:
1. Heat olive oil in very large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, then add onions and garlic. Saute 10 minutes until golden. Add tomatoes, wine, oregano, crushed pepper, salt, sugar, and ground pepper; bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, 15 minutes until flavors are blended and sauce is slightly thickened.
3. Meanwhile, remove meat from lobster tail and cut it into 1/2-inch pieces. (To pry meat out, cut away soft undercover with scissors and ease away meat from shell with your fingers.) Add lobster and shrimp to sauce and simmer, uncovered, 5 minutes until just opaque.
4. Toss pasta with sauce and sprinkle with parsley.
Yield: 6 servings; 7 points per serving

Happy Friday, Y'all!

One Word

Do you pick a word for your new year? And do you choose one once your year is over? This may be a new concept to you but I heard about it several years ago. Let me explain. At the beginning of each new year, you choose one word and let that word be the focus of everything you do. For example, last year I chose the word "Truth." I wanted to be a woman of truth - speaking the Truth over my loved ones and those in my circle of influence, reading the Truth, and knowing the author of Truth. In addition to living an authentic and truthful life. I tried to keep that word at the top of my consciousness and focus on it throughout the year. It became a filter in which I approached everything. I would write this word when I was journaling, in my day-timer and all over my Bible study materials. I tried to put it in front of my face wherever I was. Many prayers were lifted about truth and what it meant in my life.

Then as I ended the year I began to think about a word that described 2010. And that one was easy. It was the word "resolve." This word, along with truth, stayed at the top of my consciousness last year. Every time I was tempted to do something unhealthy (i.e.overeat and not exercise), I thought about the story of Daniel and his resolve not to eat the king's food. (Daniel 1:8) How he stood strong when he was surrounded by all kinds of pagan temptations and how God honored that decision. I thought about how it took resolve to stand on the truths of God's Word and trust Him when we faced a major trial in our family in 2010.
The dictionary defines resolve as "to come to a definite and earnest decision about something." I was resolved to do two things last year: 1. to eat healthy and lose some weight; 2. to put my faith in God and trust Him.

While resolve will continue to be my word when it comes to staying focused on making healthy choices, I have a new word for 2011. And that word is "intentional."
Intentional: "to do something with purpose"

I want to be intentional with my relationships, my work, my free time, my finances and most of all my faith. Isn't that an interesting concept? Intentional faith. What does that mean exactly? Well, while I'm still fleshing that out in my mind, I do know a few things:
1. I will be intentional about my Bible reading, prayer and Bible study.
2. I will be intentional about serving God in whatever way He chooses.
3. I will be intentional about listening to God and then living in obedience.
4. I will be intentional about developing those relationships that honor Him.

So, I challenge you to give this some thought. To spur your thought process here are some words to consider: joy, honor, believe, consistent, action, story, simplify, surrender, love, trust, transparent, authentic. There are lots of options.

One word. It can change your life.

Top Ten Things to Do on a Snow Day

1. Read, of course, by the fire.
2. Cook. I made about four different dishes yesterday and what a treat for my family.
3. Play cards and games. We played Uno yesterday but we are breaking out Battleship, Clue and Trouble today.
4. Do laundry. I am completely caught up on all of our laundry and that is a great feeling.
5. Play in the snow. We got out yesterday and built a snow man. We can't find our sled so G was pretty disappointed about that but I told him that there's always the cookie sheet method. He was not persuaded.
6. Watch HGTV and the Food Network. If it weren't for these two channels, daytime television wouldn't be worth watching. So thankfully there is House Hunters, Color Splash, Paula, Sandra and Rachel to keep me good company on a cold day.
7. Drink hot chocolate and spiced tea. We have kept a cup of one or the other in our hands at all times.
8. Start that organization project. Maybe.
9. Really talk to my family. There's nothing like being in the house together to cause you to have some really good conversations, and we have. I read this quote yesterday, "God gives you a time out from life sometimes, it's called a snow day."
10. Be reminded of God's goodness: I also read yesterday that snow is the reminder that someday we'll be cloaked with robes of white.
"After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice:
“Salvation belongs to our God,
who sits on the throne,
and to the Lamb.”
Revelation 7:9-10

Snow and Inaugural Day!

Well, here in the great state of Georgia three monumental things happened today:
1. Snow along with freezing rain blanketed north Georgia - 6 1/2 inches at our house.
2. Our friend, Nathan Deal was sworn in as the 82nd governor of our state. Yes, we were supposed to be there for the Swearing-In and yes, I would be putting on my new dress and shoes right about now to sashay over to Philips Arena for the Inaugural Gala but . . . it wasn't meant to be. We hear that The Gala will be rescheduled sometime in the spring so I will in fact get to wear that "expensive" ball gown I told you about after all.
3. All of my family including G's sweet girl were under my roof last night. This doesn't happen often at all so I sure do enjoy it when it does. If things had gone as planned, we were all six going to go to the Inaugural Festivities today. Instead, some of us played in the snow; played cards; and overall, just had a great time being together. So, all things considered, it has been a good day. It will really be a good day when D and G get back home after being out taking employees home. Yes, we opened one store. And it was packed. I guess some folks didn't believe the weather experts when they started predicting this last week.

I've just got to share one thing before I go in there to make Macho Nachos. Nachos are in order because there is a HUGE football game going on tonight and we are gonna watch those SEC boys kick some football butt. Oh, excuse me, I got sidetracked.

On Friday, after we finished up the What's for Supper? segment, BJ asked me if I could do something "inaugural specific" for today's recipe because they were going to devote the show to that topic. At first, I thought, how in the WORLD would I create a recipe that is "inaugural specific." But I said sure I would just like I knew what I was going to do. So I thought and thought and thought some more and then about 3:00 Saturday afternoon, it came to me. So I ran to the JandJ, got all of the ingredients for my creation and hoped and prayed that it would be edible once I made it. Because if it wasn't, I really didn't have a plan B. Thankfully, it was edible and more, if I do say so myself.

So . . . in honor of Gov. Deal's inauguration and the great state of Georgia, I humbly submit my recipe:

Gov. Deal's Georgia Stuffed "Cut the Pork" Chops

Ingredients:
2 cups packaged cornbread stuffing mix
½ cup finely chopped pecans
8 ounces diced peaches, undrained
6 tablespoons hot water
2 tablespoons melted butter
2 bone-in center loin pork chops (1 inch thick)
½ cup peach preserves
½ cup creamy peanut butter
1tablespoon Dijon mustard
Directions:
1. In a small bowl, combine the stuffing mix, pecans, peaches, water and butter. Cut a pocket in each pork chop by slicing almost to the bone. Stuff with the peach mixture and secure with wooden toothpicks. Place in an 11-in. x 7-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray.
2. Combine preserves, peanut butter and mustard; spread over chops. Cover and bake at 350° for 30 minutes. Uncover; bake 15-20 minutes or until meat juices run clear.

By the way, I'm available to go to the Governors Mansion and make this dish for the folks down there if they want me to. I'm just sayin.'

Food Friday

Well, I barely made it but here I am at 10:00 making the Food Friday post. I feel like I've done a million different things to do. Women are so good at that, aren't we? A few of things I did today: I went to two planning meetings; did the radio show; shopped for shoes, a shirt, ties and a belt with my boy; went to a basketball game and on a dinner date with my husband. Oh, y'all, I've just got to tell you what a sweet man I'm married to. Tonight when he came in after work he walked right up to me and said "I'm taking you out tonight because it is a very special occasion. It is the 27th anniversary of our first date." Oh, my heart. He remembered.

This recipe is from the What's for Supper? segment for today. Today on the show we were discussing our new governor's inaugural and I said that his first action as governor of our state should be to declare this as the Official Dessert of Georgia. And by the way, if it comes that snow and ice storm on Monday that they are predicting and I don't get to go to Atlanta for the Inaugural Gala, I'm gonna be disappointed . . big time. I've even got a new "ballgown" to wear. And since I paid a whole $32 for it at the Belks it would be a HUGE loss not to wear it to this big shindig. By "ballgown" I'm talking about a dress that is only slightly dressier than something I would wear to church. Being the guru of fashion that I am officially unqualified to be, I can hardly wait to see what everyone is wearing to this thing. I'll give a full report next week. I may even sneak my camera out of my pocketbook. It will be like a bad episode of "What Not To Wear."

Okay, okay. Get to the point. It's late and I'm obviously rambling.

Pecan Pie Trifle
Ingredients:
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 ½ cups whipping cream
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla
1 2 lb. frozen pecan pie, thawed and cubed
Hot fudge ice cream topping, heated
Caramel ice cream topping, heated
Directions:
1. Beat cream cheese, whipping cream and vanilla in a large bowl at medium speed for 2-3 minutes, until smooth and firm. Set aside.
2. Fill the bottom of the trifle bowl with 1/3 pecan pie cubes. (If you are using mini-trifle bowls you will get about 5 servings. You can also use wine glasses for smaller servings).
3. Spread a layer of the ½ cream cheese mixture over pie cubes and drizzle with ½ hot fudge topping and ½ caramel sauce. Repeat layers. Top with pecan pie cubes.

Books - I Love Them!

I shared recently that one of my goals in 2011 was to read two books to month. You'll be glad to know I have already reached that goal for this month. And not to brag, but I have also memorized my verse and read my chronological Bible every day. But don't go thinkin' I'm a success story yet - I haven't darkened the door to the gym; lost an ounce; or de-cluttered a single thing. I'm a work in progress you know.

But I've just got to share about the books I've read. I downloaded Mary Beth Chapman's book, "Choosing To See" to my Kindle over the weekend and I think I had it read in 24 hours. I could not put this book down. Mary Beth, wife of Christian singer-songwriter, Steven Curtis Chapman, tells the story of her faith throughout her life and especially through the tragic death of their five year old daughter, Maria. Oh, my word. Her writing is funny, transparent and poignant. I laughed and cried but didn't leave this book in a sad, depressed state. Her family's faith journey through this tragedy is nothing less than amazing. It's a path you pray you never have to walk. She has truly honored God with her testimony.

On the opposite side of seriousness coin, I read Janice Thompson's book, "Fools Rush In." She is a Christian fiction author who has written a series about Bella . . you probably guessed it, the wedding planner. It's really not that I set out to read novels about wedding planners but they just keep popping up. It was an easy read and I loved it.

Now, I want to share something that has been particularly meaningful to me. My third book, which I have put down and picked back up while reading the other two, is Lysa Terkeurst's new book, "Made to Crave. . . Satisfying Your Deepest Desire with God not Food." This book is speaking a word, a word I tell you, to me; this girl who has struggled all of her life with food issues. It's like she is talking straight to me. It's comforting in some twisted way I guess, to know that I'm not the only one on the planet who has rationalized and given in to food only to be caught in a guilt cycle later.

Here's a snippet:
"Losing weight is really about learning to tell myself no and learning to make wiser choices daily. . . Becoming a woman of self-discipline honors God and helps me live the godly characteristic of self-control. (Gal. 5:22) In the end, pursuing self-control does help my heart feel closer to Jesus and more pure to receive what He wants for me each day . . instead of clogged with guilty feelings over my poor choices.

Food isn't sinful. But when food is what Satan holds up in front of us and says, "You'll never be free from this battle. You will always bounce from feeling deprived when you're dieting to feeling guilty when you're splurging. Victory isn't possible. You aren't capable of self-control with food." We must see that its inappropriate consummation can be his lure to draw our heart into a place of defeat."

Lysa shares that she often prays this prayer: "I need wisdom to make wise choices. I need insight to remember the words I've read in Scripture. I need power beyond what I can find on my own." Well, amen and amen.

Have you ever stopped to think that it was with food that Satan tempted Eve? Now don't you think that gives food a little validity as a victory-stealer? I should say so. Ladies, I do believe no one on this planet has wasted more thought time on weight issues than me. I am not proud of that fact. But Lysa's book and God's Word are beginning to change my thought process about food and how Satan wants me to stay in defeat about it. I so want to honor God with my self-control (which I certainly have not been exhibiting over the holidays) and not let Satan get the victory on this one. Satan knows my weakness but I'm determined to slap that 'ole boy silly with my reliance on God. Lord, help me.

Top Ten Cookbooks!

Seems like everything I do, I do in list form. So I just thought I would begin creating lists of some of my favorite things. Today's Topic: Cookbooks.

I LOVE to read cookbooks and these just happen to be my absolute favorites:

1. Perennials - The Junior League of Hall County. This cookbook is splattered and dog-eared. Some of these recipes I know from memory. One of the best cookbooks - ever.
2. The Pine Crest Baptist Church Cookbook. I'm not sure how old this cookbook is but I married it 26 1/2 years ago. It is held together by a binder clip right now. It's a diamond in the rough.
3. Masterpieces from our Kitchen - Gainesville Newcomers Club.
4. A Taste of Grace - Grace Episcopal Church
5. Lady and Sons I and II - Paula Deen. These are Paula's first two cookbooks, I think. They both, along with the Lady and Sons Just Desserts cookbook, are a stand-by in my kitchen.
6. The Blue Willow Inn Cookbook - from the Blue Willow Inn in Social Circle.
7. The Southern Plate by Christy Jordan. I just got this cookbook and love it! Christy, who is a young mom from Northern Alabama, learned to cook at the hand of her mom and grandmother, both good 'ole Southern cooks.
8. Beyond the Hedges - Junior League of Athens. E and N got me this cookbook for Christmas and I can't seem to put it down. I can hardly wait to try Katharyn Richt's recipe for manicotti - maybe next week.
9. The Best of Southern Living - 500 of their very best. This was a wedding gift for a certain young couple but somehow this book has never made it to their house. I really should buy one for myself.
10. Family Favorites - by my very own Mother-in-love. A couple of years ago she wrote her favorite recipes, in her own handwriting, for each of her grandchildren. Well, E did take this one with her when she set up housekeeping but since G has not, well . . . I'm hanging on to it for dear life.

I also love anything that Gooseberry Patch publishes as well as the Fix and Forget It series. What are your favorites?

What I Love about January 2011

For some strange reason, both D and I are pumped about this new year. He told me something cool that he believes God clearly laid on his heart in the middle of the night about this year. We talked about it and pretty much decided it had to be a God-thing because it's something he had never even considered before and God even had the Holy nerve to wake him up out of a deep sleep to tell him. You gotta love that. And this serves as a reminder to us all that God still speaks. Even when you least expect it. So look for Him in the unexpected, in the unpredictable and in the unexplainable. He is all around us working!

Things are busy and fun around our house. We love life and doing what God has called us to do. So January begins with lots of irons in the fire and love in the house.

What I love about January 2011:

1. It’s a new beginning. I love a fresh start and clean slate. January is just that for me. I feel like I can take a deep breath, feel refreshed and re-focus on life.

2. January is birthday month in our family! We have three with birthdays this month so we’ll have tons of fun with cake and candles.

3. Next Saturday is my first official duty as Board President of the Care Center. The Board members are headed up to the farm for our Board Retreat. I am really looking forward to a great year.

4. Oh, yes, and it’s time for the semi-annual Gift Mart in Atlanta. And by the looks of the store and stock room at the shop, we need to go . . . bad. January is the traditional time to buy for pretty much the whole year including Christmas. It is a busy place and we have lots to do in a short amount of time.

5. The end of this month I will have a very unique opportunity to speak to a group of ladies down in middle Georgia. I’m not exactly sure what this will look like right now but I am thankful for the opportunity.

6. The Buy Local Expo sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce is the 26th of the month. J and J Foods is a co-sponsor of this event. We believe strongly in buying locally especially from folks in our community.

7. The Gainesville Bridal Show is Sunday, January 30th. Wonderful Events has joined forces with some other businesses to enhance the quality of this event. One thing that will be new this year is the Inspiration Room. This room will have all sorts of décor, floral, cake, catering, and dress ideas courtesy of the vendors involved. We are super excited to be a part of this event.

8. On January 10th, our whole family will be attending the Inauguration of Georgia’s new governor, Mr. Nathan Deal. Mr. Deal and his wife Sandra have been great supporters of our local business; shopping with us from the time we opened the Limestone store. He and D have had several conversations about the value of small business and its’ impact on the economy. We consider it a great honor to be invited to his special occasion.

9. January marks the kick-off of my year-long commitment to Scripture memory. I mentioned yesterday that as part of my 2011 goals, I will be participating in the Siesta Scripture Memory program on Beth Moore's blog. Well, look what I got in the mail as an incentive to get me going?This cute little spiral for all of my memory verses.

I agonized over my first verse but eventually decided that I would and should memorize our Wonderful Events' business commitment verse, Colossians 3:23. I could sorta tell you the verse and I could sorta tell you the address but now it's going to be memorized, baby! WooHoo!

10. This doesn't have anything to do with January but I couldn't end on #9 so I'm adding this totally non-related thought. You know if you've been following my blog that I totally had a Christmas card melt down this year. Bottom line - the Christmas photo shoot didn't go so well and while I thought I looked through all of my pictures from the last year, I obviously overlooked this one. I love this picture of the 5 of us. It was taken on G's 21st birthday. So Why.Did.I.Not.Use.This.Photo.For.Our.Christmas.Card I ask you? Doggone.It.

So consider this your blog-issued Happy New Year Card from the Wiley Family!! FaLaLa.

Happy 2011!!

You know, I think “resolutions” just set you up for failure. Maybe it is all in the semantics, but I really like to make “goals” for a new year. And not ones that are completely unreachable like to become a size 4 by Valentine’s Day or memorize the book of Psalms. That’s clearly not happening. But I firmly believe if we don’t have goals, we won’t have that ever-present mindset of things we want to accomplish in our lifetimes. I believe I need to be constantly working on becoming a better me; to not get complacent or unintentional about things in my life that would better my mind, body, soul and relationships.

So, I’m going to put myself out there and share with you what I have in my personal journal for 2011.
1. Spiritual goals:
a. Siesta Scripture Memory - 2 verses per month. This is a Scripture memory program through Beth Moore’s blog. I’m signing up today. If anyone wants to join me on this journey, I’d be glad for you to come along.
b. To read my new Chronological Bible through in one year. I have an accountability buddy for this venture so that will definitely better my chances of accomplishing this goal.
2. Physical goals.
a. Losing weight is a constant goal.
b. Exercise. I completed two 5Ks last year which was a first for me. I want to do three this year. I have an accountability partner for this one as well which would be my husband. He is an inspiration to me.
3. Relationship goals. These are very personal. Trust me that I have them.
4. Work goals.
a. WEC: To provide the very best service we possibly can to those who entrust us with their wedding. E and I dreamed when we first began our business of having 12 weddings a year. We have already booked five for 2011. Praise! I’m believing we can accomplish our original goal this year.
b. The “What’s for Supper?” segment . There are lots of possibilities stewing around the pot with this. There are two things specifically that will very likely happen this year and wow, it’s going to be fun.
5. Time management goals. Maybe you don’t struggle with this but I sure do. I know I need the following in some very specific areas.
a. Disciple.
b. Structure.
6. Bucket list goals. You know I’ve been so blessed in my life to do some really cool things but one thing I want to do this year: go on a mission trip. Praying diligently about this.
7. Reading goals. Read two books a month. Do you know that while George W. Bush was President of the United States he entered into a reading contest with one of his top staff members? George read 95 books while his friend read 110 - in ONE year. All while being the Commander and Chief of the free world. Okay, I guess I can read 24.
I just signed up for Good Reads, an online book management site. If I can remember to record when I finish a book, at the end of the year the list will show my accomplishments.
8. Home goals. To organize and de-clutter one room in my house a month.
9. Volunteer goals. I am the Board President for the Gainesville Care Center this year and I have some ideas that will hopefully raise some much needed funds for an extremely worthy organization. Praying for clarity and specific direction here.
10. Relaxation goals. Now that may sound funny to some but I’ve discovered in my family that if I’m not intentional about setting aside specific times for us to get away, that my special someone will just work and work all the time. So, as we begin 2011 we already have some weeks marked off the calendar for rest, relaxation and travel.

So, today I'm wishing you and yours a most blessed and rewarding 2011!

"You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance." Psalm 65:11 (NLT)