Wow, I have hardly had a chance to take a deep breath since I blogged on Friday. I wrote early that morning because I knew that day would be jam packed and it was. As was Saturday. As was Sunday. As was today. But that's the thing about life, it just keeps comin' at you.
Friday morning was all about preparations for Shay and Caleb's wedding at the church and reception site. Then there was a long planning lunch with E in beautiful downtown Commerce. Hadn't had lunch in downtown Commerce since . . . well, never. We sat outside at a little cafe there and enjoyed the beautiful weather. We then headed back to E's house to put our feet up for exactly 5 minutes before I needed to get connected via cell phone to the folks at the radio station for the "What's for Supper?" segment. I would much rather be in the studio with them but that just can't always happen. Got off the phone, changed clothes and headed to the wedding rehearsal. That went extremely smoothly and we were out of there in record time. I then headed back to Gainesville and called my momma on the way home only to find out she had taken a hard fall in the mall parking lot that afternoon and was not doing so well. So I ran to get her some pain medication, a snack from Wendys (which was sure to cheer her up) and then to her house. We sat and commiserated for awhile and then I finally headed home. It was about 9:00 p.m. by this time. A long day to be sure.
Saturday I left the house and headed to Maysville about 10:00. Once you arrive on site for a wedding, it is non-stop, do-whatever-needs-to-be-done and you don't sit again until you get in the car to drive home. That is just the way it is. Thankfully the storms that were forecasted only turned out to be steady rain. Which is not ideal for a wedding but it was much better than the alternative. I tell you, these two were the sweetest couple ever. I had a "first" at this wedding. The bride and groom decided to see each other before the wedding so the photographer orchestrated the "first look" photos in the church sanctuary. I was in the right place at the right time and got to witness this. I stood there and cried as this big guy was brought to tears by the beauty of his bride. oh. dear. He literally could not stop looking at her and telling her how gorgeous she was. It was priceless.
By the time I left Maysville at about 6:30, I was soaked to the bone but could not have cared less. All I could think about was getting home, eating something and jumping in the bed. Which is exactly what I did. D was kind enough to suggest we run to the Hibachi restaurant for some grilled shrimp, steak, chicken and vegetables. I sure was glad because I could have eaten a big ole horse by that time. I kid you not, we got it to go, brought it home, put it on a tray, got our pajamas on and got in the bed to eat it. It was heaven. D deserves the husband of the year award as he was subjected to four non-stop episodes of "Say Yes to the Dress" until I couldn't hold my eyes open any longer. What a guy.
Sunday we got up and went to small group and worship. My husband taught the best lesson and I was blessed beyond measure. Now one would think I would have come home to a big fat nap but no, it wasn't to happen. In order to prepare for a five-minute segment, five days a week on the radio I have to spend several hours. Without a doubt most people could do it in less than half the time, but it seems I have to over-do and over-analyze everything I do. Once that was complete I ran to the hospital gift shop for a little restocking work with Tracy and we were more than glad to have that checked off our list for the week.
It's "cake week" on the "What's for Supper?" segment this week but I think I'll tell you more about that on Friday. I will tell you that the recipe for today is Chocolate Sheet Cake with cooked chocolate icing. Would you believe D and I were making one last night at 10:00 for me to take to the radio folks this afternoon? Yes, we were and never once, not once did I stick my finger in that chocolate batter. But how oh I wanted to.
This morning I dragged myself out of bed to the prospect of going for a weigh in and work out. I mustered up enough energy for weights and the treadmill and was actually really glad I did when it was over. After such a rough weekend on the feet, I treated myself to a pedicure and it was absolutely the best pedicure I've ever had. There is a young man who works at this particular shop and he must have had pity on my poor feet, because he labored over them well past his due time. He even gave me a foot massage that was beyond fabulous.
After that I headed back to the house for phone calls, emails and preparations for tonight's Bible study. The Monday night girls made a detour in plans, put Revelation on hold until the fall and decided to pursue "Discovering the Voice of God" by Priscilla Shirer. This study is phenomenal. I'll be writing more about the wisdom and insights from it in a future blog.
Whew! No wonder I'm tired. Going to bed now.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
Food Friday
Well, I kinda feel like all I do is talk about food these days which as you might know, is certainly not a stretch for me. I have LOVED being in the studio and on the radio with George and BJ this week talking about "What's for Supper?" You just could not find a nicer group of folks than the folks at WDUN. They have made this radio rookie feel very comfortable and welcome.
This week on "What's for Supper?" I brought in chicken recipes seeing as how Gainesville is the Chicken Capital of the World, after all. We have talked about Jennifer's Chicken Casserole, Easy Chicken Parmesan, Crock Pot Mexican Chicken (that's this afternoon) and our recipe for today: Chicken BBQ Pizza. This has been a main stay for feeding teenagers at our house for years. To tell you the truth, I made this recipe up in my own little head. We are big fans of the Chicken BBQ Pizza at Schlotzskys so I came home and tried my best to replicate it. I'm not sure if it is anything like theirs but it is good for sure. Hope you like it!
BBQ Chicken Pizza
1 pizza crust – can use a ready-made crust; refrigerated; or mix style (water and oil will need to be added if use a mix)
1 ½ cups BBQ sauce, divided
3 cups cooked chicken
2 cups shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese
Optional additions: onions, mushrooms, sliced jalapenos; bell peppers
1. Cook crust according to package directions.
2. Spread 1 cup (or more according to taste) on baked crust.
3. Mix cooked chicken with remaining BBQ sauce to coat. Add to crust.
4. Add additional toppings if desired.
5. Top with cheese.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.
7. Serves 3-4.
This week on "What's for Supper?" I brought in chicken recipes seeing as how Gainesville is the Chicken Capital of the World, after all. We have talked about Jennifer's Chicken Casserole, Easy Chicken Parmesan, Crock Pot Mexican Chicken (that's this afternoon) and our recipe for today: Chicken BBQ Pizza. This has been a main stay for feeding teenagers at our house for years. To tell you the truth, I made this recipe up in my own little head. We are big fans of the Chicken BBQ Pizza at Schlotzskys so I came home and tried my best to replicate it. I'm not sure if it is anything like theirs but it is good for sure. Hope you like it!
BBQ Chicken Pizza
1 pizza crust – can use a ready-made crust; refrigerated; or mix style (water and oil will need to be added if use a mix)
1 ½ cups BBQ sauce, divided
3 cups cooked chicken
2 cups shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese
Optional additions: onions, mushrooms, sliced jalapenos; bell peppers
1. Cook crust according to package directions.
2. Spread 1 cup (or more according to taste) on baked crust.
3. Mix cooked chicken with remaining BBQ sauce to coat. Add to crust.
4. Add additional toppings if desired.
5. Top with cheese.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.
7. Serves 3-4.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
I Did it!
I did it! I walked the 5K tonight in 53 minutes! That is 3.1 miles in less than an hour. You should have seen E and I - we sprinted to the finish line in order to not go over that 53 minute mark. Too funny! This may not sound like a major accomplishment to some but to me - it was a big huge deal! Exactly one month ago today I began a weight loss and exercise program. To date I have lost 16 pounds. And I kid you not, it is undoubtedly one of the hardest things I have ever done but so well worth it!
Thanks to my sweet daughter for being my inspiration and encourager to walk the 5K. Thanks to my dear friend Tracy for being my encourager, sounding board and supporter along the weight loss journey. I have a ways to go but I'm going to take the lead from the Old Testament's Daniel and have resolve! I'm determined. I'm gonna make it.
Thankful Thursday
Today I am thankful to live in Gainesville, Georgia. Several months ago, D and I took my momma back to the town where I grew up. While I had a great childhood and loved where I was then, I don't want to be there now. I left there that weekend thanking God for transporting me through His divine plan to Gainesville. Honestly the main reason: the weather. I've told y'all before, I do not like snow and they get lots of it. Cold weather, okay. Snow, no way.
Folks, we live in a great community. Gainesville is filled with people who care deeply about making this a quality place to live. Lots of people give of their time and resources to better our little world. People give back, people care and people want the best for each other. Now, you can call me PollyAnna if you want to, but I choose to believe that. I see people everyday who volunteer hours and hours for the betterment of our hospital system; and speaking of our medical community, it is nothing less than phenomenal especially for the size of our town. I see people donating to countless non-profit organizations who you better believe are changing lives of men, women and children; churches who are truly the hands and feet of Jesus; small business owners who care about their customers and want to do the right thing; school systems that work extremely hard at bettering the education of our children; local colleges educating students from all over the world; local government trying their best to use the resources they have; little leagues teaching the value of team sports; a full lake that is not only gorgeous but infuses much-needed income through tourism. These are just a few.
Tonight I will participate in the Corporate Challenge. This is where company employees of all sizes and shapes across Gainesville join together in a common theme: "Get fit; stay fit." Well goodness knows, I'm trying. But I'm not going to be on the sidelines this year, I'm gonna be out there gettin it with the rest of them. I'll be walking with many of our employees. Several of our folks will be running it. There will be hundreds of people there who care: who care about their health and wellness, who care about their places of employment and who care about this community.
I"m thankful I can call Gainesville home.
Folks, we live in a great community. Gainesville is filled with people who care deeply about making this a quality place to live. Lots of people give of their time and resources to better our little world. People give back, people care and people want the best for each other. Now, you can call me PollyAnna if you want to, but I choose to believe that. I see people everyday who volunteer hours and hours for the betterment of our hospital system; and speaking of our medical community, it is nothing less than phenomenal especially for the size of our town. I see people donating to countless non-profit organizations who you better believe are changing lives of men, women and children; churches who are truly the hands and feet of Jesus; small business owners who care about their customers and want to do the right thing; school systems that work extremely hard at bettering the education of our children; local colleges educating students from all over the world; local government trying their best to use the resources they have; little leagues teaching the value of team sports; a full lake that is not only gorgeous but infuses much-needed income through tourism. These are just a few.
Tonight I will participate in the Corporate Challenge. This is where company employees of all sizes and shapes across Gainesville join together in a common theme: "Get fit; stay fit." Well goodness knows, I'm trying. But I'm not going to be on the sidelines this year, I'm gonna be out there gettin it with the rest of them. I'll be walking with many of our employees. Several of our folks will be running it. There will be hundreds of people there who care: who care about their health and wellness, who care about their places of employment and who care about this community.
I"m thankful I can call Gainesville home.
Monday, April 19, 2010
What's for Supper?
Remember when I told you that I had lunch with a bunch of very cool people last Friday? Well, those cool people were from WDUN, as well as some advertising and marketing folks. And D was there too - and he's cool. We were working on a new project that I happen to be a part of and am extremely excited about. Today was the Inaugural Day of a local afternoon radio show on that station. It's a two-hour show - "live, local and lighter" with BJ Williams and George Mason Dixon (do you think that is his real name?). I am so excited to being doing a very short segment called "What's for Supper?"
I come on about 4:45 every afternoon to answer that age-old question "what's for supper?" I don't know how many times I just think, if someone would just tell me what to fix everyday it would be so much easier - I make the same things all the time and basically, every one is tired of it. So during this segment I talk about recipes and menu ideas that are good but also somewhat quick to get on the table. I call it Paula Deen meets Rachel Ray. The goal is to get some good cookin' on the table and not be in the kitchen all night.
We are working this week to get the recipes I discuss posted on the J and J Foods website as well as the Jacobs Media website. Hopefully that will happen very soon.
http://www.jandjfoods.com/
http://www.wdun.com/
You'll have to listen and let me know what you think!
I come on about 4:45 every afternoon to answer that age-old question "what's for supper?" I don't know how many times I just think, if someone would just tell me what to fix everyday it would be so much easier - I make the same things all the time and basically, every one is tired of it. So during this segment I talk about recipes and menu ideas that are good but also somewhat quick to get on the table. I call it Paula Deen meets Rachel Ray. The goal is to get some good cookin' on the table and not be in the kitchen all night.
We are working this week to get the recipes I discuss posted on the J and J Foods website as well as the Jacobs Media website. Hopefully that will happen very soon.
http://www.jandjfoods.com/
http://www.wdun.com/
You'll have to listen and let me know what you think!
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Fashion Saturday
No, now don't go getting your hopes up (as if you would) about a new weekly post because well frankly, who has the time. I just happen to have some interest in fashion this week and thought I would share. Because that's what I do, over-share.
You know I do have an on-going love affair with clothes, handbags, jewelry, shoes and the such but it's just one of those things you have to keep in perspective. Over-indulgence in this area could surely be mine but I manage to keep it reeled in in the interest of oh say, things like saving the budget and my marriage. But I just can't help it, I enjoy a cute outfit, great shoes and an oh so darlin handbag. No break through fashion advice here. So there . . . I guess Paris Hilton won't be reading my blog anymore. And more importantly, I may have ruined this blog moment by over analyzing the whole subject.
Okay, well Tuesday afternoon I had a wild hair (and a 20% off shopping pass) so I thought I would drive down to Athens to the Stein Mart. I have hardly shopped for anything new in spring 2010 attire. Hard to believe, I know. For Easter, I wore a jacket and skirt that I had bought for G’s graduation and that was two years ago. But there is a reason for the lack of new purchases. I’ve been trying to lose a few pounds and just didn’t want to buy anything right now. But, I really needed a pick me up and a new top which by the way, a new top = instant pick me up.
And the fact that I hadn’t been to a Stein Mart since we were in Amelia Island in February was reason enough. You do need to know that if you are in Amelia Island and want to go to the Stein Mart, don’t get your hopes up. It’s about half the size of ours here, there were lots of beach-y clothes and no lingerie department. Now the beach-y clothes I understand but seriously, no lingerie department. Every woman within driving distance of a Stein Mart knows they have the best panties in the entire universe for about $5 a pair. I went there that day looking for some and came out sorely disappointed to find them lacking. I bought nothing at their Stein Mart and I think that may be some sort of historical first.
Okay, back to the shopping story. I spontaneously called E since she lives on the way to Athens to see if she wanted to join me. And she did. So off we went in search of new top halfs (or should that be halves? Not sure). Well, maybe it was my frame of mind but I think Stein Mart in Athens has a new buyer and she’s a 70+ year old, very un-hip grandmother. Please do not be offended if you are a 70+ year old grandmother because my children happen to have two very hip ones. My mom and D’s mom are two chic, well dressed women, let me tell you. The two of them could have done a way better job choosing these selections. And I really had an open mind and I’m not that cutting-edge with my clothing choices. However, I would like to look somewhat current and age-appropriate. Can you tell I get really upset if my Stein Mart disappoints me? And they did. However, I’m not ready to throw out the baby with the bath water so I will return to my beloved Stein Mart. To quote Scarlett, “after all . . . tomorrow is another day.”
Look what E got! Oh so cute I had to take a picture. She is using black and white in her guest bedroom. She has a black bed with black and white linens, white dresser, black nightstand. Okay, so she got this absolute cutest black and white tall, square ottoman to double as seating and another nightstand. Space is limited in this room and this was the perfect solution. This is the cutest thing ever!
Oh dear mercy, I’m not sure this story is worth the trouble but anyway, continuing on. I tried on about 19 things and bought four. With the coupon especially, none were a big investment but I liked them and I got the stamp of approval from the fashion critic herself. But it was a struggle to find the cute stuff. E says I may have bought the four cutest things in the whole store. I think she’s right. End of that story. Thank goodness.
But I have one more thing to say. I have to know. Am I the very last woman in America to know that Sara Blakely, the female hero of all women, also known as the founder of Spanx is doing a similar line for Target?? It’s called Assets. I had no idea. I just looked at it on the internet but it’s probably in the stores. Not sure how the price point compares to her Spanx line but if it’s in Target, I’ll assume it is probably less. I can hardly wait to go check it out!
Last thing, I promise. I just read that wearing ¾ length sleeves (as opposed to long sleeves) makes you look 10 pounds thinner! So I’ll talk to ya later – gotta go cut off some sleeves.
You know I do have an on-going love affair with clothes, handbags, jewelry, shoes and the such but it's just one of those things you have to keep in perspective. Over-indulgence in this area could surely be mine but I manage to keep it reeled in in the interest of oh say, things like saving the budget and my marriage. But I just can't help it, I enjoy a cute outfit, great shoes and an oh so darlin handbag. No break through fashion advice here. So there . . . I guess Paris Hilton won't be reading my blog anymore. And more importantly, I may have ruined this blog moment by over analyzing the whole subject.
Okay, well Tuesday afternoon I had a wild hair (and a 20% off shopping pass) so I thought I would drive down to Athens to the Stein Mart. I have hardly shopped for anything new in spring 2010 attire. Hard to believe, I know. For Easter, I wore a jacket and skirt that I had bought for G’s graduation and that was two years ago. But there is a reason for the lack of new purchases. I’ve been trying to lose a few pounds and just didn’t want to buy anything right now. But, I really needed a pick me up and a new top which by the way, a new top = instant pick me up.
And the fact that I hadn’t been to a Stein Mart since we were in Amelia Island in February was reason enough. You do need to know that if you are in Amelia Island and want to go to the Stein Mart, don’t get your hopes up. It’s about half the size of ours here, there were lots of beach-y clothes and no lingerie department. Now the beach-y clothes I understand but seriously, no lingerie department. Every woman within driving distance of a Stein Mart knows they have the best panties in the entire universe for about $5 a pair. I went there that day looking for some and came out sorely disappointed to find them lacking. I bought nothing at their Stein Mart and I think that may be some sort of historical first.
Okay, back to the shopping story. I spontaneously called E since she lives on the way to Athens to see if she wanted to join me. And she did. So off we went in search of new top halfs (or should that be halves? Not sure). Well, maybe it was my frame of mind but I think Stein Mart in Athens has a new buyer and she’s a 70+ year old, very un-hip grandmother. Please do not be offended if you are a 70+ year old grandmother because my children happen to have two very hip ones. My mom and D’s mom are two chic, well dressed women, let me tell you. The two of them could have done a way better job choosing these selections. And I really had an open mind and I’m not that cutting-edge with my clothing choices. However, I would like to look somewhat current and age-appropriate. Can you tell I get really upset if my Stein Mart disappoints me? And they did. However, I’m not ready to throw out the baby with the bath water so I will return to my beloved Stein Mart. To quote Scarlett, “after all . . . tomorrow is another day.”
Look what E got! Oh so cute I had to take a picture. She is using black and white in her guest bedroom. She has a black bed with black and white linens, white dresser, black nightstand. Okay, so she got this absolute cutest black and white tall, square ottoman to double as seating and another nightstand. Space is limited in this room and this was the perfect solution. This is the cutest thing ever!
Oh dear mercy, I’m not sure this story is worth the trouble but anyway, continuing on. I tried on about 19 things and bought four. With the coupon especially, none were a big investment but I liked them and I got the stamp of approval from the fashion critic herself. But it was a struggle to find the cute stuff. E says I may have bought the four cutest things in the whole store. I think she’s right. End of that story. Thank goodness.
But I have one more thing to say. I have to know. Am I the very last woman in America to know that Sara Blakely, the female hero of all women, also known as the founder of Spanx is doing a similar line for Target?? It’s called Assets. I had no idea. I just looked at it on the internet but it’s probably in the stores. Not sure how the price point compares to her Spanx line but if it’s in Target, I’ll assume it is probably less. I can hardly wait to go check it out!
Last thing, I promise. I just read that wearing ¾ length sleeves (as opposed to long sleeves) makes you look 10 pounds thinner! So I’ll talk to ya later – gotta go cut off some sleeves.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Food Friday
Well I barely made this Friday deadline so here I am at 10:00 p.m. finally thinking about Food Friday. I feel like I must justify the fact that I am just now posting this by telling you that I left the house at 8:30 this morning and just got home about 30 minutes ago. I think I may have walked a 1/2 marathon or maybe it's just that my feet feel like that because I didn't know I was going to be gone all day and left the house this morning in 4" heels. Not good.
I could bore you to tears with the details of my day but I'll only hit the highlights (and probably still bore you to tears):
1. I had a lunch date with a bunch of cool folks today. More about this very soon.
2. I went to Books a Million for some inspiration this afternoon. I love bookstores so much. The fact that E met me there and we sat and chatted in the coffee shop just made that whole experience even better.
3. We then went to Marshalls and found some great men's shirts. Name brands at good prices. Our boys needed some new clothes.
4. And blessings abounded - my husband took me for Mexican food! No chips for me just a great grilled chicken and shrimp salad. Yum.
5. Then, get this, we went to the movies. An unexpected date night that was totally enjoyable!
I know, I know get to the point - food. Because everything has a story in our family, I'll tell you that I chose this recipe because of a delightful experience we had last night. We were invited to E and N's beautiful home for dinner. Her table was gorgeous. She used her fine china and many great serving pieces she received as wedding gifts. And the food was great. N cooked steaks and E served a great salad, roasted asparagus and this potato side dish. I discovered this recipe in the "Perennials" cookbook several years ago and it was love at first bite. "Periennials" is published by our local Junior League of Hall County.
I don't think it is necessary to include the nutritional information with this recipe. Just eat it, enjoy it and don't think about it!
Party Potatoes
1 5 lb. bag white potatoes, peeled and boiled
1 8 oz. package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter melted
1 8 oz. carton sour cream
salt and pepper to taste
6 oz. grated Cheddar cheese
1/2 pound bacon, fried, drained and crumbled
Drain potatoes, cream. Mix with cream cheese, butter, sour cream, salt and pepper. Spread in greased 13 x 9 casserole dish. Sprinkle with cheese and bacon. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
Enjoy!
Quick pic of my girl's table. I am so proud of her! She is quite the hostess!!
I could bore you to tears with the details of my day but I'll only hit the highlights (and probably still bore you to tears):
1. I had a lunch date with a bunch of cool folks today. More about this very soon.
2. I went to Books a Million for some inspiration this afternoon. I love bookstores so much. The fact that E met me there and we sat and chatted in the coffee shop just made that whole experience even better.
3. We then went to Marshalls and found some great men's shirts. Name brands at good prices. Our boys needed some new clothes.
4. And blessings abounded - my husband took me for Mexican food! No chips for me just a great grilled chicken and shrimp salad. Yum.
5. Then, get this, we went to the movies. An unexpected date night that was totally enjoyable!
I know, I know get to the point - food. Because everything has a story in our family, I'll tell you that I chose this recipe because of a delightful experience we had last night. We were invited to E and N's beautiful home for dinner. Her table was gorgeous. She used her fine china and many great serving pieces she received as wedding gifts. And the food was great. N cooked steaks and E served a great salad, roasted asparagus and this potato side dish. I discovered this recipe in the "Perennials" cookbook several years ago and it was love at first bite. "Periennials" is published by our local Junior League of Hall County.
I don't think it is necessary to include the nutritional information with this recipe. Just eat it, enjoy it and don't think about it!
Party Potatoes
1 5 lb. bag white potatoes, peeled and boiled
1 8 oz. package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter melted
1 8 oz. carton sour cream
salt and pepper to taste
6 oz. grated Cheddar cheese
1/2 pound bacon, fried, drained and crumbled
Drain potatoes, cream. Mix with cream cheese, butter, sour cream, salt and pepper. Spread in greased 13 x 9 casserole dish. Sprinkle with cheese and bacon. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
Enjoy!
Quick pic of my girl's table. I am so proud of her! She is quite the hostess!!
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