Hey good lookin', whatcha got cookin?
Soon, lots. Due to some wheeling and dealing and upgrading of her current set, my sister bequeathed to me a brand new set of Calphalon cookware:
Quite a generous gift. I have to be a good steward of this gift and learn to cook with it. So couple that set with a birthday gift from earlier this year - two stainless steel All-clad french skillets:
And guess what my new year's resolution is?
I have already learned so many things just from reading the literature that came with the new set of cookware, such as DO NOT USE cooking spray on any of these. Did you know that? Oops - I use Pam all the time on the pots and pans I do have. No more - time to fill a spray bottle with some olive oil. Also, I have learned the importance of preheating. I used to never do that.
To whom much is given, much is required. I am requiring myself to cook at least three nights a week in my pots and pans.... but not tonight. I have to pack to go home for Christmas!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
NONSTICKY
Sunday, December 19, 2010
CLEVER
Still need that one gift for someone on your list who has everything? Well, if "everything" includes an iPhone or Blackberry, try getting him or her a Callet:
Cell phone + wallet = callet. It is a case for your phone that has two pockets on the back for cash, ID, etc. Pretty handy if you ask me - great for quick trips to the gym, store, etc. Just don't go leaving your phone lying around.
Also, for the person who thinks a bobbypin is not a great way to keep your headphones in check, try ordering a little case like this one, from Byrd & Belle:
Friday, December 17, 2010
GRADUATED
Yesterday was quite the milestone.
Five years ago yesterday, I graduated from Auburn University.
That was SUCH a hard point in my life. Graduation and entering the real world was just icing on the cake. Without getting into too much detail, for those of you that are new around here, I will sum it up like this: within a 30 day window, my grandmom died very unexpectedly, I found out my dad was getting remarried, I graduated and then moved back home into my newly-dating mother's house. If you want to keep going, within a year from that time, I moved to Tennessee, God and everybody got married and I had another grandparent pass away.
Yet in light of all of that, Graduation Day was such a good and happy day for me. I had friends praying that it would be nothing less. I think somehow I knew deep down inside that it would be one of the last truly happy days I had coming for a while. I can't look at these pictures without getting teary, not because of that, but just because I know how quickly these smiles faded after the cap and gown was turned in, the graduation gifts were unwrapped and I took that left turn onto 280, away from my childhood and towards my new future.
There is so much I want to tell that girl. I just want to hug her. Nothing will ever be the same, dear, but it will get better - not all at once, but piece by piece, you will heal.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
WHITE
Bunko last night was awesome because
a) another bunker announced her pregnancy
b) our hostess went ALL OUT with the goodies and decor
c) we all risked our lives to get there (not really but close)
d) All of the above
If you guessed D, you are a winner! What a GREAT night.
Good news if you live south of me: a Bunk This! southern chapter is being chartered. Erin is moving back to Birmingham and taking with her all the bunko things we taught her. If you want to join a bunko club almost as cool as mine, better get your name on the waiting list.
Labels: Bunko
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
CLOSED
As you know, Nashville has been under some ridiculous snow and ice lately. Snow doesn't bother me but the ice sure does. It's like driving in the rain but WORSE. I attempted to leave my house Sunday night. I hadn't even fully turned out of my apartment complex and onto the street before my car hit ice, skidded and slid 10' down the street until I smacked the car in front of me square on the bumper. PRAISE JEHOVAH there was ZERO damage to either car. Can you believe that?
ANYWAY. My favorite part of the snow and ice are the school closings. Not that I benefit one iota from them, as I, unlike 80% of my bunko club and 1/3 of my family, do not teach or work at a school. Yet every morning and every night, I wait with baited breath for the school closings to scroll across the screen because we have some of the FUNNIEST daycare names in the world.
Here we go. Can you guess which are real names and which aren't?
Children's Place Learning Academy
City Road Childcare
Children Are People
Backpacks
Jesus Only Academy
Darlene's Little Angels
Little Lambs of Good Shepherd
Minds in Motion
Patriot Pals
The Berry Patch
Academy for Academic Excellence
Educational Excellence Academy
Heavenly Host
Bobcat Buddies
Hands and Hearts
Little Country Schoolhouse
The Cub House
The Red Barn
*Update*
Expressways to Learning
First Steps
Grandmama's House
Kids Depot
Little Heroes Academy
*Please note that I am in no way calling into question the education or supervision provided at any of these daycares. Just having a laugh at the names.
Friday, December 10, 2010
GIFTY
This year, around September, I started a small list in my phone of all kinds of random things I might like for Christmas as well as things I might should remember to get others. It grew and grew and some things couldn't wait until Christmas to come live with me but for the most part, I did good. Let's start with most likely to least likely.
Despicable Me - Do you know how much I love this movie? I saw it twice in theaters. I want Gru and the Minions to be mine for Christmas!
The Game of Things is so fun! I played it with some friends and almost wet my pants laughing more than once. You draw card that has a "thing" on it - as in, things a chicken is thinking while the farmer collects its eggs; things a wife never wants to hear her husband say; things you do before you go to bed, etc. Every person writes an answer and throws it in a jar, and you take turns reading them aloud and guessing who said what. It sounds crazy, but get this game, a bottle of wine and some friends together and I assure you a good time will be had.
Jay Z's new book, Decoded - while I am a big patron of the Library, occasionally a book comes along I want to own. Assuming he won't be coming here on a book tour anytime soon, I want to go ahead and get my mits on this book, which I've heard is just as great on the inside as it is on the outside. In this case, I think it's safe to judge the book by its cover.
And speaking of the royal couple of hip-hop, guess who has released another DVD/CD combo? Yep, you guessed it. I guess I am going to have to start a Beyoncé shelf in my media cabinet. Last year for Christmas, I received the I Am... Yours DVD/CD, which was taped at her smaller, intimate shows at the Wynn in Las Vegas in late summer of 2009. This year, she's edited and released the full-blown show from world tour, the same world tour I could have gone to see with my sister - for free, in a box seat no less - when it stopped in DC in June 2009. Easily one of my greatest regrets. But, now I have a way to ease the pain with this newly released I Am... World Tour DVD/CD combo. And just for good measure, you ought to know that she produced, directed and edited this movie herself.
Moving out of the living room and into the kitchen, I have had my eye on some gadgets. I love fresh fruit, and this pineapple slicer and strawberry huller (both from Williams Sonoma) will make it easier to get in my mouth! And a little bird is supposed to be getting new cookware for Christmas and giving me her handmeydowns, so I might be getting a set of cookware for Christmas too! Think I could pull the famous cookware switcheroo from Bed Bath & Beyond? The only thing I don't like about this Baker's Edge brownie pan, that allows for every brownie to have a crust, is that I didn't think of it myself! And it got a coveted spot on Oprah's favorite things, so you know it's legit.
I think this SEC Champs shirt sold out overnight. Oh well. Maybe I will just wait and get a NATIONAL CHAMPS one in January, since it looks like a T-shirt is the closest I'll be to the game anyway.
I got a new bedspread a while back. It'd be nice to have shams that match it, but since I so rarely make my bed, it's not killing me that I don't have them. But it'd be good to get them before the set goes out of production I suppose. Actually I probably need new white sheets more than I need these shams.
I have seen the light on footwear. When I was in DC for Thanksgiving, my sister took me to a little store called Nordstrom Rack, where thanks to a Groupon and some luck I brought home some nice flats. Don't get me wrong, Target flats are great. But I'm not 21 anymore. And my new Via Spiga shoes prove what I suspected all along: a sturdy leather sole really makes a difference when you're on your feet for hours at a time. So even before I got the flats in DC and proved myself right, I had my eye on these for the very same reason. Since these cost almost half the amount of a face value BCS game ticket, I might be buying them for myself come January 10.
And just because it's the thing I really want most of all, BCS CHAMPIONSHIP GAME TICKETS! Come on Santa.... I got my airfare and hotel for pennies! All I need is a ticket!
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
HIP HOPPED
Calling all Nashvillians -
Do you like to dance? Do you like to pop that booty? Are you free Tuesday nights at 6:15? Do I have the class for you!
I tried my first hip hop class at the YMCA last night and L.O.V.E.D. it. I left class and immediately texted/tweeted about 5 people I know to go with me next week. It was a ball. I am so sore from dropping it low so many times in an hour, but what can I say? The inner cheerleader in me was having the time of her life.
I won't be missing this class again! Who wants to come with me?
Monday, December 06, 2010
SCATTERED
This post is going to be all over the place... just like me!
First of all - it's Home Alone season. I've already watched 1 four times and 2 once (but in two sittings). Betcha didn't think Home Alone has bigger fans than me but it does - I am getting comments left and right on my popular You Tube video. Any day now, Ellen DeGeneres will be inviting me on the show.
So, two weeks ago I went to DC to see my family.
My sister cooked most of the Thanksgiving meal, and her mother-in-law did a great job on the turkey and dressing or stuffing, depending on what you call it. My job was to eat it - and business is good, y'all.
Here we are before lunch...
...and after. Two of us are really asleep, can you guess which two?
The next day was the Iron Bowl! Heard of it? I wore these:
and then did this:
because we won!
The NEXT day, we got on a bus, put on our (my) new sunglasses and watched HA2 en route to...
New York City!
PS - The UNICEF snowflake is one of my favorite wintertime things about NYC... one of my favorite memories from childhood trips to New York.
Our big ticket item was to see Miss Kristin Chenoweth, Mr. Sean Hayes and Mrs. Molly Shannon in Promises, Promises. It was SO fabulous - I am sad it is closing. Why do bad things happen to good Broadway? Of course we charged the Stage Door to get good spots for meet-and-greet opportunities.
First came Cheno:
Then Sean, who was super nice:
Last came Molly, who was THE nicest. So grateful for our effusive praise of her Broadway debut!
After a bedbug free good night's sleep, we were up and at 'em again the next day before heading home later that night. We got rush (cheap) tickets to A Little Night Music - Bernadette Peters was brilliant! Eric, I wanted to see Billy Elliott but even the cheap seats were too expensive.
I got home Tuesday and repacked my bags for Atlanta did laundry. I had to work during the SEC Championship Game, but that was a good thing, I guess, seeing as how Auburn went 6-0 in games I had to miss/couldn't watch because of work. So y'all are welcome. Unfortunately, I am NOT working during the championship game because I am trying to BE there. Key word: trying. I was smart enough to book my plane ticket a week ago, before we won in Atlanta and Auburn and Oregon fans crashed Southwest.com trying to buy plane tickets. My $260 round-trip ticket shot up to $700. And my sister got a hotel room for us, so that leaves one small piece of the puzzle missing...
For reasons unrelated to these, I have been working extra hard at the gym. However, it looks like I could be forced to sell my body in exchange for or to finance BCS game tickets, so I guess it bodes well I am already plenty motivated.
Oh please. I'M JUST KIDDING. Or am I?
Which brings me to my last point: if any Bama fans have any tickets or Glendale hotel rooms they'd like to sell to their favorite blogger, just drop me a line!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
STACHED
Last night’s bunko theme was Movember – an homage to the Mustache November movement which raises awareness and research funds for all kinds of men’s cancer.
Lauren had some lovely, handmade prop mustaches for us to use, but most people came prepared. Exhibit A:
Those pregnancy hormones are really taking their toll on Missy!
It was a really, REALLY fun night.
Labels: Bunko
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
PRIMED
This post won't apply to some of you, but those to whom it does apply will be GRATEFUL.
Back in 2007, when I started using Bare Escentuals, I was sent home with this little product:
I thought that is what all of us Bare Escentuals folks used as a foundation primer. So for years I used that. When I ran out, I bought more. Until last week.
I accidentally left the store with this:
I got home and noticed it wasn't the product I had been using, but wanted to give it a try.
HOLY COW.
No more sliding makeup.
No more shiny spots at the end of the day.
This stuff does not kid around.
My point is if you are a Bare Escentuals girl, you might want to toss (or return) your Rev-er Upper and get you some Prime Time. You'll thank me, I promise!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
THANKFUL
Both of my grandfathers served in the army (one in World War II, one in Korean War) and unlike many, were lucky enough to come home and live a long, fulfilling life. So fulfilling, in fact, that Paw Paw (paternal grandfather) decided to start writing his memoirs before he died, including a chapter about his duty overseas.
My uncle decided today was the day to scan some old family photos and post them on Facebook, so I snatched these to post in honor of one of my favorite veterans of all. If I had some photos of Paw Paw, I would post them too. But until then, meet Big Daddy.
To Big Daddy, PawPaw, all the veterans in your life and around the world - thank you so much.
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
NEW YORKED
I didn't mention that my Virginia Thanksgiving will also include a jaunt to NYC with my sister. This trip has been anointed as our Christmas gift to one another.
I am so excited, obviously. I love New York! I love my sister! We are going to see Promises, Promises with Kristin Chenoweth, Sean Hayes and Molly Shannon. We'll stalk the stage door with no whim to how long it takes. We'll buy cheap things in Chinatown and drink Starbucks 'round the clock and eat in Little Italy and stay at the Flatotel and be the happiest girls in the whole wide world.
Hopefully this won't be the last trip we take together anytime soon... but you never know. I think we'll swing by the Heisman Trophy offices while we're in town and paper the walls with some Cam posters.
Saturday, November 06, 2010
QUICK
I got Garth Brooks tickets! I am so excited. It's like my deepest wishes have finally come true. He added eight shows to the one that was originally scheduled, but my tickets are to the very first show.
And like Ricky Bobby says, "If you ain't first, you're last."
In other news, I like Taylor Swift's new album, I love Sugarland's new album and can't wait for Glee's Christmas album. I am thrilled about Auburn's success. I can't wait to see my family for a Virginia Thanksgiving two weeks from Tuesday. I got my car repaired and am pleased with the results and I have been working. quite. a. bit.
Other than that, CRICKETS!
Thursday, November 04, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
DINGED
Oops! Bet you thought things were getting boring around here, didn't you? Enter THIS:
First of all, I'm sorry Mom that you are just now learning about this. Would you believe me if I said I have forgotten to tell you? I sowwy.
Second of all, check this out - this little incident took place exactly TWO YEARS to the date of the last "incident." Yep. How about that? If you think I ever plan to operate a motor vehicle again on October 1, you are crazy.
On this particular sunny Friday, I was having lunch with a friend to talk about a favor I was doing for him. He was kind enough to buy my lunch and while I was there, I saw another friend. It was shaping up to be a good day.
After lunch, I got in my car, backed out of my parking space, and just as I was about to throw it in drive, I noticed the bimbo driving backwards through the parking lot. Did she see me? She wasn't slowing down. At this point, my car is perfectly still - wondering if I had time to move out of her way, or if she in fact saw me. I honked the horn a few times. Nothing. She didn't see me. Faster and closer she came. Then - CRUNCH. She hit me. I watched her back right into me.
So my car now has a hole in it. Her car has a SCRATCH. The laws of physics prove that she hit me, something that she would not admit to me or eventually, my superstar insurance agent. So fast forward a few weeks and once again, Sam is helping me take care of this.
Let me give the single girls reading this some advice - find a guy friend that sells auto insurance, and buy it from him. It makes everything so much less scary and intimidating. It has been SO HELPFUL having a real, live friend to call when bad things happen to my car. We all know I don't have a husband to call, like the bimbo who may or may not have been on her phone when she backed into me, but I did call Sam.
So yesterday he connected me to the claims people who set up an appointment on next Wednesday to have the car looked at by someone that looks at cars for a living (do you see why I need someone to help me with this?). At that point, this guy is supposed to be able to write me a check on the spot for what the damage estimate is, less my super duper low deductible because I am apparently enrolled in something called Platinum Protection which offers a Safe Driving bonus so every enrollment period that I don't have a wreck, I knock $50 off my deductible. And that also means that my monthly premiums won't increase just because I was involved in this little fender bender (even though it wasn't my fault). From there, I will take it to a body shop, get the repairs done and the little car will be as good as new for another two years.
After I was all finished with the claims lady, Sam got back on the phone and we talked about football and our family. Did you know that my grandmother played matchmaker and set his parents up on their very first date? Wouldn't it be nice if he would return the favor and set me up on a blind date? You would think.
So anyway, that's what else has been going on, in addition to all that Green I told you about. Don't worry MOM, this won't be the only thing I talk about for weeks.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
BUSY
In case you're wondering where I have been this week, refer to the graphic below. The green events are work:
Yeah. It's that kind of busy around here.
Notice that on 10/21 and 10/27 we have two important things taking place - babies. I am really working the phones...er, Gmail... to get these babies, who are being born at the same hospital, born on the same DAY. Wouldn't that be amazing - two of my best friends having babies on the same day in the same building? It'd be my own little Father of the Bride Part 2. I think we could make the news if it was a slow day. So far, no one has told me no. But unfortunately, I don't think it works that way. Oh well. I'll keep my fingers crossed.
Til then, if you need me, I'll be in Green.
Friday, October 15, 2010
DINED
Monday night, Evan, Kate and I met up at a place way fancier than any of our local haunts: The Oak Bar and Capitol Grille inside the Hermitage Hotel here in Nashville. The occasion? Kate's 25th Birthday!
Evan grabbed some cupcakes and a card and we all met at the Oak Bar for a little pre-party fun. Before mine and Kate's dinner reservation, Evan took Kate inside the super-famous (especially if you ask my mom) men's bathroom inside the Hermitage. I don't know why they give this award, but it was once voted Nicest Bathroom in America, which warranted a segment on Leno, which warrants my mom going in there EVERY. TIME. SHE. COMES. TO. TOWN. And this is a working men's restroom, so sometimes she goes in while there's men in there. It has happened before. But Kate hasn't seen it, so Evan made sure there were no men around (other than himself of course) and took her in.
Kate and I had a great girls-only dinner, topped off by this little gem that I'd heard rave reviews for: a chocolate cobbler with hazelnut crust. Yum. That thing that looks like a stick of gum is actually a little strip of white chocolate with Happy Birthday! piped on it, but facing Kate.
I love my little family here in Nashville.