Getting In the Kitchen...FINALLY!!

I'm going to have to say it...I've caught the culinary bug. I don't really know how this happened, but I'm rolling with it! I was looking at one of my favorite design blogs http://newlyweddiaries.blogspot.com and saw this kitchen. I am officially OBSESSED!! I'll have to keep drooling because its a ways away before I get something this sweet. BUT in the meantime, I can make use of what I've got and put that cute little apron on (**thanks BTG) and cook my little heart out!

I will have to admit, ever since I've stumble across the Pioneer Woman's blog, I have found myself saying, "hmm what do I cook for dinner tonight?" You know, it used to be something more like, "hmm am I eating dinner tonight?" And if I said yes, it was "what type of cereal will it be?" I can't even explain how many times Ryan has lectured me about my "terrible eating habits." So you can imagine how happy he is that I'm FINALLY getting in the kitchen, cooking AND eating!

So why do I love this blog so much??

Glad you asked!! Because this woman has dumbed down cooking to the point that even I get it. And yall, that is saying something. I can go to the grocery store and say to myself, "ok this time, you're gonna get it right. THIS time you're going to fill your cart with food that will make MEALS not pantry fillers." And every time I walk out with the following: reduced fat wheat thins, cereal, crystal light, milk, cereal, bananas, pork chops, chicken and maybe some green beans. I'm dead serious. Its been a problem for YEARS. Ask all of my previous roomates!!

So when a genious does something like this:

Oh my gosh, I LOVE it!! I'm such a visual learner. I have to experience things to learn. I can look at this picture, go to Publix and come back with ingredients for a meal. I'm not gonna lie... I like that she has a website for cooking idiots like me. Someone had to do it. And quite frankly, I'm embrassing my ignorance. She makes me feel like its not just me that doesnt know how to cook. She even takes it to the extreme of showing each step like filling the pot with water. AND there's a picture with each step. IM LOVING IT! And for all you gripers out there, you can just print the recipes if you're a snob and are too good for picture recipes. Me personally...I like it!

And I'll tell you something else I think I'll like...

Chicken Spaghetti. How delicious does this look? I showed this to Ryan and he said "So when are we making that?" Do you hear that? That was a WE!!! This lady has my man in the kitchen now. I owe her ... BIG TIME!!! Does she have pictures for showing him how to transfer his dishes from the sink to the dishwasher?? Oh I'll save that rant for another day!!

And I just couldn't resist including this asian noodle salad. Its BEAUTIFUL and looks amazing!!

Good news Publix, I'll be spending a few more dollars with you now. Hope you're ready!!

Anyone watch the season premiere of the Hills last night? I sure did! I opted to skip the championship game and pay my dues to dear ole LC. Here's a short but sweet convo I've had with Sara Caldwell about the show. It should show some of my insights.

me: did you watch the hills last night
Sara: yeah it sucks now that ihave watched the city
me: uh i never watched iti so think heidi and spencer are a totla scam
Sara: yeah i agreeit was way too planned
me: and what is her hair? serisouly
Sara: you can tell that they get their hair and makeup done everydayand what was with stephanie's face!lip injections?
me: she looks like she had an allergic reaction
Sara: it was strange
me: agreed

I'll be glued to the tv every monday night now...thanks MTV!

On another note, I've stumbled across a gold mine...a blog that is! All you girlfriends and housewives out there with hungry boys to feed, check this out.

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/category/man_pleasers/

RANDOM THOUGHTS

Ok so its Monday so this is going to be a VERY random one...Bear with me!!

Just another crazy Monday...lots to do, not enough time! For a while there, I thought my place had been designated the official Championship Game viewing spot. So, while at work, I was making mental lists of things that needed to be done BEFORE 7pm. Yeh right. Fortunately, I've kept it clean from having friends over for dinner Friday night. Its the same group tonight, so its not like I could have them over with it spotless and three days later let them walk into a zoo (literally...Madison has ALL her stuffed animals out right now and if you've ever seen these, you know she's spoiled!). Well LONG story short, we aren't coming here (THANK GOODNESS!) so I actually get to enjoy my time after work today. Ryan's at Monday night triathalon training and I just made myself a VERY delicious dinner. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I HATE recipes. I'm way to ADD to follow them. I like throwing together a dish and the more I get in the kitchen, the more I'm starting to like the process of cooking. Tonight I made a pasta dish with grilled chicken, garlic and....CAPERS!!!

Yall, its a love affair! I cannot get enough of these gross looking things! I had chicken piccata at Crockmiers a few months ago and ever since then, I eat them as much as possible. I'm sure they're terrible for me, but I could care less. They are delicious!

See, I told you this would be random.

Just hold tight because I have a lot more!



Who's this you ask? OH just a little band I've loved for years and years called Rascal Flatts. Why am I blogging about them? Ummm probably because I've been waiting on them to put out a new cd for FOREVER. And tomorrow their new album drops. Cannot explain how thrilled I am. For anyone who has to ride in my car the next 2 months, sorry, this will be blasting AT ALL TIMES!

Back to food. Hey give me a break, its dinner time and I'm a one track mind type of girl. Friday I whipped up a batch of this goodness. Spinach Dip!! I think I got the recipe a few years ago when some friends came up to the lake and we did nothing but cook and eat for two days. Its really good, in fact the whole bowl was empty by Saturday, so I surprised Ryan with a new batch last night. Want the Recipe?

1pkg (block) Cream Cheese

16 oz Sour Cream

2 Tbspn Mayonaisse

1 Pkg frozen chopped Spinach

1 Pkg Knorr Vegetable dip seasoning

Its easier if you warm up the cream cheese to soften it up. Combine all the ingredients and let it refrigerate (best if its overnight). For display purposes, I use a bread bowl and serve it with wheat thins and pita chips. INSTANT crowd pleaser! :)

And last night, we had homemade fajitas...none of that prepackaged fajita meat for these kids. We sauteed onions, mushrooms, bell peppers (red and green) and fajita meat. And I was feeling super domesticated then whipped up a batch of guacamole. I LOVE this stuff. I could eat it every day, but I guess I shouldn't...its quite unhealthy!

AND IF THAT WEREN'T RANDOM ENOUGH...

I REALLY wish I could wear something like this to work in. I live for comfort these days. I used to get decked out and dress up for work. HAHA not now!!

Bought these yesterday. I'm obsessed! I will go buy them in every color!!

And these too! Bought these in blue and this green. I've turned JCREW like no other! Whatever, I live in Florida, its way more relaxed here!

HAPPY MONDAY!!

Just For Fun

Sorry, I saw this on someone's facebook and thought it would be fun.

*****FOODOLOGY*****
What is your salad dressing of choice? I'ld probaby say Ranch, but I am a sucker for Raspberry Vinagrettes

What is your favorite sit-down restaurant?Amsterdam's Cafe in Auburn, AL , Sinclaires in Montgomery, AL and Kool Beans in Tallahassee, FL

What food could you eat for 2 weeks straight and not get sick of? Chickfila ... I'm the office joke. I get a number 1 combo at least 3 times a week. Number one, Diet DrPepper, Mayo Ketchup and Honey Roasted BBQ sauce. Don't worry though, its ALL I eat the whole day...healthy lifestyle I know!

What are your pizza toppings of choice? I'm a pepperoni and black olives lover!

*******Technology********How many TV sets are in your house? Two. One in the living room...my 32" plasma and then the old faithful in my bedroom. I'm not really sure why I have either because I NEVER use either. Ryan keeps them on ESPN constantly...hmmm maybe I should have the cable transferred to his name!

********Biology********

Are you right-handed or left-handed?Right-handed

Have you ever had anything removed from your body? Yes, I had a cancerous spot removed when I was in tenth grade. It left a scar that I've always been self conscious of because it makes me look like I've had implants...and I have NOT!

What is the last heavy item you lifted? That would probably be the grill that Ryan brought over and we had to take it up a flight of stairs. I was in a dress and heels...go figure!

Have you ever been knocked unconscious?Yes, this fall I was super sick and passed out in the bathroom, not fun!

*********Randomology********
If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die?I'ld like to say no because the quality of my last hours would be horrible...filled with tears! But in reality I'ld say yes because there are so many people I love who I would want to tell them one last time!

Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000? Negative Ghostwriter!

Dumbology*********

How many pairs of flip flops do you own? One, I need to invest in some cute flat sandals. Any suggestions? I'm on a budget, remember!

Last time you had a run-in with the cops? Can't share that info!!

Last person you talked to?Ryan

Last person you hugged?Ryan...I can't get enough of his hugs! (get over it Deck...yeh I was cheesy for a second there!)

**********Favoritology**********
Season?Summer

Holiday?Christmas for obvious reasons and Fourth of July because they're always spent at the lake and always so much fun!

Day of the week? That would definitely be Saturday. Thats the ONE day of the week where anything's a possibility. I'm busy the rest of the time!

Month? I love May. Its wedding season, its my birthday and lets be honest, the weather is PERFECT!

******Currentology**********

Missing someone? My sister, The BTG girls (I'ld give anything for another supper club reunion), the gearles and little Lexington

Mood?Relaxed

What are you listening to? Nothing. I need to cd's. Oh and I am PUMPED the new rascall Flatts cd comes out Tuesday

What are you worried about? Paying off my credit card and keeping a job in this economy!

*********Randomology********First place you went this morning? Church

What's the last movie you saw? We watched While In Vegas last night....AGAIN

Do you smile often? I try to, although I do have a tendency to look way to serious. I have strangers ask whats wrong all the time...Ooops!

Questionology***********Do you always answer your phone?I try to because I HATE when I cant get in touch with people. AHHHEMMMM Ryan! I swear his cell phone is like a pager for him.

It's four in the morning and you get a text message, who is it? That would either be my sister or Leigh Ann telling me she's not going to the gym in the morning

If you could change your eye color what would it be? I wouldn't. I like my hazel eyes...they go great with my hair. I just want my hair to be darker.

What flavor do you add you your drink at Sonic?I havent been to Sonic in FOREVER. In highschool we were obsessed with Pina Colada Slushes. They don't make those anymore...waht a shame!

Do you own a digital camera?Yes, two. And I don't know where either is.

Have you ever had a pet fish?Yes, his name was jaws. He had one eye.

Favorite Christmas song?Hands down, Oh Holy Night. And Martina McBride has the most incredible version of that song!

What's on your wish list for your birthday?Well I know I'm getting a GPS from my parents. But I would LOVE a surprise gettaway weekend from Ryan.

Can you do a chin up?Heck No Techno!

Does the future make you more nervous or excited? Excited! I can't wait to be a wife and mom and see what else life has in store for me!

Do you have any saved texts? Nope

Ever been in a car wreck?Recently, when that girl backed into me

Do you have an accent? I'm from Alabama, what do you think? I got called a redneck for it earlier...i was NOT please

What is the last song to make you cry? Couldn't tell ya

Plans tonight? Probably our weekly trip to Publix then cooking dinner!

Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom?Yep!! When I was finishing up school, I was definitely at a low point!

Name 3 things you bought in the last week. Food, curtains and flowers

Have you ever been given roses? Yes, my mom used to bring me purple roses (they're my favorite) all the time. **Sidenote...as a reminder I HATE carnations!!

Current worry?Never enough time or money to do what I want!

Current hate right now?Monogrammed bumper stickers (its been a hate of mine for a while)

Met someone who changed your life? Ryan Nelson :) (again, deck get over it!)

How did yo bring in the New Year? We went to a fancy dinner then went to Chez Pierre. Rang in the new year, got my new years kiss then went home...gosh I'm getting old!

What song represents you?It depends on what my circumstances are. I really listen to music for lyrics, so I have quite a few favorites!

What were you doing 12 am last night? ASLEEP!!!

What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up?MADISON GO BACK TO SLEEP!!

I know posts with pictures are more interesting, but I have temporarily misplaced my camera. I'm on the hunt for it, so hopefully I'll get some new pictures up here soon.

We've had a fun weekend so far. Friday night, Ryan and I had friends over for dinner and we all had a blast. Its become somewhat of a weekly thing for the three couples to all get together one night for dinner somewhere. Its nice for both the guys and the girls. They go off talking about their fantasy baseball leagues and whatever else guys talk about, and the girls get to be girls and talk about shopping and all the other girly stuff!

The other day, I was talking with a friend who may have to move for a job and she was talking about how it will be scary to move to a brand new place. I told her, yeh its scary and its hard in the beginning, but one day you'll be doing something not out of the ordinary and you'll realize, I fit in here! I had one of those moments probably a month ago. I think I was out running errands on my own and I started taking back roads (which says A LOT for me because I DO NOT know my way around this town...AT ALL!) and I realized, I'm completely content here. Its a really comforting feeling because for a while there I felt so out of place. I didn't know ANYONE here except Ryan and his friends and I desperately wanted my own identity here. But now I'm settling into a groove here and have friends of my own and I must say, its a good feeling!

To have a sense of belonging is something I craved for a while and now we have our group that I've grown to LOVE! Hopefully, we can all keep up our weekly fun!!

Yesterday morning, Ryan woke up at 4am to go to a triathalon here in Tallahassee. Surprisingly, only 2 out of the whole group participated. The rest of them (including Ryan) went to advertise their church's new coffee house. Poor guy was EXHAUSTED when he got to my house at 10 am and I was still asleep in bed. So we opted for an eventless day at his pool with Heidi and Jamey. Both of us are quite burnt. I figured, Oh I have a tan, I spent a week in Aruba. I should be ok.
Yeh right. My left shoulder is RED! Poor Ry, his stomach almost looks like Mom's feet did in Aruba. We're neck and neck with our competition on who is the tannest. I think I may start sneaking in trips to the tanning bed just for bragging rights!

Once we were all burnt to a crisp, we came in, cooked dinner and watched the Final Four games. It was really nice to spend time with them. We used to always spend weekends together but I've gotten busy and we've kind of just gone our own ways.

So, today should be normal Sunday. We've been to church, now Ry's swimming with his buddy Paul to get ready for his half ironman, then he'll play basketball. All the while, I plan on doing a little shopping since I didn't get to it yesterday!

Madison is pooped on the couch holding her tennis ball like a baby doll and growling when she hears cars. Just another lazy Sunday afternoon!

I don't know about you, but we've had rain ALL week long. And as much as I want to complain about the depressing weather, I can't help but be thankful for it at the same time. Last weekend, I was running errands and I had suddenly realized that spring is in full bloom here! Everything is green, flowers are blooming and the temperature is perfect. I know I will have to savor every bit of it because I will blink my eyes and the hot humid summer will be here!

But since there has been rain all week, I've been forced to stay inside a lot more and I've actually gotten a lot done. We're having friends over for dinner tonight so this forces me to clean up the place and work on a little decorating. I am TERRIBLE at planning meals. I have this entertaining anxiety I guess. I love having people over, I just hate being responsible for the meal. Fortunately our sweet friends are bringing dishes, so this should help me out...SOME.

No big plans for the weekend. Probably finish my taxes...oops I'm a bit behind! Hopefully the rain is gone and I can take Madison to Lake Ella to play.

Hope everyone has had a good week and has a great weekend!

___

Leash update (not that you care, I just think its funny): BOTH are gone now. I guess crazy across the hall realized they weren't doing any good draped over my railing!!

UPDATE: There are now TWO leashes outside my door. I'm starting to get really freaked out. I mean couldn't she have stopped with one? I have ONE dog lady!

And I'm really struggling to get up the energy for work. I stayed at work until 8 last night and with the rain, I really could use a lazy morning in bed.

JUST SAYIN....