It's been a while. But so much has been going on, I've found that there isn't much time to blog. So here I go, attempting to fill everyone in... Bare with me.
1. My sister's wedding was weekend before last. The seige has ended and life is sort of going back to normal.
2. The very day after my sister's wedding Husband's grandfather became very ill in the hospital and the family was called in to say our goodbyes. Thankfully, the doctors were proactive and he is doing worlds better-- PRAYER WORKS!
3. Work is crazy. Besides have new duties on my plate, I've got a class this year that is killing me emotionally. I have two students that cry every afternoon, regardless of the situation. There is no making them happy! Did I mention that they are 10 years old???
4. I'm in decorating mode. I've not been blogging but I've picked up a few blogs to follow all about decorating and photography.
5. My new couch comes Tuesday-- one that I ordered in June and was supposed to be here weeks ago-- and now I'm interested in looking at fabrics... lots and lots of fabrics!
6. Acupuncture is going great! I highly recommend it to anyone that doesn't deal with stress or just needs an hour to clear your mind, pray, and just be quiet. I'm loving it!
7. After Husband's meltdown about me hiding his mail, I've ordered a beautiful wooden wall pocket from Ballard Designs and low and behold, it is helping me make sense of our mail-paper problem! Yea for organization!
8. I also ordered a metal boot tray for our back entry... Husband's work boots and sneakers look so nice lined up, neatly by the door! Maybe Husband's meltdown wasn't such a bad thing after all!
9. I've been sucked into serving on yet another board position for a not-for-profit organization. This time it is work related. The one organization that I thought wouldn't want me because I don't have children, sought me out. I can't say no.
10. I have a class that calls me, "Pretty Girl" and ask their teacher, "is the Pretty Girl coming to see us today?" I love that class and I think I need to move my desk into that room. What a self-esteem boost! Did I mention that they are 5???
11. I've completely turned my life around and I am on a health kick. I have stopped eating sugar basically (occasionally I eat a sugary dessert-- but rarely). I have started eating fruit. For years I've lived in fear of eating fruit because of the texture, but I've completely overcame it and today I found myself craving the fruit cup at Chick-Fila. I also have stopped eating white breads and increased my whole grains... and again, low and behold, I feel great! Not to mention that my digestive system is performing like a well-oiled machine... something I've never experienced due to my poor diet. Because I feel good, sticking to this new kick has been super easy.
And that brings just about everything up to speed. I'll talk about some of these things in more detail, especially when I have some pictures-- like of the wedding, not my digestive system!
Have a good weekend!
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Acupuncture...
I have not been back at work for even close to a week and I'm already taking a 1/2 sick day. All last week I tried my darnedest to get an appointment for acupuncture... After a few weeks of research and reading one book that recommended it I worked up the nerve to call because I think that acupuncture just might be the ticket, especially since I'm anticipating a very stressful work year.
So I got an appointment for last week and then the very day that I was to go, the acupuncturist got sick and so I was put off until this week. Story of my life. Which means I had to take a half day so I could get in my first appointment. Who knew making time for myself is causing me guilt and stress???
I leave for the appointment in less than an hour and so far I'm not nervous. Just a few months ago the ideas of needles of any kind being jammed into my body sent shivers down my spine. Now, after months of needle stabs, jabs, and pricks, I'm thinking this is going to be easy.
The first appointment is going to take over an hour... not sure why but I've already had to fill out virtually a novel of background information.
I'll keep you posted on how it goes...
So I got an appointment for last week and then the very day that I was to go, the acupuncturist got sick and so I was put off until this week. Story of my life. Which means I had to take a half day so I could get in my first appointment. Who knew making time for myself is causing me guilt and stress???
I leave for the appointment in less than an hour and so far I'm not nervous. Just a few months ago the ideas of needles of any kind being jammed into my body sent shivers down my spine. Now, after months of needle stabs, jabs, and pricks, I'm thinking this is going to be easy.
The first appointment is going to take over an hour... not sure why but I've already had to fill out virtually a novel of background information.
I'll keep you posted on how it goes...
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
A Long Justification for Purchasing a Dress for My Closet...
In an effort to be more fiscally responsible and to actually wear the clothing I already own, I announced to Husband this past weekend that I would be (gasp!) re-wearing a dress to the engagement party we have to attend this upcoming weekend. I think I was high on the doughnuts (see previous post).
I rarely ever wear one of my dresses more than once. I blame it on proximity really... we socialize with the same people all the time, so once a dress is worn, it has basically been "seen" by everyone. As I mature, I realize that not everyone is paying that close attention to me and what I'm wearing, so as I mature I'm realizing that re-wearing a party dress is not that big of a deal. Even Princess Katherine is re-wearing outfits and she, according to Inside Edition, is the most photographed women in the world... and it reasons to stand because she was photographed outside of Englands' idea of a Wal-Mart with a cart full of groceries. When's the last time an entertainment reporter for Inside Edition talked about your affinity for Frosted Flakes????
I'm sticking to my guns about re-wearing too. I've already tried on the outfit of choice for this upcoming weekend and I feel confident that I can pull it off. And to reward myself with re-wearing I've treated myself to a new dress.
I know, I know.... I know what you are thinking... but I have a wedding coming up that is out of town and from what I'm hearing is going to be super dressed-down. No cocktail attire, no black tie optional... just a normal old fashioned wedding and unforunatley I really don't have many dressed-down-dressy-dresses. The one I own will be worn this weekend to the Engagment party for this very October wedding that is coming up. I think I found the winner at Anthropologie. It is a blue floral print silk slip dress and I think it is pretty awesome.
To make sure I can re-wear this dress I also purchased a waist hugging leather belt... I feel certain that I can belt this slip of a dress and throw a cardingan over the top to make it work appropriate. The right heels and sparkly accessories will make it "going-out" ready as well. Also I intend to wear this dress to my sister's rehersal and rehersal dinner. See! At least 3 different places to wear this 1 dress.
And for the record the outfit I'm wearing this weekend has been worn approximately 3 times, if I wear it this weekend, which I most certainly will!
Ha.
I rarely ever wear one of my dresses more than once. I blame it on proximity really... we socialize with the same people all the time, so once a dress is worn, it has basically been "seen" by everyone. As I mature, I realize that not everyone is paying that close attention to me and what I'm wearing, so as I mature I'm realizing that re-wearing a party dress is not that big of a deal. Even Princess Katherine is re-wearing outfits and she, according to Inside Edition, is the most photographed women in the world... and it reasons to stand because she was photographed outside of Englands' idea of a Wal-Mart with a cart full of groceries. When's the last time an entertainment reporter for Inside Edition talked about your affinity for Frosted Flakes????
I'm sticking to my guns about re-wearing too. I've already tried on the outfit of choice for this upcoming weekend and I feel confident that I can pull it off. And to reward myself with re-wearing I've treated myself to a new dress.
I know, I know.... I know what you are thinking... but I have a wedding coming up that is out of town and from what I'm hearing is going to be super dressed-down. No cocktail attire, no black tie optional... just a normal old fashioned wedding and unforunatley I really don't have many dressed-down-dressy-dresses. The one I own will be worn this weekend to the Engagment party for this very October wedding that is coming up. I think I found the winner at Anthropologie. It is a blue floral print silk slip dress and I think it is pretty awesome.
To make sure I can re-wear this dress I also purchased a waist hugging leather belt... I feel certain that I can belt this slip of a dress and throw a cardingan over the top to make it work appropriate. The right heels and sparkly accessories will make it "going-out" ready as well. Also I intend to wear this dress to my sister's rehersal and rehersal dinner. See! At least 3 different places to wear this 1 dress.
And for the record the outfit I'm wearing this weekend has been worn approximately 3 times, if I wear it this weekend, which I most certainly will!
Ha.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Britt's Doughnuts: Happiness & Magic...
And you're right. At this juncture in your life I bet you've had at least 400 or more doughnuts of various kinds, maybe more.
I myself, living just a short twenty minute drive to a Krispy Kreme store, I know the restorative beauty of a warm-out-of-the-fryer glazed doughnut. It is quite magical... but not quite.
I can say that because I know of a doughnut that is magical. So magical in fact that the Husband and I took an impromptu weekend trip to get a couple dozen of these doughnuts. Just a short 18 miles outside of Wilmington, North Carolina on the Carolina Beach boardwalk is a place called Britt's Doughnuts.
As soon as you step out onto the Boardwalk, above the smell of the salt air is this sweet, almost addictive, smell of Britt's. It is one of those smells that sort of takes you by surprise, mainly because even if you aren't hungry, as soon as that delightful smell floats over to your nose, you're hooked... you've just got to have one--or two or 12.
Saturday after lunch we headed down to the coast. A short hour and 15 minutes later we were sitting at the bar of Britt's doughnuts literally and figuratively eating a tiny piece of heaven. Steaming hot, but in a good way, the only kind of doughnut Britt's makes is glazed. No creme-filled, no sprinkles, or chocolate covered confections... and after tasting just one, you'll forget all about all those other kinds of doughnuts. The outside is crispy and sweet, irregular in a perfect kind of rustic-hand-made way, while the inside is tender and literally lighter than air. And because these doughnuts are so delicate, eating like 6 in one sitting is totally easy to do.
But back to the magic...
I'm fairly certain that these doughnuts could grow back a limb, never mind making you forget all about your troubles-- be it a horrific horror of a day or just the day-to-day stress of helping your sister plan an out-of-control wedding. These doughnuts remind me of what Ben Franklin once said about beer... Britts doughnuts "are proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy."
If you happen to find yourself on I-40 headed East, just run it till it ends... When you've gone past Wilmington and Monkey Junction and as far as land allows you'll be in Carolina Beach. Hit up the Boardwalk and just follow your nose. Trust me, you'll be glad you did.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Impossible? Maybe not...
Last night I put on my serious cooking apron, as promised and attempted to compete with years and years of country cooking by making the fabled recipe: Country Style Steak with Gravy.
To properly prepare Country Style Steak you are first going to have to purchase something called "Cube" Steak. It is basically a cheap cut of meat that has been run through some sort of tenderizer machine. You'll need about 1 and half pounds for a family of four.
The first step is to beat your meat (not what you think) by placing plastic wrap on the counter, then the meat and covering with another piece of plastic wrap. This will cut down on the mess completely. With a mallet or a rolling pin, beat the meat to help tenderize it. Do not skip this part.... you will regret it!
After tenderizing, cut into smaller pieces and season with salt and pepper. Once seasoned you will lightly bread in flour. I used just plain ole' flour. I fried the meat in about a half a cup of vegetable oil on medium high heat.
This is what it should look like after you have fried the cube steak. Now... for the hard part. Gravy!
You'll need about three tablespoons of flour and about a third of a stick of butter, melted. Nothing about gravy is healthy, so be warned. While the butter is melting you will need to remove all the oil and grease from the frying pan. You will need to leave the drippings. I couldn't find an easy way to do this... so I used Bounty Paper Towels to soak up the grease. It worked well for me and this way I didn't have to pick up my heavy pan and try to balance it over a cup in my sink without burning myself.
After removing the grease and the butter is melted, combine the melted butter with the flour. Make sure that the flour is completely dissolved into the butter. No lumps, no clumps... it should be a nice rue or like a paste.
Then you've got to add the rue to the drippings with a cup of water and whisk, whisk, whisk. Heat the mixture slowly until it gets thick... which for me didn't take long and I ended up adding another half a cup of water to thin out the gravy.
Then add the rest of the meat back into the pan and cover. Simmer the gravy mixture for around 20 minutes.
I served the Country Style Steak with Gravy over a bed of long grain rice. My green vegetable was string beans and because the Husband loves yeast rolls, I pulled a few out of a bag and popped them in the oven.
My meal was a big hit. The gravy was good... the only thing I messed up was the rice-- having never cooked plain rice before I accidentally salted the water and that left us with an overly salty meal. Next time... no salt!
The first step is to beat your meat (not what you think) by placing plastic wrap on the counter, then the meat and covering with another piece of plastic wrap. This will cut down on the mess completely. With a mallet or a rolling pin, beat the meat to help tenderize it. Do not skip this part.... you will regret it!
After tenderizing, cut into smaller pieces and season with salt and pepper. Once seasoned you will lightly bread in flour. I used just plain ole' flour. I fried the meat in about a half a cup of vegetable oil on medium high heat.
After removing the grease and the butter is melted, combine the melted butter with the flour. Make sure that the flour is completely dissolved into the butter. No lumps, no clumps... it should be a nice rue or like a paste.
Then add the rest of the meat back into the pan and cover. Simmer the gravy mixture for around 20 minutes.
Then plate it:
My meal was a big hit. The gravy was good... the only thing I messed up was the rice-- having never cooked plain rice before I accidentally salted the water and that left us with an overly salty meal. Next time... no salt!
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Attempting to Do the Impossible: Country Style Steak with Gravy...
Tonight is the night. I'm going to put on my serious cooking apron and I'm going to make possibly one of the most iconic Southern meals there is. I'm going to try to make Country Style Steak with Gravy.
What's the big deal? I'll tell you...Everyone around these parts grows up eating this very dish. And everyone grows up thinking that their grandma's or their mama's Country Style Steak is the best. For this very reason I have perfected such recipes as "Blackened Chicken with Penne Pasta and Alfredo Sauce" because neither of my Grandmothers ever made anything remotely like homemade Alfredo sauce. I don't like to compete if I know I can't win.
But the other night the Husband and I were sitting down to eat in our brand new kitchen when I asked him what he would like for supper. I could tell he wasn't too excited about eating my take on a chicken fajita. He told me wanted "normal" food... fried pork chops, country style steak, mashed potatoes. Food that I simply don't cook.
So last week while at the grocery store I purchased all the things he mentioned. Exactly a week ago I made bone-in, extra thick fried pork chops with mashed potatoes. I even made his favorite cupcakes for good measure. It was one of the best meals I've ever made for him and Husband was pleased.
With my confidence boosted I have decided to try my hand at the dreaded Country Style Steak with Gravy. I'm worried about the gravy part. Gravy is a hard thing to master and since I've never made it before... we wll see.
Stay tuned!
What's the big deal? I'll tell you...Everyone around these parts grows up eating this very dish. And everyone grows up thinking that their grandma's or their mama's Country Style Steak is the best. For this very reason I have perfected such recipes as "Blackened Chicken with Penne Pasta and Alfredo Sauce" because neither of my Grandmothers ever made anything remotely like homemade Alfredo sauce. I don't like to compete if I know I can't win.
But the other night the Husband and I were sitting down to eat in our brand new kitchen when I asked him what he would like for supper. I could tell he wasn't too excited about eating my take on a chicken fajita. He told me wanted "normal" food... fried pork chops, country style steak, mashed potatoes. Food that I simply don't cook.
So last week while at the grocery store I purchased all the things he mentioned. Exactly a week ago I made bone-in, extra thick fried pork chops with mashed potatoes. I even made his favorite cupcakes for good measure. It was one of the best meals I've ever made for him and Husband was pleased.
With my confidence boosted I have decided to try my hand at the dreaded Country Style Steak with Gravy. I'm worried about the gravy part. Gravy is a hard thing to master and since I've never made it before... we wll see.
Stay tuned!
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