The Royal Bug

Yes, I have been caught by the royal bug. This should come as no surprise to my friends and family who know that I easily become consumed by the latest headlines and events.


As many girls have, I fondly remember the time when I too once dreamed about marrying Prince William. I was in love with him and I just knew in my heart that I was going to to be a Princess and the future Queen of England.  Now, after 30+ hours of watching pre-wedding festivities and behind the scenes footage, I understand that my opportunity to become Queen has been taken by Kate, but thats ok, I am sure there is another Prince out there just waiting for me!

Goodbye Michael Scott - Remember To Call

I must admit, I was not an avid viewer and fan of "The Office" in the beginning. Although, over time the dry sense of humor and depiction of office antics has caught my attention, and has become 30 minutes of laughter that I can count on every Thursday night. I am sad to see Steve Carell leave the show, but think they could not have done a better job sending him off in style. Take a look for yourself...I don't know how they can possibly top this performance for his final show, tomorrow night, May, April 28, 2011. A tear might possibly fall...

Seasons of Michael - Remember To Call

A Whale of a Find.

To say that I love whales is an understatement. They say that the first stage of recovery for any addiction, is to accept your issues, and then to admit it to the world. Here today, I have decided to make my confession to all of my readers - I am addicted to whales. I might consider it more of a love and a passion than an addiction, but never the less, it does have the potential to become a little out of control. I am currently not willing to part waves ways with my addiction,  so to fill my void, below are some current products that help to satisfy the craving.

West Elm Never Let's me Down.

Save the Whales.

Wall Art.

Vineyard Vines Has Stolen My Heart!

Truck Patch Update

If you have visited my blog before, you know that my friend Tom has a Truck Patch (Tomato Garden) he creates each year, with the desire to eat the first Tomato come July 4th. This year is the largest crop yet, below is a current update...

The Pink Girls are quickly outgrowing their custom green house (Almost 2 feet high), 

and are anxious to be planted into the soil.

The future home of 21 Pink Girls. The fence is set up as a precaution to prevent predators from eating the plants, and from Oliver, and his desire to frequently water the girls. (Each brown circle represents a location in which a Pink Girl with be planted.)

Easter Weekend

Sometimes, it can be lonely being single and living so far away from any of your family members. The times this becomes the most difficult is around the holidays. I must admit that I have been a little bummed not having the opportunity to see my family this year for Easter. So, in honor of them, and the ones I love, I have decided to share some pictures of me with my family last Easter, 2010.

Grandma and Ray

 Three Generations: Fancy, Me and Grandma

Oh, Ed.

Sneak Preview. (It's a sneak attack!)

My friend Leigh Ann has recently inspired me. Her amazing creativity and eye for style and design never ceases to amaze me; she has recently created a store on Etsy named Sweet Auburn Studio, which I strongly encourage everyone to check out! Truth is, I want to be like her sometimes, so I have been eagerly hoping that my creative juices would begin to flow, and that I would find my own inspiration. Well, Ladies and Gentleman, I can tell you right now, that I have found my inspiration. Below is a picture of a few of the products I will be using to make my creation, and who knows, if they actually turn out decent, I may be opening my own Etsy store soon.

Stay Tuned...

Saturday Craft Time

I recently found my inspiration for Saturday Craft Time in one of my favorite Etsy stores, Sippin' Southern. I immediately fell in love with two items, these red wooden letters and a blue wooden whale. Unfortunately, I currently do not have $28 to spend on the wooden letters. Therefore, I decided to take matters into my own hands, and use my crafting skills that I have been so lucky to inherit from Fancy. For only $10, I created what I think to be a pretty good version of Sippin' Southern's wooden letters. (Maybe not as rustic as I would like, but very clean and simple.)

The Inspiration

The End Result

Birthday list for Ed and Fancy.

Yes, Ladies and Gentleman, I am quickly approaching the ripe age of 27. It amazes me to think that I have been out of college for 5 years now, legally drinking for 6 years and driving for 11 years. Where has the time gone? If you did not know that I have a thing for birds and whales, well, I guess you do now.
In no particular order:

Kate Spade Tote Bag - Perfect for my summer travels!.

 Perfect Platter for Summer Treats

Simple and Classic - LOVE Bangles and Whales!

Fun Summer Necklace

After 4 years, it is time for a Change

Sometimes, Bigger is Better. (Sorry, Turn)

I LOVE Burlap!

Who wouldn't want a wooden whale? (My 2nd Favorite Store on Etsy)

It is important to always dream!

Gardening 201 - Let the Truck Patch begin.

My former neighbor Tom, creates a Truck Patch (Tomato Garden) in his back yard each spring. For the last four years, I have had the privilege of being a part of the experience. In years past, the plants were purchased and then planted into the ground. This year, Tom has made the executive decision to personally grow the Tomatoes from seeds. On Monday, March 7, 2011, we began the process; This included prepping the pellets, planting the seeds (Pink Girls) and making sure they were at optimal temperature for growth. I am ashamed to admit that I have yet to post pictures of the progress, but am very pleased to present them to you now.

It all began with a pack of seeds.

 Water is added to the 36 pellets to increase their size, which provides plenty of 

room for the seed to plant their roots, and grow.

 The pellets have grown.

 A hole, 1/4 inch in depth, is dug into each pellet allowing for the seed to be planted.

 Excess soil is used to cover the seed. The plants are then placed on a heating pad,

underneath an artificial light to imitate sunlight. The plants are then covered to 

encourage growth, and to help retain moisture.

 Just a few days later...WE HAVE TWINS!

 Shortly after, the other seeds began to sprout.

 This past weekend, the plants were given a taste of real sunlight.

 To help protect the young plants from wind, rain and animals, a makeshift greenhouse 

has been built to ensure their safety.

I cant believe that it has been almost 2 months since we planted the Pink Girl seeds. The time is quickly approaching for the girls to make their way to the real soil. Eating time is going to be here before we know it!

Should I be offended?

Last night, I received a phone call from one of my friends who said that she just saw a commercial that made her think of me. (Thanks, Melissa)  To be offended, or not to be offended, that is the question? Have you seen this new product in the stores? Avoiding the frozen pizza isle is usually a high priority of mine when I visit the grocery store; and the fact that the Lean Cuisines/Smart Ones/Healthy Choices are typically across the isle, this does not make this task easy for me. Oh well, maybe I will have to splurge one weekend, as I can hear it calling my name right now...

Meghan...Meghan...Meghan....

HAPPY FRIDAY!

I want one...

Adding it to my Birthday list as we speak!

Trader Joe's Shrimp on Polenta Pillows

Ingredients:

1 (18 Ounce) Roll of Pre-Cooked Polenta

Olive Oil for Brushing

3 Garlic Cloves

1 (8.5 Ounce) Jar of Sun-Dried Tomatoes

2 Tablespoons Capers

1/2 Cup Dry White Wine

1 Pound Raw Large Shrimp, Peeled and Deveined

Preheat broiler. Slice the Polenta into 1/2 inch rounds. Brush with Olive oil and season to taste. Broil, watching carefully, until browned, about 5 minutes. In a medium saute pan, drizzle 1 Tablespoon of Oil from the jar of Sun-Dried Tomatoes and saute the Garlic over medium-high heat until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the remaining contents of the jar of Sun-Dried Tomatoes (Oil and all), Capers and White Wine. Saute until the Sun-Dried Tomatoes are softened and heated through. Add the Shrimp and saute until cooked through and coated with sauce, about 5 minutes. Serve over polenta rounds.

Where have the days gone?

Yesterday in class, I had to present an organization or a website that was using innovative technology, and then apply those tools to higher education. I chose to present  The Pioneer Woman and discuss the possibilities that a blog could bring to a University. I am ashamed to admit, that after my research, I learned that the most important rule with ANY blog is "Consistent Postings." Therefore, I have failed miserably. Well, I am back, and to my handful of viewers, I promise I will not let you down again. 

Here is what you have missed:

I made a poor decision.

The young gentleman upstairs took a bath and when he began to drain his tub, the water came pouring through the vent in my ceiling and also caused a portion of my ceiling to fall. (The white board is covering the hole.)

I went to Birmingham to celebrate the Daniel family and show my support for colon cancer awareness by participating in the Rumpshaker 5k.

I sang RESPECT at a karaoke club. Needless to say, another woman was there, who was under the impression that she was better than I. (I think not.)

Debbie is the only woman in the world who can convince me to eat a sandwich with multiple layers of meat and olives. Oh how I love Deb's Muffalattas!

And finally: I GOT AN A IN MY VERY FIRST CLASS IN GRADUATE SCHOOL!