Friday, December 21, 2012

A Two Year Journey

I am ashamed to admit that it has been almost 80 days since my last blog post. However, I am not ashamed of the reason for my lack of blogging. This is
where I have spent my last 80 days...
 
 
For the last two years, I have sacrificed every other Saturday to earn my Masters degree. On Friday, December 14, 2012 I walked across the stage to receive my diploma.
 
 
I am so lucky that my friends and family were able to come to
 Nashville to help me celebrate!
 
 
Bailey, myself and Fancy following the graduation ceremony. 
 
 
We did a lot of celebrating!!!
 
 
Saturday morning, the day after graduation, my dad wore his shirt with so much pride.


To everyone who provided words of encouragement and support throughout the last two years, THANK YOU!. This was a journey I could not have done alone and I truly appreciate all that my friends and family have done for me. I am one lucky girl!
 
 

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Lately.

I recently spent a full Sunday learning all about Firearm safety and self-defense.

Meet Coco. She came to class with me.

With all of the requirements completed, I was able to officially submit my application.

I recently taught myself how to make homemade tortillas - So easy!!!

The Turn is struggling. What used to be a slight purr, has now become a loud roar. In an
effort to reach a diagnosis, we were able to fix a few of the rattles, but
not the roar. The roar, we are going to have to leave to the real doctors.

My friend Leigh Ann, has added some new bracelets to her Etsy Store. To my surprise, one of the bracelets pictured has my initials - My fingers are crossed!

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Mac and Cheese Please

There is nothing I love more than pasta and cheese, well, maybe bread and potatoes...

Just call me a carbaterian.

But, that is not the point of this post. The point of this post is to address the cravings I have been experiencing lately for Mac and Cheese. So, without further discussion, below are some options that might help satisfy my cravings...






However, as much as I do love mac and cheese, I am SO thankful my parents never made me dress up as easy mac for Halloween. Thank you dad and Fancy for saving some of my dignity.

Are you hungry yet?

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Lately.

Wow, it has been some time since my last post...

The month of July and the beginning of August have been a blur. Time flew by. All in all, I am one step closer to graduating in December and am SO thankful!

Other than school and work, here is what I have been up to...

Oliver came for a visit with Debbie and Melissa. I always enjoy the time that we get to spend together, and I know he loves to reunite with his first loves.

During his visit, Oliver developed a new love for cucumbers.

Speaking of cucumbers, I have continued to make batches of pickles...

Trying a few new recipes when I am able: Bread and Butter Pickles.

As the crop continues to produce, I have also been able to fill a few jars 
with homemade Truck Patch Marinara.

In an attempt to not go into too many details, let's just say 
you would not want to run into me in a dark alley.

Especially at 50 feet, because this is what would happen...

Finally, I must admit, this last week has been quite boring without the Olympics...

But, when I think about it, it might just be the swimmers that I actually miss...

You're Welcome.

Sunday, July 22, 2012

The Perfect Pickle

I have made about six batches of pickles over the last month, and in my opinion, they are pretty darn good - They actually get better and better with each batch. And the best part, they are SO easy! With that said, below is my recipe for the perfect refrigerator dill pickles. (Adapted from several recipes, and only using ingredients that I like.)


Refrigerator Dill Pickles
(Fills 8 12oz Mason Jars)

8 Cucumbers
3 Cups Distilled White Vinegar
4 Cups Hot Water
2/3 Cups Granulated Sugar
8 Teaspoons of Kosher Salt
2 Teaspoons Mustard Seeds
2 Teaspoons Dill Seeds
2 Teaspoons Celery Seed
3 Teaspoons Pickling Spices
6 Garlic Cloves, Finely Chopped
1 Cup Fresh Dill

1.  Wash cucumbers, slice in half, and then slice into quarters. You will end up with 8 spears from each cucumber. (Each jar holds approximately 8 spears)

2. Chop garlic and fresh dill, and then add to the bowl with the cucumber spears, and mix until all spears are covered. (If you like a little spice in your life, add 2 Tablespoons of red pepper flakes to the bowl at this time.)


3. Begin to heat your 4 cups of water on the stove top.

4. In a large bowl, combine sugar, vinegar, salt, mustard seeds, dill seeds, celery seeds and pickling spices.

5. Once the water is hot, almost boiling, add to vinegar mixture, while stirring with a whisk until the sugar is dissolved. Allow to cool.

6. Begin to fill your mason jars with the spears. Be sure and add the extra garlic and dill that is left in the bowl to each mason jar. (You do not want to waste that flavor!)


7. Once the liquid has cooled down, fill each jar with the liquid until the spears are covered.

8. Allow the jars to come to room temperature, and then place in the refrigerator for 24 hours. If you can't wait 24 hours, I won't judge you. ;) The pickles are delicious after only an hour, and only get better with time.

Enjoy, and Happy Pickling!


Sunday, July 1, 2012

It's a Girl!

A Pink Girl to be exact.

Born Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Weighing in at 8oz!




Monday, June 25, 2012

Lately.

I can't believe how long it has been since my last blog post - I sincerely apologize.
Here is what I have been up to...

I said goodbye to my roommate, Jenna. Although I was sad to see her leave, she has only moved a half mile down the road, and I now have a front porch to enjoy whenever I want.

It has been about a year since the ceiling in my bathroom fell in, which means it was time for it to start leaking again. However, with repairs being made for two days, I appreciated the Auburn enthusiasm from the maintenance men.

The first crop has been picked. (Still waiting on the tomatoes.)

So, when life hands you cucumbers, make pickles!

I took a road trip to Leipers Fork.
(FYI, If I ever go missing, chances are, you will find me here...)

Spent some time on the lake.

Have a great week!

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Tomatoes, Cucumbers and Squash...Oh my!

Before I know it, the Tomato plants are going to be taller than I!


Just a few more weeks, and they will be ready!


Squash Blooms


Baby Cucumbers

Now, for those of you who now me well, you might be a bit surprised by the following recipes. BUT, I am convinced that a pickle bought in a jar at the grocery store (or served on a salad bar), are completely different than the homemade version. So, with that said, I am very excited about the opportunity to make homemade pickles this summer. Here are a few recipes that I have found on Pinterest...

Who knows? You may be one of the lucky ones to sample my pickle creations one day...






Friday, May 18, 2012

Heaven in a Cup

Last night, Jenna took me out to dinner at Eastland Cafe. The service was amazing, atmosphere was perfect and the food was exceptional - I think I have found my new favorite restaurant in Nashville. BUT THEN, we walked across the street for a sweet treat from Jeni's. For the entire 30 minutes we were inside, all I said was, "Oh my goodness!" over, and over, and over again. Even though they are located in East Nashville, I would drive there in a heartbeat for a cup of ice cream. If only I had a million dollars, and I could bring them just a little closer to me...

The Inside of Jeni's, located in East Nashville


Just a few of the options...


I thought I was being extravagant with my sample requests...


Then I looked over at Jenna!


Of course, I chose a scoop of the Salty Caramel on the bottom...


And then a scoop of the Pistachio and Honey on the top!

ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS - Heaven in a Cup!


If you want to learn more about Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream, click HERE!