The Hourly Reporter

Post-Appetite

2012-01-30T16:03:00.000-06:00

Phewwwwwwwwww...

I'm a little tired.

OK.

I'm really tired.

But, we had a fantastic time on Saturday with Appetite for Jackson. I even had fun Sunday with a family get together, JFP Best of Jackson party, and filming for a freelance video project I've got going for Sal and Mookie's.

Since I know y'all are all really interested in Andrew, I'll leave you with a video of Marika and I with the man himself...

Appetite

2012-01-24T14:31:00.001-06:00

Like I said, I've been crazy busy lately, but I'm loving every minute of it. One of the big things I've been working since the beginning of December is this big thing right here:

Appetite for Jackson. It ends with a great event this Saturday from 2-9 p.m. at the Mississippi Museum of Art and it's going to be a fantastic time. More info here.

It all started in December with a little video a friend and I did at work about a pig ear sandwich, which caught the attention of Zimmern, who gave us a call. They wanted to film in Jackson: what weird food could they eat?

From there, it snowballed because of a similar event, PM Soul happening that next Monday.

The rest, they say, is history. We've been working with them for weeks (shooting B-roll last week) and in a few short days, we'll have them filming our event for a new show on the Travel Channel called Appetite for Life. It'll be fun!

So, if you're in the area, please come out for Appetite for Jackson and I hope to see you there!

Hi

2012-01-23T16:47:00.000-06:00

Hi, my name is Sophie and I've been completely absent.

I'm busy, OK?

Want to know one of the things I've been busy with lately? THIS CAKE:

Yep. This past weekend the boyfriend and I (yes, I have a boyfriend. That's a story for another day) worked on it for SIX HOURS. Oh, sure, we thought it'd be easy, but after the last stroke of icing at 5 p.m., I thought we'd have to have a soft cry for all that time spent.

Needless to say, the boyfriend's nephew loved it!

Cheesy

2011-09-15T10:30:00.000-05:00

I love cheese. If you put bread and cheese on the table and you could only pick one, I'd pick cheese, hands down. A few weeks ago, I got the opportunity to taste compare Sargento Cheese and any other processed cheese I wanted, just to see if their's was up to snuff.

One of my favorite meals was the Plowman's Lunch at the Biltmore Estate. Seeing this cheese, I wanted to recreate that when some friends came over, just to see what they thought. I didn't tell them which was which to see what they said.

They chose the left one, which happened to be the Sargento Swiss, over another brand. You can even tell the difference in the color! It just looks more natural.

Thanks Sargento for letting me taste test for you guys!

[I gotta tell you that I received this product for free to try via the Foodbuzz Tastemakers Program. I thank them for all they do!]

DC: A Recap

2011-09-14T20:56:00.002-05:00

I've been back in Jackson from DC for about a week and a half and I have to say, uploading these photos makes me miss it. It's such a great city with so much to do! I know I haven't even scratched the surface of everything there is to do.

One of the things I was really excited to see was my dog child, Ballot, when I got to Sital's office. How sweet is this?

That night, Sital and I may have had one of the most wonderful dinners I've ever had at Bistrot Du Coin.

We started off with the salmon tartine, which was wonderful.

Then, the real meal started. A pot of steamed mussels and a cast iron pot filled with nothing but sauteed mushrooms. It was amazing.

Walking back around Dupont Circle and trying to digest, we talked into this interesting tea shop with so many different flavors of tea. I could have spent so much time and money in there.

The next day, we got up and walked to Eastern Market. I've never seen such a vibrant farmer's market. The colors of everything, like the different varieties of heirloom tomatoes was beautiful. The good thing about Eastern Market is that you know all of the restaurants around the market are going to have good produce straight from these stands.

After walking around the market, we sat down for breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien. I had to have my coffee fix, so I ordered an iced latte. Didn't disappoint.

We struggled what to get, but I decided on the french toast. Just look at how beautiful...

When I came to DC, I said there was only one thing that I cared to see and it was the Newseum. Until the end of this week, the museum has an exhibit dedicated to the coverage of Katrina and how newspapers in South Mississippi and New Orleans were able to cover the storm after the hurricane. Going to USM, I had to go see it because I've seen, heard, and met many of these people while in college, so it was really cool to see.

Right outside the exhibit on the balcony was a great view of the Capitol.

After walking through the six levels of the museum for a few hours, it was time for lunch. Not just any lunch... Founding Farmers. Because I don't want to leave anything out about how great they are, check out their website. We may have had a four hour lunch their without even noticing. This is why...

My chicken pot pie. Perfect.

Sital got the Southern Plate with chicken, waffles, and mac and cheese. She said it was great.

I'll definitely go back next time I'm in town.

Somehow after walking back to Sital's place and taking a much needed nap we ventured out for a little something to eat (again). This time, we tried Sticky Rice, a neat Asian restaurant a few blocks from her house.

I tried the curry fried rice, which was perfect and spicy, just the way I like it.

I could go on and on about how wonderful it was. I can't wait to visit again!

Busy

2011-09-14T20:25:00.001-05:00

As I'm sure most of you know (or notice), I can't seem to slow down. Honestly, I like it that way, so there's no end in sight. But, it means that I definitely don't cook as much at home. Maybe once or twice a week (if I'm lucky), but with everything going on, I just don't have time to grocery shop or cook as much as I like. So, when the Foodbuzz Tastemaker Program asked me if I'd like to try the new Birds Eye Voila! frozen meals, I eagerly said, "Yes!"

It's a meal in itself- the pasta, veggies, chicken and sauce are all there for you. All you've got to do is put in a skillet with 1/3 cup of water and you're good to go! After a day at work, workout and yoga class, I wasn't in the mood to make something from scratch. Voila, here this was to save the day (They may be on to something?).

I have to admit, I was worried that being pre-packaged would mean it wouldn't be fresh or it would taste too salty. Not true. I even had leftovers for lunch today, which I think tasted even better.

[Gotta tell you that I did receive the meal for free via the Tastemakers Program, but it did taste great. I'd consider these again.]

Big Apple Inn

2011-08-21T14:34:00.000-05:00

I ate a pig ear sandwich this week. I know, I know. You're thinking I'm crazy. Maybe I am, but all I have to say is, Anthony Bourdain's got nothing on me. [Don't tell him I told you that, because then he might go crazy on me like he did Paula Deen]

I've eaten the pig ear sandwich once before, when I first started working at my job and people told me I just had to try it once. So, now it was my turn to tell somebody they just had to try it.

So, watch and enjoy...

PM Taco

2011-08-09T09:58:00.000-05:00

Pop-up restaurants are a niche market. Mostly, and maybe it goes without saying, because they are a quick one day jaunt away from the usual menu where restaurants get to be different, if not a little whimsical. Jackson restaurants have just started to scratch the surface of the limitless possibilities of pop-up restaurants and PM Taco, a pop-up restaurant for Parlor Market did not disappoint yesterday.

By noon, tacos were calling my name. Being a block away, a few of us from the office gladly skipped over. Tables were full, so we found three seats at the bar. We were quickly served drinks, salsa, and guacamole.

What did we get? A lot of food. Parlor Market can be on the expensive side, but each taco order only ran $7-$8. While I cannot tell you everything in the tacos, we did order the Big Mac, Pulled Chicken, and Blue Mountain Oyster tacos. Each was great all it's own. We also sampled the black eyed peas, which weren't my favorite, but as I've said before, I'm not a big fan of black eyed peas.

Pulled Chicken Tacos

Because I saw more on the menu we wanted to try and I happened to see them mixing up the sangria behind the bar at lunch, I just had to go back for dinner. Thank goodness my gym is also across the street, so I was able to work out before I went back, right? Right.

The wait was MUCH longer for dinner. The crowd, especially around the bar, was a little crazy. Our group grabbed drinks and headed outside to hear the band while we waited.

When we finally got seated, I knew what I wanted to try: The Gyro Taco. Lamb, pearled cous cous, and feta wrapped in pita. I'm still thinking about it. I was nervous ordering it, but it was hands down my favorite. If Parlor Market ever puts this on their regular menu or decides to venture into taco trucks, this would be my regular order.

Here's a hat tip to Parlor Market for making pop-up restaurants work in Jackson. Sure, there are bumps along the way and big crowds to feed, but that's exactly why Jackson needs restaurants to push us into uncharted culinary boundaries. I can't say it enough: People are ready for good food. It's also why I'm waiting patiently for that Gyro Taco to go on their regular menu.

Happy Birthday!

2011-08-07T21:11:00.000-05:00

You know my family loves to get together for no other reason than to get together and birthdays are just one of those times you've got to have dinner as a family. This weekend we had a birthday celebration for my ~~sister~~ cousin, Cary!

This cake was amazing in a I-should-ever-ever-eat-this kind-of way. Ignore that fingerprint in the icing...

Happy birthday, Cary!

Of course, the McNeil's had to draw on our stars. One of these days, we'll all have these on permanently...

I hope you had a great weekend!

Cosmopolitan Cafe

2011-08-04T12:26:00.002-05:00

There's a new kid in town and I like it. I like it a lot. So much so, I've even lunch there two days in a row. It's name is Cosmopolitan Cafe (Part of Cosmopolitan Catering by Macy) and it's right in the heart of Fondren.

I have to admit, my first time in yesterday was out of necessity because our organization was writing about them for our advertorial of the week, so needless to say, we've got to try the product. Boy, was it good.

The menu is fairly simple: a few plate lunches where you pick a meat and two sides. The hard part: choosing which one because they all sound so good.

I settled on the poppy seed chicken, broccoli salad and sweet and sour green beans. Everything was so flavorful. While I was worried about it all being too heavy, I didn't feel bogged down at the end like I sometimes do with Southern-style meals.

We had to try the dessert. All of them in fact. Banana pudding, chocolate chess pie and strawberry shortcake. I was skeptical that the chess pie could match the recipe my family holds dear, but I was impressed. Macy said herself she uses her family's recipe and I think it's a winner.

After telling the office, more people wanted to go today. This time, I tried the meatloaf, corn salad and sweet and sour green beans (because I may or may not have dreamed about them).

If you need a good, quick lunch, this is the place to go. If you need a casserole to pop in the oven after work or a dip for a party, Macy's got that too. Tell her I sent you.

Beach Week

2011-08-03T22:05:00.000-05:00

I've been a terrible blogger and I've got no excuse except to say I've been busy and had a lot on my mind. But, I couldn't NOT share beach pictures, it's one of my favorite weeks of the year!

Food, like every year, was amazing. This year, Ashley was even able to bring down four of her homemade jams in her bag on the plane...

My favorite was, hands down, the Strawberry-Marsala Jam with Rosemary.

Shrimp. Oh, the shrimp.

Some of the girls

The fam

Homemade biscuits from scratch. Perfect with all of the jams.

Lots of porch time watching all of the kids and their performances. We're definitely now paying for all of the performances we made our parents watch when we were kids.

These. Cream cheese stuffed, bacon wrapped jalepenos. This was just one of the appetizers one night and it was great.

Tres Leches cake

Handmade margaritas, down to the squeezed limes

Some of us got creative in the arts and crafts department with pipe cleaners...

Liam, who loved eating artichokes.

Can't wait 'til next year!

Confession: Soulshine Pizza

2011-06-29T19:29:00.000-05:00

Let's start from the beginning. A month or so ago, one of my best friends and I started a club known as BEA or Bad Eaters Anonymous. It's a group for people who eat healthy or are trying to eat healthy, but need support when they have unhealthy cravings.

I've got a BEA confession to make: I ate part of this tonight and it was good. Oh, so good.

This would be the HALF pulled pork BBQ nachos from Soulshine Pizza. Shoot me now (or rather, give me an Immodium). My mom and I couldn't even finish half of it. The waitress showed us the platter sized whole portion, which could easily feed eight people.

Of course, washed down with a jar of Blue Moon. Can't get much better than that.

Mish Mash

2011-06-24T16:22:00.000-05:00

I have been so busy, it's hard to catch my breath! Let me start from the beginning, back at Father's Day weekend. My dad has started branching out into different beers and he loves Blue Moon! He was drinking it without the orange, so of course I had to hook him up right for Father's Day. I'm officially that girl that gives her dad beer for Father's Day (along with a gift certificate to Fresh Market, mind you).

We also had my uncle's 60th birthday party. It was so much fun, especially with petit fours from Primo's!

This weekend, my mom was also taking care of my cousin's son, Andrew. We buy him cookies as big as his face, because we can.

Marika and I ran into Campbell's this week as well. Mitchell had a cake pop that took an accidental dip too far into the chocolate and off the stick, so I got to taste test it for free. Nothing wrong with it as far as I'm concerned!

They also had cute gator tea cookies too...

The other day, it was raining and pouring for the first time in ages, but it didn't keep Sital from calling me to go to Walker's. The redfish sandwich is to die for.

Last night, I had dinner at Aladdin. You can't go wrong with the hummus with lamb. Just sayin'!

Here's to a great weekend!

Series of (Un)Fortunate Events

2011-06-16T21:00:00.001-05:00

Tonight will go down as the "Series of Fortunate Events."

Let's start from the beginning: After work, I headed to the gym to try to piece together a workout after eating a little-too-big slice of cake when our office had a surprise wedding shower for a co-worker. On the treadmill, I get a text message from my roommate saying that our fridge was not cold... at all. Dang.

I should have suspected as such because we noticed earlier this week that our ice cream was melting.

I get home and the roommate has gone to her parents' house for a cooler and to get ice from their big ice maker. She comes home about twenty minutes later and asks if I'll help her get the coolers from her car. Sure, I can handle that.

Roommate heads out first and then I shut the door to our house. She gets one cooler while I get the other. We walk back up the stairs and roommate tries to open the door. It's locked.

"Are you sure it's not jammed?" I ask. Panic is rising in my voice.

No. It's not jammed, it's locked. Great.

Standing their with these crazy coolers, a hot fridge, no keys, no phones, all we can do is stand there and laugh. What to do? For security reasons, we don't keep a set of spare keys outside our house, but plenty of our family members have them. But, how to call them?

Off the top of our heads, we decide to walk three blocks to our friend's house, hoping he's home. Walk there. Knock. No answer.

Great.

We turn and walk back towards our house. At this point, I'm going to be as neighborly as possible and knock on any door close to us. First, I knock on the white house across the street, home to a sweet old lady who always said if we needed anything, let her know. Well, I need a phone and I was letting her know. Even though her car was there, no answer. Bummer.

"Ok," I say. "Let's go across the street."

I knock on our nice neighbors, Margaret and Brent's, house. They welcome us in and give us their phone. Would we like some wine or beer? (Thinking about it, did it look like I needed it?) At this point, I'm too hot and tired for that. First call roommate's brother, who lives on the other side of the neighborhood, but he doesn't answer. Dang.

I call my parents' house, in which my mom answers laughing. Sure, my sister will be there soon. We chat with our neighbors and catch up on who's who around the street and who are the new people that have moved in. We even got invited to the Garden Club (which doesn't garden at all, but rather drinks wine and has fun book swaps and cooking classes once a month), which I plan on joining.

We walk back to our house and wait a minute or two for some keys to arrive. My two sisters pull up, no doubt laughing at my expense. It's just not like me to get locked out of the house.

So relieved to get the keys, I bound to the door, confidently put the key in the knob and try to turn it. No dice. These look like the right keys. Somehow, they are the wrong ones. We try them on the back door. Again, no dice.

Oh my gosh.

"At least we have a car now. Let's go to your brothers' house and get his keys," I say to the roommate.

All four of us jump in my sister's PT Cruiser and drive on. We weave through the neighborhood and pull up to the curb as my roommate's brother sits on his front porch. With a puzzled look on his face, they find the keys and we head back towards home.

Pulling up to the house, I'm nervous. What if this copied set doesn't work either?

In a valiant leap over the ditch worthy of the last five minutes in any captivating movie, my roommate runs to the front door with the key. So excited, she can't even get the key in right.

Key is in the knob. It turns. We are in.

I've never been so thankful.

Cucumber

2011-06-13T20:24:00.000-05:00

Man, I have been busy, busy, busy. Starting Friday, the Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church was in town and I was there for most of it each day through Sunday. It was awesome and tiring all at the same time.

Back to work, I'm as cool as a cucumber.

Actually, that's not necessarily true. After work I decided to take a walk around the neighborhood and by the time I got home, I was dripping in sweat. I could not think about eating anything but a whole, cool cucumber cut up with a little balsamic vinaigrette. I have a feeling I'll be eating this pretty often.

Cool.

Sweet Tater

2011-06-07T18:32:00.000-05:00

One of the perks about being a Foodbuzz Publisher is that from time to time, companies want you to review their products through the Tastemaker Program. When I got an email a few weeks ago asking if I wanted to try some sweet potato fries, of course, I said I would. Who am I to turn down a perfectly good sweet potato, right?

What I got were Ore-Ida's new sweet potato fries. Let me up front: yes, they gave me a free coupon to try these, but this is my opinion. I've tried them on two separate occasions now to test them out and they've been really good and really just OK. The oven has a lot to do with it.

The first time I tried them was as my parents house when they were grilling hamburgers (and a salmon burger for me). When I cooked the fries then (at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 17 minutes), they were perfect. Crunchy on the outside, almost creamy on the inside. Today, slapping them in the oven before it was pre-heated after getting home from work, they were just OK. Sometimes it pays to follow the cooking directions, am I right?

So, I have to say, if I'm going to eat a bagged sweet potato fry over my own sweet potato fry recipe, this may just be what I use. I haven't seen many sweet potato fry products on the market, so that's pretty exciting to see them trying something new.

Ayam Masak Kicap

2011-06-06T22:20:00.000-05:00

Sometimes what I make for dinner comes as a complete accident. This is one of those dinners.

Whenever I see something good on a blog or website, I file it away in a special Gmail folder for recipes and blog ideas. Having about 15 minutes left until work was over, I opened up the folder to find a certain recipe I thought was in the folder. I didn't find what I was looking for, but I happened to open up this recipe and I knew I had to make it: Ayam Masak Kicap.

Don't let the name fool you. Yes, it's Malaysian, but it's the easiest recipe. The author even said her father wouldn't consider it a recipe because of the simplicity. While I wouldn't go that far, I have to say, I am going to be making this dish again and again. Not only is it easy and cheap to make, it packs a punch of flavor. Plus, I get to use my big wok, which is always fun.

Ayam Masak Kicap

[adapted from this recipe]

1.5-2 chicken breast, cut into 1 inch cubes

5 T light soy sauce

3 T sugar

1 tsp. white pepper

Sesame seeds (optional)

Parboiled white rice

Heat 2 tsp. of oil in wok and cook chicken until browning. Add in soy sauce, sugar, and pepper. Cook on medium low heat for 8-10 minutes until sauce simmers and thickens. If desired, add in sesame seeds. Serve chicken over bed of rice (I prefer brown or parboiled white), pouring leftover sauce over chicken and rice, serving immediately. Serves 2-3.

THE Guac

2011-06-05T20:17:00.000-05:00

Can we just slow down time a little bit? I can't believe it's June already. With the heat upon us, I've had a big craving to guacamole lately. Not just any of the green stuff, the recipe from my favorite place, Babalu.

Lucky for me (and now, for you), the restaurant spilled the beans on the recipe in a magazine recently. I had to make it!

Babalu Guacamole

2 whole avocados, halved and seeded

1 lime, juiced

1 T green onions

1.5 T finely minced red onion

1.5 T finely chopped sun-dried tomato

1 T cilantro (optional)

Salt to taste

Remove flesh from avocado and add in all ingredients. Sprinkle salt evenly to incorporate. Mash with a potato masher to incorporate. Keep mixture somewhat chunky and serve with chips. Serves 2-4.

I could eat this stuff way too often. Way, way, way too often.

Make this and drink a margarita for me, OK?

Snap

2011-05-29T08:45:00.000-05:00

Phew, you know how you're going, going, going and once it slows down you just need a really long nap? That was me yesterday afternoon. After lunch at my parents house, I went up to my old room and had the best hour nap of my life. But, before we get to all of that, I'll back up to Friday...

I had a blast Friday on the radio show. I love food, so why wouldn't I love talking about it for an hour? Afterwards, Marika and I were starving, so where to eat with so many places around? Since I had only tried part of the menu, we decided to try out Fatsumo again.

We started with edamame and gyoza. I got them fried simply because it was an extra dollar for steamed ones. Only in Mississippi would you have to pay extra to be healthier...

Spicy Tuna roll. Still delicious and still my favorite.

As if we weren't full enough, we just had to cross the street to Campbell's Bakery.

Their iced tea cookies make me smile. Like I said on the show, they are such a throwback to when I was a kid. My grandmother used to get the red heart cookies from there on Valentine's Day for us. I can still picture the crimped edges from the cookie cutter and the sweet red color.

One day, I'll try a cannoli, but we were there for the cake pop. We talked to Mitchell, the new owner, who's so kind.

Conveniently around my birthday, my favorite flowers, hydrangeas, are blooming everywhere. It may seem silly to say that you have a favorite hydrangea bush in the whole world, but I do - the one on the side of my grandparents' house. Why? Because the hydrangeas look like this:

I don't know what in the world is in the soil, but they are the prettiest deep purple you have ever seen. My sister sent me a photo of the bush the other day and I said that I'd love to go cut some one day this week, but I never had time. When I walked into my parents' house Friday night, there was a huge arrangement of them waiting for me.

Saturday morning, we all got ready for graduation day. Living and working downtown, it's really funny for me now to see people from Madison driving like chickens with their heads cut off because they never are in that part of Jackson.

Everyone started filing in...

Brandon went first (handing his name to Mrs. Daniels)

Then, Trey (shaking hands with the principal, Ms. Mitchell)

It was definitely a great day. Afterwards, a few of us came back to our house and had a nice lunch. By this time, I was so tired I had no energy for photos. Hence, the best-nap-of-my-life.

Thanks to all of you who sent birthday wishes. Hope you are having a wonderful, long weekend!

Three Things

2011-05-26T16:41:00.002-05:00

Three things:

1. This was divine.

Chef Luis Bruno at the Museum of Art knows his stuff. I mentioned to some of my co-workers who were visiting the museum for lunch that his new spin on the menu looked incredible, including the red velvet whoopie pie. I thought nothing else about it and when I got back from lunch myself today, this was sitting on my desk. I had my two bites and started passing it around the office for everyone to try.

How they got that filling to simply taste like cream cheese, pecans and subtly of vanilla bean with the consistency of whipped cream is beyond me. It was wonderful.

Everyone who went raved about their meals as well. It's definitely on my to-eat short list right now.

2. My wonderfully creative cousin Ashley (the one that made this lamp) is having a giveaway in honor of the opening of her Etsy shop. Want to check out the giveaway, her blog, and her Etsy store? Click here! Thank me later.

3. I'll be on my work's radio show tomorrow from 12-1 CST talking about food, culinary heritage, and all of the fun things to do in the next week around the city. For those of you in the area, that's 100.1 FM or for everyone else, wlezfm.com , to stream live.

Can you taste that three day weekend??

The Week Continues

2011-05-25T13:46:00.000-05:00

If I thought that Monday was crazy, yesterday was just as crazy.

There was the unveiling of the Greyhound Bus Station marker...

Even the guvnah was there.

It was so hot. We were passing out brochures, programs, fans and water throughout the event, which ended with me having the most unfortunate sunburn line. Note to self: ruffled shirts make weird sunburn.

After the program finished, I was so glad to be in air conditioning. A group of us from the office went to the University Club, which has one of my favorite views of the city.

I could sit at the window all day and watch. To give you some perspective, in the middle ground is Baptist Hospital, directly behind is UMC. To the left of that is Veteran's Memorial Stadium and to the right where the water towers are is the VA and St. Dominic's.

Thankful, the week is slowing down a bit. Can't wait for a long weekend!

Funday Monday

2011-05-24T08:27:00.000-05:00

To say that yesterday was fun and crazy is an understatement. It started off in the morning with an interfaith memorial service for fallen Freedom Riders at Tougaloo College. While I didn't get any photos, I do have a video I took during one of the songs...

That afternoon, we had the unveiling of one of the Mississippi Freedom Trail markers at the Medgar Evers House. See the house as we set up before everyone was there...

And see it as the program started....

If you told me 400-500 people had been there, I wouldn't be surprised. It was wonderful.

Today we've got another marker unveiling and a program in the afternoon. Can't wait to see how it will turn out!

Fresh

2011-05-23T08:30:00.000-05:00

There are a lot of reasons why I actually like living in Mississippi. One of them is the fruit and vegetable stands all around town that start popping up this time of year.

The bounty my mom and I purchased this weekend. Eggplant, cucumber, onion, tomatoes, okra, corn, bell pepper, yellow squash, zucchini, sweet potatoes.

Yellow squash got sauteed Saturday night. I wish I had taken a photo of the okra, because it was the best okra I've ever tasted. Sauteed with cumin, it wasn't slimy and runny like you usually think of okra. It was actually a tip my mom got from a woman a few years ago at that same market (because, you know, us Mississippians like to talk and can share a recipe or two while we're at it with complete strangers).

How gorgeous is this tomato? Red and firm. Delicious. It got turned into the best Eggplant and Tomato Pizza I've ever made.

You know how you can tell when veggies are in season and they just taste better? Yeah, that was this.

Here's to a great week!

A Tribute

2011-05-22T22:11:00.000-05:00

I usually try to stay pretty upbeat on the blog, but I wrote this today and thought I'd share. If you'd rather not get deep, just skip on down to another post... We'll be back to regularly scheduled programming tomorrow.

_____________

This time six years ago I was sitting in the ICU waiting room at UMC. It all started when my aunt called our house and I was sitting in the kitchen with my parents.

"There's been an accident," she told my mom.

My cousin, Bryan; his girlfriend (now wife), Ashley; and friend, Lexie, had been at the pool when Lexie got a phone call. Lexie's sister, Lanie, had been in a boating accident with my friend, Rachel. Rachel was hurt and they couldn't find Lanie.

Immediately, I bolt upstairs to my bedroom and look at my cell phone. 7 missed calls.

From there, it's a blur. The waiting room. The people. My mom hugging Sital when she came in. The high school principal coming up to me and giving me water. Rachel's family coming to me and hugging and talking to me. Mom's best friend Vick coming over from the children's hospital to see us.

That was six years ago.

If I could go back and tell myself six years ago what my life is like right now, I would be amazed.

That I live right down the street from that hospital.
That at night I can hear the helicopters flying in with other injured people needing care.

That...
I graduated college.
Wrote for multiple publications.
Had my work mentioned on MSNBC, CNBC, and the New York Times.
Live on my own.
Have a cool job I never thought I'd have.
Still see my wonderful friends, those same ones with me that night.

I think I would have said, "You're talking about me?"

If I told my 17 year-old self that today
I went to the church my grandparents helped found and I loved every minute of it.
I went to a service commemorating the Freedom Riders at Beth Israel, the local Jewish synagogue.
I was able to meet many wonderful Freedom Riders at the opening reception downtown afterwards.
I don't know what I would made of that.

In that moment as a 17 year-old, I didn't think that life would ever be better
Because three days later, they found Lanie. Because three days later Rachel was in a hospital bed missing half of her right leg, not able to walk across the stage to get her diploma.
But it did get better.
And it is.
I can't believe how much my life has changed.
And while there are a few things I wish were different, namely that my grandfather were still here, I can't help but be proud of where I am right now.

Last year, on the eve of the five year anniversary, I attended my best friend's rehearsal dinner on that same lake at the same clubhouse where I had once stood and watched divers search. Where I saw them take five minute turns because the water was so cold.
It was different now.
The water was calm.
No one was searching.
I realized
hope wins.

_______________

[Insert shameless plug here] I also wrote a story for JFP this week about the Freedom Riders and Mississippi Free Press. It's always an honor when they ask me to dig into research, especially about one of my favorite topics. I did a lot of research on the Civil Rights Movement and Mississippi Free Press in college and even presented a paper on MFP at a conference my senior year. Read if you wish.

Kroger - 5/21/11

2011-05-22T09:02:00.000-05:00

Man, I needed to go to the grocery store yesterday like I've never had before. Last week I was able to scoot by without going, but it was getting pretty serious(ly empty). So, instead of my usual Sunday trip, I actually went yesterday.

Arm and Hammer Detergent
Coke Zero, FREE My Coke Rewards coupon
Dannon yogurt
(2) Can of black beans
Salad dressing, FREE Kroger dressing coupon
Wheat tortillas
Goat cheese
Yellow squash
Zucchini
Kashi cereal, $2/1 coupon
Bananas
Secret deodorant, $1/1 coupon
Turkey bacon, $1/1 coupon
Ground turkey
Salad mix, $.40/1 coupon
Eggs
Contact solution
Cantaloupe

Total Value: $48.07
Total Spent: $36.11
Total Saved: $11.96 (26%)

Busy, busy, busy

2011-05-20T11:15:00.000-05:00

Can you tell I've been busy lately? Seriously, I've been a little distressed about my lack of posts lately. I come up with blog posts in my sleep, but they just don't happen.(Can you already tell this is going to be a iPhone photo kind of post?)

I haven't even had time to go to the grocery store lately. Thank goodness for the Bodega a block away from my office...

I've been here for lunch, but this week was my first time to try it for breakfast. I have to say, I'm pretty impressed. It's always so cheery and fun in there, and I always find something I want.

Yesterday, I was able to go to lunch with my sister and mom at Broadstreet. Always fun!


Tomato and Basil Grilled Cheese on Sugar Buster Bread

Oh man. That grilled cheese is one of my favorite sandwiches on the planet. I've been craving it for a few days, so when my mom asked me where I wanted to go, that was it.

This, however, is the best two bite sweet I've ever put in my mouth...

Cake pop from Campbell's Bakery.

White chocolate outside, chocolate cake inside. It was perfect. A co-worker of mine brought it to me as a thank-you for helping her with some computer problems. Definite highlight of the day.

On a garden note: Tomato season has started in my backyard!

I can't wait for all my baby veggies to grow. My garden has seriously been a labor of love and it's fun to see everything start to happen.

Over and out until the next post...

FIGMENT

2011-05-16T19:51:00.000-05:00

Can you tell I've been busy lately???

This past weekend, Katherine was in town and Erin was performing at an art festival, FIGMENT. I'd heard a lot leading up to this festival because of work, so of course I was going to check it out.

Honestly, it's hard to find words to describe this event. You had to be there. It was weird- partly because the event environment in an old warehouse and partly because at the time there weren't a lot of people there. Instead of telling you about it, I'll let the photos speak for themselves.

Pool of petals

Drums you beat with mallets covered in paint

All of that red, brown is cinnamon

Tea party with vegan cookies and vegan cupcakes

Mannequins you could dress

Dancers performing

Postcard wall

Tree full of books you could write in

It was definitely interesting and I am SO glad that I went with my friends. It wouldn't have been the same without them! We had a great meal afterwards at Sal and Mookie's and fun time at Sital's afterwards.

Fatsumo Sushi

2011-05-09T09:23:00.000-05:00

It a town full of sushi joints, sushi has become... just sushi. Sure, most places have the easy-does-it California Roll and I-don't-really-like-sushi fried rolls, but when you walk down Duling Avenue and through the doors of Fatsumo Sushi, you can tell it's different.

The menu is interesting and surprisingly, modestly priced. I've heard people rave all over town about the udon noodles, so that's first on my list to try.

Pan-fried Seafood Udon

While the noodles would normally come out in a broth, you can have them pan-fried for $2 extra. It was absolutely worth the up-charge. The noodles are thick and chewy with a savory sauce that was out of this world. The seafood only added to the flavors.

While I slurped through my noodles, my friend, Erin, had the Spicy Tuna Roll. While it wasn't the spiciest roll I've ever had, it was just spicy enough that after swallowing, you needed to drink water. I'll definitely keep that on my list to order next time.

If you're looking for a solid, good experience, try Fatsumo. While it wasn't packed, the service was attentive, but not too much (which I always enjoy). The food was good and decently priced. I'm not much for the fried and overly-sauced rolls, and there are plenty of them on the menu. If you want something filling and relatively inexpensive, try the udon or ramen noodles. I can't wait to go back for the gyoza and other rolls.

Happy Mothers' Day!

2011-05-08T17:41:00.001-05:00

Happy Mothers' Day to you all! Just got back from a wonderful weekend of camping in North Mississippi.

There were adventures to be had with the family...

Even a run in with a lost dog, but we found its owners.

And a run in with a country wedding. Yep, 'nuf said.

We had awesome food...

Including peanut butter and apple. A nod to our Papaw who always had apple and peanut butter after a meal.

Plus these crack cookies that I shouldn't even talk about.

Pretty views...

And fun adventures to the other sides of Enid Lake.

Hope you guys had wonderful days with your mothers!

Kroger - 5/4/11

2011-05-04T19:36:00.000-05:00

I didn't need a ton this week, but there were a few staples I ran out of today and will the first day of a Mega Deal sale, it made sense to go!

Bananas
*(2) Freschetta Pizzas, $2/1 coupon + $1.50/1 coupon (not pictured)
*Minute Maid OJ
*Crystal Light Drink Mix
*Dannon Yogurt
*(2) Blue Diamond Almonds, $.50/1 coupon (doubled to $1 off)
*Reach toothbrush, $1/1 coupon (made it FREE)
*Sponge pack, $1/1 coupon
*Silk Almond Milk, $.75/1 coupon

*$5 off order when you buy 10 participating items

Total Value: $42.52
Total Spent: $18.89
Total Saved: $23.63 (57%)

Bon Ami

2011-05-02T08:17:00.001-05:00

Bon Ami is French for "good friend," and good friend we had at there Sunday for lunch. This weekend, our family friend, Medea, came in town and stayed with my parents for a wonderful weekend. After church on Sunday and going around and around about where to eat, I suggested we just go to a place I know the food is always good, Bon Ami.

Why, you say is the food so good or what is it that's out of this world? This, my good friends, is why:

Southwestern Ravioli

Black bean and corn ravioli, served with an oven-roasted chicken breast in an ancho chili black bean sauce

I'm a die hard fan of this dish. Since I was in middle school, this is the dish I crave and almost single-handedly, the only meal I order.

While Mississippi Magazine readers always choose some dessert at Char as the best dessert in the state (and I refute is one of the most uninteresting desserts I've eaten), this, to me, is the best out there. It says it best in the description as "rich and sinful."

Caramel Brownie

Served with a scoop of coffee ice cream and topped with toasted almonds

While I don't see a single almond on the plate, it was fantastic.

Now, you see, the food is good for my soul, but I will say the service is touch and go. At one point it almost looked like we had two waiters trying to do damage control when soup and salads never arrived. Where service is lacking, the food comes back and reminds you why you're there. It'd be great if they'd put in some acoustic tiles while they're at it.

But for all intensive purposes, it's one of the best meals you can get around town, whether you're in the "ladies who lunch" set or just going with your bon amis.

Two for Two

2011-05-01T09:13:00.000-05:00

I am two for two on the no grocery shopping on Sunday front. I think I may have had dinner at home once last week, so I've still got a fridge full of groceries! But, I'll show you a little of what I've had going on this past week...

Friday night, I went to an event at Erin's church, which was really cool and right up my alley- a coffee tasting! Erin is going on a mission trip this summer to Guatamela to help La Armonia Hermosa and will actually be helping the coffee farmers. She is selling the coffee at her church and it is ridiculously good. Their direct trade is also another huge component to the mission. When I say it's some of the best coffee I ever had, it really is.

We got a good coffee lesson and I can tell you there are two types of coffee beans: robusta (grown in lower elevation, grow more abundantly, grow faster) and arabica (grown on the mountains at higher elevation, takes years longer to grow). As you can probably tell, robusta is what is sold by your big box stores because it's produced so cheaply. These farmers grow arabica and there's no question it tastes better!

Probably the most interesting part was the decanter that Paul, the owner of Bean Fruit Coffee used. I wish I had taken photos, but I was too busy watching!

Erin did an awesome job with the flowers. I've been obsessed with these tulips in jars since I took this photo.

Yesterday, Erin and I had a meeting at my church to attend and when we got out at 1:30, we were starving. Surveying our options, we choose our good old friend, Julep. Sometimes you just need that Rosemary Fried Chicken, right?

And that goat cheese. Oh, the goat cheese.

When we were eating, I told Erin this was probably the biggest meal I've eaten in three weeks. I have to admit, that my body just can't handle the fried food anymore. It makes me miserable. Let's just say that two pills and a few hours laying around my parents' house later, I was still miserable.

This morning, I felt so much better. I wish my gym was open on Sundays, because with a new work out playlist (created when I got home Friday night and could not sleep because of that coffee) I was motivated to get out the door. So, I took an awesome walk/run (and I mean 5% run) around the neighborhood.

I even saw a Kitty Gang!

Love my neighborhood. It's full of historic homes (it's one of the more intact historic neighborhoods in the city and state), so I love walking around, looking at all the homes. I got home just as it started to mist outside.

Now I'm at home enjoying my Pig in a Poke (or Egg in a Hole for all you weirdos). Hope you have a wonderful Sunday!

The Boys Are Back In Town

2011-04-28T08:33:00.000-05:00

Guess who's in town for a few days?

The Rhodes boys (and Whitney, too)! I had to work, but I kept getting photos all day from my mom. They went to the zoo...

Tapirs, my favorite

Yesterday they even went to Babalu! Liam was the guardian of the chips. I heard that he ate a lot of them himself.

Last night, we got together for dinner at my aunt and uncle's house. (Cary, this photo's for you. RJ and Sally Kate say hello!)

We had Mexican Quinoa Casserole, which was a HUGE hit. It serves so much!

It was all so good! I'm so glad they got to come here for Spring Break. There's really a lot to do in Jackson once you start looking. (If you don't know what to do, that's my job, so you come to me and I'll show you around!)

Easter Review

2011-04-26T12:14:00.000-05:00

I honestly had a great Easter. Between getting settled into my new old church (I have started going back to my grandparents' church, if you didn't know) and seeing family, it really made the holiday that much easier. This was the first holiday we had without my Papaw, but he was really there in spirit.

Somehow, I have been able to keep the Yarrow alive since the funeral, so I took it to put on the cross at the church for Easter. It was really sweet to see it all up there.

After church, I headed to my parents' house to grab the dishes of food to take to my aunt and uncle's house and to see what the Easter Bunny left me!

He was extra generous this year...

Festive tables

Lots of good food. Ham, Chicken Tetrazzini, Green Bean Casserole, Red Hot and Blue Potato Salad...

Asparagus with Balsamic Vinegar, Peas

Two recipes of Deviled Eggs

It's making me hungry just thinking about it! It was wonderful to have family in town.

Now, we've got more family in town for the week. More on that later!

Kroger - 4/25/11

2011-04-25T10:17:00.000-05:00

I have to say, days off right after a holiday are the best. Granted, I'd like to say I had the day off for Civil Rights Memorial Day instead of Confederate Memorial Day (that measure died in committee this legislative session). But, my body just can't accept holidays and still gets up at 6:50, so I've gotten a lot done already today. Worked on a freelance piece, went to the gym (so I technically went to work because I parked in my space at the office, right?), and made my way to Kroger.

(2) Cans Dole Pineapple, $1/2 coupon
(3) Green Giant frozen veggies
Ground turkey
Cantaloupe
Tresemme Dry Shampoo, $1/1 coupon (for the gym, since I work out during lunch and hate the sweat!)
Jiffy corn muffin mix
Sweet potatoes
Bananas
Pillsbury Sugar-Free Brownie Mix, $.35/1 coupon (doubled to $.70 off)
Tidy Cat Litter, $1/1 coupon
Spinach
(4) Yogurt
Glade Candle, FREE coupon I received in the mail

Total Value: $35.77
Total Spent: $23.87
Total Saved: $11.90 (35%)

Easter Sunday

2011-04-24T08:48:00.000-05:00

Normally right about now you'd be seeing a grocery trip for the day, but because it's Easter, I've got the (grocery) day off! I have to say, I'm a little excited about it. Usually there's a big rush on Sunday for me to get out the door, shop, photograph, blog, shower and eat breakfast all before church at 10:30. It's been fun to just enjoy the morning (which I normally don't get to do because of work and opening at the Drip most Saturdays).

So, right now I'm enjoying my breakfast on the couch with the latest Pottery Barn catalog that was sent to a previous tenant. Eating a slice of Great Harvest Whole Wheat Goodness with mashed banana split because I couldn't decide which nut butter to use (if I were on Twitter, this is where I would say #firstworldproblems)... so I did a teaspoon of peanut butter and a teaspoon of almond butter on their respective halves.

Off to make a green bean casserole for Easter lunch! Hope the Easter Bunny was kind to you...

Busy Busy Busy

2011-04-22T21:17:00.000-05:00

Phew, this has been the craziest week at work ever, by far. But, I'm less than a month to the year mark. Can you believe it? Right now I'm doing a big economic impact report, which deals with formulas and lots of numbers in the millions. Yeah, it's a little intimidating to say the least. Thank goodness for Excel and AutoSum.

But, I've been able to squeeze out a few photos to show you guys...

First, we have to talk about this wonderful lunch I had today at this new Mediterranean restaurant in Fondren, called Petra Cafe. The building is next to the JFP offices where I interned, but at that time it was under another name. This knocks the socks off the old place, big time.

One of the biggest pluses over the old joint is the buffet at lunch. May seems strange to see this type of cuisine with a hot line, but it was wonderful. I got samplings of baba ganoush, hummus, fish, chicken, beef/okra mixture, and a few potato slices. It was great! If you're in the area, you've got to check it out.

After running around and popping my head into Anthropologie (side note: They are having a great sale. I got a shirt for $10 and $20!), I was really craving yogurt. Knowing there's a self-serve yogurt just about a stone's throw from everywhere now, I went by Millie D's for half Lemon Ice Box and half Strawberry. Not my favorite, but it was good for the time. I really like the yogurts that are less milky/creamy and are fruit flavored, like my favorite flavor at Berry Berry Good.

I have been seeing orange tulips all over the place and have been wanting some for my table for weeks. Seeing that they are about as cheap as they'll get with Easter around the corner, I grabbed a bundle today. I love flowers (hint, hint).

Happy Easter weekend, y'all!

Kroger - 4/17/11

2011-04-17T09:17:00.000-05:00

I wasn't expecting to buy half of the things I did today, but I actually had a really awesome trip! Can we all have a moment of silence for the fact that I had to buy a 2 lb. container of oatmeal because of my upped consumption lately? Thanks.

Kroger Oats
*Lysol Cleaner
Pyrex measuring cup, $1/1 product
*(3) Swiffer dry cloth refills, $.50/1 refill (doubled to $1/1) + Buy 1 Get 1 FREE coupon
Cantaloupe
Kroger yellow rice
(2) Green Giant boxed frozen veggies, (2) $.50/1 coupons (doubled to $1/1, making them FREE)
Strawberries
(2) Kroger Hot Pepper Shredded Cheese, $.50/1 coupon (also on sale for B1G1)
Bananas
Black grapes
Eggs
Popchip Potato Chips (I'm officially obsessed... but they aren't bad for you! 20 chips = 120 cal)

*$4 off order when you buy 4 cleaning items

Total Value: $51.42
Total Spent: $28.44
Total Saved: $22.98 (46%)

There were a lot of interesting things at the grocery store today. My most exciting item, besides my freebies, was the Pyrex measuring cup. I had been wanting this "read the measurement from above" cup from TJ Maxx, but there is was $3.99 and I got it here for $1.77 after coupon! I hadn't planned on doing the cleaning items deal, but I just happened to look through my coupon holder to see if there were any coupons and that's when I found my $.50 off and B1G1 coupons. At the rate in which my cat is shedding on my dark hardwood floors, these won't last long, I promise you.

Hope you have a wonderful Palm Sunday!

Arts, Eats, and Beats

2011-04-15T08:58:00.000-05:00

It's funny to me to see what types of restaurants my friends and I choose to go to versus where we would have gone in high school. In high school, we we would have jumped at the chance to eat sushi or Chick-fil-a. Now, we're supposedly sensible adults that choose the salad bar at Jason's Deli. It doesn't hurt that we are all in some form or fashion trying to watch what we eat. But, man, I had forgotten how good it was...

Especially these "organic flatbread crackers," which I think are Jason's version of Dr. Kracker crackers. I dipped them in red pepper hummus and was very happy.

After that, we headed down to Fondren for Arts, Eats, and Beats, the springtime celebration that starts off Fondren After 5, which after this event is the first Thursday of each following month (remember when Sital and I went in November?). All the stores stay open with offerings of food and wine with musical stages scattered all around. Ballot got to come along again this time too!

After parking, I happened to see the best sticker on a minivan EVER.

That's all the words. Happy Friday!

Oatmeal Surprise

2011-04-14T13:01:00.000-05:00

I made the best accidental discovery this morning. I've gotten where I'll sleep in a few extra minutes and take my breakfast to work. It honestly works out so much better. I would have never have thought that waiting an extra 20-30 minutes to eat breakfast would keep me full so much longer. So, like normal, I made my banana oatmeal at home and wrapped it in foil to eat once I made the small (7 minute) drive to work. But today, instead of putting the 1-2 teaspoons of peanut butter on the side, I just blobbed it with the oatmeal.

Opening up the foil once I got to work, I had the best surprise...

Perfect liquid PB evenly all over my oats! It looks like a ton once it's melting, but it was pretty thinly over everything and I make sure to measure before I even added it. This is my new favorite way to eat oatmeal!

In other news: I'm an oatmeal geek. Have a good day.

It's Tuesday??

2011-04-12T19:51:00.000-05:00

Seriously? Tuesday is over? For a second I second-guessed myself and thought it was Monday, but, pheww, Tuesday is coming to a close. I, for one, am pretty excited. One more day down of eatin' good and one more day to the gym! I'm pretty excited about that.

Tonight I had such a good time with my long time friend Rachel for a sushi date. We go way back (to 8th grade Campus Life??).

Rachel and I, my freshman year of college

By 3:30 this afternoon, I was HUNGRY, so I was happy to see the edamame come out quickly. Sorry, no photos, I was hungry and we had lots to talk about!

But, I do have a photograph of a few steals of mine on my way home...

Ok, it doesn't look like much, but I didn't pay a penny! This past week, CVS has had a few free product coupons, including a free beverage or candy and free Essence of Beauty anti-bacterial product coupon. I walked in, grabbed both, and walked out happy. I believe the coupons are still available if you'd like to get in on it too!

Flower Fever

2011-04-11T18:42:00.000-05:00

This weekend my mom and I went on our annual trek for plants. Moore's may be off the beaten path, but it's always so beautiful to be inside.

Not to mention, we got a good haul of plants.

I got some succulents, coleus, crooked neck yellow squash, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes. I can't wait to see how it turns out!

Spike liked our plants too.

I have been trying to eat better lately, so it wasn't fun to come into the kitchen at work with morning to this on the table (and no, I didn't eat any!)...

But, I did sign up for the gym today! I am lucky enough to have a really nice gym across the street from our office, so there's no reason not to go during lunch.

Gotta love some Mexican Quinoa Casserole for dinner!

Kroger and CVS - 4/09/11

2011-04-10T08:52:00.000-05:00

Man, it is HOT outside. I am not ready!! That may explain why I bought all drinks at CVS today...

CVS

Transaction 1:
(3) Honest Tea
-(3) $1 off coupon
Total Spent: $1.28, Got back $1 ECB

Transaction 2:
12 pk Coke Zero (which stayed in the car to go to the office)
-$3 Winter Spending ECB
Total Spent: $.37

Total Value: $10.67
Total Spent: $1.65
Total Saved: $9.02 (85%)

Kroger

Kroger Shrimp
Cantaloupe
Spinach
Spring Mix
Margarine
Sweet potatoes
Bananas
Cottage Cheese
Ground turkey
Wheat tortillas
(2) Starkist Tuna Pouches, (2) $.50/1 coupons (doubled to $1 off)
Nature's Pride bread

Total Value: $33.26
Total Spent: $26.77
Total Saved: $6.49 (20%)

Friday!

2011-04-08T12:18:00.000-05:00

I have been enjoying having flowers all around my house this week. Always being too cheap to buy them myself, I can't believe how much flowers change my mood.

This white roses and yellow flowers, below, are both from my grandfather's funeral. They are a sweet reminder of him and all our wonderful friends.

I've also gotten some additions from my roommate, who had to work an event last night (gotta love working in marketing!). She brought home some gorgeous tulips.

Along with a few other things to add to my already growing collections (the springs of eucalyptus are also from the funeral)

My favorite is the Tropicana rose. I've always loved them.

Surprisingly, Kitty hasn't even looked at them. I thought they'd all the eaten by now.

But that doesn't stop her from trying to be cute in front of the camera...

Happy Friday!

Baby Basil

2011-04-04T19:03:00.000-05:00

Remember how my herbs started out? My baby basil is growing up so fast!

The chives? Not so fast. Good thing I have two pots of them.

I love seeing all my herbs and my hard work to keep them growing. I'm just glad I'm not killing them.

Kroger - 4/3/11

2011-04-03T08:54:00.000-05:00

I thought about not showing you guys this grocery trip. But, because I like to be as real as possible and show you my non-coupon trips as well... here's my total from day (Note: Please hold snickering until the end, ok?).

Simply Orange Juice
Taco seasoning
3 Honeycrisp apples
Zucchini
4 bananas
Jif Simply Peanut Butter
Milk
Cantaloupe
Spring Salad Mix
Healing Garden Green Tea body wash (Manager's Special)
Sebastian Thickefy Foam (Manager's Special)

Total Value (according to my receipt): $32.87
Total Spent: $32.35
Total Saved: $.52 (1%)

I say according to my receipt, because the computer doesn't take into account that the body wash and hair foam were 50%, which really saved me an additional $7.98 or 26% off the total.

I know, 1%, right? It's OK, I laughed a little too.

Papaw

2011-04-02T07:40:00.000-05:00

To say that this week was the most tiring, sad, but wonderful week would be an understatement.

Tuesday morning, my Papaw passed away. For any family death is hard. For a family like mine, we lost a patriarch in a big, close family. There aren't enough words to describe how sad, but wonderful the funeral was. To me, the most ironic thing was much Papaw would have loved to be there with everyone. It was such a blessing to see so many people there (I mean, hundreds).

So, in honor of Papaw, check out a few of my posts about him: here, here, here, here, here, and here.

Read his obituary (which he wrote in 1989 and I revised/updated) here.

Bellingrath Gardens

2011-03-28T20:03:00.000-05:00

We could not have been near Bellingrath Gardens at a better time. Right now, azaleas are beautiful! The peak of azalea blooms started Saturday and we were there Sunday.

The flowers just kept going and going... not to mention all the pretty fountains and the Bellingrath home (he was one of the first bottlers for Coca-Cola).

Which was right on the Fowl River. Such pretty views. The cool thing was all the different sections with different ecological systems. Rose garden, Asian garden, Fowl River front, bayou/march area...

We even saw a snake in the bayou. Eeeps!

I have to say, it was the perfect way to end the trip.

I love seeing all these pictures, it was such a fun trip. I can't wait for the next one!

Beach Party!

2011-03-27T21:12:00.000-05:00

No such luck on the island job front, I'm back at home and ready to get back to the real world tomorrow! I've got so many photos and stories to tell you about, I don't even know where to begin. So, I made some photo collages to help you out.

There was beautiful scenery...

We ate great food...

And had a great time.

Getting to Dauphin Island was exciting in itself and interesting at the same time. Did you know that almost every business on the island closes by 2 p.m.? Yep, it took us quite a few tries to find a restaurant that was actually open when we finally looked for lunch at 3 p.m.

Some of that can be blamed on the fact that there was a big gumbo cookoff event this weekend. Guess who was the celebrity judge? Alton Brown. I know, I swooned (he's always been my fave). Too bad I didn't get to see him. But, I have a funny story about trying to get a hold of a little piece of Alton.

See, as we checked in, we saw these great posters for the event. We asked if they had any extra posters or would be kind enough to give us one of their posters (because by Monday it'd be in the trash anyway, right?). No dice. The next day, we went to the Welcome Center surely hoping that they would have posters to give away, because that is where tickets were sold anyway. No dice. She wouldn't give me one despite having them up in the door and on a bulletin board. The poster quest sort of got comical at this point. While my mom and sister ran into the post office to see if they had a poster, I spotted one pinned the community bulletin board near the street (a large wooden bulletin board with two plexi-glass doors to protect the signs). Knowing that they would be taking the sign down and putting it in the trash the next day, I had to have it.

Yes, I slid open the door, got the poster, and ran back to the car with it. It was the happiest day of my life.

Moving on... I had never been on the island before, and I was surprised at all the history around the grounds.

Ship and Shore General Store, Grove Park (gorgeous Oak trees), Fort Gaines, Estuarium at the Sea Lab, Indian Shell Mound Park, Sand Island.

I've got so much more to tell you guys about, including a fun stop on the way home!

Vay-cay

2011-03-26T14:43:00.002-05:00

Currently, I'm trying to figure out how I can get a job in the tourism industry on Dauphin Island. I'm sure they need a writer/website/social media person, right? Because, this is gorgeous and I never want to leave.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Free Samples: Target Beauty

2011-03-25T10:05:00.001-05:00

Thank God, it's Friday. I'm even more excited because I'm taking a little weekend trip with the family. So glad to take a vacation! Last time I had a dedicated vacation was last July. Eeeps.

This box came just in time: a box of beauty samples from Target.

Love the makeup bag...

Neutrogena Lip Balm, Pantene Shampoo, Nivea lotion, other shampoo and conditioner, plus a booklet of coupons. I love these samples because they take 6-8 weeks, so by the time they arrive, I've forgotten about them.

Happy weekend!

ABCs

2011-03-24T09:45:00.000-05:00

It's Thursday, which is almost Friday. I don't have any recipes or stories for you, so thought I'd do something different and leave with this list instead. (Taken from Allie) Enjoy!

A. Age: 22
B. Bed size: Full, but I only really sleep on one side of the bed.
C. Chore you hate: Is it weird that I kind of like chores? I don't like cleaning the litter box.
D. Dogs: Well, I don't have any at my house, but my parents have dogs that I consider mine. Spike, most of all.
E. Essential start to your day: Making my bed when I wake up. It must happen or I think about it all day.
F. Favorite color: Green
G. Gold or Silver: Silver
H. Height: 5'0". Yep, I'm short.
I. Instruments you play: Does my nose count? Better yet, don't ask.
J. Job title: Marketing Coordinator
K. Kids: None. I'm a SINK (Single Income No Kids). Yes, I completely made that up.
L. Live: Jackson, MS
M. Mom’s name: Amy
N. Nicknames: I know I'm going to forget some, but Soph, Sophster, Moosky (this one was brought on by a supposed moo moo I wore on our senior trip to the beach)
O. Overnight hospital stays: I'm pretty hospital free. When I was 2, I was dehydrated and was hospitalized, but I don't remember it.
P. Pet peeve: Leaving your dirty dishes in the sink and being late.
Q. Quote from a movie: I'm horrible at this. I love movies, but I don't have a good quote.
R. Right or left handed: Right handed.
S. Siblings: Ivy and Mary Grace.
T. Time you wake up: 6:45 on the weekends and... 6:47 on the weekends (you think I'm kidding).
U. Underwear: As opposed to the alternative?
V. Vegetables you dislike: I can't think of one that I don't like. I used to have an aversion to tomatoes.
W. What makes you run late: It'd have to be something big, because I am rarely ever late to anything.
X. X-Rays you’ve had: Just dental X-rays
Y. Yummy food you make: I'll let you decide. Check out the Recipe page.
Z. Zoo–favorite animal: Baby Tapir (see the post here)

Turkish Delight

2011-03-23T08:36:00.000-05:00

There is nothing more comforting that a plate of homemade Turkish food (and you've already seen). I can't explain it. Maybe it's because I know the women worked for days to make the food or all the carbs being eaten at once, but I love going to the Raindrop Turkish House more than anything you could find in a restaurant (for clarification, the RTH is a gathering place for the Institute of Interfaith Dialog, not a restaurant).

While I can't tell you what I ate because I'm still trying to figure it out myself, I'll try to explain each dish a little bit. Bean salad (Piyaz), potato pastry, spinach and sweet potato pastry (Borek), stuffed grape leaves (sarma or dolmas), pea and potato, spicy meatballs over white rice, and a bulgur patty (I think it may be a form of Mercimekli Bulgur Kofte). There was no Turkish baklava (my favorite), but an amazing domed pastry that was much like a dense, cake-like baklava.

Waking up this morning, I feel like I've had the best food hangover of my life. I'm wondering if the ladies have any Borek left over in the kitchen, because I'd be happy to take some off their hands.

Keifer's, Part Deux

2011-03-22T15:03:00.000-05:00

I know I had a different experience with Keifer's last time, but last night's dinner shows me just how different two locations can be. Even more so, that the original is the original for a reason.

To top it off, it was the perfect evening to chill out on the patio. Maybe I was punch drunk with the weather, but the patio is one of the reasons I'm drawn to Keifer's. I could take or leave the inside (a little loud and the major smells from the kitchen), but the patio is where it's at.

So after letting the Twitterverse know where I was, Eat Jackson asked, "What are you getting?"

This is always hard and not so hard at the same time. While I've always wanted to try the falafel (even though Aladdin's is the best I've ever had), the pita mozz, and maybe one day, even the chicken gyro, but I always come back to the classic gyro. Oh, and cottage fries (of course).

So, I buckled. When it was time to order, I went with what I know best. And, really, the original Keifer's does it best and next time, I'll know better to stick with the original.

Bargain Tuesday

2011-03-22T08:15:00.000-05:00

I know it's hard for some people to want to coupon, but for those who say there aren't any free coupons still out there, I'll be the first to tell you that there are! This weekend alone, I used two free product items and it's a lot easier than you think to get your hands on them if you do just a little bit of work.

That Coke coupon? From My Coke Rewards. Every time I get a 12 pk. or bottle of Coke, I enter the codes into the website. After a few weeks of codes, I had this coupon for 30 points. Easy!

That other coupon? From the Kraft First Taste program. Sign up is free!

I also go this great sign at The Outlet (the outlet for Kalalou/At West End) for $8!

I'm in love with it. I saved so much by going to the outlet store - $22 to be exact. I saw it in the catalog and knew I needed to see if I could score it.

For now, it's resting in out backyard next to another find of mine. My new patio bench I got from a listing on Craigslist. I had originally been wanting a bistro set, but the cheapest I found was $90. Not wanting to spend nearly that much money, I looked to Craigslist. Seeing this baby for $40, I immediately called and scooped it up.

There was a slat missing, but my parents were coincidentally about to throw away a bench of their own that was broken. My dad took one of the good slats off of the bench and we added it to this one. I was concerned because I knew a new slat would stand out. The slat was perfectly weathered and you couldn't even tell which one had been replaced.

Last, but not least, I found this beautiful, simple tart dish at Goodwill.

Good thing I only set me back $1. I can't wait to make some summer tomato tarts in this.

I'm telling you, money may be tight, but there are more bargains out there than ever before if you just take a little time to look!

Broccoli Slaw

2011-03-21T09:36:00.000-05:00

This recipe and I go way back. It's so easy and tasty, I even made it in front of my speech class in college. True story. Our last assignment was to do a "how-to" of a recipe. I picked this recipe because it was easy, involved no cooking/baking, and my professor said he didn't like broccoli. It was my mission to get him to like broccoli.

When it suddenly turned summer on us this past weekend in the South, it was like I was teleported to barbecues, summer parties, and family gatherings. Automatically, my brain went to broccoli slaw.

Ok, I have to admit, when my mom and I went on our grocery excursion the other day, a bag of organic broccoli slaw was on manager's special for $.99. Add that with the two bags of Ramen noodles at $.20 a pop, we were sold.

First, add in bag of broccoli slaw and two green onions, chopped. While still in the bag, break up Ramen noodles into small pieces. Add noodles to the bowl, reserving the flavoring packets for the sauce. If you have them on hand (we did not), add in 1 cup of sliced almonds and 1 cup of unsalted sunflower seeds.

In another bowl, add in sugar, both packets of noodle flavoring, vinegar and oil.

Add sauce to dry mixture and stir. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. See? How easy is that?

Broccoli Slaw

1 bag of broccoli slaw

2 packages of Beef Ramen noodles

1 cup of almonds

1 cup of sunflower seeds

2 green onions, chopped

For vinaigrette:

1/2 cup sugar

1/3 canola oil

1/2 white vinegar

2 packets from beef noodles

Combine onions, slaw, and nuts. Break up noodles in bag. Add noodles to dry mixture, reserving flavoring packets. In a small bowl add all wet ingredients, plus flavoring packets. Mix together and pour over dry mixture. Let sit for 30 minutes.

I guarantee you'll like it. Why am I so confident? My professor loved it. So much so, he took home the recipe and two bowls of it - one for his wife and one for him.

Happy Monday, y'all.

Kroger - 3/20/11

2011-03-20T10:20:00.001-05:00

Gotta love Mega Deals! My mom has also jumped on the coupon bandwagon with me and she's been doing great. We went yesterday for two trips (we forgot some items, of course, and wanted to do another Mega Deal order as well) and on her first trip, she saved 43% and the second trip she saved 60%. All in all, my mom spent $52, but saved $60! She was really excited. Here's how I did...

*(4) Red Gold Diced Tomatoes, (2) $.50/2 coupons (doubled, which made them all FREE plus $.04 overage)
Kroger Red Beans
Kroger Black Beans
Kroger Frozen Brocolli pkg.
Kroger Frozen Chopped Onions pkg.
Kroger Frozen Corn pkg.
*Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Kroger Ground Turkey
*Annie's Naturals Lite Raspberry Dressing
*(2) Temptations Cat Treats, $1/2 coupon
(2) Kraft Cheese Blocks (on sale B1G1), $1/2 coupon
Kroger Hot Pepper Cheese block (I'm completely obsessed)
3 Bananas
2 Sweet potatoes
Kroger Low Sodium Chili mix
*Dannon Yogurt
Iceberg Lettuce
*Philly Cooking Creme, FREE coupon + $.75/1 e-Coupon (I made $.75)
Sara Lee buns, $.55/1 coupon (doubled to $1.10)
Green Onions
2 Honeycrisp Apples
Diet Coke Zero, 20 oz. bottle, FREE coupon

*Mega Deal: Buy 10 items, get $5 off your order

Total Value: $55.63
Total Spent: $26.77
Total Saved: $28.86 (54%)

Good to be Green

2011-03-18T08:52:00.000-05:00

So what did I choose to paint? The blue lamp from my living room.

I have loved this lamp for the three years I've had it (including my early posts in my dorm room days). My talented cousin Ashley made the first of these lamps as a senior design project for one of her interior design classes.When we went up to her design open house at MSU, I told her I had to have one. Her lamp was definitely the best one in the class. Of course, she accepted and made me one (and yes, I did pay her!). I've never seen anything like it before or after it and I always get so many comments on it.

Thing is, I still love this lamp with all my heart, but I've been growing out of my blue ways. While it definitely popped in any room I put it in, I thought about just switching the color to match my ever changing style (one of the reasons why this design is so great). When I saw the sample offer for Valspar, I knew it would be a perfect time to pick a color for the lamp and it'd be the perfect amount of paint. Not to mention, FREE.

So, when I got home from work and saw the package, I immediately got to work.

Out in the backyard, I laid the lamp on newspaper and got ready. Will you please notice my growing herb garden?

Chives, cilantro, rosemary, and basil

Thanks for that...

Getting ready... mini rollers provided and small brushes to get in the many, many crevices.

Here's how it turned out:

I love it! This picture makes the lamp look a lot brighter than it actually is because we were outside and the paint hadn't dried yet. It made me fall in love with the lamp all over again.

What did I think of the Valspar paint? I'm biased because that's the brand I normally use for painting my room, etc., but I loved it. It took two coats to cover the bright blue, but I'm digging the color. (Again, they didn't pay me to say that) More than anything, I loved the little roller kit, which actually gave a smooth coat, something I was really worried about.

What are you waiting for? Get your own sample and paint something yourself!

Go Green

2011-03-17T20:41:00.000-05:00

Happy St. Paddy's Day! Did you wear your green today? Today is was actually 80 degrees in the afternoon! With these warmer temperatures, I really wanted a smoothie for breakfast. Not just any smoothie, a green monster smoothie...

Banana, strawberries, apricot/mango yogurt

Add a splash of orange juice and a handful of spinach + half a pack of Truvia

I know this sounds horrible, but it's so good!!

Yummm! Green goodness.

When I got home from work, I had an exciting package waiting for me from Valspar. I was pretty excited about this one...

What was it? A sample kit with an 8 oz. tub of paint color of my choosing, plus a painting kit and $5 coupon off my next Valspar gallon purchase. They may have not known it would arrive on St. Patrick's Day, but I picked GREEN!

I can't wait to show you what I did with the paint, but it's drying as we speak, so check back tomorrow.

In the meantime, go sign up and get your own sample of any color paint of your choosing. This is definitely the fastest sample I've ever gotten (5-7 days).

Disclaimer: Valspar didn't pay me or bribe me with this kit to say any of this about them, I really just like their product!

Chicken Fried Rice

2011-03-17T09:13:00.000-05:00

I love chicken fried rice at restaurants, but when it comes to actually making the dish at home, I've always been intimidated. It's one of those things that always seems better left to the professionals, you know?

With all the ingredients in hand, plus a zucchini about to go bad, I just had to make it. Not to mention I found a super easy recipe.

First, cook some chicken and start cooking rice in a pot. After finishing the chicken (I used my George Foreman), start sauteing onion in a pan. After a minute or two, add in extra veggies. Stir around until veggies are cooked through.

Measure out and add frozen peas to the veggie mix. Stir in and cook until peas have warmed through.

In a separate skillet, scramble one egg and set aside.

Add in egg, rice, and chicken. Stir all together and add in 3 tablespoon of your favorite Asian sauce (I used teriyaki) or soy sauce. Warm up and serve.

Chicken Fried Rice

3 chicken tenders

1 onion

1 1/2 cups of frozen peas

1 small zucchini

2 cups cooked rice

1 egg

3 tablespoons Asian sauce

Cook rice and chicken separately. In a small skillet, scramble egg, chop, and set aside. In a wok, saute one chopped onion until onion cooks clear. Add chopped zucchini and stir until cooked through. Add in frozen peas, cooking until peas are warm. Once rice is cooked, add in chopped chicken, egg, and rice. Add in 3 tablespoons of sauce and stir to combine. Serve.

Enjoy and Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Three's a Charm

2011-03-16T18:54:00.000-05:00

Remember that story board I showed you last week? Remember those printed linen pillows from Etsy? Ok, this one may not be handmade, but I actually found one similar I liked at Stein Mart this weekend. How many bones did it set me back? $17. That means I saved about $13 over buying online!

Don't worry Etsy, I'll be back shopping shortly!

Asian Chicken Salad

2011-03-15T09:08:00.000-05:00

Forget your run of the mill mayo-based chicken salad. This. stuff. is. good.

I first had this when my roommate's mom sent us a package of it when we moved in. From there, I was sold. My mom needed a recipe for her book club last week and I suggested this as a perfect dish. Everyone raved about it!

Chicken, poppy seeds, sliced almonds, water chestnuts, green onions

All mixed together

Asian Chicken Salad

6 cups cooked chicken breasts, chopped
8 oz. can sliced water chestnuts
3 chopped green onions
1/3 cup sliced almonds
1 tbsp. poppy seeds
Chow mein noodles to taste (do not add until ready to serve)

Vinaigrette
8 T Splenda
8 T apple cider vinegar
2 t. salt
1 t. pepper
2/3 cup of vegetable oil

Combine all dry ingredients except noodles. Make vinaigrette, mix and shake. Pour over chicken and stir. Chill. The longer you can let it sit, the better the flavors will mix (overnight is best). Top with chow mein noodles.

Shrimp and Goat Cheese Quesadillas

2011-03-14T08:13:00.000-05:00

When I woke up yesterday morning from my Daylight Saving Time stupor, the last thing I wanted was breakfast. What I wanted were these quesadillas. It sounds odd for a morning meal, but I've been craving these for days now after seeing a version of them on Eat, Live, Run's blog. After making my trip to Kroger, I came back with bags full of the goodies for this recipe.

I bought a bag of cocktail shrimp with the tail on. I love these because not only are they inexpensive (at $5.99 a bag), they are peeled and cooked.

To thaw, grab a few and put in a colander. Run warm (not hot) water over them, until you can tell they have thawed, which should take less than a minute. They don't have to be thawed all the way just yet, but they don't need to be icy.

Let them sit while you compile the rest of the mix

On the halves of two whole wheat tortillas, sprinkle each with a tablespoon of goat cheese, 1/8 cup of shredded pepper jack cheese, and a little bit of chives (from your garden, of course). Remove the tails from the shrimp, blot off water with a paper towel and add four or five to each half.

Cook in a skillet until side is golden brown. Flip and heat other side until golden brown.

These were amazing!!

Perfect with a little salsa on the side. I may or may not have also made this for dinner with yellow rice on the side.

Shrimp and Goat Cheese Quesadillas

8-10 cocktail shrimp, thawed

1/4 cup pepper jack cheese

2 tablespoons of goat cheese

2 teaspoons of chopped fresh chives

Thaw shrimp in warm water. Set aside. Lay out whole wheat tortillas and sprinkle with both cheeses and chives. Blot shrimp with paper towel and spread evenly over cheese mixture. Fold over and heat in a pan until tortilla is golden. Flip and heat on other side until golden. Cut each tortilla into three pieces and serve.

Kroger and CVS - 3/13/11

2011-03-13T18:01:00.000-05:00

Happy Sunday! This one hour switch is making my life crazy. I was groggy this morning and my stomach can't figure out when in the world it wants to eat. Luckily, I got some great deals today, so I'm feeling pretty good.

CVS

Transaction 1:
Crest 3D White Strips
-$5 off $25 purchase
-$10 off coupon
-$9 Extra Care Bucks
Out of pocket: $9.53
Get back $10 ECB

Transaction 2:
(3) 12 pk Diet Coke
(2) Honest Tea
- Free candy or drink CVS coupon
-$10 ECB
Out of pocket: $3.91
Get back $5 ECB

Transaction 3:
Crest Gum Protection Toothpaste, -$1 coupon
Ziploc Freezer Bags
-$5 ECB
Out of pocket: $.94
Get back $2.50 ECB

Total Value: $61.72
Total Spent: $14.38
Total Saved: $47.34 (77%)

(One of the packages of Coke stayed in the car to go to the office tomorrow so I don't have to keep using the money sucker known as the vending machine)

Kroger

Kroger Shrimp

Kroger Milk

Simply Orange Juice, $1/1 coupon

Whole Wheat Tortillas

Olay Face Wash, $2/1 e-Coupon + B1 Face Wash, G1 Body Wash FREE

Olay Body Wash, FREE + $1/1 e-Coupon

Ranch-Style Beans

Bananas

Strawberries

Limes

Goat Cheese

Spinach

Salad mix

Honeycrisp Apples

Tidy Cat Litter

Total Value: $49.07

Total Spent: $34.76

Total Saved: $14.31 (30%)

Storyboard Friday

2011-03-11T09:09:00.001-06:00

There's no other online shop I love more than Etsy. I could look through their pages forever. So, instead of my prattling on about another recipe, I'll show you some of the items I've been loving recently.

photos courtesy of Etsy

1. Repurposed Glass Insulator Pendant Light

2. Breakfast Screenprint

3. Yellow Cottage Shelf

4. Jute Red Stripe Pillow

5. Dalmation Jasper Leather Cuff

6. Eco Handmade Flats

7. Coffee Sack Pillows

I was hoping to have a furniture makeover for you guys this weekend, but when I called the person in the Craigslist listing about the cute (and cheap at $25) end table that needed a little love, it had already been snapped up!

Hope you have a wonderful start to the weekend...

Vegan Pumpkin Blondies

2011-03-10T08:07:00.000-06:00

It seems like I am always making recipes to finish up the last of some ingredient. It's ok, I'm alright with that.

I was looking through my freezer and stumbled upon some frozen pumpkin that, shall we say, looked like it had seen some better days. It wasn't quite enough for the recipe, but it worked out because I had half a sweet potato that needed to be finished up as well.

Sweet Potato (L) and Pumpkin (R)

These were some of the most interesting things I've ever tasted. Exactly the texture of a brownie, exactly the taste of pumpkin... I like it!

Want to make them? I used Allie's recipe with the only changes being my use of 1/2 cup of pumpkin and 1/4 cup of sweet potato. I didn't have pecans, but I had some Dove Valentine's chocolate that needed to be used (see the pattern??), so I chopped up 5 and added them to the mix.

Enjoy!

Southwestern Sweet Potato Foil Packets

2011-03-09T09:09:00.001-06:00

So after my interesting end to the work day, I got chopping on my latest recipe. After saving my recycle bin from certain peril, peeling and chopping sweet potatoes with my Santoku knife felt pretty good.

Chop, chop, chop

Meat, bean, tomato mixture

Topped with a little salsa

Southwestern Sweet Potato Foil Packets

[Adapted from this recipe]

1/2 lb. ground turkey

2 tablespoons of taco seasonsings

2 large sweet potatoes, peeling and cut in 1/2 inch cubes

1 can of black beans, drained

1 can of diced tomatoes, drained

Mexican cheese

Preheat oven to 475 degrees. Brown turkey. Without draining, add taco seasonings, drained beans, and drained tomatoes. Set to the side.

Peel and cut potatoes. Take foil squares and spray with cooking spray. First, add 1 cup of sweet potatoes, then spray top of potatoes again lightly with oil. Top with 1/2 cup of meat mixture. Top with a sprinkle of cheese, then wrap and place on a cookie sheet with sides. Bake for 25 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

You will probably have a little bit of extra meat mixture, which you add for a little something extra if you need it!

Recycle Bin Saga

2011-03-08T08:49:00.001-06:00

Boy, have I got a story for you.

Let me preface this by saying that it has been the biggest ordeal for me to get a recycling bin. I never thought it would be so hard. First time, the office was closed. It was Columbus Day and I though they'd be open, but they were obviously observing the holiday. Second time, they had temporarily run out. While they said they'd have them in a few hours, I was there on my lunch break and couldn't come back. Third time, I was going to drop by, but it was pouring down rain and there were no parking spots in sight within a four block radius (the office is next to the courthouse, city hall, and police headquarters and there is only metered parking and it's hard to ever find a spot) so I gave up. So, when I finally got a recycling bin from my grandparents home two weeks ago, I treasured it. Here's where the story comes in...

As I was saying, I was estatic to have one. After saving all of my recyclables and taking them to my parents house or Rainbow Co-op for six months, it was starting to get old. This chunk of plastic was a ray of sunshine in my life. So, I happily put it on the street for pickup this past week for the first time. Bad thing was, the girl on the other side of our duplex got rid of a lot of furniture items (old headboard, bookcase, floor lamp, etc.) which covered up the bin and it didn't get picked up. Because of the junk on top, I just assumed leave it there until the next pickup date.

As I'm pulling in from work last night (after a not so good work day to boot... let's just leave it at I had to chase a homeless person through the office), I see a man putting my recycling bin in the trunk of his car. I'm not kidding you. I get out of the car and tell him he is more than welcome to take any of the dumped big items, but please don't take our recycling bin or our garbage cans. Looking rather confused, I told him that green box with the City seal on it was our recycling bin and I'd really like to keep it. "Oh, haha, I thought you were giving it away because it was with this other pile." Um, no sir. I'm pretty sure you knew that was our recycling bin.

Yeah, so to add insult to injury, someone tried to steal my recycling bin. Which is funny, because I can tell the man where to get one free (and guilt-free).

Le sigh.

[On another note... Happy Mardi Gras, y'all! I was spoiled in college by being a short hour and half from New Orleans. Being in south Mississippi, they appreciated all things Cajun and Creole because the close proximity had spread a lot of the tradition. So when it came to Lundi Gras (Monday) and Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday), USM made them official holidays. My sophomore year, I was fortunate enough to go for the whole long weekend (Friday-Tuesday) and it was such a fun time, without all the gross stuff you associate with Mardi Gras, I assure you. All that to say, it has a special place in my heart.]

High Hopes

2011-03-07T08:46:00.001-06:00

It's funny the things you put your hopes into in a day. Case and point: my evening yesterday. Erin and I had signed up to attend a play put on my the United Methodist Conference called Parchman Hour. The play was about the young Freedom Riders who came to Jackson, were arrested, and taken to Parchman (The maximum security prison in the the state. I've driven by there and it is one of the eeriest things I've seen). The Parchman Hour was the radio show the inmates created to pass the time. Honestly, my hopes were low for this play because I had no idea what it was going to be like. How silly I was. This play was amazing! If you have chance, please go see it.

Waiting for the play to start

Afterwards, we were starving. The play started at 5 and went til almost 8, so we we're ready for a bite to eat. Our original restaurant choice was closed on Sundays, so we went to Sal and Mookie's (where we coincidentally went before another Freedom Rider event a few months ago). The place has always been excellent and their food is good, so I had high hopes. Well... until we get there and wait 10 minutes to even get someone to acknowledge us. I wanted to like the experience, but it was just wasn't good. The waiter was slow, the food was slow, and my sandwich wasn't that hot (I saw it sitting on the counter to be served for about 10-15 minutes before it hit our table).

Eggplant Parmigiana sub with Caesar Salad

I could understand if it was busy, but for a Sunday night, there were only 20 tables open and most, if not all, already had their food before us. My hopes were a little dashed.

After paying our tabs and heading to the car, all we could talk about was how good the play was, not the food. Honestly, it was fine that way. You've gotta roll with the punches and sometimes things will surprise you.

Hope you have a great week!

Kroger - 3/6/11

2011-03-06T10:16:00.000-06:00

I can't believe that I am typing that it's actually March. It still blows my mind how fast time is going by. After surveying my pantry and fridge, I only went in for a few thing, since I've got enough to make dinners this week.

Kroger

Silk Almond Milk, $1/1 coupon
Kroger Shredded Cheese (on sale B1G1), $.40/1 coupon
Strawberries (actually back down to $2.48)
Black grapes
Ground turkey
DiGiorno pizza, $.75/1 eCoupon + $.75/1 coupon

Total Value: $28.34
Total Spent: $17.46
Total Saved: $10.88 (40%)

Cornbread and Beans Pie

2011-03-03T08:30:00.000-06:00

Wow. I am two for two on the new recipes front. Who knew I'd find some good ones? I have to admit, I was a little nervous about this one because I'm not the biggest fan of cornbread.

But I have to say, it was a clear winner.

Seriously, I could eat this wayyy too often.

Want the recipe? Check it out here.

Can you believe it's already close to Friday? This week has been crazy and is flying by for me.

Pig Cake

2011-03-02T10:11:00.000-06:00

I'm still not sure I'm comfortable with the name of this cake. Pig Cake? Not sure where that came from, but I've always known it as the cake you could take to a pot luck dinner and hands down have the favorite dessert in my book.

Here's the cake before icing. Please don't notice the huge crater in the middle of the cake where I used a chopstick as a toothpick to see it if was done in the middle. Please?

"Iced"

My roommate and I concluded that this was the best dessert to date. I put the iced cake in the freezer to let it set (not to mention, right after baking, as well), so the icing was almost like ice cream the way the whipped cream set up. How could it get any better?

Want the recipe? Get it here, a la Pioneer Woman, of course. Who could make it better?

Mexican Quinoa Casserole

2011-03-01T20:03:00.005-06:00

Mexican Quinoa Casserole. I should just stop there.

Until today, quinoa was a pretty foreign concept to me. Sure, I'd seen it on food blogs and in the pages of magazines, but I'd never actually seen it cooked in person, much less made it myself. This week was going to be all about new recipes and I knew I wanted to tackle this one. Adapted from this recipe, here's my twist...

Mixture of black beans, Rotel tomatoes, and zucchini.

Corn and chicken added

Layer in a pan

With some avocado and cilantro (grown in my backyard!) added at the end

Mexican Quinoa Casserole

1 cup quinoa (uncooked)

4 teaspoons Taco Seasoning, divided use

1 can Rotel Tomatoes

1 can black beans

1 medium sauteed zucchini

1 cup frozen corn, warmed

2 cups cooked chicken breast

1 lime, juiced

Salt and pepper

1 cup Mexican Cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook 1 cup quinoa according to package directions. A few minutes before done, add 2 teaspoons of taco seasoning. In the meantime, cook zucchini in a pan, warm corn, and cook chicken. In a bowl, combine all veggies, lime juice, and taco seasoning. Once quinoa is done, get a 2 quart (or larger) dish and cover bottom with a layer of quinoa. Top with a layer of veggies, then a layer of cheese, repeat until all ingredients have been used, ending with a layer of quinoa and then cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbling and cheese is browned. Serve with avocado and cilantro on the side.

My babies!

2011-03-01T08:55:00.001-06:00

You know those seeds I planted a week ago? They've already sprouted!

Basil (red pot)

Chives (green pot)

It's embarrassing how excited I am about them. I love seeing them grow and change everyday. If this is any foreshadowing of me as a mom, I'm a little scared.

Overnight Oats

2011-02-28T10:38:00.000-06:00

I know this looks just like Oats in a Jar, but it's a little different. In the Spring/Summer time, I can't stand to think about eating hot oatmeal. Blegh. But, have you ever thought of eating cold oats? It's not nearly as bad as it sounds.

A spin off of Kath Eat's Overnight Oats, here's my take. I like a thicker oatmeal, so I use less liquid.

Overnight Oats

1/2 cup quick oats

1/2 cup vanilla yogurt

1/3 cup almond milk

Combined and cover. Leave in fridge overnight. Add banana, other fruit, peanut butter, or any other fun topping in the morning.

This is perfect for a warm day when you don't want to make anything in the morning or you are on the go.

Witches' Brew

2011-02-27T09:08:00.000-06:00

I was so excited to get up this morning because there was a special brown bag with my name on it this morning. You could already smell it by the time you walked in the the kitchen.

What was it?

FRESH GUATEMALAN WHOLE BEAN COFFEE (!!!)

Folgers may be your favorite, but honestly, nothing can touch this stuff. Erin's church is doing a mission trip to help Guatemalan coffee farmers next summer, so they are selling coffee from those farms to help support the trip. Coffee + missions= I'm in.

I was lucky enough that my parents happened to have a coffee grinder, actually one of their wedding gifts. When my parents first got married, they were really into coffee (notice the Krups label). Even until I was in high school, they used this coffee filter that was plated in gold because it was supposed to make your coffee taste better. They were hard core.

Get your grinder and fill so that it just covers the blades

Look and smell at the beans onnnnne more time

Put on the lid and grind for about 5 seconds. Check your beans.

Above is what course grind looks like. If you've got a french press, stop here. If you've got a coffee maker, keep going.

There we go! Put into filter and brew. This was enough to make a whole pot in my 4-cup machine.

I had always heard that fresh grinding your beans before brewing was better, but I didn't know the difference until now. I can't say I'll do it every day, but if I have the time, I'll definitely do it. These beans are pretty amazing as well.

Now, I like coffee, but I can't finish the whole pot, so what to do with the rest? I'm making coffee ice cubes. Just pour your extra brew in an ice tray and freeze. I love putting them in my iced lattes, so the ice doesn't water down the drink.

CVS + Kroger - 2/27/11

2011-02-27T08:47:00.000-06:00

Happy Sunday to you! Here's how my CVS trip actually went down...

Transaction 1:

Revitalens Multi-Purpose Solution

-Use $5 ECB

Total: $1.41, Get back $5.99 ECB

Transaction 2:

Kashi Go Lean Crunch, $2 coupon

Kashi TLC granola bars, $2 coupon

CVS Dry Sweeping Cloths (they were out of Swiffer wipes and these were cheaper)

Orbit Gum (to make up for the $1 cheaper sweeper cloths)

-Use $5.99 ECB

Total: $1.01, Get back $2 ECB

Transaction 3:

Nice and Easy Haircolor, $2 coupon

-Use $2 ECB

Total: $2.41

Total Value: $31.70

Total Spent: $4.83

Total Saved: $26.87 (85%)

Then, a really quick trip to Kroger...

2 Ziploc bags, $1/2 coupon

Milk

Can of black beans

Hefty trash bags, $1 coupon

Garnier Hair Spray, $1 coupon

Sweet potatoes (at $.99 a pound... eeeeeeek!)

Cocoa powder

Bananas

Total Value: $25.68

Total Spent: $18.27

Total Saved: $7.41 (30%)

Yum, yum, yum

2011-02-26T19:06:00.001-06:00

Could it have been any prettier outside? The weather was wonderful. After getting my hair cut, I met up with Erin and we did a little more searching for the last few details Erin wanted in her guest bedroom. Lunch at Babalu afterwards was the best way to celebrate the day.

Guacamole

Baba-Libra

Mexican Coke (The reeeeeal stuff. Cane sugar instead of corn syrup) and rum.

Baked queso with pico de gallo

The best moment of the day was seeing Erin carry her find, a chair, down State Street to her car. This chair was really cool and one of the local vintage consignment shops had it on sale for $16. It definitely still needed some attention, even though the seat had been recovered, so she asked if they'd go down in price. She got it for $10! Such a steal.

I guess we know why she was running down the street!

Take a look at this cauliflower... that orange is not a glare, it was actual orange cauliflower. Didn't taste much different, but it was really neat.

Hope you are enjoying your weekend!

Keifer's

2011-02-25T20:39:00.000-06:00

Ahhhhhhh... nothing says "Jackson" quite like Keifer's. It's quite understandable. The Greek community is the backbone to culinary heritage in the city and Keifer's is no exception. Not to mention, it's got so much character to boot. Not many places can say they have a claw foot tub full of plants in the bathroom. Not kidding. I haven't eaten there in probably six months, but I was really craving it today. Luckily, there's also a second location downtown. It's only 3-4 blocks from my office and I wanted the walk, so I called it in and brought it back to the office.

They are known for their cottage fries, so I was surprised to see curly fries on the downtown menu (not available at the original locale). I ordered those, but I have to say they weren't that great. There was way too much grease and lemon pepper and I couldn't even begin to finish them.

The main dish... the gyro. When you don't have something for a while, you can build it up in your head and you're disappointed when you actually get it. This is how I felt about the gyro. I actually think (actually, I know) I miss Old Athens chicken gyro so much more.

Funny thing is, I got sick after eating it. Queasy, headache, disgusting sick. Not sure if it was the grease or not, but I'm leaning towards the fact that this was the first time I've really had a substantial amount of red meat since our Solstice party before Christmas. Seriously. It may just all be in my head, but who knows.

Here's to hoping for better food adventures tomorrow!

CVS - February 24, 2011

2011-02-24T19:54:00.000-06:00

Phewwwww. It's been one of those days, you know? Kind of glad it's over. I just got off a 45 minute call to Comcast to fix this new guide on our cable box. I hate the way it looks!

I made a quick trip to CVS on my lunch break because I needed to pick up some eye drops my doctor had recommended and they were coincidentally on sale this week. I was also so embarrasing-ly out of mascara. Like.... whoa.

Systane Eye Drops, $2/1 coupon

Covergirl Mascara

Orbit gum

-$4 off $20 purchase, CVS e-mail coupon

Total Value: $29.18

Total Spent: $16.17

Total Saved: $13.01 (45%)

Received $5 Extra Care Bucks to use next time.

I also had some shampoo samples in the mail. That was a fun surprise!

I was actually pretty excited about the Extra Care Bucks because there are going to be some good deals starting Sunday. I normally don't talk about my trips before I go, but I thought I'd give you guys a sneak peek at my possible transaction scenarios for CVS this Sunday:

Transaction 1:

Revitalens Multipurpose Solution: $5.99

-Use $5 ECB

Total due: $.99

Get back $5.99 ECB.

Transaction 2:

(2) Kashi TLC bars: $3 ea.

(1) Swiffer dry cloths: $3.99

-(2) $2/1 Kashi coupons

-(1) $.50/1 Swiffer coupon

-Use $5.99 ECB

Total due: nothing

Get back $2 ECB.

Hoping this all works out!

Marmalade

2011-02-23T08:51:00.000-06:00

Guess what I had in the mail when I got home from work yesterday?? Marmalade. Ok, look a little closer because it's not just any marmalade... my cousin, Ashley, made it! (You can see her talking about it here)

I got out of bed at the ridiculously early time of 6:05 (notice the five minutes of snooooooze) to ride the exercise bike before I got ready for work. I've been trying to do this for a few weeks now, but I always end up turning over and sleeping for 45 more minutes. Today, I decided it was as good of a day as any to get moving.

The verdict? I feel so much better getting a little bit of a workout in before work. 20 minutes on the bike + 5 minutes of free weights really makes a difference. More than anything, I know that I've already accomplished something for the day. I'll still get my walk/run in after work, or I may do a little more of the bike if it starts raining like it might.

All that to say, I had a piece of Great Harvest Dakota with this marmalade this morning and man did it wake me up even more! I think Ashley said it best that it's really bright in flavor. I loved it!

It may be dreary outside, but I'm going to enjoy my day. Can you believe it's already Wednesday??

DIY Magnets

2011-02-22T08:05:00.001-06:00

Look at Anthropolgie online the other day, I saw these magnets. They're cute... but then look at the price tag. $28?? Really? Automatically, I thought, "That's ridiculous. I've made these before in high school and they weren't nearly that expensive." So, I decided to make some of my own and definitely spend less than $28.

Anthropologie magnets: $28

I got some clearance scrapbooking pages from Michaels. Each page was only about $.19. While you're at Michaels, grab a bag of clear, flat glass rocks. They're in the section with moss, bamboo sticks, and other rocks.

Cut paper to fit bottom of glass pebble. Don't let any edges hang out.

In a paper plate/bowl, pour some glue. Paint glue on to the side of the paper you want to show through the glass. Press paper to glass and wipe off any excess glue.

Flip over and let sit to dry.

Once dry, dip one side of magnet in leftover glue. Press magnet to back of the pebble, let dry.

Voila! Guess how much is cost? Less than $5.

Glass marbles: $2.00 (saved $.50 with 20% Michaels coupon)

5 sheets scrapbooking paper: $.19 each, on clearance

Magnets: $1.60 (saved $.40 with 20% Michaels coupon)

Glue, bowl, brush: already owned

Total: $4.55

Here's how they turned out:

I love them so much more than the Anthro ones because I was able to personalize to my style. This one is probably my favorite...

Now I've got some cute magnets, but I've still got the cash too!

Fun Day Off

2011-02-21T18:38:00.000-06:00

This was such a fun and relaxed day off. While I did wake up when I heard Kitty wailing to get into my room at 6:30 this morning, I took it slow and actually laid in my bed watching TV until almost noon! I think I've only done that a handful of times in my life. Blame that addictive HGTV.

It wasn't all laying around, I did make cinnamon rolls this morning. Ok, my breakfast choice my have been heavily influenced by the fact that I wanted to use my new Goodwill find: these gorgeous plates. I got a set of 4 for $3. Looks like something from Anthropologie (and may actually be)!

This weather got me in the mood for some frozen yogurt. They've popped up everywhere and Berry Berry Good is probably one of the only ones I haven't been too until today. It's in the most interesting location in a boulevard tucked between a strip of stores. Really cool.

Even better? They had pineapple yogurt. Oh my, it was divine.

With a little bit of chewy granola and cranberries. I'm still thinking about it.

The weather has also got me wanting to plant, plant, plant. I hopped across the street to Lowe's to look at their nursery. Not much there yet except for seeds, but I did get a new indoor plant. Ever since I got the plant in our living room from work, I've loved having indoor plants. I've always heard about plants improving mood, but they really do lift my spirits.

Because I couldn't stand to wait, I found some seed kits for herbs, which I really miss having around. At my parents' house and in Hattiesburg, I always had at least chives year round and I miss being able to go snip a few in the back yard.

So, I got started on my own...

Wet and loosen the dirt, repack, sow the seeds, put in the sun...

I also did a quick run through Ross where I saw the peacock sheets I had been wanting. While I was looking at all the sheets, an employee came by scanning all the items to see if it was time to reduce the price on any. She scanned the peacock sheets and guess what???

Yep, a clearance sticker printed out. I was beyond excited. Waiting 30 seconds to save $4? I'll take it.

I can't believe that I have work tomorrow. After having such a nice day, it'll be hard to get back to the routine.

Kroger - 2/20/11

2011-02-20T15:59:00.000-06:00

The grocery store was crazy today! I had heard that grocery stores were going to have problems stocking produce because of a bad winter, but it was crazy how much they were out or almost out of: iceberg lettuce, green onions, only a few sweet potatoes that were huge. Guess we aren't having lettuce wraps this week!

Dannon yogurt tub

Philly Cooking Cream, $1.50/1 coupon (we'll see how this goes... it's a new product)

Ground turkey

Chicken breast (on sale for $1.97 a pound)

Sweet potato

Bananas

Strawberries

Black grapes

Cantelope

Freschetta pizza

Gillette razor blades, $3/1 coupons

Total Value: $45.10

Total Spent: $34.95

Total Saved: $10.15 (23%)

Yeeessshhh, produce is expensive!

The Drip

2011-02-20T07:24:00.001-06:00

I had such deja vu taking these photos, because I had "photo shoots" (as we said back then) all the time at the Drip. I can't tell you the hundreds of photos I have that look similar to these. What I would have done for a 14 megapixel camera back then...

I've been having even more deja vu, which I have only really experienced for the first time recently, because more and more people from the "old crew" when I worked there in high school, are coming back to work a shift or two a week like me.

Granted, some are doing it because they're in grad school, or just got married and want extra money on the side for fun things...

But more than anything, we all say it's fun to be back.

There's nothing like the people that come by (who haven't changed a bit) and of course, the coffee.

I'll leave you with the recipe for my favorite coffee drink of the moment... if you've got a french press or coffee pot, you can make this at home, I promise.

Iced Latte with Honey (makes two lattes)

2 coffee spoons (around 2 tablespoons) of ground espresso

Honey

Almond milk, or milk of your choosing

Water

Prepare espresso to your machine's specifications with two scoops of espresso and 8 oz of water.

{For a coffee pot, fill a filter with two scoops of espresso, pour water into reservoir, and brew.}

{For french press, combine ingredients into press, stir. Add lid with open slot facing away from the spout. Let sit for at least four minutes. After time has elapsed, hold down top and press plunger down.}

In a glass (I prefer the large size to make this work), fill honey just enough to cover the bottom. Add half of the espresso brew. Stir to melt honey. Add in 8-10 oz milk and stir. Top with a few ice cubes.

"Art" We Cool?

2011-02-19T08:00:00.000-06:00

Ok, no, we aren't that cool, but we did go to a cool event last night downtown: the premiere party for the Museum of Art's new exhibit about Japanese art. There were so many people! When Erin and I went to Art by Choice at the museum a couple of months ago (I can't believe that was really six months ago!), there weren't nearly this many people.

The food is always so creative and playful. There were cute "pockets" full of edamame. They were probably my favorite of the night.

Of course, there were drinks. My favorite was this - champagne and chambord. It was perfect.

One great perk to a museum is that the decor is always beautiful. I loved the arrangements.

I did get a little sushi, but I was a little afraid of getting sick from eating sushi that had been sitting out, so I only had a few pieces.

Notice the chopsticks. As part of the promotion for the exhibit, the museum was giving away these chopsticks with a $2 off admission coupon on the back of the wrapper which I thought was such a great idea.

We also perused the gift shop, where there were far less people. I have been wanting this print by Glenray Tudor for such a long time. It's my favorite piece of arwork.

Of course I had to go visit the real thing in the museum while we were there. Erin rolled her eyes and said, "Oh my god, that picture again." She knows the deal.

Now I can add it to the collection. I've already got the magnet on the fridge!

Can't wait to enjoy the long President's Day weekend...

Mr. Chen's

2011-02-18T10:56:00.000-06:00

Mr. Chen, you're the best. Seriously, I'm smitten. It's the best, freshest Chinese food around. No kiddin'.

Steamed dumplings. Thick enough wrapper to be chewy, thin enough to not be too gummy. Perfect dipping sauce.

My mom ordered the lunch special of Kung Pow Shrimp. I've never tasted a Chinese shrimp dish that good. Not to mention how big the shrimp actually are!

I ordered Orange Chicken. Like I've said before, I'm really enjoying spicier food now and this tops the list. Can't go wrong here.

Next thing on my list to try here: bubble tea. I saw some people with it today and it's my mission to try it out. There are so many flavors, I could try to days.

I think I see the weekend around the corner!

Egg-cellent!

2011-02-17T16:02:00.000-06:00

I love eggs. You can do so much with them!

Just a whisk and you've got scrambled, omelet, quiche, and more.

I had 5 eggs that really needed to be used, so it quickly became an egg night. I've done quiche a few times lately, so that was out of the question. I finally decided to do my version of a frittata, minus the oven. I only wish I had had spinach on hand.

No-Oven Frittata

5 eggs

Splash of almond milk (or other milk product)

4 slices of deli meat (I used turkey)

2 oz grated cheese

Crack eggs and whisk together with milk. Heat skillet and spray with spray (canola) oil. First, break up meat in to small pieces and stir around for a few seconds to cook slightly. Pour eggs over meat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. As the eggs cook, pull up the sides to let liquid portion seep under the cooked part. Once frittata is loose from the bottom (shake pan and if the egg slides around), flip it. Once loose again, transfer to a plate and top with cheese. Serve with toast or salad.

So good with a slice of Great Harvest Dakota bread!

Yesterday was so pretty (I happened to snap this picture yesterday), but today is foggy and cloudy. I'm ready for some SUN!

Win-Win Wednesday

2011-02-16T14:34:00.000-06:00

I love surprises. Especially when they come in the mail... at work. There's just something about seeing something in my work inbox that just makes me happy all over. Today, I was excited to see a package. Not knowing what it could be, I pulled it out and looked it over. "Oh!" I thought. "That's that thing from forever ago." What that thing was, happened to be my bracelet from Choose Haiti.

I had ordered it so long ago, I had honestly forgotten about it. Sometime in November or December, Southern Savers let us know about this deal at an online site where you could sign up and get a $10 credit. Conveniently, the Choose Haiti bracelet was $10 with free shipping, so you got to donate to a good cause, get a great bracelet, and it was FREE. Win-win-win. While I'm sure that I was only one of thousands to order one, I had forgotten since I knew it would take a while. Fun surprise!

I also have a confession to make: I've got to break my "It's 1:30 and I need some coffee habit." It's bad, not to mention, expensive. Luckily, I only do it every couple of weeks, but I'm thinking about bringing my french press to work.

It may be a little messier, but I'll save a ton of money and get my coffee just the way I like it. Win-win? Win-win.

Chicken Pot Pie

2011-02-15T19:06:00.000-06:00

Talk about comfort food. I love chicken pot pie. I know, my Wii age just went up a few decades, but it's so good. After going to an eye doctor appointment, I ran by my parents house for dinner. Yummmm, chicken pot pie! I was glad to see it because I had seen it on Eat Live Run and I was dying to make it myself.

Thing is, it's so classically easy to make.

Chicken Pot Pie

2 rolls of pie crust (1 box)

1 cup chopped, cooked chicken

1 can Veg-All

1 can Cream of Chicken soup (or Cream of Mushroom, if you have it)

Dollop of sour cream (option)

Salt and Pepper

In a bowl, mix chicken, veggies, soup, and salt and pepper to taste. In a round casserole, line the bottom with one of the pie crusts. Add in mixture. Top with other pie crust and poke holes in the crust to vent. Bake for ~1 hour at 350 degrees or until crust is golden brown.

A fun announcement: I am now a Foodbuzz Featured Publisher! Yes, you'll now see some stuff from Foodbuzz on the right side in the near future, but it's an exciting, fun development for me and the blog. Foodbuzz is one of the top food blog community websites with contests, conferences, and a Tastemaker Program (where bloggers are given items to try out and review), so I'm pumped that they wanted to include me as a featured blog!

More for Less

2011-02-15T13:38:00.000-06:00

People are always telling me how stunned they are that I can find stylish items at Ross. This post is to show you that it's not that hard, if you just take a look.

I first found these sheets first and kept petting them, saying, "Oooooo. So pretty." And for $12.99 for a full sheet set, could you blame me? They would look so pretty with plain white linens.

I went in to Ross actually looking for this: a pot to keep my indoor plant in. It had been sitting in a tubberware dish for wayyyy too long.

I love the gray and crackled glaze. Gets me every time. Doesn't hurt that it was only $4.99.

Really interesting piece of artwork. For $5.99, this canvas was actually pretty big (maybe 17x14?).

I'm drawn to pretty much anything white ceramic anyways, but this bird cage votive holder was so sweet. If I had a place in my house, I would have bought it!

This was one of my favorite finds... I am in L.O.V.E. with them! Three woven baskets that nestled into each other. They had three sizes: 2 feet long, 2.5 feet long, and 3 feet long (measured at it's longest). Guess how much? $3.99, $4.99, and $5.99.

Love it! So if you're ever for some cute, inexpensive home accessories, it can be done!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T11:06:00.000-06:00

We all know that Valentine's Day is about chocolate, right? (Right.) So I thought it'd be fun to try out Eat, Live, Run's nutella hot chocolate recipe for a little Valetine's Day fun.

While I didn't have Nutella on hand, I did have MaraNatha Dark Chocolate Almond Butter. I know it's not the same, but it was still pretty good.

After that I just simply got carried away and had a strawberry with a touch of the DCAB too. So good and nutty.

Yummm...

Then, this morning when I got to work, I noticed flowers on my desk! Such a fun Valentine's Day surprise, especially for a single lady like myself. LaGina gave all the women in the office some Irises, which were so pretty. Made my day.

I hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

2011-02-14T10:50:00.000-06:00

I don't think there is anything more heavenly on this earth. Even if you don't like bananas, you'll like this cake. It's fluffy, moist, and dense all at the same time. The taste of banana is so slight, you won't even know you're eating fruit! I first encountered this recipe when I tasted Banana Cake for the first time last week at Candy's house. There was no turning back. I was hooked and had to re-create it for myself. I used this recipe exactly (down to the buttermilk and putting it in the freezer).

{Get ready}

{Mash bananas}

{Measure, measure, measure}

I definitely didn't skimp out this time on anything. That would be real butter. I love the butter I bought because it came in 1/4 cup sticks, so it was really fool-proof.

{Get ready to cream butter and sugar}

{Add eggs and vanilla}

{Ready to bake}

{Iced}

Man, this sucker was good. I brought it to my family yesterday and to work this morning. Everyone that eats it raves about it, so you know you need to make it for your sweetie too!

Super (Long) Saturday

2011-02-13T10:25:00.000-06:00

Saturday was a great day, but I felt like it was super long. Maybe it's because it started at 5:45 in the morning when I woke up because I opened at the Drip or all the things I did that day. What ever the case, I was beat by the time I got home last night.

After getting off work (which I still love and enjoy doing, even if it is on the weekend), I met up with Erin to check out the Flowood Flea Market. Holy cow there is so much stuff!

This is just one little corner of it. There was so much to look at. I did have a major score...

This really cool old window screen I put over my couch. I was not liking my painting over the couch as much anymore and at $10, I wasn't breaking the bank (or even using half of my tip money from the Drip!). I'm digging it. We also found Erin some great artwork to put in her guest bedroom she's working on.

That afternoon, I headed to my parents house, where I helped them move some furniture (again) and do some grocery shopping with my mom at Fresh Market and Kroger. I must say, my mom is becoming quite the couponer herself.

Looking around my parents house, I found these glasses I bought at a garage sale in my old elementary school about 7 years ago. What can I say? I love glassware. My mom loves them too, so they've stayed at my parents' house and I love using them. Maybe they'll be at my house one day...

We picked up the most wonderful, chewy bread at Fresh Market: Asiago and Sun-Dried Tomatoes. Man, it was good.

Sauteed some asparagus and garlic with olive oil in a skillet until green and tender. Sprinkled with a little lavender sea salt...

Grilled a salmon filet with a little teriyaki sauce

I don't know why, but this plate says comfort food to me. I love salmon a lot and my mom made meals like this when I was living at home (since I rarely eat steak).

Perfect! I can't wait to show you the recipe I'm cookin' up right now. More later.

Kroger

2011-02-13T10:10:00.001-06:00

If feel like there are 6 different posts I could do about this weekend and yesterday's adventures alone, but I'll start you guys off with my little grocery trip for the week. Not very big because I've got groceries out of my ears right now (mostly dried goods, the fridge is pretty bare). But, I had a recipe on my hands, so I went in to mostly get things for it (Post about that to come! It's baking as we speak).

Land O' Lakes butter

Kroger buttermilk

Simply Orange Juice, $1/1 coupon

Kroger Sugar

Lemons

Dannon Yogurt, $.50/1 e-coupon

Bananas (on sale in one of those "too ripe" paper bags where they sell them cheap)

Hillshire Farms Deli Turkey, $.55/1 coupon (doubled to $1.10/1)

Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls, $.50/1 (doubled to $1/1, which made it FREE)

MaraNatha Dark Chocolate Almond Butter, $2/1 coupon

Fresh Select Salad Mix, $.40/1 coupon

Total Value: $33.67

Total Spend: $19.63

Total Saved: $14.04 (43%)

Sample Junkie

2011-02-11T09:46:00.001-06:00

Hi, my name is Sophie and I'm a sample junkie. I can't help it, I like trying new products. Whenever I get the mail, I hope to see the words "Proctor and Gamble" or "Johnson and Johnson." Yesterday was one of those days. I had actually forgotten about this one, but I was excited to see a sample of Crest's 3D Whitestrips (which I had been thinking about getting but wanted to try them first). We'll see how it goes!

After my little excitement, I did a simple pasta with whole wheat noodles (which look like regular to me and I'm not sure why) and some Great Harvest Dakota bread for a little crunch.

While Buitoni didn't pay me to say this, I love this sauce I got! It had WHOLE mushrooms in it. So, so good.

I'm having a hard time with grasping that it's actually Friday. This week was a doozie!