girl crush

How many times have I said this: “I want to BE her!”? Too many to count, I admit. Whether she’s someone I know or don’t know, someone I saw in a magazine, a sorority girl at a football game or a funky hipster on the street on one of my many work trips abroad, I’m always seeing chicks that seem to have their style totally figured out.

Are you girl crushing? If so, have you seen this site from the cool chicks that brought us Lucky magazine?

Who do YOU want to be?

wish list wednesday

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?

* That Etsy had an iPhone app.

* A really gorgeous evening bag. Speaking of Etsy, I think I love this vintage navy one.

* That Vh1 would resurrect the show World Series of Pop Culture. I would so dominate.

* These awesome earrings. I'm kind of into posts right now.

* A very happy wedding to Margaret and Peyton! Congrats, you two!

What's your wish?

reason for the season

Rembrandt's Adoration of the Shepherds

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.

"Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests'."

Luke 2:8-14

happy festivus!

I got a lot of problems with you people...

Let's rumble!

wish list wednesday - christmas edition

What am I wishing for this Wednesday before Christmas?

* Some of these A Christmas Story cookies while I watch, well, A Christmas Story.

* These nesting doll wine glasses. I love a nesting doll, and with these, there’s no need for a wine charm! (which aren’t even that cute to me, anyway)

* That Kell hadn’t deleted Rudolph from the DVR. I was SO not finished watching it.

* Some of this hazelnut-mocha chocolate sauce for a big bowl of vanilla ice cream.

* A safe, healthy and happy Christmas to all of you!

What's your Christmas wish?

delightful decor...

The only thing in my house decorated for Christmas is my tree. Sure, I've got wreaths on the windows, and Barney our Elf on the Shelf is lurking, but I've got no festive mantle, no holiday centerpiece, nothing hanging from the ceiling...

I really had high hopes for my house this year. I was traveling for work the first two weeks of December, and I suppose once I got home, I figured it was too late (or funds were too short) to really bring the Christmas thunder. Maybe if I'd found these little DIY decorating ideas from youaremyfave a little earlier, I could've made it happen:

These little trees are as easy to make as they are cute. Just some felt and straight pins...imagine the possibilities! (that sounded nerdy)

I love the wall-o-wreaths, and the post tells you how to make them all! Hooray!

If you've got a small space and don't have room for a Chrimma Bush, how 'bout a Chrimma Branch? It kind of looks like a wizard has it suspended in mid-air.

These little ornaments are sparkly, affordable and perfect for those of you that have a themed tree (which I've never understood, but to each his own...).

I love stuff hanging from the ceiling, so I of course love this chandelier!

So... What have I been doing these days since I clearly haven't been decorating? Cooking and eating, of course. I'm off work today (yippee), so I think I'll be whipping up some of this:

Santa Party Mix from over there at Cookies and Cups. Have you EVER seen a cuter snack? I think not. Little Santa hats? Come ON!

Have a festive weekend, my little elves!

wish list wednesday

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?

* That it would only rain today while I'm INSIDE.

* Some of this candy apple soap for my guest bath. Looks good enough to eat!

* That Charlie hadn't chewed a hole in my tights. I have a toe digging into my boot right now.

* That Scarlett Johansson and Ryan Reynolds could have worked it out. I'm devastated. I thought they were a lovely couple.

* This totally rad Beatles print (spotted on A Cup of Jo). Hey, what's Yoko doing in there?!

What's your wish?

busy as a bee

Whew! Sorry for my lack of posting lately. I've been out of town for several days (which if you follow me on twitter, you are well aware), and I'm coming back to a desk full of work PLUS party after party (which equals cooking and preparation)!

What did y'all do this weekend? I made lots and lots and LOTS of Cinnamon Honey Butter for sweet little holiday happies. I'll tell you exactly what Darby from Fly Through Our Window said about it: if you make one recipe from my blog, let this one be it. (pic from there, too!)

I promise I'll be back soon! xoxo

wish list wednesday - NYC edition!

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?

* To pass for a real New Yorker. Sadly, I'm afraid I stick out like a sore thumb,

* Some of these Echo gloves in every color. Keep your hands toasty and still use your iPhone!

* A ticket to a Broadway show this week. But which one to choose?!

* Lots of time (and money) to spend at one of the million H&M stores here.

* That my fingernails were painted with this gorgeous color. Only when I'm not wearing my cool new gloves, of course...

What's your wish?

on the road again

I'm on the road in the Delta with some cool British journalists, and although it's been a wild couple of days, just looking at the flatlands brings me some inner peace...


Back home soon, but not for long. I'll be spending next week working in NYC! Yippee!

Have a great weekend, friends!

wish list wednesday

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?

* To keep our football coach. Don't leave us, Dan!

* Some of this honey bear soap. I love the real thing, too!

* That someone would come decorate my house for Christmas...for free, of course.

* Something to help me keep my jeans tucked in my boots. There's got to be a better way than the ole tight roll technique!

* To be able to shake this sore throat (*cough*).

What's your wish?

aaaaand NOW it's the Christmas season!

I'm a firm believer in letting Thanksgiving have its day. In fact, I might actually prefer it to Christmas. It's food, it's family, it should be cold weather, and it's way less stressful than December 25. Don't read me wrong here, I love Christmas, and now that it's finally time to get my house ready, I'm thinking about making this wreath (yes, another wreath DIY)...

I love it! I think it would be gorgeous in a deep red, too! Thanks, Claire and design*sponge!

Merry Christmas!

let us give thanks

So once in every year we throng
Upon a day apart,
To praise the Lord with feast and song
In thankfulness of heart.

~Arthur Guiterman, The First Thanksgiving

wish list wednesday

So what am I wishing for this Wednesday?

* The happiest of birthdays to my puppies! Olive and Charlie are four today!

* A Cuisinart Griddler. Have you seen this thing? It's like a George Foreman, but way awesomer.

* The perfect baked macaroni and cheese recipe. I'm extremely picky.

* That I got paid thousands of dollars to tweet about my favorite products like Kimmy does. I like lots of things...who wants to mail me a check?

* Some of these red velvet brownies - STAT!

What's your wish?

dogs love thanksgiving, too!

Look what I found at Target today! Have you ever seen a cuter dog toy? I mean, seriously...

This is what the twins are getting for their birthday on Wednesday. Don't tell them!

Yappy Monday!

it's not goodbye...just see you later!

Today was Kristen's last day in my office (and yes, she really is that much taller than me). I can't believe that after four years of me working with her day in and day out, she won't be there to help me, encourage me, give me advice or make me giggle! I know we'll always be friends, but there's something special about a work buddy that transcends to personal buddy.

Kristen, I can't thank you enough for everything you've done for me in and out of the office. I'll miss traveling with you, lunching with you and gossiping with you, and this place just won't be the same without you here. Oh, and this would be the perfect time to re-dedicate your life to your blog!

I wish you all the best in God's Country! I love you!

wish list wednesday

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?

* That some (any) of my friends (or acquaintances...or strangers that I might run into on the street...) watched In Treatment. I'm dying to talk to someone about how amazing the show is and that dreamboat Gabriel Byrne.

* An excuse to make these Burnt Sugar Almonds. Don't they sound/look divine?

* A t-shirt blanket with all of my old college shirts. If I could get over my fear of threading the bobbin on my sewing machine, I might attempt it myself...

* Some warm and wooly mittens. I've heard they keep your hands warmer than gloves because all your fingers are wrapped up together like a burrito. Anywho, I kind of love these yellow ones!

* That Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows would be as wonderful as I hope!

What's your wish?

land of cotton

I wear my years spent living in the Mississippi Delta as a badge of honor. I never thought I’d like it. I spent my first few weeks there bored, lonely and homesick, but after getting to know some great people, my entire outlook changed. There’s no place like it in all the world – the music, the food, the people and the parties make it truly “the most Southern place on Earth.” And I love to get my hands on any and every reminder of it I can find.

Enter my most recent craft project! I’ve been wanting to make a wreath from cotton for a long time, and thanks to my sweet MIL (again!), I got the most important of supplies – real, genuine cotton from a Delta field! I finally sat down on Saturday and completed my newest piece of Delta nostalgia. Here’s how it all went down:

What I used:
Foam wreath (I got mine from Michaels, but Wal-Mart has them, too)
Dark brown spray paint
Hot glue gun + glue sticks
A big nail
Plenty of cotton – still in the bolls
Floral wire
Wired ribbon

How I did it:
I spray painted the foam wreath with the dark brown spray paint so that any open spots wouldn’t be noticeable. I had to do several coats to make sure it was well-covered. Next, I went through the cotton I had on hand and cut the stems short and hot glued any loose or wayward cotton back onto the star-shaped part that holds the cotton itself (I guess a farmer or an expert could tell me exactly what it’s called, but a quick Google search didn’t). I used the nail to poke holes in the foam so the stem would go in easily. Squirt a little hot glue into the nail hole, and insert the stem. Hold it in for just a few seconds until the glue cools a bit and repeat until the whole wreath is covered. (I didn’t put the bolls as close together as I could have because I wanted to be able to see a little of the brown leaves peeking out). Make you a little bow from the ribbon and wire it to the wreath. Voila!

What do you think of the finished product? Do you love the Delta, too?

sweet!

TGIF!

Is it just me, or is November already proving to be a long month? And I was off work yesterday (thank you to all the Veterans out there!), so my days are all messed up. Not to mention, I totally hate my outfit today. I’m just a mess all around.

Things I have done in the past week or so:
* Travel to ATL for work to hang out with Japanese
* Got a dress for the NYE wedding (Huge accomplishment. Surely I’ll still love it when the actual wedding rolls around, right?)
* Helped to give a party for B-I-L Peyton and Margaret
* Went to see Ray LaMontagne in Birmingham (swoon) *on that note, The Secret Sisters opened for my man Ray, and if you’ve never heard them before, check them out. Amazing.
* Bought tickets to the 12:02 a.m. showing of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1 (the book version of which I’m re-reading right now)

Hmmm… Now that I look at that list, it doesn’t seem all that busy. But trust me, for some reason it was. And now my left eye is twitching, which I found on WebMD to be a physical manifestation of stress and fatigue (it’s totally annoying and makes the page wiggle a little when I’m reading my HP). What? You thought I wasn’t allowed on WebMD anymore? I’ve grown, people.

But I digress…

I’ve got recipes for you! Here’s what I made for Peyton and Margaret’s party, along with Pumpkin Tarts and Autumn Salad…

“Hot Dog” Cupcakes

Cupcakes
Frosting
Circus Peanuts (gag) – 1 per cupcake
Caramel squares – 1 per cupcake
Yellow frosting (for “mustard”; and red for ketchup if you’d like!)
Green gumdrops or Sour Patch Kids

For the bun, cut a wedge in the circus peanut. If the caramel is soft, roll it into a hot dog shape. If it's hard, first soften it in your hand or in a microwave for a few seconds (I had to microwave mine to soften. Just heat it for about 10 seconds at a time until work-able) Caution: the caramel can get hot!
Place the "hot dog" in the bun and squirt on a squiggly line of yellow icing.
Garnish with green gumdrop "relish," if you wish. Frost the cupcake with white icing, place the hot dog on top, and sprinkle on nonpareils.

**The biggest pain of this project was making the “relish.” It was nearly impossible to cut with a knife, and I ended up just using scissors to snip little bits, wiping the blades clean as needed. Also, you may notice I piped the frosting on the cupcakes instead of spreading. I somehow got it in my head that I was going to do it this way; it turned out great, but it uses WAAAAY more frosting that if you were spreading. Still, if you want to try this technique, I think it looks really nice. I actually looked all over the metro Jackson area for a pastry tip the perfect size, but I never found one. Enter the ghetto-fabulous piping method: I just emptied cans of frosting (ended up 1 can did about 10 cupcakes, and I went through 8 cans…yikes) into a gallon Ziploc bag and snipped the end off about ½ inch from the corner. Pipe the frosting in a swirl shape, and you’re in business! Looks just like Gigi’s! Well, maybe not JUST like Gigi’s, but still good. Lots of people asked if they were catered, so they really look good in person! Promise! And check out how cute the burger ones are, too!

Mini “Treasure” Brownies

1 box brownie mix (The actual recipe calls for made-from-scratch mix. Yeah, right. They don’t know me.)
Hershey Kisses Or Mini Peanut Butter Cups, 1 for each brownie (I made some of each)
Semi-sweet chocolate morsels, melted, for drizzling
White chocolate morsels, melted, for drizzling

Put mini muffin liners in a mini muffin tin. Drop brownie batter in 2/3 or so full. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes. It is easy to overbake these and the edges get crispy and they tend to be a little dry; slightly underbaking is better. After removing from the oven, set to cool for 5 minutes then have your Hershey’s Kisses (any variety you like) or you can use mini peanut butter cups (my favorite!) and press into the center of each brownie. Let cool a little longer and then take out of the pan. Cool completely and melt chocolate chips and white chocolate in separate Ziploc baggies. Cut a small bit off one corner of bag and squeeze in a zig-zag design over each brownie. Let dry and put in containers to keep fresh.

**I wish I’d kept count of how many 1 box of mix made, but I didn’t. My bad. Seems like it was about 40 per box or so. Also, I didn’t melt the chocolate in the Ziploc bags – I melted them in a bowl in the microwave and then put the melted chocolate in a bag. Snip off a tiny corner first and if you need to go bigger, you can. I drizzled the white chocolate first and then the semi-sweet.

I have a crafty project planned for this weekend, so if it turns out ok, I’ll share later. If it looks like a Bible School project, I’ll just pretend I never mentioned it to you.

Have a sweet weekend!

wish list wednesday

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?

* For it to actually feel like November outside. Is that too much to ask? I think not.

* An update for my mantle. I'm not feeling it anymore.

* This dress from Madewell. I tried it on in the ATL last week, but I just couldn't justify it. I think I'll stalk it and wait for it to go on sale.

* A Ray LaMontagne Christmas album.

* Some Ugg slippers. How warm and wonderful do these look? (I'm absolutely, positively in love with the red)

What's your wish?

wish list wednesday

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?

* A fabulous dress to wear to a New Year's Eve wedding. So much pressure!

* This sweet little Queen Anne's Lace print. It's a special little flower to me!

* Some more Archipelago Brown Sugar and Vanilla products. Haley introduced them to me years ago, and I love the fragrance.

* That those waterless shampoo things worked for curly hair.

* Some new perfume. Something clean and not too flowery... Suggestions?

What's your wish?

brilliant!

(from Domino magazine... RIP)

Don't you just love it when Brits say that? I do.

I've been dying to hang a gallery wall in my guest room, but I'm super intimidated by all the straight lines and exact measurements (Hi, my name is Mary Straton, and I'm a eyeballer.) But I really think I could do this method (spotted on LGN, of course). What do you think? Have you ever seen anything more genius? And I think I may have found another blog to stalk...

On another note, I'm re-reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in preparation for the upcoming release of the movie. I am not ashamed.

Have a magical weekend!

wish list wednesday

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?

* A sequined blazer. And no, I have nowhere to wear it. Let me dream.

* A cheeseburger and chili cheese fries for Lea Michele.

* Some black riding boots. I've had my eye on these for a long, long time...

* That I could walk past the Halloween candy aisle in the grocery store and not have to wipe drool from my chin.

* A great hat to wear to NYC in December! Brrr!

What's your wish?

game day grub

Look what we had at my tailgate this weekend...
Basically crack in Cheez-It form.

KK's "Fancy Cheez-Its"

3 boxes (11-ish oz) Cheez-Its
1 pkg dry ranch dressing mix
1 T. dill weed
1/2-1 T. garlic powder
1 c. veg. oil
1 T (or to taste) red pepper flakes

Toss crackers in oil first, then add seasonings. Bake @ 350 for 5-6 minutes.

* I, of course, did not read all the directions before making these, and I mixed the oil with all the dry ingredients, poured over the crackers and tossed in a big bowl (it worked just fine). Also, I had to spread them out in 2 sheet pans to get them all baked.

wish list wednesday

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?

* That I loved to jog. I've tried.

* These curtains for my dining room. I think that purple would be awesome against the walls.

* That Stacy and Clinton would come WNTW my closet. Oh, and I'd like the $5,000 shopping spree, too.

* A secret little DVD player that would allow me to watch The Goonies at work.

* This dress. Don't we love the lace? And how cute under a boyfriend blazer and with boots?

What's your wish?

feeling blah...

I'm feeling kind of blah today, kids. Not sad, not down, just blah. You all know the feeling? I think this kitty cat does.

What can I do to lift my spirits?

i'm totally into...

Mary Janes. I don’t usually have any love for taffy, but they’re so cute and sweet and retro, and they have a little shot of peanut butter in the middle! I bought a bag last year at Halloween just because I liked the old time-y wrapper, but come to find out, they’re quite delightful.

My book, The Secret History. I have to admit, I’ve put down 2 books since I last did a review, and I don’t feel bad about it at all. They were lame, and I’m over it. But, I’m all up in this one. It’s by a Mississippi author and everything! Review to come.

WW String Cheese. If you follow me on Twitter, you read that I’ve recently re-dedicated myself to Weight Watchers. My consumption is out of hand, and that’s all there is to it. Anywho, these are so good and just 1 Point! Too bad they’re kinda expensive, and I don’t really like to share them. And am I really supposed to pull them into little strings? That sounds a little gross and unnecessary.

Autumn Salad. I don’t usually gravitate towards a salad (I make myself eat them), but throw in some feta and candied almonds, and I’m in. Here’s the recipe:

Autumn Salad With Candied Almonds

*1 ½ recipe feeds 12-13

8 cups mixed salad greens
1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1 cup dried cranberries

1 cup slivered almonds
4 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon Tabasco sauce
3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
3 tablespoons sugar
½ cup salad/vegetable oil

Mix salad greens, feta cheese, and dried cranberries. Cover and chill for a couple of hours (Peggy says not to chill overnight – too long).

Place almonds and 4 tablespoons sugar in a small skillet over high heat. Cook and stir constantly until almonds are coated in syrup and light brown. Turn out onto a foil cover surface. Cool and break into pieces.

Combine salt, Tabasco sauce, white wine vinegar, 3 tablespoons sugar, and salad oil in a jar; shake well to mix. Drizzle over salad and toss to mix well. Sprinkle with almonds.

Have a great weekend, readers! Do something totally awesome – you deserve it!

wish list wednesday

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?

* To be able to sing like Mercedes on Glee. The girl can bring the thunder.

* An unlimited iTunes allowance.

* A Gemma Correll illustration of me and Kell like this one. Wonder what she'd put in the captions?

* That Whitney would quit pressuring me to go to the fair. She knows my policy on eating where livestock are present!

* New fluffy bedroom slippers. If only you could see the ones I wear now...

What's your wish?

is this thing on?

So I'm posting from my beloved iPhone using the BlogPress app!

Too bad I don't really have anything to say.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

i did it.

Some things are just intimidating: agency bosses, 18-wheelers, aerobics instructors. And truthfully, I’d always considered the cheesecake to be this elusive, diva of a dessert that I would never attempt. It’s probably because I don’t really care for them because Heaven knows I would have whipped one up before now if I were going to eat it myself. But thanks to my sweet MIL, I am the proud owner of a set of springform pans. And what do you make with springform pans? Cheesecake. And I did.

Elf Cheesecake (photo from Tasty Kitchen, too)

FOR THE CRUST:
24 whole Oreo Chocolate Sandwich Cookies
½ cups Melted Butter

FOR THE FILLING:
½ cups Hot Fudge Topping
¼ cups Jiffy Creamy Peanut Butter
4 whole Butterfingers, Chopped
6 whole Reeses Peanut Butter Cups, Chopped
24 ounces, weight Cream Cheese, Room Temperature
1 cup Granulated Sugar
1 cup Sour Cream
2 teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract
3 whole Farm Fresh Eggs, Slightly Beaten

Instructions

For the crust: Crush the cookies in a food processor. Add the melted butter and mix well. Press onto the bottom and partially up the sides of a 10″ Springform pan which has been covered (on the outside) with aluminum foil. Bake at 350 degrees for 6-8 minutes.

For the filling:
Microwave the hot fudge topping until just soft enough to mix, but not hot. Mix in the peanut butter and stir until smooth; set aside. This will be for your peanut butter fudge ripple effect.

Chop up your candy in preparation

In a food processor, beat cream cheese, sugar, sour cream and vanilla until smooth. Add eggs and process an additional 5-7 seconds.

Pour half the batter over the cooked crust.

Drizzle half of your peanut butter/fudge sauce over the cheesecake batter and use a knife to gently ripple it into the batter.

Sprinkle half of the chopped candy over the top.

Pour the rest of your cheesecake batter into the pan. Repeat the ripple and candy layers with the remainder of each.

Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes, or until the center is just set.

Cool on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes; then carefully run a knife which has been dipped into boiling water around the edge of your cheesecake pan to loosen the softened candy from the sides. Do not remove the sides yet. This will make life much easier when you go to serve this later.

Cool another 30 minutes, then put in the refrigerator overnight.

My tips:

I'd always heard that cheesecakes crack all the time. To cool mine, when the cake was done (the inside will be a little jiggly), I turned the oven off and cracked the oven door to let the cake cool slowly for 30 minutes. Then I took the cake out and let it cool on the wire rack for another 30 minutes before I put it in the fridge. Say no to crack!

cupcakes + pretzels = skeletons! oh my!

I considered waiting until Halloween day to post this, but for those of you looking for something totally awesome to take to a fright night party, I wanted you to be able to take a gander.

How freaking adorable are these skeleton cupcakes from cookies and cups? Very. And check out the tutorial here; you can totally do this!

Have a scary good weekend, my buddies.

wish list wednesday

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?

* For this awesome weather to stick around. Welcome, fall!

* That Starkville Academy had a glee club when I was there. I would have been all up in it!

* A new rug for my living room. Too bad the one I want is $700.

* An Alice in Wonderland party. Look how fun this one is! (photo from where the lovely things are)

* Some cute booties. These Libby Story ones are just the ticket - you can fold them up or down!

What's your wish?

mug cake monday!

For those Weight Watchers devotees out there, I have a new recipe/trick for you!

1 Point WW "Mug Cake"

1 box Angel Food cake mix
1 box any other cake mix (I used red velvet, but I hear Devil’s Food is good, too)
3 tablespoons water

Mix together both boxes of mix. Mix 1/3 of a cup of mix with 3 tablespoons of water in a large mug. Microwave for 1 minute, and you have a little cake! 1 POINT! I put fat free Cool Whip on mine, and it was a delightful little treat!

just some things i love

I love unexpectedly finding cash money in pockets.
I love it when something you don't think will fit or look good on you totally does.
I love to clean the lint trap in the dryer.
I love feeling like my hair looks great.
I love hearing Kell laugh so hard that I don't hear anything.
I love a full tank of gas.
I love Lincoln Park After Dark.
I love it when Charlie turns around in a circle when he gets excited.
I love new clothes.
I love finding the perfect gift for someone.
I love to pretend like I'm in a music video.
I love Fridays at 5:00 p.m.
I love to eat outside.
I love my alma mater.
I love when someone thinks you're as cool as you think they are.
I love Twitter.
I love to see Harris do the Kitty Dance.
I love to sing.
I love to tell people fun things they didn't know.
I love to go eat lunch with friends.
I love Japanese culture.
I love to have fresh flowers in my house.
I love to wake up in the night and see that I have a long time left to sleep.
I love anything red velvet-flavored.

I love Dr. Seuss.

I love feeling at home in church.
I love making mix CDs and playlists for people.
I love cold weather.
I love that I've never read Twilight.
I love being Southern.
I love wrapping presents.
I love a robe in a hotel room.
I love it when my tickle box gets turned over.

...But enough about me! I hope you have a great weekend full of things you love! And if you'd love to share a few of 'em, go for it.

Because I also love blog comments.

wish list wednesday

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?

* That I’d kept count of how many times I’ve sneezed today. I’m estimating it’s around 90.

* To spice up my earring collection. I think these will do the trick! (photo from divinerose's etsy shop)

* To meet the dude baton twirler for West Virginia University. Go get ‘em, tiger! (that one’s for you, Lindsey)

* That Jenny from Little Green Notebook would come to my house and make it perfect. Look what she did for A Cup of Jo’s Joanna Goddard’s living room!

* This book. The exerpts are so charming and funny. Thanks to youaremyfave for sharing!

What’s your wish?

new blog I like!

Thanks, Harris, for sending me the Centsational Girl blog! Being a homeowner has made me even more appreciative of DIY projects and inexpensive ways to make your house look awesome.

Love this wreath by the way...

wish list wednesday

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?

* This sweet little rug. Look closely at what it says... How cute would it be in a guest room?

* That audiobooks on iTunes didn't cost so much.

* To be an expert seamstress.

* That Spanx made leggings. I really feel like it's an untapped market for them.

* My puppies to be sitting in my lap right now. I miss their wet noses and wagging tails!

What's your wish?

gimme gimme some lovin'

I'm a high-maintenance blogger. I like love. So gimme some!

My ego's needing some strokin', so leave me a comment if you're a follower, a first-time reader, or a secret stalker (no shame in that game). Come on, don't make me beg!

wish list wednesday

Happy Wednesday, and Happy Birthday to my mom! This Wish List Wednesday's for you, Marmie...

What do I wish for my mom this Wednesday?

* That you would wake up to a fridge full of 2-liter Tabs and Hershey's Kisses.

* To be able to ride a bike or walk on stilts to school.

* To arrive at school this morning to a room full of angelic children, each bearing a money tree!

* That youcould wear any shoes you want without them hurting your feet.

* That your radio would be full of Rick and Bubba, Gary Lewis & The Playboys and The Beatles all day!

What's your wish for Mrs. K?

nine twelve

I, like many bloggers, contemplated posting yesterday, on the ninth anniversary of September 11, 2001. I wrestled for days about what I would say, knowing my humble words on this little piece of the internet would never live up to what I thought in my mind. It's not enough to say it changed New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, the United States and the world forever. The day was much bigger than that.

But on September 12, 2001, we were shaken. Both towers of the World Trade Center had collapsed. A plane guided by terrorists (whose plan was foiled by patriots) crashed in Shanksville, Penn. The Pentagon was crippled. Thousands were killed. The dust had still not settled in New York City, and what would become a near decade of cleanup had barely begun. Our President was staring down the the worst attack on our country's soil. Most of us hadn't processed what happened the day before, but we new one thing: we were united against a common enemy. On September 12, 2001, politics didn't matter; red or blue, we were all Americans. In the days following the disaster, our goals were not about passing or blocking legislation or mudslinging in a campaign. On September 12, 2001, our focus was support for one another - love, patriotism, and a helping hand for your neighbor or even a stranger.

But on September 12, 2010, where are we now? I myself even tweeted yesterday the phrase "never forget," but what is it that we shouldn't forget? Exactly where we were, what we were wearing, and who we were with when we heard the news? The horrific images of the day? The shock, heartbreak and pain we felt for those affected? The heroes that emerged, many who never knew the valor of their deeds? What about the people we were nine years ago today? We were unified. The person across the street or in the next seat in class wasn't just an unknown - he was a fellow American. And we knew, without speaking, that on that day, we were on the same page.

On September 12, 2010, we still have the right to bicker and disagree - that's what makes our country great, and that's what the terrorists were, and still are, trying to destroy. But perhaps just for a moment, the next chance we have to be true patriots, let's do it. Let's truly do unto others as we would have done to us. Extend a hand. Unclench a fist. And truly remember.

wish list wednesday

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?

* This cool print for my house. The colors are great, and look – that’s my name!

* That Jackson had a totally awesome food truck. Maybe with Asian street food! Or just desserts…

* A circle scarf. But I’d of course first need a tutorial on how to operate it.

* That I could tell time. I want a cool watch.

* Another “W” for the Bulldogs tomorrow!

What’s your wish?

feels like monday, but it's tuesday!

Sooooo…

If you’re a Bulldog, you probably had a great Saturday. If you’re a Rebel, probably not so much.

Either way, your tailgate could probably use some of this:

Cereal Candy

1 cup Honeycomb cereal
1 cup Kix cereal
1 cup Cheerios cereal
1 cup Corn Chex cereal
1 cup mini marshmallows
1 cup m&m’s
1 cup peanuts
1 lb. almond bark

Stir together first 7 ingredients. Melt bark according to package instructions and pour over cereal mix. Stir well to coat. Spread onto a baking sheet covered with wax paper and place in fridge to let harden. Break into pieces and enjoy!

Just so you know, I looked for maroon m&m’s and never found them, but if your school colors are easier to locate, they would work perfectly here. Or even red and green for Christmas!

'til death do us part

Danny & Annie from StoryCorps on Vimeo.

Thanks, Joanna, for sharing this amazing video (and for letting me steal the title of this post from you). If you have a spare 5 or so minutes, watch this beautiful account of Danny and Annie's love story, from their first date through Danny's battle with terminal cancer. I can't imagine anything more wonderful than sharing a love like this. I love you, Ray Ray!

Have a lovely weekend, readers.

And Go Dawgs!

wish list wednesday

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?

* That The Help movie would give me a speaking part today. It’s my big break, people!

* This chandelier. It would have to be in the perfect home and in the perfect room, but I still think it’s awesome.

* Some of these TOMS boots. What do you think?

* Rice Krispies Treats soap! Smells like them, too!

* Nice weather on Saturday for the Bulldogs’ home football opener! Can’t wait!

What’s your wish?

your song

Coming in to work this morning, I heard “Uptown Girl” on the radio. I love Billy Joel, I love that video, and I love that the song itself was written for his then-wife Christie Brinkley. How great to be immortalized in music! And then I got to thinking (dangerous)…If I could pick an artist to write a love song about me, which one would I choose? Here are a few I considered and why…

Paul McCartney. And no, not just because he is a Beatle and pretty much the coolest man alive. There’s a reason his concerts still sell out today, upwards of 40 years after the start of Beatlemania – his music just holds up over time. And he wrote “Maybe I’m Amazed” with Wings, many years after the Beatles broke up, about his wife, Linda, whose death I’m convinced he’s still not over.

Van Morrison. My friend, Alexa, commented to me once in high school that Van Morrison wrote the best love songs. And she was so right. “Crazy Love?” “Brown-Eyed Girl?” “Moondance?” Fuhgeddaboutit.

Otis Redding. If you’ve ever seen Pretty in Pink, this selection should come as no surprise. What girl wouldn’t want someone to lip sync “Try a Little Tenderness” in a record store? Not to mention “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long.” Doesn’t it just speak to your soul?

Ray LaMontagne. Y’all know I love him, and the man can write a song. Ok, so “Meg White” is kind of creepy, considering it was written about another musician’s wife, but still. Pretty much all his music is amazing, but “You Are the Best Thing” would make any woman swoon. I know I do.

James Taylor. Again, totally timeless. One of my favorite things about James Taylor: he sounds exactly the same live as he does on his albums – the mark of a true, clean, real talent. Nothing beats “Something in the Way She Moves.”

Dave Matthews. Dave and I go through phases. There was no one I adored more in junior high and high school, then in college he started playing electric guitar and lost his luster to me. I’m coming back around, and it’s mostly due to “You and Me.”

Al Green. Who wouldn’t want to hear “Let’s Stay Together” on the radio and know The Rev wrote it about you? Come ON! Seriously, check out The Rev’s greatest hits album, and tell me you wouldn’t want any of those songs. I dare you.

So, these are just a few that popped into my head this morning; it’s certainly not an exhaustive list, and I’m sure I could come up with many, many more. Who would you add to the list?

And yaya, please don’t say George Strait.

wish list wednesday

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?

* Hackers to leave my facebook alone! I don’t have even have my OWN iPad!

* Some curtains in my bedroom. Olive is an early riser, and that must stop. Now.

* These Frye flats. That color! Are you kidding me? I DIE.

* Another beach trip. This time with sunshine, please.

* The Pioneer Woman’s cookbook. She, like Joy the Baker and that darling dear from youaremyfave, does not know she’s my friend.

What’s your wish?

i like

Have y'all seen these? I debated on whether to share them with you only because I wanted you all to think that I was just really great at styling my own hair.


The Goody Spin Pin. These things are amazing, and for someone with hair as massive as mine, that's saying something. A friend graciously agreed to take down her cute 'do to demonstrate them for me, and needless to say, I went out asap to get some myself. I tested them out this weekend, and they work exactly the way they say they do (hooray for small victories). I of course had to use both of them, but you just gather your hair at the base of your neck or wherever, twist into a bun, twist these little beauties in, and voila! I'm in love. Twist away, ladies!

Mama Jones at the XO house used to call me Cookie Monster because I adore a cookie. So does Kell - probably why we've managed to keep a marriage together for 4 years. A couple of months ago he asked me to make butter cookies. Well, I'd never had a butter cookie, but thanks to his super chef mom, I had the recipe. After a failed attempt ("those don't look like my mom's," says Kell), I think I've finally gotten them down.

Freddie's Rich Butter Cookies

1 cup butter (yep, that's 2 sticks)
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 tsp vanilla, butter and nut flavoring (this was hard to find. Kell's mom brought us some, and we finally spotted some at the Madison Wal-Mart)
2 1/2 cups plain flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cream of tartar
1/4 tsp salt

Cream butter; add sugar gradually, creaming until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, butter and nut flavoring; beat well. Sift together dry ingredients. Blend with creamed mixture. Drop by teaspoons onto ungreased (remember all that butter) cookie sheet. Bake at 375 for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned, and you have a happy Kell!