Pages

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Anna and Chett's Wedding

I am really struggling to get blogs posted in a timely manner.  Last week, I was in Charlotte for work, and this week has been packed with long hours and constant learning.  Being new in a workplace is always an adjustment.  I am so happy my new work peers are being patient and helpful as I learn the ins and outs of their industry.

In the midst of all of this chaos, it was nice to travel to Charleston for the wedding of my friends Anna and Chett.  I witnessed the happy couple say their "I do's" with some of my closest friends.  As a new Nashville resident, I have found myself struggling with the reality that I am no longer a car ride away from my East Coast buddies.  That made this trip even more meaningful.

Baby Elle even came! She's almost 13 pounds now! 
First (Scots) Presbyterian
My handsome date
Tip, La, and me
The happy couple
Such a gorgeous dress! 
ML, me and Tip
Congrats BanANNA

Congratulations Chett and Anna, we are all so happy for you!!!


Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Grand Ole Opry

Last week marked 2 years since Will and I met.  To commemorate this event and my first full week in Nashville, Will surprised me with tickets to The Opry.  Only the best of the best get invited to perform at the Opry, so I was beyond happy when I heard the night's lineup included Brad Paisley, Allison Krauss, Luke Bryan, and Charlie Daniels.  


Finishing up the night was Canaan Smith who will be touring with Sugarland this summer.  For those who have not heard his beyond amazing voice, here you go.  He's awesome! He WILL have more than 1 song on iTunes soon, I guarantee it.  Enjoy!




Sunday, March 11, 2012

I'm Back

It's been a month since my last post, and, my break from the blogging world was missed, but needed.  In 30 days, I moved out of my apartment in Raleigh and into an apartment in Nashville, and started a new job. 




 Leaving was difficult, but my work family made my last day a memorable and meaningful one, complete with gifts and bowling. 

 



I was especially touched when they presented me with the exact Pamela Hanson photo I had pointed out at dinner in Raleigh nearly a year ago.  My co-workers contacted the owner of the restaurant, and in an incredible gesture of kindness, he gifted the framed work to me. 




I finally got cable and internet this weekend and am continuing to get settled in the new place.  Each day my one bedroom rental feels more like a home and I can't wait to share all of my new adventures.  

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Tasty Tuesday

This week's Tasty Tuesday features two more appetizers from Everyone Brings Something to the Table.  Last week, I was fortunate enough to cook at Jeanie's home.  Cooking with a chef's tools, in a chef's kitchen, really makes slicing, spicing, and dicing much more manageable!

Our first recipe is Brie in Puff Pastry.


This is a party favorite because it is quick, easy, and delicious.  Allow your pastry to dethaw a bit before beginning.


Add some of your favorite jelly or jellies.  Jeanie chose a chili pepper and a raspberry jam.


Wrap the pastry, pop it in the oven for 25-30 minutes, and...


Enjoy!


The next recipe is Prosciutto-Wrapped Shrimp


Like the puff pastry, this recipe only requires a handful of ingredients.  After mixing your shrimp with olive oil, salt and pepper, wrap each shrimp in prosciutto.


2-3 minutes on each side over medium heat,


and you're done!


Once again, I put my faith in Jeanie's delicious creations.  Normally, I would not eat seafood or red meat, but in an effort to expand my horizons, I promised Jeanie I would try this recipe.  I am so glad I did.  It was delicious, and I even reached for seconds!

To get your own copy of Everyone Brings Something to the Table, or to learn more about Jeanie DeGroff, connect via:


Sunday, February 5, 2012

Friendly Weekends

I have spent the past 2 weekends with some of my favorite people.  Last weekend I was in Richmond with my best friend and our boyfriends.  A quick visit with my Mom topped the weekend off. 

 

 


This weekend, college friends made the trip to Raleigh all the way from Columbia and Charleston, for a belated surprise birthday party for Abby.  We stayed out way too late, but it was well worth it! 

 

 


 I feel more blessed than ever to have such wonderful friends.  I hope 2012 brings many more memorial weekends.





Monday, January 30, 2012

Happy Moan-day!

As you may know, my friend Tippins gave birth to beautiful baby girl almost 2 months ago.  My first gift to little Miss Eloise was a pink tutu onesie which I bought almost 6 months prior to her birth.  This morning, Tippins sent me a darling photo of Elle wearing her tutu for the first time.  I think it's her new favorite outfit.


Looks like I'm not the only who has a case of the Mondays. 

Have a great week y'all!


.....Must Have.....

We all know The Sak for their handbags, but, now they have crossed into the world of footwear.  Paying homage to their iconic collection of cross-body bags, The Sak's line of flats and wedges are crocheted.  Pre-order the shoes on their website now and have them just in time for spring.  




.....Must Hear.....



Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Tasty Tuesday

My first Tasty Tuesday entry is finally here! This was probably the fifth time in my life when I cooked something entirely by myself.  Amazingly, the fire department never had to be called! 

Despite my limited workspace and prehistoric knife set, I still was able to produce delicious results.  This is a true testament to how simple the recipes in this fabulous cookbook really are!
   

 The first appetizer I will be featuring is Artichoke Crescent Rollups.


I will admit, I was a little reluctant to cook this recipe because I'm not a big fan of artichokes or mushrooms.  However, to my delight, the combination of flavors is so delicious, I didn't even know I was eating vegetables.  Healthy and tasty, what a surprise! 


Since I was only cooking for myself, I did not halve the crescent rolls.  They weren't as delicate and dainty looking as the one's portrayed in the cookbook, but they were delicious none the less!


Jeanie's next featured appetizer is Chili Cheddar Pinwheels.


The greatest thing about this meal, in my opinion, is that you can modify it.  For example, I prefer milder flavors, so I added a minimal amount of hot sauce and left out the chili powder.  If spicy food is more to your liking, give your bottle of Texas Pete a few extra shakes. 


After allowing the crescent rolls to chill in the refrigerator for an hour, I popped the sliced pinwheels in the oven, and before long, they were ready to be served.  It is the prefect finger food for a cocktail party or small gathering of friends.


Both recipes are easy to follow and do not require a lot cook time.  The longest part of this experience was shopping for the ingredients. Before beginning my journey to culinary success, my kitchen was limited to salt, pepper, and on occasion, crackers and cheese.  Most of the ingredients are very common and can be found in any pantry.


To get your own copy of Everyone Brings Something to the Table, or to learn more about Jeanie DeGroff, connect via: