Pretty Spring Flowers

The one luxury about living in an apartment compared to a house?

Not having a yard to mow. Whoo hoo!

In college I rented several houses with my girlfriends and in each house we were responsible for the upkeep of the yards.
Two Words: Awful Experience
First, we didn’t want to buy a lawnmower. Those suckers are expensive and really, how long would I need it?
Second, when was I going to have the time to mow the yard? I had school, work and “socializing” to do! :)
Therefore, we would hired someone to swing by every one to two weeks and trim it up. This was just ridiculously expensive!

Upon the move to Charlotte I realized the several luxuries of the apartment life and one included a maintenance free living.

The only downside… nowhere to plant pretty flowers that we used to be plant in our yards.

Over the past couple weeks, I think the words “Oh, look how pretty the flowers at that house are; Oh I miss flowers in the yard; I love flowers in Spring” came out of my mouth maybe one too many times so “Charleston” surprised me last week with some colorful potted plants for the deck!

We took a Sunday afternoon trip to Lowes and purchased some planter pots and soil and now the deck looks Fab-U-lous!

It makes our apartment look a little more like home and gives us a little sense of nature to take place of a yard full of flowers!

After they all start to fully bloom I will have to post more pics!

Roomie "Asian" Leann did the big pot in the middle!
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"Charleston" modeling in front of his creation.
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Lowe's had some really pretty pots for really good prices!

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HAPPY HUMP DAY FRIENDS!

Mini FUN Vacation

“Charleston” and I have made a final decision on our "mini" summer vacation spot!

We could easily plan a regular beach trip but we have decided to step it up a notch….

We are headed to Sandusky, OHIO! Whoop Whoop!

We are off to CEDAR POINT!!!!!

We both wanted to do something fun but still watch our budget … Cedar Point will help us accomplish both of those!

I LOVE roller coasters. LOVE.

“Charleston” LOVES roller coasters too.

We both have been to Busch Gardens and Carowinds; therefore we decided to visit the Roller Coaster Capital of the World!

We are going to drive up to Sandusky, OH on a Thursday, “play” at Cedar Point on Friday and Saturday and come back on a Sunday.
To the average person it may seem like a lot of driving in four days BUT that’s part of the “vacation” fun about it. I just love being with “Charleston” no matter where we are or what we are doing. To me, riding in the car together for 8 hours is just as fun as anything else; as long as I am around him I could care less what we are doing!!!

I am looking forward to our little road trip and can’t wait until August!!!
Time to book our hotel… :)

....For Generations and Generations!

“That’s the way they have been doing it in Kernersville for generations and generations.”

That’s what I hear every time I go to the stove to make “Charleston” some popcorn.

Why does he say this??

Because I make popcorn on the stove… in a pot… with a lid. I am NOT a fan of the bag popcorn in the microwave that leaves your teeth covered with a film of fake butter…. AND… this is the way my grandmother made popcorn, my mother made popcorn and now Blair and I make popcorn. It’s how they have done it in Kernersville for generations and generations!

Popping your own popcorn is also cheaper and healthier. A bag of Harris Teeter kernels only cost $.89 and lasts for a long time! You also don’t have any of the additives (fake butter, salt etc.) like you do in the microwave popcorn. Stove top popcorn only takes a little bit of oil!.

Here is a little instructional videoI found on YouTube if you need a little assistance in learning how to pop your own stove-top popcorn!


When my popcorn is done, I like to add several dashes of Lawrys Seasoned Salt and Kraft Grated Parmesan Cheese! YUM!

I Promise, I Do Own A Camera

I have a camera. I promise I do. By checking out my blog you would think I had no clue how to take pictures. The fact is, I LOVE to take pictures... I just HATE to go through the process of taking them off my camera, saving them on my computer, cropping them etc etc etc. I know that is no excuse and with all the technology, it's really two simple clicks....but, that's my excuse and I am sticking to it.

Anyway....since I never post pictures of what is going on in life, I vow to you this second to get better. I know you could care less if I make this commitment, but if I put it out in public, it gives me more of an incentive to stick with it; just like buying your jeans one size to small!

To begin my new resolution, I give you a LITTLE spring-time re-cap of some fun things that have been going on....

Last Saturday before Easter we gave Blair and Sarah a joint baby shower...
Have I mentioned I have the bestest friends ever? No? OK, well let me tell you that I have the bestest friends ever. These girls are my heart. It has been the 8 of us since day one. (And by day one I mean either first-day-of pre-school-day-one or first-day-of-kindergarten-day-one). Here are all of us Saturday during the baby shower at Lauren's house where we spent many hours in high school surrounding her island in the kitchen chatting it up!

Front Row (L to R): Sarah (pregnant with Dalton and Carter), Sister Blair (pregnant with Olivia Claire), Lauren

Back Row (L to R): Sharon, ME, Ryan, Katie, Leslie

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Sister and Sarah are pregnant with a little love triangle of Carter, Dalton and Olivia!

Are they not the cuttest pregnant girls? Those kids are so blessed to have the best mothers in the world!

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Lauren flew down from D.C. one weekend for Erin's Birthday!

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"Charleston" and I had a little to much fun in the Mac Photobooth one night at his house in Greensboro. These are the "good" ones. I couldn't force myself to post the others we did to the public; they were scary funny! Check those out on facebook if the curiousity is seriously killing you!

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A Sunday lunch at 4th Street Filling Station with the girls.

(L to R): Sarah, Leslie, ME, Sister Blair, Ryan

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A night out for Lauren Baker's birthday. My friends were stealing hugs from my boyfriend! UNACCEPTABLE LADIES! ;) He Is Totally Taken And Off The Boyfriend Market!

(L to R): Lauren B., "Charleston", Jenna, ME

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How Much Would You Spend On Beauty?

Don’t get me wrong, if you look in my bathroom cabinet you will see an array of hair, makeup, and beauty products. I love to switch things up and try new brands and colors. Out of all my friends, I probably dedicate the most money to my hair and products but, spending $47,000 in one year on your hair, to me, is almost impossible and unfathomable.

Not for spoiled 28-year-old New Yorker Brandi Irwin. In a single year, she forks over $10,000 for hair extensions, which she gets done three times a year. Add to that her color sessions every six weeks at roughly $300 a pop, twice a week blow-outs at $65 each, and there you go…. $47,000 on a single head of hair.

The funny part is she’s actually a naturally cute girl with a good head of normal hair! Irwin says her hair is her biggest expense and she has worked hard for what she has. I beg to differ; her mommy and daddy have worked hard for her hair seeing as how they are the ones paying for it with some “good investments” when Brandi was a child. I also think the Indian women that donated the hair worked hard for it; not Brandi. The extensions are made from “virgin” or unprocessed hair that the Indian women donate as part of a traditional Hindu practice where they sacrifice their beauty.

So let’s be serious….does Brandi need the $47,000 a year to uphold her New York reputation and glamorous look or does she look just as gorgeous with it all natural?….you be the judge….

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The Article on Brandi Irwin’s hair is located here: Woman Spends $47,000 Per Year on Her Hair

**Maybe if she got rid of the hideous tattoos on her forearm and knuckles she might look a little "classier" and prettier; I guess the hair extensions go along with her other stupid choices made in life.**

"I put my hand up on your hip, when I DIP you DIP we DIP"

On Saturday, Leslie Lauren and I threw Blair and Sarah a baby shower for all of our high school girls, Blair and Sarah’s “Kernersville” friends, and then the grandmothers and great grandmothers! (It’s so scary to think my mom is going to be a grandmother! She just isn’t old enough!!!)

We had tons of food, tons of friends, and tons of cutie-pa-tootie baby clothes and toys!

I was in charge of the dips/salsas and chips. I wanted to try and stay away from the all-too-common tomato based salsas and the all-too-common cheese or sour cream based dips. I wanted something light and fresh to reflect the fabulous weather!!!

Therefore, I made Fresh Corn and Avocado Salsa and South Georgia “Caviar”. I don’t want to toot my own horn but…both were out-of-this-world delicious and VERY easy.

The Fresh Corn and Avocado could easily be used as a garnish to any piece of cooked fish or as a “filling” on a turkey wrap!!! I honestly could make a bowl of it and eat it with a fork as a summer-time salad!

The South Georgia “Caviar” is probably the easiest to make for any cookout partly because it actually recommends you making it the day before and refrigerating it overnight! My mom and grandmother make it all the time for any occasion and it’s always a hit!

*** I doubled the recipe of the Corn and Avocado so that I would have about the same amount of both dips.***

Fresh Corn and Avocado Salsa

Ingredients
4 ears Sweet Corn
½ whole Red Onion, Diced
2 whole Very Firm Avocados, Diced
½ whole Jalapeno, Seeded And Finely Diced
½ whole Hot Chili Pepper, Seeded And Finely Diced
1 whole Juice Of Lime
Plenty Of Chopped Cilantro
Salt To Taste
1 Tablespoon Vinegar
1 teaspoon Sugar (optional)

Directions

Slice kernels off the corn, and combine it with all remaining ingredients in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate before serving

South Georgia "Caviar"

Ingredients
2 (15-ounce) cans black-eyed peas, drained
1 (15-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chile's (recommended: Ro-Tel)
2 cups chopped red bell pepper
1/2 cup chopped fresh jalapeno peppers
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 (8-ounce) bottle Italian dressing
1 (4-ounce) jar chopped pimentos, drained

Directions
In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients and stir gently to combine. Refrigerate mixture overnight. Serve with corn chips.

BEEP...BEEP....BEEP....BEEP

I am a morning person.
Just not at 4:10am when my alarm goes off.
Three years ago I trashed my alarm clock because it gave off too much light with the numbers glowing AND the loud BEEP, BEEP, BEEP was about to make me check myself into a psyc ward. Could we have come up with something more annoying to startle me from running down a beach with Matthew McConaughey in Hawaii on my honeymoon?!
Therefore, I switched to my trusty little blackberry to sing me a sweet tune in the morn.
BUT, how awesome would it be to have one of these alarm clocks!!!! (some maybe more than others :) )

Clocky
Clocky seems adorable and helpful. At $49.95, Clocky promises to help break your snooze alarm habit by wheeling away from your snooze button hand while singing a chorus of good-morning beeps. But the charm wears of quickly — unsurprising when you consider that Clocky is, after all, an alarm clock; the most evil piece of industrial design ever.
Unlike other mass-produced tools of the modern era, the alarm clock combines form and function to make you miserable — i.e., make you get out of bed. Sometimes the alarm clock isn’t even good at that — though it’s not for lack of effort on the part of intrepid designers. Flying Alarm Clock
Like Clocky, the Flying Alarm Clock ($24.95) seems made for those adults not yet used to the fact that they no longer live at home, where Mom will make absolutely sure you’re going to haul your lazy butt out of bed so you’re not late for school and/or gainful employment.
This annoying piece of ingenuity emits a piercing alarm at the appointed time as it takes to the skies, dropping the silencing pin into a pile of your dirty laundry. Replacing the key will quell the shrieks, but first you’ve got to get out of bed to find it. (Removing the batteries or smashing the thing against the wall may work just as well.)

Carpet Alarm Clock
The Carpet Alarm Clock seems effective in theory — in that you’ve got to get out of bed to make it shut up. No doubt however, there are variables that need to be resolved before this prototype hits the market — at least for those who share their sleeping areas with smaller mammals.What if Kitty finds the Carpet Alarm the perfect surface on which to “make biscuits,” or Mr. Dog chooses it as a sleeping spot late one night after you’ve already set the thing? What if House Bunny needs a handy mat upon which to hone his choppers?

The Silent Alarm
Winner of the 2008 International Design Excellence Awards, this conceptual device offers an elegant way to wake up in silence. The Silent Alarm prototype would allow you to start your day without a jarring buzz that also may disturb others who don’t have to wake up until later.Here’s how it’s described on designer Johan Brengesjo’s Web site: “Each person wears a wireless rubber ring with an integrated vibration device that generates a tactile alarm.”The Silent Alarm even has a snooze function that requires you to shake your hand more vigorously each time you want it to shut off. It seems the perfect device for those who actually intend to get out of bed. The rest of us: Not so much.

Glo Pillow Alarm
Not everybody wants a pillow that multitasks. But if you don’t spend the course of the evening twisting, scrunching, and flipping your pillow to find the cool side, Glo Pillow Alarm may be for you.

Created by designer Eoin McNally, the Glo Pillow Alarm uses light (not sound) to wake a sleeper. “40 minutes before the pre-set alarm time the pillow begins to glow and gently brings the user out of sleep,” McNally says on his site. “This natural waking process helps to set the circadian rhythm or ‘body clock’ and results in more healthy sleep/wake patterns.”Combining with a sleep mask is probably not advisable.

Wake n’ Bacon (this is for my mom!!!)
There are entire cultures that discourage the eating of bacon, what with it being notoriously unclean. And frankly, leaving a piece of bacon next to a bed sounds more like a prank than an innovative alarm design. But designers Matty Sallin, Daniel Bartolini and Hsiao-huh Hsu may be on to something.Here’s how Wake n’ Bacon works: The frozen strip of bacon placed inside the Wake n’ Bacon starts cooking 10 minutes before the alarm goes off. Once it does, you’re welcomed into wakefulness by the smell of bacon fried by halogen lamp that you may, in theory, eat.

Bedol Water Alarm Clock
At first glance, Bedol Water Alarm Clock ($29) seems like that pretentious green thing one might causally brag about to one’s eco-poseur friends: “Yes, not only am I a Super Recycler, my alarm clock runs on the power of my good intentions!”Really, the Bedol Water Alarm Clock (it comes in regular clock form, too), runs on tap water. “No lemon or additives necessary,” the Bedol Web site quips. You may need to change the water every 12 to 16 weeks — it depends on the content of your water system, the site states. What’s more, a microchip retains the time if and when you do refill.And, the droplet-shaped time keeper will look awesome next to your homegrown mung beans!

BirdBox Alarm Clock
The free iPhone App , when paired with the $12 “BirdBox” by Luckybite, offers a sweet, gentle way to wake up — but only if you want a sweet adorable way to wake up. Just set up the App and place it in the BirdBox by your bed before you go to sleep. At the appointed time, chirping baby birds will appear in the circular BirdBox window to sing you awake like you’re Snow White or some crap.

Please note, the BirdBox Alarm Clock is not best for grumpy or difficult wakers. If you fall into this category, using the BirdBox Alarm Clock may result in a growing hatred of baby birds — or worse, your iPhone .

So You Think You Can Dance....and not the reality show!

Spontaneous Dance parties…they are contagious.
They make me smile.
They prove that our everyday stuffy world can break loose and simply enjoy themselves and have a good time no matter who is around.

Check out some spontaneous dance parties that have happened all over the world.

Philadelphia
Organized two months in advance, this video is super-cool because the organizer explains a little bit about her motivation. Approximately 40 dancers busted moves on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art (of Rocky fame).
(She organized this party by coming up with a musical routine, posting the dance instructions on the Internet for perfect stragners to see and telling whoever saw this video to learn the dance and meet at the Museum of Art at a particular time and date! genius!)


Seattle
Whether you support Obama or not, the excitement on the evening of his election is undeniable. Along Broadway in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle, this dance party erupted as people screamed the lyrics of “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey.


Liverpool Street Station
Filmed last year for a British T-Mobile commercial

Quincy, Washington
At the 2009 Sasquatch Music Festival, one man with a mission created a huge dance party during Santogold’s set.




Ok so who is down?!!!! Spontaneous dance party in Charlotte?!!!!

Nice To Know Someone Is Watching Out For Me

After six years I finally gave in.

This morning I purchased a new computer.

I am parting with my baby that was the first real significant gift to myself in college.

My first Dell child hung in there through thick and thin and really served her purpose during my undergrad education......

....but I had to replace her this morning with a totally new little machine that will meet my needs now!

I am excited and I can’t wait to see the Apple Box arrive at my door!

But, what I was more excited about is the phone call that I just received.

I put my new computer on my credit card and then just purchased Microsoft 2008 Office Mac from my company website and placed that on my credit card as well.

One minute after clicking ‘place my order’ my phone rang. It was a 919 area code from Raleigh.

It was my bank!

They were calling to clarify the charges that had been placed on my card in the last couple hours because this was "unusual" activity for this card.

Thank you North Carolina State Employees Credit Union! Thank you for watching after me and my money! Its highly appreciated and yes, those charges were mine! Thanks for checking!

William E. Poole Designs

I grew up wanting to be an architect.

I had my dream house in my head and I sketched it ALL the time on any blank piece of paper that drifted in front of me.

If I was smart enough, creative enough, and dedicated to 1 million hours worth of work in college I would have tried my darndest to get a degree in architecture….but that didn’t happen.

So now I can just admire the work of others….and I do…everyday.

I actually think I might have a small addiction to house floor plans, they are like wine on a Friday night.

In mine and Blair’s bathroom as a kid, mom had a basket in the floor that had magazines. She ALWAYS had the monthly Southern Living. While I was taking care of business (and this isn’t gross because #1. I was only like 6 years old and #2. Everyone poops!) I would pick up the Southern Living and turn immediately to the sample house floor plan they would feature in every issue.

If I liked what I saw, I would tear out the plan, fold it, and put it in my piggy bank for safe keeping! I think that is where my obsession began.

Well lately I have been drooling over William E Poole’s Designs. Mr. Poole is a man of my own design heart! I love his style and consistent use of front porches! Although he does like to add a formal living room and dining room in most of his designs but...minor changes can always be made to most any plan. I simply would rather have a larger family room then have a separate family room and a formal living room. I mean who honestly uses formal living rooms these days?…just my opinion!

Here are some of my favorites!!!

My #1 Pick of All Time – Design 1: (The master bedroom, bath, and closet won my heart!) Melrose Plantation

***the rest are in no particular order

Design 2: Evangeline Parish

Design 3: Evergreen

Design 4: Belle Grove

Design 5: St. Francisville

And I could go on and on.
Maybe one day I can end up in one of his creations…...
......can’t a girl dream?!

O.A.R and A Tomato...They Make My Day

So excited for the good news! O.A.R is returning to Charlotte to the Uptown Amphitheatre at the N.C. Music Factory on Friday, Aug. 13th! Yeah!

You either love them or hate them….but I am one that LOVES them. I will never get tired of them; NEVER. Some people hate the way they have tried to jump around with the types of music they produce but…I find it intriguing that they have the talent to produce a different sound and still succeeded with top hits. Raw genius!
Tickets go on sale Friday, April 16th.
Buy yours and come with me!

Oh yeah…and check-out what I am having for dinner tonight! I got some really good tomatoes at the grocery this week so I am making a Grilled Tomato Sandwich with Blue Cheese Spread!!! YUM – I LOVE TOMATOS!

***these are very loose directions with no real measurements. These are my measurementsfrom teh last time I made these sandwichs so feel free to use more or less as needed!

¼ cup blue cheese
About 1 tablespoon cream cheese
1 teaspoon chopped fresh chives
½ to 1 teaspoon milk
2 slices good-quality, crusty bread
2 to 3 slices ripe, red tomato
1/2 to 1 tablespoon butter

MASH blue cheese, cream cheese and chives with just enough milk to make it spreadable. Smear a thin layer on each slice of bread. Top with tomato slices, salt and pepper and put bread together to make a sandwich.

HEAT skillet and add butter. Swirl around pan until melted and pan is coated. Place sandwich in skillet and cook a couple of minutes, until toasted on one side. Press down sandwich gently with a spatula and turn. Cook until golden and gooey.

CUT on diagonal and serve hot. (If you're making more than one, assemble them on a baking sheet, brush with melted butter and broil on both sides.).

M + M = Lets Talk About It......

Money and Marriage.....you have to have the talk.

It’s weird that this article was posted on my Internet Explorer homepage this morning because we were just discussing this topic last night.

In many relationships the word can be very scary.

We were discussing the role money plays in our lives and relationships. When you take two people that were raised two totally different ways and each work the same amount of hours and make two totally different salaries…it can either make or break a relationship.

Like this article says, “Money is the number one reason for fights in a marriage.” The article goes on to state that few couples actually take the time to talk about money before the fights begin.

This blows my mind! How in the world do people join their lives together and never discuss how they handle their own finances and what they expect to do in the future with the money they bring in? How do they not see each other’s spending habits?

I am nowhere near walking down the aisle, but you better bet that before I say "I do", I will have a pretty good idea about the ambitions of my fiancé and where he sees his salary being paid off in the future. Is he really serious about working 20 more years, retiring, and buying a massive house on Figure Eight Island? Or, is this just a small fantasy he dreams about but isn’t heartbroken if it doesn’t come true? Is he a gambler with his money and does he enjoy playing around in the stock markets? My opinion…unless we have the extra money to throw around and unless he knows EXACTLY what he is doing in the markets…lets choose a safer option to invest our funds in.

I know for me, I would like to start putting money aside for my kid’s college as soon as I have children. That way, we have twelve years to set little amounts aside that we will not even miss each year and, before we know it, our kids are going to school for “free.” We didn’t have to bust our butts every year to come up with this expense. Then, with the decision of my husband, if our kids are smart or athletic and don’t need college funding, we spend this money on us for an anniversary trip or a new car! I don’t know; at least have some sort of plan!

When it comes to money in a relationship and a marriage two words stick out for me: compromise and selflessness. Money is not there to get you FURTHER in life, it’s there to SUSTAIN us in life. I hope and pray that all my friends and their spouses have had this discussion because I am sure it is one of the hardest things to “merge” in a marriage.

Check out the article here: 10 Tips To Avoid Credit Card Debt Disaster in Marriage

Sister Saturday

Saturday night I cried.

I honestly did.

Even though I was in a city full of people and I had friends that wanted me to hang out, I still cried because she had left and I didn’t want her to go. All of a sudden the city felt strange and lonely, almost like a “temporary” home. I didn’t want her to leave me. I felt like a kid being left during their first time at summer camp. It wasn’t a full out sob session, just the casual tears that fall when you really miss someone.

Sister came to visit on Saturday. Sam (my brother-in-law) had gone on a camping trip for the weekend. I had nothing going on so Blair drove down to Charlotte for the day to play and shop attack at Southpark Mall; you know, just be sisters. We have not had a “just-the-two-of-us” time since the weekend last summer she came to visit, before she found out she was pregnant, and we enjoyed bottle after bottle of wine on the porch at Rock Bottom.

I miss her.

I miss her more than anything.

I talk to her at least once a day whether it is a phone call or BBM message but it’s not the same not having her HERE; not having her AROUND all the time.

We did some serious shopping damage at Southpark as Sister gave me her honest opinion on clothes that I normally would and would not buy. We bought us some new braziers as Sister was proud to announce that her boobs are now bigger than mine due to her being almost 30 weeks pregnant. (No worries though…Olivia Claire will suck the life right back out of those by the end of the summer and I will be right back on top! :) )

We had lunch on the patio of Crisp, ran some errands before the mall and later enjoyed a casual dinner at McAlister’s. It could not have been a better day and I think it was just the right dose of medicine I needed from home.

When she pulled away from my apartment I have never felt so lonely. There went what technically is my “other half.” I miss her more then she knows and more then I can even express.

I hope one day I can have twin girls so that they can share the same things Blair and I share. If not, at least two little girls that will be there for each other every day. I am so excited that Blair is having a little girl and I think this is what makes it harder and harder to realize how fast life is moving. I never thought I could see the day when Blair or I started having kids but the day has come- its crazy! I am so excited to be an Aunt and I am so happy for sister. I can’t wait to share in this exciting new adventure with her and even more excited to share more Saturday’s shopping around, just us girls….Me, Sister and my new niece Olivia!

Thank you Blair for the most amazing day and being who you are.

I miss you like a kid left at summer camp.

She will hate me for posting this but here is Sister on Saturday after we returned from the mall. We were going to send a picture of me to "Charleston" but decided to try and trick him and send one of Blair to see if he noticed. He's too smart...he knew this was not his girlfriend! Good boy :)

Blaine's Bar

“Charleston” is planning for a bachelor weekend with his guy friends this coming weekend. They are headed to the sunny Savannah, GA to be “beer drinking-stomach belching-butt poofing” MEN. So last night he was looking up restaurants that would take dinner reservations for these 14 studs as well as fun bars they could hit up afterwards.

Well… I get to work this morning, open my email, and find a message from “Charleston” with the following link: http://www.blainesbar.com/

I get excited. I think there is a bar named after me in Savannah! I got extra excited because I am headed to Savannah in a couple months for Jackie’s bachelorette and I was thinking “I JUST HAVE TO GO THERE!”

So I clicked on the link and saw the homepage. I simply glanced over the homepage, didn’t think twice about it, read the first couple lines and moved on with my merry day thinking…"I will definitely have to stop by when I go to Savannah.” (You see, I get excited when things have my name because it NEVER happens. As a kid I always wanted the key chains, cups and picture frames with the preprinted names on them but they never preprinted ‘Blain’, and if they did, it was spelled ‘Blaine’ and it was always in written in blue for a boy.)

This afternoon I was going through my email and I was about to delete “Charleston’s” message when I clicked on the link again to find the location of Blaine’s Bar. That’s when it hit me. This place is a gay bar.

The description ‘Back Door’ bar, the colorful rainbow in the corner, the flexed male arm in the header, and even the word ‘gay’ on the homepage all passed me by the first time I checked this out. But now it stood out LOUD AND CLEAR. I’m dumb. And slightly disappointed.

Oh well, so Blaine’s is a gay bar; probably not some place I would want to hang out during Jackie’s bachelorette weekend. But hey…at least Blaine’s is Savannah’s ONLY no cover gay place to party! Ha ha YES!


Maybe I should just travel to Blaine’s Pub in San Angelo, TX!

Meet "Charleston"

Obviously you have heard me speak of this individual named “Charleston” several times. Well I think its long overdue to give “Charleston” a formal introduction on The Sweetest Thing.

“Charleston’s” real name is Matthew and he is the most amazing person I have ever met. He adopted the name “Charleston” the afternoon I met him on September 19, 2009 at the NC State/Gardner-Webb football game at Carter Finley. Because he was a graduate of UNC and attending an NC State football game with a high school buddy, he refused to wear an actual NC State T-shirt, therefore, he opted for a grey and red College of Charleston T. While tailgating that afternoon, for-the-life-of-me I couldn't remember his name, so… I began calling him Charleston because it was written across his chest. The rest was history.

There are not enough kind words in a dictionary to describe Matt. He has such a caring and compassionate personality that it is infectious. Matthew is genuine. He is committed. Matthew is real, honest and willing.

Often times people say they love another for the way they make them feel or what the other does for them. I beyond doubt love Matt for Matt, not for what he does for me. In every definition he is who he is and it makes me appreciate him SO much. How he makes me feel and what he does for me is simply an amazing added bonus.

Matt is the middle child of a very loving family; sandwiched between two sisters. He grew up in the Myers Park area of Charlotte and graduated in 2002 from Myers Park High School. He attended UNC and graduated with a degree in Business Administration. Matthew lives in Greensboro, NC and works for Kotis Properties as an Assistant Property Manager. Matt loves to hunt and fish. (Even though he will say he USED to hunt and fish until he met this “shorty” in Charlotte that has began to occupy his weekends ;) Hey..I am not pulling any arms here :))

He is a die hard UNC fan and could probably live off of chicken fingers if he had the choice. He prefers the beach over the mountains and would be the happiest man if he had his dream job of chartering 50’ Hatteras boats off the North Carolina coast. He has a passion for traveling and biting his finger nails. He is an excellent cook and loves to take his frustration out on a treadmill. His favorite color is blue to match his gorgeous eyes and if you were to see him out, do not be surprised if he has on a button-up, Seven jeans and New Balance tennis shoes; it’s how he is comfortable. He can sleep for an impressive twelve hours on any given night but can stay up ‘till the wee hours of the morning with the best of them. He takes his coffee black and his food extra spicy. He can be sarcastic when needed but also charming, witty and stunningly handsome at the same time (I’m not bias at all :))

Matt is admirable; he has a type of patience that is beyond belief. He has the ability to make you smile, giggle, cry and laugh-out-loud all in the same sentence…maybe even a loud snort at the end! He is outspoken but reflective. He is the kind of person that will stand his ground in his beliefs but also willing to admit his faults without a battle. His friends respect him as well as everyone that comes in contact with him.

I have never met anyone like Matt. When out of the clear blue, he puts his arm around me, kisses me on the forehead, and pulls me in tight for a hug on Aisle 9 of the Harris Teeter on a busy Sunday afternoon, I know instantly it was meant for me to have met “Charleston.”

I want to do whatever it takes to support him and his dreams . I want to make him happy and I want to make him proud for one reason….because he deserves it.

Meet “Charleston”

A.K.A: Matt

I love him...I really do...isn't he just the cutest.... :)

Acoustic Syndicate

Tonight “Charleston” and I are headed to Visulite Theater here in Charlotte to see Acoustic Syndicate.

I AM E-X-C-I-T-E-D ! ! ! !

I heard them for the first time my freshman year of college in 2002 and have been a fan ever since.

Their CD’s are the roll-your-car-windows-down-in-the-spring-time-and-sing-to-the-top-of-you-lungs kinds of CDs.

You will fall in love with every song and every note.

If you are not familiar with them or their music, check them out here: Acoustic Syndicate

Some of my favorite songs that you are going to have to listen to on either Grooveshark, Pandora or any other free music websites are:

Try As I May

Rainbow Rollercoaster

Believe

Long Way Round

Red Birds

Carry The World

Been There Again

Better For This

A Sailor Suit

Yeah for Acoustic and other small bands from the mountains of North Carolina!!!!

A little REMINDER....

"If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans."

Happy Thursday Friends!

Kids Rock Part 2

Last year I blogged about one of the most amazing group of kids; PS22.

The PS22 Chorus is an elementary school chorus from Public School 22 in Graniteville, Staten Island (New York). It is comprised of 60-70 fifth-graders, and is directed by Gregg Breinberg. Gregg is such in inspiration of a teacher. He has these kids interested, addicted and passionate about music. His work building this chorus to what it is today is absolutely amazing!

Well...these kids are at it again. Recently they preformed with Celtic Woman at Radio City Music Hall. AMAZING!

Check out my last year's post here: Kids Rock Part 1
(Honestly, their video showing them singing Viva La Vida by Coldplay on this past post has to be my MOST favorite song they have ever done! It brightens any day just listening to them and seeing their passion through their music puts a pep in my step.

New Works:

I LOVE THIS SONG!!!!




This has to be so cool to be able to sing about the city you are growing up in!

My Room Overhaul

My room needed an overhaul.

When Anna, Leann and I moved into our new apartment I didn’t add anything “new” except for my desk. Things FELT new because they were in a new room but it was the same stuff and I couldn’t bare it any longer.

My room did not have a “theme” or a color scheme. It was stuff that I loved but none of it needed to be together.

I wanted something “girlie-romantic.” The only things I wanted to keep were my light mustard yellow sheets and the large canvas painting I bought from IKEA that is over my bed. Everything else was fair game to trash.

Therefore, as “Charleston” would say, “I seriously shop-attacked.”

I went straight to West Elm and found a lilac duvet cover; lilac was going to be my dominant color.

I then started on the far end of South Boulevard near I-485 and worked my way 10 miles back towards uptown hitting every “home store” from The Dollar Store to Pier One.

I purchased my room in a matter of 4 hours from Bed Bath and Beyond, Target, World Market, Big Lots, Anne’s Linens, The Dollar Store, Home Depot, Lowes, Pier One and West Elm. I price shopped and ran back and forth between the good deals. I had a vision of what I wanted.

I purchased:
- A duvet cover – West Elm
- Two Euro pillow shams – West Elm

(this is not my room....but it is my duvet and pillow shams!)

- TV stand and tea light candle holders– Target

- Purple accent pillow – West Elm

- White Dust ruffle – Bed Bath and Beyond

- Yellow Accent Pillow – Pier One

- Two Vase Candle Holders – Big Lots

- Various shades of purple candles – Dollar Store

- Flower arrangement and a candle holder – Bed Bath and Beyond

- Wallpaper (sample pieces to frame above my dresser) - Lowes

All of that combined with my sheets, the IKEA canvas painting and new hardware for my dresser drawers from Restoration Hardware and….

(My sheets)

(Painting from Ikea)

(drawer pull)

(drawer knob)

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the way it all turned out!
Mom and Dad came on Saturday and installed a ceiling fan for me that is gorgeous and tied the entire room together!

I have moved apartments/houses 6 times since leaving Kernersville for college and out of all the bedrooms I have had, this one is my absolute favorite. Blain’s retreat!

Ill post final project pics this week!

"Oh, my baby girl has finally come home." - Sweet Home Alabama

She’s coming home tomorrow.

I know she misses me dearly and her hometown of Charlotte.

She has been with my dad all week and I have been on edge to see her again.

Last Sunday night, on my way back from Greensboro to Charlotte, an I-85 pothole gobbled my baby and left her crippled….totally gimp on her driver front side.

Yes, that’s right…

I was down-and-out last Sunday on the side of I-85 right before Exit 111 at High Point University….at 9:00pm.

NOT COOL.

I hit a pothole. My front driver side tire blew and I flew off the road into the center median.

I Called “Charleston”. He came. Helped me change my tire. (Thank goodness I wasn’t that far out of Greensboro/Kernersville!)

I Called the 5-O. They came with flashing blue lights and parked behind me so the massive 18-wheelers and other lunatics would slow down while we were taking care of business.

I Called Dad. He met me on the side of I-85 to switch cars so I wouldn’t have to ride back to Charlotte on the puney doughnut some call a tire.

So….

Dad took my crippled car and headed back to Kernersville and I took my dad’s older ’92 Honda Accord (his drive-the-crap-out-of-so-we-don’t-put-miles-or-dirt-on-his-new-Tacoma truck)and continued my journey back to Charlotte.

Dad kept her in Kernersville all week. She got a brand new set of front tires and hopefully a little car spa treatment ;)

Mom and Dad are coming tomorrow to visit for the day and to bring my baby back to me. I can’t wait. I miss her. I have been pimpin’ the Old Honda Accord around the city all week and I am just not sure she is made for city life. The people here do not have the patience for her. When backing out of a parking space, you put the car in reverse, back out, stop, put it in drive and wait for it…wait for it…wait for it…..now go. You have to wait 5 minutes for the car to switch into gear (ok I exaggerate just a little) but still….. People in these parts of town don’t have that kind of patience they do in Kernersville.

I have had more horns blown at me this week than ever for holding up the Harris Teeter parking lot waiting for my ride to switch into gear; pulling out onto South Blvd, peddle to the metal and still not getting fast enough before someone is on my ass.

This car is ready to be back in the slower life in Kernersville and I want my baby back.

I am like a kid on Christmas in anticipation to get behind her wheel again and give her some love.

Here are some pictures of my car’ identical twin sister who is waiting to be adopted:
Anyone interested?!!!

Doesn't she have the cuttest butt! :)

More & Better

Lauren pointed it out to me that Pastor Steven had a very good post today on his blog. There is SO much truth packed into these few words that it is simply awesome. Today's post by Pastor Steven is one that we all can and should visit often in our experiences and in our lives.


More & Better
by: Steven Furtick

Ephesians 3:20 is one of my all time favorite verses:
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…

That’s a hot one right there. An astonishing promise. God can do so much more than what you’re expecting. His performance isn’t limited to the confines of your imagination. The implications of this statement are hard to believe…but simple to understand. It’s a straightforward fact:
The wildest dreams you can conceive don’t even compare to the endless power of God.

I must have quoted that verse hundreds of times. And every time I do, I kind of interpret it this way:
God wants to give me more of whatever I’m asking for.
If I ask for a certain level of provision, He can exceed what I need and give me even more provision.
If I ask for favor with a certain person, He can give me even more favor than I asked for with that person.

But I’ve learned that sometimes God doesn’t bless you with more of the thing you asked for.

Instead, He blesses you with something completely different. He rewards you with a different kind of currency. He switches the category altogether. Sometimes the way God exceeds our expectations isn’t by giving us more of what we think we need…He gives us something that He knows we need even more. Instead of repairing the thing that’s broken, He gives you brand new equipment.

In other words, sometimes the immeasurably more takes on a completely different form.

Instead of giving you the promotion at work, He gives you more opportunity to spend time with your family.
Instead of sending you a boyfriend, He sends you more opportunity to serve Him in your season of singleness.

Sometimes God gives you more of the same.
Sometimes He gives you something even better than that.

Be confident that whatever He gives you is the best option available.


Thanks Pastor Steven for these words!!!

Fish and Mushrooms...I Promise, Better Than It Sounds!

“Charleston” and his roommate Tyler cooked dinner Friday night for me and Lacey. Two words: “out-of-this-world amazing”! “Charleston” knows that one of my all-time favorite foods is the fish taco at Rock Bottom.

Therefore, he snooped around in his “manly” archive of Tyler Florence recipes and found Tyler’s Crispy Fish Tacos.

They were mouth-watering-I-could-have-eaten-ten fabulous. The Pink Chili Mayo made this dish and would be an excellent dipping sauce for any fish recipe! I love fish and am always looking for other ways to fix it. “Charleston” hit the nail on the head with this one. It might have to become a date-night staple.

For an appetizer I made Pioneer Woman’s Mushrooms Stuffed with Brie and let me tell you….this was the most sophisticated and easy appetizer recipe you will ever find. I have formed a strong love for mushrooms so combine that with cheese, garlic and onions…. I posted myself up by the pan of them in the kitchen Friday as I “pretended” to watch the boys cook. I think I finished off ¾ the pan all by myself! :)

Therefore, trust me on several things…

#1. If you have a dinner party and want something sophisticated and easy….Tyler Florence’s Crispy Fish tacos and Mushrooms Stuffed with Brie

#2. If you want to make your husband or wife something that will make them love you forever…Tyler Florence’s Crispy Fish tacos and Mushrooms Stuffed with Brie

#3. If you have a secret fetish with fish tacos, mushrooms, cheese, onions and garlic…..Tyler Florence’s Crispy Fish Tacos and Mushrooms stuffed with Brie

Have faith in me…put these on your menu this week!


Crispy Fish Tacos

Prep Time: 15 min
Inactive Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 15 min
Level: Easy
Serves: 8 servings

Ingredients
Peanut oil, for frying
2 cups panko bread crumbs*
3 eggs
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 pounds halibut, snapper, or other firm flesh white fish
8 corn tortillas
1/2 head napa cabbage, shredded
Pink Chili Mayo, recipe follows
Lime wedges, for garnish
*Available in the Asian section of your market.

Directions
To fry the fish: Fill a large heavy bottomed pot about 1/3 full of peanut oil. Heat to 375 degrees F. While the oil is heating, put the breadcrumbs into a shallow dish. Break the eggs into another shallow dish, season with salt and pepper, and beat them with 2 tablespoons of water. Cut the fish into 1-inch wide strips. Dip them into the egg, then coat them well with the breadcrumbs. Set aside and let them rest for 10 minutes. Cook the fish a few pieces at a time until golden brown and cooked through, about 3 to 5 minutes. Drain on paper towels.

To make the tacos: Heat a dry cast iron skillet over medium heat. Warm a corn tortilla in the pan until it softens, about 30 seconds. Place a fish strip on it, top with some of the shredded cabbage, and a big dollop of Pink Chili Mayo. Squeeze on some lime juice, roll up, and eat!

Pink Chili Mayo:
1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
1 1/2 cups sour cream
2 canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
Juice 1/2 lime
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Put the mayonnaise, sour cream, peppers, and lime juice in a blender and process to a puree. Refrigerate the mayo for 1/2 hour to let the flavors to blend; taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Yield: 8 servings


Mushrooms Stuffed with Brie
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 8

Ingredients
1 package White Button Mushrooms, Washed And Stems Removed
4 cloves Garlic, Minced
¼ cups Flat-leaf Parsley, Chopped
4 whole (to 5) Green Onions, Sliced (up To Middle Of Dark Green Part)
Splash Of White Wine (optional)
1 slice (wedge) Of Brie Cheese

Preparation Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Melt butter in large saucepan. Add mushroom caps and toss to coat in butter. Sprinkle lightly with salt and cook for 1 minute. Remove mushrooms from pan and place upside down in a baking dish.
In the same saucepan (without cleaning it) throw in garlic, parsley, and green onions. Sprinkle very lightly with salt and splash in wine, if using. Stir around until wine evaporates, about 1 minute. Remove from heat.
Cut rind off of brie wedge, then cut pieces of brie to fit each mushroom cap. Place inside, lightly pressing to anchor each piece of brie.
Top mushrooms with parsley/garlic mixture.
Place into the oven for 15 minutes, or until brie is melted.

Note: mushrooms are best when they’ve been allowed to cool slightly. Delicious