St. Stephen Weekend

How many times do you go to get your camera and your memory card is full? I have this issue with deleting pictures off my camera. I am always afraid that once I delete them from my memory card they are gone for good; even though I usually download them to my computer AND back them up on my hard drive. I know, it's another one of my OCD's.

So last night it came down to decision time. My memory card was full and some pictures just had to go. As I was scrolling through each of them, laughing my butt off at many (especially my birthday, which, I will have to say, I don't feel comfortable posting on the Internet because it was that fun of a time :) ), I came across some from our trip to "Charleston's" grandmother's farm in St. Stephen, SC.

"Charleston's" mom's family grew up in the Charleston, SC area and after most of her kids had moved out and left for college, she wanted more land so she bought a house in St. Stephen. Long story short, she now lives in TN, closer to one of her daughters but still owns the house in St. Stephen. The family still goes down to the farm to ride four wheelers, shoot skeet, hang out and have a relaxing weekend in the middle of nowhere!

So......that's exactly what we did. "Charleston" and I as well as three of our friends, Brian, Cristin, and Carter went down for the weekend to enjoy the weather and "play" outside.

And here are some of the pics to tell our story!

**click any picture to view larger**

Boys being Boys. The day wouldn't be complete without having to drive a big tractor and pulling a tree out of the ground...its the little things in life that keep them occupied!

Carter on the tractor - "Charleston" being the ring leader - and Cristin and Brian on the four wheelers ready to take off if the worst happened.

The boys shooting skeet

I don't know why but it was actually kind of attractive to watch my hunny shoot. Makes him a real man ;)


And then it was my turn. I can't tell you how nervous I was. I HATE guns. The sight of them scare me. You can't see it here but I was honestly weak in the knees - same feeling as if you would have handed me a python.

To start "Charleston" placed a skeet on the ground to see if I could hit something sitting still. Come to find out, I am not that bad! I blew it up first shot! But my heart was racing and I honestly got tears in my eyes because it was so loud and still scared me to death. I immediately sat down and didn't want to touch a gun again. But after I watched the boys for awhile, my competitive side came out and I wanted to know if I could shoot skeet in the air. Sure enough, Carter through a couple out for me and I got all of them, first shot! (I think my b/f was impressed!)

What is it with boys and their fascination with big toys?

"Charleston" giving Brian directions on the dirt bike.

"Charleston" on the dirt bike. So cute!

And more from the 'Tractor Mission" of pulling a tree out of the ground....

Cristin and Brian on the four wheelers

Fabulous weekend in St. Stephen!

Born This Way

This song sets the mood of my day! "Born This Way" by Lady Gaga

It is such a good song, upbeat and positive.

With this song playing over and over on my Ipod, combined with the sunshine and 80 degree weather here in Charlotte, along with the heart of my bf who out of the middle of nowhere just sent me a text that said "I can't imagine my life without you"[ah, can I keep him? :) ]...I am on cloud nine having the best day ever and actually looking forward to going to the gym and doing laundry tonight! What is wrong with me?!

Born This Way - Lady Gaga

It doesn't matter if you love him,
Or capital H-I-M
Just put your paws up
'cause you were born this way, baby

[Verse 1]
My mama told me when I was young
We are all born superstars
She rolled my hair and put my lipstick on
In the glass of her boudoir
"there's nothin wrong with lovin who you are"
She said, "'cause he made you perfect, babe"
"so hold your head up girl and you'll go far,
Listen to me when I say"

[Chorus]
I'm beautiful in my way
'cause god makes no mistakes
I'm on the right track baby
I was born this way
Don't hide yourself in regret
Just love yourself and you're set
I'm on the right track baby
I was born this way

[Post-chorus]
Ooo there ain't no other way
Baby I was born this way
Baby I was born this way
Ooo there ain't no other way
Baby I was born-
I'm on the right track baby
I was born this way

Don't be a drag - just be a queen
Don't be a drag - just be a queen
Don't be a drag - just be a queen
Don't be!

[Verse 2]
Give yourself prudence
And love your friends
Subway kid, rejoice your truth
In the religion of the insecure
I must be myself, respect my youth
A different lover is not a sin
Believe capital h-i-m (hey hey hey)
I love my life I love this record and
Mi amore vole fe yah (love needs faith)

[Chorus]
I'm beautiful in my way
'cause god makes no mistakes
I'm on the right track baby
I was born this way
Don't hide yourself in regret
Just love yourself and you're set
I'm on the right track baby
I was born this way
Ooo there ain't no other way
Baby I was born this way
Baby I was born this way
Ooo there ain't no other way
Baby I was born-
I'm on the right track baby
I was born this way

[Bridge]
Don't be a drag, just be a queen
Whether you're broke or evergreen
You're black, white, beige, chola descent
You're Lebanese, you're orient
Whether life's disabilities
Left you outcast, bullied, or teased
Rejoice and love yourself today
'cause baby you were born this way

No matter gay, straight, or bi,
Lesbian, transgendered life
I'm on the right track baby
I was born to survive
No matter black, white or beige
Chola or orient made
I'm on the right track baby
I was born to be brave

[Chorus]
I'm beautiful in my way
'cause god makes no mistakes
I'm on the right track baby
I was born this way
Don't hide yourself in regret
Just love yourself and you're set
I'm on the right track baby
I was born this way

[Outro]
I was born this way hey!
I was born this way hey!
I'm on the right track baby
I was born this way hey!
I was born this way hey!
I was born this way hey!
I'm on the right track baby
I was born this way hey!

HAPPY HUMP DAY FRIENDS!

Eating Out In Charlotte

I have been in Charlotte now for about three and a half years and I like to think I have done a pretty good job at getting out and learning my new surroundings. I never look at maps anymore (and I still don't own a GPS) and whenever someone asks me for a suggestion of where to eat, I usually always have an idea on the tip of my tongue. I love food and I love "non-chain-hole-in-the-wall-privately-owned-cultured-unique-no-one-else-has" type of places and I know I have moved to the right city because there is so much to choose from here in the Queen City!

Some of my faves and what I what I am usually addicted to ordering every time:

Momma Ricottas – Chopped Salad and Penne Alla Vodka with shrimp

Alexander Michael’s – Spicy Crab Soup and toasted bread (you have to ask for the side of bread! But it's free!)

Tavern On The Tracks – Steak In The Grass

Enso – Maryland Roll

Cowfish – Crab Salad and the Firecracker Roll

Owen’s Bagel & Deli – Mandy’s Mayhem on Ciabatta bread

The Open Kitchen – Stefano’s Lasagna

Crisp – Steakhouse Salad

The Liberty – Pub Burger OR since their menu changes monthly, whenever they have the Pork Chops, they are awesome!

Bid Daddy’s Burger Bar –Frenchie turkey burger

Zada Janes – Zada Jane’s Shrimp and Grits

Rock Bottom – Cajun Fish Tacos

LaVecchia’s – Fried Oysters Rockefeller to start and then the Almond Crusted Tilapia

Dilworth Neighborhood Grille – Chicken Spiedie Wrap

Coco Osteria – farfalle pasta (I am drooling right now!)

Fenwick’s On Providence – Petite Filet or Chicken & Broccoli Casserole

ICEHOUSE SouthEnd – Their WINGS are amazing!

Cabo Fish Taco – Tavarua Tuna Tacos

15 North Roadside Kitchen – Main Lobster Rolls OR Boneless Buttermilk Fried Chicken

New Zealand Café – Excellent Sushi Chef at this place! Just trust him and get the Sushi boat and split it with friends!

Eddie’s Place – Shrimp Salad Sandwich on Ciabatta bread with all the fixins!

Nolan Kitchen – Zucchini Chips to Start and either Miso Broiled Salmon Sandwich OR Miso Glazed Salmon

Pasta and Provisions – Fresh Rosemary and Garlic pasta. Next time you make chicken marsala at home, get this pasta to go with it!

Einstein Bros Bagels – California Chicken Wrap

The Kings Kitchen – Veggie Plate (Choice of 4 sides) Mac & Cheese, Collard Greens, Creamed Potatoes with Gravy and Rosa’s Fried Green Beans (they sometimes have Okra which is also YUMMY!)

Providence Road Sundries - The Fish Sandwich - best in Charlotte!

Mellow Mushroom - Philosopher's Pie

Philosophers Stone Tavern - Sunday Bloody Mary Bar and The Black & Blue Devil Burger

Whiskey Warehouse - The Wedge Salad (Not just your normal wedge salad, this one is topped with Sirloin!)

Terrace Cafe - Tempura Chicken Fingers- so far from "kiddie food"!

Mac's Speedshop - just get the BBQ any way you like! You can't go wrong!

Nix Burgers & Brew - The Turkey Burger

A Costco Purchase and Nordy Rack coming soon!

I don’t think I could have asked for a better weekend! The weather was beautiful! Leslie, a bestest from K-ville, was in town, and I had nothing on the agenda except for wide open fun. Friday night, Lauren, Les and I grabbed dinner at Cowfish and then I met “Charleston” and our friends Adam and Alicia at George Pappa’s Park Lanes for a little bowling competition!

Saturday morning “Charleston” and I headed to Costco to finally make a purchase on some patio furniture. My back patio is kind of small so I wanted a table to sit four but not over crowd the area. I have shopped and shopped and shopped around and came to the conclusion that patio furniture is expensive. Bottom line. Therefore, my best bet was a set I fell in love with at Costco several weeks ago. It looks perfect on my patio and fits the space exactly how I had imagined it. I utilized my furniture that night by having the girls over for some hamburgers and cold beverages!

As I mentioned in an earlier post, “Charleston” has become obsessed with grilling on his new grill so at 6:45 Sunday morning he was up and started the process of grilling a Boston butt for dinner last night. It must be a man thing; grilling large pieces of meat that take ALL-DAY-LONG. I don’t have the patience. Thank goodness he does though because it was amazing!

**Click pictures to view larger**

The back patio with the grill and new table set! (I have some pots, now I just need some flowers for a girly touch!)

While “Charleston” was doing the man-thing and holding down the fort, I ran with Lauren to Old Navy and look what we stumbled upon:

Opening March 31!!!! Whhhhaaattt!!! Thank you Charlotte; I can’t wait! Excellent choice of new retail!

Overall an excellent weekend; couldn’t have asked for more EXCEPT to see this peanut below! I am long overdue to go back to Kernersville and get a snuggle session with this little bug! I love you Livi-belle! Aunt Blain misses that sweet face!

She can finally crawl and pull herself up!

"Tuck" Them Away For A Sunny Day

This morning my friend Jenna sent me a reminder for the Nine West friends and family discount going on right now (30% off your entire purchase!) The coupon featured the Nine West 'Tuck' shoe. I laid eyes on it and it's all I have been thinking about all day (seriously). I don't know why but I instantly formed a major crush on this shoe and several times have come two seconds away from pulling out my wallet to fulfill this random, instant urge to really need and own these shoes right now.
This second.
I love them!
I am addicted to these little puppies.

I will own them before the season is over :)

They are the ones on the left!

Top Of The List Every Trip

When “Charleston” first moved to Charlotte he moved in with his sister and brother-in-law. I LOVED it when he lived there because his sister and brother-in-law are the most awesome people and so much fun to be around. Therefore we would stay over there more times than none cooking dinner, watching TV and just hanging out. While cooking dinner one night I noticed something a little peculiar in their cabinet. Above their oven they have a cabinet (like we all do) that contains the usual items: aluminum foil, cling wrap, zip lock bags, wax paper, and all other products of that sort. They had one of everything EXCEPT wax paper…..they had at least 6 rolls of the same stuff, same size, same brand! There wasn’t a sale that week on wax paper and they didn’t buy it in bulk…who knows??!

So I confronted “Charleston” about it to see what the deal was with the excess wax paper and he said that his brother-in-law always picks up a roll “just in case” every time he goes to the grocery store. Just one of his habits!

Well yesterday, at the grocery store, I noticed I do the same thing!

It never fails that when I go grocery shopping, no matter what meals I have planned for the week or what I came to buy, I ALWAYS grab an onion, package of mushrooms and fresh garlic. I might already have all three in the fridge at home but after my trip, I then have two of each! It's weird though because before they ever go bad, they always get used in some way-shape-or-form.

When I go to Wal-Mart, no matter if I need more or not, I always grab a thing of Tide laundry detergent and Olay bath bars! Right now I have three things of laundry detergent and 12 bars of soap! The worst thing is this stuff isn’t cheap!

But...on a positive note...while our breath stinks of garlic onion and mushrooms, we smell glorious like a fresh field of lilies with a hint of extra moisturizer!

Something Is Wrong With This Picture

So here is my breakfast: A bowl of oats, honey, water and cinnimian placed into the fridge overnight, pulled out this morning and topped with cut up red apple. BORING!!!! and Cold :( Not the most inticing thing for breakfast on a cold morning.

Now...here below we have "Charleston's" breakfast that he sent me a picture of before leaving the house this morning: Spinach, onion, turkey, egg white frittata's with feta made in my muffin tin. Warm, hot, satisfying and delicious! NO FAIR!

I am jealous! Why does he have to be so creative and why wouldn't he wake up 20 minutes earlier and fix me breakfast ;)

Ill just go pout in the corner of my office as I choke down some cold oats.

Grilling Addiction

Last week “Charleston” bought a grill for my apartment and I think he is addicted! It’s fabulous! All I have to do is put some sort of food in the fridge and by 7:30 every night it is seasoned and grilled up to perfection. In the past week we have had BBQ chicken, fillet, mahi mahi, veggie kabobs, turkey burgers, Italian chicken…it is awesome and the best thing…very little clean up!

This morning as I was browsing the Internet I found some really amazing looking “grill” recipes! I can assure you that the ingredients to these concoctions (as well as the recipe posted on the fridge) will make it into my kitchen in hopes that my sweet boyfriend will whip them up in the next couple nights :)

**The picture above is NOT my grill. It is exactly that make and model (Weber Genesis) EXCEPT the top part is NC State RED!**

Grilled Portobello Mushrooms with Asiago

Marinade
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried crushed rosemary
Kosher salt
Ground black pepper

6 large portobello mushrooms, each 5 to 6 inches in diameter
3/4 cup fresh bread crumbs
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves
1-1/2 cups grated Asiago cheese

Directions
1. In a small bowl whisk the marinade ingredients, including 1/2 teaspoon pepper and 1/4 teaspoon salt.

2. Wipe the mushrooms clean with a damp cloth or paper towel.Remove and discard the stems. With a teaspoon, carefully scrape out and discard the black gills from the mushroom caps. Place the mushrooms, cap sides up, on a rimmed plate and brush them with the marinade. Turn the mushrooms over and brush again with the marinade. Let marinate at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes.

3. Prepare the grill for direct cooking over medium heat (350° to 450°F).

4. In a small bowl combine the bread crumbs with the parsley.5. Brush the cooking grates clean. Grill the mushrooms, gill sides down, over direct medium heat, with the lid closed, until the mushrooms begin to soften, 4 to 6 minutes. Brush the cap sides with some of the remaining marinade from the plate, turn them over, add 1/4 cup of cheese on top of each mushroom, close the lid, and cook until tender when pierced with a knife, 4 to 6 minutes. During the last minute of cooking, place the bread crumb mixture evenly on top of each mushroom. Remove from the grill, season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.

Halibut Fillets with Bombay Tomato Sauce

Sauce Ingredients
3 tablespoons peanut oil
1 medium yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 teaspoons peeled, finely grated fresh ginger
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1 large can (28 ounces) peeled, chopped tomatoes with juice
3/4 cup unsweetened coconut milk, stirred

Other Ingredients
1/4 cup peanut oil
1 teaspoon peeled, finely grated fresh ginger
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
4 halibut fillets, each 6 to 8 ounces and about 1 inch thick
2 tablespoons torn fresh basil leaves (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the grill for direct cooking over medium heat (350° to 450°F) on one side and high heat (450° to 550°F) on the other side.

2. Brush the cooking grates clean. In a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over direct medium heat, warm the oil. Add the onion and cook until it softens and begins to brown, about 5 minutes, stirring often. Add the garlic, ginger, coriander, paprika, turmeric, salt, and cayenne. Mix well and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often to avoid burning. Add the tomatoes and coconut milk. Taste and adjust the seasoning, if needed. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes while you prepare the halibut.

3. In a small bowl mix the oil, ginger, salt, pepper, and turmeric. Generously brush the halibut on both sides with the oil mixture.

4. Grill the fillets over direct high heat, with the lid closed, until they release easily from the cooking grate, 4 to 5 minutes, without turning. Lift the fillets, one at a time, with a wide spatula and turn them over into the pan with the sauce, so that the grilled side is facing up. Nestle the fillets into the sauce, close the lid, and let the fillets cook over direct medium heat until they just begin to flake when you poke them with the tip of a knife, 3 to 5 minutes.

5. Remove the skillet from the grill. Scatter the basil on top. Serve warm.

Tuscan Shrimp Salad With Toast Points

Ingredients
2 tablespoon low fat balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing
1/4 cup each chopped fresh parsley and basil each chopped fresh parsley and basil
1 teaspoon minced garlic
4 ounce thawed frozen cooked deveined medium shrimp (about 12) ( OR ...FRESH GRILLED SHRIMP!)
1/2 cup chopped plum tomato
2 cup mixed salad greens
2 slice Pepperidge Farm® Whole Grain 15 Grain Bread , toasted and cut diagonally into quarters

Directions
Stir the dressing, parsley, basil and garlic in a medium bowl. Add the shrimp and tomatoes and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Arrange the salad greens on 2 plates. Divide the shrimp mixture between the plates. Tuck 4 bread quarters, point-side-out, around the greens on each plate.

100 Years !

Happy International Women's Day!



Charlotte's Bridge Event: Freedom Park Duck Pond Bridge in Charlotte, NC from 5:30 - 6:30. Either Attend in person or Check in Virtually! Check it out here. (Zoom in on the map and click the event over Charlotte!)

Advice From Momma

It’s probably the best piece of one-line-advice my mother has ever given me.

“Blain, If you want all of those things to happen, then you will have to become a lesbian” – Mom

My mom’s a smart lady. She has almost 29 years worth of marriage in her back pocket. If I ever get frustrated about something in my relationships she is my go-to-one-phone-call-away. So I called her in tears one day about who knows what exactly- probably a laundry list of things. I was crying and complaining about things I didn’t understand; why guys do somethings, why they don’t do others, what I think they should do, how I want him to do things WITHOUT me having to ask . No one’s relationship is perfect but...by golly sometimes I feel like I can make mine right up there.

So on this day I was up on my soapbox as the tears were flowing:, “Well why doesn’t he……Well I wish he would…..Well he doesn’t understand when….Well he never…” and in the middle of my rant, rave and sobbing tears Mom finally spoke up and in a loud stern voice said: “Blain, if you want all of those things to happen, then you will have to become a lesbian.” She was dead serious. My tears immediately dried up and I didn’t know to laugh or just shut up.

She said men and women are nothing alike and never will be. I will never be nurtured and cared for 110% like I feel like I nurture and care for him. It is the name of the game. God made women to be NATURALLY nurturing and caring; he made us to be mothers. That was not the intent for men. They have to work to take on the qualities and it doesn’t come as easy, that’s why he can do it so well one day, but the next day, just slap a huge FAIL sticker on top of the situation and walk away.

She was totally right. If I want that long list of things from a significant other day in and day out like I was complaining about, the only way I was going have this happen was to become a lesbian. Men just don’t do all these things and they don’t think like women do; they never have and never will. I have to get over it. God made them this way; that’s just how they function.

Leave it to mom to slap some common sense into me, just kind of in an unconventional way :)

Alpha Delta Pi 40th Anniversary

Last Saturday "Charleston" and I headed to Raleigh for the Alpha Delta Pi 40th Anniversary Weekend. There were open houses at the sorority house, a cocktail party on Saturday night at the Carolina Country Club and a brunch on Sunday. It's kind of cool to think that ADPi has been on NC States campus for 40 years and still going strong!

It was so much fun to see some of the girls I have not seen since I graduated and even some that I have not seen since my sophomore year when they graduated! The total turnout was absolutly amazing; I think reaching somewhere around 400 - 500 people! Thanks to Meghan Nicholson for going above and beyond, as always, to make the event perfect!

It was really nice to meet some of the women that were in the very first few pledge class and hear what their experiences were like. Needless to say we had the most amazing weekend all around and I am already looking forward to the 45th Anniversary!

**click any picture to view larger**

Dacie Edwards, Lori Carson, Me

Dacie's boyfriend, Dacie Edwards, Lori Carson, Michael Jennings, Me, "Charleston"

Me and "Charleston"

Jennifer Tallent, Me, Leslie Gaddis

Me, Ashley Leadon (A.K.A Thunda), Lori Carson, Jackie Pate

"I'm Ballin', We Ball Out"

**Click picture to view larger**

Yeap…..you’re correct! That’s a BIG bag of golf balls! That is my most recent purchase on Craigslist! 300 used golf balls for $15!

What the he*l am I going to do with so many golf balls you may ask?

Well……I am going to hit them! Every last one of ‘em!

“Charleston” and I are heading to the fabulous little town of St. Stephen, SC this weekend!

Where the he*l is St. Stephen, SC you may ask?

Well….that I am not 100% sure! I know it is 30 miles North of Moncks Corner, SC (which still doesn’t say much to some of you) and 60 miles North of Charleston, SC.

“Charleston’s” grandmother used to live in St. Stephen but the older she got, the closer she needed to be to family so she moved to Tennessee with one of her daughters (“Charleston’s” Aunt). But… she did not want to sell her house in St. Stephen so, there it sits, and there we go for a weekend of outdoor fun!

The house sits on acres of open land so I am looking forward to many things (probably) out of my “girlie” element. “Charleston” pre-warned me that we will ride four wheelers and shoot guns. Oh boy! (Secret: Guns scare me. Bottom line.) He said I should bring my golf clubs to hit into the fields (which prompted the random golf ball purchase from craigslist) and when I messaged him this morning to see if there was anything else I needed to get/pack this afternoon I got a single word response: “wine”. Ooookie Dokie….Sounds like a good weekend to me :)

What To Do With Cabbage???

Cabbage? Um, no thank you? Never really been too sure what to do with it…possibly make slaw? Well slaw isn’t that healthy with all the mayo and doesn’t make much of a meal….what the h*ll can you really do with cabbage?

Thanks to Happy Herbivore my problems are solved. I am trying my 110% darndest to lose weight but with the recent addition of a male species in my apartment more times than none, I find myself cooking more than I used to then in my “single chic” days of grilling a piece of fish and putting it over greens. That kind meal doesn’t always fly with a starving 6”2’ manly man. These additional calories of a “meat and potato” diet are adding up and keeping me set at the weight I am at. Something has to change!

Well last week when I was a “single chic” for one night I experimented with a healthy recipe: Mexican Cabbage and I honestly enjoyed it. It was a warm meal that was filling but still calorie cautious. It made a TON of food so I packed up the leftovers and took them to work the next two days providing me with a hearty lunch that took only seconds to heat up in the microwave. The second best thing about this meal was that it was super-de-doper cheap after buying all store brand ingredients!

Now, I am warning you, I would never sit “Charleston” down to a meal like this. He would look at me like I was crazy. If we were going to make this meal together, I would grill a chicken breast and serve it on the top with a French baguette on the side to scoop some deliciousness up with!

Mexican Cabbage

Ingredients:
· ½ whole cabbage
· 1 whole sweet onion, diced
· 2 whole garlic cloves, minced
· 8 ounces tomato sauce
· 4 ounces green chilies, diced
· 2 tbsp tomato paste
· 1 tsp cumin
· ½ tsp oregano or majarom
· ¼ tsp black pepper
· 1 cup corn, frozen
· 1 cup black beans, cooked
· ¼ cup baked corn chips

Instructions:
Chop cabbage into thin strips, set aside. Line a medium saucepan with water and sauté onions and garlic over high heat until translucent. Add cabbage, tomato sauce, chilies, paste and spices. Reduce heat to medium and cook until cabbage is tender, about 10 minutes. Turn off heat and stir in frozen corn until evenly distributed. Taste test, adjusting spices as needed. Salt to taste if desired. Mix in black beans before serving. Break corn tortilla chips into small pieces in your hand and sprinkle over top before serving.


And then of course it wouldn't be a good post if I didnt put any pics up of the cutest little niece in the entire world!

**Click any pic to view larger**

Olivia playing with Sisters hair clips in the bathroom

Livi and Sister at Grandaddy and Shelbie's house

Friday's Favorite Quote

I am having one of those days....one of those days that I am just in a funk and had to revisit my favorite quote and read it several times over and over again:

"A couple hundred years ago Benjamin Franklin shared with the world the secret of his success. Never leave that 'til tomorrow, which you can do today. This is the man who discovered electricity; you'd think we'd pay more attention to what he had to say. I don't know why we put things off, but if I had to guess it has a lot to do with fear. Fear of failure, fear of pain, fear of rejection. Sometimes the fear is just of making a decision. Because... What if you're wrong? What if you make a mistake you can't undo? Whatever it is we're afraid of, one thing holds true: That by the time the pain of not doing the thing gets worse than the fear of doing it, it can feel like we're carrying around a giant tumor. And you thought I was speaking metaphorically... 'The early bird catches the worm.' 'A stitch in time saves nine.' 'He who hesitates is lost.' We can't pretend we haven't been told. We've all heard the proverbs, heard the philosophers, heard our grandparents warning us about wasted time; heard the damn poets urging us to seize the day. Still, sometimes we have to see for ourselves. We have to make our own mistakes. We have to learn our own lessons. We have to sweep today's possibility under tomorrows rug until we can't anymore. Until we finally understand for ourselves what Benjamin Franklin meant. That knowing is better than wondering. That waking is better than sleeping. And that even the biggest failure, even the worst most intractable mistake, beats the hell out of not trying." - Dr. Meredith Grey - "Greys Anatomy - If Tomorrow Never Comes (2005)"

I will have to say that this is honestly my favorite quote of all time. I heard it on the night this episode originally aired and it has stuck with me for the past 6 years and will forever. It speaks to me and hits home when I really need a "turn-around"; hopefully you will enjoy it as well!

Happy Friday Friends!

"Charleston" and I are headed to Raleigh this weekend to hang out with some of our fabulous friends as well as celebrate NC States 40th Anniversary of ADPi's Zeta Beta Chapter! Ha Ha Sorority Function - whoo hoo! :)

Gas Prices....Seriously?!

I bought my 2007 Honda Accord back in June 2007 and I remember driving her off the Burlington Honda lot back to Raleigh thinking I had just hit the jack pot! I was so excited to be behind the wheel of my very own brand new car! (I was excited until reality hit and I got my very first bill from Honda financial :) ) It was my very first “big” purchase as a college graduate and a grown up. Well I am happy to announce that she is almost 100% totally paid for and 100% mine. No more car payments! Just maintenance and gas! Whoo hoo!

Last weekend while I was at home, I was joking around with my dad about making him a swap for my mom’s 4Runner or selling him my Honda to drive as his “around town/work car.” Now, we were JUST joking; I could not imagine selling my baby right now and beginning ANOTHER car payment. My Honda is still in great shape and running like a charm; she is all I need. But, in the excitement of thinking about new cars, I started to dream of a new 2011 4Runner, 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee or 2011 GMC Sierra Denali HD. Well, yesterday afternoon these dreams were quickly halted and put on the back burner for probably another 5 years because I saw this:

**click pic to view larger**

The gas station right down the street from my house

Holy Cow! Who in their right mind can afford $3.41 gas prices! Could you imagine the pit in your stomach as you stood at the pump and filled up one of those gas guzzlers? That would be a car payment in itself each month!

I have the dream of owning an SUV one day but until gas prices fall off tremendously, it is just not worth the additional price :(

These will have to be put on hold:

2011 4Runner

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
2011 GMC Sierra Denali HD (wouldn't I look hot driving this! I would even take the boat behind it!)

Five Favorite Things: He's My Valentine

It might have been a year ago that I started doing a bi-weekly post on Five-Things-I-Love. Well in the spirit of Valentine’s Day today, I am bringing sexy back and starting the tradition once again with five things I love about my Valentine “Charleston.”

1. “Charleston’s” eyes. I know it sounds cheesy and corny but I honestly get lost in those baby blues. They always have such an innocent grin and crystal clear reflection that’s hard to resist. They are beautiful and they go right along with his soul – deep and passionate.

2. “Charleston’s” natural protective instincts. “Charleston” and I love to run together. We run around our neighborhood and through Freedom Park majority of the time which often takes us on the sidewalks of busy roads and major intersections. It always made me nervous because he tends to run slightly behind me at all times. At first I thought he just wanted to watch my backside ;) but realized when cars would pass he would always position himself between me and the traffic. It wasn’t until one evening, on a run, we were waiting to cross the street at a sharp curved intersection that I realized what he was doing. Cars started flying around the corner and he instinctively stepped up and held me tight against his backside so that he was between me and the headlights. He never says anything; he just does it, without hesitation. He makes me feel safe and taken care of. Always.

3. His ability to show the appropriate amount of P.D.A. I have dated guys before that refused to even hold my hand in public. It DROVE ME CRAZY. I do believe that there is a distinct line where enough is enough and there is a happy medium of what should be public and what should stay behind the bedroom door. “Charleston” doesn’t mind a little PDA and I love it. The way he naturally grabs my hand while we walk through the grocery store or leans over to kiss my head when we sit down at a restaurant just melts my heart. He doesn’t mind letting public know that I am his and we are together. Even when it is just the two of us in the living room, “Charleston” is naturally affectionate and I love every minute of it. He kisses me as soon as he walks in the door; snuggles with me on the couch and randomly walks into a room and gives me bear hugs. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

4. His Top Chef abilities in the kitchen. “Charleston” is an amazing cook. I love to cook but, I will have to admit that it is nice to be able to share the responsibilities. The best part is he OFFERS to cook as well as do the grocery shopping and prep work. He tells me to go sit down and he likes to handle everything. I had never thought that this would be something I would look for in a counterpart but…not having this responsibility EVERY night of the week and having the ability to actually sit down and relax after work is ridiculously nice. I don’t think I will ever thank him enough for sharing this task!

5. His dedication to his friends and family. “Charleston” has a heart of gold. He truly cares about other people and has the raw instinct to want to please others. Something has to be said for the guy that has friends from kindergarten and over the past 26 years has just added to the list. “Charleston’s” friends are always calling him, inviting us to dinner, movies, and drinks and to just hang out. I love that he is so genuine and has a deep liking to desire these close social connections because it is exactly how I am. “Charleston” cherishes his friendships and I can’t wait to build these friendships with him in the future.

This list could go on and on but….for now, those are just several ways that I cherish my valentine!

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY FRIENDS!

Auntie Blain Is My Name

Sister sends me a picture text of Olivia with the following caption:

"Auntie Blain, do you know how to make my magic carpet fly?" - Livi

**click picture to view larger**

And instantly I fall in love all over again. I love being an aunt; especially to this cute little doodle bug! She brightens my every day!

Officially 27

It was a wonderful weekend….thanks to every one of these people:

“Charleston”
Lauren Musiol
Amy Strickland
Laura Faust
Leann Spadaro
Lori Carson
Jennifer Talent
Lee Ann Jones
Ashley Leadon
Ryan Smithson
Leslie Resnick
Georgia Gourley
Meghan Price
Melissa Hurley
Mason Hurley
Adam Zelsdorf
Alicia Zelsdorf
Mandy Rubin
Adam Rubin
Marla Boughton
John Wadsworth
Jenna Luck
Pat Gildea
Kirsten Pittman
Reece Pittman
Preston Smith
Gretchen Hutter
Michael Lopez
Scott Whelchel
Tiffany Orth
Lorene Temming
Brett Temming

and the 33 others who sent me texts, facebook messages and phone calls!

Yesterday was my birthday and on Saturday, every one of these people helped me celebrate in what ended up to be the best birthday party yet. Lauren hosted us at her cute little house in the neighborhood where we started with cocktails and appetizers. We then headed to Whiskey Warehouse to socialize for several hours which was then proceeded by late night at Dixie’s Tavern. Having tons of my friends there meant the world to me and really brought into reality how special and lucky I am to have the most amazing people in my life.

My friends make me feel special and I cannot thank Laura and Lauren enough for organizing, hosting and getting the entire night together.

The weekend wasn’t only filled with wonderful friends but also wonderful food. On Friday night “Charleston” took me to dinner at Coco Osteria and on Saturday for brunch “Charleston’s” sister and brother-in-law took us to Terrace Café. Both places, hands down, amazing. If you live in Charlotte, you have to make a visit. Coco Osteria was a terrific date spot with an excellent atmosphere and wonderful comfort Italian food. Terrace Café had everything to choose from but one of the highlights at my place setting? A perfectly seasoned bloody mary garnished with a crispy bacon strip!

I did receive a couple little birthday presents, including a new addition to the family:
Meet Kate (yes, Kate Spade that is!):

She is beautiful and makes me grin from ear to ear every time I see her. (“Charleston” has excellent taste. He picked her out on his own!)

Without knowing that “Charleston” had purchased “Kate”, Lorene and Brett ("Charleston's" sister and brother-in-law) got me the perfect Coach wristlet that matches so well with the new addition to the family!


Several times over the weekend I had to pinch myself to make sure it was real because this weekend was a dream come true! Thanks to everyone, friends, family and “Charleston” for everything!

I Shop Attacked

Did I have the money? No

But I shopped.

Am I proud of my actions? No

But, do I love what I bought? Absolutely

I can’t really justify it but to be honest….but....it’s my money, I’ll spend it how I want! If it means I am eating PB&J next week, at least I will look cute doing it. :)

I bought this little trio below from Banana Republic to wear tonight when my "hunny hunny" takes me out to Coco Osteria for my birthday dinner! It was on a manikin in the store paired together and I HAD to have it!

I also bought a top from French Connection, which for the life of me, cannot find on Nordstrom’s website or on the Internet in general and......I bought a cocktail dress from BCBG, which, again, cannot find a pic to save my life! I might just have to model it myself later on!

TRUST

It has taken some time but I am finally able to admit that I have trust issues. In past relationships, going back to college, I have been screwed.
Hurt.
Betrayed.
Disappointed.
Emotionally scared.
Mainly by one person in particular but the several gentlemen that followed him were not the best picks to try and sweep up these broken pieces of my soul. This person said he loved me (BS). I loved him back with my whole heart, put everything I had into our three year relationship only to find he had another girlfriend throughout the last several months of our relationship. On top of that he had the nerve to break up with me on my birthday and still not tell me the truth about the other girl.

I can assure you that he has no idea what kind of emotional issues he has caused me (and I promise you, even on the day he broke up with me, he could have cared less.) He has caused me to have little faith in the opposite sex and in relationships. Most people don’t understand why I can’t just get over it, have confidence in myself, and know that those were the actions of one guy and not the intentions of all. I understand that; I do. But those feelings are hard to brush under a rug because when you move the rug over for a new guy, they are exposed once again. Over the years since then, the quality of guys that I have chosen to date, I like to think, have improved tremendously but… my lack of confidence in the opposite sex and their “faithful” skills always brought bumps in the road throughout these relationships.

“Charleston” and I have an excellent relationship and never in a million years would he do anything intentionally to hurt me. "Charleston" is restoring my trust everyday and in every little way.
I trust him wholeheartedly.
I believe in him and I believe in us.
I have told him over and over again about these issues that I internally posses and I strive everyday to not let them surface in our lives. Every now and then an insecurity bubble will float up and “Charleston” lovingly pops it and makes it disappear through positive reassurance and constructive criticism.

My hope is that one day this issue will totally be an issue of the past. I want to, every time, trust “Charleston” from the start and never let my head wander to its untrustworthy and insecure side which usually brings about some turmoil for the day. It’s not healthy for me or for our relationship and the last thing I ever want to do is to lose him over an issue an old boyfriend brought about in my life.

With all that being said, I came about this topic because of an article I read on CarolinaBride.com . It was a blog post by Alison Henry about an interview she had with a young woman from Charlotte. The topic: Adultery and the website AshleyMadison.com. If you are unfamiliar with AshleyMadison.com, it is a controversial married dating service that allows individuals to sign up and ultimately cheat on their spouses. As soon as I read this I was stunned. After all the hurt I went through with my old boyfriend (and he was just a boyfriend) what in the world would I feel like if my spouse intentionally went on a website seeking someone else to hook up with. Ultimately I was floored (actually, I still am floored). 6 million people have signed up to cheat on their spouses. Who are we anymore and where in the world have the words moral and commitment disappeared too in today's society? It truly is troublesome.

Check out the interview here: Interview with An Adulteress

What’s your opinion?