Thursday Dreaming

I would take a little bit of this:

chop, mix, stir and bake in with a little bit of this:

and yea, I'd be in kitchen heaven.

Thursday Dreaming

I Am A Petal Pusher

Before I even try and tackle Southpark Mall when I am in need (want) of a particular clothing item, I always hit up several of my "staple" boutique shops to see what they have to offer.  One being Belle Ville in the Epicentre, another being Fresh on Providence Road and the last being Petal on East Blvd in Dilworth.  Yesterday, Petal was my drug of choice.  I needed (wanted) a dress to wear to several bridal showers and luncheons I have coming up in the next several months. Something light, airy and comfortable to dress up or down. 

Petal delivered, and delivered several other cutie things that my wallet just couldn't afford right now:

Glam Ruffle Down Dress in Teal

(this looks awesome with a wide belt!)

Glam Short Sleeve Tie Back Dress
(Pictures don't do this justice!  Its slinky, shear and silky!)

Cooper By Courtney Short Sleeve Romper

LA Clothing Maxi Dress
Perfect for my upcoming beach vacations!

LA Clothing Vibrant Romper in Navy
With a long gold necklace and espadrilles...yes please

Citizens of Humanity Elson Slim Leg Jean in White

LA Clothing Chiffon Lined Dress in Green

I ended up going with the dress above (LA Clothing Chiffon Lined Dress in Green - pictures don't do this one justice.  The color looks very different and the belt is light brown) and am contemplating going back and getting the Glam Short Sleeve Tie Back Dress for a rehearsal dinner.  The only thing is it is really shear and I would have to find something to wear underneath the entire thing.  Oh well, we will see. 

Who am I kidding though, it probably will end up in my closet! (as well as the vibrant romper. I have plans to go back today!)

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BOUTIQUES!

A New Addiction

My weekend included a little bit of this peanut.....

Livi - the purple little people eater

 And then this....

I was talking with Blair's mother-in-law, Barbara, Saturday morning telling her how I HATE to read but always try and pick up a good one to take to the beach with me. (Even though 99% of the time I still don't make it to page 20.)  In several weeks I am headed to Folly Beach with "Charleston's"  family and I told Barbara that this year I thought I might try to read The Help while I am there.  I saw the preview for the movie and thought I might try to be one of those people that reads the book and goes and sees the movie!  I have NEVER done that.  It's so much faster to just see the movie. :)

Well that same afternoon Barbara popped her head in Blair's house and handed me the book.  She had gone to Boarders (to check out the sales since they are closing) and picked up a copy just for me!  I was ecstatic! (Thanks Barb!)  Saturday night, Blair and Sam went to a birthday party so I stayed at home with Livi-belle.  After I put her to bed, I didn't know what to do with myself; I had no one to play with and the TV selection was worse than a Sunday morning. 

So...I picked up the book and started on page 1.  Two hours later I couldn't put it down.  What was wrong with me!  I never get into a book like this!  Since then, that's all I have wanted to do.  I am addicted.  (I read last night instead of catching up on episodes of Say Yes To The Dress if that tells you anything.)  I am more than half way through now and will honestly probably finish it by the end of this week!

What in the heck am I going to read now at the beach?  Any suggestions?!  I am on a roll with this reading thing, give me something good!

One a side note:  I am slightly very proud of myself; this is going to be the first book I have finished in over a year! Maybe I turned over a new "grown up" leaf in my life!

Working for the Weekend

This picture pretty much sums up my week so far:

Busy and Exhausted.  Out of town on the weekend equals catching up with cleaning, laundry, and the grocery store on Monday and Tuesday after a long day of work.  Several other obligations on Wednesday, smashed between work, dinner and sleep has really gotten the best of me.  I am flat out exhausted.  Right now I am really working for the weekend.....all fueled by endless cups of stiff coffee.

A Lake Weekend

This is what I looked at all weekend.....just the right prescription for a long work week. 

Lake Gaston, NC

Please excuse the photo quality, it was so gorgeous and clear outside that I took the picture from inside the screened porch and didn't realize it until just now!

Thank you to Brian and Cristin for having us up to visit! 

I am ready to go back....

"Charleston's" 7 Days of Birthday Surprises

On June 23^rd I decorated one corner of the living room to be the birthday spot.  It was the first day of “7 Days of Birthday Surprises.”  “Charleston” was turning 27, therefore I wanted to celebrate and shower him with 7 surprises!  Get it, turn 27 get 7 surprises? 

Ok anyways…


If you can’t tell already, I LOVE birthdays and I LOVE going all out for them. They are special. I mean look at Jesus’ birthday, how about that celebration huh?! I know none of us compare to Jesus but…the world was never the same once each of us entered it. A birthday is the celebration of life. What is better than life?!

So let’s celebrate!

Day 1:  New Hurley Board Shorts!  If I have the option of 12 different suits, my hunny hunny should have the option between at least 2 shouldn’t he?

Day 2: Running Socks and Earphones

Day 3:  Microwave Omelet Maker – I am always on the hunt for new ways to take breakfast to work because “Charleston” is not one to eat right when he wakes up.

Day 4:  Big Rock Fishing Tournament T-Shirt

Day 5:  Char-Broil Cast Iron Smoker Box I actually got my mom and dad in on the 7 days of surprises and they gave "Charleston" this gift and the next.  (The man loves to grill if you couldn't tell from previous posts!)

Day  6:  BBQ Hooker Four-in-One

Day 7:  The Final Surprise!!! (well...kind-of)

For his final present I got him the Moultrie Game Spy Re-Action Compact Camera.  (Don't ask me, it's a hunting thing.  All I know is that every time we went into the Bass Pro Shops store at Concord Mills we had to stop and look at this thingy.)

So I gave him what was supposed to be his FINAL surprise (the hunting camera) when he got home from work on his birthday but.... I had one more thing up my sleeve......

I had his parents, Rob and Barbara, his sisters, Katherine and Lorene as well as Mason and Melissa, Ryan and Heather, John and Marla, Carter and Laura all waiting at 300 East for a birthday surprise dinner.  I am sneaky like that!

Thanks to everyone for helping me celebrate "Charleston's" birthday.  I hope it is one he will remember forever!  Happy Birthday LN!

The Cozy Coupe

As a kid, there was always that one toy that you didn’t have but one of your friends did. Therefore, you couldn’t WAIT to go to their house to play.

When Blair and I were young some kids up the street from us, Brandon and Ashley, had a cozy coupe; the most awesome car in the world to a six year old! They had an unfinished basement and on rainy days their parents would back their cars out of the garage and let us go round and round on our wheels of choice. The cozy coupe was always an argument so Brandon and Ashley’s mom Karen would bring down her timer from the kitchen and each of us would get several minutes until the bell went off..

Therefore, for Livi’s first birthday, what did I just have to get her?!  A cozy coupe of course!



Everyone got to push Oliva around in her new ride!  First it was Dad's turn...

And then Mom's turn....

And then of course "Charleston's" turn..

I love it when toys stay classic; never losing their original look or feel. Of course they have made some upgrades like the removable floorboard which allows smaller kids like Olivia to keep their feet in the car at all times while they are being pushed. Remember when your feet would hang out the bottom and you could get going fast down a hill like Fred Flintstone; I’m surprised we all still have ankles!



Dinner Was Ready....Without Lifting A Finger

I know I have mentioned it over and over again but I can’t thank God enough for sending me a man that knows how to cook.  Never before did I think it was something I really cared about but after being spoiled by “Charleston” I hope I never have to look back.  I love to cook and always have BUT every girl deserves nights like this every now and then:

I went to the gym, came home and dinner was almost ready and on the table.  I didn’t have to lift a finger or make one decision about the menu.  I didn’t have to grocery shop, cut, chop, clean, etc. etc.  I made us each a water cup!

“Charleston” tried a new recipe for smoked beer can chicken and it was amazing!  He used a new rub which used almost every single spice in the cabinet but it was worth it, crisped to perfection.  He also grilled corn and baked some mini potatoes. 

What more could a girl ask for?....

......

.....

.....

.....

Oh yea, how about beautiful flowers from the Farmers Market?!  While I was sleeping in the following Saturday, "Charleston" made a quick run to the grocery and made an extra stop at the Farmers Market to pick me up these beauties!

They were gorgeous and they lived almost an entire week and a half!  It was incredible; I didn't instantly kill them (which is usually the norm in my house).

I count my blessings everyday.  Thanks "Charleston" for being you!

My Niece Is Now An Independent Little Woman!

And on a side note before we get the weekend started....

Look who finally decided to start walking on their own!

Olivia is now totally independent, just in time for Sister and Sam's beach week with Sam's family. She will be all over the place!

(sorry for the poor picture quality)

 and I couldn't resist posting this cute little butt.  One day she will be so mad at me for this but she doesn't have the slightest understanding of how precious she is.  Sister was trying to change her diaper and when she went to grab a new one, Olivia was up and out.  Cartoons were on TV; there was no stopping her!

Need to Be "Knee deep in the water somewhere...."

Oh. My. Goodness.  It has been one of those weeks. 

My hunny hunny turned 27 on Wednesday and we had some of the bestest birthday activities!  I wanted to try something new this year for his birthday so I did a little theme, "7 Days Of Birthday Surprises", since he is turning 27. 

Get it? 

"7 Days of Birthday Surprises" started last Thursday and (obviously) ran until this past Wednesday.  It was so much fun and something I think I might have to adopt as tradition for "Charleston's" birthday!  Details of "7 Days Of Birthday Surprises" to come in a later post along with pictures! 

Wednesday night I also surprised "Charleston" at 300 East with a birthday dinner that included 10 of his closest friends, mom, dad and both sisters.  He was absolutely caught of guard and it was perfect!  I love being sneaky!

And today we are headed to the beach for the holiday weekend with just the two of us!  Whoo hoo! My toes in the sand and a little relaxation!  Can't wait!

Happy Friday Friends!

My Worst Enemy

I got "Charleston" addicted to couponing and when he can snag something for FREE he will go after it no matter what it is!  Therefore, these ended up in my kitchen....thanks to couponing. 

....and there is a reason that we NEVER keep chips in the house.  I WILL EAT THEM.  I have zero control when it comes to something salty and crunchy.  I have always stayed true to my favorite chip being the awesome cheese Doritos...until yesterday.  Kosher Dill Krunchers are out-of-this-world-over-the-top-never-could-ever-describe-it the best chips in the world.  I have just found something that will totally counteract my hard burned hours in the gym.  Ugh, life isn't fair.  Can't the word calorie just disappear in everyday vocabulary?

Disgusted With The Dry Cleaners

It was Saturday afternoon and I was ready to head to Anna and Eric’s wedding.  I had my hair done, make up on, bra and undies, check.  Purse was packed and shoes were by the door.  All I had to do was put my dress on.  Being the organized chic that I am, I prepared ahead of time a schedule for what dress I would wear to each of the 8 weddings I had this summer.  I was determined not to buy a new dress and stick to the plan.  Therefore, this dress is what was scheduled for this day:

I was a greeter at Anna’s 5:00pm nuptials so I thought this dress to be very appropriate and sophisticated.   I had only worn it once to the ADPI function I posted about early in the year.  I loved this dress and was prepared to party the night away in it.

It was 10 minutes before we needed to head out the door.  I went upstairs removed the plastic and took the dress off the hanger.  I unzipped it and this monster appeared on the inside:

Yesterday, I tried my hardest to control every emotion in my body as I marched my way into the cleaners but, as soon as my foot crossed the threshold of the door frame, the poor girl (who barely spoke English) didn’t stand a chance. It was on. Immediately she said “der is noting I can do. I have to sent it back to Heather” Who the hell is Heather I think “heather is de only one dat can do anty ting” she kept telling me. I finally figured that Heather is the owner. She told me that the only thing she can do is send it to Heather and Heather would take a look and give me a call. She also tried to tell me that dry cleaning wouldn’t do that to a garment, that she didn’t know how that could happen because all they do is dry clean it. Ok, ok, ok, blah, blah, blah..just fix my freakin dress.

I don’t care if it happened in dry cleaning; if someone zipped it up to hard while trying to put it on a hanger; or if the girl in the stock room wore it out to a party on the Friday night that I dropped it off. I don’t care exactly what happened to it but all I know is that I left my expensive dress in their possession in excellent condition and it comes back to me ruined.

Now I wait for Heather, the owner, to call. Stay tuned.



Yes, that’s a HUGE rip in the fabric!  Not a seam, not several threads missing, but a HUGE RIP all the way down the inside back of the dress. To put it gently, I lost it.  I dropped this dress off at the sh*tty Cleaners on Kenilworth Ave several weeks ago to get it cleaned and in mint condition and this is what I get in return.  You have to be kidding me!

The Future Mr. and Mrs. Blankett

It was the summer of 2007 and I was moving to Charlotte…homeless and roommate-less. I had a landed a job but had not given two thoughts to my living situation. I was focused on having the summer off and absorbing every minute of it.

Jenna Luck, knowing my situation, approached me one day and said that if I needed a place to live in Charlotte, I could join her and some other girl named Anna who were both moving there as well. They would just “upgrade” the apartment they had found to a three bedroom. What did I have to lose?
Several weeks later we were in Charlotte signing our lease and I met “this-girl-named” Anna. She seemed a little shy at first but very bubbly. She looked well put together and was very well spoken. First impression, she seemed like excellent roommate material. Four years later, she was more than excellent roommate material. She was the longest Roomie I ever had! A stranger turned best bud by sharing a 1500 square foot apartment.

Jenna, Anna and I moved into that 3 bedroom at Eastover Ridge Apartments. While living there, Anna became increasingly interested in a tall, dark headed fellow that lived right below us. Little did she know that about three years later, that tall dark headed fellow would put a ring on her finger and ask her to be his forever!

That fellow is Eric and he is an amazing gentleman. Eric is sweet, friendly, charming and honestly, everyone’s friend. Anna definitely found a catch and Eric found someone that will truly love him forever. Their chemistry is infectious and they are each other’s best friends. Their love has been something remarkable to watch grow over the past couple years and I feel honored to have been able to witness their relationship evolve and tomorrow, take their vows to be husband and wife!

Congratulations Anna and Eric. I am so excited for each of you and this new experience that both of you are about to journey on together as your own family as husband and wife. You were created for each other.

Anna Williams and Eric Blancett

(aka – Banana and Blanket)

June 25, 2011

 All Saints Episcopal Church



Withdrawls from My Niece

I know its only been 2 weeks since I have seen the sweet little face of my niece but....I miss her.  And actually, I will be honest...I am slightly jealous right now :) 

My sister teaches 4th grade at Rural Hall Elementary and her school year just ended.  She now gets to be at home everyday for the summer with Olivia.  That's the part I am jealous about! 

 I know how hard it was for Blair to go back to teaching after having Olivia so I am so excited for her that she gets to spend this summer playing mommy all day long. Sister will be able to take Livi to the pool, the park, shopping and all the fun things mothers and daughters love to do together! How could you not resist wanting to play with this little fishy everyday at the pool:

 Or waking up to this face every morning instead of going to work!  Sister sent me this picture yesterday and she said this was how she found Livi in her crib.  Just hanging out!

Abundance of Vegetables

“Anyway, like I was sayin', veggies [shrimp] is the fruit of the land [sea]. You can barbecue it, boil it, broil it, bake it, sauté it. Dey's uh, veggie [shrimp]-kabobs, veggie [shrimp] Creole, and veggie [shrimp] gumbo. Pan fried, deep fried, stir-fried. There's pineapple veggies[shrimp], lemon veggie[shrimp], coconut veggies[shrimp], pepper veggies[shrimp], veggie[shrimp] soup, veggie[shrimp] stew, veggie[shrimp] salad, veggie[shrimp] and potatoes, veggie[shrimp] burger, veggie[shrimp] sandwich. That- that's about it.”

That has been the quote around my house for the past several weeks. “Charleston” and I have gotten addicted to the farmers market. We stop by several times a week as if it were the Harris Teeter. The produce at the market is ten times cheaper and it’s fresh; you can absolutely tell the difference! This week we have substituted side salads in place of chips/crackers with our sandwiches for lunch. We have done veggie kabobs, bottomless salads, sautéed veggies on turkey burgers, grilled veggies, roasted veggies and I added veggies in my spaghetti sauce for an added kick!

I got to a minor road block yesterday when trying to come up with other ideas to incorporate veggies until I found the following on the Internet. These recipes will definitely grace my table in the next week!

Tomato Pie

(Recipe adapted from Christ Church Cooks)

Ingredients:
1 double 9-inch pie crust (homemade or Pillsbury)
4-5 tomatoes, sliced
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (feel free to add more if you’re a basil lover)
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup light mayonnaise
1-2 large garlic cloves, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Mix together cheeses, mayonnaise, garlic and salt and pepper in a bowl. Set aside.
Line a 9-inch pie pan with one pie crust, trimming sides if necessary. Layer half of the sliced tomatoes in the bottom of the crust. Sprinkle with fresh basil. Spread (or dollop) half of the cheese mixture over tomatoes and basil.
Repeat another layer of tomato, basil and cheese. Place second crust over the top of the pie and prick with a fork.
Bake for about 40-50 minutes, or until crust is golden brown. Check on crust after 20-30 minutes and cover edges of crust with foil if they are getting too brown


Chicken Satay with Grilled Vegetable Couscous
 

Ingredients

• 1 (14-ounce) can unsweetened coconut milk
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons chopped garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 orange, zested, reserve remainder for Grilled Fruit Skewer recipe
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, about 8 thighs
• 12 (10-inch) skewers
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce, or to taste
• Canola oil, for brushing
• 1 (10-ounce) package couscous
• 1 green bell pepper
• 1 medium zucchini
• 1 medium red onion

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the coconut milk, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, cumin, orange zest, and salt and pepper, to taste. Pour half of the marinade into a large resealable bag. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the remaining half of the marinade for the Online Round 2 recipe Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wraps. Reserve the rest of the marinade, for the dipping sauce, in a small bowl. Cut each chicken thigh into 6 strips and add to the bag with the marinade. Put the bag into a bowl, in case of leakage, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
Meanwhile, if you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes.
Dipping sauce, whisk the peanut butter and hot sauce into the reserved dipping sauce marinade. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Thread 4 pieces of chicken onto each skewer. Put them onto an oiled grill and cook until slightly charred and cooked through. Reserve 4 skewers for the Online Round 2 recipe Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wraps.
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium high heat. Make the couscous according to package directions and set aside.
Cut the pepper into quarters and remove the core and the seeds. Slice the zucchini and onion into 1/4-inch thick slices. Season the vegetables with salt and pepper, to taste. Grill the vegetables until they are slightly charred and have softened a bit, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove them from the grill and cut them into small pieces. Gently stir the chopped vegetables into the couscous, cover, and keep warm. Reserve 1 cup for the Online Round 2 recipe Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wraps.
Arrange the skewers on a serving platter and serve with the dipping sauce and the couscous.


Crispy Squash & Zucchini Chips 

You Will Need:

• 1 large squash
• 1 large zucchini
• 3 egg whites
• 1 cup Italian style bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese

Step 1: Slice up your veggies into thin discs.
Step 2: Coat veggies thoroughly in egg whites
Step 3: Combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in a medium sized bowl. Place your veggies in this mixture and coat both sides thoroughly
Step 4: Bake at 450 for 10 minutes.
Step 5: After 10 minutes, remove from over and sprinkle veggies with mozzarella cheese. Bake for 10 more minutes.
Step 6: Enjoy! Even if you aren’t normally a fan of squash or zucchini, I think you will like these crispy chips