Best of 2013: Food!

Honestly, who doesn't like to eat? My weight has shown that I apparently love to eat. That's okay because I am beginning to work on that. In the meantime, I would like to share with you the favorite things I enjoyed to eat this year. I will also attach some of the recipes so if you see something you like then you can share it in your home. 

1. Seafood pasta

Dad makes his own noodles and uses his Kitchen Aid pasta cutter attachment to help but you can use fettuccine noodles for a short cut. We typically use shrimp, scallops and clams. We have added squid and baby octopus in the past. We cook the noodles in clam juice and water along with pepper corn, parsley, time, and basil. Once the noodles are almost tender we add the shrimp, scallops, and clams. The noodles will absorb most of the liquid. However, once on the platter add a little of the juices, extra virgin olive oil and top off with fresh Parmesan. Then TA-DA!

2. Sweet Adventure Sampler Trio at Outback

3. Brick Oven Pizza: Brooklyn Style

Dad changes his dough recipe so I cannot share a particular one. :/ Add corn meal to the bottom of your paddle and make your pizza on top of the paddle. Corn meal will help the dough from sticking. Bertolli or Classico is the brand we use for our sauce. We mix our cheeses with mozzarella, parmesan, or gouda. Add any meats, veggies or fruit that you would like. Slide the pizza into the brick oven and allow the pizza to cook a few minute on each side. Rotate the pizza as each side begins to brown for even cooking. 

4. Low Country Boil recipe

5. Fillet with lump crab meat and hollandaise sauce. Sides include parsnips, asparagus, and baked potato lightly coated with EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) and sea salt. 

6. Greek seasoned pork, tabouli, Basmati long grain rice, tzatziki sauce, and pita wrap

7. Shrimp Tacos

I season all grilled/pan seared my shrimp with Adobo, Magic Mike Seafood Seasoning, & parsley. Then cook in a pan lightly coated with EVOO. 

8. CrockPot Pot Roast with onions, celery, potatoes, & carrots. 

We use Knorr's Sauerbraten pot roast seasoning mix. 

9. Shrimp and Grits

10. Crab Cakes. 

Here is a similar recipe I use. I do not use egg or dijon mustard in my recipe because the mayonnaise holds everything together and keeps things moist. I do add a little extra mayo only to hold things together. You do not need a lot. I also use Ritz crackers instead of Saltines. I mix mayo and Old Bay in a small bowl. Once crab cakes are formed, I lightly brush the tops with the mixtures and sprinkle with paprika. I bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes. 

11. Stuffed Lobster. Broccoli. Steamed Wild Rice.

 clams casino recipe. Instead of pancetta, we use bacon and we substitute the clams with crabmeat plus we add Ritz crackers. :)

12. Lamb with mint rosemary sauce, carrots, squash, side salad.

13. Yellow cake with Chocolate Buttercream Icing

I used a regular moist yellow box cake mix.

14. German night from our trip to Helen, Ga.

Schnitzel, potato pancakes, grilled shrimp in garlic sauce, red cabbage, spaetzle, potato dumpling, Sauerbraten and bratwurtz. 

I know y'all are hungry now!

Best of 2013: Travels!

Instead of doing a traditional 5 on Friday I am going to do a "Best of 2013" for the next few days. Today, I am going to focus on the best travels that we have taken this year. Though we have not gone to many places, the places we did go were meaningful. Let's get started.

Our trips around Florida.

It was our great uncle's 80th Birthday ~ Tampa, FL.

Disney Wide World Sports: Braves vs. Marlins.

This is why I chop!

Georgia vs. Nebraska Capital One Bowl

Orlando, FL. 

Many beach days! ~ New Smyrna Beach, FL.

Our trips to Georgia.

February my cousin's wedding ~ Savannah, GA.

Darien, GA.

Dillard, GA.

White Water Rafting ~ Chattooga River

Helen, GA.

The Georgia Aquarium ~ Atlanta, GA.

I hope 2014 brings us new travels. Here is my bucket list of places I would love to see:

Greece

Italy

Spain

Scotland

Ireland

Grand Cayman Islands

Turks and Caicos 

Cabo San Lucas

Boston, M.A.

Seattle, WA.

San Diego, CA 

Niagara Falls ~ Canada Side

Nashville, TN

Charlotte, NC

Chicago, IL

Las Vegas, NV

Grad Canyon, NV.

South Carolina Nicolas Sparks book tour

Yosemite National Park

Alaska

Places I have been:

France

Belgium

Germany

Switzerland

Bahamas

St. Maarten

Virgin Islands ~ St. Johns & St. Thomas Islands

Washington D.C.

Virginia

Georgia

Myrtle Beach, SC.

Florida Keys

Fort Lauderdale, FL.

St. Pete/Tampa, FL. 

Jacksonville, FL.

St. Augustine, FL.

Daytona, FL. 

Pensacola, FL.

Denver, CO.

Colorado Springs, CO.

Breckenridge, CO. 

Leavenworth, KS

Kansas City, KS

Overland Park, KS 

I am sure I am forgetting some places I have been and I am sure I will add places I would love to see as time goes on. I also hope air fares will cool it's jets for a while so I can go back to Europe. About 5 years ago, I was able to fly to Germany and back for $500. Now, it is up to $1400 per person. Uh, no thanks! So until those prices come down, I will take the chances of traveling within the United States.   What are the places you would love to visit?

New Year's Resolution

Hey Y'all! I hope you are having fun scrabbling around picking up those last minute gifts for the ones you love. Not unless you are one of those people who is very organized and had all your shopping done by the first weekend in December. I definitely envy you if your shopping is done. 

I know it is a little early to talk about New Year's resolutions but I have a confession...I already have one in mind. This only came about when I had the bright idea to step on the scale for the first time in months. Yeah....BIG MISTAKE or maybe it was a wake up call! Who gets on a scale during the holidays? This girl. When I saw the big fat number staring back at me in the face, I kindly picked my chin up off the floor and tucked my big round eyes back into my head. Then, I realized that I am at my heaviest weight I have ever been! Oy vey! At that moment I told myself, no more. 

So after December 25th it's back to taking care of myself and cutting back the sweets. I'm not even waiting for the new year because delaying is not benefiting me. Yesterday I made the choice and today I started the change. This morning I got back on my cycling bike and ate a balance breakfast full of protein. For dinner, I made grilled chicken with veggies baked in the oven. I know I will be off track on Christmas day but I plan on getting back on track the day after. 

Though I never make New Year's resolutions, this year I am make one to better my health. 

What is your New Year's resolution going to be?

5 on Friday

Hey Y'all! I hope you are having a Holly Jolly Friday so far. This week has been a busy one with last minute nick-nack shopping after work. The students got out early each day and I was able to catch up on some last minute things so that is always a plus. Anywho, I'm linking up to share my favorite things this week.

{one}

One of my favorite products this week is the No Puffery from Origins. Love. Love. Love. It's a roll on and you use a small amount under your eyes to reduce those ugly bags and puffiness. The consultant recommended putting it in the refrigerator for the coolness. However, I see a difference without having to go to my refrigerator so no extra trip for me. 

{two}

Our neighborhood had their holiday celebration. Every year we have a get together to mingle for a few hours. This year we had a great turn out and great participation. We line the streets with votives in a white paper bags. The neighborhood looked so festive. After I came home from taking my bestie to the train station, I made yummy cupcakes with homemade buttercream icing for our holiday celebration. 

 

{three}

We had a doggy Christmas shoot with the pups the other night. That was interesting and hilarious at the same time. My doggies are not good about patiently waiting and posing so perfectly for the camera. So, many dog treats later and having them face me and not the tree, I got 2 good shots. 

{four}

The elf Holly Belle has been up to no good this week.

{five}

I got off work early today. :) That itself makes a pretty awesome #5. 

Until next time...

5 on Friday!

Ho Ho Ho Y'all! 

I have been a real slacker in the blog world lately. We have had a lot going on in this past month so blogging took a back seat. Sorry! It is crazy that it has been a month. I have a lot of exciting things to share but I will breaking them down over several posts. Let's get started on this link up.

{one}

We spent a week at the beach for Thanksgiving and the internet was messed up so no blogging. However, it's Tis the season for Christmas decorating. It has been a little hard getting into the Christmas spirit here in Florida because it is still in the 80s for Christ sake. Normally we keep our Christmas tree in the front room in our home but this year we put it in the living room. I have truly enjoyed waking up to the Christmas lights. It's so festive. The garland on our fireplace, I got from Costco and the David bust was handed down to me from my great aunt. 

(I have a problem loading pictures...so stay tuned)

{two}

I did another Ulta haul yesterday. I was on a mission for the new Urban Decay Naked 3 eyeshadow palette. I am in love with the colors in this palette! It is filled with shimmery pinks and purple hues. There is also a few shades that does not have shimmer incase you do not love that shiny look. The colors would make a great Christmas make up look. Simple but classy. 

{three}

I also got a few things for Origins the other day. I got the GinZing brightening cream eyeshadow in sugar peach. I love this because it is very light and the cream goes on very smooth. It also goes on as a very light color with a slight shimmer which pairs nicely with any eyeshadow color.  

{four}

My bestie has arrived in town this weekend and with hubby working it is going to be a fun filled girls weekend! I'm super excited to have her in town. We plan on doing a lot of shopping, eating and relaxing. Bestie loves her coffee so I made sure I stocked up on coffee before she came. I bought hubby a Nespresso Pixie a few years ago for Christmas so I went and ordered up some more coffee capsules. I ordered caramel, chocolate, vanilla, volluta, Dulsao de Brazil. The caramel is so delicious!

 

{five}

To top off our weekend, tonight I'm making grab cakes for dinner. I have been told I make the best crab cakes. So, I'm going to take that complement and run with it. I have searched for this recipe for days and I found one I like and adapted it. I don't follow everything to a "T" because I eyeball some of the seasonings. Overall, it comes out very moist and full of flavor so it's a win. I'll post the recipe soon for you to knock the socks off someone. 

5 on Friday

Hey y'all! Sorry... I've been MIA lately. Life happens and we get busy and unfortunately blogging falls last. I have a lot to share so I'm linking up to share my favorite things this week. 

{one}

Last week my friend I work with fell sick...like in the hospital sick...so I planned for our volleyball players and their families to join us for a UCF volleyball game. We did plan on getting the players sweatshirts so last friday I had a luncheon in which they received their sweatshirts and arranged for all 82 of us to go to the game. Here is an arial view of the game.

{two}

After the game, I went home to help my husband paint our master bedroom to get ready for the arrival of our new bedroom furniture. There seemed to be a bunch of small things that held us back at little so we were literally painting up to 1 hour before Haverty's arrived. I am so happy that our bedroom furniture is here. When I walk into the room it feels like I'm staying at a nice hotel. Everything feels so crisp and clean. 

{three}

One of the items in our room that we added was a new ceiling fan. Does it mean you are getting older if you get excited about a nice ceiling fan? We purchased the fan at Lowe's. There was no discount but hubby had a few gift cards so we used those. We purchased the allen + roth victoria harbor fan. I love it because it matched the lamps I bought from Costco last year. It really gives the room a finishing touch. 

{four}

I finally went back to the gym this week. I met my friend at a Zumba class and it was a great workout and I could feel the burn. Did you know that you could loose up to 1000 calories by Zumba-ing? Since I haven't worked out in a while, I was happy that I was not sore then next day. 

{five}

Tomorrow night the family and I are going to see the Eagles. I'm really excited about this and I hope they play some of my favorite songs. 

Until next time...

5 on Friday

It's time to link up again to share my 5 on Friday. I swear I think the weeks just fly. It is pretty crazy going into stores and already seeing Christmas candy on display. Um...HELLO...Thanksgiving needs to get here first! It's bad enough my weeks go by, I don't need people rushing the rest of 2013 for me. Enough of my little holiday bandwagon rushing nonsense. It is time for me to share my 5 favorite things.

{one}

I love these Justin Gypsy Boots. Enough said.

{two}

I like sharing what you are thankful for around the dinner table. I like hearing what others are thankful for too. So, when I came across this on Pinterest this week, I had share. I just love the whole look of the place setting. BROVO!

{three}

The CMAs were this week. Love the CMAs! I also would love to have Carrie Underwoods legs! She definitely has it going on. Squats....here I come!

{four}

Today I bought all the ingredients needed for homemade chicken noodle soup. I love chicken noodle! It's so.....classic. I plan on making it this weekend and freezing some for a rainy day. Once you go homemade...you never go can again!

{five}

We start some of the home improvement projects this weekend to get ready for the new bedroom set. We spent all last weekend purging and organizing everything in our spare bedrooms. I think we have done really well with downsizing stuff. Now we will be moving furniture and starting knockdown to get rid of all the popcorn on the ceiling. Hubby has done this so many times that he is practically a professional. Pictures soon. 

Until next time....

Thankful Thursday Link Up

Hey Y'all! After some thinking...I wanted to create my own button. Since it is November and Thanksgiving is just a hop, skip, jump away I thought it would be good to share by top 5 things I am blessed or thankful for each Thursday. If you would like to join me then just grab my button and link up! I would love to hear what each of you are thankful for in your lives.

Family

I am very blessed and thankful for my family. It is such a great feeling to know that you have supportive people in your life no matter what. Not many people have family support and I do not know how they do it. My family are the ones that I share my laughs, cries, excitements, challenges, good days or bad days. I know they are always right beside me when I need them.

Friends

I am not the type of person that has many friends. I am the girl that puts a lot of effort and time into the very close friends I do have. These individuals are my second family and I know they are there for me and they know I am there for them. I would be lost without these girl so I am very thankful for them.

My third pic is blank because my friend does not like to partake in pictures. 

Pets

I love my four legged children. Gosh...I really do. The thing I love about pets is that they love you know matter what. They do not care if you are mad, sad, fat, skinny, smelly, forgetful, or whatever else. They are alway there waiting for you when you get home ready to give you love. Who doesn't love getting puppy kisses or snuggle time?

Health

I have had a hard time with my health in the past. When I was in high school, it took them 2 years to figure out that my gallbladder stopped working so I had surgery. Then I was diagnosed with IBS. I am very fortunate that things are under control and I am back to myself. I still have attacks but nothing like it was back in high school. For that, I'm very thankful!

Employment

I think this is pretty much self explanatory. I am thankful for my job. Many people are unemployed for various reasons and lets face it...money does drive everything. It's a shame but it is true. I truly love my job as a school counselor. Everyday is different and enjoy helping the kids and teachers. I feel like I found what I was called to do...help others.

So, link up and share what you are thankful for in your life. 

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5 on Friday!

Guess what day it is? Hey, hey, bloggers! Guess whhhat day it is? FRRIIIIIIIIDAY! Whoop Whoop! This week has been insanely crazy. I guess there is something about kids and halloween that makes all the hormones to go crazy. It was also Red Ribbon Week but nobody can pronounce it right so we just call it Wed Wibbon Week. We had a lot of fun activities for them during the week. I am just happy that it is Friday and I am excited for the weekend. I have some fun things to share so lets do this!

{one}

Mom and I did the Spooky Run and it was a lot of fun. It was a very small race, very small. Like…100 people small. It was a great night and the weather was perfect. I did not run this race so I came in nearly last. I never had that happen before and it was a whole new experience for me. Mom was Superwoman and I was Batgirl. 

{two}

There was a lot of hanging out by fires this week. We were over at my parents house for pizza night and after dinner we hung out by the fire. Who doesn't love brick oven pizza night? Dad set up the hammock so I called dibs and it was my happy place for the night. Then a few nights later hubby set up our little fire pit and we relaxed by the fire. It was very relaxing but now it looks like the misquotes when WWIII on my legs and they itch like crazy. 

{three}

I am a huge Braves fan. I would love for the Braves to go back and play in the world series but everyone who is a Braves fan knows how that goes. They get super close to making it to the world series but then drop the ball. I have never been a huge Sox fan but I feel like they are close in comparison to the Braves. Well, that is my rationale anyways. I was totally rooting for the Sox this whole series. They won! Go Sox!

{four}

Hubby and I have been working on updating our home. It is really hard to do that when you have two different tastes in things. We have accumulated mix matched stuff from when we both lived separately and then moved in together to combine are stuff. Now we are looking for unity so we went to "look" at furniture. HA! We ended up buying furniture! A new bedroom set and dinning room set to be exact. Yes, we have lost our minds but we deserve it. 

{five}

My favorite song this week.

Until next time y'all…