The End of an Era

Through much (internal) debate and deliberation, I have decided to end my journey as a blogger. As my (three) followers know, I haven't been consistent with my posting for the last several years. I'll take these long breaks, then post more, then break again.

The truth behind my end of blogging is that it is too much like my day job. I sit at a computer for 8+ hours a day writing, editing, working on design projects, emailing, etc. The last thing I want to do when I get home at night is look at a computer screen! I have much better things to do with my time!

So, after three different sites and about 7 years of blogging, I'm calling it quits. For now. I'm sure one day down the road I'll have tons of exciting things to write about, and more time and willpower to do it. But for now, this is so long! See ya later. Peace out. You can email, facebook, or tweet me for updates! Oh, and I'll be reading and commenting on your sites when I can!

See ya on the flip side!

Mobile Blogger

Blogger has finally come up with a quick and easy way to convert your blog to a mobile site. This is awesome because just the other day I was frustrated with my blog for not being able to view it on my phone (while at the grocery store...without a grocery list...shopping for a specific recipe...) I had to call my sister to look it up for me!

The downfall to the mobile templates, so far I don't see a search feature. That means I can't search for my specific recipe when I'm at the grocery story looking for the ingredient list. So...I guess it really doesn't help me with my mobile dilemma. But...it does help mobile readers view my blog, so that's cool!

Blogger...add me a search feature and we'll be cool! : )

For all you bloggers out there - here's the link to how to convert your page.

The Big Announcement

Let’s just go ahead and get the big announcement over and done with. No, I’m not getting married. I’m not sure why that’s everyone’s first guess. I mean, I’m definitely single. Very single. But I do have something very exciting happening to me exactly 2 weeks from today [Drum roll please….]

I’m going to Paula Deen’s house. Yes. The REAL Paula Deen’s REAL house! Why you ask? To interview her creative director/set designer who is a graduate of our fine university. I’m writing a feature article on him. And it so happens that he is allowing me to shadow him for a day to get an inside perspective of his job. I mean…I was cool enough with just meeting this guy because he has like the most awesome job ever…or so I’m assuming. But on top of meeting this really cool alum, he has invited me to shadow him at a photo shoot for Cooking with Paula Deen magazine at Paula’s new house. Wow!

This little project has been “in the works” for a couple of months now, but didn’t come to fruition until the last week or so. This is by far the absolute coolest job responsibility I have ever had, and is the perfect intermingling of my passion for cooking with my passion for writing. I have been so nervous about it too! Last night it’s all I could think about and I was pacing my house trying to play it all out in my head. I even bought a new dress from Ann Taylor Loft for the occasion. Maybe its silly, but I feel I need to look my best!!!

In preparation for the trip I’m boning up on my Paula Deen. I’ve been DVRing her shows on The Food Network, so I can get an idea of the kind of “sets” our alum creates. I have also ordered the book that she and our alum co-wrote called Savannah Style. I will be the foremost expert on all things Paula Deen by the time this article is published. (Don’t expect it to come out before December…seeing how our mag is NEVER printed on time.)

So, there ya have it folks! I’m going to spend the day at the home of one of Food Network’s BIGGEST stars! Be jealous. Very jealous! And no, I cannot fit you in my suitcase or get an autograph for you. I have to be a professional. After all, I’m there to see our alum, not Paula Deen. But still….I’m going to Paula’s house!!!

Blogging Contest

For those that know me well, you know I read a lot of blogs. Google Reader is an amazing and convenient way for me to browse several sites for recipes, party planning tips, decorating ideas, etc. I love it!

Last week I stumbled upon a blog called Oh Happy Day while looking for photo booth prop ideas. Oh Happy Day had free printables, and I was sold when I saw the Princess Beatrice fascinator from Will and Kate's wedding. How hilarious! (Will post pics after I get them of our photo booth!!!) They also have this really cute postcard idea that I would totally do if I had a good enough reason. (As of now I don't....) Love the blog though!

Today on Oh Happy Day, they are giving away a trip to Paris. I didn't stutter. A TRIP TO PARIS! Wow! I'm super excited! And all you have to do is enter! Seriously! There are several different ways to enter. Visit the Oh Happy Day site here - http://ohhappyday.com/2011/06/goes-to-paris. Wow! It would be so amazing to take a trip to Paris! I never win these giveaways, but it never stops me from trying!

Go to the Oh Happy Day site and enter to win. And since you are reading my blog and that's where you find out about the giveaway, you can take me if you win! : )

What are your favorite blogs to read? I'll have to compile a list of mine and post later on.

A milkshake you'll need a glass of milk for....

So, there are many things that go together that are more than just fate, but a created purpose. Things like...salt and pepper. Cheese and garlic. Milk and cookies. And the the ultimate pair...chocolate and peanut butter. Yes, God was really thinking of his people when he created chocolate and peanut butter and paired them together.

I had a hankerin tonight. A bad one. One that gave me an idea.

1. I love ice cream.
2. I love chocolate.
3. I LUUUUUUVVVV peanut butter.

How can I work these together? Ummmmm....a milkshake. It was evil. It was delicious. I'm pretty sure I need to run about 10 miles now, but it was worth it!!!!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Milkshake

Ingredients:
3-4 scoops vanilla bean ice cream
1.5 tbsp. chocolate syrup
2 tbsp. peanut butter

Directions:1. Scoop ice cream into a blender. Add chocolate and peanut butter. (Ignore the wine in the background. It does NOT go well with the other ingredients.)



2. Ignore anyone trying to beg for a taste. (How does she always know when I get the ice cream out of the fridge?)


3. Blend thoroughly.

4. Pour in glass and drink.

5. And then seriously think about running all those calories off. Doesn't matter if you used low-fat ingredients. You need to get your milkshake lovin butt off the couch and go work out! : )

For realz though...it was fantastic! Its thick. Its rich. But its ohhhhhhhh soooooooo gooooooood!

Memorial Weekend

What do you do on a summer holiday weekend? Cookout. Okay, maybe you do that on any weekend, but especially so on a long one celebrating one of America's traditions. This weekend we honored all of the men and women who have fought so fiercely for our nation's freedom by cooking out, hanging with friends, and lounging around the house. It was fantastic. I appreciate all of their efforts with the privilege to do just that.

When you have a cookout what do you need besides burgers, hot dogs, ribs, or some other form of meat? Potato Salad. Yeah...its a must have. Its a definite must have when your mother makes the most wonderful potato salad in the world and she taught you all of her secrets! So with our burgers, with our brats, we had potato salad (and pie). Its one of those must-have American dishes that keep the folks coming back to the table for more! : )

Mom's Potato Salad
**This recipe is written for 4. Its easy to make it for 80, you just have to increase the quantities proportionately.

Ingredients:

5 to 6 Yukon Gold or red potatoes
2 boiled eggs, chopped
3 to 4 tbsp. sweet pickle relish
1/2 to 1 cup light mayonnaise
1/2 to 1 tbsp. yellow mustard
salt and pepper to taste
paprika for garnish

Directions:

1. Chop potatoes in quarter inch size pieces.

2. Boil potatoes and eggs for approximately 10 minutes, or until potatoes are soft, but not mashable.


3. Drain and rinse potatoes. Peel and dice eggs.

4. Pour potatoes and eggs in a large bowl. Add relish. Mix in mayonnaise and mustard until you reach your desired creamy texture.


5. Add salt and pepper to taste. (The important part is to taste as you go!)

6. Sprinkle a little paprika for color and a little kick!

Ahhhhh!!!

Its been nearly a month. In the last month I have worked till nearly 7:00 about 4 days a week, hosted a baby shower for my sister-in-law with 40 folks, traveled to my parents house three times, prep my yard for summer, and so many other things. Sigh. But its now Memorial Day weekend, and most of my friends will be gone this weekend. So, I have NO PLANS until Sunday night. (With the exception of dinner out tonight and tennis tomorrow.) That means...I'm going to blog this weekend. My goal is to write several posts and space them out to post over the next few weeks. I hope. : ) I need to clean my house too...so we'll see how the blogging goes.

Anywayz...the thing cooking this weekend....probably fish and fresh veggies tomorrow, and then potato salad and some sort of pie for our cookout on Sunday. Allz I know is that its going to be delish!

I will get better about posting. Or at least I will try.

Happy cooking!