OH DEAR

.......JOHN

Last night I met up with some girlfriends of mine to eat sushi and then go see Dear John. I had not read the book. Only one of us had. But I loooooved this movie. It might be because I was in serious need of good cry after the week that I have had. But I do think this movie is just good. I was nervous because I mean who doesn't love The Notebook, and Message In A Bottle but I had recently watched Nights and Rodanthe and I thought that movie was teeeerrrible.

Since I had not read the book the movie had different story lines than I was expecting. It wasn't a super fast paced movie but wasn't too slow either. I started crying pretty early on and then just cried harder through the movie. Ha! At least I wasn't the only one. We were all crying and sniffling. Amanda Seyfried can I please have your hair, your lips, and throw in your legs too! And Channing Tatum....you're cute! I give this movie a A+

Don't let the crying stuff discourage you. This movie is a great chick flick/love story. And sadly it has me anticipating Nicholas Spark's next movie coming out, The Last Song. I am going to check the book out at the library today and then will probably go see the movie. I know Miley's in it. But oh well. It won't be the first movie I have seen of hers in the theatre.

WEEKEND RECAP AND MOVIE REVIEW

Kenny and I were so excited to have a laid back weekend this weekend. Friday night we had ourselves a little date night. We went to Boscos because I was craving their Californian Pizza in a major way and then went to see Shutter Island.

I have been wanting to see Shutter Island for a really long time. The previews reminded me of Gothika. Have you seen that?? Anyway this movie was a little different that I expected it to be. It was very long and had lots of twists and turns. While I would say that its a psychological thriller its not necessarily very thrilling in a scary way. It holds your attention and by the end of it you end up liking it because you have finally figured out what is going on. Ha! I give it a good solid B.

On Saturday I ran errands and Kenny did some work. When I cam home I made Pesto Tortellini soup and put into individual servings so I can just grab them for lunch. This soup is really good and filling.

Saturday night we went over to Joe and Tracy's where Tracy (yes Tracy!!!) cooked a delicious meal! Tracy is learning to cook and she did a great job!! There were several couples over that night and we ended up splitting up boys and girls in different rooms for the entire night. Does that ever happen with yall. It was a fun night.

On Sunday Kenny and I enjoyed a little lunch out and then ran errands before I came home to nap on the couch with Lena. It was glorious. Sunday night I watched the closing ceremonies and I'm a little bummed the Olympics are over. As I get older I get so attached to the games.

And here is what we are having to eat this week.

MENU MONDAY (ahem...Tuesday)

Sunday- Weight Watchers Pinto Bean Chili (6pts for 1 1/4 cups) served with mexican cornbread muffins. This was really really good. And very easy.

Monday - Chicken and macaroni with mushrooms So I made this last night and it was TERRIBLE!!! The time it said to let it cook totally burned it and it was a charred mess. Boo. This never happens to me. So we had Holiday Ham. Ha!!

Tuesday- Honey baked chicken with brown rice and broccoli. Yall! Seriously this chicken glaze is sooooo good. I made it last week and I am making it again this week. I loved it. This time I am going to add a little more curry and do much less butter. There is no need for that. It is so easy.

Wednesday - Chili leftovers for Kenny and dinner and a movie with some girlfriends for me.

Thursday- Spud Night. I have decided that every Thursday is going to be spud night because its easy and I don't like to cook on Thursday nights. This Thursday it will be a BBQ themed Spud Night.

ROLLIN ROLLIN ROLLIN

Kenny and I have been so busy. We thoroughly enjoyed our Valentine's weekend (because I decided to celebrate all weekend). Saturday night we grilled steaks, drank wine, and played games. I bought Scattegories, Yahtzee and ......Which I have to say is a lot of fun after having had a bottle of wine. Kenny was way better than me. I am short on patience.

On actual Valentine's day we went to Majestic Grill for brunch and I love their brunch so much. For a small amount you get a decanter of orange juice, a plate of sliced oranges, and a cold bottle of champagne. You really can't beat that!! And their food is amazing. Then it was on to Jersey Boys which we both loved. If you have a chance to see this one! Go!!

This past weekend Kenny and I flew to Orlando for a little extended weekend. We flew in late Thursday and met a couple friends of ours who had flown in from Nashville.

Friday morning we were up bright and early and headed to the parks. We bought a park hopper and went to Hollywood Studios first and then Magic Kingdom. We did everything you could do at Hollywood Studios. And I made Kenny promise to never let me back on Tower of Terror. I knew I hated that ride but I thought maybe I was just exaggerating how bad it was in my mind. Nope! I cried the whole ride! I despise free falling rides. Its official.

After Hollywood Studios we hit up Magic Kingdom. The crowds were pretty bad but we hit the main spots. And then we decided that we are old. We were exhausted. So we headed home. I was horrible about taking pictures but here are a couple we took towards the end of the day. So we were already pretty worn out.




On Saturday we hit up Downtown Disney for lunch a little shopping. This was the view from the patio where we ate lunch.
It was a fabulous restaurant that had the most amazing cocktail. I am going to have to try and make it. The components were fresh strawberry juice,lime juice, tequila, and some sort of liqueur. It was soooo good. The food was awesome too.



After shopping it was back to the hotel for some Pina Coladas, cigars for the boys by the pool. Then dinner. We ate at the House of Blues because it was convenient. We were going to see the leader singer of Kenny's favorite band perform in a charity event there that night.The concert that night was a lot of fun and Kenny was in heaven getting to be in such an intimate setting with his favorite singer.

On Sunday it was time to get back to the real world. We arrived back in Memphis just in time for a thunder storm and pretty much napped the entire afternoon and evening away. But our little weekend getaway has me wanting to plan more just like it. We are starting to think about Chicago and maybe Boston.

ANTICIPATION

So there are several things that I am really really looking forward to this weekend.

WINTER OLYMPICS OPENING CEREMONY/OLYMPICS IN GENERAL
I know these are pictures of the Beijing opening cermonies. So who loves the Olympics?? I do!!! It seems like just yesterday I was watching Michael Phelps win another gold medal. I truly got addicted to the Summer Olympics and that has me excited for the start of the Winter Olympics tonight. While I do not love all the events I have decided that this year I am going to make a real effort to get into speed skating, luge, and all the snow skiing/snow boarding events. Any others I should watch??? I am thinking we will get some carry out tonight and snuggle down to watch the Opening Ceromonies. So fun!!

GAME NIGHT WITH STEAKS AND CUPCAKES AND WINE(OF COURSE)Last year for Valentine's Day Kenny and I stayed home, drank wine, and played games. It was so much fun we want to do it again. So Saturday night we are grilling steaks and asparagus and other yummies and then playing games!! Can't wait to reveal which ones we got this year. I think they will be fun!! And I also plan on swinging by Muddy's Cupcakes tomorrow to pick up some dessert. Praying it won't be a madhouse!!


BRUNCH AND JERSEY BOYS FOR VALENTINES DAY
We are starting the morning off with brunch at the Majestic with a mimosas and I cannot wait! Then we are going to see Jersey Boys!! I have heard such wonderful things and everyone who sees it loves it!! I even think Kenny might like it because 50s and 60's music reminds him of his childhood. His Dad always listened to it.

And then to top off my oh so fun weekend!!!! Its a three day weekend!!!!

PRESIDENT'S DAY!!!

A NEW DAY-LIKE OMG!!

And yes that blog title is totally in jest. But this is huge news!!! Celine Dion just announced that she will be returning to Las Vegas for a 3 year run!! And I die.

I have always wanted to see her. I know she is somewhat cliche but girl can sing and I love love love her music. So planning for Las Vegas vacation commences now.

You see Kenny has to go to Las Vegas twice a year for market. So I will just accompany him. Las Vegas is not his favorite place and I don't think it will be mine either (both of us really hate to gamble) so I have got to rock this one trip out. Shows, food, shopping. It has all got to get done because I never plan on going back after this.

Besides seeing Celine of course, I hope that the Beatles Love show will be playing. I really really want to see that too. And I have always heard it is amazing.


At least I have a while to plan this amazing trip. Celine's first show won't be until March 15, 2011. Boo.

LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL

So as I mentioned on Friday I had a very exciting weekend planned and it did not disappoint! Friday after work Tracy and I hit the road and headed to Hattiesburg for a whirlwind visit. When we got there my mom had gotten us a king cake from Paul's Pastry and the first slice I gave to Tracy had the baby in it. So she's buying next year.

Saturday morning, Tracy and I got up and I gave her a little tour of my wonderful hometown ha! Did a little shopping and then met with our friend Rebekah at Crescent City Grill for lunch.

After lunch we swung by the house to pick up my mom and headed for Ocean Springs on the Gulf Coast to do some shopping and hanging out. It was a lot of fun to be down there because its Mardi Gras season and everything is decorated and with everyone so jazzed about the Saints game. We did some shopping and my mom and I both bought our first Christmas presents for next year. We like to plan ahead.




Ocean Springs is an adorable town and I had so much fun stopping by all the shops. Once we were finished perusing we went to a place called Manhattan Grill for drinks and light dinners. Then it was time for the Brad Paisley and Miranda Lambert concert!! Excuse the harsh lighting. I am not the biggest fan of Miranda Lambert but she was still fun. She sang a lot of her good songs. And Brad Paisley was a great time. The crowd was so amped up because of the Super Bowl and Brad was obviously going for the Saints. He played When the Saints Go Marching In and worked references of the team into several songs. It really was so much fun.

After the concert we drove home, got home late and fell into our beds. Sunday morning I had to go service at the church I grew up in and was married in. You see our pastor, Eddie (who also married Kenny and I) had made a bet with our congregation. He is a HUGE Ole Miss fan. Huge!! And he made a promise to everyone that if our congregation could put together 250 health aid kits for the people of Haiti then he would preach his sermon in a Mississippi State jersey. This was a big deal and everyone came together and ended up donating close to 600 health kits. So I was so happy when I realized he would be preaching in the MSU jersey on the Sunday I would be home. So he wore the jersey, they played the MSU fight song and someone even rang a cowbell. All for a great cause! My sister was home also so of course we had to document the occasion.After church Tracy and I were back on the road for Memphis. I had to hurry and get back to get some things together for our Mardi Gras/Saints Super Bowl party.

I walked in the door at home and started making Jambalaya and a dip to bring. I had also brought home a Praline and Cream cheese king cake to bring. I was thankful that our friends were hosting the Super Bowl party this year and they went all out. Everything was covered in Mardi Gras stuff and we had a lot of New Orleans themed food. Even beignets. It was all sooooo good!!




Kenny filling out our squares. We did not win. Oh well!!

They also had these feather Mardi Gras masks everyone so we had a to use them for a few photo ops!
And then of course.........

SAINTS WIN!!!!! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!!!!!! It really was so amazing. They played great and just made the whole entire weekend perfect. And who got a little choked up with Drew Brees and his precious little baby. I plan on watching the live Saints parade on ESPN tonight!!! Can't wait!!

(And this might be the longest post ever but I was really busy this weekend. Still exhausted)

WEEKEND AGENDA

First I'm hopping in the car for a little

with this girl.

Then we are having an early lunch tomorrow at this place (my fave)

with this girl

Then time for another little road trip with Tracy and my mom to see this guy!!!!!

oh and her too

Then Sunday church and back on the road headed home to see these guys win it all at our

New Orleans themed Super Bowl party!!

Sounds like a perfect weekend to me!!!

SIMPLE PLEASURES

So I have been feeling a little under the weather. Not deathly ill but still pretty bad. So when I read Kelly at Kelly's Korner post on simple pleasures. I thought it might help to think happy thoughts. So I made my own list of simple pleasures.

What are your simple pleasures??

- Hot cocoa with five big marshmallows that melt slowly as you drink
- Sunday dinners(preferably in the crockpot) that make your house smell good

- Lena putting her paws up on the bed to tell us good morning (or that she wants to eat)

- A new song downloaded from iTunes that if you are like me become obsessed with and listen to on repeat for four days
- A new movie in the mail
- Kenny coming home from a long business trip
- A night with friends where you laugh so hard your sides hurt.
- A good cry (any girl understands this one)
- A new magazine in the mail
- Christmas Cards
- Sno caps during a movie
- Riding with your windows down
- Night of all new television shows
- Manis and pedis
-Rainy days with nothing to do
- A good hug and a great head rub

- College football

ICE STORM 2010

So everyone most likely knows that Memphis was hit with a little winter weather this weekend. It only takes a little for Memphis to go crazy. I will say this was a little different than anything I've experienced since living here. The weathermen knew it was coming and by Friday all schools in the area had been cancelled. One of the many benefits of still being in school I suppose.

I still made it to work bright and early on Friday morning. And by 10 it was raining and sleeting and snowing pretty hard. We were allowed to leave early because the roads were getting bad. So since I had already made plans to eat dinner at my friends Joe and Tracy's house (they just finished renovating their kitchen which is gorgeous) we decided that Joe would just come get Lena and I and we would just have a sleepover at their house. The roads had gotten pretty bad by Friday evening and we were all happy to just hunker down. Joe cooked an awesome meal which was followed up by chocolate chip cookies! Yum!

Saturday morning when we woke up everything was just covered in ice. Not to bad, but I was nervous that the power was going to be out at my house. Luckily it wasn't. Some of friends parents were having a ice storm party so we carefully made our way over to their house and then we just hunkered down for the day. It was so nice to not have to get out and just spend the day lazing around. A bunch of our friends kids were sledding. It was relaxing and SAFE.

By Sunday, the sun was out and I was able to get into my car, which was a relief. I was able to run some errands. I do not have any big meals planned so no Menu Monday but I did go get the stuff to make Weight Watchers Broccoli and Cheese soup. Which I love. I always double the recipe so I can freeze it. Its so easy to make and so good. See recipe below!

And finally last night I watched the Grammys. I thought they were pretty good up until whoever Maxwell is performed. Loved loved Lady GaGa's performance with Elton. I also thought Beyonce rocked it! And Pink's performance was quite impressive. All in all it was a really fun awards show. Can't wait to download some of the performances tonight!

WEIGHT WATCHERS BROCCOLI AND CHEESE SOUP (1PT PER CUP)

WAVERING

So if you had asked me yesterday, I had my mind made up. Why would anybody NEED an iPad. Why would anybody WANT one. It looked like a humongous iPhone or iPod Touch to me. And look how big it is. It looks so breakable.

I am a fan of all Apple products. Obsessed would be an understatement in regards to my beloved iPhone. And my iPod Classic is practically an appendage to my body. Do not go anywhere without it. I have a Mac Computer at work which of course I believe is far superior to any PC. But I would not necessarily purchase a Mac for my personal use at home because I would not want to spend the thousands of dollars on all the software that I would want to go on said computer.

But really, having a iPhone already I thought, "That iPad thing looks neato but I don't really have any use for it."

But today I'm all

That's preeeeeeeeeeeeetttttttyyyyy!

And you know what did it for me????
This screen/App with the books on the bookshelf with all your favorite book's covers displayed. I want a virtual bookshelf.

And now that is that. I want a iPad. I want to read books on an iPad. Forget the Kindle.

P.S. And if you are going to spend the money. Might as well get the 64 GB. Right?? Anybody with me? These suckers aren't cheap.

MOVIE REVIEW

So Kenny and I are big movie watchers. My husband has this thing for movie popcorn (more like obsession) and will go see any movie with me JUST to eat the popcorn. REALLY.

On top of going to the movie theatre regularly we are also members of Blockbuster.com and rent and watch around 1-2 movies a week. We also have HBO and other movie channels where we watch a lot of movies. Don't ask me how we have time for this. So I thought I would start giving short movie reviews after we watch movies. I have been doing this lately anyway. I promise not to give anything away.

So last night we went to see BOOK OF ELI. I made the mistake of looking at Entertainment Weekly's review. I usually just glance to see what letter grade they give the movie and then go back and read the review afterwards. Yesterday I read the entire review so going into see Book of Eli I had lowered my expectations because EW had given it a low grade.

This movie was intense. I love End of the World movies/Post Apocalyptic because I like seeing how people are surviving. Think I Am Legend, The Road. This movie follows Denzel Washington as he moves through the country trying to survive all the while protecting the only copy left of the King James Holy Bible. People want to take the Bible from him to obtain the power they believe it holds. Parts of this movie are pretty gory because Denzel(Eli) has learned very well to protect himself with a very large knife. HA!

I have to tell you that I was really into this movie. Very suspenseful and perhaps even a bit thought provoking. It is one of those movies that I want to see again to catch things that I missed the first time. I give it a very strong A.

Entertainment Weekly gave it a D. I strongly disagree with pretty much everything the reviewer said. You can read their review here but I would not suggest reading it if you want to see this movie. (Edited to add: In reading people's responses and comments to the review most people also disagreed with the reviewer and thought it was a great movie.)

Oh and P.S. How gorgeous is Mila Kunis. She was in this movie and did a great job. You would recognize her from That 70's Show and Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Love her!

WEEKEND RECAP

My weekend was extremely relaxing. Kenny was out of town for market so I was all by my lonesome. On Friday night I can barely remember what I even did. Must have been really interesting. I think I caught up on some Tivo and went to bed early. It was glorious.

On Saturday morning I woke up and went to a Weight Watchers meeting. I needed to get my monthly weigh in done and I decided to stay for the class. I was very happy to hear that I somehow was down a couple of pounds despite my very gluttonous weekend in New Orleans last week and being fully clothed. Now I really need to be more strict on counting my points. I do very well on the weekdays but on the weekends is where it gets tough.

After the meeting I stopped into our Pottery Barn outlet for inspiration. I have finally gotten around to decorating our front room of our house and am planning to redo our den in the near future so I was just looking to get ideas. I love that we have a Pottery Barn outlet. If you scope it out enough you can find some good deals. I found a rug that I really liked for our den that I will keep in mind when I start picking out furniture for that room.

After Pottery Barn I went and purchased this lovely for our front room. I made some changes so it won't look exactly like this picture but its the main idea.I am so relieved to finally be making some headway in getting this room decorated. I have already purchased the rug and two chairs to go in the room also. I have also bought a botanical book to frame some prints. I will be sure to include some before and after pics when I feel like it is complete. Then on to the den.

Saturday night I met up with my girlfriend Susan for cheese dip and margaritas. We planned on going to see The Lovely Bones but the movie theatre did not have power so we went to my house and drank wine and watched the Pregnancy Pact on Lifetime. Did you guys watch this??? It was crazy. I truly cannot believe it was based on a true story. Got to love some Lifetime movies

On Sunday I slept late, watched my back episode of Big Love which was such a good episode and then watched Julie & Julia. I loved this movie. I loved Meryl as Julia and getting to learn more about Julia Childs. I adored all the french cooking and I loved that it was about a blogger. It definitely made me realize that I seriously NEED a Le Creuset stew pot so I can make Beef Bourguignon in a Red Wine Sauce. And that I NEED to Master the Art of French Cooking. Maybe I should enroll in some cooking classes?? I give this movie a A.

About the time I finished watching my movie Kenny came home!!! I was so happy to see him because he had been gone for a long time. He tried to relax a little bit while I got some dips and things ready to have Susan and Andrew over to watch the Saints game. Oh my goodness that game was soooo intense. Susan grew up in New Orleans and we all of course wanted the Saints to win so bad. When it was tied with a minute left and the Vikings were about to score we thought it was over. So sick to our stomachs. But we got so lucky and that turnover and that field goal sealed the deal. SAINTS ARE GOING TO THE SUPERBOWL!!!!! CANNOT WAIT!!!!

So looking back over this post. I basically watched and ate my way through the weekend and it was wonderful. A little boring and monotonous but wonderful. Here is what we are eating this week. Only a couple of recipes because we are busy the rest of the week.

MENU MONDAY
Sunday- Crack Dip( best and easiest dip ever recipe Below) and Susan brought over taco soup served with Frito's,sour cream and Mexican cheese. Yum!!

Monday - Easy Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Tuesday - Make Mine a Mojito's Mexican Stuffed Shells. Recipe Below (She mentioned that this was her favorite recipe that her mom made up and I thought it sounded so good.) I am going to use ground turkey, reduced fat cheese, light sour cream, you get the idea. But I give her all the credit for this recipe. Excited to try it!

CRACK DIP- Named because you can't stop eating it. Like crack. Ha! I usually double this recipe because people love it so much.

2 Blocks of Cream Cheese

2lbs of Mild Sausage

2 cans of rotel tomatoes

Brown sausage and drain. Put into microwave safe bowl. Cube both blocks of cream cheese and add to the sausauge. Pour both cans of rotel tomatoes into bowl and heat in microwave until the dip is melted and combined. Stir every few minutes. So easy!!

Mexican Stuffed Shells (from Make Mine a Mojito)

Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef
1 medium-sized yellow onion finely chopped
1 packet taco seasoning
1 package of cream cheese
1 box of jumbo pasta shells
1 10 oz. or 16 oz. can enchilada sauce (mild, medium, or hot) depending on how much sauce you like
1 bunch scallions diced
1 package Mexican cheese blend
Diced tomato for garnish

Directions:

Cook the jumbo shell pasta in boiling water. Drain when al dente. Set aside to cool.

Sautee onions and beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. When the onions are translucent and the meat is cooked through, add the packet of taco seasoning. Stir well. Add the entire package of cream cheese and allow it to melt into the beef mixture. Allow the mixture to cool.

Then stuff a heaping spoonful of the beef mixture into one of the cooked jumbo shells. Place the filled shell in a baking dish. Repeat this process until all of the beef mixture is gone.

On top of the shells in the baking dish pour the enchilada sauce. Sprinkle the diced tomato and scallion on top of the shells. Cover the shells with Mexican cheese.

Bake on 350 degree for 30-40 minutes until the shells are warm in the center and the cheese is melted.

KING CAKES

So a conversation that I was following and participating in on Twitter got me (scuse my country talk for a moment) hankerin for a King Cake. And people started chiming in on who made their favorite King Cake.

Being from Hattiesburg, MS. Yes home of the Tiger Woods Sex Rehab. Can you believe it!! Tiger Woods went to Hattiesburg MS for rehab!!! Thanks for putting us on the map Tiger. Anyway back to the very serious subject at hand. Hattiesburg is only a very short drive from the coast and a couple hours from NOLA. Which lets some of that Mardi Gras fever make its way up to us. And because we have good King Cakes at our disposal I have extremely high standards. A grocery store King cake just will not do.

My absolute favorite King Cakes hail from a place called Paul's Pastry. These are to die for and now I NEEEEED ONE!!!. Anyone want to send me one??? My favorite is the blueberry filling with cream cheese. Yes I said cream cheese!!! For me to truly enjoy a King cake it has to have cream cheese. The standard ones are just okay while more authentic.

My friend Mego(short for Megan pictured here on the left.) lives on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and has season tickets to the Saints game so I trust her opinion! Go Saints!!! She says that Haydel's Bakery makes her favorite King Cake. I looked at them online and they have cream cheese King Cakes too. So they have my stamp of approval too.

Anyway had to share since I have the sweet morsels on the brain now. And to say one more time that I hope that the Saints go all the way!!! Who makes your favorite King Cake??

IDOL

So who is watching this season?? I have loved this show since the first season but I am ready to admit that the episodes so far this year have been somewhat lackluster. It is because Paula is gone? Is it because I know Simon will be gone next year and then I will officially stop watching it.

I am ready for Ellen to get here. I adore Ellen and can't wait to hear her sarcastic quips regarding the contestants performances. I am hoping the season gets better once the actual competition starts because right now I feel like I am just watching fake auditions.

The only people that have caught my attention so far(besides all the TN people that are mortifying) are the people with the sad stories. Last night I loved the guy who had the autistic son who sang the "Someone To Watch Over Me" a song that I love. Or the girl who sings to her grandmother who has Alzheimer's. But I want some new undiscovered talent. It seems so far everyone they have given the golden ticket to sounds the same.

I will end my American Idol rant here. But right now I just hope it gets better. Since this is my last season anyway I would like it to be a good one. I'm going to miss Simon.