REAL HOUSEWIVES OF NYC

So I am so happy that one of my guilty pleasures just started a new season on Bravo,Housewives of New York City. I also watch Real Housewives of Orange County, cannot stand Housewives of Atlanta (never watched a full episode), but the NYC girls are by far my fave. I feel like that paragraph was written with very poor grammar. Oh well.

Anyway I love these women. I know the picture above is missing the newest housewife but she sort of bores me anyway. My two favorite housewives are Jill and Betheny. I love how honest they both are. Jill just seems like so much fun to be around and Betheny has so much drive and raw emotion. Not to mention that I love watching the two of them together. They are such a riot.

Then as far as Alex and Simon go. They are like watching a train wreck and you just can't seem to look away. They truly are the most bizarre couple I have ever seen. With her denying his blatantly obvious homosexuality and him talking about how much they like to always go shopping together, it is just too much. On this week's episode I got so tickled when they went to the beach in the Hampton's and Simon strips down to his standard Speedo briefs claiming the whole time that this beach is nothing like the European beaches they frequent sooooo often where everyone wears briefs. And it is like nails on a chalkboard when they start talking about Francois this and Francois that. Who the heck names their kid Francois in America!

And this chick is extremely entertaining because she is so incredibly cuckoo, she is also not capable of wiping that overly botoxed, always surprised look off her face.

There are so many other little quirks that I love about these crazy women and this show. Like the Countess's need to always be addressed as a Countess.....crazy. Or how Betheny is so freakishly thin and toned, and Jill always manages to stir the pot but people still end up apologizing to her when its all over. I love this show!

IS HE? OR ISN'T HE?

Last night I went to dinner and a movie with a couple of my girlfriends. Both of whom are married. We grabbed dinner at the Memphis Pizza Cafe. This was my first time to eat there. I know, you pretty much live in a bubble it seems like when you live on Mud Island for almost three years. So I had never eaten there. It was really good and then we headed over to the movie.

I was really excited about seeing this movie and it did not disappoint. I really really liked it. But my friends Tracy, Mollie and myself included all walked away saying.....that movie could make you feel a little insecure regardless of what your relationship status is. (Jokingly of course)

(Don't read this if you have not seen it because I do not want to give anything away)

Here are some thoughts:

• Why do movies always make married life seem mundane. Isn't that what it is kind of about sometimes? Spending every single day with someone you love. Everyday can't be a whirlwind of excitement and adventure. There are days that you wake up, go to work, come home, cook dinner, hang out with each other for a little while and go to bed. That is just the truth of the matter. Which brings me to my next thought......

• If you are not okay with the fact that this is how some days will be then why are you married? Am I wrong here? Which brings me to my next thought......

• If you are not happy with with the simple days.....make an effort to spice it up. DON'T go sleep with some blond haired, big boobed, yoga teacher that tucks in her shirt with terrible jeans that might or might not be named Scarlett in real life.

• I heart Jennifer Godwin. I love her in Big Love and I loved her in this. I also loved every single piece of clothing she wore.

• Mollie and I agreed. Jennifer Connolly was not looking too cute in this movie. She is too thin. And they were parting her hair down the center which made her look kind of odd. Never the less, she played her part extremely well.

• I double heart Drew Barrymore.

• Ben Affleck and Jennifer Anniston were such a sweet couple in this movie.

• This movie made me kind of happy that I have forgotten how to date, much less flirt. Kenny and I have been together for almost 7 years. If I had to get out there and date,this book and movie would probably be my bible. I would have no clue how to be single anymore much less get a guy to like me.

All in all, it was a really fun night. I kind of liked that the movie had a self help kind of feel (like the book) but was a total romantic comedy/chick flick at the same time. We saw a preview for a movie last night that might have to be our next girls night,Ghosts of Girlfriends Past it looks adorable.  

SWEET TEA ALCOHOL MAY BE HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH

Friday night Kenny and I made plans to go see a band playing at the New Daisy with a friend. I was dying to get another taste of that delicious Firefly Vodka that I had discovered during our weekend in Clarksdale. Needless to say that stuff can sneak up on you. Kenny and I had a great time but next time we will not be telling each other this drink is so delicious and finishing off the ENTIRE bottle.

Not to mention it made me do this.
Yes that is a Dyer's Menu. Home of the fried hamburger, double meat, double cheese and a side of hand cut fries! Yes that is what I ate. It was so delicious. But I am was so ashamed. Here I am hiding my face.
The boys felt okay about their decision to eat those delicious hamburgers.


On Saturday, Kenny and I were ridiculously lazy. Like stayed in our pajamas all day lazy. Pathetic. Part of the reason being I was stalking the Noura Jackson blog (previously mentioned in another post) waiting for a verdict. The jury deliberated all day. They found her guilty of 2ND Degree murder which in my opinion was an absurd conviction. I won't get into it because I could talk about it all day.

Kenny and I did manage to shower and go to dinner for some delicious sushi that night.

Sunday Kenny and I attended my favorite charity event, Soup Sunday. I love this event so much. It combines so many things that I love. Food, local restaurants, soup, dessert, and of course it is for a great cause. Kenny and I were so full when we left. One of the standout things I ate was a bread pudding with vanilla cream sauce. It was amazing.

Once we got home, I of course took a nap. And then we watched the Oscars last night. Did anybody else think they were really good last night. I thought Hugh Jackman did a really good job and I loved his musical number at the beginning that included Anne Hathaway.

WHILE THE JURY IS AT LUNCH

So while I have a break in the trial ( I kid.  Really I do.)  I just had to share the delicious lunch I just enjoyed.
This soup is crazy. It only has 100 calories 26 carbs, and 8 grams of sugar FOR THE ENTIRE CAN!

I added half of a small avocado to mine along with some 2% shredded cheddar cheese and I have to say.....it was awesome. I am full and it was very satisfying. It is definitely going into the lunch routine at least once a week.

ABSENCE DUE TO MURDER TRIAL

So I am sorry I have not been blogging much this week but I am completely wrapped up in a murder trial right now and I just too busy to do other things like blogging. If you are in the Memphis area then I am sure you know what I am talking about.

The Noura Jackson Murder Trial is an East Memphis 18 year old girl who is accused of stabbing her mother 51 times and killing her. Dozens of Noura's high school friends have testified and this was a rowdy crowd that liked to party. I do not know whose bright idea it was to do minute by minute blogging about this trial or even stream it live on the Internet, but it has only fueled my obsession. This trial is juicy and riveting. If you want to read about it for yourself you can go here:

I suggest starting from the beginning.

Commercial Appeal Coverage

Channel Five News Coverage

Until the jury deliberation is over I do not know when I will be back. I kid. I will be back soon. But for real, I cannot stop reading this stuff!

VALENTINES AND A THREE DAY WEEKEND

Kenny and I had a really good weekend that pretty much revolved around eating, watching movies, and hanging out together.

On Friday night we went to Mexican. I was so excited. This was the first time I had eaten Mexican this year. And I tried to be really good and I did not drink a margarita. Cheese dip was another story but I figured at least I saved 1000 calories on not drinking. When we got home we watched Burn After Reading. Kenny says it was different. I couldn't tell you what it was about because I fell asleep. I have a bad habit of falling asleep during movies.

On Saturday morning I made cinnamon rolls for Kenny, yogurt and fruit for me and then we went to see some of the qualifying matches for Morgan Keegan tennis tournament. We watched a match with a guy from University of Memphis Men's Team and another USA guy. The guy from UM had his whole team there and a bunch of support so we decided to root for him too. He lost but the game was still good.

I have to say that our Valentine's Day date was my favorite so far. I am not sure if it was because it was on Saturday so it did not feel so rushed or what but Kenny and I had a really good time together. We had decided not to brave the restaurants and cook out just the two of us. So Kenny marinated some steaks, and grilled asparagus, and I made Pioneer Woman crash hot potatoes and we opened up a nice bottle of wine. It was an extremely delicious meal.

For dessert we had fired up our chiminea while Kenny cooked and I had bought all the stuff to make smores. Yall! This was a grand idea. It was so nice sitting by the fire toasting marshmallows, not to mention that they were delicious.

I was really excited about getting the perfect toasted marshmallow. After stuffing ourselves with smores, we sat by the fire and finished our bottle of wine. Yes, we finished it. And then we took goofy pictures of ourselves. I had decided not to include these. But wait the night was not over! We popped open another bottle of wine and game night began.

Remember I had mentioned a couple weeks ago that I wanted to start playing more board games. What a great opportunity so I stocked up on some games at Target. I bought Life, Sorry, Uno, and Jenga. I cannot wait to get more. But Kenny and I had the greatest time playing Life and Sorry and we ended the night with Jenga. It was intense.

It really was a relaxing night. On Sunday, we went to church and grabbed some lunch and got some things done around the house. And I had the day off yesterday so I did some serious grocery shopping. I love having the pantry and fridge stocked.

Hope everyone else had just as good of a weekend and Valentine's Day!

AMERICAN IDOL THOUGHTS

Alright so last night they revealed who made it to the top 36.   For the most part I was really pleased.  But there were a couple shocking moments too.

I was really happy that these people made it! (Sorry I do not know all of their names yet. Faces will have to do!)


This girl is from Memphis and she is really good so I can't help but cheer for people that live in Memphis.



I loved both of the hard working guys with the families but I thought that this guy was cuter and a better singer. I am so excited to see what he will do.


I love love this guy. He has an amazing voice. Not to mention I loved the cameraderie between he and his best friend. ( I will get to this shortly)


This girl is sixteen and from Starkville, MS (God's country) So I am rooting for her too!



This is Lil Rounds. I know her name. She is from Memphis and has an amazing story. And boy can she sing. She is a Simon favorite and I think she is going to do really well. Not to mention her husband works for the same company as I do.


I know this guys name too. Anoop. He surprises me everytime because I never expect his voice to come out of his mouth. He is really good and I find him very interesting.


Some of the contestants that had me going HUH?????

This guy can sing and I do find his tendencies to be comical. But he is far too dramatic for my taste.



I love this guy. But I am a little afraid that he won't take the competition seriously and will make a mockery out of it.



And Tatiana better go the first week or I might break my television. DId they keep her because she was good TV. Come on judges.

And the kept all of these people but cut........


Jamar Rogers was my favorite. I looooved him and I liked it when he sang Hey There Delilah. I literally cried when they cut him. He was so shocked. His best friend had made it through and I thought he was shoo in. Even a possibility to win the whole thing.

And they kept Nick Norman and Tatiana!

TAGGED

So Elizabeth at No Worries Wynn In Lovetagged me to do a little questionnaire so here we go!

THE RULES:
Step 1: respond and rework—answer the questions on your own blog, replace one question that you dislike with a question of your own invention, add one more question of your own.
Step 2: tag—eight other untagged people.

Make a list of things you can see without getting up: my computer, calendar, pens, notepads, cell phone, empty yogurt containter, styrofoam cup. (This is exciting stuff people)

Favorite football team: Mississippi State of course. Even if they are hard to pull for. My favorite pro team are the Colts.

What are you wearing now? brown Banana Republic dress pants, Brown and white shirt with nautical knots pattern also from Banana Republic, brown pumps and pearl earrings.

What color is your bedroom? It is a light sandy color. It went with the bedding and makes the room feel bright.

What’s the last thing you read/are currently reading? I am reading Lucky by Alice Sebold. She is the author who wrote The Lovely Bones. I keep forgetting to bring it to work with me so I have not gotten very far.

What is the last movie you watched?  Last night I got sucked into watching Flowers in the Attic.  Have yall ever seen that?  It is so strange but you can't seem to stop watching it.

Do you nap a lot? No, not really. Only on Sundays when I am really tired.

Who was the last person you hugged? Lena on my way out the door. Tomorrow is her birthday.

What’s your current obsession/addiction? Big Love, American Idol, trying to eat better, having a lot of music on my Ipod, blogging, Kenny, and Lena.

What was the last thing you said aloud? "What did you have for dinner last night?"  This is a daily conversation between my friend Susan and I.

What Web sites do you always visit when you go online? Too many blogs to name, MSNBC, Pioneer Woman, Paul Ryburn's Downtown Blog, Hungry Girl, Gosselins Without Pity, Southern Weddings.

What was the last thing you bought? Cheddar Peppers from Sonic. Man, I love those things.

What are you listening to right now? My coworkers talking and the sound of my space heater.

What is something you wish you could do more? Travel, shop, eat delicious food and not gain any weight.

If you could have any super power, what would it be? Transporting my self from place to place in like one second. I can't stand driving back after a trip and you just want to be home and not have to drive a long time. But I do have to agree with a lot of people, telling the future to win the lottery would be nice

What is your favorite weather, and why? Late Spring, early summer. I love flip flops, cute dresses, margaritas and cheese dip on a deck, cooking out, laying out, the beach.....I could go on and on.

What time do you usually get up? Anywhere between 6:20 and 6:30 am.

What is your most challenging goal right now? Watching what I eat. It is hard.

Say something to the person who tagged you: Thanks for the tag! 

If you could have a house–totally paid for, fully furnished–anywhere in the world, where would you want it to be? Greece

Favorite vacation spot? any beach

What is your favorite children’s book? The Angelina Ballerina books. I also like the Polar Express

Name one thing you just can’t resist no matter how bad it is for you: Cheese, cheese dip, any dips for that matter.

If you could meet anyone famous - dead or alive - who would it be? Laura Bell Bundy. Sorry that its not deeper but I love her and I think we could be friends.

Have you ever met anyone famous? If so who? No not really.

If you could have any job in the world , what would it be? I want to own my own store that would definitely have to do with food.  A cheese shop, or fine foods.  

I know a lot of people have already done this.  So I tag whoever wants to fill this fun little thing out!

SHACKIN' UP AT THE SHACK UP INN

So this weekend Kenny and I headed to Clarksdale, Mississippi (World Capital of the Blues) to spend the weekend with college friends at a place called the Shack Up Inns. This fine establishment is located in a field in the Delta and basically this place has moved several shotgun sharecropper shacks onto this land and you can rent them out for the weekend. The weather was amazing. 70 degrees and not a cloud in the sky. There were 21 of us that went so we pretty much had the place to ourselves. Except for the occasional, seriously random person that would wander over to our camp fire to hang out with us.

LOTS OF PICTURES AHEAD! AND MOST LIKELY A LONG POST. WE HAD FUN!
Friday night everyone arrived at different times so we decided that everyone would just bring snacky food and we would just hang out at the shacks. The boys got a fire going and the girls sat around and talked. When my friends Megan and Patrick arrived they came bringing a Southern Mississippi beer called Southern Pecan that is quickly growing in popularity across the south. So needless to say everyone was pretty excited when we saw who was on the box but none other than Patrick and Megan themselves! For some reason Megan did not want to be photographed with her box!

And I just have to mention that I have found a drink that I totally obsessed with. Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka. Mix it with water and a splash of lemon and you would think you were drinking a cold glass of sweet tea on a hot day. You cannot even taste the alcohol. Which could be a good thing or a bad thing.





On Saturday morning we woke up and took an informal tour of all the shacks. I say informal because we were all in our pajamas. The Shacks are so unique because they are extremely eclectically decorated. For instance the room that Kenny and I stayed in had a female mannequin in a tshirt and straw hat sitting cross legged mounted on our wall. But others had old pianos and and guitars and bars. I really liked the painting of the man playing the piano that was on one wall. Across the field from the Shacks was an old cotton gin that they had turned into a very unusual bar. This place really was so neat to stay at.

Saturday afternoon the girls all threw on some clothes and not a bit of makeup (so nice) to browse a couple shops in downtown Clarksdale. After a little shopping we all decided to go have a drink at Ground Zero Blues Club. Ground Zero is Morgan Freeman's bar. I was a little hungry so I ordered some fried grits. Yes, you read that right....fried grits. Dipped them in a little butter. They were good!

Saturday night we had reservations at a new restaurant in Clarksdale called Rust. It was a great choice. And the staff was very friendly and accommodating with our large group. Lots of good things on the menu. I had the shrimp and grits. (of course) And then there was lots of excitement when Eric decided to propose to Blair with all her friends present. That is Eric in the green sweater and Blair blowing out her birthday candles because her birthday was last week and we were having Strawberry cake to celebrate! Her ring is gorgeous and everyone was very excited for them.

After dinner we headed to Ground Zero, for a couple drinks. They had a good band playing and the place was pretty crowded. Sorry about the pics, my camera was doing weird things with the bars lighting. Once we left the bar we went back to the Shack Up Inn and everyone just hung around the campfire. At some point late late in the night we roasted some hot dogs that were awesome.

Kenny and I stayed up until four in the morning both Friday and Saturday night so we were exhausted on Sunday. When we got home early afternoon we slept until nightfall. Got up to watch Big Love and then went back to sleep. I am not running on all cylinders this morning but it was sooo worth it!

LOVE EM!

So I really like all kinds of music. I consider myself to be well rounded when it comes to knowing different genres. However, I never really tie myself down to anyone in particular. I am not someone who is crazy obsessed and a loyal fan of one person or group. But, if I had to say who I my favorite band was it would be The Fray.

Their first hit was Over My Head(Cable Car) and then of course How To Save A Life. Which became popular after it was shown on multiple Grey's Anatomy commercials and also an episode. I looove that song but really their entire first album is awesome. It is a rare occasion when I can listen to an entire album from beginning to end. What I love most about their music is the lead singers voice and also all the piano that is incorporated in their songs. (I love piano)

Kenny surprised me with tickets to their concert in Memphis last summer. And we had the best time. They put on a great show.


Their new album came out this week and I am really excited about it. I just got it last night and gave it a listen this morning. But I have not gotten a good feel for it. But I am sure I will love it. If anyone is looking for a good mellow band to love I would definitely recommend their first cd to anyone. I will have to keep you updated on the new one.

FUN WEEKEND

Friday night Kenny and I did not do to much. We rented a movie and just hung out. On Saturday I woke up and headed to Oxford. My sister is in grad school there and my mom was driving up to bring her a vanity they had re-finished and was spending the night.

Once I got there we headed to the square to do some shopping. It was a really nice day out and it was fun just to walk around and look at all the cute shops. After we got done on the square we stopped by this antique store and then went to My Favorite Shoes where I got three really really cute pairs of shoes at 75%. What a deal! We were worn out from shopping but we all went to sushi for dinner and capped off the night with some White Chocolate Mousse from TCBY. Needless to say we were in bed early.

Sunday morning, I got up and drove back to Memphis early to get ready to go to church. Kenny and I were meeting Tracy and Joe to try out a new church.

That was one of the high points of this weekend. We looooved the church. It reminded me so much of the church I grew up in only (alot bigger). The children's choir sang and the sermon was really really good. Kenny and I are excited to go back. And then last night while I was at my Junior League meeting someone dropped by and brought Kenny and me homemade cookies and a packet about the church. I know crazy. Next time we go we are going to attend a Sunday School class and we are seriously considering joining. We liked it that much!

After church it was time to get ready for our impromptu Super Bowl party. Kenny and I were not doing the ginormous spread that we did last year but we still ended up with tons of food because everyone brought something and then we ordered out wings.

Lauren and Lowe brought cute little Shelton and she was wearing the cutest little kimono outfit. After that night Kenny and I decided that our child was going to starve to death because Lena is going to eat everything that we give our child to eat. Please look at little unsuspecting Shelton.Also please ignore our "red" seating. We did not have enough chairs so we improvised!

And then of course everyone had to try out the 3D glasses with the commercials.
A lot of us were disappointed that Arizona did not win but at least it was a really good game. But everyone knows the Super Bowl is all about the food. Right......

02! 02! 02!

So today is someone very specials birthday(proper grammar?). It would be one of my best friend's birthdays! Susan and I met on the first day of freshmen year at Mississippi State. She lived one dorm room down from me and I knocked on her door to ask her to turn down the air conditioner. The way she tells the story I demanded snottily for her to turn down the air. I dunno know about that one. But I guess that encounter was enough for us to become friends.

It also helped that we ended up pledging the same sorority, and our dorm floor was so much fun and we all hung out together all the time. The title of this post comes from the date of her birthday our freshmen year. Around let's say September, Susan would just randomly chant 02! 02! 02!. The date of her birthday that year. (And yes I know that that dates us) It was a cool date to have a birthday I admit but she was building THIS birthday up big time. Susan managed to have anyone we met or hung out with chanting 02!02!02! all the time. So to this day Susan's birthday is really the only person's birthday I always remember. (I am terrible at remembering birthdays.)

Susan, was a bridesmaid in my wedding, and since we both live in Memphis our friendship has grown stronger over a lot of cheese dips and margaritas. I would tell you some ridiculous stories of our youth but there are too many and not really blog appropriate, if you know what I mean. So here is a big ol'

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUSAN!!!!!!

(I will blog about Kenny and I's weekend tomorrow)