EXHAUSTED WOULD BE AN UNDERSTATEMENT

Kenny and I took off from work Thursday and Friday to head to Atlanta (where my family lives) for my cousin Pamela's wedding. She is marrying an amazing boy named Cullen and we were so excited to be able to attend all of the amazing festivities. While I did not get pictures from the entire weekend. I am TERRIBLE AT taking pictures I did get some fun ones at the wedding.

Thursday night after driving most of the day. My Aunt Pam and Uncle Mike hosted a small get together for family, a few out of town guests, and my cousin's bridesmaids. It was a lot of fun getting to meet all of Pamela's closest friends.

On Friday, we attended the bridal luncheon at Piedmont Driving Club. It was so gorgeous! The rehearsal dinner was held at Chastain Horse Park. The weather was perfect for a cocktail out on the porch. My aunt had even arranged to have some riders come and trot their beautiful horse around. That is the picture of the back of the club. So fun. After the rehearsal dinner there was an after party at this little building called the American Legion post that was so so fun and cute. American quilts as table clothes, with little old ladies passing out home made peach ice cream and a band. We probably stayed out a little too late that night but it was so worth it.

The day of the wedding we spent just lounging around and eating lunch. ( I needed something greasy.) Then that night the wedding was at this beautiful old Presbyterian Church where my aunt and uncle were married and the reception was at the Atlanta History Center and it was GORGEOUS!!!! And I actually have pictures of this night so enjoy. Please look at how pretty my cousin's dress was!

Different arrangements on every table but so pretty.  Please ignore all the empty banana pudding glasses.  That stuff was good.

The entrance when you came in.

Loved her dress so much!

Mom, sister, and me.

My other cousin, Lindsay in green.  She is getting married in March so we will get to do this all over again!

My aunt and MOB dancing with the band on the dance floor.

The band had called all the girls on stage.

After the wedding we went and had some drinks but Kenny and I were fading fast. So needless to say exhausted was an understatement on Sunday. We were so tired but we had to get on the road early because we had tickets to see the American Idol concert.

So we got home late Sunday afternoon and headed to the concert about two hours later. I think I might of been a walking zombie but the concert was AWESOME. It was so good. This season was really so incredibly talented. Most of them played instruments and their singing was phenomenal. The forum was packed and people were going crazy for Adam Lambert. The whole thing was a little nuts but so much fun.

I am definitely not feeling like myself today. I am so totally out of it. But it is all because of such a fun weekend.

GIVEAWAY!!!!!

So my good friend Susan with J PRESS DESIGNS does INCREDIBLE design work and she just started a blog recently. Oh snap!

So she thought to celebrate she would offer all everyone an order of her personalized stationery. You will receive 50 cards and 50 envelopes. So these should last you a little while! She has three designs to choose from and they are all so cute. So please head on over to her blog and give her a shout out to be entered to win! All you have to do is leave a comment!

Her blog is great for ideas to because she has lots of samples of her work if you have an event or wedding coming up, or even a baby announcement.

Here is the link!  Go now!

http://jpressdesigns.blogspot.com/

QUICK WEEKEND UPDATE

Kenny and I had another wonderful weekend of not having any official plans but managed to accomplish a lot and relax. Friday night I came home and fixed myself a mojito and finished reading Jodi Piccoult's book The Pact.
This book was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. I loved it. It is by far my favorite book that she has written. I cried a few times while reading it. So once I read the last few pages because I could not put it down. Kenny and I cooked a pizza for supper and watched the movie, Knowing with Nicholas Cage. It was okay. Kind of different. But okay.

Saturday morning I ran a ton of errands while Kenny watched the British Open and worked a little. I went and got my first ever spray tan which I found to be so stressful. There were so many instructions and that big machine was kind of frightening. Not to mention I was freezing. But overall I am pleased with the results and I am going again on Wednesday for my cousin's wedding this weekend. I am so excited because I FINALLY found a dress for the rehearsal dinner that I am going to this weekend. I had been searching and searching so I am so happy I do not have to worry about it anymore.

Saturday night Kenny and I went to Mexican that was delicious and then met up with Christin to celebrate her fiance J.R.'s birthday at a bar. We had a great time hanging out with everyone and went home at a decent time. I was sleepy.

Sunday, Kenny and I watched the last day of the British open (so sad Watson did not win) and then went kayaking around Mud Island. This time we pulled over and went and walked around Mud Island River Park and the amphitheatre. It was a lot of fun. Sunday night has turned into our favorite night for television because of Big Brother, True Blood, Hung and Entourage. So we like to relax and watch our shows.

So happy this will be a short week for me work wise. Yea!

SPRAY TANNING HELP NEEDED!!!!!

I stopped tanning last July. I have not been in a tanning bed for a YEAR. That is huge for me. HUGE. I have not avoided the sun when I am outdoors or anything but no artificial UV Rays.

So....as I have mentioned previously my cousins wedding is next weekend and it is IMPERATIVE that I have a tan. I will be in cute dresses all weekend. I have decided to get a spray tan. I have never had one before and I am so nervous I am going to come out looking like an Ooompa Loompa.

My friend Megan gave me a coupon for a buy one get one free spray tan so I am going to do a test run this weekend and then do the official tan for the wedding next week.


Please for the love of all things tan give me your spray tanning tips. What makes it last the longest? What keeps it from getting all splotchy. And how do I keep from being Orange? Or do I even need to worry about that?

HAVEN'T FELT LIKE IT

Sorry for my lack of posts. I just have had zero motivation to blog lately. A lot of it because I have not really had anything interesting going on. Kenny and I had a GLORIOUS weekend of having no plans so we ran errands, watched movies, ate Mexican food and went to see The Proposal which we both thought was really good.


I have been running around like crazy looking for the perfect dress to wear to my cousin's rehearsal dinner NEXT FRIDAY!!!!! Any help from the Memphis peeps would be greatly appreciated if ya ll have seen any cute dresses. I have been to all the malls several times and plan to look at the smaller boutiques this weekend. I have combed J.Crew and all the sites online and nothing. I have found a few things I like online but being able to try things on is pretty imperative for me. The dinner is somewhat layed back so I need a really fun sundress. But I want something really cute.

Why is it when you stop by the mall with no money you find a plethora of things you want to buy but when looking for something specific and money in hand NADA! So frustrating.

We are also still trying to get things done on the house. Our toilet is still not back in but as soon as I get it back in I will be sure to post some before and after pictures of our once emerald green bathroom. It looks really good.

Anyway, my life is really boring right now (In a good, nice and relaxing kind of way) so sorry I do not have much to talk about. I feel like this is what summer is all about. A little time to breath.

NEW BREAKFAST

So about a week ago Kenny went grocery shopping with me. It is something he rarely does. I am a get in, get out kind of girl and Kenny meanders. It is okay. We are just different. But when we were at the store these caught his eye and we are always on the lookout for food you can eat on the go since he spends so much of his time in the car.

I have to tell you. These things are good. At 240 calories a piece they are very filling and take a little while to eat so you feel like you are having a big snack. We have been eating them for breakfast and really liking them. They will probably stay in my breakfast rotation along with my vita tops.

Did anyone watch the first episode of Big Brother last night? I really wanted Jessica to get back into the house. So far no one seems overly obnoxious but we will see.

I COULD NOT BE HAPPIER IT IS FRIDAY! HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

NOT SO FUNNY

Last night Kenny and I made a trip to TCBY(man I love me some White Chocolate Mousse) before settling in to watch Paul Blart: Mall Cop. We had seen the previews and they looked really funny. Well.........not so much. At times that movie was downright hokey. Next on our queue is Transporter 3. Kenny will probably watch that one on his own and then I have already said we get to order Confessions of a Shopaholic next.

I thought I would go ahead and post the easy peasy recipe I am making tonight. It looks good and I am going to add some marinated chicken to it

Easy Tortellini and Bacon Pasta
Ingredients
1 (9 ounce) package refrigerated three-cheese tortellini
2/3 cup frozen peas
3/4 cup refrigerated alfredo sauce
1/4 cup bacon bit
1/8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Directions
ADD pasta and peas to 2-1/2 quart boiling water in large saucepan. Cook 6 to 8 minute or until pasta is tender, stirring frequently. Drain well. RETURN pasta and peas to pan. Stir in Alfredo sauce and bacon. Reduce heat to low; cook 2 to 3 minute or until heated through, stirring occasionally. SPRINKLE with the pepper.

Did anyone watch the Michael Jackson Memorial yesterday? I thought that it was well done. And his daughter was so sad and such a cute little thing.

EXTREMELY PRODUCTIVE LONG WEEKEND.....STILL TIRED

We were so busy this weekend. But I cannot even begin to tell you how big of a relief it is to have accomplished so much as far as things we wanted to do on the house.

Thursday night we went to Wicked. It was amazing. I had made sure that no one would tell me what happened at the end. Because despite how many times I have listened to the soundtrack I did not know how it all wrapped up. Needless to say I was surprised. I loved it all and I am so sad it is over. Wicked was the last of our Orpheum season tickets and we decided not to renew this year and just go to the plays we wanted to see. So sad. Here is the view from our seat before it started.
Friday was our work day. My mom and I (mom mostly) worked our tails off getting stuff done to my house. We painted the bathroom (before and afters to come soon), caulked and painted trim, organized four closets, hung curtains, painted the bathroom mirror a new color. We were sooo busy but everything looks soooo good. I am so pleased. Plus for an OCD girl like me having things organized is almost an euphoric feeling.

EDITED TO ADD: MY SISTER HUNG MY CURTAINS. THANK YOU SISTER.

Friday night we went to eat at Humdingers for you Memphis girls. This place was really good. Very casual you order at the counter and they bring it to you but it was so yum. Kenny and I got the shrimp tacos with a side of zucchini. It is now one of our favorites. Here is the menu.After dinner we went to see Transformers. It was long and loud. (I sound so old) But it was entertaining.

Saturday my sister and Kenny went kayaking while my mom and I did more stuff around the house. I told you we were busy. Then that afternoon we headed downtown early to have drinks and burgers at Huey's before going to the Redbirds game. Luckily we were in no hurry because they were slammed and service was so slow. This is how you can find my sister a lot lately. Staring at her iPhone.

Then we met our friends Susan and Andrew at the game. Andrew had been gracious enough to score us some tickets and we all sat together. The game was a lot of fun but it got so muggy by the end of the night. It was H-O-T! At one point Susan bought some cracker jacks which in my opinion have gotten much better in quality.This is where we found the prize. And decided it was extremely lame and not fun at all. After the game that went into extra innings they had a great firework show. I love fireworks. So American don't ya think!
Sunday was more chores. My mom and sister left early so I went grocery shopping, Kenny and I organized and cleaned out the shed. We threw away so much stuff and would you believe it was all gone by nightfall. People just kept coming by and taking it. I took some clothes to get some alterations and Kenny mowed the yard. It was another busy day and I have to say I am a little worn out today.

As for Menu Monday I did meal plan this week but it was a lot of repeat recipes. I do have one new recipe that I am trying and if it is good I will be sure to post it. Sorry for the long post. Hope everyone had a great Fourth of July.

CAN'T WAIT

Not only is today the start of a three day weekend but.....I am going to see Wicked tonight and I am soooo excited about it. I have loved this musical for so long and we always talked of getting up to New York to see it but just never made it up there.

So tonight as the last show of our season tickets I will finally get to see it. I have been hearing great things about the cast from friends who have already been.

I am so excited!

I DIDN'T BELIEVE THEM

I can't even count how many posts I have read about people who bought an iPhone and just love love loved it. And I always thought to myself I mean I am sure it is cool and all but after all it is just a phone people. Just a phone.

I WAS WRONG.

I feel like I have the whole wide world of the internet at my fingertips at all times. It can be a little over stimulating but amazing all the same. I am kind of obsessed and have to force myself to put it down. Does anyone have any good recommendations for fun Apps. I used Emily's Lose It suggestion and my friend recommended Urban Spoon and Pandora. Give me some good ones!

Kenny and I had a great weekend that included having some friends over for a early Fourth of July BBQ with lots of great food. And yesterday Kenny and I took the kayak out to Mud Island and put in on Wolf River. It was so nice to be outside and in the water. I can't wait to do it again.

On a really exciting note, only three days until I get to see Wicked. I am so excited!

RESTAURANT IRIS

Last night I was so excited to be able to dine at Restaurant Iris. It was amazing and if you are looking for a spectacular place for a special occasion or really excellent food. Go here. It is hands down the best place I have dined in Memphis.

This restaurant has gotten a lot of attention since it has opened and Kelly English, the chef personally came to greet us, at the end of the meal as he does with all of his patrons. Kelly was just honored with the "Best New Chef for 2009" by Food and Wine Magazine. That is a huge honor and so awesome that we have him here in Memphis.

The dishes were inventive and flavorful. Two people in our group got the seasonal 5 course meal which featured peaches from the Memphis Farmer's market in every course. I could go on and on about how fabulous this place was but I will not bore you with my amateur writing. Here are some links. Enjoy!

Dining Out: Restaurant Iris earns its stars with creative dishes by top chef

Best New Chefs 2009: Kelly English

memphis magazine readers honor restaurant iris

YOU DON'T GET THESE ABS FOR FREE

Kenny and I had a great Father's Day weekend. His parents arrived in town Friday night and we all went out for Mexican. My fave.

On Saturday we grabbed some lunch and Kenny's mom and I headed to the nail shop to get mani's and pedi's. We went to Diva Nails on Mendenhall for you Memphis girls. This place just opened a few months ago and I love them. They are extremely affordable and do a great job. After we were done we met up with Kenny who was at Outdoors Inc. contemplating buying a new toy. When we got there Kenny was in deep conversation about the decision.

Wanting to discuss it over with me and think about it a little while we decided to go grab a drink and watch a little of the U.S. Open. It did not take long to make our decision so we headed back to the store. Kenny is so excited about his new toy that will lead to his (our) new hobby.After our little rafting experience Kenny has kind of caught the paddling bug so he thought this would be fun. We also bought neato paddles and life jackets. Soon we will have to get a rack for the car. Kenny and I are planning on doing a small trip this weekend.

On Sunday we went to Bosco's for Brunch to celebrate Father's Day and Mother's Day since we had not seen his parents in a while. I had a blueberry waffle and a mimosa that was sooooo good. That afternoon we all headed over to my parents house to spend Father's Day with my dad. We took the kayak out to try in out in the pond. My step mom had cooked one of my top two favorite things to eat in the entire world. Shrimp and grits. Man oh Man!
This meal makes me so incredibly happy you do not even understand. Don't worry that bowl for the serving dish and not my personal meal. Then she made a blueberry crumble pie with these farmers market blueberries with vanilla ice cream. Talk about being well fed.

So yesterday I had to make up for eating my way through the weekend and I started The 30 Day Shred. Hence the title. I think Jillian might have said that at least ten times during my 28 minute workout. This work out was NO JOKE! I am so sore this morning.

I could not believe how quickly my heartbeat got up. The whole idea is to keep your heart rate up and not rest until the entire work out is over. Jillian kicked my butt. I hurt so much today that I have no idea how I am going to do it again this afternoon. I will be sure to keep you updated.

30 DAY SHRED

So my step-mom left me a surprise the other day. I had said I wanted it so I was so happy to find Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred DVD sitting on my counter when I got home. I can't wait to start it. I have heard of so many people doing it and I also heard it kicks your behind.

So.....anyone have any advice? I really do not know too much about it. But I plan to start on Monday.


Oh and TGIF! Have a great weekend!

EVERY LIGHT IN THE HOUSE IS ON

So after being a house guest for the fifth night in a row. I came home this morning to find..........

POWER!!!!!

When I pulled up to my house it looked dark and I was ticked. But as I came around the back I did a double take to find my outdoor lights were on!!! Yea!!!!

When I got in the house it already felt so much better. Granted, the fridge doors were wide open, every fan was going and most of our lights were on. I did not care!

I am so excited. Just in time for me to go sip on some mojitos with Christin and have a nice little evening out at the Levitt Shell. Then I get to come home to my nice cool house and sleep in my own bed!

DAY 6 - NO POWER

We still do not have power. That is all I have to say.

THINGS I LOST IN THE POWER OUTAGE

WARNING THIS POST IS WHINY. I SAY IT ALL IN JEST (KIND OF)

Yes I know. It has only been 4 days and my mother has reminded me countless times that during Hurricane Katrina they were out of power for three weeks in the dead heat of August. I know all of this. But there are just some things that you take for granted when it comes to electricity until you just don't have them anymore.

- AIR CONDITIONING (duh)
So that you can sleep at night.
So that your house does not start to smell
So that your poor dog does not overheat during the day

- The whole door of condiments, salad dressings, sauces, etc. etc. etc. that you spent all the money on that you are now going to have to throw away

- LIGHTS (duh)- We had to borrow our friends lanterns and flash lights. We will be purchasing them for the next power outage.

- Being able to do laundry. It is not the clothes that is killing me. It is all the towels. I wash towels a lot because I do not like them to sit somewhere damp.

- Cold Water from the fridge. The water that comes out of the faucets is lukewarm and makes me feel full when I drink it. Hey....maybe that is a good thing.

- TELEVISION!!!!! The Season Finale of Greek last night. I know this is petty but I am still sad. We also missed the season premier of True Blood dern it.

- Sleeping in your own bed (enough said)

- Packed lunches. Since we have nothing in the fridge, we have been eating out for lunch. It makes me feel yucky.

Alright, that is enough whining for the day. Just thought it would make me feel better. I know it is not all that bad. Just cross your fingers that they are working on it as we speak!

SOME THINGS I HAVE NOT TAKEN FOR GRANTED:
- Friends who have let us crash at their place the last 3 nights, watch their tv, use their Internet, turn down their air! HA!
- Parents who let us salvage a good bit of groceries by clearing out their garage fridge for us.
- Parents who made us a yummy meal on Sunday.

NO POWER

Our life is a mess right now. Our power went out on Friday afternoon as my mother, sister and Kenny were getting ready for the Keith Urban concert. They left shortly after it went out and we all assumed it would be back on when we returned home.

Nope. As of this morning still no power. What is really frustrating is that everyone across the street has power. So we are going over to our friends Michael and Lauren's house who live in one neighborhood over from ours to sleep and then waking up and going back over to our house to shower and get ready for work or for the day. Thank goodness we have a gas hot water heater!
And thank goodness we have friends nice enough to let us stay!

Besides the humungo pain in the arse of not having power we actually were really really busy this weekend. Friday night we grabbed some dinner and then went to the Sugarland/Keith Urban concert. It was so fun! Sugarland sang a huge set and we got to hear all of their good songs. And Keith Urban was a lot of fun. Kenny liked it alot because Keith and his band at times would jam out on their guitars and play a lot of rock music. There was even a little incident where Keith was walking through the crowd and some stands collapsed and it knocked Keith Urban down. It made me feel really awkward because he seemed kind of embarrassed.

Oh and while I worked on Friday my mom was a rock star and she painted my kitchen and re-tiled my bathroom floor. I am so excited. It all looks so good. And I ended up buying this really cute shower curtain off of Ebay from Pottery Barn. Can't wait to show you before and after pics!

On Saturday, we all got up and started running errands while Kenny went to the St. Jude golf tournament with a friend. I was looking for curtains and some other things and my sister was looking for new bedding. I ended up getting this adorable dress from Banana for my cousin's wedding weekend. I thought it would be perfect for the bridal luncheon.It has pockets. I love pockets.

Saturday night we went to Old Venice (love) and then went to see Up!. I know it is a kids movie but it was so good. Luckily my 3-D glasses covered up my ugly cry. Some of it was kind of sad.

On Sunday, my mom and sis left and Kenny and I went to the St. Jude golf tournament for a few hours to see Phil Mickelson. It was really hot and I have some lovely tan lines to show for it. After the golf tourney we went to my parents house for a yummy meal and to say hi to my groceries that we are storing in their extra fridge and to let Kenny catch up on some work before heading over to Michael and Lauren's to crash.

So we have managed to stay out of our hot and muggy house. I just looked at the outage map and it is saying our area's status is "Waiting to be analyzed." I don't think that is good. That means no one has even looked at it yet. Please cross your fingers for us!

HELP NEEDED

We are re-doing our hall/ guest bathroom right now. This weekend we are re-tiling the floor and then in the next couple of weeks I am having all the tile in the bathroom refinished.Our bathroom is a 1950's era bathroom with green tile everywhere. After we are done everything will be white and very clean looking. I already know I am going to love it. Don't worry there will be before and after pictures.

But now I am looking for a really cute shower curtain to make a statement. I have looked at a lot of sites online and nobody has what I am looking for. I am looking for a fabric shower curtain that is a cute and sophisticated pattern. The type of fabric you could buy at a fabric store but in a shower curtain. Anyone have any ideas? If I can't find anything online I am going to look at having one custom made but don't really want to go to the trouble.

Any thoughts, suggestions, personal experiences with custom made shower curtains would be oh so appreciated!

THE HANGOVER

Kenny and I wen to see this movie last night after grabbing some dinner. Go see this movie. It is incredibly funny. Not to mention that it appeals to a very large audience because I mean really who hasn't woke up the morning after a crazy night and said "What happened last night?"

I was worried that we had seen all the funny parts from the previews and this was definitely not the case. This movie at times makes your mouth fall open in disbelief.

Kenny and I also enjoyed the entertainment of two older women who were sitting in front of us that were either on drugs or were completely obliterated. Everytime any music played they would start flamboyantly dancing in their seats and were talking very loudly and repeating everything said on screen. It got to be annoying after a while.

KICKIN INTO GEAR

This weekend we were so busy. Kenny was out of town all last week so on Friday night I went over to my friends Lauren and Michael's for a cookout. Michael had cooked a brisket with all these grilled veggies and it was all so good. Then our friend Sarah had made Oreo balls that no one can get enough of. And well there might of been some jello shots too......but it was a really fun night.

Saturday morning I woke up and went to Lowes. I called my mother to tell her that I was getting old because I was at Lowe's at 8:30 in the morning. I was picking out paint colors because we are painting my kitchen this weekend. And then I also bought all the stuff to plant an herb garden. I do not have a green thumb at all. I detest yard work but I do want to have lots of herbs to cook with. I especially want to have mint so that I can have a mojito whenever I want one. After Lowe's I did a quick grocery shopping run and then went home to wait on Kenny to get home. I had not seen him in a week and I was so excited to see him.

While I waited I swept the house. Lena is shedding like crazy and I literally swept up a small dog's worth of fur. And I was not even doing a thorough sweep. I could not handle it anymore so when Kenny got home we went to the pet store so I could buy a Furminator. Have yall ever heard of this? Let me tell you. If your dog sheds. Get this thing. I was astounded at how much hair it got out. And to think this all would of been in my house.



We had just started here. I think she liked the way it felt and her coat looks so much better now.

Saturday night, we had our friends Brad and Brittany's wedding to attend. Their reception was at Mud Island River Landing and it was so pretty overlooking Wolf River and the boat docks.
My bff Stefanie and Matron of Honor. She is 6 months pregnant and has only gained five pounds.



On Sunday, we got up and I made us a huge breakfast with blueberry pancakes, cheese eggs and fruit salad. Then Kenny went to play golf with Michael while I babysat Michael's daughter Shelton so they could have some boy time. Her mommy was at a friends baby shower. Shelton is 2 and was napping when I got there. I was so ready for her to wake up so we could play. We had so much fun playing on the swings and in the water and on her little miniature trampoline. I was tuckered out. Ha!

I know this was a long post but we were busy. So busy that Kenny and I pushed our date night which were supposed to do last night to tonight. We are going to dinner and then to see The Hangover. Can't wait!

And finally....menu monday!

MENU MONDAY
Sunday - Taco Lasagna - I made this for a friend last week so scroll down for the recipe or click here! It was so good!

Monday - Date night

Tuesday- Taco Lasagna leftovers served with a side salad

Wednesday- Penne with chicken and asparagus served with a side salad

Thursday- Crawfish Etouffee served with broccoli (I forgot this recipe at home but check back and I will try to add it.  It is an easier version without all the typical steps of Cajun food)

HANDLE WITH CARE

Have yall read this book? The author is Jodi Picoult who has written several books, one of them being My Sister's Keeper. They have recently made that into a movie and it is about to come to theatres.

Handle with Care I really enjoyed. All of this author's books can be depressing but you can't put them down. I read this one in 5 days. However, I absolutely hated the ending of this book. Which was such a let down.

Sorry this post is kind of random. I am just sad that the ending was such a disappointment and wanted to discuss.

I CAN SEE MY ANKLE!

Yesterday I took the day off to keep my foot elevated all freaking day. It was weird to call in sick and tell your boss that you are not sick you need to put your foot in the air. I am still trying to get rid of an infection in my foot that I got from a scrape while white water rafting. I have been to the doctor twice, taken five different antibiotics, along with a shot and a ointment creme. It has not been fun. But the good news is after laying down all day I can see my foot again. Yea!

Kenny and I had a really good weekend. Friday night we went to a Redbirds game. It was kind of a boring game(no one scored until the last inning and it was the opposing team) but the weather was so nice and it was just fun being outside and eating BBQ nachos of course.

On Saturday, Kenny worked in the yards and I ran all kinds of errands and then we went over to our friends Christin and J.R.'s for a BBQ. Good food, fun people.

On Sunday I headed to Jackson with my friend Stefanie and her mom and sister for Stef's baby shower. Stef is in town from Raleigh for her sister Brittany's wedding. So a 3 hour car ride to and from was the most time I had spent with her in a long time. It was so much fun. This was also my first baby shower and I loved it. I loved seeing all the gifts and hearing about what they were for. I might have a small case of baby fever. The shower did not help. All the little outfits were so adorable.

No Menu Monday (or Tuesday) because I am not cooking this week but I did make our friends Joe and Tracy a Taco Lasagna to bring to them because they just moved into their new house and their kitchen is under renovation. Here is the recipe. It looked delicious when I was making it so I will have to let her report back.

TACO LASAGNA

INGREDIENTS
2 pounds lean ground beef
2 (1.25 ounce) packages taco seasoning mix
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 cup water
18 (6 inch) corn tortillas ( I used larger flour tortillas)
1 (24 ounce) jar salsa
1 cup sliced green onion
1 (16 ounce) container sour cream
1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded Monterrey Jack cheese

DIRECTIONS
Place ground beef in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, then season with taco seasoning, garlic, cayenne pepper, chili powder and water. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Place 6 tortillas into the prepared baking dish. Spread 1/3 of the salsa on top of the tortillas. Spread 1/2 of the meat mixture evenly over the salsa. Sprinkle with 1/2 of the green onions. Drop 1/2 of the sour cream randomly over the green onions. Top with 1/2 cup Cheddar and 1/2 cup Monterrey Jack cheese. Repeat layers. Top with 6 tortillas, spread with remaining salsa, and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake in a preheated oven for 30 to 45 minutes or until cheeses are melted.

CIAO BELLA INDEED

Man oh man have any of you had this stuff? I had it the first time at my parents house and I was hooked. I went to the Fresh Market on Monday and got some for us to have at the house.

I got Blood Orange, Mango, Coconut Sorbets and then some Pistachio gelato which Kenny says might be the best ice cream he has ever had. Which is big for him to say since it is not chocolate.

And the sorbets are pretty low calorie and low fat. I think the Coconut Sorbet might be my personal fave. I was a little leery at first because I thought it would taste like a Pina Colada which I hate. But instead it is creamy with little pieces of real coconut. Soooo good.

AM I 13?

I think I might be. I having a growing obsession with Taylor Swift. It is getting kind of serious. To the point where I check her website that is obviously geared for tweens and pre-teens every single day because I am trying to find out when tickets go on sale for a concert of hers I want to go to.

I am dying to go to one of her concerts. Are you worried about me yet? I would probably be the oldest person there except for parents that have brought their much younger than me daughters. And her concerts sell out in minutes so it would be quite the accomplishment to get these tickets.

I just think her songs are so fun and embarrassingly enough they really do sum up how you/I feel/felt when you are young and in love.

And has anyone seen her video that she did as a Mother's Day gift to her mom. The song is called The Best Day and it will make you cry. Go to You Tube and watch it now.

Is anyone else 13 with me? Please make me feel better. This girl is talented so I don't feel like obsession is totally unwarranted.

CHATTANOOGA WEEKEND

Kenny and I made our way to Chattanooga for our anniversary getaway on Friday. We got into town around 10 Friday night and pretty much went to bed so that we could wake up and go white water rafting the next day.

We booked our rafting trip with Raft One and these guys were so great. If you are going to go you have to book with them. They are a small company that gives you a really personal trip down the river. Our guides were sooo nice and knew so much about the river and the area. Not to mention that everyone we talked to that worked there was so friendly. They really gave us a great experience. (Not to mention all of them are cute to boot)

We did the full river trip that had some heavy duty rapids. It even included a section where the 1996 Olympic rafting competition was held. Which is where our raft ran into a little bit of trouble. The section has two Class 5's back to back and our raft flipped on the first rapid so we got pulled through the second one. I was pretty terrified and won't go into details about it. But Kenny was really excited after the fact because he thought it made for a good story. And since the Olympic park was where we flipped there was a professional photographer to capture it all on film, along with about 100 other spectators waiting to see carnage.We are still in the boat here. Not for long.

We are all under water here. Except for our guide who was trying to keep our raft from flipping completely over.

The person you see in the water here OUTSIDE of the raft would be Kenny getting pulled through the second Class 5 rapid.

That would be me getting pulled through the rapid,and wearing my "Oh my god I am going to die face." Attractive right?

And just wanted to include this one because if you look in the right bottom corner you will see my Chaco that I lost. That day was the first day I had ever worn them. They were brand new. Sad huh? We were all still in the water.

So I was finally pulled ashore by another guide having to throw me the safety rope. I was so freaked out by this point I could not control my arms and legs to swim to the bank.

And this is what my leg looked pretty soon afterward. This actually is not as bad as it got. Sunday it was soooo swollen. And then on Monday I went to the doctor and received antibiotics for an infection that was spreading up my leg from the cuts. Wonderful.

But do not fret, despite all the excitement Kenny and I had a fantastic time together. Saturday night we at an amazing restaurant, St. John's. It was so good and they even had a strawberry mojito that I enjoyed before Kenny and I drank an entire bottle of red wine. Then on Sunday we got up and made our way over to the Tennessee Aquarium before going to see an under the Sea 3D movie at their IMAX theatre.(Which I would highly recommend, it was so neat) And finally before heading back home we ate at a really good restaurant Bluewater Grille where I enjoyed a watermelon margarita that was divine.

It was so nice to get home Sunday night and fall into bed and then wake up and have Monday off. Still got some things done. Stay tuned for Menu Wednesday tomorrow. Kind of thrown off as to which day it is. But I made a really good recipe last night.

THE PERFECT EVENING

Kenny had to go out of town yesterday. Even though it was our anniversary I was totally okay with him going out of town. We are celebrating our anniversary this weekend so no worries. But Kenny being the amazing husband he is surprised me with a spa appointment to make up for him not being home last night. It was heavenly.

I had a hot stone massage. (The same kind of massage Kenny and I had on our honeymoon) It felt so good although I will admit that my shoulders and neck are pretty sore this morning. The girl told me afterwards that I had a lot of knots in my shoulders and neck. She said that they are caused by stress. I guess I am just going to need more massages to take care of that.

After my massage I had a really nice Fiji manicure and pedicure and I was practically falling asleep in the chair by the end of it. On my way out the door they handed a dinner to go from the deli next door and I headed home just in time for

AMERICAN IDOL!!!I am such a nerd but I literally jumped up and down and screamed when they announced he had won. I had voted for him at least 20 times the night before and was so nervous when it was time to announce the winner. I just wanted Kris to win so bad.

It was so sweet when his wife came up stage and he was getting emotional. The whole thing just made me so happy.

So all in all it was a great day. Our three year anniversary, a total pamper session, and then my pick wins American Idol! I'm a happy girl!

3 YEARS AGO TODAY

Three years ago today I married the man of my dreams. Cheesy I know.....but the absolute truth. I am so lucky to have him. Happy Anniversary sweetie!

So since I gave you some pics from the wedding last year. You can read that post here. I thought I would tell you our engagement story today.

Here it goes:
Kenny's final semester was wrapping up at Mississippi State. It was nearing the end of the semester. Finals were coming up and Kenny was going to graduate and leave me behind at State to move home and get a job. I still had two semesters to complete.

One morning when we were at the library Kenny asked me to go to a nice dinner with him. It would be our last real college date he said. (Sad right) We had dated all through college, so this date really was sentimental. I had no idea anything was up. In fact I even tried to postpone the date because I was stressed about school and I had chapter that night. He insisted that we go so I finally agreed to skip chapter and go on our date.

Coincidentally his mother was coming to Starkville that same day to help him move everything out of his apartment that he had lived in for several years in the Cotton District. (and to bring the ring from the jeweler in Jackson) There were lots of memories in that apartment.

So we go to dinner. The place's name escapes me now but we went there because they really knew how to cook a rare steak, which I love. It was a really nice dinner. Kenny did not eat very much where as I thoroughly enjoyed my fillet. Talking over dinner we decided we would go grab a movie that Kenny had at his apartment and get the dog and go watch the movie at my house.

So we leave the restaurant and head towards Kenny's apartment. We pull up outside and Kenny tells me he is just going to run in and grab everything and to just wait in the car. A few minutes later he comes back to his car and starts looking through the console. He tells me he is looking for his checkbook and then runs back inside. I still had no idea anything was going on. Everything up until this point was pretty typical.

Then he calls my cell phone and says I probably need to come inside because Lena chewed something up and he wanted my help cleaning it up. I said okay and start walking in the apartment.

I step in the door and the apartment is empty and dark. But there were roses, and petals and candles EVERYWHERE! Frank Sinatra who I loooove was playing and there were pictures of Kenny and I throughout our relationship on mantle of his fireplace surrounded by more candles. It was so pretty and intimate.

I come around the corner to find Kenny down on one knee where he he tells me about all the amazing time we will have together in the future and asks me to marry him. He said a lot of really sweet stuff but that is private. Sorry peeps!

Of course I said yes! On the counter there were two Crystal champagne flutes that he had ordered. They are the same flutes that we used to toast at at our wedding and now have our wedding date etched on them. We poured glasses of champagne and then danced together to Frank Sinatra. The Way You Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra was our first dance song at our wedding.

It was such a special night and I will remember it for ever and ever. And that brings us today. Almost 5 years later. (we had a long engagement so I could finish school) I can't believe it has been three years! Can't wait for 80 more!

Oh and one more thing (I know this a long post)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM! HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT DAY!

MENU MONDAY

Kenny and I had a really amazing weekend.  It was relaxed enough, but still very productive. We ended up not going to BBQ fest for fear of rain and it being a hassle to get to and from down town. I am sure a fun time was had by all.  Maybe next year.  

On Sunday, Kenny and I went over to my parents house to go fishing.  Kenny has been dying to go for a while now.  It was a successful trip because he caught the only fish of the day.

Sorry this picture is so blurry.  But I had not brought my camera down from the house so we had to improvise with the phone. Pretty good size fish.  So proud! 

Now I am counting down the days until our anniversary weekend away.  Our real anniversary is this Wednesday but we are celebrating with the weekend.  Can't wait!  Three years!

I had a week full of recipes planned out but I believe Kenny might be going out of town at some point this week and we ate at my parents last night so I think I am only going to end up cooking once or twice this week. I made the lasagna yesterday and we are eating it tonight.  The leftovers will probably last all week.  Yea!

MENU MONDAY

Monday- Lasagna from Semi Homemade Cookbook- See recipe below. (I know serious cooks hate Sandra Lee but I am sorry this recipe is awesome and is so good. It is my go to lasagna recipe. I also add Swiss cheese to every cheese layer.)

Tuesday-Artichoke Chicken (see recipe below) served with brown rice and green beans. I got this recipe from Kelly's Korner recipe blog. It looks delicious.

Wednesday- Not really sure

Thursday- Lasagna leftovers

Lasagna
Salt
1 package lasagna noodles
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon dried oregano
2 cans tomato soup
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Nonstick cooking spray
2 cups cottage cheese (small curd)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add salt. Boil noodles according to package directions. Drain and arrange in casserole (see below).

While noodles are boiling, brown beef in a large frying pan over medium-high heat, adding chopped onion, garlic and oregano to meat as it cooks. When meat has browned, drain off fat and then add tomato soup and apple cider vinegar. Simmer for 20 minutes.

Preheat oven for 350 degrees F.

Spray a medium casserole dish with a nonstick cooking spray. Lay noodles lengthwise across bottom of casserole dish. Spread a layer of cottage cheese over top of noodles. Add a layer of meat mixture, then cover with mozzarella cheese and repeat for a total of 3 layers. Finish with a layer of cheese and bake for 30 minutes or until bubbling. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes before cutting and serving.

Artichoke Chicken

1 (15 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

3/4 Cup Grated Parmesan cheese

3/4 cup mayonnaise

1 tbls garlic salt

4 skinless boneless chicken breast half

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix together the artichoke hearts, Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, and garlic salt. Place chicken in a greased baking dish, and cover evenly with artichoke mixture. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes in the preheated oven until chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear.

(sorry this was a weak Menu Monday)

KRIS! KRIS! KRIS!

Am I the only one that thinks that Kris could pull this one out. (BTW I cannot stand the way he spells his name) I really really dislike Adam and I really love Kris. I have not voted in the past few weeks but I will be voting next week for sure.

Not only do I think Kris is so cute and amazing, I think is Adam is an over confident arrogant prick who thinks he has already won the competition and I want to tell ol Adam. I would never buy your screechy cd! Who's with me!!!!

SMELLS GOOD

So you might remember THIS post from a few months ago about the really neat gift my step mom gave me for Christmas. It included several samples of perfume along with a gift certificate to Sephora to receive a bottle of perfume of my choice after smelling and wearing all the different samples.

This weekend I used my gift certificate to get my new bottle of perfume.  My choice was Stella McCartney's perfume.  Man this stuff smells sooo good.  I really love all perfume but I am so excited about adding this new scent to my collection. ( I have around 12 bottles of different perfume, maybe more never counted)

WORN OUT

This weekend turned out to be an extremely productive weekend that frankly I am mentally and physically exhausted from. Wednesday night my mom came in town. I cooked dinner and we all just hung out.

On Thursday Kenny and I went to work and my mom painted our office a new color. I was supposed to help but she finished it before NOON. I know awesome right. I am in the process of putting that room together now that Kenny works from home. I have already ordered a desk and two large bookshelves to go in there. I am going to buy a rug next. I am eying one at Pottery Barn. But Kenny put the desk together this weekend. It looked great and with the new paint that room is finally coming together.

Thursday night my sister came in town and we went to see Fiddler on the Roof for Topol's farewell tour. You know, this guy from the movie. It was so good. Topol is 73 years old and sings in dances far better than I EVER could. The Orpheum was packed and the show was so fun. I am going to be sad when our season tickets are over. I have loved being able to go to all the plays. I still have wicked to look forward to.

Friday, I had taken the afternoon off to paint but since my mom had finished already we debated painting the kitchen and then decided to go shopping instead.My cousin's wedding is coming up in July in Atlanta and we both need lots of cute dresses for all the fun events. The wedding is black tie. I found a really adorable dress for the wedding but am still searching for rehearsal dinner and bridal luncheon dresses. My mom managed to find something for all the events. Lucky her. Friday night, I cooked a pot roast and we watched The Changeling. Despite my bitter hatred for Angelina Jolie I have to give her some credit for this movie. She did a good job. The movie was pretty intense though.

Saturday, my mom and I went to the Pottery Barn outlet and did some more shopping and then came home to drag Kenny away from working. We all went to see Wolverine. I have never seen any of the X-Men movies and thought this movie was pretty good. Kenny loved it and I can't really complain about watching Hugh Jackman and his muscles (P.S. You see him naked at one point) then we grabbed some Mexican in honor of Mother's Day.

Sunday, (aren't you worn out yet????) my mom left really early and then I tried to get some things done around the house before my dad got there at 11:30. Kenny and I had decided to FINALLY look into buying a car. So we invited my dad to come along and off we went. So.....I am so excited to say!!!!!

I GOT A CAR!
It was exactly what I wanted to! A Nissan Murano that looks just like this one. I love it!!! I have been wanting a Murano for a while now so I was so happy when we found one that we were able to make work with our budget and our wants and needs.


NO MORE CAR TROUBLE!!!! (please everyone for the love of God knock on wood for me right now)

We were at the dealership for five hours and buying a car can be very exhausting I found. When we finally got home last night we were both so tired and worn out. But like I said, this weekend was extremely productive.

Now the rain needs to go away. It is BBQ fest this weekend!

POSITIVE NOTE

Stress+Comfort Food = 1.5 LBS LOST

I try to see the good in everything. Even if it does not make logical sense.

BAD LUCK(ie. CAR TROUBLE) COMES IN THREES

UPDATE: JUST GOT THE ESTIMATE 700 EFFFING DOLLARS (EXCUSE MY LANGUAGE)BUT THAT IS COMPLETE AND UTTER B*LLSH*T. I WOULD OF PROBABLY BELIEVED HIM IF HADN'T TRIED TO TALK ME INTO A FAN BELT THAT I KNOW WE DON'T NEED. FRICKING CON ARTIST! I HATE MECHANICS. ANY CAR EXPERTS IN MY SMALL BLOGGER COMMUNITY.

Last night I went to my final Junior League meeting as a provisional member. I am now an active and I am extremely happy with my community placement that I received for next year. I got my first choice. Kids in the Kitchen. Kids, cooking, recipes....right up my alley.

As I am pulling out of the parking lot and sitting in all the traffic trying to leave the meeting (my friend Megan in her car behind me) my car dies. The headlights go off, the dash lights go off, the radio turns off and then the car turns off. Dead. Please keep in mind that we just had to sell our other car for scrap metal a week ago AND we just spent over 1000 dollars to fix a lot of stuff on this Explorer last month!

Megan and I get out of our cars and she pulls out her jumper cables. Which we don't know how to use, nor can we even figure out how to open the hood of my Explorer. Let me tell you this might sound a little sexist but the worst place your car could ever break down is a Junior League meeting. Not a man in sight.

Kenny leaves the house and is on his way and then Megan's boyfriend comes and manages to get the car to jump off. But as soon as I hit the gas the car dies again. We jumped it off again, then the car died. The Explorer spent the night in the parking lot it broke down in last night.

We are having it towed as we speak. Two tows in two weeks. I can admit that I am feeling a little sorry for myself. Car trouble really really stinks. Not only do you have to deal with not having a car but there is always that nervousness as to what the auto shop is going to tell you is wrong with it and whether they are being truthful.

But then the big girl voice comes out and says "this is life. Deal with it and get over it."

Just say a little prayer that it is nothing serious. Because really....enough is enough.

BOOKED

So just got finished booking Kenny and I's 3 YEAR ANNIVERSARY trip.  I am so excited.  We are traveling to another part of Tennessee for a weekend away.  We will be doing a full day of white water rafting(Kenny has never been before) and then going to a really fancy shmancy dinner.Best of both worlds right!

It can't get here fast enough!  Not to mention that I cannot believe we have been married for 3 years!  

RAIN RAIN GO AWAY

So despite the fact that it literally rained all day all night this weekend, Kenny and I still had a really good weekend. Friday night we went on a double date with new friends. We went for Mexican at Salsa. I had never been there before and it was awesome. Then we hopped on over to Brookhaven pub before heading to a nearby karaoke bar that will remain unnamed.

Needless to say it was a really fun night that Kenny and I were still feeling the affects of into the day on Saturday. Once we finally got up and around on Saturday we went to Best Buy to have a cd player put into the car my mother so graciously gave us. Kenny just could not deal with not having a cd player. Poor boy. After that we went to see the house our good friends Tracy and Joe bought. They were in the middle of sheet rocking and stripping wall paper but the house is great and we are so excited for them.

Saturday night we wanted some greasy food after our long Friday night so we went and ate at Central BBQ. Can I get an AMEN for some BBQ nachos. It was sooo good. We were stuffed. We then went and watched Ghosts of Girlfriends Past. It was really cute.

Sunday I went grocery shopping and we watched movies all day and night. It was a rainy and lazy Sunday. Hopefully the sun will come out at some point this week!

Here is what we are having to eat this week!

MENU MONDAY

Sunday- Pioneer Woman's Chicken Spaghetti served with green beans

Monday - I have my last Junior League meeting as a provisional tonight.  I will officially be a member after tonight so we are having a fend for yourself night.
Tuesday- Chicken Spaghetti leftovers

Wednesday -Blue Cheese and Bacon Rollups Served with brown rice and broccoli ( I am completely changing this recipe up.  But this is the recipe I got the idea from)

Thursday - Fiddler on the Roof at the Orpheum, eating out!

Friday- Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Saturday - Eating Out