Mouth of the South ~ Snippet and Ink
Friday, May 22, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Weekend in Pictures: I'm Such A Foodie!
I'm such a foodie! Or, at least, that's what Kristine wrote on my facebook wall as I posted about my culinary adventures.
This weekend was full of fun times and lots of food. Cooking has been my new thing as of late and I have to admit that I'm rather proud of myself and my lack of eating out.
Friday night was my big Twilight Party! Some of my girlfriends and I have really been into the books. I've read the first two and have taken a break to read another book that I'll elaborate more on in just a minute. So, to celebrate my first viewing of the movie, I decided to invite my Twilight friends over. Here's my lovely table scape with some ideas stolen from Hostess with the Mostess. Sandra Lee would be so proud!
We had vampire cupcakes - super easy to make PS, fresh strawberries from the road stand in Willow Springs, twizzlers and a couple of pies (thanks Angela!). The quotes in the picture frames are from the book/movie. The whole spread was easy and cheap. I think I spent about $20 in all. Imagine what kind of party I could throw if I was a rich girl and had an unlimited budget! Which, if I was a rich girl with an unlimited budget, I would so have a theatre room in my house.
As for the movie, it was okay. There were a lot of moments where those of us who had read the books would pick up on things that the ones who had not read the books wouldn't be able to pick up on. And, the special effects were pretty cheesy. Thank goodness Edward is a good lookin' vampire or we might not of made it! New Moon is the sequel and is due out in November. I'm hoping the budget is a little bigger on this one.
Saturday morning found me at the Farmer's Market in a downpour. While I was there, I picked up some more strawberries and made myself a yummy strawberry, goat cheese and grilled chicken salad with raspberry vinaigrette for lunch.
I mentioned above that I'm taking a break from the Twilight books and am reading something different. Well, the book I'm reading is called Julie and Julia. It's a true story about a girl who in 2002 decided to cook every recipe in Julia Child's Master the Art of French Cooking in one year. Julie had a blog going during her project and eventually turned it into a book and now, it's a movie (watch the trailer here) that is due out late summer. But, I'm really enjoying the book and have been inspired a bit to cook.
Being inspired and all, on Sunday afternoon I decided to give a recipe in The Biggest Loser Cookbook that I had been wanting to try a go. Szechuan Beef and Broccoli and it was quite good! I learned a couple of things for next time, like don't get the pan too hot because the garlic cooks super fast and use a little more broccoli since I love it, but for sure this one is going into my recipe book that I'm getting ready to compile.
Now, don't start getting jealous thinking my cooking adventures are all great and dandy because last night, they were not. Softball was cancelled so after a three mile jaunt around Lake Johnson with Kara, I headed home to make Gorgonzola Burgers with Cucumber Yogurt Sauce. You know, I've come to a realization that I don't care for any blue cheese much. They seem cool and sophisticated and really foodie to say, but all in all, I don't like them. Yea, I order a Gorgonzola walnut salad, but I really don't like it. And, the cucumbers were to be shredded and I don't have a shredder so we wound up with yogurt and dill with big clumps of cumber in it. The dish itself wasn't too much of a bust, but alas, this one will not make it into the aforementioned recipe book.
PS - Anybody want some leftover burgers?
This weekend was full of fun times and lots of food. Cooking has been my new thing as of late and I have to admit that I'm rather proud of myself and my lack of eating out.
Friday night was my big Twilight Party! Some of my girlfriends and I have really been into the books. I've read the first two and have taken a break to read another book that I'll elaborate more on in just a minute. So, to celebrate my first viewing of the movie, I decided to invite my Twilight friends over. Here's my lovely table scape with some ideas stolen from Hostess with the Mostess. Sandra Lee would be so proud!
We had vampire cupcakes - super easy to make PS, fresh strawberries from the road stand in Willow Springs, twizzlers and a couple of pies (thanks Angela!). The quotes in the picture frames are from the book/movie. The whole spread was easy and cheap. I think I spent about $20 in all. Imagine what kind of party I could throw if I was a rich girl and had an unlimited budget! Which, if I was a rich girl with an unlimited budget, I would so have a theatre room in my house.
As for the movie, it was okay. There were a lot of moments where those of us who had read the books would pick up on things that the ones who had not read the books wouldn't be able to pick up on. And, the special effects were pretty cheesy. Thank goodness Edward is a good lookin' vampire or we might not of made it! New Moon is the sequel and is due out in November. I'm hoping the budget is a little bigger on this one.
Saturday morning found me at the Farmer's Market in a downpour. While I was there, I picked up some more strawberries and made myself a yummy strawberry, goat cheese and grilled chicken salad with raspberry vinaigrette for lunch.
I mentioned above that I'm taking a break from the Twilight books and am reading something different. Well, the book I'm reading is called Julie and Julia. It's a true story about a girl who in 2002 decided to cook every recipe in Julia Child's Master the Art of French Cooking in one year. Julie had a blog going during her project and eventually turned it into a book and now, it's a movie (watch the trailer here) that is due out late summer. But, I'm really enjoying the book and have been inspired a bit to cook.
Being inspired and all, on Sunday afternoon I decided to give a recipe in The Biggest Loser Cookbook that I had been wanting to try a go. Szechuan Beef and Broccoli and it was quite good! I learned a couple of things for next time, like don't get the pan too hot because the garlic cooks super fast and use a little more broccoli since I love it, but for sure this one is going into my recipe book that I'm getting ready to compile.
Now, don't start getting jealous thinking my cooking adventures are all great and dandy because last night, they were not. Softball was cancelled so after a three mile jaunt around Lake Johnson with Kara, I headed home to make Gorgonzola Burgers with Cucumber Yogurt Sauce. You know, I've come to a realization that I don't care for any blue cheese much. They seem cool and sophisticated and really foodie to say, but all in all, I don't like them. Yea, I order a Gorgonzola walnut salad, but I really don't like it. And, the cucumbers were to be shredded and I don't have a shredder so we wound up with yogurt and dill with big clumps of cumber in it. The dish itself wasn't too much of a bust, but alas, this one will not make it into the aforementioned recipe book.
PS - Anybody want some leftover burgers?
Monday, May 18, 2009
Dance Moves That Rock
I hope you had a weekend as good as this kid. Mine was full of good times, but I left my camera cord at home so you'll have to hold out one more day. Please enjoy this video while you wait.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Go Tar-ah!
My mom, sisters and I have an obsession with The Biggest Loser and tonight is the not one, not two, but three hour finale!
If you're not up to speed, here's the deal. There are four contestants left: Ron and Mike (brown team), Helen (pink team) and Tara (green team). Ron and Mike have played dirty all season long with alliances and stabbed poor Kristin in the back something horrible. Tar-ah (as Jillian says it) has been my girl from the start. Last week, when the final four weighed in, Ron and Mike were both below the yellow line and America is voting for who makes it to the final three. Hopefully, the rest of America is ticked off with these two and voted to put Ron in the final three as Mike is Tara's biggest threat. Man, I hope so!
Anywho, I was planning on cooking something yummy out of The Biggest Loser Family Cookbook to celebrate, however, I wound up with a working lunch today that was pretty big so maybe I'll just have a ham sandwich. Yea, and if I do that, I would have time to go for a quick run before the show comes on and try to be my own big loser! Yea, there I go! That's what I'll do!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Chow Time: Cilantro-Lime Chicken with Avacado Salsa
My favorite food is Mexican (probably because it contains all things cheesy and gooey and yummy) and I was excited to find this recipe for Cilantro-Lime Chicken with Avacado Salsa in Cooking Light, which btw, has become my new vice.
So, I head over to Kara's after a Sunday afternoon of Ultimate to grill the chicken and try this recipe. Hands down, one of the best things I've ever eaten! The salsa with the chicken was so delicious and the saffron rice was a perfect side dish.
This one's going to become a staple! You gotta try it!
So, I head over to Kara's after a Sunday afternoon of Ultimate to grill the chicken and try this recipe. Hands down, one of the best things I've ever eaten! The salsa with the chicken was so delicious and the saffron rice was a perfect side dish.
This one's going to become a staple! You gotta try it!
Lessons in Grocery Shopping
You've all been reading about my get healthy intiative. Currently, we're sitting in week seven and I am stuck in a plateau. I've lost five pounds and can't get over the hump. And, one of my weight lost buddies has lost 11 pounds which while I'm excited for her, it makes me a little grumpy with myself.
So, Saturday, I sat down and planned out my meals for the week. And, surprise, surprise, it only took 45 minutes, not 4-EVA like I was expecting. And, then, I was off to the grocer where lessons were learned.
Lesson #1 - You will walk past the small cans of diced black olives five hundred times before breaking down and asking an associate who will look at you and say, "um, they're behind you."
Lesson #2 - Going to the farmer's market is not only an adventure and more exciting than the grocery produce section, but it's also a lot more CHEAPER.
Lesson #3 - When going shopping for bulk items, the Teeter is probably not the best option as it's expensive compared to the Lion.
But, never-the-less, there she sits in all her glory! My cart full of a week's worth of healthy, yummy, get skinny food items!
So, Saturday, I sat down and planned out my meals for the week. And, surprise, surprise, it only took 45 minutes, not 4-EVA like I was expecting. And, then, I was off to the grocer where lessons were learned.
Lesson #1 - You will walk past the small cans of diced black olives five hundred times before breaking down and asking an associate who will look at you and say, "um, they're behind you."
Lesson #2 - Going to the farmer's market is not only an adventure and more exciting than the grocery produce section, but it's also a lot more CHEAPER.
Lesson #3 - When going shopping for bulk items, the Teeter is probably not the best option as it's expensive compared to the Lion.
But, never-the-less, there she sits in all her glory! My cart full of a week's worth of healthy, yummy, get skinny food items!
Now, that I have all these groceries, it's time to cook something! For those who might remember from a few post back, I'm not really all that versed when it comes to cooking. But, I'm gonna learn dagum it!
*I apologize for the grainy crap-ola pictures. Camera phone. You understand.
Friday, April 24, 2009
T.G.I.F.
Buffett was great! Not the best show I've been to, but still worth it. It's amazing how staying up two hours past my bedtime can make me uber sleepy. Ridiculous, I say.
On tap for the weekend:
1. Marathon shopping with Shelly
2. Catching up with Jay-ay-ay and celebrating Cash's birthday/law school completion
3. UNC vs. Miami with the fam
4. Carolyn's birthday dinner @ Vivace
5. Finishing New Moon
It's gonna be a busy one but sure to be full of good times with good friends!
On tap for the weekend:
1. Marathon shopping with Shelly
2. Catching up with Jay-ay-ay and celebrating Cash's birthday/law school completion
3. UNC vs. Miami with the fam
4. Carolyn's birthday dinner @ Vivace
5. Finishing New Moon
It's gonna be a busy one but sure to be full of good times with good friends!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Pitter Patter
That's the sound I hear right now. Actually, it's more of clump, clump, clump. Yep. That's right. It's bring your kid to work day. But, they're actually pretty cute even if I hate to admit it. The highlight thus far has been one employee walking by carrying his crying child telling her repeatedly, "it's called sharing, it's called sharing..."
On the flip side, I get to peace out at 3:00 today to head to Walnut Creek, blow out my flip flop and step on a pop top. Margaritaville awaits me, ya'll.
On the flip side, I get to peace out at 3:00 today to head to Walnut Creek, blow out my flip flop and step on a pop top. Margaritaville awaits me, ya'll.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Status Update
My Facebook status reads:
Ashely is officially off the DL! Going for a run (or at least gonna try) at Lake Johnson today, playing softball tomorrow, Fins to the Left on Thursday, marathon shopping on Saturday, Ultimate on Sunday, back to the weights on Monday, hmmmm...what else?...
Yippee! I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am!
In other news, I went to Sam and Angela's wedding this weekend in Charlotte and visited with Jill and Michael while I was there. I keep forgetting to bring my camera in so maybe you'll get some pics this week. Maybe. I do have to say that Sam and Angela's wedding was one of the best services I've been to. I'm so happy for them!
Also, I have lost 5.2 lbs in five weeks! How about another yippee!
Ashely is officially off the DL! Going for a run (or at least gonna try) at Lake Johnson today, playing softball tomorrow, Fins to the Left on Thursday, marathon shopping on Saturday, Ultimate on Sunday, back to the weights on Monday, hmmmm...what else?...
Yippee! I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am!
In other news, I went to Sam and Angela's wedding this weekend in Charlotte and visited with Jill and Michael while I was there. I keep forgetting to bring my camera in so maybe you'll get some pics this week. Maybe. I do have to say that Sam and Angela's wedding was one of the best services I've been to. I'm so happy for them!
Also, I have lost 5.2 lbs in five weeks! How about another yippee!
Friday, April 17, 2009
A letter to the makers of Claritin
To whom it may concern:
Thank you for producing that blue box of make-me-feel-better goodness. Every April, I approach my pharamcist with ID in hand, salivating over the pseudophedrine induced relief that is to come. My throat hurts, my eyes itch and I sneeze non-stop. Yet, one little pill and a glass of water and the fog begins to lift. And, while I'm a bit of a space cadet who can't really see past the layers of glossiness that being narced up comes with, it's okay because I'm no longer miserable.
Happy to be clear,
Ashely
Thank you for producing that blue box of make-me-feel-better goodness. Every April, I approach my pharamcist with ID in hand, salivating over the pseudophedrine induced relief that is to come. My throat hurts, my eyes itch and I sneeze non-stop. Yet, one little pill and a glass of water and the fog begins to lift. And, while I'm a bit of a space cadet who can't really see past the layers of glossiness that being narced up comes with, it's okay because I'm no longer miserable.
Happy to be clear,
Ashely
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
South of the Border
Leslie and Doug are getting married June 5th in Mexico*. I searched our resort on Flickr today.
Ole!
*Never fear. #1 - We are going to the other side of the country from where the drug cartel stuff is going on. #2 - We purchased travel insurance. #3 - Lisa just went to Mexico and survived (she was our guinea pig). #4 - I'm already praying that God will protect us.
Ole!
*Never fear. #1 - We are going to the other side of the country from where the drug cartel stuff is going on. #2 - We purchased travel insurance. #3 - Lisa just went to Mexico and survived (she was our guinea pig). #4 - I'm already praying that God will protect us.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
My Head Hurts
As part of my skinny girl efforts, I've decided to let go of the Coca-Cola and other sugary drinks that I love so dear when that 3:00 I need to get outta this cube feeling hits.
And, my bank statement the other day read as follows:
Starbucks 4.00
Starbucks 4.00
Starbucks 4.00
Starbucks 6.00 (got some coffee cake)
Wal-mart 12.00
Starbucks 4.00
Yea, so I'm laying off the sugar-free vanilla iced latte as well.
Today, I am suffering. My head is killing me from caffeine withdrawl.
Aye-ye-ya!
And, my bank statement the other day read as follows:
Starbucks 4.00
Starbucks 4.00
Starbucks 4.00
Starbucks 6.00 (got some coffee cake)
Wal-mart 12.00
Starbucks 4.00
Yea, so I'm laying off the sugar-free vanilla iced latte as well.
Today, I am suffering. My head is killing me from caffeine withdrawl.
Aye-ye-ya!
Any suggestions? - a clarification
I have a co-worker who doesn't like me very much and he says I have issues communicating. Maybe he's right? Here's an example of what I was going for with yesterday's post:
I saw this recipe for an awesome rainbow cake that I want to make. However, I don't want to make it for no reason. So, maybe one day, someone will have a fun birthday party or something that I can make it for.
But, in the mean time, how do I hang on to this post other than printing it out or bookmarking it in my IE? Does Google Reader or Blogger allow me to do that? I thought of saving the URLs somewhere electronically by categories (i.e. cake ideas, decorating ideas, recipe ideas, etc) but what if their site is taken down?
I'm gonna marinate on this for a bit. Let me know if you have any thoughts.
I saw this recipe for an awesome rainbow cake that I want to make. However, I don't want to make it for no reason. So, maybe one day, someone will have a fun birthday party or something that I can make it for.
But, in the mean time, how do I hang on to this post other than printing it out or bookmarking it in my IE? Does Google Reader or Blogger allow me to do that? I thought of saving the URLs somewhere electronically by categories (i.e. cake ideas, decorating ideas, recipe ideas, etc) but what if their site is taken down?
I'm gonna marinate on this for a bit. Let me know if you have any thoughts.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Any suggestions?
I am addicted to reading blogs. Especially blogs about decorating or blogs about crafts or blogs about pretty weddings or blogs about funny crap or blogs about parties or blogs about my friends who holler or blogs about my friends having babies or blogs about my friends with babies or blogs about my friends in other states.
And, while reading these blogs, I get some really great ideas that perhaps I can't use today or this year, but might be handy somewhere down the road. Does anyone have any great suggestions for how to bookmark these (other than creating a ridicously long list in my IE bookmark)? I thought maybe I should start a notebook or print them or something. But, I'm not sure if that'll work. Let me know what you think.
And, while reading these blogs, I get some really great ideas that perhaps I can't use today or this year, but might be handy somewhere down the road. Does anyone have any great suggestions for how to bookmark these (other than creating a ridicously long list in my IE bookmark)? I thought maybe I should start a notebook or print them or something. But, I'm not sure if that'll work. Let me know what you think.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Watchin' the Weight
Three weeks ago, I embarked on a new mission. A mission that would take me to unknown frontiers such as not ordering two rolls at Sushi Blues and declining that cupcake in the work kitchen. That's right ya'll - I'm watchin' the weight. Big chunks of cellulite have taken over my body and I have concluded that I must be cleansed of them!
Weeks one and two resulted in a three pound loss. However, hunger has attacked with a vengeance and week three went not so well. As in you-loose-a-turn-do-not-collect-any-weight-loss-go-back-to-start. So, I guess I've come full circle and the journey begins...again.
The good thing is that I recognize where I messed up. I ate out too much this week. I didn't eat anything that was actually good for me. And, above all, I wasn't up in the gym a workin' on my fitness.
So, here we go. Back to start. It's a new day! I must move forward! And, I'll try to fill you, my reader, in more so that perhaps you can encourage, yell and help me get my act together! So, stay tuned! It's probably not going to be very fun, but I promise I'll make the best of it!
Weeks one and two resulted in a three pound loss. However, hunger has attacked with a vengeance and week three went not so well. As in you-loose-a-turn-do-not-collect-any-weight-loss-go-back-to-start. So, I guess I've come full circle and the journey begins...again.
The good thing is that I recognize where I messed up. I ate out too much this week. I didn't eat anything that was actually good for me. And, above all, I wasn't up in the gym a workin' on my fitness.
So, here we go. Back to start. It's a new day! I must move forward! And, I'll try to fill you, my reader, in more so that perhaps you can encourage, yell and help me get my act together! So, stay tuned! It's probably not going to be very fun, but I promise I'll make the best of it!
Gimme Five!
National Championships that is! Count 'em - '57, '82, '93, '05, '09!
Now below my friends, you will find my Tar! Heels! balloons. These balloons have shined as a beacon of light and hope in an ugly sea of red and gray over the past few weeks as March Madness ensued at MMC. They held their place high above my cube foreshadowing the events to come on that fateful night in Motown on April 6, 2009.
Here comes Caro-lina-lina!
Here I am perched in my chair at Tyler's cheezing about an early UNC lead with, of all things, a Wolf Dookie. My friend, Ashley, seems to think it's okay to cheer for multiple Division I schools. Not allowed friend. Pick a side and stick with it.
Here I am still cheezing about this great UNC lead with my friend Karen. We met almost ten years ago at UNC in Hinton James (the best dorm EV-AH) and have been friends ever since! It was fun to finally experience a national championship game in Chapel Hill with her!
HEELS WIN!
WE'RE #1!
Now below my friends, you will find my Tar! Heels! balloons. These balloons have shined as a beacon of light and hope in an ugly sea of red and gray over the past few weeks as March Madness ensued at MMC. They held their place high above my cube foreshadowing the events to come on that fateful night in Motown on April 6, 2009.
Here comes Caro-lina-lina!
Here I am perched in my chair at Tyler's cheezing about an early UNC lead with, of all things, a Wolf Dookie. My friend, Ashley, seems to think it's okay to cheer for multiple Division I schools. Not allowed friend. Pick a side and stick with it.
Here I am still cheezing about this great UNC lead with my friend Karen. We met almost ten years ago at UNC in Hinton James (the best dorm EV-AH) and have been friends ever since! It was fun to finally experience a national championship game in Chapel Hill with her!
HEELS WIN!
WE'RE #1!
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