i need these.

via tinypinepress • etsy.com

I pretty much need these every day of my professional life. How great would these be to sit on the edge of your desk, welcoming people when they come to see you. I love them - they speak the truth.

Bottom line I'm SO happy it's Friday. I wish we were going to have warmer weather here in Alabama, but sunshine and 2 full days to sleep-in make me so happy I could sh*t twinkies! I'll take what I can get until Spring is here. Now if people would just read this card and back the hell off of me today, I'd be set.

Happy Weekend Everyone!!!! 

Valentine Weekend.

via google

Thank You

by Led Zeppelin

If the sun refused to shine, 

I would still be loving you.

If the mountains should crumble to the sea, 

there would still be you and me.

Kind woman, 

I give you my all, 

Kind woman, nothing more.

Little drops of rain whisper of the pain, 

tears of loves lost in the days gone by.

But my love is strong, 

with you there is no wrong,

together we shall go until we die. 

My, my, my.

Inspiration's what you are to me, 

inspiration, look... see.

And so today, 

my world it smiles, 

your hand in mine, we walk the miles,

Thanks to you it will be done, 

for you to me are the only one.

Happiness, no more be sad, 

happiness....I'm glad.

If the sun refused to shine, 

I would still be loving you.

If the mountains should crumble to the sea, 

there would still be you and me

******

This is one of my ultimate favorite love songs of all time. When M and I started talking he burned me a few CD's full of great songs that he loved. I wasn't sure what he was trying to say with these mix CDs. Being a woman I think I read into their message more than he intended at the time. He also included a great letter and a drawing. The drawing was of a floor plan for a loft apartment. We had discussed how we both had always wanted a loft apartment, as well as having an art space. Him drawing me that made me realize he was a great listener, and maybe is why I read more into the meaning behind the songs on the mix CDs. This was one of the songs included in his mixes, and one that stood out the most. Even as good friends we were there for each other, and this song really illustrates that to this day. And for the record, when we first moved in together 5 years ago, we lived in a three level, wide open loft like feel apartment - complete with an art closet. Deep down I'm so thankful I have him and that we found each other. He's my one and only, my Valentine. I hope you all have a very happy V-Day!!!!

What are some of your favorite love songs?

Sunday. Sunday. SUNDAY!

 

It's been a while since I've posted tailgate recipes. Obviously when your college team wins the National Championship Game (GO BAMA!) And then your favorite NFL team doesn't get a chance at the play offs it gives you a bit of time to relax and not stress over what to make for the big games on Saturday AND Sunday. Trust me this whole having a love for both college and pro sports and having a great from watching them with true passion has been great for my heart, my mind and my "football ulcer".

The Super Bowl is this Sunday. Saints vs. the Colts. As I've said I'll be happy with either team winning. I watched a snippet of a news report about fans in New Orleans and it made me well up with tears - ugh. It might be PMS but truth be told it was REALLY touching. There is still so much of a mess down there from Katrina even this long after the storm but this team really has brought hope and fun back to the town that never sleeps, or gives up. We shall see.

M and I are going to make our grilled wings again for this game. Our friends Kooky and DRom are coming over to hang out to watch the game. I was excited about this. I hadn't planned to have a Super Bowl get together. I'm the only person that really likes pro-football. M will watch it and enjoys it but his passion lies with college ball. DRom seems to be a big fan of football no matter what so I was stoked when he said he was wanting to watch the game. Kooky will be making some cheese dip and she NEVER disappoints with that. 

What are you making for the big game?

I wanted to share with you a recipe that would work out great for the big game. I actually made this the other night for dinner and it was SO, SO, GOOD! If you don't make it for the big game I hope you will enjoy it sometime soon. If you love pizza and you love bbq chicken, trust me you'll like this meal.

BBQ CHICKEN PIZZA

Ingredients:

Please note there isn't an actual measurement to most of this, it's just toppings so make as much as you see fit to put on the pizza. If you have left over toppings you could always make lunch with left over bbq sauce, ingredients from this and bagels or English muffins! (or left over dough). This all would also taste awesome wrapped up in a warm soft tortilla!

2 Chicken Breasts (1 might even be enough - you can use chicken tenders too)

BBQ Sauce of your choice (thicker is better, so it doesn't make the crust soggy)

Green Onions (2 stalks rough chopped to the white bits)

Red Onion (enough for topping)

Green Peppers (enough for topping)

3/4 cup Gouda Cheese (shredded)

1 cup Mozzarella (shredded)

3/4 cup shredded Parmesan

Fresh Cilantro

3 strips cooked Bacon crumbled

1 Prepared Pizza Crust (I used a wheat thin crust)

NOTES:

Cheese: I know all these cheeses can get pricey. You can get away with plain ole' cheddar and mozzarella or even pepper jack. It's whatever you choose or like really. The Gouda is SO tasty but can be expensive.

Bacon: This was an after thought on my part and not critical. We had pepper crusted bacon left over from another meal I made earlier in the week with the other 2 chicken breasts (and it made my heart sing when we ate it - PW if you ever read this. I LOVE YOU!) I have been on a big kick of trying to use EVERYTHING I buy fully and without fail - you don' t have to add this to yours it was just another fun topping we had laying around that I wanted to use up.

Crust: The store bought crust I got was thin crust which I love. But I wasn't a fan of this thin crust whole wheat crust. It was way too dry for my liking and didn't work well with the flavors in my opinion. I would suggest buying your favorite crust or even better - making your own! I want to start doing this and I found a few great recipes in and round the blog world and on food websites. It takes more time but in the end you're in control of what goes into it and what you're putting in your body and to me that's a huge plus!

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat your oven to the directions on the crust label (or your own crusts recipe).
2. Chop up all ingredients needed for pizza.
3. Heat a skillet to medium heat adding some Extra Virgin Olive Oil (or butter if you choose) to heat up for the chicken. NOTE: If you are using bacon, go ahead and cook up the bacon first in this skillet you'll only need about 3 strips. Drain off the fat and cook up the chicken in the left over drippings. I don't recommend this type of cooking for every day but it's the Super Bowl unless your doctor gave you specific orders not to - I say live a little!
4. Saute the chicken until cooked through. Add your own spices (salt, pepper, red pepper if you like it hot, I always use my kickin' chicken - I know you've heard me rave about it before but that stuff is dare I say - dah bomb!)
5. Once chicken is fully cooked add some BBQ sauce to the pan to coat the chicken and set aside once it's coated. You want it to be covered but not dripping - just a few tablespoons should do the trick.
6. Now you're ready to dress your pizza! (again following instructions for your pizza crust - if you have to bake it first for a bit, etc., do that). I use a pizza stone that's been preheated with the oven and remove it from the oven and build my pizza from there.
7. Add BBQ Sauce first. Just a bit because your chicken is coated as well. Not heavily mind you but if you want a saucier pizza go for it. I like having some on the side to dip my pizza in. But it's up to you.
8. Add your cheese - as much as you like again this is your pizza.
9. Add toppings - red onion, peppers, chicken - I usually put a light dusting of extra cheese on the top but you don't want to cover the veggies too much since they are raw and will cook in the oven.
10. Place the pizza in the over per crust directions. And wait for the yummies!
11. Once pizza is finished take it out of the oven and top with the chopped Green Onions, Cilantro and Bacon if you made it
12. ENJOY!!!

*** I love burnt cheese so sometimes if it doesn't look "done" enough for my liking I will zap the broiler on for a minute or two to get the brown edges. The best part of using the raw onions is how the caramelize while cooking in the over. Super sweet and tasty - the peppers get a great crunch to them as well.

When finished your pizza will look like this and probably better!

HAPPY SUPER BOWL SUNDAY EVERYONE!!!

blog block.

I'm having a bit of writer's block. I can't seem to come up with anything clever to write about or anything I would think you would want to read about. With this blockage I figured the best way to free myself up and type about things you want to hear is to ask you.

What would you like to know?
Ask me anything. Get my creative brain waves going, would you?

I hope after this weekend I'll have a few great things to talk about. First off, I'm heading to my local theatre to watch a dear friend star in RENT for the first time, EVER! (DON'T GIVE ME ANY SPOILERS!). I'm really excited and proud of my friend, N for using his super powers for good and not evil. He has an amazing voice and M and I can't wait to see him and the entire cast nail this show. They had opening night last night and the reviews have been great!!! EEE So excited!

via RENT

Sunday is the Super Bowl and I'm extremely excited - mostly because I'll be happy with either team winning the title. I like the Colts a lot, (BIG P. Manning fan over here) and I really want to see the Saints succeed to get their first super bowl win ever as well! I mean seriously can you honestly say a single negative thing about Brees and his boys? I can't.  A little later I'll be putting up a fun recipe for tailgating that I hope you all will enjoy!

In the meantime - give me some goods. What do you wanna know about me?

another great idea & cause.

And another great reason to love ***Harlow's parents and many other celebrities as well! Oh thank heaven, for 7-11! Cups With a Cause and it's details are listed in the link before this. I think this is a great idea. You buy a 20 oz. cup-o-joe in a cup designed by different celebrities, sports heroes etc. and the proceeds from your daily cup of coffee to go the charity of the designers choice.  How easy and how fun is that? My only wish is that we had a 7-11 here in my small town, or state. If we have a 7-11 in Alabama I haven't seen one in all my travels north or south. We only have independent coffee houses, which is a plus because they are really good, but there is just something so wonderful to me about 7-11 coffee. (I'm not a Starbucks girl at all - I prefer 7-11 and Dunkin D's!).

So if you have a 7-11 handy - stop in, grab a 20 oz. coffee and support your habit and a charity at the same time! Why not buy a round for your office?

KUDOS TO STARS USING THEIR CELEBRITY IN A POSITIVE MANNER!

*** Look I got her name right this time!

to haiti with love.

Billy Reid recently set up a home office/hub/store in our local downtown area and it's been nothing but a pleasure working with him and doing various print projects for him. If you haven't heard of him, or seen is fashion please check out his website. While it's a bit out of my budget to purchase his clothing it's a real inspiration to see his ideas take shape. Don't get me started on his store designs, I love them. They remind me of my childhood home - covered in antiques and hand me downs and just, lovely is the best word that can describe his style and stores.

Billy Reid • Florence, Alabama   via billyreid.com

 

Today one of his employees emailed me a flyer they needed printed to display at their store. I was really thrilled to see another organization, CFDA - Council of Fashion Designers of America taking on the call for action in Haiti. I'm still beside myself when I see the images and footage.

T-shirts are being sold with the logo below on them for $25.00 to benefit Fashion For Haiti & the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund. These T-shirts are being sold at our local Billy Reid store, and I would assume at most of the retailers here. (More information on this at the retail link). Proceeds will be donated to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund. The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund is raising funds for immediate, high-impact relief and long-term recovery efforts. clintonbushhaitifund.org.

via www.cfda.com

For more information on the Fashion for Haiti initiative, visit the link above.

In tragic times every little bit helps.

tickled tuesday.

Today's Tickled Tuesday is an easy one. It's Groundhog Day - HAPPY GROUNDHOG DAY! Or as some people where I used to live call them "Grounddogs". Why? I have no idea. There is only one thing I do every year on this day, besides pray for an early spring, and that's to watch one of my favorite all time comedians, Bill 'EFFIN' Murray in the classic Groundhog Day! If you haven't seen this movie you should - it's adorable and it's BILL MURRAY - he's a god!

This is what will be tickling me tonight. Watch it! I swear you'll love it!