Girls' and Boys' Weekend 2011

This was a great weekend for the whole family. I was fortunate enough to be able to join my bestest girlfriends (Leigh, Becca, and Katie) to Charleston, meanwhile, Poppy flew in to join Brett down in Baton Rouge for the weekend. Everyone had a great time.

The girls and I visited some awesome restaurants in Charleston, as well as some really fun bars. It was priceless drinking coffee, eating out, staying out late, sleeping in really late (11am one morning), not changing any diapers and just taking care of myself! so many memories..

Here are a few of the fun places we ate and hung out..

first day
FIVE LOAVES - Leigh and I ate lunch here as we waited for all the girls to arrive. Yummy soups and sandwiches.. Great atmosphere..young and old. I can see why it might be a fav lunch spot in C'town
CYPRESS -  First night dinner.. such a cool setting. High ceilings and paintings of cypress trees everywhere. Brick walls with very rustic, but, modern lamps.. gave me a ton of inspiration for decor.

second day
VIRGINIA'S- lunch (late.. no schedule :)!!!) perfect southern C'town food. I had the most delicious grilled pear salad.. never had anything like it.. might try and make it one day. Rebecca and Katie had one of their signature dishes.. Fried chicken with a few sides. It was seasoned with Rosemary and it was UNREAL!
CHAI'S - It was OK.. nothing special about food.. actually it was flat out random.. but, the atmosphere. None of us was really that hungry.. but, then we headed to a Thai restaurant, BASIL, as they were closing.. it was ok, too

third day
Lunch from Publix on the beach. Yummy sandwiches.. awesome view
Out to concert that night at Patriots point on Sullivan's Island. Saw Guster.. was really a perfect night on the beach!

fourth day.
Poogan's Porch - really good.. I think we were all exhausted at this point of all the eating.. but, food was delicious!


MEANWHILE IN BATON ROUGE.. the boys were having an awesome time with Daddy and Poppy..

Here are a few pics...

Fab Find...still can't believe it!

http://www.kirklands.com/product/Baluster-Table-Lamp/157615.uts?keyword=lamp

$69 online.. if you print coupons.. I think you can get it even cheaper than that from the store.

so, my camera really doesn't do it justice.. so, I copied the link to Kirkland's website. you guys this lamp is so awesome... french , wisteria-ish..heavy, which is hard to believe, especially coming from Kirkland's. Normally Kirkland's is too ornate for me.. but, Brett and I were desperate to find a piece to put our new surround sound system in (his bday, christmas, and anniv gift from me). We did find a piece of furniture, it had a leg missing (they gave us 50% off) So, we bought it, Brett fixed it, ends up we can't use it..something about it being too small and the equipment getting overheated. So, we're back to square one on that... BUT, we did find this awesome lamp. Debating getting another...

Sister time.. Rolling Grape Leaves

Bridget and I had the chance to roll Grape leaves this Sunday and had so much fun. Bridget, who's recently become a Pesce-Vegetarian (includes fish), rolled hers with rice and a very yummy and fragrant herb mix. I made my very traditional style, instead of ground lamb or beef.. I used Venison (I've been avoiding cow meat for a month or so).

They turned out delicious! Here are a few pics from our cooking..

The Gym Diaries..

As we prepare for the Saints game.. I just had to post a pic from Keegan's first Saints game..

My parents and friends don't believe me when I say that the boys love going to the gym. It could be partly because the ladies who work in there spoil the boys to death.. but, maybe because it has become such a routine and it guarantees they'll get out of the house and play with their other friends . I do not lie when I tell you that any day..if there was any chance that I could skip (which I do).. Keegan would remind me. It's cute.. .but, also good for me.. I like to make up excuses to myself..but, who I am kidding..Brett has allowed me to have a really easy life and it should be part of my daily schedule. Lately, I have been trying to keep them this enthusiastic about going that I let him come into the group exercise room to set me up (with weights, exercise balls, etc) or to let him help me get the bike ready. He asks everyday if he can help "set me up". I mean.. the child might not know his letters yet.. but, he knows how to get me ready for Body Pump class..that's somewhat of an accomplishment ?!?! :)

I'll just go into another one of my favorites these days.


 But, I LOVE Pilates.  It has changed me.. If anyone has it offered at their gym, try it! If I was a working woman and could afford it, I would go to a studio - especially a friend's who I have met recently - Elizabeth Walsh Nachman
http://www.walshpilates.com/

I know Pilates has been around forever... but, I just started taking this class 6 months ago..

 

 

 

More favorites - Wine

Ok..so, I could make a separate list of my favorite wines!!!

******My favorite Zinfandel producer - GREEN AND RED VINEYARD. We drink the

2007 ZINFANDEL CHILES CANYON VINEYARDS

 There are aromas of cherry and sage, with flavors of wild blackberry, loam and licorice. Brett and I first had this at a restaurant in VA... Now, as a special treat, Daddy gives me a bottle from his store.

**********One of my favorite Cabs, LIBERTY SCHOOL (2007). Always a delicious accompaniment with anything we grill (steaks, ribs, chicken). I also love when Daddy is gracious enough to give us a bottle.
It has berry notes, with hints of spice and vanilla

Visit to Monroe and a little more (thumbprint cookie recipe :)

Me,. Aunt Bridget,  and the boys just returned from Monroe and Shreveport for a short visit to see Meme, Pawpaw, Nanaw and Papaw... We had a great visit.

Below are a few pictures we took at Nanaw and Papaw's house.. They always have a fun time being outside on the bayou, playing in the fountain,  and annoying Obdi, the kitty.

I also wanted to share my THUMBPRINT COOKIE recipe.. which is my go-to cookie for most parties, showers...etc... It's so easy and you can get really creative with the jelly or jams. I ONLY use my Daddy's Jelly.. he and mom went a little wild making LOADS of jelly a year ago..so, I try and incorporate them into as many recipes as possible.

Thumbprint Cookies

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup butter, softened ( I use Organic Unsalted)
• 1/2 cup white sugar  ( I use Raw)
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup jelly/fruit preserves/jam, any flavor

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. In a medium bowl, cream together the butter, white sugar and egg yolks. Mix in flour a little bit at a time until a soft dough forms. Roll dough into 1 inch balls. Refrigerate up to 30 minutes in a bowl coverred with seran wrap. Place balls 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets. Use your finger or an instrument of similar size to make a well in the center of each cookie. Fill the hole with  about1/2 teaspoon of preserves.
3. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, until golden brown on the bottom. Remove from cookie sheets to cool on wire racks.

Special Notes:

- I watch them really closely in the oven. Depending on how cold your dough is.. it might brown sooner than later.

- Not every cookie is going to look perfect.. some of my cookies the jelly has rolled out of the hole.. they still taste great!!!

Thank you sister!

This post goes out to my sister, Bridget,  and all the life-saving sisters out there. I can't wait to be there one day for her..
Brett and I needed a babysitter badly tonight for a party and at the last minute, ours backed out.  All I did was mention  to Bridget that "we had problems" and she volunteered without hesitating. I can't tell you what it means to Brett and I and the boys to have Aunt Bridget and Uncle Joe to help us with the boys. The boys love them so much and, I will die if we or them ever have to move. So.. I decided to post a few of my favorites of Bridget and the boys.. hopefully, she's ok with this. She is so selfless and I just wanted her to know how much we appreciate what they do for us!

What we do when it's hot!

Thought I would post a few pics of the boys and talk a little bit about what we've been doing since it's been unbearably hot. I don't even ask Brett how hot he is.. he just gives me the biggest.."this is all your fault" and "you wanted to live here" look. I just remind him of all the beautiful fall, winter, and spring weather ahead. He still groans... And, I also mention to him, at least you're not like the workers next door building a house or deck.  I mean, I really do feel for him most of the time.. he goes to work in those awful one pieces that are soooo heavy.. I should know.. they take forever to dry.
Needless to say we are all ready to  Fall, Football, pumpkin candles, and resuming walks around the LSU lakes and our hood.

Notice Redneck baby in the background without a suit on.. all swim diaper.. that's how we do it in La. !

I also thought I'd attach one of Brett and my most recent projects.. :) We have big  "fixer-up" ideas of what we could do while they take long Saturday and Sunday naps. But, most of the time, we procrastinate..and end up plopping on the couch and watching TV.. it's just sounds better:) But, this certain Sunday, we decided to do something..  We had some 7+ year old Target outdoor furniture that was looking a little neglected..so, we bought 4 cans of black spray paint and the rest is history.. see below.



the before and after