Say Cheese

I love Thanksgiving. While the food is incredible at my family gathering, it's not what makes it my favorite holiday. I love everything about it, from the food to the beginning of the Christmas season to football. This year I wanted to take something different to my family Thanksgiving. I've never made a cheesecake but have always wanted to try, so when I saw a Pumpkin Cheesecake recipe in a magazine recently, I went for it. It turned out delicious and I will definitely be trying more cheesecakes in the future.

Pumpkin Cheesecake

For the crust:
1 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
3 TBS brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 stick butter, melted

Combine ingredients and press into spring form pan.

For the cheesecake:
3 8 oz. packages cream cheese, room temp.
1 15 oz. can pumpkin puree
3 eggs plus 1 egg yolk
1/4 cup sour cream
1 1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp nutmeg
2 TBS flour
1 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350. Beat cream cheese in mixer until smooth. Add pumpkin, eggs, sour cream, sugar and spices, flour and vanilla. Blend well. Pour into into crust. Bake 1 hour. Remove and let sit 15 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 4 hours. (Recipe from Food Network.)

My Hood



Photo from http://www.decaturchristmastour.com/.


The beautiful home in this picture is located in my neighborhood, Albany, which is one of the two historic districts in my hometown of Decatur, Alabama. As you can probably tell by the picture, we go all out in my neighborhood when it comes to Christmas decorations. This is partly because every year on the second Saturday of December from 3-8 p.m., Albany and Old Decatur open their neighborhoods up for everyone to enjoy during the Christmas Tour of Homes. No less than six amazing houses will be open this year for people to tour. Prepare to be amazed at the architecture, decor, and of course beautiful displays of fresh greenery and lights to usher in the Christmas season. You can also get into the Christmas spirit by enjoying carriage rides on our tree-lined streets, tasting samplings of delicious local foods and goodies, listening to live music performances, and more. If you are anywhere near Decatur on this day, do not miss this wonderful tour!

Click here for more information about the Historic Decatur Christmas Tour.

Bluebird

Three sisters: Lee Lee, Lori and Me

I am SO proud of my sister, Lori Lovelace, who played for her first time this month in the round at the legendary Bluebird Cafe is Nashville. She is a talented songwriter and I give her props for going after her dreams. Congrats Lori!

What A Hoot

I'm way late on a Halloween Post, but better late than never. We attended a fabulous Owl-themed party this year hosted by my good friend and former roommate, Jennifer Hamilton, and her husband Craig. As you will no-doubt notice from the photos, she goes ALL out for her parties, and her annual Halloween party is no exception. This year's theme was "Halloween Hootenany," and she had the most amazing owldeas (sorry I had to), from the table setting to the food itself. And of course her crafty decorations are amazing. Just take a look at the food labels, the sign hanging on the table that she made with stamps and craft paper, and the paper lantern moon to name a few of the creative touches. When you combine creativity, craftiness and skill into one package, this is what you get. Jennifer is starting her own wedding planning business, so check out Mr. & Mrs. Weddings and Events on Facebook.

Mice Truffles

Moon Pies

Aren't these owls fabulous? She had them made.

Owl Brownies

Tim was a Chilean miner

The party planner herself as Sidney from Alias

Savoring Summer

Even though its been unbearably hot for pretty much most the summer, I still hate to see it go. Here's what I'll miss the most:

Wearing white (my absolute favorite color)
My fresh herbs (they are currently on their last leg)
Sleeping late on weekdays (somehow this becomes laziness as soon as summer ends)
So You Think You Can Dance
My brown strappy sandals
Sunkissed skin

In an effort to savor the remaining days of summer, I have decided to share a snack that makes use of my favorite herb, Basil.

1 French baguette
Olive oil
Salt & Pepper
Mozerella cheese, sliced
Fresh Basil leaves

Slice the french bread into 1/4 inch slices. Drizzle each with olive oil and add s&p. Place cheese on sliced bread and top with a whole basil leaf. Broil in the oven for 2-4 minutes, until cheese is melted and bread is slightly crisp. Drizzle with additional olive oil if desired.

Bathroom Envy

When you fall in love with a house built in the 1930s, you just know that small bathrooms and non-existent closet space come with the territory. So it is with our little craftsman home. While the bathroom certainly left a little to be desired, it wasn't a deal-breaker by any means. There were some good things about it:

The tile had been (thankfully) painted white over the original mint green.
The built-in vanity is vintage-sweet.
The window lets in a lot of sunlight.
The original tub and sink could be a lot worse.

Even with its charm I knew that it needed some sprucing up. Instead of spending the money for a total makeover, I decided little inexpensive updgrades would do the trick. As soon as we moved in I painted it a charcoal gray that I knew I would love for many years to come. Then little by little I began replacing small things like the toilet, light fixtures, and cabinet hardware. In recent weeks I finally found a shower curtain (after the first three didn't work out), rug, and other accessories that I can live with long-term. I even touched up paint on the window and cabinets. Amazingly, I think I have finished. Instead of looking around at what all I need to fix, I'm admiring our small bathroom and suddenly thinking double sinks are probably overrated. Ok maybe not. But for now I'll stop wanting the comforts of a brand new bathroom and be content with what I have.

Pretty Little Stuart Weitzman

If you have read any of my previous posts, then you already know I am all about a good bargain. I guess this is why I love TJ Maxx so much. It's the only place I can think of that has everything anyone could want under one roof, from classic styles to trends, designer finds sprinkled among no-name labels, purses of every color, and of course my favorite, shoes galore (let's not forget the awesome home goods section, but that deserves its own post). Oddly enough, I have frequented TJ Maxx stores in other cities but the one in Decatur always delivers. I don't know if the people here just don't tend to pick out the same things I usually go for, or if it's just that much better, but I never leave the Decatur store empty-handed. Yesterday my plan was to run in to have a look at the dresses. Being that it was a tax-free shopping weekend just the day before, most things were picked over. But no TJ Maxx trip is complete until I peruse the shoe section. Lucky for me, I browsed the clearance aisle and spotted these lovely little bejeweled flats. Even luckier for me they were a size 8 and on major clearance. I'm no designer expert, but I know when I find a precious pair of Stuart Weitzman flats for $20 (originally $120) there is no way I'm leaving the store without them. Here's to my first Fall shoe purchase...and many more to come!

The Swell Season

(The intro is in French but the lyrics are English)

I love all kinds of music, but if I had to choose only one style of music to listen to for the rest of my life, it would be just like that of The Swell Season. Its mellow and beautiful, and a piano gets me every time. I first saw this duo on the movie Once, which is the only movie in my lifetime I have ever watched for the first time and third time in the same night. It was just so good. This latest album, Strict Joy, has been in constant rotation in my car and on my iPod. I want to share with you one of my favorite tracks from Strict Joy.

I'm posting this today because not only have I been listening to this song constantly for the last week, but also because these two played last night at the Ryman in Nashville. Because we have a crazy busy week and are going to Nashville on Friday, we weren't able to go hear them. So to make myself feel better I decided to devote today's post to them and their lovely music. Please enjoy. Then go support The Swell Season!

Bargain of the Year

I cannot express in words how excited I am to have finally found this little garden stool/table. I have liked these since I first saw them in Pottery Barn, but never thought much about it, as I'm not known to drop $100 on something this insignificant (Right now you can find this same exact thing in Target for $94.) You are not going to believe how much I paid for this EXACT replica of the Target variety. It was $20 at Big Lots. No its not plastic! Now I have been known to go in Big Lots for cleaning supplies and dog toys because they carry name brand products for less than half regular price and its close to my house. But for home goods and accessories? Not so much. However, I may have changed my tune. They had quite a nice selection of patio and garden supplies, from outdoor lights to ceramic planters. Now you are sure to find things that certainly don't suit your taste, but you just might find a little something that does. It's worth at least a walk through.

Barefoot Contessa

I LOVE Ina Garten aka The Barefoot Contessa. If you aren't sure who I'm talking about, check out Food Network at 4:00 pm. She cooks the simplest most delicious meals and makes them all look easy and effortless. Every recipe I have ever tried of hers is so good. I aspire to be such a wonderful cook one day, but for now I'll just copy her recipes and cross my fingers they turn out as good as they look in the book. Today I'm sharing one of my favorite Ina recipes with you. I usually only make this when the zucchinis are in season at the Famer's Market. It is so delicious and a perfect spring and summer side dish. If your husband thinks he doesn't like zucchini, trust me he will eat this.

Zucchini Gratin
6 TBS butter
3 yellow onions, sliced
4 zucchini, sliced
2 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp nutmeg
2 TBS flour
1 cup hot milk
3/4 cup bread crumbs
2/4 cup grated gruyere or swiss cheese

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cook onions in butter 20 minutes. Add zucchini and cook, covered, 10 minutes. Add salt, pepper, nutmeg and cook 5 minutes. Stir in flour then add hot milk. Heat until sauce thickens. Pour into casserole dish (8x10). Sprink bread crumbs and cheese on top, dot with butter. Cook 20 minutes.

Rainy Day Recipe

It's a gloomy, rainy Saturday and I must admit I'm kind of glad. I find it to be very productive when I feel stranded at home. I clean, catch up on my reading, and spend more time in the kitchen. For some of my friends and family, my love for cooking has come as quite a surprise. Let's just say I was never considered to be the homemaker type. I don't blame them, before I got married the only things I knew how to cook were frozen pizzas and scrambled eggs. But as soon as my husband and I got back from our honeymoon, I knew I could not in good conscience eat out of the freezer every night. I wanted to sit down to a good, home-cooked meal as often as possible, and I wanted my husband to as well. To my surprise, the first meal I prepared as a wife turned out edible. And so my love of cooking began right then and there, in our little two-bedroom rental house with exactly one square foot of counter space.

These days I thankfully have a house with a bigger kitchen and more experience under my belt, so I like to be a little more creative. Like most men out there, my husband likes a hearty meal, so I've tried my hand at roast several times before. Its always turned out good, but lacking a little in the flavor department. So to this recipe I added a little secret ingredient (Italian dressing mix) that I think punches up the flavor. This roast turned out flavorful and delicious, and its perfect for a rainy day.

Dutch Oven Beef Roast
1 2lb boneless chuck roast
2 TBS olive oil
3/4 cup water
1 TBS Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 package dry Italian dressing mix
4 small baking potatoes or sweet potatoes, cut in chunks
3 carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
3 celery stalks, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 medium onion, cut into wedges
salt and pepper to taste

Heat olive oil in large Dutch oven. Season meat with salt and pepper; Brown meat on both sides. Combine water, Worcestershire sauce, basil, salt. Pour over meat. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, one hour.

After one hour, add vegetables and Italian dressing mix. Return to boil, reduce heat, and simmer, covered, another hour. Let stand a few minutes before serving. Be sure to scoop sauce over top. Goes well with fresh bakery bread.

Empire State of Mind

Exactly one month from today, my husband and I will wake up in New York City. The non-refundable tickets have been bought, and we couldn't be more excited. To begin the countdown until our NYC Vacation, I have posted a picture of my last trip to The City. At the risk of sounding like Negative Nancy, I will keep the description of my last, and first, trip to New York City short. It was freezing. It rained the entire time. Our cheap, street-purchased umbrellas inverted at least five times in one day. Now you can deduce from this description that it wasn't the best trip. I had a great time with my friends (see above photo, taken at a rare rain-free moment), but what fun is New York if you can't enjoy walking the streets? So I vowed if I ever went back it would be during warmer weather, so I can actually shop, stroll through Central Park without catching pneumonia, and wear open-toe shoes. Here's hoping May will be sunny and mild.

Our NYC To Do List:
Yankees vs. Mets Game
David Letterman Show
Broadway-Wicked or Chicago
Brunch Alfresco
Shop at Beacon's Closet in Brooklyn
People Watch in Bryant Park

Lucky Dog

There is nothing particularly special happening today. I'm just working on my latest assignment and trying to meet a deadline. However, part of the reason I started this blog was to challenge myself to find joy in even the most routine, non-exciting things. With that said, I decided to write about something that brings me joy on a daily basis, my dog Mo. In addition to my loving husband of almost three years, Mo rounds out my little family. And I love him. Bless his heart, he's at the same time the cutest and the ugliest dog I have ever laid eyes on. But walking outside and seeing this definitely makes me smile. Mo has quite the underbite, a trait of the Boxer breed, so his mouth frequently gets caught on his tooth. And while this picture may make it look like he is growling at me, I can assure you he is not. This dog wouldn't hurt a fly, and he's scared of everything-the laundry basket, broom, and even my plastic food containers.

I never considered myself to be a "dog person." I never really cared for them. But when my husband, having known a neighborhood Boxer in his hometown of Louisville, had always wanted one. So on Valentine's Day 2008, we paid a visit to a local Boxer breeder. And I was in love. When the little, wrinkly ball of fur that was soon to be Mo came over to me and put his paw on my foot, I knew I had to have him. And the rest is history. Lucky dog.

Who Doesn't Love a Good Bargain?

For those of you who don't know this about me, I work at home. While this is certainly the best-possible job scenario I can think of, and I dare not complain, there is one aspect of work I miss. Getting dressed. Working from home gives me absolutely no excuse to shop. While most people long for jeans and flats after a long week of work, when Friday rolls around I'm dying to dress up in something nice and put on a pair of heels. In a way this is a blessing in disguise, as I do have a love-affair with clothes (and shoes) but given my lack of places to wear them, I have no need to buy them.

When my husband and I were at the beach last week, we strolled into an Old Navy to have a look around. After scanning the store, proud of myself for seeing nothing I could justify buying, I spotted this cute, cotton nautical dress that would be just perfect for throwing on to run errands around town. The best part? It was an extra 50% off the sale price, which meant it would cost me a grand total of $4.99. Yes, I know. This is precisely the type of little thing that makes my day. So when my dad offered to take me to lunch today, I thought of it as the perfect excuse to change out of my pajamas before noon. I've heard it said never wear horizontal stripes. For $4.99 I think I'll break the rules.

Sunshine and Smoothies

It's such a beautiful, sunny day. This spring has been one of the best I can remember in recent years. The weather has been consistently warm and beautiful the past couple of weeks. I don't know about you, but weather like this inspires me to eat healthier (hello fresh ingredients!) and exercise more. In an effort to snack better, I decided I would try my hand at a smoothie. This little beauty is a concoction I made up when I realized I had three ripe bananas that I would throw out if I didn't use immediately. It's healthy and it's yummy.

Banana Berry Smoothie
2 ripe bananas sliced
6 oz (single serving) strawberry yogurt
1 cup ice

Combine in blender and enjoy!

I absolutely can't wait until the Farmer's Market opens down the street. I love browsing through the fresh fruits and vegetables and thinking of new ways to use them in recipes. I will definitely be making more smoothies soon.