The Salty Kiss

2009-12-06T14:11:00.000-08:00

So I know there has been a lot of talk about Lilly and LeSportsac teaming up, but these are the first pictures I have seen of the collection! There looks to be about 3 prints and lots of styles of bags! Due out Spring 2010... I don't think I can wait till then :)

What is getting me through the week

2009-11-23T07:07:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving! Every year I go to Alabama with my Family! These are pictures from last year and it is what keeps me going through school and my internship. I have only been home once this semester, so it is a well needed break from school! O I can't wait :) This is a picture of my dad's, famous rolls. I will be the successor of these one day; every year I help him make them from scratch. Although he is a Yankee he sure does know how to make some good ole southern foods!

These are my favorite foods of Thanksgiving. What are your favorite foods? Do you celebrate the traditional southern way or something different?

The Blind Side

2009-11-15T07:26:00.001-08:00

I just saw The Blind Side! I cried during the trailers when I went to see Time Traveler's Wife and I have been anticipating its opening ever since. My parents are in town and it just seemed like a perfect way to end the day!

We started the day with a breakfast tailgate and then went to the Florida State v. Maryland game. It was an exciting game and the Noles won :) We are officially bowl eligible (Thank goodness!) FSU has the longest current record of bowl games!

But back to the movie. It was wonderful, Sandra Bullock was truly amazing! I want TO BE HER in this movie! It is funny and inspirational and to top it off, it is based on a true story. It really makes me want to go out and do something good for someone else. I really hope y'all can go see this movie, I know you will enjoy it as much as I did! You can check out the trailer here, but be prepared to cry!

In need of a new blow dryer

2009-11-15T07:15:00.000-08:00

Does any one have a suggestion for a good blow dryer? It is on my wish list, but I don't know what kind to get. I have always bought cheaper ones, but I am ready to upgrade and make a good investment. I LOVE my CHI straightener, but the reviews of the CHI blow dryer don't score very high! If anyone has a blow dryer brand they love let me know!!

It is not Christmas yet but....

2009-11-13T12:59:00.000-08:00

While I don't approve of the Christmas songs on the radio just yet or downtown having Christmas decorations up... (That should be saved till after Thanksgiving!)I did buy my first Christmas Gift(s) of the season. I saw these wine stoppers at A Place to Dwell and had to buy one...OK a few! If you didn't know I LOVE owls, they are my sorority's mascot and have grown very near and dear to my heart. So I went ahead and ordered some presents for friends!

An update of my fall...

2009-11-13T12:33:00.000-08:00

School has been killer this year. With classes like Financial Accounting and Reporting II and Cost Accounting, not to mention an internship to balance, it is hard to have a life. And even harder to blog. While my blogging has lacked, I have done a lot of fun stuff. So here is a quick update...
Parents Weekend! This is a picture of my Mom and Dad at the Chi O house. This is my parents' 7th Parents Weekend at Florida State and Chi Omega. My older sister is a Chi O too, so they have enjoyed many years with us! We always have a delicious dessert party Friday night, a BBQ on game-day and fun game-day activities! This was one of the best years yet!

Next was Formal... This is Emily my best friend and I at dinner before the Chi O Formal. It was held at a local country club and was probably the most fun I have had all semester! My dress is a JCrew dress I got at a "catalog" JCrew store. They are clothes that were over ordered or discontinued...ect. Like a TJMAXX but for JCrew! I love it and the prices are great! I added the brown sash to make it look more appropriate for fall!
Most recently was Emily's 21st Birthday!! (The picture is of my "Grand-little" in my Sorority, Taylor") Here in Tallahassee, on your 21st we celebrate with a Waltz! Its a themed party that travels from bar to bar. Emily is from Texas so of course was themed "DON'T MESS WITH TEXAS" We all dresses in cowboys jerseys, red white & blue, and of course our boots! It was great.

So while there were about a million of things that have gone on (football games, Parrot Head Parties, Tye-dying parties, Big Little Revelations, birthdays...and so much more) that was a few highlights of my semester so far!

What a week and its only... Tuesday!

2009-09-01T17:22:00.000-07:00

I have officially started my internship! I am working at a CPA firm and in one day I have already learned so much. I filed a Corperate Tax return, individual tax return, and did something with extensions! Not to mentions learned 3 new programs and Quickbooks (kinda). ha... a little overwhelmed, yet so excited. Everyone in the office is so funny and inviting. I have A LOT of questions and they are all more than helpful! Can't wait for Tax Season! ha ha ha.

On top of that, school (although only on the second week) is getting hectic. Quizzes are flying my way, readings to be done every night and test will be here before I know it. Even though I am a little stressed, I really like a few of my teachers. I am hoping to learn a lot and hopefully it will all correlate with my internship.

It is also Fraternity Rush week. I made the CUTEST buttons for the girls that were helping and we all wore them last night. I will post a picture soon! I only made a few and was bombarded with girls (and boys) wanting them, guess I should have made more! To say they least they were a hit! And on that subject I love Kappa Alpha boys- True Southern Gentleman!

Last...well kinda... I started a new Taebo workout class. It was great!!! My friends and I are going on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It totally kicked my but and I loved every second of it. The instructor is motivational and constantly keeping your energy up. Today was a really good workout and I will most likely be sore tomorrow. Hopefully I will be seeing some results soon!!

So thats a recap on my crazzzzzyyyy week and most likely all of fall semester!!
O WAIT! I forgot to mention FOOTBALL SEASON!!!!! Monday night: FSU vs. Miami!! GO NOLES :)

All moved in!

2009-08-26T11:11:00.000-07:00

I am all moved it! Here is a quick picture of my bedroom at school. It is quite eclectic with lots of bargains! The iron rod bed is almost 100 years old, my mom found it when she was very young in a burnt down house and had it restored and painted. The little white desk was also a restoration piece. Although it was not too old, it was very boring before my mom and I added our touch! Originally it was a very light pine color and looked very "modern". I was going for a shabby chic look in my room. So we painted it white and added the crystal knobs on each drawer. It turned out perfect and was very easy!

(this is the desk in the middle of the project! I sanded it and did a spray primmer, then continued to spray paint the desk.) I was a little worried about spray painting it, but I did my research online and looked at quite a few blogs as well, and decided to just take the plunge! It turned out great and I got a very nice even coat! We added little crystal knob like these to add a girly touch. And the next picture is of the other side of my room, I love the mannequin. I actually found it at Wal-Mart a few years back, my parents got it for me as a Valentine's Day gift! I use it to hold fun pins and some jewelery. Sometime its even gets dressed up for holidays!

This is a quick picture of my bathroom. I LOVE monograms (but what southern girl doesn't?!?)I love my new place! But if it weren't for my parents' hard work and help, it wouldn't look like this at all! We had to clean A LOT and move lots of heavy furniture! So many thanks to them. xoxo

Lilly Photo of the Week!

2009-08-26T10:49:00.001-07:00

Welcome back... to me! ha ha ha. I need to get my act together, to say the least! A summer job, starting school, moving in, sorority recruitment, and a new internship has taken over my life! But I have lots to blog about now :) I am Miss Janice's Lilly photo of the week, so check it out!! If you want to know more about my Lilly trip ( where the pictures are from) I blogged about all the details at the beginning of the summer!! Hope you enjoy looking around my blog for anyone who is new!!

Giant Paper Flower!

2009-07-20T07:18:00.000-07:00

This is the cutest project ya'll! I was watching The Martha Stewart Show on Friday and this is one of the projects they created! I am always ready to make any thing crafty, especially something like this where I had all the supplies already and I knew would turn out so perfect! The directions and a Video can be found right here!

I put my giant paper poppy flower on top of a card for a bridal shower to dress up a 'his and hers' gift card set (Sears for him and Bed, Bath and Beyond for her). The Shower theme was 'around the clock'; each girl was assigned a time to theme the gift. For example, 8 am: She received a pancake skillet with batter and all, plus a few spatulas to flip them! Then she would open 9, 10.... so on. A few funny ones were 12(noon) with a gift themed "Afternoon Delight ;)" , so on to 5 o'clock with wine glasses, martini glasses, Koozies, and drink mixes, even a zester! I received 3 o'clock... I figured what better time to go shopping! ha ha ha ( Although any time is good to shop for me!) Really gift cards were something where the Bride could pick out a gift she really wanted or needed! But EVERYONE loved the flower on top. The room was filled with teachers ( mostly k-2nd grade) and of course they wanted to make it a project for their kids in the classroom! It would make a perfect spring craft or Mother's Day gift for the little ones! And it really is that easy! Everything can be found on the Martha Stewart Show website ( Directions, Video, and Templates!)

I haven't worn a Skort since 1st grade!

2009-07-06T08:39:00.000-07:00

...and now I can't get enough of them! This is my new workout obsession. I love buying workout clothes because I want to wear them and then inturn, I have to workout! Not to mention when you go to a university gym you have to look good! It is really just another social place on campus. These skorts are feminine and very comfortable. They are skirts, but still funtion for workouts because of the cute little shorts under them! Most have slits or zippers on the side to adjust for your workout or stride. There are no "wedgies" or riding up because the spandex stays in place well under the skirt, but it is a lot more modest than just wearing spandex! I think the fit of most are very flattering and make your legs look long and girly! Everyone is selling them now and I even picked up a few at TJ Maxx!

Snapshots for Charity

2009-07-06T08:05:00.000-07:00

On Friday I took these pictures for a charity event. In the Spring my Mom's elementary school held a Relay for Life event; the event helps raise money to fight cancer. For her Relay for Life team she put a photo package up for auction (She is also a professional photographer). The highest bidder would receive a sitting and a few prints, as well as a CD with all the pictures. Now, my mother is an amazing photographer and her pictures turned out a lot better, but here are a few I shot. I just tagged along on the shoot to help set things up and make sure the details of the pictures (like spacing, seaweed on the ground, signs out of the way) were taken care of and the triplets were all looked after! While there, I snapped a few myself! These aren't edited at all, but they will be! Hopefully we can add these into the package!

A. Tierney

2009-06-25T08:22:00.000-07:00

A little bit ago I won a A.Tierney bangle from the Pink Tutu! I got it in the mail while I was on Vacation and couldn't wait to wear it! I have worn it many times since then and have received so many compliments! The bracelet is even prettier in person than the website shows it! I thought I would share a few pictures of it with ya'll! These were taken before Phillip and I headed to dinner at the beach, we snapped a few quick pictures :)

Thanks again! I love it so much!!

Real Men Wear Lilly

2009-06-23T07:49:00.000-07:00

Daddy and his girls on Father's Day <3>

I got him this Lilly tie as one of his Father's Day gifts and he was so proud of it! It matched both my sister and me perfectly! We had such a lovely day on Sunday and enjoyed spending time with the family. <3

Hence "The Salty Kiss"

2009-06-21T17:41:00.000-07:00

I LOVE fishing! Whether is is deep sea fishing or just off shore, something about being in the vast water and surrounded by God's beauty is such an amazing feeling. It is completely relaxing to sun bathe and soak up that salty air, but thrilling to be fighting a fish as well. One reason my name is "The Salty Kiss" is because of my love for Mother Ocean! These pictures are from an adventure filled weekend with one of my best friends. We couldn't get our bait to the bottom before we caught another fish! Here are some fun pictures from the trip!

Megan and I riding to our "spot". New Lilly suit with lots of cute colorful fish! Of course we have to add a little Lilly in ;)

First fish of the day and one of the smallest! ha ha ha

Another BIG one!
Riding home :)

Our Catch! 18 red snappers, 2 massive Kings and 3 Bonita (Bait for another trip)

Then we had a huge fish fry with my family and friends. We feed over 10 people and still had PLENTY of left overs! Thanks to God for such a blessed trip and bounty!

Now I know what Heaven looks like...

2009-06-18T09:46:00.000-07:00

(New Vintage inspired clothing tags)

"It's a Lilly World we live in"
-My sister

You know those weeks when you ask yourself, "Could things get any better?" That was my week when I went to Philadelphia, PA. As many of you probably know Lilly Headquarters is in Philadelphia, that is why the warehouse sale is there. When I heard the news that I was getting to go to the Sale, I was talking to Katie L. on the Phone. I literally squealed and jumped up and down. Not too long after that call, my cell phone rang again. I was thinking...o dear we aren't going to get to go....what's gone wrong... Now I am a believer in all things good and lovely.But sometime I worry that everything is going too well. Just when you hit that point something bad has to happen! Well, to my surprise this was another amazing call! Tori, one of the Lilly print designers offered us a private tour of Lilly HQ!! Wow...again the squealing and jumping ensued, and this time for much longer! So Friday of our Lilly Week we took the most amazing tour of our lives. Pulling into the parking lot you could feel the energy and happiness that radiated from the building. The weather was dreary, but I swear there was sunshine on the pink building and rainbows, and butterflies in the sky! ( Ok, that was a little exaggerated! te he he) The Lilly Jeep sat sparkling in there and the big pink cursive letters invited us in. Every detail in the building exuded sunshine.

We entered the lobby and continued into the design room, where Tori works. Adorning the walls were inspiration board for deigns to come in future collections. Each board piled high with fabrics, pictures, water colors, ect... The table was covered in these bright swatches of fabric. Aren't the colors just perfect! There were a few designers working on computer and sketching designs. Walking in just makes you feel creative! From there we walked into more offices where Lilly dresses and fabrics where hanging and propped in every corner. It was like a messy heaven! We met a few other people and continued on to the actually warehouse where the sale used to be many moons ago. We also stopped by the classic juice bar, and viewed the next collection! (Resort, I believe) The fabrics were to die for and a lot of the materials were environmentally green! How neat, we love pink and GREEN!

It truly was a great experience. Everyone was so kind and happy! How could you not be happy working there?? Here are a few more pictures from the tour!

Katie L. and I in a Lilly Golf cart! The seat and ceiling were covered in a beautiful print!

The fabrics piled in every corner!

My FAVORITE inspiration Board! I am a fisher and loved the addition of the "Gulps", bait! I can't wait to see what print comes from such an amazing inspiration board!

New Collection dresses!!! I looooooovvvveee them!

The Lilly Pulitzer Warehouse Sale!!!!!

2009-06-17T06:58:00.000-07:00

" Lilly Pulitzer makes everyone look happier, richer, and more fun-loving than they probably are. Lilly equals sunshine."
- Johnathan Adler

Pictures from inside the Warehouse Sale!

And so the blogging begins! I am finally back from my 2 week vacation to Philly and North Carolina. I have to say these past weeks were some of the best of my life! In one week I got to go to the Lilly Warehouse Sale and go crazy, it was my birthday, and got a personal tour of Lilly P. HQ by one of their print designers! Could it get any better?? As I unpacked my stuffed suitcases last night I was Santa in June. As my sister sat there on the couch watching me reveal all my treasures ( the sale could defiantly be considers a treasure hunt), I adorned her and piled her high with new Lilly Polos, skirts, shoes, dresses, shorts, headbands, tops, sweaters... She thought she had died and gone to Lilly Heaven!!

The sale truly was amazing! Because we (Katie L my BFF and I) got to go to the Sale a day early we received extra bargains, plus an extra 25% off and BOGO where I noted. I took advantage of it! I normally don't buy Lilly unless it is on sale, I am a college student after all. I will by summer clothes during the winter and keep them put away wishing the spring would begin to flourish as soon as possible. Then right when it starts to hit those summer highs I buy the sweaters and save them away for chilly nights. But this time the bargains were better than ever and I can wear them right away! I am sure ya'll are wondering just how good the prices were:

Dress: $59-99

Shoes:$60 (+BOGO)..so really 30 each

Skirts: $39-59

Tops: $59-69

Shorts:$39

Purse:$59-99

Polos: $24 (+BOGO)...so 12 each

Swimsuits: $59 (+BOGO)

Samples: $20-40 (+BOGO) this would include anything and everything. It is stuff

they take to show or use as promotions. All size 6 (THANK YOU LORD!). Perfect condition, just very limited in quantity! But this is where you find the real bargains!

All my Lilly Treasures!!

Ps- these pictures don't even do justice! Promise! he he he

One Lovely Blog Award

2009-06-13T18:12:00.000-07:00

Thank you Plan Acourtingly for this award :) This is my first award and I am thrilled to receive it. I still consider myself a new blogger and to receive an award means a lot to me. Being so new I don't follow too many blogs yet. Truly I just bounce around between everyones and find new interests all the time off others pages and forget to follow yall! Here are a few blogs that I loves though :)

Congrats, ladies! Don't forget...

The Rules:
1. Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award and his or her blog link.
2. Pass the award to 15 (Sorry I only did a few!) other blogs that you have newly discovered.
Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

Just Lovely

College Prep

Life of a Savannah Bride

Classic Katie

Salty, Sweet, & Southern

Thanks Again for the award! I will be back from my vacation on Tuesday! Get ready for some major blogging! I promise it will be worth this brief hiatus I took !!

More to Come!

2009-06-04T17:07:00.000-07:00

Sorry it has been so long! I am still recovering from the Lilly Sale! My friend Katie and I were lucky enough to go a day early to the sale!! Through some connections we know an employee that works at headquarters in the Print Room...and a day before the public was allowed to shop employees and their guest were invited to shop! Let's just say I think I know what heaven looks like! I promise I will post pictures of everything we got and let you know all the details and adventures! The computer I am using right now is sooo old and slow! ha ha ha. But by the end of the weekend be looking for some pictures!

Off to the Sale

2009-05-31T21:54:00.000-07:00

I leave today for my trip to PA!! My best friend and I will be attending the Lilly Pulitzer warehouse sale!! I can't wait! After that we will be heading to OBX. NC for a week :) Pictures to come...

Banana Pudding to Die For!

2009-05-29T09:09:00.000-07:00

My mother and I made this Banana Pudding over Memorial Day weekend, and let me tell you it is to die for! Now this isn’t your regular pudding, when you add that sweetened condensed milk and cream cheese, something magical happens. I promise if you take this to any BBQ or summer party it will be a hit; gone before the burgers are even out and friends will be asking you for this recipe!

Ingredients:

8 oz Cream Cheese

1 Can Sweetened Condensed Milk

1 Large Pack Instant Banana Pudding (You can use Vanilla for a more subtle taste…but I’d go all out with the banana!)

2 Cups Milk

1 Cup Sugar

8 oz. Cool Whip

Bananas

Vanilla Wafers

Beat softened cream cheese until light and fluffy. Add condensed milk and mix well. Add Pudding, milk, and sugar. Mix Well. Blend in Cool Whip.

Layer Vanilla Wafers on the bottom of the dish. Cut up bananas and layer to cover the wafers. Spread pudding mixture over bananas. Continue layering to desired amount!

Make-Ahead Hint: The custard pudding mixture may be frozen for use at a later time! (But I don’t think it will make it to the freezer! He he he)

Enjoy this one ya’ll. Like I mentioned we made this over the long weekend for our own family BBQ . My Dad loves Banana pudding and this stuff was gone before the next afternoon! We literally ate it for breakfast too!

OMG! I am so excited :)

2009-05-28T19:24:00.000-07:00

I actually won a giveaway! I had just been to the park with my family, where we listened to a tribute band of the Beatles, and dined on fruit, cheese, and pita chips! Not to mention we danced a lot and my mother taught my sister and I how to do the Twist! he he he... To make the night even better I won this A.Tierney Bangle from the Pink Tutu! Could it get any better?? I leave for the Lilly Warehouse sale on Monday and then I am off to OBX, The Outer Banks, NC. This is really turning out to be quite the week! Thanks again to the Pink Tutu for hosting this preppy giveaway!! Ya'll should all really go check out her blog, it is so fun, classy, and preppy!! Thanks again!!

Fondue Fun

2009-05-24T16:29:00.000-07:00

Yumm Yumm! This weekend a lot of my old girlfriends from high school have finally all returned from college! In celebration we had a little fondue party...perfect for sweet treats and catching up on the past year at school :) If you are in of some need catching up with close friends I would definitely suggest fondue...enjoy!

Hope you are all having a wonderful long weekend!

My Dilemma

2009-05-21T17:14:00.000-07:00

I will be turning 20 years old next month and my boyfriend keeps asking me what I want! Of course all year I can name a million gift I would love to have and when it comes down to the wire (like now) I can never decide on something I want! I wanted the starfish Tiffany's necklace, but that seems to be a little out of price range. I know he wouldn't mind getting me the "mini mini" charm, but I am not sure I want the mini mini, I like the larger starfish better. I have suggested new Pandora charms because you can never have enough! But considering he has bought me that for at least the past 5 holidays, he wants me to get me something different! (Here are a few that I like...) So what should I tell him?? Do ya'll have any suggestions?? Any cute things you have found recently?

A Healthy Kick

2009-05-20T07:35:00.000-07:00

Bathing suit season is here....and that means trying to eat healthy. TRYING being the key word here! On that note I headed to grocery store yesterday, market basket in hand, on the pursuit of only healthy foods. This included yogurts, fresh fruits and veggies, and only whole grains. I even bought a little basil plant to grow fresh herbs. All of my choices were pretty good for me (considering I could live off sweets and believe desserts a staple in any diet)! This all brings me to the pita chips I made; paired with hummus it was a delicious and healthy snack. (I swear they tasted better than the picture makes them out to be!) All I did to make them was: cut whole wheat pitas into small squares and unfold them a bit so they could crisp. Spread them evenly onto a greased baking sheet and add a little extra virgin olive oil, a hint of garlic salt, and a few sprinkle of parmesan. I baked them at 450 for about 4 mins. and then flipped them and finished baking for about 3 more minutes. It was soooo yummy!
Each pita was only 130 calories and made about 25 chips after they were separated a bit. Quite a low cal. option compared to a bag of chips! Try it out, they were great and my family loved them!!

My Summer Essentials

2009-05-19T19:59:00.000-07:00

Summer by Kab07g on Polyvore.com

I am counting down the days till my trip to the Outer Banks, NC (OBX)! I have been every summer for quite a few summers now visiting my best friend! Her Grandmother has a house there close to great restaurants, perfect little shops, and of course the beach! Yes, I live on the beach at home, but it is nice to go to other beaches as well! Every beach has its own unique features, although the white sugary beaches at home could never be beat! Before heading to the beach we will be in Philadelphia and hopefully a quick trip to New York City for my birthday~ But we will have to see how it all works out! In my time daydreaming I figured I would try out Polyvore to get a head start on packing :) I have never done it, but had seen it on quite a few other blogs...it was pretty fun. This is was the result... My summer essentials: A Lilly Swimsuit (of course), Costa Del Mar sunglasses + my monogrammed croakies (not shown), my Columbia for all those days fishing, and my favorite nail polish (OPI Chapel of Love). Add in a few star fish and some great summer tunes and I am set! All the above lead to a perfect day at the beach, which always leads to a Salty Kiss, can't wait till my trip ;)

Can You Feel the LOVE tonight??

2009-05-18T09:32:00.000-07:00

What an eventful weekend I had! Let's just say wedding season has officially started for me! ha ha ha. With a party Friday for the Bridal Party and Friends and the Wedding on Sunday, plus 2 more in the coming weekend I have felt the love! I love weddings and all things related to love. I love watching the groom as his bride walks down the isle, the decorations and tablescapes, the Bride's dress, I just love weddings! I always leave weddings happy and completely in love :) It is just all so romantic! This weekend's wedding was held at the oldest church in Florida, it was absolutely beautiful! They used the colors sage green and blue, with whimsical lanterns on the tables, as well as the invitations and programs. It fit in perfectly with the historical atmosphere of the church and downtown area! They even rode off on a vintage bicycle built for two! These are two pictures of the Chapel where they were married.

Speaking of love...the new season on The Bachelorette starts tonight! I loved last season (until all the drama happened) and loved Jillian, this season's bachelorette from the first show. So I can't wait for tonight!!

With all this love I have to put a picture of my boyfriend and I dancing at the wedding! We danced all night :)

2009-05-14T09:14:00.000-07:00

Last night my mom had a dinner party and Bunko at our house! She has been in the same bunko group for over 10 years now with 12 different ladies from all around our area. Every month they rotate and play at each others' homes. Every meal is exquisite; I wish I could go just to taste their dinners! Out of all the ladies my mom is known for always having the best desserts (and of course lots of Chocolate)! Well, I had the honor of helping make the desserts last night! We made a puff pastry together filled with a chocolate cream, topped with melted chocolate and caramel sauce, and then sprinkled with pecans (pe-cawn, not pe CANs ;) ). A chocolate covered strawberry adorned the place as well. It was soooo delectable; it was gone before I could even take a picture of the final product! But the reviews were great and not one morsel of chocolate or pecan was left! All the ladies raved about it and honestly it was quite simple to make; so I thought I would share the recipe with you all!

The Pastry:

1 cup water
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
4 eggs

Heat oven to 400 F. In a medium saucepan, heat water, butter and salt to a rolling boil. Add flour all at once; stir vigorously over low heat for about 1 minute, or until mixture leaves sides of the pan and forms a ball ( this happens fast!)

Remove from heat; add egg, one at a time, beating well. (Make sure the dough has cooled slightly to avoid scrambling the eggs! yuck!) Drop mixture into 12 balls on ungreased cookie sheet. ( I used an ice-cream scoop covered in Pam to make perfect balls)

Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. While warm, cut the tops off and reserve. Remove any soft pieces of dough from inside the puff. Let cool.

Chocolate Cream Filling:

1 and 1/4 cups sugar
1/3 cup Hershey's cocoa powder
1/3 cup cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 cups milk
3 egg yolks, slightly beaten
2 tablespoons butter
1 and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a medium saucepan, stir together sugar, cocoa, cornstarch, and salt; stir in milk. Cook over medium heat, until mixture boils. Boil and stir 1 minute. Remove from heat. Gradually stir in one cup of the chocolate mixture into the eggs ( this prevents them from cooking). Add the egg mixture back into the pan. Cook over low heat stirring constantly. Remove from heat, add butter and vanilla, stir. Pour into a bowl, cover, and cool until cold and thick.

Fill puffs with Chocolate Cream Filling. Replace tops; drizzle with chocolate and sprinkle pecans! (Refrigerate until serving time.)

ENJOY!!!

Not Just a Boring Science Post... I Promise!

2009-05-12T07:55:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, in Cape Canaveral, FL, the Atlantis Space Shuttle was launched into orbit to repair the 19 year-old 'Hubble' telescope. The Hubble needs new batteries and gyroscopes, as well as, cameras and other equipment.

I have always been interested in space since I was a little girl. Of course living close to 2 major NASA Space Centers ,Cape Canaveral being one, and Huntsville, AL the other ( I am in the somewhere in the middle). Not to mention my boyfriend of 5 years is studying Mechanical Engineering with hopes of going into aerospace. I hear so much about the launches and the current happenings of NASA. But what truly sparked my interest so long ago was my first trip to Space Camp in 1999! (I can't believe that was 10 years ago!) I was able to ride in simulators, try on spacesuits, flip lots of switches, build rockets, and learn more than any 5th grade brain could ever absorb. I had gone with a group of kids from my area, although I didn’t know most of the kids. This leads me to the point of this whole blog... I met my Best Friend Katie at Space Camp!

We came from 2 different schools and had never met, but had a few friends in common. But after that week, it was like destiny for us to become friends. We both went to different middle school but attended the same Youth Group and Church, so we stayed close. But it wasn’t till high school till our friendship truly blossomed. We both discovered our love of shopping (Tiffany's, JCrew, Lilly... of course) and took many trips together solely for that purpose! We hosted the BEST parties. I am not talking typical birthday parties or potlucks, but formal Christmas parties with table scapes and color coordinating invitations and Birthdays on Boats, with sundress and ‘mocktails’. Our high school experience is not what most would consider "typical". We both decided on different Universities and pledged different sororities, but I can honestly say I think we are closer now than ever! I visit her family in PA and OBX ever summer and we make trips to see each other throughout the semester. She will be one of my bridesmaids when I get married and I will always consider her my best friend.

So yesterday's launch of Atlantis, was interesting yes, but reminded me of the beginning of a life long friendship more importantly!

The Paper Purse

2009-05-10T20:05:00.000-07:00

I saw this little purse made the other day on the Martha Stewart show (Thursday, May 7th). It was so simple and I am sure most everyone has exactly what you need to make it. I was able to make it in just a short time; it was fun and turned out perfect! There were two patterns I found on the website as well as the directions. I am planning on putting a gift card in it and giving it as a gift :) Gift cards can be a little impersonal, so this is a cute way to add a personal touch!

Mother Knows Best

2009-05-10T19:20:00.000-07:00

Well, it is the end of a divine day in the South! This morning started off with a lovely church service with the family and then brunch at the country club, which I am still full from! Following brunch we came home and opened more presents with Mom. My older sister got Mom the glass lemonade stand in the right of the picture and I got her the two aprons we are wearing. The yellow one I am wearing (on the left) was from William and Sonoma and the green one (on the right) was from a local store called Pizzazz. Why two aprons...you may ask? Well, recently my mom bought ornamental hooks to put in the kitchen and said she needed new decorative aprons to hang on them. I had remembered her mentioning her longing for new aprons and figured she would love them both! Not to mention I get to wear one too!!

After an eventful and filling early afternoon I went to visit my boyfriend's Mother and Grandmother for homemade pound cake and fresh strawberries. His Grandmother had the most beautiful tea set, a classic and simple pink set. It had caught my eye when we were all sitting in the dining room enjoying our desserts; I told her how I just loved that pink tea set. She fully enjoyed telling me the history behind the tea set and her whole china cabinet, but I loved every second of it! The pink cups, saucers, and tea pot was one of her Grandmother's wedding present! How special.

Overall, it was a wonderful day and all the Mother's in my life were honored today! I hope they felt very special and loved today! Happy Mother's Day!!!

What a Beautiful Morning

2009-05-09T07:12:00.000-07:00

Good Morning, it is a beautiful day here! I woke up early to let the dogs out and couldn't believe how lovely it was outside! There were so many people walking outside and biking around the neighborhood. As I said I woke up early...well not quite as early as my mother! She had already been working outside in her garden and new area we have fixed up for her for Mother's Day! The picture of the bench is one of the present we gave her ( a little early!). We have a splendid old oak tree with huge branches and the most intricate bark that had been neglected for quite a while. Well what better time than Mother's Day to change that, a little gift to my mom as well as Mother Nature! lol. Back to the tree... it has been over grown with vines, little pine trees, and dead branches from many hurricanes past, so we spent the whole day cutting away these huge, spiky vines, hauling away dead branches, and pulling up a lot of rotted trees. But it was all worth it...behold a magnificent tree! We laid new mulch around it and put this lovely bench beside it, as well as a few plants and a hanging display for flowers! Mom added a sweet bird house and now it is the perfect Mother's Day retreat! After walking the dogs this morning both my mom and I sat on the bench and chatted a little. The oak tree's shade shielded us from the Florida Sun and we could have sat there all day long. It was truly a perfect little picture in time. I hope we really get some use out of our new garden this summer and I hope this inspires you to do something extra sweet with your Mother tomorrow (and everyday). And give a little love to Mother Nature too ;)

Time for Tea

2009-05-07T08:05:00.000-07:00

Just recently my best friend and I met up and went to a tea room to celebrate her birthday! Along with a few friends, we all dressed in our Lilly dresses and pearls and enjoyed a beautiful afternoon. It was a traditional "high tea" complete with 3 variaties of hot tea, scones, fresh fruit, finger sandwhiches and a variteies of small cakes! We sat for over 2 hours enjoying all the snacks and each others company! It was so nice and gave me quite the incliling to host my own tea party. Since then, I have been searching for recipes for chicken salad, cucumber sandwhiches, and lemon cakes! I have found a few and hope to test them this weekend! Here are a few recipes that I hope will work out! The chicken salad is from Paula Deen, so I am sure it has to be wonderful!

Ingredients
1 (3-pound) chicken
Salt and pepper
1 onion, quartered
2 celery stalks
1 cup chopped celery
4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
2 teaspoons seasoning salt (suggested: Jane's mixed up Krazy salt)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 to 3 tablespoons chicken stock
Directions
Place the chicken along with the salt, pepper, onion, and celery stalks in a large stock pot. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer until the chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken from pot, cool, and remove skin and bones. Reserve the liquid. Dice the chicken and place in a large bowl. Add the chopped celery, eggs, seasoning salt, mayonnaise, lemon-pepper, pepper, and some reserved stock and mix well.

Hopefully I can put this into a little tea sandwhich and enjoys them with some ladies!

The reviews are great on her site, I will give you my review soon!

Schools out for Summmer!

2009-05-06T17:52:00.000-07:00

It is finally Summer! Time to relax and enjoy the salty beach air. After being at school for the past semester coming home is more than exciting! Home cooked meals, mom doing your laundry, and of course NO SCHOOL! ha ha ha. Now all I have to worry about is the season finale of Grey's and getting a tan. I'll be on here a lot more now that I don’t have to worry about accountancy law exams, Financial accounting and reporting, so much more. I will also be traveling and hopefully making some cute things.... I will put up lots of pictures :)
xoxo, Katie

BIG/ LITTLE WEEK!

2009-01-23T20:31:00.000-08:00

So all these pictures are from my sorority's Big/Little week.If you are unfamiliar with the term "Big and Little" it is just a tradition most sororities do. The big sister is a mentor and friend to a younger incoming member of the organization. Each day of the week had a theme. The first "crafts and candy" of course I went overboard with the candy! By filling up glass containers with bright colored candies (skittles, gumballs, sour patch kids, ect.) they could actually be used as decoration! They really added a lot of fun to the basket. I also added a PJ set in there and a pair of slippers. I kinda of thought of it as a slumber party kit! All you need is PJ's and candy and any girl can have a sleepover! ha ha ha. And even though I am in college, my friends and I have slumber parties all the time!
The next day was "heirloom" day. If you look closely there are owl stained glass. I actually made those! The large one was for my little to keep and the small one was for her to pass down to her future Little sister in the sorority! I also put in little clues and more candy (duh.) Following the "heirloom" theme of the day I passed down gifts that i had received from my big sister, the book "Blonde Ambition", an owl bracelet, and some funny figurines!

The third day was "insignia", so any thing with our letters on them. By this time of the week my little sister is VERY spoiled. But all these gift were found by a combined effort of my mom, and real big sister, Johna. Most were found at very inexpensive prices and enhanced or I just added a lot of ribbon! ha ha ha. For example the blanket, we bought it at TJ MAX for about 4 dollars and then got it embroidered by a friend for about 6 dollars! What a CUTE blanket for 10 dollars. If I were to buy the same thing from a boutique it would sell for about $25 or more. My fabulous mom also made some buttons and filled the hat box with dollar notepads and sticky notes that fit our black and white theme. And I am sure you are wondering what is in the little white box.... CHI OMEGA COOKIES! They are in the shape of the Greek letters with pink icing.

The final day of gifts was "owls", our mascot. In the cake box are brownie I made with a friend. I just added a monogrammed card I made on the computer and added a ribbon to add a finishing touch. People actually though I ordered them from a bakery and they couldn't have been easier to make! I just baked prepackaged box of brownies and used candy corn (for the beak) and gummy lifesaver (for the eyes) with red hots and gumdrops (for the feet). To make the owl shape I just carved the edges of the brownies and then used the scraps for wings! To attach everything I used chocolate icing.

Here is a closer look at the cute owl brownies! You would be surprised all the owl snack I have made! I am sure I will update them sometime!