hey there

Sorry for being a bad blogger for the past few months. So, what have I been up to? Well, things have been a bit busy around here. I know that’s not much of an excuse – because we’re all busy! My biggest news is that we bought a house! It needs some work, but nothing we can’t handle. I have been busying myself with home decorating magazines, paint chips, dream kitchens and favorite fabrics. I love it, although the clutter is getting a little out of control.

This past weekend we went up to NYC for my birthday. The trip is deserving of it’s own post. I will try to do that this week.

On to the new house, we are going to clean the house first (it desperately needs it). Next step, we are painting. Then we’ll refinish the hardwood floors. We are going to re-do the kitchen. It needs new counter-tops and new floors. I am going to keep the cabinets and just paint them a fresh color. I love to cook and entertain, so the kitchen was an important room for me. I think I will take before and after pictures. The before pictures might be a little scary though! The former owners had a soft spot for beaches and seashells. I think the previous lady of the house went a little crazy with a hot glue gun and some shells.

I hope all of you are fabulous . . . I’m sure you are! I miss you all!

PS – I saw an old friend recently and she told me to stop posting about Silpada and start posting about myself – it was hilarious. So, if you are reading – announce yourself! We need a girls weekend and we can have it in my new house!

Silpada Jewelry

I went to a jewelry party tonight. It was really nice because there wasn't a presentation that you had to sit through! I like these kinds of parties, but sometimes I just get bored. This was nice because the jewelry was all laid out when you got there so people could browse without feeling pressured to buy. I had a nice time and was able to enjoy friends, food, and drinks in a relaxed atmosphere.

The jewelry was by Silpada. Unfortunately I can't find pictures of the jewelry, but they had some beautiful pieces.

Fun Quiz

I found this when I was browsing for furniture. Its from Ethan Allen and you can find out your style. Mine was "Estate" . . . what's yours? Click here for the quiz.

The verdict is in—your style is Estate. Estate is an eternal American summer. Sporty. Charming. Breezy yet cultivated. A union of antique inspiration and geometric clarity. Civilization in peaceful coexistence with robust outdoor life. In the main house or the guest cottage, effortless elegance.

Ready for Spring

I am so ready for spring. I have never been one for cold weather and this past week has been pretty brutal. It started warming up towards the end of the week and I got a little spring happy. I picked up a few things that made me really excited for Spring and I thought I would share.

I picked up these pretty cocktail napkins and matching guest towels. They are so bright and they make me happy.

I also found some cute Easter bunny cocktail napkins but I couldn't find a picture online. These shirts were on sale at the Gap. Hopefully I will be able to wear one this weekend!

And my favorite thing that I bought . . . Lilly Pulitzer Wink! If you haven't already tried it, you simply must. Its divine and when you have it on - it feels like spring everyday!

Catfish Beignets . . . yummy, yummy

My brother and his girlfriend came home this past weekend, so saturday night we went over to my parents' house. My mom and I planned a Cajun-themed dinner. My mom made jambalaya and I did the gumbo. I found this awesome recipe in Southern Living for Catfish Beignets - they were a huge hit! They were also super easy :) (I posted the recipe at the end of the post).

After dinner, we played this game. Its really fun and a good way to get to know people!

Catfish Beignets

Prep: 20 min., Bake: 25 min., Cook: 10 min., Stand: 5 min., Rise: 30 min., Fry: 4 min. per batch. Beignets, time-tested New Orleans pastries, are usually sweet. We created a savory version that includes the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery that are considered the "holy trinity" in recipes with Louisiana roots.

Yield
Makes about 2 dozen

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds catfish fillets
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning, divided
3/4 cup frozen diced onion, red and green bell pepper, and celery
1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
1/3 cup beer (not dark)
3/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
1/2 cup 2% reduced-fat milk
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 dashes hot sauce
3 egg whites
Vegetable oil
Zesty Tartar Sauce
Lemon wedges (optional)


Preparation


1. Sprinkle fillets evenly with salt and 1/4 tsp. Old Bay seasoning. Arrange fillets on a lightly greased rack in an aluminum foil-lined broiler pan.

2. Bake at 425° for 20 to 25 minutes or until fish flakes with a fork and is opaque throughout. Finely chop fish.

3. Cook diced onion, bell pepper, and celery in 1/2 Tbsp. hot oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat, stirring often, 3 to 4 minutes or until tender.

4. Cook beer in a small saucepan over medium-low heat 5 minutes or until a thermometer registers 105° to 115°. Remove from heat; add yeast, and let stand 5 minutes. Transfer yeast mixture to a large bowl; stir in vegetables, milk, flour, hot sauce, catfish, remaining 1 Tbsp. oil, and remaining 1 tsp. Old Bay seasoning.

5. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 30 minutes.

6. Beat egg whites at medium speed with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Fold into catfish mixture.

7. Pour vegetable oil to a depth of 2 inches into a Dutch oven or electric deep-fat fryer; heat to 360°. Drop batter, by heaping tablespoonfuls, into hot oil; fry, in batches, 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown, turning once. Drain on a wire rack over paper towels. Serve with tartar sauce and, if desired, lemon wedges.

Note: Keep beignets warm in a 225° oven for up to 30 minutes.

Glass Dinner Plates

A K-Mart near us is going out of business, it's sad, but they had some GREAT deals! I have wanted these glass dinner plates for a long time but I never bought them. Well as luck would have it, I was able to get them for $12 a set. I bought two sets. I think they will be perfect for a summer garden party.

I also got the lamp pictured below. It was only $20 but I need to find a lamp shade for it.

Happy Blog-versary to Me!

Its hard to believe I've been posting for a year now! Many things have changed since I started this blog. I am now a married woman, I have a new job, and I live in a different place.

I love the many friends I have found through blogging. I think its so cool that we have connected with people all over the place. Thanks for reading and supporting me over the past year!

Much Better

We watched Baby Mama after The Happening. It was much better! I was definitely laughing out loud through most of the movie. I recommend it if you are a Tina Fey or Amy Poehler fan or if you just want a fun movie.

Worst Movie Ever

So the husband and I just watched it. I can officially say, its the worst movie I've ever seen. I'm sorry if I am spoiling it for anyone but in a nutshell - everyone in the movie kills themselves and its because "plants feel threatened by humans." Very deep, Mr. M. Night Shyamalan.

Clue me in

Could someone please tell me when Skulls & Crossbones became preppy? I must have totally missed this, but I honestly don't get it. Please - clue me in!

Confessions of a Shopaholic

Loved the book, can't wait for the movie! Here is a link to the official trailer. It comes out on Feb. 13, 2009 . . . maybe my sweetie will take me for Valentine's Day. Honey - feel free to respond :) (Since I am your favorite shopaholic).

Red Velvet Cupcakes!

I think that I will make these for Valentine's Day . . . even if they are from a box ;-)

Philosophy at Target . . . who knew?

I saw some on clearance today while I was browsing . . . you can find it online, right here.

Pretty Pink Towels

My Mom and I went on a hunt for these this weekend. They haven't come in yet at Williams Sonoma, but I'll be checking back. They are perfect for my kitchen!

What I have been up to . . . .

I am flying through book four . . . and I can't put it down!!! Have any of you read the series? Or seen the movie? I will hold my thoughts on the movie . . . don't want to spoil it for anyone. But I will say this, Edward Cullen is pretty dreamy ;)