It's been almost 6 months since we got married! Here is a blog with all the details of our special day.
Showing posts with label Friends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Friends. Show all posts
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Cooking Challenge #1
A few weeks ago my friend Emily invited me to participate in a blogging cooking challenge. Her friend Cassie has challenged herself to cook something new out of all her cookbooks. Emily and several other bloggers (including myself) decided to join Cassie and try new recipes ourselves. Each month we will link back to each other from Cassie's blog and share our cooking triumphs/failures.
Let me start by saying I was hesitant to join this challenge. Not only am I a novice cook but I'm also a picky eater. Often recipes in cookbooks don't appeal to me because of all the ingredients that they call for. In addition, I don't own many cookbooks either. However, one of my goals for 2011 is to eat at home more often so I figured what the heck and told Emily I'd participate.
For my first recipe I wanted to cook something from my family cookbook. Several years ago we had this cookbook put together to save all of our family recipes. The cover shows the Dempsey family in 1942 in front of their house in Greenville, Kentucky. My grandfather is the one on the far right. He is my mother's father.
The recipe I chose is cousin Jonathan's enchiladas. When I normally cook Mexican food I do the Old El Paso soft taco kit. It is easy, tasty and (almost) everything you need is in 1 box. This would be a challenge for me to buy everything individually. I stopped by Kroger to pick up my ingredients seen below.
Ingredients:
1 pkg of enchilada sauce mix
1 (8 oz.) can of tomato sauce
2 cans of enchilada sauce (I only bought 1 and it was fine!)
1.5 cups of water
1.5 lbs. of lean ground beef (I used less)
Medium flour tortillas
3/4 cup grated Cheddar cheese
3/4 cup grated Monterrey Jack cheese
1/3 cup minced onion (optional - I did not use)
Combine sauce mix, tomato sauce, enchilada sauce and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer 5 minutes. Mix cheeses together (I bought them already mixed). Brown ground beef and onion; drain. Stir in cheese and sauce mixture until cheese is melted.
Spread 1/2 cup of sauce mixture in bottom of baking dish. Put 1 tablespoon of meat mixture on each flour tortilla and roll up. Place seam side down in pan. Pour any leftover meat/sauce over tortillas. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.
Verdict: I went into this meal thinking I wouldn't like it because typically I think enchiladas are a little too wet. I accidentally only bought 1 can of enchilada sauce but I think that was actually perfect because they weren't as runny. I really enjoyed these enchiladas and they were perfect for me because they were just cheese, beef, sauce and tortillas. They were simple and I liked that. This recipe made 6 enchiladas so hopefully they will also re-heat well too.
Let me start by saying I was hesitant to join this challenge. Not only am I a novice cook but I'm also a picky eater. Often recipes in cookbooks don't appeal to me because of all the ingredients that they call for. In addition, I don't own many cookbooks either. However, one of my goals for 2011 is to eat at home more often so I figured what the heck and told Emily I'd participate.
For my first recipe I wanted to cook something from my family cookbook. Several years ago we had this cookbook put together to save all of our family recipes. The cover shows the Dempsey family in 1942 in front of their house in Greenville, Kentucky. My grandfather is the one on the far right. He is my mother's father.
The recipe I chose is cousin Jonathan's enchiladas. When I normally cook Mexican food I do the Old El Paso soft taco kit. It is easy, tasty and (almost) everything you need is in 1 box. This would be a challenge for me to buy everything individually. I stopped by Kroger to pick up my ingredients seen below.Ingredients:
1 pkg of enchilada sauce mix
1 (8 oz.) can of tomato sauce
2 cans of enchilada sauce (I only bought 1 and it was fine!)
1.5 cups of water
1.5 lbs. of lean ground beef (I used less)
Medium flour tortillas
3/4 cup grated Cheddar cheese
3/4 cup grated Monterrey Jack cheese
1/3 cup minced onion (optional - I did not use)
Combine sauce mix, tomato sauce, enchilada sauce and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer 5 minutes. Mix cheeses together (I bought them already mixed). Brown ground beef and onion; drain. Stir in cheese and sauce mixture until cheese is melted.
Spread 1/2 cup of sauce mixture in bottom of baking dish. Put 1 tablespoon of meat mixture on each flour tortilla and roll up. Place seam side down in pan. Pour any leftover meat/sauce over tortillas. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.
Verdict: I went into this meal thinking I wouldn't like it because typically I think enchiladas are a little too wet. I accidentally only bought 1 can of enchilada sauce but I think that was actually perfect because they weren't as runny. I really enjoyed these enchiladas and they were perfect for me because they were just cheese, beef, sauce and tortillas. They were simple and I liked that. This recipe made 6 enchiladas so hopefully they will also re-heat well too.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Limo & Lights
On Thursday Jay and I hosted a joint birthday party for ourselves and friends. We had several people over for hor d'oeuvres at my place and then took a limo to look at Christmas lights. Our 1st stop was in Kennesaw for the Meckley Family Christmas house. It was awesome!! The owner has set 30,000 lights to 10 songs for a 40 minute long show. You tune your car radio to 88.3 and you can hear the music. It is all fun fast pace rock Christmas songs. We were so impressed we got out of the limo to take some pictures and dance in the street. The owner even came outside to talk to us and tell us all about his display. Oh and in case you couldn't tell we did a tacky Christmas sweater theme too. 
After the Meckley Family house we knew the next stop would be hard to top. We went to Life University in Marietta for their Lights of Life display. Unfortunately we spent way too long at the Meckley's home and by the time we got to Life they were almost closed. We had time to drive through and see some of the lights but they were turning them off as we seeing them. That was definitely a downer but we still had a lot of fun riding around town listening to Christmas songs.Ellie even got into the spirit and wore a Christmas themed dog coat.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
SMU Homecoming / 5-Year Reunion
I have attended SMU Homecoming every year since I graduated and this was to be no exception. In fact this year was even more important. This is my 5-year reunion and I was serving on the reunion committee. The weekend was jam packed. Friday I was on campus all day long attending board meetings. When the long day was over I met Kristen at the hotel where she works and this surprise guest was checking in...PERUNA, SMU's mascot. We were excited to get our picture with him.
Later that evening we went to Megan's house to celebrate her daughter, Tally's 1st birthday. She was dressed as an SMU cheerleader for her "hip hip hooray for SMU" themed party. Tally's party was lots of fun with kids running all over the place and delicious food and drinks for the adults. Tally had a blast but she was not very into the cake.
On Saturday we arrived on campus early to watch the parade. Chi O won 1st place in the float competition and looked as cute as ever! Proud to be a Chi O alum too! :) After the parade we started tailgating and were entertained by SMU alum and country music star Jack Ingram. He played several songs wearing an SMU jersey and telling stories about his time on campus. It was a great Boulevard experience until it started storming and even the game had a 2 hour delay. I got completely soaked trying to run to the car.
Due to the rain delay we didn't get to see any of the game. We had to quickly change and make it to the 5-year reunion party at The Barley House. It was great seeing lots of old friends from the class of 2005. Here we are doing the "sorority squat" pose and Amy being too cool to join in.
On Sunday before heading back to Atlanta I made a visit to see my Chi O big sis, Shauna and her baby Elizabeth. I hadn't met her yet. We had a great time catching up and playing with Elizabeth. She is adorable and was wearing her owl outfit because she is a Chi O legacy :).
Despite the rain my trip to Dallas was awesome as usual. It is always fun to go back to Big D.
Later that evening we went to Megan's house to celebrate her daughter, Tally's 1st birthday. She was dressed as an SMU cheerleader for her "hip hip hooray for SMU" themed party. Tally's party was lots of fun with kids running all over the place and delicious food and drinks for the adults. Tally had a blast but she was not very into the cake.
On Saturday we arrived on campus early to watch the parade. Chi O won 1st place in the float competition and looked as cute as ever! Proud to be a Chi O alum too! :) After the parade we started tailgating and were entertained by SMU alum and country music star Jack Ingram. He played several songs wearing an SMU jersey and telling stories about his time on campus. It was a great Boulevard experience until it started storming and even the game had a 2 hour delay. I got completely soaked trying to run to the car.
Due to the rain delay we didn't get to see any of the game. We had to quickly change and make it to the 5-year reunion party at The Barley House. It was great seeing lots of old friends from the class of 2005. Here we are doing the "sorority squat" pose and Amy being too cool to join in.
On Sunday before heading back to Atlanta I made a visit to see my Chi O big sis, Shauna and her baby Elizabeth. I hadn't met her yet. We had a great time catching up and playing with Elizabeth. She is adorable and was wearing her owl outfit because she is a Chi O legacy :).
Despite the rain my trip to Dallas was awesome as usual. It is always fun to go back to Big D.Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Coming home for Homecoming
Back in October I got to go home for another Alabama football game. This time it was the Homecoming game vs. Ole Miss. Each year growing up my mom would take us to the Alabama Homecoming parade. Since I was in town we decided to keep up the tradition and headed to the quad at noon... a full 8 hours before the game was set to start. This made for an incredibly long day but it was filled with lots of fun.
This was my favorite float in the parade...the elephant is wearing a XIII blanket for the 13 National Championships Alabama has won.
After the parade I met up with SMU friends Jordan and Meg. Jordan now lives in Birmingham and even though she's an Auburn fan she makes a trip to Tuscaloosa once a year and is a good sport. We watched the Auburn/Arkansas game with some of her friends at their tent. Meg, an Arkansas fan, also comes each year with her family, many of whom attended Alabama. Her sister Caroline is currently a senior.
Meg is my little sis in Chi O but she is truly like a sister to me. Her family and mine are very much alike and we love the chance to get together each year. Here we are with our moms.
Finally after a full day of tailgating the game started at 8p. We won the game 23-10 and we got home at midnight, a full 12 hour day.
The next day before leaving town to head back to Atlanta I got to meet up with my high school friend Mary Catherine. MC, as I like to call her, had baby James almost a year ago. I got to meet him last year when they lived in Dallas but he has grown so much since then and they now live in Chicago. I was so glad we were able to catch up quickly and I'm looking forward to seeing them again in December. You can read their blog here.
This was my favorite float in the parade...the elephant is wearing a XIII blanket for the 13 National Championships Alabama has won.
After the parade I met up with SMU friends Jordan and Meg. Jordan now lives in Birmingham and even though she's an Auburn fan she makes a trip to Tuscaloosa once a year and is a good sport. We watched the Auburn/Arkansas game with some of her friends at their tent. Meg, an Arkansas fan, also comes each year with her family, many of whom attended Alabama. Her sister Caroline is currently a senior.
Meg is my little sis in Chi O but she is truly like a sister to me. Her family and mine are very much alike and we love the chance to get together each year. Here we are with our moms.
Finally after a full day of tailgating the game started at 8p. We won the game 23-10 and we got home at midnight, a full 12 hour day.
The next day before leaving town to head back to Atlanta I got to meet up with my high school friend Mary Catherine. MC, as I like to call her, had baby James almost a year ago. I got to meet him last year when they lived in Dallas but he has grown so much since then and they now live in Chicago. I was so glad we were able to catch up quickly and I'm looking forward to seeing them again in December. You can read their blog here.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Tri-Red Triathlon
Jay and several friends decided to do the Tri-Red Triathlon on Jekyll Island, GA this year. This was Jay's 14th triathlon to complete and despite little training prior to the event he did great. I was not a participant and just went along for the ride. I also was the official photographer for the group and got to snap pictures throughout the race. I can't take credit for Jay's biking picture below though...that came from the real race photographer.
We had such a great weekend and enjoyed one last beach trip before the weather got colder. Jekyll Island was beautiful and hardly anyone was there. We literally had the beach to ourselves one night.
I was so impressed and proud of the group. Everyone did an awesome job. We are hoping to make this an annual trip.
Jay biking
Car loaded down with bikes - there were 6 on there!
The group before the swim in the ocean
Sunrise and the boys start the swim.
We had such a great weekend and enjoyed one last beach trip before the weather got colder. Jekyll Island was beautiful and hardly anyone was there. We literally had the beach to ourselves one night.
I was so impressed and proud of the group. Everyone did an awesome job. We are hoping to make this an annual trip.
Jay & me at the finish
Jay bikingCar loaded down with bikes - there were 6 on there!
The group before the swim in the ocean
Sunrise and the boys start the swim.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Update on Elizabeth & Hank
Watch an amazing slideshow here.
The pictures are beautiful and the song is one of my absolute favorites!
The pictures are beautiful and the song is one of my absolute favorites!
Elizabeth and Hank are married!
On October 2nd my good friend from SMU & Atlanta, Elizabeth, got married to Hank. It was an honor to be a part of their special day. Since moving to Atlanta in 2006 Elizabeth has been a dear friend and has made Atlanta feel more like home. Her family is from here and she is a huge resource for me on all things Atlanta. I don't have many pictures from the wedding but it was fabulous. The ceremony was at St. Luke's Episcopal in downtown and the reception was at The Piedmont Driving Club. Please go to her photographer's blog to see more details from the wedding and pictures of Elizabeth and Hank.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Bachelorette Weekend!
Last weekend I went to Watercolor, FL again. This time it was to celebrate my friend Elizabeth's October wedding. We left on Thursday morning and got 3 full days in the sun. Once again there was no trace of oil. It was beautiful. Our friend Liz who now lives in Austin got to fly in for the weekend too. Here are some pictures from the weekend.
I wanted to come up with a cute veil idea for Elizabeth. Since most Bachelorette veils are a little on the trashy side I came up with the idea to get matching headbands. They turned out so cute and were the perfect accessory.
I wanted to come up with a cute veil idea for Elizabeth. Since most Bachelorette veils are a little on the trashy side I came up with the idea to get matching headbands. They turned out so cute and were the perfect accessory. Thursday, July 8, 2010
Welcome Emma & Claire
My dear friends Daniel and Jean from SMU just had twin girls. Emma Grace & Hannah Claire were born on July 6th in Houston.
Botanical Gardens
My friends Anna, Elizabeth, Kelly & I decided to try out Cocktails in the Garden to see the new exhibits at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. We had such a fun time sipping drinks and looking at all the beautiful flowers. It was a fun night and the newly expanded gardens are terrific. Check it out if you're in Atlanta.Monday, May 24, 2010
Nashville Flood Trip
On Saturday I joined a group of friends and other Buckhead Church attendees on a one day work trip to Nashville. We met bright in early around 6:30a and left for a long day. We joined a group in a Bellevue neighborhood called Beech Bend. The area was hit hard by the flood. Many homes had over 6 feet of water in them. We helped rip out sheet rock, shovel gravel, pick up trash and remnants left in yards and bag items to be hauled away. 
Read more about the trip on the Monday, May 10, 2010
Girls Weekend in Atlanta
The first Saturday is May is one of my favorite holidays of the year...Derby Day. Yes, I do consider it a holiday! This year while I didn't attend the actual Derby in Louisville I got to host 4 of my very best friends for the Atlanta version. Holly, Brittany, Kristen and Meg are four amazing friends from SMU. Through the years we have remained close and I was ecstatic to get to have all four come visit at once.
Friday we had drinks at Park Tavern in Atlanta's famous Piedmont Park and then dinner on the patio at Basil's in Buckhead.
Saturday we got up early and at brunch with our other SMU friend, Christie and shopped around the Virginia-Highlands area. Afterwards we got all dressed up and headed to the Shepherd Center's annual Derby Day fundraiser. This year it was at the Georgia International Horse Park where they held the 1996 Olympic Equestrian events. We had a blast sipping mint juleps, watch the race on the big screen and dancing the night away.
Sunday we went to Buckhead Church and then to a quick stop at H&M.
It was truly a wonderful weekend with best friends.
Friday we had drinks at Park Tavern in Atlanta's famous Piedmont Park and then dinner on the patio at Basil's in Buckhead.
Saturday we got up early and at brunch with our other SMU friend, Christie and shopped around the Virginia-Highlands area. Afterwards we got all dressed up and headed to the Shepherd Center's annual Derby Day fundraiser. This year it was at the Georgia International Horse Park where they held the 1996 Olympic Equestrian events. We had a blast sipping mint juleps, watch the race on the big screen and dancing the night away.
Sunday we went to Buckhead Church and then to a quick stop at H&M.
It was truly a wonderful weekend with best friends.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Welcome Caroline Claire
My friend Melissa from college just had her first baby girl on Monday. Caroline Claire was 6lbs 3oz. She has tons of dark hair like her dad and long eyelashes like her mom. Can't wait to meet her in October. I love her name.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Dating in the Dark
Earlier this year I watched a few episodes of ABC's new reality show "Dating in the Dark" that came on after "The Bachelorette." The idea behind the show was to see if singles could make a connection in the pitch black dark without seeing each other and then once their looks were revealed if that connection would last. I loved the idea behind the show...really trying to get to know someone on a deeper level without being distracted by their looks or if they fit your type.
Flash forward a few months and I heard about an Atlanta version of the show. It was put on by the radio station Star94 and took place at the Dialog in the Dark exhibit at Atlantic Station. I was so excited when I was selected as a participant and told that I could bring a friend along with me. Of course I immediately thought of my co-worker Stephanie who just started a new blog: http://project29to30.blogspot.com/. Her goal is to do something she has never done before every day before her 30th birthday. Surely dating in the dark was something new!
To get an idea of how it worked watch this story that CNN did on the event:
Basically it was speed dating in the dark. It was really hard to remember who was who. You speak with each guy for 3 minutes and then it's on to the next. Several Mikes and Matts started blurring together in mind and in the end I didn't match with anyone. Stephanie did but I don't think it was a love connection. After the event we all went over to a nearby restaurant/bar where we could chat in the light. Overall, the experience was cool and I'd definitely do it again. We had a blast meeting new people in such an unusual way and stretching ourselves to go beyond just looks.
Be sure to check out Stephanie's blog for her version of the night coming soon...she's an excellent writer with a great sense of humor so I know her post will be hilarious.
Flash forward a few months and I heard about an Atlanta version of the show. It was put on by the radio station Star94 and took place at the Dialog in the Dark exhibit at Atlantic Station. I was so excited when I was selected as a participant and told that I could bring a friend along with me. Of course I immediately thought of my co-worker Stephanie who just started a new blog: http://project29to30.blogspot.com/. Her goal is to do something she has never done before every day before her 30th birthday. Surely dating in the dark was something new!
To get an idea of how it worked watch this story that CNN did on the event:
Basically it was speed dating in the dark. It was really hard to remember who was who. You speak with each guy for 3 minutes and then it's on to the next. Several Mikes and Matts started blurring together in mind and in the end I didn't match with anyone. Stephanie did but I don't think it was a love connection. After the event we all went over to a nearby restaurant/bar where we could chat in the light. Overall, the experience was cool and I'd definitely do it again. We had a blast meeting new people in such an unusual way and stretching ourselves to go beyond just looks.
Be sure to check out Stephanie's blog for her version of the night coming soon...she's an excellent writer with a great sense of humor so I know her post will be hilarious.
Monday, November 16, 2009
SMU Homecoming
Forgive me for being behind on blog posts again!
Two weekends ago I went to Dallas for SMU Homecoming. I wasn't going to go but ended up getting an incredible flight deal and was able to make the trip for just a little more than $100. I saw lots of friends, ate Tex Mex, met new babies, tailgated, watched the football game and bar hopped. It was such a fun weekend being back on campus.
Here are some pics from the weekend:
SMU wins! 31-28
Kristen, Brittany & me on the Boulevard
Chi O family: Meg, Shauna & me
Me holding Tally Harper
Me holding James Dawson
Two weekends ago I went to Dallas for SMU Homecoming. I wasn't going to go but ended up getting an incredible flight deal and was able to make the trip for just a little more than $100. I saw lots of friends, ate Tex Mex, met new babies, tailgated, watched the football game and bar hopped. It was such a fun weekend being back on campus.
Here are some pics from the weekend:
SMU wins! 31-28
Kristen, Brittany & me on the Boulevard
Chi O family: Meg, Shauna & me
Me holding Tally Harper
Me holding James Dawson Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Welcome James Dawson
Another new addition to blog about...My high school friend Mary Catherine and her husband Jordan welcomed their son James Dawson to the world on Sunday, Oct. 25th at 10:45p. He weighed 7.1lbs His first name comes from his daddy and his middle name from his uncle (MC's brother). I'm excited to see him during my November Dallas trip too.
Check out this adorable picture of Jordan and James...he is waving to the world!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Welcome Tally Harper
Back in March I announced that my friend Megan was having a baby. Yesterday, Megan and her husband Brad welcomed their daughter Tally Harper to the world. She weighed in at 9.11 lbs and was 22" long. She was born at 2:49p. I'm excited to meet her when I go to Dallas in November.
Also, friends Melissa & Shauna have also recently announced that they are expecting Spring babies. This is me and my Chi O family at Shauna's wedding. Shauna is my Chi O Big Sis. She will be having a girl...a Chi O legacy!
My other friend Melissa also recently found out that she is pregnant too. She is due in May and while she doesn't know the baby's sex yet...she does know that her baby will be in the same grade as her older sister Alyson's baby. Alyson is due with her second in November. How fun to have close cousins!
Also, friends Melissa & Shauna have also recently announced that they are expecting Spring babies. This is me and my Chi O family at Shauna's wedding. Shauna is my Chi O Big Sis. She will be having a girl...a Chi O legacy!My other friend Melissa also recently found out that she is pregnant too. She is due in May and while she doesn't know the baby's sex yet...she does know that her baby will be in the same grade as her older sister Alyson's baby. Alyson is due with her second in November. How fun to have close cousins!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)