South Carolina Chews

South Carolina Chews

1 stick margarine, melted

1 box light brown sugar (l lb.)

1 ½ cup flour

1 ½ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

3 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

½ cup chopped pecans

Powered sugar to sprinkle on top

Cream margarine and sugar together.  Add eggs and vanilla and blend.  Next, add flour, salt, baking powder and mix.  Stir in nuts(Do not have to use nuts).  Spread in greased and floured 9 x 13 pan. (Can be sprayed with PAM)  Bake at 350 for 25 – 30 minutes.  Sprinkle with powdered sugar while warm.  Cool, cut into 1 ½” squares.

Crock Pot Lasagna

Crock Pot Lasagna

·         1 lb. ground beef

·         1 large onion, finely chopped

·         2 garlic cloves, crushed and minced

·         1 large jar spaghetti sauce (such as Ragu in the 1 lb. 10 ounce jar)

·         1 package (8 ounces) no-boil lasagna noodles

·         16 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese

·         1 lb. ricotta cheese

·         ¼ cup milk

·         1 egg

·         ½ cup shredded Parmesan/Romano cheese

·         Salt and pepper to taste

Brown the beef, onion and garlic in a little oil in a frying pan.  Drain off any grease.

Add the spaghetti sauce into the browned meat mixture.  Mix well.

In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, milk and egg.  Beat until thoroughly mixed and smooth.  Then mix in the mozzarella cheese and the grated cheese so that all the cheeses are combined.

Grease the slow cooker/crock pot with some vegetable shortening on the bottom and sides.

Put about ¼ of the meat and sauce mixture in the bottom of the slow cooker/crock pot.  Put a layer of noodles on top of that (break or cut them if needed).  Put about 1/3 of the cheese mixture on top of that.  Then repeat with sauce, noodles, cheese for another 2 layers.  Top with meat sauce.  Cook on low for 4 – 6 hours or until noodles are tender.

Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet Potato Casserole

Mix Together 

          3 cups Mashed Sweet Potatoes

          ½ cup Milk

          ½ cup Sugar

          ½ stick Butter (Melted)

          2 Eggs (Beaten)

          1 ½ tea. Vanilla

          ½ tea Salt

Topping

          ½ cup Brown Sugar

          ¼ cup White Sugar

          ½ stick Butter (Melted)

          1 cup Chopped Nuts (pecans or walnuts – optional)

          ½ cup Flour (All Purpose)

Mix until melted butter absorbed.  Spread over Sweet Potatoe mixture.  Bake at 350 degrees for about 35 minutes.

Crock Pot Mac & Cheese

Crock Pot Macaroni & Cheese

Needed

16 oz. box elbow macaroni

5 cups shredded cheese (I mix mild and medium cheddar)

1 stick butter

3 eggs

1 lg. can evaporated milk

Season to taste with salt, pepper or any seasoning you like

Directions

Cook macaroni according to directions and drain

Mix macaroni while hot with butter and 3 cups of cheese

Put mixture in GREASED crock pot (Put margarine on paper towel and wipe around the crock pot, not on lid)

Mix eggs, milk, and seasoning and pour over mac and cheese (DO NOT STIR)

Add remaining two cups of cheese on top (DO NOT STIR)

Turn crock pot on low and let cook for 3 hours

Spring has sprung!

The flowers are in bloom, the birds are chirping, the days are getting longer and Spring is in the air!

We even have new life in developing in the backyard

And Sadie loves spending the afternoons in the park

We hope you all are enjoying the beauty of the season!

It's hard work being this cute!

Happy Easter!

House renovation pictures

For some reason the post below wouldn't let me post pictures from the house renovations and I completely forgot about it until today. Here's the slideshow I promised in the first post

An afternoon in D.C.

Mike and I recently went to visit Memom in Alexandria and decided to take a day to play tourist in D.C. 

It was an overcast, chilly Saturday morning but we decided to seize the day! We hopped on the Metro and made our way towards Arlington National Cemetery first. We spent 3 hours walking around Arlington National Cemetery.  We made our way up the hill to see JFK and Jackie O's grave site at the eternal flame. Then we made our way further up the hill to Robert E. Lee's mansion and then across a field to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers. We spent a lot of time at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers. Watching a changing of the guards ceremony and a wreath laying ceremony and paying our respects to the soldiers whose names we will never know. After leaving the Tomb we headed down the hill to Lot 60. This is where a childhood friend of mine was laid to rest and I wanted to stop and see him. (You can read more about that visit here) Also, while we were visiting Lot 60 I wanted to stop and pay my respects to Virginia Beach's local Navy SEALS who died when their helicopter crashed in Afghanistan last year. At the end of our visit, we both decided that next time, we'll pay the money to take the tram because this place is HUGE!

After leaving Arlington National Cemetery, we got back on the metro and headed for the National Mall. As it turns out the day we were there was actually the day of the Cherry Blossom Kite Festival. As we stepped out of the Smithsonian Metro Station all we could see were kites. It was such a cool sight around the National Monument! After grabbing a quick lunch we were off to the Smithsonian Museum. First up was the Natural History Museum and then the American History Museum. You can see all of the pictures from our day in D.C. in the slideshow below.

A visit with a friend

Over the weekend I visited one of my oldest friends. He is one of those friends from the "old neighborhood." One of those friends from the days when life was still innocent and children listened to their parents. From the days when we, as children, thought we were invincible. From the days before life got busy and we had responsibilities. Before life got in the way...

In the weeks leading up to my visit with him I reminisced about old times. The days all of us kids spent running around the fields of our elementary school playing soccer until the sun went down. The days when "the old gang" would ride bikes to each others houses and the times we would run from house to house begging for ice cream money as the ice cream truck blared it's music through our neighborhood. Oh how we used to wish those days would never end...

As the years went on we found ourselves abandoning those fields and going off in different directions. We would see each other from time to time in the halls at school, during lunch or at church. We might occasionally run into each other in the mall or at a restaurant and would try our best to catch up with the little time we had to spare.

As time went on, we moved on...On to other groups of friends, relationships and different times. Things got to be more hectic and life got complicated. We all eventually moved out of the neighborhood and on to high school and eventually to college. We would see each other on campus and give each other a quick hug and catch up for a few minutes before heading off to the next class. We would update each other on what we knew of the people from the "old neighborhood" and promise to keep in touch. He joined the Army and got married and lived his life with honor and courage.

Until that day... that fateful day when he was wounded in Sadr City, Iraq while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. That was the day everything changed. No longer were we the innocent children from the soccer fields... at this moment we were adults and the war took one of our friends. When I heard the news I remember thinking about memories I hadn't thought about in years. Those days in the "old neighborhood"...those days with the "old gang."  Those memories hold a special place in my heart and those people are the reason those childhood memories continue to bring a smile to my face.

As I was preparing to visit my old friend, I couldn't help but think of those cherished memories again and one more time they brought a smile to my face. I can almost see him walking towards me with that beaming smile on his face and I can almost feel the rush of running up in down those fields for hours on end with my dear childhood friends. I wish I had done a better job of keeping in touch. I wish life didn't always get in the way.

I visited my friend and I hope he knows I was there...

Dear Google can I get an update please?

I recently searched our address on Google maps.When the street view picture came up I could not believe the picture they showed for our house. I was so shocked by the difference I couldn't help but take a picture of our house now and compare the two.

How many differences can you find in these pictures?

Google Street View picture from 2007:

Now:

What's a girl gotta do to get Google to update their picture???

Spontaneity Fail

I've realized lately that I do a lot of things on a whim...I guess I've always thought of it as being spontaneous and most of the time I actually enjoy my spontaneity. Well a couple of weeks ago that spontaneity signed me up for something I didn't really think through.

Not so long ago, I used to love working out. I loved the feeling it gave me, the energy I had when I was done and knowing that I was getting into shape and pushing myself harder than I thought was possible. Since my alarm clock now goes off at 2:45 a.m. I find that I'm tired ALL.THE.TIME and I just don't have the get-up-and-go that I used to. I've also found that I'm gaining some unwanted pounds in areas I've never had to worry about before. 

Because of this I am desperately trying to get back into shape and convince myself that I like working out again. I've been taking Zumba classes a couple of times a week, but decided I needed more. So on the way out of Zumba class a couple of weeks ago I passed by the personal trainer's desk and decided to stop and ask about the service. I knew I still had 3 "free" sessions I never used, so it was about time I cashed those in. I was just hoping to learn new exercises that would help me tone and flatten the areas where I need, er, want to see some improvement.

For my first training session I showed up ready to work out and excited to learn new exercises. I meet my trainer who is this 20-something guy who looks like he just stepped out of his cap and gown and strolled into the gym. He tells me he works out 4 times a day and eats 8000 calories a day during the winter. Okay, so my first thought was this guy has NO LIFE and my second thought was okay, maybe he can teach me some new modern exercises. Well it turned out to be a complete bust. I ended up sitting at a computer going over nutrition for an hour with Sir Beefcake. Now I'll be the first to admit, I am not good in the nutrition department. Yeah, sure, I can read labels like everyone else, but when it comes to crunching numbers, calorie counting, etc. I'm no good at it. My ADD always gets in the way somewhere between the riboflavin and the sulfur dioxide on the ingredient label. So then I figured maybe he can at least give me some idea of foods I can eat to work towards becoming healthier. Umm, no. He basically told me that everything I am eating is bad and that I should stop. Stop eating bread, not even wheat. Stop eating the premixed oatmeal packets, only the untouched oats. Drink 3 protein shakes a day, only eat fruit on days you don't work out and make sure you eat almonds...um, slow down Sir Beefcake?! I'll get right on that and we'll see how much of that I can fit in between now and the next session.

Yesterday I had my second session. Now keep in mind, I'm not trying to bulk up (hence the reason I refuse to drink the 3 protein shakes a day he told me to drink last week), I'm just trying to tone up. So I get there and he tells me to hop on the treadmill and "warm up"...okay, whatever. Then we go upstairs where he makes me do squats...no sweat. Then he puts the weight bar on my back and tells me to do more squats...again, no problem. Then he puts weights on the bar and tells me to do squats. Now this is right up my alley...I'm learning new things! FINALLY. After the squats we go over to the free weights and do lunges, but these aren't just any lunges, no, these are the lunges with 20 LB weights. Has he lost his mind? I've never done lunges with anything more than 10 lb weights. AND isn't the method to toning, less weight, more reps?!? But, I'll go along with it because, after all, Sir Beefcake is the "trainer". After 2 sets of lunges on each leg, it's over to the lower body dead lifts. I know I'm supposed to be working my hamstrings during this exercise, but again the weight is so heavy I can hardly lift the bar once I drop it past my knees. I complained a little bit and he said this is what he was here for...I can see I'm not getting anywhere so it might be best if I just keep my mouth shut for here on out. After the dead lifts it was over to the weight bench for dumbbell bent over rows. Now this one was just ridiculous. I've done this exercise more times than I can count and I've never used weights more than 5-10lbs. Not because I can't, just because I'm not trying to bulk up. (Remember the less weight, more reps theory?) So Sir Beefcake has me use 20 lb weights (again!). He can't be serious, oh, but, he was! After 2 sets on each arm of those, we're off to do abs. This one I won't even talk about because he knocked me off the ball trying to prove to me that my abs needed work. Well, no #$% Sherlock. Why else would I be here?

After 30 minutes of exercises he sat me down at the computer (the same one we spent an hour on last week) and went over my BMI, my fat tissue and lean tissue measurements and he was even nice enough to show me a digital image of what my body looks like with my current measurements. Then he showed me what my body will look like when I lose 12 lbs. (Oh.my.God. Does Beefcake really want me to lose 12 lbs? Little does he know I haven't weighed that since I was in middle school.) And then he tells me it's going to cost $350/mo. for him to show me these results. HA! Okay...

Can I tell you that I'm over-the-moon thrilled about what my third and final session might have in store for me next week? As far as my workout from yesterday, I'm pretty sure it's going to be at least next week before I am able to walk without a limp. Thanks for that, Beefcake.

Jamaican me crazy!

After getting married in September 2010 Mike and I were desperate for a vacation and decided to finally plan our honeymoon. At the point of that decision, we had already been married 6 months and were anxious to take a vacation anywhere. After many indecisive hours we finally put our trip in the hands of a very trusty travel agent who gave us more bang for our buck. We met with her and within 48 hours of that meeting we had 5 different travel plans to choose from. Considering I had been "researching" that trip for two months (and by researching I mean asking my friends on Facebook) the information she sent us was incredible. After a 5-minute conversation we knew where we were headed...Ocho Rios, Jamaica!

In search of the Blarney stone...

...in Ocean View! (Hint: it wasn't there!)
Every year we like to get together and celebrate our "Irish heritage" in true Ocean View fashion. You know, the Mardi Gras of Ocean View?!? (For the record, I think I'm the only one with even a little bit of Irish in my blood)

And every year the day goes a little something like this: we start off by watching the longest parade ever while drinking wine from a thermal coffee cup. Then we run full speed over to the Knights of Columbus so we can be the first in line for the "still clean" port-o-potties. KoC quickly turns into an ODU reunion where we proceed to socialize for somewhere around 3 hours before deciding to make our way down 1st View to Mojo Bones and Greenies. We hang out there until we decide the weather is too cold, we don't want to drink anymore or we can't find anyone we know, then we go home! And with that there is another St. Patrick's Day (OV style) in the History books. 

 

Cute moment of the week!

Okay, so maybe I'm a little biased or maybe this is actually one of the the cutest things I've ever seen (at least this week)!  This rare moment of quiet time was captured Monday afternoon. I think Daylight Saving Time has officially caught up with all of us! 

Chicken and Rice Casserole

I learned this recipe from my Mom a long time ago. It's quick and easy for those nights you wish dinner cooked itself. With our atypical work schedules it has definitely become one of our go-to recipes during the week.

Chicken and Rice Casserole

      2 cans cream of chicken soup
      1 lg. can of chunk chicken breast
      2 bags of Minute Rice
      1 can Pillsbury flaky biscuits (1 can of 5 biscuits will do)
      1T of butter

Heat the oven to 425 degrees for the biscuits. The biscuits will take about 15-17 minutes to cook. Cook the biscuits for about 10 minutes and remove them from the oven.
While the biscuits are cooking bring a pot of water to a boil and cook rice according to the directions on the back of the box.
While the rice and biscuits are cooking melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a pan over medium heat. Coat the pan enough so that the chicken doesn't stick to it while cooking.
Empty the can of chunk chicken breast into the pan and cook over medium heat until it turns golden brown.
Add 2 cans of cream of chicken soup to the browned chicken breast. Stir occasionally
When rice is finished cooking, drain and stir into the chicken and chicken soup mixture.
Pour chicken, soup and rice mix into a 8x8x8 Pyrex dish

Place the (baked) biscuits on top of the mixture in the Pyrex dish. Put dish in the oven for another 5-7 minutes.
Remove from oven and serve warm.

A beautiful "Juneuary" day in VB

It has definitely been a mild winter in Hampton Roads. So mild, in fact, locals started jokingly referring to January as "Juneuary." The temps in January were on average around 50-60 degrees, sometimes reaching the 70s. For an area that saw 5-10 inches of snow in January 2011 and average temps of 30 degrees for the month, this year was definitely mild! 

Many people decided they were going to take advantage of the weather this year and I was no different. At the end of January, armed with nothing more than a sweater and my camera, I headed out to explore. My first stop was the Cavalier Hotel in Virginia Beach.  

 After leaving the Cavalier I headed south on Atlantic and stumbled upon and a museum of sorts that I've never taken the time to actually look at. Snapping these pictures I couldn't help but think of the military men and women who live in this area who give everything they have for the rest of us to enjoy days like this.

As I worked my way down the oceanfront I knew there would be people enjoying this beautiful day at Rudee's Inlet. When I got down there I was shocked at just how many people were enjoying the weather.

There were families at Grommet Island, surfers and jet skiiers in the water, children playing in the sand, dogs playing fetch and couples relaxing on park benches while watching the waves roll by.

Surfers and jet skiers waiting for the big wave!

 

Grommet Island playground

After leaving Rudee's Inlet I decided I was done for the day. That was until I drove past Mt. Trashmore and saw all the families flying kites, children playing on the playground and bigger kids rolling down the hills. I just had to stop! 

Stairwell going up Mt. Trashmore

Kid's Cove @ Mt. Trashmore

Flying a kite overlooking I-264

Hitching a ride up the hill!

I used to LOVE doing this as a kid!

 And as I was about to leave, I captured my favorite picture of the day! (don't worry, her family was nearby)

Easiest porkchop recipe EVER!

As it turns out, I might be slightly addicted to Pinterest.

I've never been much into cooking, but since discovering this website, there are so many recipes I want to try. And let's be honest, the easier, the better!

Recently I stumbled upon a recipe for Ranch Crockpot Pork chops. The recipe looked incredible easy and sounded really good. Thankfully it was both! 

Here's what you need to know:
Recipe from Real Mom Kitchen

1 10 oz. can cream of chicken soup
1 packet of dry Ranch Dressing Seasoning
4 to 6 - 1/2 inch thick pork chops

Put pork chops in the crock pot.
Sprinkle ranch packet on top of the pork chops.
Pour cream of chicken soup over the pork chops.
Cook in the crockpot for 4 hours on high or 6 hours on low.

Serve immediately

(Won't be single for long) Vodka Cream Pasta

This meal is amazing. The was the first recipe Hubs ever made me and now it's become his signature dish. Thank you Rachel Ray!

Rachel Ray's "You Won't Be Single For Long" Vodka Cream Pasta:

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
1 tablespoon butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 shallots, minced (if you don't want to use shallots, you can use red onion)
1 cup vodka
1 cup chicken stock
1 can (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes
Coarse sale and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup heavy cream
12 oz. pastas
20 leaves fresh basil, shredded or torn


Put large pot of salted water on to boil.

Heat a large skillet over moderate heat. Add oil, butter, garlic and shallots  Gently sauté garlic and shallots, 3 to 5 minutes. Add vodka, about 3 turns around the pan in a steady stream. Reduce vodka by half, 2 or 3 minutes. Add chicken stock and tomatoes. Bring sauce to a bubble, then reduce heat to simmer. Season with salt and pepper.

While sauce is simmers, cook pasta in salted boiling water until tender.

Stir cream into vodka sauce. When sauce returns to a bubble, remove from heat. Drain pasta. Toss hot pasta with sauce and basil leaves. Serve immediately.

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