Happy New Year!

Well...almost!

Andy and I are headed to the airport later today to cheer on the Vols in the Chik-Fil-A Bowl for New Years Eve!

Wishing you a Happy and Healthy 2010!!

Chimney Tops

The day after Christmas, Andy and I headed to the Smokey Mountains for some hiking with his family. We stayed in a cabin in Townsend, away from the hustle and bustle of Gatlinburg. We hiked the chimney tops - absolutely beautiful! Lots of snow and ice, but definitely worth the view! If you have never been to the National Park, you must make a trip! It is absoultley beautiful in the fall and there are thousands of chalets that you can rent from.

(Andy on top, enjoying the view)

Several Firsts

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas! This Christmas was different than those in the past, there were several firsts for me and Andy.

This year was the first year we celebrated Christmas as husband and wife. I must say I am looking forward to the next 50 Christmases with Andy!



We also celebrated Christmas for the first time in my mom's new house. This was bitter sweet, I am so glad she has downsized but missed the comfort of the home that I grew up in. I know this comfort will come with the new house in time.



It was also the first time I have not helped mom decorate the tree, but I must say she did a great job without me!




This was also the first Christmas without my dad.I kept on thinking he would pop out of a room in his logo apperal shirt, wrangler jeans and his favorite slippers. Dad always had the coffee ready in the morning and Christmas music playing when we woke up. I found myself saying do we have coffee, we are out of coffee a lot this year, because dad always made sure there was a full pot. Oh my did he love his coffee! He also always gave us somesort of gag gift/As seen on TV/something random every year. Early in September, dad had mentioned to mom that he was going to get everyone a snuggie - so this year for Christmas we still had a gift from dad under the tree. I could see him laughing in heaven as we all opened our snuggies - thanks dad! Next year, Andy and I are going to try and carry the tradition of the gag gift -I don't know if we can do as good of a job, but we will try! I am truly thankful for the 26 years that I had him in my life and can't wait to see him again.

Dad, I love you and miss you!

Christmas Eve Dinner

The cooking/preparing is about to begin! For my family Christmas Eve is our big dinner and birthday party - my grandmother is 84 today! Andy's family always has a nice dinner on Christmas with the best beef tenderloin you've ever tasted! For tonight we are having ham, rolls, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, mac and cheese (my brother loves this), and a fruit casserole. My mom has also made a homemade coconut cake for my grandmother.

Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas! The kitchen is calling my name!

Changes are a Comin!

Can't believe Christmas is FRIDAY, Really??? Andy and I have been busy shopping, packing and doing last minute things in order to be prepared for Nashville and then we are off to Gatlinburg to enjoy the beautiful smokey mountains.

I have been in Nashville since Sunday, because I got a promotion!!! I am so excited! After submitting over 30 resumes in Ohio without one call back, I knew it was going to be really hard to find a job. I loved working part-time at home with my employer from Nashville, but wanted a little more responsibility. I recieved a call back in October from my boss, offering a promotion with the intent the job would start in January. Andy and I talked it over and we knew we wouldn't be back in January so it would be an opportunity although I did not want to give up, I would have to. I kept on applying for jobs in Ohio and I told Andy I needed a sign, either a call for an interview or something??!!

I told my boss the week of Thanksgiving that as much as I wanted the job, Andy and I would not be moving home in January. He called back a week later and offered something even better. I hung up the phone and just prayed, I had no idea what to do! I called Andy and he said, well Amy that is your sign we have got to make this work. Over Thanksgiving the brainstorming began. We came up with several plans of how it could work, coming into Nashville and doing four day work weeks or staying for two weeks, working a little from home. Although I was torn of being away for a week or two from Andy, we knew it would be worth it in the end.

I called my boss when we got back to Ohio and the rest is History!! I am not going to have to travel a lot just as needed and I will be able to do a lot from home. I am so thankful for this company. Prayers were answered!

Pretty Poinsettias

Poinsettia's always remind me of my parents house at Christmas. My mom loves plants so needless to say she would buy several poinsettias and place them all around the house. My parents would also give them as gifts to family and friends. Last night I was checking out the Southern Living Website and found several different ways to decorate with poinsettias.

Happy Decorating!








(pictures all from Southern Living)

In Love

Oh my goodness!! Andy and I made the mistake last night of looking up dogs on the internet. Andy has his heart set on a basset hound, but after reading about their pros/cons I'm not so convinced. Let's just say LOTS of drooling and shedding! I must admit they are supper cute!



I on the other hand want a maltese or maltipoo. Look at how cute this little guy is!!



Don't you just want to squeeze him!

Unfortunately, we can't get one for a while as our apartment doesn't allow dogs. But I think we could sneak him/her in! Andy said he isn't totally against have a 6-8 pound dog as long as we can name it "Killer". Sorry dear, I don't know if that's going to happen. We may just have to get two dogs!

Holiday Party Appetizers

It's that time of year for Holiday parties! Whether your attending one or throwing one, I wanted to share my two favorite appetizers for parties.

The first is sausage stuffed mushrooms. My friend Vannie taught me this recipe a couple of years ago. So good! Make sure you make a lot because I promise you they will be gone!!

Stuffed Mushrooms
1 lb. bulk sausage, brown and drain
2-3 packages of fresh mushrooms (chop stems, reserve caps)
salt and pepper to taste
8 oz. cream cheese, softened

Brown sausage and drain. Add sausage and pepper to taste. Add softened cream cheese to mixture over low heat and stir until all mixed together. Remove from heat and fill mushroom caps. Broil on a cookie sheet 5-10 minutes.

My second favorite -



Baked Brie
1 tube of refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
1 round or wedge of Brie cheese (do not remove rind)
Raspberry Jam, or other sweet jam
Carmel (like the ice cream topping)


Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. On a stick-free cookie sheet, lay out the puff pastry or the crescent rolls flat; put brie round or wedge on top. Spread jam on brie, fold dough over top, cutting off excess dough. Bake at 350º for 25-30 minutes, pastry should be golden brown. Drizzle Carmel syrup on top. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Serve with crackers.

**picture from simply recipes**

Canvas - Part 2

I found it!!! While in Nashville over the weekend I was on the hunt for the perfect frame. I asked Andy's Godmother and Aunt where they would suggest. Since the canvas is a standard 16x20, they suggested a pre-made frame. Andy's Godmother suggested a photographer studio and Andy's aunt suggested Hobby Lobby. I didn't even think to look at either one of these.

I knew I couldn't make it to a studio this weekend, but near my mom's house there was a Hobby Lobby. On Saturday me and mom went searching. I didn't have high hopes since I have been looking and looking at framing places and didn't have much luck.

Not only did I find the perfect frame, but there were two that could of worked! I was having a hard time picking out which one I liked more! I said I didn't want to get a good deal, but I did!!

I would highly recommend Hobby Lobby if you are looking to frame a canvas or anything that is a standard size. They have great pre-made frames!!!



This picture doesn't do it justice, much prettier in person!

Canvas

I am so glad that I bought a canvas of me and Andy on our wedding day. I picked it up from the photographer over Thanksgiving.



Now for the hard part, finding the perfect frame! This is one of things that I don't want to "get a good deal on!" I will have this forever and I am looking for a frame that is timeless.

Over Thanksgiving me and mom checked out Joann and Michaels, but they just didn't have anything that said THIS IS IT! Andy and I went to a specialty frame place here in Columbus. The owner gave us some good ideas, but was used to framing very modern pieces not canvases.

Andy and I are leaving for Nashville later on today for his Christmas party and the canvas is coming with us! I am meeting tomorrow with a frame place in Nashville that does a lot of canvas work!

Hopefully I will find the frame that says TAKE ME HOME! Keep you posted!

Christmas China

The day after Thanksgiving I would always help my grandmother replace her everyday dishes with her Spode Christmas dishes. She would use these for her everyday dishes during the holidays. I loved helping her do this, because it meant Christmas was almost here!



On the other hand, my mom has a Mikasa pattern that is more like China. We only use this for Christmas Eve dinner.



When I was picking out our china for our wedding, I thought long and hard about what to register for. I loved several different patterns. I narrowed it down to two. Lenox Dinnerware - Vintage Jewel Collection



and the other Vera Wang - Lace Gold.


The more I thought about it I went with the Vera Wang Lace Gold. I had in the back of my mind that I could use this as Christmas China as well as regular china. I loved the gold and ivory and thought with a pretty gold charger it would look perfect at Christmas. So for now, I am content with using my wedding china as Christmas china.

However, I am not making any promises that I won't want Christmas china in the future. Sorry Andy!

(pictures - Macys.com)

Traditions, Traditions

The holidays are all about traditions. Since this is our first "official" Christmas together Andy and I are creating our own traditions. On Saturday we went and picked out our Christmas Tree at none other than The Home Depot. (I hope this doesn't become a tradition. :) I envision us at a tree farm one day when we have children.)

We picked out a Frazier fur. We successfully fit it in my Toyota Solara - well not all the way! We headed home to start decorating!



The first ornament we placed on the tree was a wedding bell that says "Our First Christmas". I love unwrapping all the ornaments and remembering where we got them, or what they symbolize.


(Andy's Two Favorite)

As we decorated the tree, we talked about traditions that we both had growing up during Christmas. Andy drinking his dad's homemade cider while decorating the tree. Me, Adam and mom decorating and drinking hot chocolate - while dad is telling us where the ornaments looked best!



We decided that we would make it a tradition to watch a holiday movie after we finished the tree. This year we watched Four Christmases with Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn - So Cute!

I look forward to the many more traditions that we will create over the years.

In the mail!

I am so excited! I got an email earlier today that our wedding video is in the mail! I am anxious to see it and a little nervous. I danced the night away at our wedding and I'm not sure if I'm ready to see my dancing moves on film!

Click Here for a sneak peak of video stills that our videographer sent us a while back.

Holiday Greetings

As a little girl I would always love getting Christmas cards in the mail. It's the time of year that people send pictures of their family, well wishes, and holiday cheer.

Andy and I are sending out our first Christmas Card this year. I searched and searched for the perfect card. I remembered from last year I received a really cute card from my friend Ally. She had ordered it from Pear Tree Greetings. I checked out their website and found a card I really liked.

Pear Tree Greetings also has invitations, baby announcements, and even stationery. I would highly recommend checking their site for any occasion. Cute cards and you know I love a good deal!



Check out their site

24 Days!

December 1st is here, which means 24 days until Christmas! Now that December is here, it reminds me of my favorite Christmas morning dish! I wanted to share my breakfast casserole recipe. I have been making this for Christmas morning for the past three years. The best part is, it's better prepared the night before, so all you have to do on Christmas morning is pop it in the oven!



Breakfast Casserole:
Sandwich bread for bottom (tear apart - usually use 5-6 pieces)
1 lb. bacon or sausage (I always do sausage)
1 c. grated sharp cheese
6 eggs - if making a big casserole I usually do 8 eggs.
2 c. milk
1/2 tsp. salt
Pepper

Grease 13 x 9 inch casserole. Tear bread and put in bottom of casserole dish. Brown and drain bacon or sausage. Crumble over bread. Sprinkle with cheese. Beat eggs with milk, and seasonings. Pour over mixture in casserole. Bake for 45 minutes at 350 degrees.

ENJOY!

Weekend Festivites

Whew...what a weekend! Andy and I had a great time in Nashville over Thanksgiving. We participated in the Boulevard Bolt, visited with family, caught up with friends, had too much to eat, and most importantly me and mom carried on the tradition of Black Friday shopping!!!

When I was little we always had Thanksgiving at my grandparents in Mississippi. Every Friday morning my grandmother and mom would head out early to go shopping. Back then, the stores opened at 6am, now they open at 4am! When I turned 16 I went on my first Black Friday and the tradition began for me and my mom.

Piece of Advice: I highly recommend going with one other person. One to start running, knocking over people (just kidding) to go get the one item(s) that you want, let's say that TV. While the other person has gone to grab the cart or to even go ahead and get in line.

On Thursday night we went through the ads and decided where we wanted to go. We started our adventure at Belk at 4:15am, then headed off to Target, HH Gregg, JCPenny, Joann, back to Belk, and where headed home by 8am.



We had a quick nap and were up again at 10am for Round Two! We headed to Nashville West to go to World Market and Bath & Body Works.

We were both very pleased with our purchases! Belk for me, had the best deals!



I look forward to enjoying this tradition again next year with my mom.

Thankful Thoughts

I can't believe Thanksgiving is tomorrow! Andy and I are heading to Nashville later on today for a great weekend with family and friends. I can't remember which one of my friend's families does this, but when Andy and I have children I want to start this tradition. At Thanksgiving dinner, everyone goes around the table and says one thing they are thankful for. I am so thankful for so many things in my life.

I am thankful for: (in no particular order...)

- My wonderful and loving family

- The freedom to drive with the windows down, music blaring on a beautiful summer day.

- That Andy and I live close enough to make it home in a car ride.

- my dad was able to walk me down the aisle.

- That I have found the love of my life!

- Chocolate!

- My moms homemade mac and cheese and chicken tenders! - So good!!

- My AMAZING Friends!

- Servicemen/women fighting for my country and keeping us safe

- God's Beauty

- that I have married into a great family!!

- Girls Nights

- that Andy and I get excited to come home and visit family!

- that I work for a company that gives me the opportunity to work from home

- my health

- Southern Living Magazine (I know,but I get so excited when it comes in the mail!)

- that my grandparents can still call and sing on my birthday!

- my warm and comfy bed

- sunsets

There are so many things that I am thankful for, I could be writing for days!

Hope everyone has a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving!!!


(Southern Living Website)

Slow Down

My dear friend Ashley gave me a book a couple months back titled, "Dance While You Can." It is a book filled with great quotes about living your life to the fullest. I was reading it last week and this one quote hit me. During the hustle and bustle of this Holiday Season it reminds me to slow down and enjoy life.

So here it is...

"First I was dying to finish high school and start college.
And then I was dying to finish college and start working.
And then I was dying to marry and have children.
And then I was dying for my children
to grow old enough
so I could get back to my career
And then I was dying to retire.
And now I am dying...
and suddenly realize that I forgot to live."

Author Unknown

Beans, Y'all!

This year will be our official first Thanksgiving together! We are starting off Thanksgiving day by participating in the Boulevard Bolt, which is a 5 mile run/walk benefiting the Homeless in Nashville. This way I can eat more, right?! We are then celebrating Thanksgiving at Andy's parents. I have decided on making green bean casserole. My mom taught me this recipe years ago and it's always a hit and super easy!




So here is the recipe:
2 cans green beans, drained
1 can cream of mushroom soup
good spoonful of sour cream
1 cup shredded casserole cheese
French's Fried Onions

Mix green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream.
Then place in a casserole dish
Top with cheese and french's fried onions

bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes

**double recipe for larger group, the above recipe is great for 2-4 people**

Off Air

Are you sitting down are the words that Andy said last night when he called. I was nervous and said what's going on? He told me the unthinkable....Oprah had announced her last show and she was calling it quits!



Needless to say, I am a extremely big Oprah fan! We go way back...she was born in the same small town of Kosciusko, MS as I was and then she moved to Nashville, where she got her start!

I remember being a little girl and coming home from school and mom would have Oprah on. I have watched her for over 10 years. I have tried to get tickets to her show for the past three years with no luck. My mission for 2010 is Oprah tickets (I know, not realistic) or to at least make it to Chitown and see Harpo Studios before her last filming.

The Thurmanator

I learned very quickly that you have to compromise on what your going to watch on TV as a couple. Andy could watch ESPN all day long. Now I am a UT football fan, but don't have a desire to watch every game imaginable! I on the other hand could watch E! all day.

Our first week in Columbus was almost complete, it was a Sunday afternoon and we decided to watch the Travel Channel. The show was titled Man vs. Food and it just so happened the host was in Columbus! He was at a place called The Thurman Cafe. We started watching and the burger that he was about to eat was massive and looked so tasty. Both of our mouths were watering, we looked at each other and said - Let's Go!



Thurman Cafe is a small place, during a weekend you could wait up to 2 hours for a table. We went at 3 - perfect timing, we were sat in 10 minutes. It has the biggest, probably most calories, and protein burgers I have ever seen. You haven't had a burger until you have a Thurman Burger! It is overloaded with ham, mozzarella, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, mushrooms, sauteed onions, pickle, peppers, and mayo with chips and a pickle spear. So I did the unthinkable and ordered it! I had to eat it with a fork and knife because it was too tall to fit in my mouth! Andy ordered a pizza burger (go figure!) - it was topped with mozzarella cheese and pepperonni's.



They have a burger called The Thurmanator which is twice as big as the Thurman. It got it's name because Arnold Schwarzenegger used to live in Columbus and would come order this burger before a workout, because it has so much protein!

If your ever in Columbus I would highly recommend you try The Thurman Cafe!

Four Month Anniversary!

Today is our four month anniversary! As the saying goes....Time flies when your having fun! It feels just like yesterday when we were married. It was a perfect day in July - the weather was beautiful! We had a wonderful honeymoon in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. After the honeymoon, we started our life in Columbus, OH. I decided to start a blog about our journey as newlyweds - in a northern city.

A little bit about us ~ Andy was born and raised in Nashville, TN. I was born in Mississippi but at the age of six my father was transferred to the great city of Nashville, TN. Andy and I have known each other for over 6 years, but we are learning more and more about each other everyday. I am so blessed to have such a loving and wonderful husband! We met at The University of Tennessee while Andy was visiting friends for a football game. Needless to say we are huge UT fans! Andy works for Hunt Brothers Pizza as a territory consultant. He loves what he does and the company! I currently am working at home for my employer that I worked for in Nashville as a conference coordinator.

Andy and I love to eat, shop, travel, and well - (im working on loving this one - working out!) This blog will feature many of the things we love and our life in a northern city!

I hope you enjoy the blog!