Monday, December 16, 2013

Eleanor is one!

Holy shnikeys! I just noticed it's been TWO MONTHS since I last blogged! What up with that?

Well, I can't think of a better update than to tell you that our little cupcake is one year old today!


A friend of mine once told me that the days are long, but the years are short. I can vouch for that. Still wouldn't change a thing.


And what's a birthday without a party? I'd love to share with you some details of the big day!


I decided months ago on a balloon theme. Not sure why, but it entered my mind, and I ran (or blew) with it. Here's the invitation:

 
Very simple to make. Just blow up a balloon, write your message (carefully - I popped several) on it in Sharpie, and deflate. Tie it to the invitation of your choice, or just make one using some scrapbook paper and sparkly washi tape like I did. That's eat! Easy and inexpensive and really makes an impact.

And obviously there was food involved...


Pop Chips
Iced sugar cookies (just plain cookies and this recipe and tutorial for icing)
 
Can't forget the cake! I made it myself from a box mix (still just as good as scratch to me), some homemade frosting (kicks canned frosting booty), and a little fondant heffalump holding a paper balloon. Here's a tip for smoothing out the frosting: wet your offset spatula or bench scraper and smooth away all the parts you don't like. It works!
 


The decorations matched her room; pink and blue have kind of been the theme for her first year of life, you could say. This tassel garland was also really inexpensive, but it takes a little time. Still, you can make it to match your scheme perfectly.


But I think my favorite decoration was the party-hat-picture tree I made.


Print out some of your favorite pictures of your guest of honor, cut them out and give them little party hats with more scrapbook paper. Hot glue ornament hooks, and decorate a "tree" of spray-painted branches from your back yard. Ta-da!

Here's hoping all the pictures and DIY and recipe links will go a long way in you forgiving my absence. Is it working?

Have a great week, darlings.

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

wish list wednesday

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?

Adjustable Wrapping Pink Rose Gold Fox Ring* These leopard wedges complete me.

* Mirrored furniture may be on the outs, but I still love it.

* Been looking for a little fox ring in rose gold? Found.

* I'm crazy for the pom-pom trim on these stockings!

* Please write a letter or two to The Big Thank-You! Give some love to our brave troops!

What's your wish?

Monday, October 14, 2013

delicious dish

Happy Monday, Darlings!

It's been quite a while since I posted a Delicious Dish recipe. Too long, I think!

I made these lovelies for a football game this weekend. Fortunately, they were more enjoyable than the game itself.



baked black bean salsa rolls
image and recipe from Annie's Eats
Baked Southwestern Egg Rolls
Yield: about 2 dozen egg rolls

Ingredients
2 cups frozen corn, thawed
1 (15 oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (10 oz.) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
1 (4 oz.) can diced green chiles, drained
4 green onions, chopped
1 tsp. ground cumin
½ tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. salt
½ tsp. pepper
¼ tsp. cayenne pepper
1 package egg roll wrappers (about 24 total)






Directions
In a large bowl, combine everything but the egg roll wrappers. Mix well to blend. Lay an egg roll wrapper out on a work surface so that one of the corners is pointing toward you and place ¼ cup of the filling in the center. Fold the tip closest to you up over the filling, roll a bit, then take the points pointing outward and fold them in toward the center. Continue rolling into an egg roll shape until a small part of the remaining point is still free. Dip a finger in water or beaten egg and lightly brush on the edges of the free corner. Finish rolling and press to seal closed. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
Preheat the oven to 425˚ F. Lightly oil a baking sheet with cooking spray. Place the sealed egg rolls on the baking sheet seam side down and spray the tops of the egg rolls with cooking spray. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until lightly brown, turning halfway through baking. Serve warm with salsa.

Enjoy!

Thursday, October 10, 2013

my favorite room on The Lovely Bee

Please visit The Hive today to see my post about Eleanor's nursery!

If you still want to know more, you can look back to this original post before the little nugget's arrival.

Happy Thursday, darlings.

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

wish list wednesday

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?
Metallic Print Barware, Gold, Set of 4
* I love this lion costume for Eleanor's first Halloween! But $50 for a baby costume? Have mercy!

* Putting this barware in a cabinet would be a crime. It's ready to mingle!

* Anyone would love getting these random notes of appreciation.

* Is anyone else loving this cool snap?

* These ankle boots go with everything!

What's your wish?

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

wish list wednesday

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?
Image
image from here
* These little apps would delish for breakfast, no?

* I've never wanted a real tat before, but I love the Tattly ones!

* Have you see the new Target Phillip Lim line? I looked for this dress in my store, but it was MIA...

* A lifetime supply of Welcome Matte would be wonderful, thank you.

* Throw pillows totally make a room, and this one would be pretty almost anywhere!

What's your wish?

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

wish list wednesday

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?

Batik Galaxy Tapestry* I could probably eat my weight in these.

* This skirt would be an easy way to jump on the big leather trend!

* A little less humidity, please?

* I had a tapestry on my wall in college, but it wasn't as cute as this one. Cut one in half, and make it into curtains! Booyah!

* A win for my Bulldogs this weekend! Eleanor is dying to have a reason to ring her cowbell!

What's your wish?

Friday, August 23, 2013

grace under pressure


Darlings, have you heard this story?

Antoinette Tuff is a school bookkeeper in DeKalb County, Georgia. A mentally ill 20-year-old, with intentions of mass murder, entered her school with an AK-47 he'd taken from a friend. After firing one shot into the floor, Ms. Tuff called 911.

But what could have been another Newtown or Sandy Hook or Aurora soon turned into an opportunity for one woman to show the kindness, empathy and love that Jesus teaches us. She told the shooter she loved him and that we all go through things in life. She even offered to walk out of the school with him so the police could see that he didn't try to harm her.

Do you think Antoinette Tuff woke up on August 20, 2013 thinking she was going to be a hero? Because of her, hundreds of children, faculty and staff are enjoying this Friday morning.

Be ready! God could use you next!

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

wish list wednesday - desperate for fall edition

What am I wishing for this Wedneday?

Contrast Stripe Pullover
image from libbystory.com
* These jeans. For when I'm feeling dangerous.

* I can see myself wearing this sweater nearly every day!

* Not that I want it to rain, but I'm always up for a chance to wear my wellies!

* Who says yellow isn't fall-ish?

* Y'all know I love a Panama hat.

What's your wish?

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

wish list wednesday - union jack edition

If you're anything like me, you haven't been able to get the Royal Baby out of your mind. I keep thinking about London, posh accents and tea, so this week's WLW is dedicated to the Union Jack, one of the most recognizeable flags in the world...

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?
antique Louis Union jack british flag armchair red and silver vintage furniture
* I want this chair for my office. I do work with international tourism, after all...

* You're telling me this awesome pillow is from Wal-Mart?

* Have a Pimms in one of these glasses.

* I love that this guy's name is Winston.

* Not sure how Liz would feel about a pink and green version, but she could store some of her bling in this.

What's your wish, guvna?

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

wish list wednesday

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?
image from here
* Wash-and-go hair. How luxurious!

* An Etsy gift card. What would you spend it on?

* If loving these boots is wrong, I don't wanna be right.

* I've wanted professional laser hair removal for years. Maybe this would be an acceptable option?

* A happy birthday to everyone's favorite wizard Harry Potter and wizard world creator JK Rowling! "I solemnly swear I am up to no good."

What's your wish?

Monday, July 29, 2013

Friday, July 26, 2013

weekend project round-up

If you’re like me, the weekends seem to be the only time you have to actually get stuff done. After looking at my calendar for the next few months, there are not many completely free weekends left (like only 3!) until the end of the year.

So, this weekend, I’m going to try to tackle recovering an ottoman I got at Goodwill this week. I think I’ll go by this tutorial, but I may be biting off more than I can chew. We’ll see!

And in the spirit of getting ‘er done, here’s a weekend project round-up for you...

This dry erase board would be great for home or office. Perfect for busy kids!

Breathe some new life into some old shoes with these DIY neon toe shoes. I have some that would be PERFECT for this.

I think I’m going to try to do a gallery wall like this one for my living room. I have green walls, so maybe the art in fuschia?

This headboard tutorial seems right up my alley. Easy, quick, cheap. I’d add nailhead trim!

A Lucite tray like this would be perch perfectly atop my newly recovered ottoman. The bottom is scrapbook paper, so it’s completely customizeable!

I hope this gave you a little shot in the arm to get something going this weekend. If you like these projects, you can see more like them on my Definitely DIY Pinterest board!

Have a lovely weekend, darlings.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

wish list wednesday

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?

Pavilion Play Tent
* Wouldn't this make a fun gift for the royal baby?

* How about this for a gender reveal? Use the "What will our Honey Bee?" theme, and put pink or blue candy inside!

* You know how much I love stacked accessories, and this ring set makes my heart skip a tiny beat.

* I don't think I can live another day without this pillow.

* Some courage! I'm considering starting a new venture, and I'm a tad skeered!

What's your wish?

Monday, July 22, 2013

guest post - Mary-Kathryn of an unlined page

And another guest post! This time from my dear friend, Mary-Kathryn. She and I have been blogging buddies for years (how did that happen?). We met through work and became instant friends! The things we have in common never cease to amaze me! Sadly, this post was supposed to be Friday's entry, but I couldn't get my life together in time to get it up.

Do yourself a favor and visit her shop and her personal blog, especially if you like pictures of adorable teeny beautiful babies.

Hello Darlings! I'm so thrilled that Mary Straton asked me to do a guest post while she's on vacation! I give Mary Straton full credit for convincing me to blog ( way back in 2008, I think) and take full credit for getting her to embrace her beautiful curly hair!

When I was mulling over what to post about, I decided to revisit and update a post I did on my blog a really long time ago. If you are a magazine junky like me and ever read Elle Decor you may have seen their  "Short List" department that is in each month's magazine where they ask designers, celebrities and other folks for their list of 12 things they can't live without!

I love reading what products or things people swear by, so I thought I'd share a few of my favorites with you!

So, here are a few of my staples...


1. Curved Bobby Pins - these are a vital part of my daily life! If you know me you'll know I leave a trail of them wherever I go. Thankfully after a short stint of being discontinued, these have popped back up on store shelves!

2. My planner -  Currently I'm using a Moleskine Planner, and might argue they are the best! However, I've been loyal to many different planners over the years, and although I like technology, I still am reliant on a written planner! It's where I keep my life organized and it keeps me sane!

3. A Good Pen - I'm particularly partial to the pilot v ball.  I hate nothing more than writing with a bad pen. See above, I write a lot!

4. A Big Purse -- These days it's more often the diaper bag I'm toting, but I gotta have a big bag. I usually end up with everything but the kitchen sink in there by the end of the week!

5. Nail Polish - I lean toward OPI, and love a good dark red ( Quarter of a Cent-cherry is a fave!) but I almost always have my nails painted. It makes me feel pulled together and a little bit fancy even if I'm in yoga pants and a t-shirt!

6. Carbonated Water - I've kicked the Diet Coke habit, and the credit goes to carbonated water! I used to be hooked on a Lemon La Croix Water but these days the new 10 oz slim cans of Perrier are my go-to!

7. Baths- Not so much for cleanliness, as for mental health! It's my go to place for relaxing, solving the world's problems, worrying, praying, a good cry or just winding down before bed! In my someday house, I'll have a big claw foot tub or even better yet, an outside tub!

8. Hair Products - Curly hair is often mistakenly classified as "wash and go," but I beg to differ. Whether I'm straightening the curls away or just giving them a little assistance, products and in my case, a good curling iron are key! I use a combination of Bumble and Bumble and Oribe products right now.

9. Good Bedding- My husband jokes that I should own a mattress store because I love to sleep so much! With a 5 week old baby I'm feeling especially nostalgic for sleep. I love a bed with lots of blankets, and lots and lots of fluffy pillows!

10. A notebook... with unlined pages! You never know when the moment will strike for inspiration, list making, note taking and having a good notebook handy is a must and I prefer mine without any lines!

So, what about you? What things can you not live without?  We'd love to hear!

p.s. Just a disclaimer, I know that all of these are just "things" and certainly have no real value in life, and I could certainly live without all these things!


Wednesday, July 17, 2013

wish list wednesday - guest post!

And another guest post! This one is from my dear friend, Haley, who describes herself as my "high-maintenance friend who thinks highly of herself and has expensive taste." But to me, she's the friend who helped me get rid of my drugstore makeup, always has incredible clothes to borrow AND has expensive (but impeccable) taste. Please visit her blog and check out Malouf Furniture online and on Facebook

What's Haley wishing for this Wednesday?

f062481678a4360d80321e0abb22a61e.jpg * I want to be even more "famous" than I already am so I can ROCK this on a red carpet.

* How great would this look in a dining area?   I die for Wallpaper especially Osborne and Little. Especially the color coral.

THIS cocktail table. It's the only thing i've truly been GREEN with envy over since I saw it in Worlds Away's showroom in High Point, N.C.

* It's always 5'oclock somewhere...

* A sister for Lulu and Lollie...

What's your wish?

Monday, July 15, 2013

guest post - Laurel of The Lovely Bee

Hello, darlings!

Since I'm on vacay, I've asked some of my friends to fill in for me on OYD. First up is Laurel with The Lovely Bee. Do please check out her blog and her clever Etsy shop. It's darling, just like her.

Don't you love honeybees? Remember the article I wrote on them for Portico Jackson?

Hello, Olive You Darling readers!! I’m so honored that my friend Mary Straton asked me to guest post for her today! Fun fact: I’ve admired her blog for longer than I’ve known her! Life’s funny like that, ain’t it?!
So my topic today is something I’ve been a little too obsessed with for a little too long: The color yellow in the home.
Color Crush: Yellow // The Lovely Bee for Olive You Darling
Yellow is one of my favorite colors, for sure. It’s so bright, happy, and just works beautifully with so many other colors! The first yellow accent I added to the home my husband (who so sweetly lets me decorate however I wish!) and I share out in Madison was a mustard yellow lamp purchased the weekend my darling twin brother and his incredible wife got married! (So not only is this lamp awesome, but it's got a little story behind it!)
That lamp inspired a yellow band on the lead edges of the drapery adorning the window next to the table on which that yellow lamp lives. From there, adding yellow accents has become like getting plastic surgery (or so I hear…) One you start, you gotta keep doing a little here and a little there. It becomes an addiction!
Here. Take a look at how absolutely divine and inviting rooms with yellow incorporated can be:
I love moroccan style, so this bedroom really speaks to me!
Color Crush: Yellow // The Lovely Bee for Olive You Darling
I wouldn't hate some yellow accent doors somewhere in my house one day!
Color Crush: Yellow // The Lovely Bee for Olive You Darling
This kitchen!! The pops of yellow make it oh-so-happy!
Color Crush: Yellow // The Lovely Bee for Olive You Darling
Yes, yellow is my addiction.
The items I’m currently wishing, hoping, and dreaming to add to my yellow collection are as follows…
(1) How disgustingly gorgeous is this Hillary Thomas Rock n' Rolla howlite stone finial?! A friend of mine sent me the link to this (and others like it) and I now can't get them out of my mind!
Color Crush: Yellow // The Lovely Bee for Olive You Darling
(2) This little fridge from West Elm WILL be mine one day! They say it's lime green on their site, but I say it's chartreuse... Which translates to yellow! :)
Color Crush: Yellow // The Lovely Bee for Olive You Darling
(3) I have a large crush on this over-dyed yellow rug and think it would look completely fantastic in a number of rooms in my house...
Color Crush: Yellow // The Lovely Bee for Olive You Darling
(4) Lastly (for now anyway), this painting from View Gallery in Ridgeland, MS is OUT OF CONTROL gorgeous. This artist (Sophia) has incredbile style, and I particularly love the work she does that revolves around my favorite hue, like this one! (You can see more of her fab work here!)
Color Crush: Yellow // The Lovely Bee for Olive You Darling
So now you know all about my biggest color crush. I want to hear about yours! What is your favorite way to incorporate color into your home? And what color is it that you find to be as inspiring as I find yellow to be?!
Thanks again to Mary Straton for the opportunity to share with all of you! For more about me, head on over to my blog, { THE HIVE } and connect with me from there! I'd love to hear from you!
X peace! X

Friday, July 12, 2013

how refreshing!

I must have sangria on the brain!

This recipe recently caught my eye...

Mock Sangria

1 (12 ounce) can frozen white grape juice
1 (12 ounce) can frozen apple juice
1 (12 ounce) can frozen limeade
64 ounces cranberry juice, chilled
1 (2 liter) regular or diet lemon-lime soda, chilled
16 ounce bag frozen sliced peaches
12 ounce bag frozen blackberries
Orange
Lime

Mix frozen juices with cranberry juice in large container until dissolved. Add lemon-lime soda and frozen fruit. Slice orange and lime. Add half of orange to sangria. Garnish serving glass with remaining orange slices and lime. Makes approximately 1-1/2 gallons.

Well, now doesn't that taste like summer?

Have a delicious weekend, darlings.

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

wish list wednesday - beach trip edition!

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?

* Kell would be totally embarrassed if I had this beach towel, but I wouldn't care. Expecto Patronum.

* Do you think this thing works?

* Wouldn't this shirt be pretty for a family picture in the sand?

* I think I would be able to convince myself to choke down some of this sparkling grapefruit sangria by the pool.

* Safe travels! I cannot wait to see Eleanor's tiny toes in the sand.

What's your wish?

Monday, July 1, 2013

anglo love


I love all things British - always have. My mom raised us on Princess Diana, and I was crushing on Prince William before it was cool. Wimbledon (and Roger Federer and Tommy Haas AT Wimbledon) makes me swoon. Going to Liberty and Harrods were bucket list accomplishments for me. What's more British than the Royal Ascot Race?

I die for these fascinators. Claire even said I could wear one to her wedding.

Friday, June 28, 2013

hey pretty mama

A Cup of Jo recently shared this little hint to feeling pretty...


Pretend you're a friend! I can't tell you how many times I've looked in the mirror and thought my makeup looks gross, my hair is a mess, and I look totally lumpy in these jeans. Lipstick on a pig, I tell ya.

But imagine you're a friend, and suddenly you're cute again! What a hottie!

In other news, I've become obsessed with Miroslava Duma.

Have a pretty weekend, darlings.

Thursday, June 27, 2013

baby daddies

One of the best things about being pregnant is feeling the little kicks, flutters and swishes of your developing little one in your belly. I can't tell you how many times I would tell Kell, "Ooo! Put your hand here! She just moved!," only to get him excited and then feel nothing.

What if this service were available to all daddies?



What will they think of next? I could probably come up with a few other pregnancy symptoms I'd like to share...

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

wish list wednesday

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?

Strawberry Shortcake Doughnut Muffins. These are like little bites of HEAVEN. A muffin that tastes like a doughnut, dunked in brown butter and rolled in cinnamon sugar for a sweet, crunchy crust. Then topped with buttercream frosting and fresh cut strawberries. Amazing.* A win for my Bulldogs. But they played their hearts out! Hail State anyway!

* I have the perfect shoes in mind for this dress.

* Strawberry Shortcake Doughnut Muffins? Those are four words I love seeing strung together.

* Tell me that's not a good-lookin' one piece!

* Motivation to work out. Ain't gonna happen.

What's your wish?

Friday, June 21, 2013

party idea round-up

I love everything about a party - brainstorming ideas, decorating, making stuff, party food, choosing an outfit... Hosting a party stresses some people out, but I think I thrive on it. Or maybe I just like a good excuse to do some things to my house and put on some extra eye shadow.

In celebration of my love of all things party, here's a little round-up of my favorite party ideas of late. I'd love for you to follow this board - or all my boards - on Pinterest.



(Clockwise from top left)

Sneak a donut hole into an otherwise-healthy fruit skewer. // Not exactly a party idea, but the cash-in-a-tissue-box is much more fun than a card, right? // I've always wanted to have a Redneck Party, and I think the hand-held Frito Chili Pies would fit right in. // Drop a Chick-fil-A Chick'n Mini on an Eggo Mini waffle, drizzle with syrup or honey, and you've got baby chicken and waffles! // If you love Oprah's Favorite Things, how about hosting a Favorite Things party of your own?

Have a great weekend, darlings. I hope you find a reason to celebrate!

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

my heavens!

If you've been checking out my blog over the past few weeks, you probably noticed something was amiss. For some reason, the banner was missing! And after multiple (and I mean multiple) attempts to contact the designer, I gave up. Fortunately, I saved the email in which she sent the banner proof, so I installed it myself, and all is right with the world.







My little Eleanor is six months (SIX MONTHS!) old now, and I'm still working to get off the baby weight. All that "nine months on, nine months off" talk is absolutely right. So, Kell and I are trying to eat healthier. Trying.







One of my goals has been to incorporate Greek yogurt into my daily life. I've tried it several times before and nearly gagged each time. But this time it stuck. Why, you ask? Two reasons: fruit on the bottom and granola. Specifically this granola...



Honey Almond Granola




4 Cups Rolled Oats

1 Cup Sliced Almonds

1/2 Cup Brown Sugar

1/4 Cup Whole Wheat Flour

1/4 Cup Wheat Germ

1/2 Teaspoon Salt

1/2 Teaspoon Cinnamon

1/3 Cup Coconut Oil

1/3 Cup Honey

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a large bowl add and stir together all of the dry ingredients.  








Heat a small sauce pan over low/medium heat.  Add the coconut oil and honey.  Whisk together.  Can also be warmed in the microwave in a microwave safe bowl.  Heat stirring every 30 seconds until melted and combined.  It's okay if the honey and coconut oil do not completely combine together.  Just warm and whisk until the oil and honey are melted.  







Pour over the oat mixture.  Stir until completely combined.  Dump the granola into a greased rimmed baking sheet.  Spread evenly and press down firmly.  Bake in a preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes.  Cool completely before removing from pan.  Store at room temperature in an airtight container. 







I didn't add the wheat germ (that just sounds gross), and I added a cup of Craisins, a very wise decision if I do say so myself!

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

wish list wednesday

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?

* Sunshine. I swam into work this morning.

* Think my hair would do this?

* These maxi skirts are great for weekend, but pretty enough for a party! And you can't beat the price.

* Need a new accent table? It's another Target find!

* A happy birthday to my DADDY!

What's your wish?

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

don't waste your cancer

Many of you may know my mom was diagnosed almost a year ago with ovarian cancer. Those words rocked our world completely and turned our lives upside down. I was just a few weeks pregnant at the time, and I knew it was no coincidence that God would use Eleanor as encouragement for my mom through her treatment and recovery. We have been infinitely blessed that she is now cancer free (for all intents and purposes)!

About a week ago, one of my mom's dearest friends, Susan, received an almost identical diagnosis. Susan's support and love and encouragement sustained me through my pregnancy and my mom's illness, and to hear "cancer" again attributed to a woman I adore as deeply as my own mother was a total shock and a blow to my existence. She has recently undergone surgery and is in the recovery process before her treatments begin, and her family has rallied around her with the grace and comfort only God can provide.

Susan's middle son David recently posted this on her Caring Bridge page. If you or a loved one has ever faced cancer or any scary time in life, repeat these words to yourself. Even if you don't believe them at first, God will work in you.

Don't Waste Your Cancer
1. You will waste your cancer if you do not believe it is designed for you by God.
2. You will waste your cancer if you believe it is a curse and not a gift.
3. You will waste your cancer if you seek comfort from your odds rather than from God.
4. You will waste your cancer if you refuse to think about death.
5. You will waste your cancer if you think that “beating” cancer means staying alive rather than cherishing Christ.
6. You will waste your cancer if you spend too much time reading about cancer and not enough time reading about God.
7. You will waste your cancer if you let it drive you into solitude instead of deepen your relationships with manifest affection.
8. You will waste your cancer if you grieve as those who have no hope.
9. You will waste your cancer if you treat sin as casually as before.
10. You will waste your cancer if you fail to use it as a means of witness to the truth and glory of Christ.
 
"The Lord your God is with you; He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you; He will quiet you with his love. He will rejoice over you with singing." -  Zephaniah 3:17

Monday, April 15, 2013

catfish bread


I have several friends who are pescetarians, meaning the only meat they eat is fish. Sounds great, until I realized I could never have a steak or a burger or a turkey sandwich. But this recipe is delicious, and has nothing in it that once walked the Earth.

Katy’s Catfish Bread

4 (3-5 oz) catfish fillets (Simmons Catfish! Be sure to like them on Facebook for more recipes!)
½ c. soy sauce
1 T. creole seasoning (like Tony Chachere’s)
½ c. unsalted butter, softened
½ c. mayonnaise
½ c. shredded parmesan cheese
4 oz. can of black olives (I left these out)
6 green onions, chopped (green part only)
2 cups (total) shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese
1 t. Worcestershire sauce
½ t. garlic powder
½ t. garlic salt
Dash of cayenne pepper
2-3 drops of Tabasco sauce (I prefer Louisiana)
1 loaf French baguette (I sliced mine up and made it into crostini)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place catfish fillets on baking sheet. Cover with soy sauce and sprinkle with creole seasoning. Bake for 20-25 min. or until catfish flakes easily. Crumble fillets and set aside.

Make a paste with the butter, mayo, parm, olives, onions, shredded cheeses, Worcestershire, garlic powder, garlic salt, cayenne and Tabasco. Mix paste with crumbled catfish. (You can make this 2-3 days ahead and store in the fridge!)

Spread catfish paste on halved French bread (or crostini, in my case) and place on baking sheet. Place in a 400 degree oven for 10-15 min or until slightly brown on top and cheese is melted. Serve warm.

And that’s how you do it. I took it to a party this weekend, and both kids and adults loved it.
 
Do you have a favorite pescetarian dish?

Friday, April 12, 2013

how did this happen?

It's so true. Babies grow so fast!
 



My little blob of a baby is now rolling over. Where did the time go?

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

wish list wednesday

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?

Custom Address Stamp, Self Inking Rubber Stamp, Pre-Inked, Calligraphy Stamp, Personalized Gift, Custom Address Rubber Stamp, Christmas Card* That it hadn't been so long since I've posted! But I'd say I have a good excuse.

* Wait, why is it so hot?

* This suit makes me so glad one-pieces are "in."

* Being able to use this stamp would make writing thank-you notes much more fun!

* I love all things heffalump.

What's your wish?