Herb Container Garden Replanting Time with Lucy the Pup Helper

It's time to replant all the porch herb pots at my condo and I had a great little helper this weekend.  Lucy kept sticking her nose in all the plants. My mint and chives survived the winter, everything else died. In fact my mint on my porch stayed green the entire year!!! Very strange even with the snow, I got really lucky. Added to the mix are a geranium, german thyme, rosemary, sage, basil, and my new chocolate mint. 

I cant' wait to have a real house with a real herb and vegetable garden, Lucy can't wait either.  The small porch still grows some great herbs though. 

I think i'll add a time lapse photo beneath this one in a few weeks.

Kreme Delite in Athens, Alabama: Historic 1950s Ice Creamery

I took these pictures a few months ago and they got lost in my camera for a while until I was downloading pictures today.  I grew up in Elkmont, Alabama but when I was very little my paternal grandmother lived in Athens, Alabama directly across the street from the Kreme Delite! She passed away when I was 5, but I have such distinct and fond memories of her holding my hand crossing the street almost every time I came over to go get ice cream.  

Kreme Delite is one of the most iconic places in Athens. I believe it opened in the early 1950s. I just love the neon sign. A better image of how awesome this sign is at night can be found on flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/54031162@N00/1874556055    You cant' beat the prices here and they have the most amazing classic milkshakes, chili dogs, upside down banana splits (in cups), and soft serve ice cream, cherry cokes. 

One of the most interesting things about Kreme Delite is that it still has the segregated water fountains remaining on the side of the building. They were painted to match the building so they kind of blend-in in the picture. They no longer work, and of course the white/colored signs have long been painted over but it is still an interesting reminder of the history that this establishment has lived through. As I was editing this post, I had originally written how much I love the walk up windows instead of having a drive-through lane, and then I started thinking that the double windows is probably also a result of this establishment being built during segregation. I saw one online complaint about how  now they have a sign in one of the windows saying "no habla espanol".  Last time I was there, I did not see that sign but if they still have it up that makes me sad. You don't speak Spanish...... fine, but do you really need to post that?  That is not a good statement to be making in regards of the building's past.  Come on people.... it's 2011, learn about the history but don't repeat it!

 Regardless of the possible sign, if you are ever in Athens, AL near the square and the beautiful historic courthouse... I urge you to go a few blocks over and try the iconic Kreme Delite at 401 W. Washington Street.  I sometimes get irrational cravings for one of their cherry milkshakes and a chili dog all the way with onions and mustard! 

Kentucky Derby Bridal Shower...... I have the best friends ever!!!

This weekend, my friends threw me a fabulous Kentucky Derby Themed Bridal Shower!  I cannot express how amazing this party was.  I am so grateful I have such supportive, thoughtful, and creative friends. Above is a picture of all the hostesses and gals.  I was absolutely blown away by all the creative details that went into decorating and planning this party including all the super cute games we played. (Update:  Game Poem now added at the end of this post!)

This is me in red standing with the beautiful creative impetus behind this party (Becca).  She even made my hat to match my dress! I had no idea what the theme of the party was until I got there.  Below are all the pictures of the creative details.

How stunning is this table? All the yummy food presented with beautiful Arthur Court serving ware and an antique silverplate chafing dish with red roses.  Fresh Fruit, spinach dip, chicken salad sandwiches, marinated broccoli salad, cream cheese with red pepper jelly and crackers, and chicken bites with sauces.

I was so blown away by the adorable favors:  chocolate mint plants in the cutest little terra cotta pots.

The invitation.... no that is not a silhouette dye cut.... Becca hand cut those babies out using cuticle scissors.  I am in awe of her skills!

Antique plates:  beautiful! If I was not in love with Arthur Court serving pieces before this party I sure am now.

As if this party could not have been better.... there were Gigi's famous cupcakes: Kentucky Bourbon pie, Scarlet's Red Velvet, Champagne, and Wedding Cake.  They were so sweet and delicious.  This was my second Gigi's experience. I received so many amazing gifts from my friends and we had such a wonderful afternoon that the time completely escaped me and I don't think I left the house until around 6! (Thanks Kelsey!)

 Wedding is less than a month away and I am surprisingly very calm and not stressed out, there is no way I could have gotten this far without wonderful friends and family.

This is a rather peculiar game
It really does not have a name
It’s simple to play as a game should be
You just do as you’re told, you see
So now if you’ll please give me your attention
We’ll put an end to this suspension
In the end, whoever scores the most
Will receive a prize of which to boast
Now since you’re all fashionable girls
Give yourself 5 if you have any pearls
You may add 3 if your toes peek out
And earrings will give you 2 more to shout
Score yourself 5 if you show any red
Add 6 more for a curl on your head
Now before you think you are going to win
Take away 2 for each safety pin
Give yourself 6 if your pants are tight
Add 1 for a scarf which is just about right
Add 5 more if your shoes are black
And take away 3 for a zipper in back
Now count all your buttons, for each you get 2
And take away 1 for each button that’s blue
Give yourself 5 if your heels are high
And why not take 10 for the green in your eye
10 more points for a rose on your clothes
Take away 5 if you forgot to wear hose
If your husband you kissed today – add 9
If you didn’t subtract 12 – you’re subject to fine
This is the end…there isn’t anymore
Who is the lucky lady with the highest score?

Le Creuset Giveaway! Gorgeous New Fennel Color from Bo's Bowl Blog!

Please go visit Bo's Bowl!  It is a really great food blog!  I love it!  He has the most amazing giveaway right now! Go check it out!
http://www.bos-bowl.com/

De Liso Debs and I. Miller Beautiful Shoes... New Love of Antique/Vintage Shoes

Another quick picture centric post..... I was tempted to title this post Shoe P0RN but thought that would get the wrong kind of Google hits!!!! :)  Today I received a pair of antique shoes I got off eBay and couldn't be more tickled with them for $10!  It even included the original box. They are beige suede high heels from 1952 that someone wore in their wedding ceremony (Size 6AA is a modern skinny 5.5). They have the cutest side bow.  I intend to wear them to my rehearsal dinner.  Also threw up my pair of black rose mesh 1945 heels (6AAA) I got at a hole in the wall in Charleston, S.C.  Evidently they had been in this vintage clothing shop for YEARS because nobody could fit into them!  The owner saw them actually fit my feet and let me have them for half price! ($30) One good thing about having very tiny feet is you find very interesting shoes!

Now I have a two pairs of antique shoes that I can wear, hopefully my new love won't turn into a full blown collection.... as an archaeologist I think I have bad tendencies to collect things......  I almost got a pristine pair of brown lizard 1942 heels for $6 on eBay but at the very end 4 separate bidders came in and the pair sold for $85.  Maybe next time!

I promise next post will be all food and no wedding!!!!

Chocolate Almond Birthday Cake!!

This is a late post (my birthday was in the beginning of February) but I just wanted to throw up two quick pictures of the delicious and beautiful birthday cake my friend Anna made for my birthday.  I am obsessed with all things almond flavored, it runs in my mom's side of the family, so she graciously made me an almond flavored white cake with milk chocolate frosted covered in slivered almonds!  Yum!

Speaking of tastes for things running in the family.  I think I got my aversion to licorice flavored things (no jager for me) and dislike of coconut from my dad's side of the family.... what interesting food likes/dislikes run in your family?

First Wedding Shower!

I had my first wedding shower this weekend at the Moulton Baptist Church.   The hostesses were so sweet, the decorations were so colorful and cute, got to meet several new people, and we received so many wonderful gifts! Many were new kitchen  and entertaining items so I can't wait to show them off in future blog posts!  Thanks so much to all the hostesses and guests!

Eggs Benedict Obsession!

I have collected these pictures of eggs benedict variations for a while. In the past few months I have developed a passionate love for eggs benedict! Crispy English muffins, poached eggs, various meats, maybe some veg and hollandaise sauce!  Good creamy buttery lemony greatness.  Let's not think about the calorie content, just writing this post makes me feel guilty and want to go jump on the treadmill.  They say your taste-buds mature when you get older and I know that is certainly true with stronger flavors such as coffee and asparagus; however, that doesn't explain my taste for eggs lately.  I have always liked omelets and scrambled eggs but the world of runny eggs in form of poached, fried, and sunny side up were foreign to me.  It seemed too icky and gross I guess.  It could have also been a texture thing.  Now I love them!!!!!   This reminds me of the scene in Julie and Julia where she refers to a poached egg center as tasting like cheese sauce............... I totally see that!! The first three pictures I took myself and the fourth ..........I shamelessly stole from someone else's website   "gasp!".  I am not gonna poach instructions for how to poach eggs or how to make hollandaise sauce because most good cookbooks give great explanations.  Just remember that neither are as hard to make as they are made out to be.  Slow, low temperature for both, and patience. Powdered hollandaise sauce mix is good in a pinch but doesn't hold a candle to the real thing in my opinion.

I thought I would throw out some great eggs benedict flavor combos that I love.  Also if you have the motivation to make them (real hollandaise or mix), it makes a killer impression on the house guests.

Eggs Benedict with Conecuh Sausage and Fresh Spinach (made lovingly by my fiance's family)

Eggs Benedict with Lobster Cakes (Walmart kind... not homemade) and Asparagus (my experiment... it was great!)

This is from Cantina Loredo, a latin america restaurant in Huntsville. It is a Sunday Brunch Special with Bloody Maria (tequila not vodka) or Mimosa  Crab Cakes with a spicy take on hollandaise sauce.  I can't wait to go back here.  Also served with pan fried potatoes, fresh fruit with a sweet glaze (agave syrup?) and a sweet honey roll.

My favorite eggs benedict of all time! I'm so sorry to hollyeats.com..... I promise when I get enough money to go back to Brennan's in New Orleans I will take my own picture to replace! :)  Eggs Hussarde from Brennan's in New Orleans, LA.  I really wish I could replicate the Marchand de vin sauce they use in addition to hollandaise.... it is amazing!

Basically this is my plea to you, if you think runny eggs and/or hollandaise sauce icks you out.... be brave and give it a go just once.... you might fall in love!!

Healthy Ground Turkey Black Bean Nachos

My go to dinner and a movie meal is nachos or pizza. Trying to eat healthier and this is what I came up with for a great nacho recipe.  There is not very much to this entry, but it was fairly healthy, tasty, and very colorful!!!!!! Very easy to make and it is good for a crowd.

Ingredients:
ground turkey meat browned with taco seasoning
1 can refried black beans
3 chopped up and seeded roma tomatoes
1 ripe avocado pitted, skinned and diced
3 stems green onions sliced
1/2 cup to 1 cup of your favorite cheese mix, I used mexican four cheese
tortilla chips

Spread chips out on a lined cookie sheet, top with meat, beans, and cheese.  Bake at 350 until the cheese melts (about 15 minutes) and add the rest of your ingredients.  Serve!

  

Blog Update and Estate Sale Find of the Week: Royal 10 Beveled Glass 1920 typewriter

Wow, I can't believe I haven't blogged in over 3 months!  Wedding planning is crazy stressful, I had no idea.  And on top of that, my mother has done most of it and I am still a complete stress basket.  I can't image what this would be like by myself. Crazy!  Finally getting to the calm before the storm and have some free time.  That means back to the blogging world, back to thesis work, and also thinking of opening my own Etsy.com store.  I have still been cooking and stockpiling recipes and pictures as well as awesome estate finds so in the next few days I am going to be posting like crazy before it starts getting really stressful again!

Here we go with the first new estate sale find of the week for me:  A 1920's beveled glass sided 36 pound hoss of a typewriter.  Got this baby for $17 and love it.  I already installed a replacement ribbon for it.

Not the best picture...It is a royal 10.  Mine is obviously not in top notch condition. I looked online and there are two recommended antique typewriter repair shops in the US..... one is 1 hour down the road from me in Birmingham so I may take it sometime this week.  Here is an example of a completely restored one... quite fantastic with the beveled glass side panels, so fun to watch the inner workings.  This one was sooooo dirty when we got it, took it outside with an office duster can for about 30 minutes to clean all the intricate workings. 

http://mytypewriter.com/royalno10withsingleglasspanelc1920s.aspx    Listed at $1,125.

Before close-up shot of keys

Keys after a good scrubbing

Right now this baby is sitting on my bookshelf but when my fiancé gets a law office.... I think it would be great art as well as functional if I can fix it up completely.