Paint Colors

Luckily, there isn't much that Mr. C and I need to do to our new house. The house was built in 78' but the previous owners did a good job renovating some of the main areas - like the kitchen, but one thing I definitely wanted to do was paint. The formal living room, dining room, foyer, kitchen and laundry room were all a dark olive green. Of course, Mr. C "loved" the current paint colors {but between you and me, I just don't think he wanted to deal with it} and didn't want to change them.

He was not going to win that battle no matter how much kicking and screaming he did! I didn't want to paint just because I didn't like the color, but also because I wanted to make it ours. I have been renting apartments and townhouses for four years - living in the same old boring colors. This is our first home together and I wanted to make it ours, starting with painting! 

Why does picking out a paint color have to be so dog-gone difficult? I think it was one of the most stressful things to do - okay maybe not the most stressful - but it was definitely up there. I searched all over Pinterest and some of my other fav blogs for color inspiration. I bought five samples before finally picking the two perfect colors! Ta-da

   

The Porpoise was used in the kitchen and laundry room. I love gray and it looks so good up against the white cabinets and {as Outkast so cleverly put it} so fresh and so clean. All the other rooms {living room, dinning room and foyer} brightened up with the smokey slate, it no longer looks like we live in a dungeon.  I wish I had some good before pictures, but of course all I had on me at the time was my cell phone {they didn't turn out that well}. Oh well, here are a couple before and after pictures.  Again, I apologize for the bad pics!!

Kitchen -before

Kitchen -after

Dining Room & Living Room -before

Dining Room -after

We are moving....again

But this time it is to our NEW HOME!!! Yes, Mr. C and I brought a house in Albany and we couldn't be more excited, I guess this means we are staying here in SWGA for awhile :)

We have been on the move a lot, 3 times in the last 4 years to be exact- moving to our new home will be #4!  I will be so excited when we get everything settled in the new house, cause this chica is not moving again for long time.

Also, because we have moved so frequently we have so many wedding presents we haven't used or even seen in the last 2.5 years. It will be like Christmas unwrapping them all again.  And of course I have been scouring Pinterest for decorating ideas and inspiration. First up on the to do list  is painting!

Mediterranean Chicken

I love it when I find an awesome quick and simple recipe, it helps make my life easier. The other day I was on the hunt for a new chicken recipe, so I started browsing some recipes over at You've Got Supper and came across this one, Mediterranean Chicken in a NY Minute. The name said it all and I was hooked! {Side note: If you have never heard of You've Got Supper definitely check it out, I posted about it before here.} Now at first I was a little skeptical to try it because (a) chicken is not Mr. C's fav and (b) he doesn't really care for artichokes - unless of course they are in my sister's crab and artichoke dip. But I decided to go out on a limb and give it at try because (a) I love chicken and artichokes and (b) I was the one doing the cooking.

Well...the hubby put his stamp of approval on it.

via

Ingredients:
4 chicken breast halves, boneless & skinless, 4 oz. each
1 14 oz. can of diced tomatoes, no salt, drained
1 14 oz. frozen artichokes coarsely chopped (I used 1 small jar of the non-frozen)
8 large kalamata olives, pitted halved (these can be kind of $$$, so I used black olives)
2 oz. feta cheese crumbles ( I probably went a little heavy on this...love me some feta)
1 tbsp. olive oil
2 tsp. oregano

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees
2. Lightly pound chicken just so they are all the even thickness, but don't make them to thin
3. Cut 4 12" squares of foil, place one chicken breast in the center of each piece of foil (it doesn't say to, but after this I seasoned the chicken with a little S&P)
4. Combine the diced tomatoes, artichokes, olives, and feta in a bowl. Top chicken evenly with the mixture. Then, drizzle each with a little of the olive oil and oregano.
5. Seal the chicken in the foil and then place packets on a rimmed baking sheet.
6. Bake for about 22 to 25  or until chicken is cooked.

For a side,  I made yellow rice but couscous would also go nice with this recipe. Enjoy!

3 month review

I have got to be the world's worst blogger. I know there is not a lot of you out there that read my blog, but to the ones that do I am sorry for being so MIA. I actually have a good reason though - drumroll please - I finally got a job!!! It is crazy how I can go from not having anything to do to, to everything happening at once.

Since my last post I have acquired a job, went to Orlando for one of my dear friends baby shower (who a couple of days ago welcomed a sweet little boy to this world), traveled to Auburn, AL for a wedding, went to the beach to celebrate Easter with the family and my sister's birthday.

It has been non-stop and so, I thought I would take this time to also let everyone know how I am coping with living in SW GA.  When we decided to make the move, I was excited for our new adventure, but I won't lie, I was pretty nervous too. The thought of moving to a new, small southern town where I knew only two other people, try to make new friends, and find a job - it was all little frightening. But through previous experience I knew that when one door closes a new one always opens up - I just didn't know how long it was going to take for that to happen. I don't know about y'all, but I find that has you get older it can sometimes be harder to make friends. But I am happy to report that everything is falling into place (knock on wood!), Mr. C loves his job, I like mine and we are meeting some wonderful people. Everyone has been so friendly, especially my friend Cristin, who has been tremendous in helping me get settled, I am truly getting a taste of that southern hospitality.

Weekend Round-up

Mr. C and I took advantage of the beautiful weather this past weekend and enjoyed the great outdoors. Mr. C has been working so much lately and the past couple of weekends he has been going to work, so it was nice to spend two whole days with him. We enjoyed some good country cookin' at a local joint called Pearly's, walked around Chehaw Park, and I caught my first bass and brim!  

{It was my first time eating at Pearly's and it was definitely good. Nothing fancy, but probably some of the best biscuits & gravy I've ever had!}

{Me and Mr. C at Chehaw.}

{My first brim!}

St. Patty's Day Ideas

St. Patrick's Day is right around the corner. Oh how I used to love St. Patty's Day in college - so much fun! I quickly realized that St. Patricks Day for college students is like Christmas morning when your a kid. It is just a good reason to get together with friends, hang out and drink green beer. Not sure exactly what Mr. C and I will do, if anything. But I still wanted to get in the mood for this green holiday so I turned to....that's right Pinterest for some inspiration.  Here are some of the great ideas I found!

Source: browneyedbaker.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Source: hostessblog.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Source: bhg.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Source: tangledandtrue.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Source: twigandthistle.com via Amanda on Pinterest

oh the view

I can't say that apartment living is the best, but there is one good thing about our apartment....the view! It is such a beautiful day (besides all the pollen)- I just can't wait for spring!! Hope everyone is having a great day :)

Something New!

Yes, I decided it was time to give my ole' blog a new look for the new year. Considering the name of my blog, I tried to keep the design  a little nautical looking. Hope y'all like!

In case any of you are wondering how I got this great new look, unfortunately it wasn't from me. I know some stuff about computers, but blog design is not one of them. When I started my blog, I remember thumbing through the templates that Blogger offered and was not real impressed. I wanted something a little less generic, however, I knew that (one) I did not have the skills to design my own blog and (2) the patience to learn how.  So for any of you out there looking to give your blog a little pazazz or want to start a blog, here is a list of some of the web sites I have found. They offer pre-made blog templates for Blogger and Wordpress at a variety of prices and some even have FREE templates.

Designer Blogs

Shabby Blogs

Smitten Blog Designs

Leelou Blogs

 





Creamy Rigatoni Bake

I made this awhile ago to take over to my in-laws house for dinner. This makes a great dinner paired with a salad and some garlic bread. It is easy and you can make ahead so you have more time to socialize with family and friends. Enjoy! {Sorry I don't have a picture. I forgot to take one.}

Creamy Rigatoni Bake
Courtesy of: A Thyme To Celebrate, Junior League of Tallahassee Cookbook
Serves: 8 to 10

Ingredients:

• 1/2 Vidalia onion or other sweet onion, chopped
• 2 tbls. salted butter
• 2 lbs. ground sirloin
• 1 & 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
• 1 & 1/2 tsp. Paprika
• 1 (26 oz.) jar marinara sauce
• 16 oz. rigatoni
• 8 oz. cream cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/4 salted butter
• 1 &1/2 cups (6 oz.) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Saute the onion in 2 tbls of butter in a skillet for 5 min. Add the ground sirloin, Italian seasoning and Paprika. Cook until the ground sirloin is brown, stirring until crumbly; drain. Stir in the marinara sauce. Simmer for 20 min.

Cook the pasta; drain. Mix the cream cheese, sour cream and 1/4 cup butter in a large saucepan. Cook until melted, stirring constantly. Add the pasta and toss to coat well. Pour into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Layer the ground sirloin sauce over the pasta. Sprinkle the Cheddar cheese over the top.

Bake, uncovered, for 30 min or until bubbly.

~ Blog Love~ Iheart Organizing

As I have mentioned many times before, I love reading blogs. I follow over 20 in my google reader. One blogger that is quickly becoming my fav is Jen at Iheart Organizing. She offers some great advice at staying organized (especially with kids running around) and DIY projects, plus she features some of her readers projects as well.   I thought I was good at organizing, but she puts me to shame. How some of these blogger moms post two to three times a day, keep up with kids and finds time to do DIY projects...I just don't know!

Anyway, check out Iheart Organizing and maybe you will find some good Spring cleaning tips.

Fat Tuesday

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Fat Tuesday. When I think of Mardi Gras two words come to mind...New Orleans, the big easy. I have only visited New Orleans a few times and each time has been a blast. You eat great food, listen to great music and make plenty of memories! So in celebration of Mardi Gras today I thought I would share some pictures from my favorite time there...my bachelorette weekend, need I say more!



Yes, we played dress-up



Food Recommendations:
For yummy Po'Boys - Felix's
Most delish & biggest Muffuletta - Central Grocery Co.
Best Beniets - Cafe du Monde

Gosh looking at these pictures and thinking about the food makes wish I had a vacay planned!





                 

       

Some Target Luv

The other day I needed to get a few things from Target, which usually turns into coming out with a cart full of things I didn't even intend to buy. Target for me is like a kid in a candy store! They always have cute clothes, shoes and a great home section (my favorite). But I was very proud of myself. As I went down the shoe aisle and the home section I controlled the urge to buy everything I set my eyes on and believe me it was very hard. These are just a few things that caught my eye...

 These are the cutest canisters. They would be great to hold flour, sugar, or coffee!

Not that I need another lamp, but if did I would get this one.
 I don't love the dark lampshade, but I could always trade it out for one of these....

Okay you can't tell by the picture but this is a shower curtain - super cute.
 Reminds me of something out of Pottery Barn.

These plates would be great for outdoor entertaining.





Vitamins

"Did you take your vitamins today?" I can still remember my Mom asking me that when I lived at home. For as long as I can remember my parents have always been big on taking their vitamins. Well as I have gotten older and wiser, I have been trying to eat healthlier, exercise more and take my vitamins. But it's hard - they don't taste good and they are big like horse pills!

Until....I found the solution (drum roll please)....adult gummy multivitamins. Yes, they make gummy vitamins for adults and they are oh so good. You can get them in different flavors - orange, grape, and cherry. I don't even have to remind Mr. C to take them. It's like being a kid again!

Food for my Valentine

I hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day. Mr. C and I sure did - a nice relaxing evening at home. Of course, before I got a chance to relax I was busy cooking up a fabulous dinner for Mr. C - Brown Butter Risotto with Lobster. (sounds fancy...uh)

I found the recipe while watching Giada one afternoon and it looked delish. So, when I was doing my pre-Valentines grocery shopping I noticed the lobster was on sale. It was like it was meant to be!

This one definitely is a keeper. Mr. C just loved it and if you didn't want to spend the money on Lobster, it would be great with shrimp or scallops.

Brown Butter Risotto with Lobster

Courtesy of Giada De Laurentiis
Prep Time: 10 min
Inactive Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 40 min
Serves: 4 servings

Ingredients
• 1 lb. frozen lobster tails, thawed (about 2 med. sized)
• 4 1/2 cups reduced-sodium chicken stock
• 4 tablespoon butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
• 1/2 cup brandy **I didn't have any brandy, so I used cooking sherry.**
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper


Directions

Bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the lobster tails and boil until the shells curl (approx. 5 minutes, depending on size) and the lobster meat turns white. Drain, transfer to a cutting board, and cool for 15 minutes. Using kitchen shears or a sharp knife, cut through the top shell lengthwise. Remove the meat and cut into 1/2-inch pieces. Set aside.

In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken stock to a boil. Keep hot over low heat. **I just heated my stock in the microwave - one less pan to clean!**

In a large saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Cook until the butter begins to foam and then turns brown, about 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. Add the onion and cook, about 3 minutes. Add the rice and stir to coat with the butter. Add the brandy and simmer until the liquid has almost evaporated, about 3 minutes. Add 1/2 cup of stock and stir until almost completely absorbed, about 2 minutes. Continue adding the stock, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly and allowing each addition of stock to absorb before adding the next. Cook until the rice is tender but still firm to the bite, about 20 minutes. Remove from the heat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, the remaining butter and 2 tablespoons chives. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Transfer the risotto to a large serving bowl. Arrange the lobster meat on top of the risotto and garnish with the remaining chives

This picture doesn't give this dish justice, but believe me anytime I can get Mr. C to eat a dinner

 with no meat and loves it, it's a winner!!

 

Colorado

As I mentioned in my last post, I haven't found a new job yet here in Albany. So, I have been using my free time to visit with family and friends. I spent a long weekend at the beach hanging out with my sister and Eli. Then I got the chance to go to Colorado with my Dad. I haven't been to Colorado since 2008 and was very excited to not only hang out with my pops, but also to play in the snow!

I can't remember the last time I just hung out with my Dad. It was really nice and we had such a great time together. As my Dad would say, we conquered the Colorado trifeca - skiing, snowshoeing & ice fishing. The whole week was a blast and I hope to make it an annual trip!




Happy Belated New Year

Wow, I just noticed that my last blog post was more than two months ago!! Sorry I have been so MIA, but there have been a lot of changes at the C household. Don't get excited.... I am not pregnant! As that seems to be what everyone thought when Mr. C and I said we had some exciting news.

So, with that said let me bring you all up to speed. It all started over Thanksgiving break when Mr. C got a new job offer we just couldn't refuse. Yup, we were moving to Albany, GA. We both were -and still are- excited about our new adventure in southern Georgia, especially Mr. C as he is back in his hometown.

It was all very exciting, except for one very small detail - Mr. C  needed to start his new job in TWO WEEKS! That left me packing our 3br/2ba townhouse all by myself and not to mention getting ready for the holidays, while still working a full time job. But to make a long story short, it all worked out and we officially moved December 31!

It was a long moving day! Look at all that stuff!!

Happy New Year!! Nothing like pizza and champagne to ring in the new year.

 How is life in Albany going so far you ask? Well so far so good.  Because I worked until the bitter end in Tallahassee I felt I deserved to take a little time off. {truthfully the job market in Albany is not exactly overflowing} But on the bright side I will have a lot more time to devote to this blog!