Drowning In A Sea of Retail.... and Cinnamon Sugar.

What a crazy holiday season it has been. A weird, crazy, bizarre holiday season. I feel like a hamster running on a wheel. Getting no where by the end of the day. But having extra wrinkles, gray hair, and extremely exhausted short stubby legs.

Thank goodness that I work with some incredible people. People that make me laugh. People that keep me sane.

People that remind me to take a deep breath, relax, and eat another brownie.

Except for the people that keep telling me to eat another brownie. They should have to go to jail. Because unfortunately for my health... I always do what I'm told. At least when it comes to food. And my body is pretty pissed off about it.

Today is my last day off before Christmas. My last day to get my mind and house prepared for the holiday that will be over in a blink of an eye. My former "Most Favorite Holiday" has now become the "Hopefully I Will Survive" holiday.

And my new favorite holiday is the day that I can sit back, relax, not worry, and bake a perfect dessert.

Speaking of baking..... I've learned this month that I am NO good at it. Like pretty awful and embarrassing actually.

And it makes me want to eat worms. ( Or wormes - if you are my neighbor that lives a couple of houses down and sells them for $3.00 a styrofoam cup)

You all know how much I love to cook. Like "love it so much that I would want to marry it" cook.

But baking. It takes patience. And that ain't somethin' I got.

The past couple of things I have tried have turned out disasters.

Caramel Cake - I dreamed of this all year. And yet couldn't quite seem to make the frosting taste like anything more than pure sugar. Not to mention that the cake was dry.

It went in the trash.

Buttermilk Biscuits - dry hard bricks of flour with a cardboard and dirt taste. ( I threw in the description of "dirt taste" for added drama)

Kev ate most of them. Because he is awesome like that. But I yelled in their faces and banished them to the woods.

And then there is today. I've been waiting all year to make these.....

Cinnamon Rolls from the Pioneer Woman. I tried to follow the recipe perfectly. I really did. I patiently let it rise for an hour. I rolled out the dough as best I could. And then things got sloppy and the cinnamon/butter/sugar/maple mixture may or may not be all over the floor... my apron... my counters... and my kitchen bar stools.

I was going to take a picture. But decided that it is in my best interest to not have proof of the mess I speak of. You know... In case Kev reads this post. And bans me from the kitchen.

I was making these homemade rolls as gifts. For friends and family. And maybe myself. And they turned out ok. But they definitely don't look like the picture. And my whole house does not smell like fresh baked Cinnamon rolls like the recipe promised.

But I do know that they were made with love. And a little bit of patience. And lots of butter, sugar, cinnamon, and butter. And a little more butter.

And then I realized that I should just stick to blogging. And cooking meat. And shaving. And applying anti-wrinkle cream every hour.

And stop trying to spend my last peaceful day until January making every single holiday treat that I find a recipe for.

Not to mention that Kev heard through the Gaston Gazette that there was quite a ruckus coming from our kitchen. And immediately sent over security to restrain me.

I'm typing this post by holding a pencil in my mouth and carefully hitting the keyboard.

You have no idea how much I have to tell you. How many adventures we have had over the past two months.

Well... it's really only about three. But they will be coming soon. And you are just going to have to deal with the fact that I may still be telling stories from Halloween and Thanksgiving when it is THE WEEK BEFORE CHRISTMAS!

Bless my heart!

The Food and Wine Festival

Food and Wine.

Yes, please!

Except for it was really all about the food for me. I'll save the wine for another time.

Because I WILL be going back. And I WILL be going back with an empty stomach. And a well planned out strategy. And hopefully a Kevin.

Because he would truly love the experience.

In case you haven't heard me talking about it.... I was fortunate enough to go to the Food and Wine Festival at Epcot in October. Now we all know how much I love food. And especially how much I love all different kinds of food. In small portions. Appetizer style.

It makes my skirt fly up.

This festival was truly made for me.

Last year, I was in Epcot during the festival .... but was too overwhelmed to even try anything. I just visited my favorite place. Mexico. The outside place. Not the inside... because my experience on the inside was documented in detail in March and I choose not to go through that again.

Anyway... Food is precious to me. And takes a lot of planning and thought. And I can't just walk up to any ole place and choose what to eat. I just can't.

So, this year I studied the map of food. Yes, the MAP OF FOOD. Because you can go online and see the 25 kiosks. What country they are from. What food they are serving. And where they are located in Epcot.

I dipped the map in gold. And slept with it under my pillow every night.

And dreamed of the incredible food that I would eat.

( And how much money I could get from the pawn shop for a gold map)

And wondered why I didn't go to cooking school. Because I REALLY want to be a chef. Or a cook. Or something where I could cook all day. Like a stay at home wife.

Anyway... I had it all planned out. I was overwhelmed. But decided that I would eat at Greece. Because I loved just about everything on their menu.

And the lady that rang me up said "WOW! you just ordered just about every thing off of our menu. Are you sure you don't want baklava?"

I yelled... "No speak English". And grabbed my food and ran.

It makes me uncomfortable for people to comment on how much food I order/eat. I knew that I would have to wear a disguise if I was going to go back.

Luckily I had packed one in my bag.

So, from Greece I had the spanakopita, greek salad, and chicken souvlaki. HELLO! Nothing gets better than that.

At least that is what I thought. I mean it was out of this world delicious.

But then I had been bit by the bug. The bug of eating. And I had the whole world in front of me to try. Literally.

So, my Dad got us each a Fisherman's pie from Ireland.



WAS THIS REALLY NECESSARY TO PUT IN MY BELLY!!!

Because it was truly out of this world. Um..... like out of this UNIVERSE! Lobster and scallops in a pot pie. Topped with potatoes. Did Santa Claus think this up... because it was like a surprise on Christmas morning.

I high fived my Dad. Belly bumped him. And rubbed whiskers with him. Because it was just that good.

And then I swore to get the recipe. Which I did. And it is a little out of my league. It involved crushing a lobster shell and boiling it for a broth.

And that is just the beginning.

I've decided that we will have to save the Fisherman's Pie for an Epcot treat.

At this point we are getting pretty full. But it is almost 9pm. And the Food and Wine Festival is only an October event. And this is our last chance to eat these scrumptious bites of food.

So, we put on our running shoes and headed to the next place we could find.

Which was... South Africa.



Hello South Africa!! I will never visit you. But I sure do love your food. My Dad got the Mealie soup. Spicy, shrimpy, and incredible. And I got the seared beef tenderloin.

I made a stranger punch me in the face. To make sure that I wasn't dreaming.

And then our time was up. It was over. The park was closed. And I had to leave the rest of the world behind.

Until next year!! Because I will be back. And I will be armed with my fork. And teeth. And tongue.

( That sounds a little gross... )

But the Festival is truly an experience. Especially if you are a foodie. And you appreciate different flavors.

And just in case you are thinking about visiting this wonderful festival. There is more than just food and wine. There are guest chefs. Like the Paula Deen boys. And incredible 80's music concerts. Like Billy Ocean, John Waite, and Corey Hart.

Except for most of you probably don't know who those singers are. Because you are young. That's ok though. That means there is more of them for me.

If I can break away from the food long enough to listen to them sing.

My Date With A Young Jedi

This is my nephew Mason.


He turned six on September 11.

He loves Star Wars.

More than anything.

And COULD. NOT. BELIEVE. THAT. STAR. WARS. WAS. AT. DISNEY WORLD.

And he told me that several times and made me text that message to Kev.

Because Kev is the KING of Star Wars. And Mason and Kev are forever bonded through their love for R2D2.

Mason was not quite tall enough to ride the roller coaster at Hollywood Studios. And was NOT happy about it.

But with my quick Aunt thinking reflexes. I remembered that there was a Star Wars simulator ride. A ride that I haven't been on in 10 years.

It is pretty outdated. Especially with all the new technology and what not. And as much as I like out dated things. I have my standards. At least when it comes to my ride entertainment.

But I quickly came to realize that what is outdated to me is THE. MOST. COOLEST. FUNNEST. RIDE. EVER. WITH. A. REAL. R2D2. AND. WE. REALLY. WENT. TO. SPACE. AND. WE. HAVE. TO. CALL. KEV. RIGHT. NOW. BECAUSE. HE. WILL. BE. SO. EXCITED. AND. WHY. AREN'T. WE. BUYING. ANYTHING. IN. THE. STORE. BECAUSE. IT. IS. ALL. SO. COOL. AND. KEV. WILL. LET. US. SPEND. AS. MUCH. MONEY. AS. WE. WANT.!!!!

Clearly, he doesn't know Kev as well as I do.

So, we called Kev. And Kev was very excited for us. And they talked about every thing that Mason saw and did.

And a little boy's day was made. And we didn't even buy anything. Even though he was so sure that Kev would let us borrow $40 to spend.

But we did HAVE to go on the ride again. And even though it was the exact same ride... it was still so much fun to him. We were on another space adventure. The look on his face, the laughter, the reactions...... All were priceless.

It was truly the highlight of my day.

And then Mason wanted to pose for pictures. You know... for Kev. And I had to text Kev every picture.....




The poses were all him. He just told me when to take the pics. Notice a different pose with each character.....

I think this is his "I'm scared of Darth Maul face". But he was having so much fun that it kinda looks like he is about to laugh.

Star Wars was all the rage when I was growing up. I used to actually go to Star Wars parties. And dreamed of being Princess Leia. I could never get my hair to work quite right, though.

Children grow up so differently nowadays. With computers, video games, etc...... We always played outside and used our imaginations to entertain each other. So, I think it is super cool that Star Wars is still entertaining people of all ages. And it is a way to connect with the little ones.

Other than that... I'm a pretty lame aunt. I mean.. I only started texting last Christmas. And can barely navigate a computer. Not to mention that the music kids listen to these days can sometimes make my ears bleed.

I'm getting old. Just call me granny.

At least for ONE day. I was cool. The cool Aunt Kimmy Kim. Which is what Mason started calling me.

And therefore, I am so thankful for Star Wars.

A Birthday Celebration

October 29, 1949


Suzanne Marie Tillman was born.


My sweet Mother.


She was born in Alaska. In an igloo. Under a shooting star. And next to a seal pup. Which is a baby seal in case you didn't know.



The beginning of her life involved ice fishing, whale blubber, and penguins.



Or something like that. Because I really don't think there is much else to do in Alaska. Even though it is a beautiful place.



My Grandfather was in the Air force which caused the family to move around a lot. She has been and seen more places than all of the people that live in Gaston combined. ( Which really, if you think about it, isn't saying much because the people out here think they have traveled a lot when they just drive in to Columbia and back)

But just know that she has traveled A LOT. And has seen many amazing things.



I love this picture of her as a baby.... with my Nana, Aunt Sandi, and Uncle David.


And then there is this one. She is sitting on the left. Notice the resemblance between us.....

My Mom has led a very exciting life. She raised six children. Has five grandchildren. Earned her Masters degree.... and then Doctorate.

She has traveled the world. Twice.

She can decorate for a holiday like no other. And makes every holiday and birthday special.

She sings. She dances. She decorates cookies.

She drives a new red Volkswagen Beetle. Named Ladybug.

She raised me to love Disney. Taught me to cook at a young age.

She instilled in me the importance of tradition, keepsakes and making incredible memories.

She gave me one of my greatest treasures. My many photo albums of my youth. And still ... to this day... captures every great moment on film.

She works very hard to ensure our large family spends quality time together even in this busy, crazy life we live.

All in 60 years.....

We celebrated her birthday in Disney World. In style.

Disney takes celebrating birthdays to a whole other level. And makes you feel like a princess (or prince.. if you choose) for your entire day.

It was awesome. It was incredible. And it was a pleasure to spend her birthday with her.

Happy Birthday MOM!!! We love you!

The Pioneer Woman Cooks!

Do you remember my good friend? The Pioneer Woman.

If you don't remember... then you must read this blog with your eyes closed. Because I only talk about her EVERY. SINGLE. DAY!

We just have the best relationship. She inspires me. She makes me laugh. She teaches me. She makes my husband love me more every day.

And we never fight.

Probably because she has no idea who I am.

Internet friends are the best.

Except for she has taken her three year old "family" blog and branched out in to the world.

Folks!! She is FAMOUS. And every one of you can experience her like I do.

She will expand your minds, expand your talents, and expand your thighs.

All with one extraordinary cookbook.

The Pioneer Woman Cooks!

I have been following her blog for almost a year now. And I have learned SO much about decorating, shopping, running a cattle ranch, photography, and most importantly- cooking.

And I had been anticipating her cookbook to be released for months and months.

The special date was October 27th.

And to tide me over - she made the month of October a pretty exciting one. By appearing on the Bonnie Hunt show, Southern Living magazine, and PEOPLE Country Edition....

And then her cookbook arrived at my house. And it was Christmas in October.

I have been savoring this cookbook for as long as I can. It is not a quick "flip through" book. Or something that goes immediately on a kitchen shelf.

It is a novel. Filled with incredible recipes, humor, stories from her life, and amazing photography.

There are step by step pictures and instructions for every recipe....

It is SO easy to follow. So enjoyable to use. And promises to get you marriage proposals. Even if you are already married.

And did I mention all the pictures of cowboys. And cowboy boots.

That makes it worth the price in itself.

In honor of The Pioneer Woman. I will be cooking recipes from her book for the next week. And am planning to cook EVERY. SINGLE. RECIPE. in the book. By the end of the year.

That is how much I love it. And her. And cowboys in chaps.

I bet Kev would look good in chaps. And a cowboy hat. And boots.

I think I've just decided what to get him for Christmas.

If you love country food. And great scenery. And humor. Then this is the cookbook for you.

And now I've got to get back to my reading. I'm only half way through. And I've had the book for two weeks.

Savoring a good book is important. At least until her next one comes out.

Oh... and I almost forgot to mention that she is #1 on The New York Times Best Seller list!!!!!

Way to go.. P.DUB!

A Blustery Day

It is cold and rainy today. And rainy. And did I mention that it won't stop raining! It even stormed last night. In the middle of the night. And scared the sense out of me.

I hate loud, destructive thunder storms.

I laid awake and just stared at the lump under the covers on Kev's side of the bed. It didn't budge. Not one bit. Because he ain't afraid of nothin'.

Even clowns!

So, I just sat there and planned our escape. You know... in case a tree fell in to the house. Right on to our bed. Because that happens a lot. I just know it does.

My escape involved pushing Kev off the side of the bed in the nick of time. And then falling on top of him. I thought it was pretty inventive. And brave.

Unfortunately though, I apparently fell asleep again. Because I awoke this morning feeling refreshed with no tree in sight.

When you are married to such a good sleeper... it is your responsibility to protect each other. Ask me any scenario.. and I will have an escape plan. Seriously.

Kev should thank me for it.

So, even though Kev tells me this morning that it really only thundered once and the rain wasn't hitting the window that hard and there may have been one small flash of lightening..... (remember he was asleep and has no idea the danger we were in)... it is still going to rain ALL day. And probably a couple more days.

Which means it is a perfect day for lounging around in the Lodge room. Blogging. And reading cookbooks.

And maybe doing a load of laundry or two. Because I've got to complete a house hold chore every now and then. Just to prove my worthiness.

Of what... I don't know.

So, be prepared for some stories heading your way. Because I'm ready to get caught up and on with my life.

It's the holidays folks! And there is no time for lagging behind!

MY 100TH POST and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Folks!! This is my 100th entry. My 100th crazy story. The 100th time that you have logged on to read about me and Kev.

That is insane. And a huge chunk of your life that you can not get back. For that I am sorry.

But I am also SO thrilled that I have kept up with this blog ( with a few minor hiccups), that I have enjoyed doing it as much as I have, and that you are such loyal readers. I love having my life documented somewhere other than the Gaston County Courthouse. I love sharing my family with you. I love turtlenecks and scarves.

But that is a story for another time.

Because this post is all about celebrating. Celebrating my 100th post. Celebrating Halloween. Celebrating our 3rd anniversary of owning our home.

Three years ago, today, we bought our dream home and have been working on it ever since.

Kev was at the house getting all of the locks changed... when trick -or- treaters started to arrive. We had never had trick -or-treaters. So, you can imagine how excited we (I) were. Kev had to run to the gas station at the end of the street to buy some candy.

Ever since then... I have really looked forward to Halloween. We usually have an "anniversary/Halloween" party for the two of us... and then start giving out candy. This year will be a little different though.... because I'm going to be in The Magic Kingdom for Halloween.
( and yes, there will be tons of pictures and stories coming soon)

Without me around to host the festivities... I imagine Kev will spend the evening in the pitch black dark watching scary movies and eating ten gallons of left overs and Halloween treats by himself.

Don't feel sorry for him, though... because that is a "dream come true" evening for him.

Peace, quiet, bad movies, and food.

So.... Happy Anniversary House!! We love you!


And Happy Halloween to Everyone!!

In honor of Halloween... I am going to share with you some of the "treats" that I have made this past week....

Pumpkin Butterscotch Oatmeal Cookies....

I got the recipe from "Mommy's Kitchen" (on right hand side of blog). She was creating new ways to use pumpkin and came up with this cookie recipe. I actually had some left over pumpkin that I needed to use. So, it worked out perfectly. These cookies are sooo moist (sorry Carrie), flavorful and delicious. I added in some walnuts for fun. And because I love nuts in just about every thing.

Then I made this pumpkin cream cheese roll....

This pumpkin roll was truly the high light of my week. It required technique and patience. Both of which I have NONE WHATSOEVER. I seriously had to take deep breaths and hold my tongue just right to roll up this cake. But it worked - mostly- and was one of the best pumpkin desserts I have ever made. Think Starbucks pumpkin muffins and add a little more delight. SCRUMPTIOUS!

My only regret was that I meant to add nuts ( surprise!) to the cream cheese mixture and forgot because I was so focused on the rolling of the cake. I got this recipe from Two Peas in a Pod (right hand side of blog). She says you can make several of these in advance and freeze them. Then you will always have a "treat" for any one who stops by. Except for no one ever stops by my house. Except for bounty hunters, hobos, and ghosts.

And they all hate the taste of pumpkin.

Then I decided to make something cute for the kids (Kev).

It started with Red Velvet cake mix.... which I have never made before. I absolutely LOVE the color of the cake mix and had to take of picture of it.

And then turns in to this.....

What a cutie pie pumpkin cake-on-a-stick thingie. I love this little guy. I got this idea and recipe from Bakerella (you know the drill... right hand side of blog) and Pioneer Woman. Bakerella seriously comes up with the cutest treats I have ever seen!! And then Pioneer Woman made them "spooky cute".

It is basically a red velvet cake mixed with cream cheese frosting... then rolled in to balls and dipped in melted chocolate. And then you put it on a stick. Because every thing is ALWAYS better if eaten off of a stick!

But then I ran out of orange chocolate to finish the pumpkins. So, I had to make some......

GHOSTS!! This particular one has a hole in it's head and it's brains are starting to ooze out. How spooky!

I had more fun making these than a squirrel in a nut pit. I'm taking them to Disney World to give the kids for Halloween.

My kids.... (niece and nephews). Not random kids. Because that would be weird. And probably against the law.

I hope you all have a fun and safe Halloween!!!

Thanks for reading!