From Hawaii To Cuba To Maryland

Talk about weather extremes....

For the couple that has lived for YEARS in tropical hot weather... they sure have received quite the cold weather welcome in their new location....

These pics should teach me not to complain about 40 degree weather. Except for that they won't. Because I like to complain. And am so ready for Spring.

Holly and Kris... we are sending warm thoughts your way......

The Butter To My Bread

Or more like the "low calorie light olive oil spread" to my bread.

Because he is so fit and trim and healthy.

And the "he" I'm referring to is: Kev.

Because he just gets me. He knows me so well.

And once again surprised me with an incredible evening.

It all started with this......

I came home to a fireplace FULL of fire wood. I have been wanting to build a fire in my fire place since the day I was born. And yes, I said THE.DAY.I.WAS.BORN. Because that is how much I love fires - (in a warm, cozy, ambiance kind of way... and not a psychotic way)- and I have been patiently waiting for the day that all my dreams would come true.

You see... along with a multitude of things that needed to be upgraded and fixed ... the fire place was one of them. In addition to the fact that we had an entire aviary living in the chimney that made our house sound like a Disney movie on surround sound speakers every morning... and the little issue we had with bird "waste" covering our fire wood.... we weren't sure if the fireplace even worked properly.


So, long story longer.... we needed to get everything checked out/cleaned out before it was safe to use.

(Even though the idea of FREE roasted bird made my heart flutter)

I kid. (You shouldn't take me so seriously)

Then apparently my husband added "chimney sweep" to his long list of things he excels in. And preceded to make our fireplace a dream come true. Complete with dancing and singing on all of the rooftops in Gaston. Just like you would imagine.

If you are a Mary Poppins fan ... that is. Those of you who are not probably are just imaging a hard days work.

And I'm sorry for your imagination.

Now... not only was my fireplace full of wood. But then I looked outside and saw this.....


An entire truck load full. Which he unloaded by himself in the freezing cold... while I sat in my jammies, wrapped up in a blanket eagerly anticipating the warmth of the fire. And I may or may not have gotten a couple of wire hangers ready for marshmallow roasting.

Even though messy food eating and cooking is forbidden in my "favorite room of the house".

And then..... The first Snyder fire EVER was lit. Kev did it all by himself and without any of my prior Girl Scout advice - which was clearly for the best.

The sound of the fire crackling was music to my ears.....

And it filled up the room with the smell of roasted hot dogs. With a hint of bird.

My beautiful fire at night......

But folks. This was not the end of my incredibly thoughtful evening. No sir-ree.

Kev then put in this movie....

A movie that I had been dying to see. It had received very mixed reviews... and I had planned on eventually watching it. Probably by myself. But I should have known that the man of my dreams would sacrifice his evening to watch it with me and enjoy the fire.

Will someone please tell me what I did to deserve him?

I LOVED this movie. LOVED IT! But let me just explain that I also love food, and cooking, and baking ( sometimes), and blogging. Almost too much. So, it was right up my alley. And even though I have definitely not mastered the art of French cooking.... I fell in love with Julia Child. I fell in love with her passion and determination and humor and positive outlook and her relationship with her husband. And I've decided that she is my new best friend.

And as for Julie. I liked her too. We share the same meltdowns when something doesn't turn out. And the same stress level to prepare the perfect meal. And the same incredibly supportive, loving, motivating husband. That ALWAYS looks on the bright side. Even when you don't want him to. Even when you just want him to feel sorry for you. And that is definitely something I have taken for granted - which I have now learned to appreciate and cherish.

So, if you just LOVE cooking like I do. If you love to grocery shop for the perfect ingredients. Or get excited over a new zester or knife or spice. Or you understand that food brings people together and makes them happy.

Then watch this movie!

But just know that I do draw the line on some cooking necessities. Like de-boning a duck. Ewww! I can't even pull the meat off of the roasted whole chickens from the deli. Kev has to do that while I put a paper bag over my head. And I also will NOT cook a calf's leg for a gelatin dessert. ICK!

But anything else. I will do! It is all done for LOVE you know. That is why I cook.

Oh... except for cleaning my own fish. GROSS!

There is a reason that I love the Fresh Market so much. They do all of those things for me. In addition to giving all of my senses a sensational delight.

Kev said the movie was "cute". And he kept the fire going for most of the night. And he truly makes me so happy. And is too good to me. And I love him for it.

And he will forever be "the butter to my bread".

The Most Comfortable Seat In The House

We have been diligently working on our home for three years and a couple of months. And up to this point, we mainly have been living out of three rooms. Our bedroom, the Gamecock/Entertainment room, and the kitchen.



Oh... and the weight room. If you are asking Kev.



Now.. don't get me wrong. We definitely utilize the other rooms. But only when company is over or if we are playing hide and seek.



You are never too old to play hide and seek.



So, New Year's resolution # 136 is to get quality use out of ALL the rooms. And to get the most enjoyment possible out of this house that we have worked so hard to turn in to a home.



It is about reading a book on the window seat of the Charleston room. Or having lunch in the Sun Room while watching the birds. Or playing Twister in the Dining Room.



With or without clothes on. I do have curtains in there... you know.



But ultimately the Lodge room was my first love. The reason I had to have this house. The reason I cried, threw fits, screamed, and begged during the process of waiting to close on the house.



The reason I acted a fool. And ashamed myself for my behavior.



So, all the more reason to spend more time in it. To show it some love. Because it is the reason that my whole head is gray. And that Kev received one tiny, unable to be seen by the naked eye, wrinkle.



And so that is what I have been doing for the past two weeks. Finding my most comfortable position.



And I think I found it.....

It is in a chair in the corner of the room. Close to the fire place. Directly across from the window.



The window provides all the light that I need in the day time. To read. To blog. To write lists. To nap.



It is comforting. And relaxing. And peaceful.



And if you are patient enough.... you can look out the window and see the squirrels chasing each other on the branches. Or watch the birds fly by.



Or witness the turkeys performing a puppet show.



The wildlife out here is incredible. And entertaining.





And some times at night.... Your husband may or may not try to scare you by shining flashlights in to the window while you are watching tv. But then you just plug your ears, close your eyes, and rock back and forth in your chair while chanting " It is only Kev and not a monster" over and over. Until you hear a familiar laugh and know that Kev has gotten you again.



Kev's simple pleasures = scaring me. But by accident.. of course. (???)




And in case you have ever wondered where I got my extremely horrific posture from...... it is from carrying around all of these things wherever I go in the house......




Lap top. Cell phone. Home phone. My current favorite cookbooks. Notebooks. Pens. Magazines. Camera. and not pictured..... my glass of tea and/or bottled water. oh... and my favorite blanket.



I'm ridiculous.

Simple Pleasures

I read a great post the other day from my "friend" Kelly at Kelly's Korner. It was about life's simple pleasures.



The little things that make you so happy. That can brighten your day. That don't take much effort or money.



I LIVE for these things.



So, I thought I would share them with you... and get you to think about your "simple pleasures"...



1. Kev grilling out. There is nothing like making a meal together. Kev grilling the meat. Me making the sides. It just makes me all warm and fuzzy inside. And is probably my favorite part of the Summer. Or Fall.... or even winter as shown in the picture below.





2. Having a "date night". They don't happen very often. But any adventure where we get to leave the house together in the same car....I consider a date. Even if it is just to ride up to Lowe's to pick out some plants and exterior caulk.



3. A good night sleep.



4. Being "tucked in" and "swaddled" to ensure a good night sleep. Kev will try ANYTHING to get me to sleep and it has been working lately.



5. The sound of ocean waves crashing on the beach.



6. A Venti iced caramel macchiato. TO.DIE.FOR.



7. Finding a new scent of Febreze.... and/or spraying Febreze all throughout the house.




8. Finding new recipes. Especially when they come from friends. And getting a "this is definitely a do-again" from Kev.



9. Planning a week's worth of menus.



10. Trying something new regarding food. A new technique. A new vegetable. A new spice.



11. Reading cookbooks, magazines and cooking blogs.



12. Having a meal that just consists of appetizers.



13. Eating breakfast for dinner.



14. Cupcakes. Making them and eating them. You just can't help but be happy when you are around a cupcake.



15. Baking something that turns out perfectly - (doesn't happen often)



16. Watching the hundreds of birds eat from our bird feeder.


17. Wearing an outfit that doesn't require Spanx.



18. Listening to 80's music. But not just anything.... Having D.J. Kev play 80's music on the very RARE days that we both have the day off.



19. Walking down Main Street in the Magic Kingdom. It just transports me to an incredibly magical place.



20. Grating cheese in my food processor. It is money saving and probably the most exciting thing that happens in my kitchen.



21. Finding something PERFECT for the house. That is a bargain (free). And that completes a room.



22. Bubble baths.



23. Tea parties. Or just tea in general. I can't live without it.



24. LAUGHING.



25. Looking through old pictures and reminiscing. I could do this every day, every hour, every minute.



26. Fresh clean sheets.



27. Getting a thoughtful surprise gift. For no reason at all. From someone that just "gets" you.



28. Watching Kev break dance.



29. Sitting in our special tv viewing spot. Every night. And just hanging out together.


(Notice the tablet of paper and pen next to the remote. In case I need to make a list for something!) This simple pleasure was at the top of BOTH of our lists. I thought it was so sweet. And we each have our laptops ready ... just in case... the other person doesn't like what we are watching. It is about enjoying each other's company and simply being together. Awwwww.



And I will go ahead and do #30 because it was the only one on Kev's list that I didn't have. And this blog is about the both of us.....



30. Working out.



That one used to be at the top of my list. Back in the day. And it will be on my list once again. But just not today - because EVERY single muscle in my body aches after working out yesterday.

*EDITED TO ADD* That I have officially changed my mind since first typing this post. I have worked out FOUR days in a row now. And the feeling you get when you are finished is DEFINITELY a simple pleasure.

My list could go on and on. Because there are really so many simple things that make me happy. My New Year's Resolution #27 is to savor them. To enjoy them more. To not take them for granted.

"The man is richest whose pleasures are cheapest" ~ Henry David Thoreau

LOST

Did you know that it is the final season?

THE.FINAL.SEASON.OF.LOST....


What are we ever going to do without it?

The endless hours spent researching, speculating, discussing. Ok- maybe it is just me doing all of that. But let me just tell you that Kev loves it as much as I do.

And it will all end this year. At least we will finally get some answers. And I will be able to sleep a little better at night because I won't be trying to figure everything out.

Or will I? Because Kev has predicted that it may end with all sorts of unanswered questions. Which may or may not leave me in a state of bewilderment.

A state that I visit often.

But for now.... I will savor every minute of the last season. I will watch it with full attention. I will hope for the best for all of my "friends" stranded on that island.

And Sawyer, if you are reading this.... and you are looking for a job.... you are welcome to move in with me and become my pool boy. Kev could use the help. Not only with cleaning the pool but having to re-enact your "coming up out of the ocean with no shirt on" "while calling me a funny nickname and making sarcastic comments".

It gets pretty cold in the winter. And chattering teeth throw the whole fantasy off.

Anyway..... On Tuesday, we celebrated the season premiere by having an "island party". Unfortunately, I will not post a picture of our attire as my coconuts do not fit the way they used to. And I try to keep this blog family friendly.

But I will share with you the food......


Pineapple and Pork Tacos. With guacamole - of course. I had posted this recipe a week ago with eager anticipation of making it. And it did not disappoint. It had a very interesting combination of flavors. Like cinnamon, sugar, cumin, and coriander. And it was all healthy. Flat Belly Diet healthy.

I'm sure they eat this meal ALL THE TIME. They being my "friends" stranded on the island.

Then we watched 3 HOURS of LOST. And I am officially in a state of confusion, wonderment (is that a word?), and excitement.

And am counting down the seconds until next week's episode.

PATIENCE = I have none.

Hopefully, for your sake, you are a fan of the show. Otherwise this post was probably a waste of your time.

New Year's Resolution # 231 and #307

Yes. I really do have that many resolutions.



I am nearing the end of my 30's and I need to make this year count. I want my 30's to be known for more than that I love to put cheese on everything. And my severe procrastination when it comes to shaving.



Now. If I could just finalize my resolution list. I seem to add something to it every day. In a notebook with perforated pages. Just in case I need to tear a page out. Or two.

And pretend they never existed.



And speaking of notebooks. And lists. I'm a total fanatic about them. As we speak, I have three notebooks in my purse (large tote bag). One for my weekly meal plans/grocery lists. One for my resolutions. And one for party planning.



The parties that I plan are mostly for just me and Kev. In case you were wondering. I've got four planned just for February.



We are some celebrating fools.



And then there is the day planner notebook. With a calendar for each month and a place where I can write DAILY to-do lists. It thrills me to no end to be able to mark something off of a list.



Don't even get me started on if we are going on a trip. That involves getting ANOTHER notebook just for the trip. What to pack. Where to eat. Activities.

Maybe "not wasting so much paper on lists" should be on my list.

And just so you know..... this list writing issue that I have.... it started in my youth. Every Sunday.... between morning and evening church service.... I used to lay on my bed and listen to Kasey Kasem's Top 40 RADIO show and write down ALL 40 songs in order. In a notebook. And then compare the rankings to the previous week's list.

I was probably also wearing my head gear. And drooling out of the sides of my mouth just because I couldn't handle that much metal at one time.

Wow. What a loser!

I'm so glad that I have moved on from such bizarre and embarrassing behavior. ;)

Anyhoo.... Back to the point of this post....

Resolution #231. Find and CONSISTENTLY use a anti-wrinkle/skin firming/ moisturizing lotion.

Because there is no time better than your late 30's to begin a reversal process on the insane amounts of damage you have done to your face. Including but not limited to the Crisco oil that I used for "sunscreen" in the 80's. I mean... let's be honest here. It is pretty much a waste of time to put special serums on my skin. Especially when the tube of lotion takes one look at the task at hand and goes on strike. But lucky for me... Resolution #5 is to be less cynical and more positive. So, I forge ahead in to the unknown world of skin repair and enhancements.

I have collected a pretty good amount of lotion samples over the years.....



And stored them away. Maybe I was waiting for a special day?? Who knows. But I have dusted them off and organized them. And have started the process of trying different lotions each day to see what works. Except for the fact that most of the samples are one time use. And the packages say that you must use consistently for weeks to see a difference. Oh... and also the fact that I have had these samples for YEARS which means they probably don't even work anymore.

But at least I am TRYING to take care of my skin. That is definitely a step in the right direction.

Resolution #307. Wear Sunglasses EVERY day.

I NEVER wear sunglasses. EVER. And if you have ever seen me in a pair - then it is usually because I was going on a vacation and felt I needed to buy them because it was on my LIST. And then I would pretty much break or lose them within the first day.

Like last March when I crushed a pair between my thighs while riding Space Mountain at the Magic Kingdom. That pair only lasted for 3 hours. Who knew my thighs were so strong?? They also made the top fly off of my popcorn bucket. On the same ride. Which resulted in popcorn flying all over the seat.

Needless to say.. the ride attendant was not very happy with me. Or my thighs of steel.

Regardless. Once again I had wasted money on sunglasses. And I swore to never buy them again. Except for the fact that they are an important part of protecting your eye sight. And not just for fashion as some (me) may assume.

I mean... Kev has worn a pair EVERY.SINGLE.DAY.OF.HIS.LIFE. He can't function without them. Some times..... he even wears them to breakfast because our kitchen is so bright in the morning.

"Bright light" "Bright light"... (name that movie!)

So, I broke down and bought ANOTHER pair. For medical reasons and preservation of my eyes. And I gave myself a lecture about how "I better take care of this pair. I better not lose them or break them or I would be grounded". And then I forgot all about them and left them in a bag in my closet.

Until yesterday.......

(Can I look any angrier?? I think this pic is hilarious because I was so focused on taking a picture of myself that apparently I could NOT smile at the same time) ( And let's not even begin talking about how badly I need my roots done and how extremely flat my hair was) ( I'm serious... do NOT talk about it. Or I will come after you with that angry face and give you a piece of my mind!)

So, basically, I have started two of my resolutions. But unfortunately, cannot cross them off the list until I prove consistency. And with my A.D.D. - that means one week.

And now I need to add to my list..... stop having A.D.D.

My Quest For A Flat Belly

Dear Pioneer Woman,

You are one of my best friends. However, I unfortunately have to inform you that we need to take a break. For the sake of my belly. And my jiggly bottom. I will still treasure your cookbook and will continue to make your incredibly delicious dishes. On occasion. And for special events.

Sincerely,

The weirdo that is obsessed with you and you have no idea who I am.

That is the letter that I sent P.W. this morning. In my mind. It just has to be this way for now. Folks, my situation is serious. I have 8 BOXES of butter in my fridge. That is 32 STICKS. Just waiting to jump in a P.W. recipe to make my belly happy with delight.

My belly. It is out of control. It is rude to my jeans. And makes me have to wear spanx. It does not deserve happiness right now.

At least...that is what I thought. Until I was privileged enough to eat a delicious, out of this world, meal at Kev's parent's house.

That is when I was introduced to this book....

Now before you laugh. And point at me. And squirt me with a bottle of water (like Kev does to get me off of the furniture until I've had a bath).... let me just explain about this book. I am NOT a fan of hard to follow fad diets. I LOVE food. And I LOVE tasty, scrumptious food. This book isn't so much a "diet" but a cookbook. Yes, it encourages smaller proportions and much healthier eating. BUT it has "out of this world" meals. And combinations of flavors that will blow your mind. In the past two weeks, we have tried more new flavors and foods than we have our whole lives.

Let me give you some examples....

Southwestern Steak Salad:

Perfectly cooked Beef Tenderloin Steaks. On a bed of mixed greens, corn, tomatoes, and JICAMA. ( the J is supposed to be pronounced as a H .... but I refuse to do that) Ever heard of Jicama? I had. But only on Top Chef. And I had no idea what it was. It is a radish like vegetable - but without the bite. Completely delightful and fun to eat mixed in with the greens. And for the salad dressing.... it was made with avocados, greek yogurt, cumin, and lime juice.

It made me want to slap my granny out of pure excitement.

( NOTE: Slapping is how we show our affections out here in the country)

And then there is this: Mexican Stuffed Peppers!

I am making this tonight. It is a vegetarian dish. So, it is suitable for the majority of my meat hating family.

How about....... Korean Beef in Lettuce Leaves.....

Similar to PF Changs lettuce wraps. These are made with organic orange marmalade and hoisin sauce. Two things that this hill billy has never had. However, I have a feeling that I could be making a living off of canning ( or is it jarring?) orange marmalade. It sounds like something Laura Ingalls would do.

Oh... let me tell you about this delicious treat...... Caribbean Jerk Chicken with avocado mango salsa.....

I have never had a mango. I have NEVER thought about eating mangos, avocados, and onions all together. I have NEVER been happier in my life for trying this. OUT OF THIS WORLD. And Kev is still talking about it and we had it a week ago.

And for those of you wondering..... Kev is truly the best taste tester in the world. He loves to try new things. He is very honest and helpful in deciding if the meal is a keeper. He is always sooo appreciative and complimentary during every meal.

It warms my heart. And fuels my love for cooking. And makes me want to buy him a pony because he is so good to me.

But then I remember that he is not fond of pets in his own house/yard. Especially ones that poop, shed, and chew up things.

So, I just make him another great meal instead.

Like this one.....

Pork and Pineapple Tacos. Perfect for the LOST season premiere on February 2nd. ( Yes, we eat themed food to go along with our favorite shows)

And this delicious looking soup..... Beef Tenderloin and Onion.

This would be perfect for Valentine's Day with some fresh home made Artisan Bread... ( If Lisa can ever teach me to make it....)

Needless to say.... this "diet" has rocked our world. It has been so much fun planning meals. Cooking meals. Eating meals. And I haven't used a drop of butter, sour cream, heavy cream, or cream cheese in weeks.

My jeans thank this book. From the bottom of their hearts.

Oh... and as far as eating out goes. This diet is based on healthy fats. Like avocados, nuts, olive oil, olives, feta cheese.... lots of greek foods. So, it makes it pretty easy to enjoy food outside of the home.

Like when I went to this DELIGHTFUL sandwich place.....

And got one of the best sandwiches that I have EVER eaten. Tomato and avocado on wheat bread. INCREDIBLE!

And for those of you who don't like avocados. YOU ARE WEIRD! It is one of our favorite foods. I could seriously eat it every day. And thankfully this cookbook just about requires it. Avocados were one of the foods that Kev refused to eat when we first met. After I kicked him in the shins a couple of times... and held his nose so he would have to open his mouth... and may or may not have shoved an entire spoonful down his throat.... he has LOVED it just as much as me. And is so grateful of my forceful ways.

If you love to cook. And are looking for ways to eat healthier.... this book is your ticket.

And don't worry.... I will keep you updated on our quest.

Our quest to be "Fit in our skin for 2010".

( I seriously just made that up)

(But it sounds cool.... so, I will stick with it)