Peace Out

(this picture has nothing to do with this post. I just think it's really pretty. Snapped it at Jazz Fest on Lake)

Ryan and I are off to the beach this afternoon. Originally we had planned on going to the free Jimmy Buffet, Kenny Chesney, and Zac Brown Band concert, which was scheduled for tomorrow night as a means to bring tourist to the the Gulf Coast.

Long story short (and most of you probably know) we weren't able to get the free tickets on ticketmaster because scalpers grabbed them all up and then proceeded to sell them on Ebay for ungodly amounts. Then Alabama's governor put a stop to that, as the concert was supposed to be free. After that, Jimmy Buffet got mad (not that he called and told me but I can only imagine)... The next thing you know a tropical depression decided to head toward the Gulf of Mexico. It's predicted path is not any where near Gulf Shores/Orange Beach, AL but it could really increase the waves (and the concert would have been on the beach). So lastly, the concert has been rescheduled for next weekend.

At the end of the day, we are going to the beach but without the excitement of a free concert! However, I love the beach and I booked a condo that has a great pool. So, should the oil try to discourage me from having a good time in the ocean I will simply take it on up to the pool.

I tell you all of that to tell you this story...

Since Ryan and I are going to the beach for the weekend we had to find Maggie a babysitter.

Enter Ryan's parents coming through for us!  ::thanks benny and lu::

Well, this morning Ryan had to take Maggie to work with him [I was super jealous because how cool would it be to take your dog to work with you] unitl lunch when his mom could come by and take her to their house.

I had Maggie's bag packed and ready to go when I left the house this morning. All Ryan had to do was grab her bag, the kennel, and her leash and hit the road.

Around 9 o'clock this morning I had a missed call from Ryan so I called him back. I was sure he was calling to inform me that Maggie had been so sweet and innocent!

I was wrong. On Ryan's way in to Roanoke this morning he had to stop by a shop in Wadley (I think it's in Wadley... I could be wrong but that's beside the point). He decided to leave the car running while he ran in to drop off the delivery and Maggie would chill in the car for all of five minutes.

Upon returning to the car Ryan realized sweet and innocent Maggie had locked him out!!

I can picture her sitting in the car listening to the radio and enjoying the cool air conditioning while Ryan had to go back in the shop and ask for help.

Long story short, 10 people attempting to unlock the car, Ryan's dad driving almost all the way there with a spare key, and 30 minutes later... sweet Maggie simply unlocked the car and let Ryan back in!

(Mags looks a lot different now, as she recently had the most gnarley hair cut)

I think Maggie totally knew what she was doing. This morning Ryan told Maggie he was taking her to the pound as I was packing her stuff up (he was kidding and Maggie has thick skin-- so it was all in good fun). But Maggie decided to get back at him.... Payback's a bitch or so they say.

Is that not so funny? She is such a mess. I sure hope this isn't a sign of how the weekend will go with Maggie staying at The Sanford's. ::crossing my fingers she's really sweet and well behaved::

I shall have pictures when we return from the beach. I will also be reporting on the oil situation. Check back next week.

Wedding Part II

(my dad worked hard on the signs that directed guest to the reception location. I thought they were great!)

Hillary posted part two of our wedding on her blog. I have absolutely loved seeing the moments she captured.

(I was in love with my blue toe clips... I got them from the Etsy shop, B. Poetic)

(I also found the flower for my hair on Etsy. It was perfect for the reception!)

The reception was a blast... as is evident from the pictures! Check out Hillary's Blog for the rest of the pictures!

Hometown Heros

Every time I turn around someone is attempting to make me famous. Don't get me wrong though, I'm not complaining at all.

As I mentioned earlier this week, my friends and I spent this past weekend at the Jazz Fest in my hometown.

We even ended up on stage for a song.... As documented in this photo:

Well, while we were minding our business and enjoying dancing on the stage a photographer for the local newspaper was snapping away.

Tuesday morning this was on the front page of the local paper:

 Please note the three girls on the far right. That's just Bess fixing her hair, me clapping and looking confused, and Lacey dancing and laughing.

Lacey and I also made the back page of the same paper. Take a look:

 

This photo cracks me up. I'm smiling and being innocent (typical) and Lacey has her mouth wide open (also typical).

So how's that for making it big in a small town?

It's a Sign

Remember this post about the movie, The Field of Dreams? I was all, I haven't seen that movie in YEARS... blah... blah... blah... the farm house is for sale...... blah, blah, blah... only $5.4 milion....

Well, guess what was on TV this past Sunday afternoon? Yep. The Feild of Dreams.

(yeah, I took a picture of the TV to prove it)

I watched the whole entire movie. I was inspired and I took it as a sign. I called Ryan in to the room I was in and was all, I think this is sign. I haven't seen this movie in years.... then I reference it on the blog and dwell on the fact that the house is for sale.  I think we are supposed to move to Iowa and buy the house...

Ryan didn't pay me much attention. He even told me that that movie comes on AMC all the time (which I do not think is true). Then he left the room.

About thirty minutes later he came back and said, "It would be cool to have a baseball field in the back yard."

So that's that.... I guess Ryan and I are moving to Iowa.

Wedding Photos

Hillary, our photographer for the wedding, did a post on her blog about our big day!! To see a few of the photos check out Je Vois Photography's blog.

This is one of my top ten! I love that everyone is cheering us on and we're just minding our own, just being in love. So. Much. Fun.

I will be sure to update when Hillary has posted part 2 so that you all can check it out!

O.T.W

Over the weekend...

This past weekend was the 20th annual Jazz Fess here in my hometown. Folks flock from all around so that they can enjoy the free concert in downtown on Friday night and at the Lake Martin Amphitheater on Saturday night.

It is always a fun filled weekend. Friday night we enjoyed several bands which happen to include Rolling in the Hay, Southern Culture on the Skids, and Roomful of Blues.

Brittany, me, and Lacey

A shot of the crowd

Ryan, Blake (our adopted son) and Kyle

Apparently something was funny.

 

Saturday we enjoyed a day on the lake...

The guys taking it easy in an attempt to cool off!

Myself and Bess!

Lacey and John relaxing.

Brittany and George about to head on back to The Bain's.

...and Saturday night we jammed out once again at the second night of the Jazz Fest. Bands included: Honey Island Swamp Band and Hill Country Review.

John, Lacey and Bess posing for a pic on the lawn.

Ryan being sexy.

Deidra trying to hang in there. [Side note: deidra left the Jazz fest early because she wasn't feeling well. On Sunday she was admitted to the hospital with a potential case of E. Coli.--Scary stuff. She's home now.] You can so tell that she didn't feel too hot in this picture. Way to be a trooper Dee!

A group candid

No party would be complete if a few of us didn't end up on stage.

The Jazz Fess even attracted some nationwide attention. On CBS's Early Show Saturday they did a segment on the event saying, "the Jazz Fest was the place to be in Alabama this weekend." And I totally agree!! It was the place to be.

"I'm Just Being Miley"

The next time we hang out...

I'll probably be rocking a cool outfit. You'll be all, "Great Shirt!" or "Loving the Romper" and I will be grateful, thank you and move right on. However,

I will redeem myself...

Because I'll come back and tell you that I got a great deal on it. I will then tell you the brand and ask you not to mention it to anyone.

My heart can't rest til then...

So I'll just be honest now. I've been rocking some Miley Cyrus apparel. **OMG**

Like this:

and this:

and even these:

I know I'm not 13, but if it's trendy and good deal I'm probably going to rock it. Now that I've got that off my chest...

I can't wait to see you again.

"If you build it...

HE will come."

Who doesn't remember the movie Field of Dreams? I loved it. Haven't seen it in years but I loved it back in the day.

Kevin Costner's character, Ray, heard a voice telling him to "build it" so he built a baseball field right in his back yard.

Well, as it turns out, the property where the Field of Dreams was shot back in 1988 is For SALE! It still has the baseball field and all.

For only $5.4 million dollars you could own the Field of Dreams. The farm house is a two bedroom, one and half bath estate located on 193 acres. The property has 7 buildings on it. From a barn to corn crib it has all the necessities of a good farm. It also has a souvenir shop so that you can sell items from the movie to the 65,000 tourist that stop by each year.

Go the distance...

You did it, Ray

So if you happen to be moving to Iowa and want to live on a not-so-private farm that includes a baseball field, this might be just what you're looking for...

Hmmm...

Our society is so wild.

I was talking with my friend, Lacey, last night about the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and how BP has done a piss poor job working it out.

She had been at her art class and the topic came up... her art teacher is in her sixties and what some would term a "hippy." Basically, the conversation boiled down to the fact that our generation (or my generation) doesn't rage against the system. We don't show enough emotion. I mean, sure, people have been outraged about this oil spill but back in the sixties people would have banned together and made a stand.

In 2010, we talk about how mad we are about it, how BP is terrible, facebook statuses are updated regarding the oil spill, articles about how ridiculous BP has handled the situation is forwarded from friend to friend... but has anyone made a stand? (and for that matter what type of stand does one make?)

Someone needs to hold BP accountable. Apparently that's the problem. According to an article I read, BP had over 700 safety violations in the last three years. Exxon had only one. Who do they answer to?
I mean, BP is a MAJOR oil company. How does one go against the MAN? What is the answer?

Simply put-- This oil spill is tragic and has been mishandled... and BP needs to be held accountable. period.

And while I'm on the topic of our society... How in the world did this man's opinion become valid???

I realize he has nothing to do with the oil spill, but I find my self wondering why someone hasn't figured out a way to cap his mouth shut.  But that is a soap box for another day...

O.T.W.

Over the weekend...

Friday afternoon I met up with my friend Lacey for a afternoon date. Sometimes she and I like to have some alone time to catch up on life, love, and the pursuit of happiness. For the most part I think we've got things figured out... it's just a matter of making them happen.

Our 'date' included pedicures followed by a bottle of wine on her back patio. I'll have to say it was just lovely.

**Side note: I went with OPI's "I'm Indi-a Mood for Love" and I love it. Such a great color for summer (in my opinion).**

Friday night, Ryan and I met Lacey & John as well as my brother and few of his friends at a new restaurant here in town. It's more of a laid back bar and grill. We had fried green tomatoes and spinach dip for an appetizer... and we all ordered the Philly Steak and Cheese for our meal. Dinner was great and the meal was reasonably priced. So for all you locals that read the blog I must suggest checking it out!

On Saturday Ryan and I worked around the house. I'm trying to make it feel like a home. I have to keep reminding myself that it will take time so I need to have some patience. I can only do so much in a weekend.

Saturday night, we ventured to Ryan's hometown for a wedding party for a couple we're friends with. The party was a "Cowboy Cookout" which required hats and boots. It was a lot of fun to see some of Ryan's friends from his hometown.

Sunday-- included a whole lot of nothing. Sleeping in, watching a movie, and taking it easy.

Pretty good weekend in my opinion!

Dinner and a Movie?

Last night I tried a new recipe and it was delicious! So much so I thought I might share it with you all. It is a version of Chicken Parmesan but it reminds me of Chicken Marinara. I found it on Cooking Light. I like that website because it has each recipe's nutritional value with it.

The recipe I tried out can be found right here,  it is called Herbed Chicken Parmesan.

However, I made a few simple changes to move the process along a little quicker. Instead of buying original Panko bread crumbs I used the Italian Panko bread crumbs.This actually cut out a few of the steps. I then mixed Parmesan cheese with the Italian bread crumbs. I had ten chicken tenders and I did them two different ways. The recipe calls for the tenders to be dredged in egg whites and bread crumbs and then cooked on the stove top in a skillet and that is how I prepared four of the tenders. I cooked the remaining chicken tenders by dredging them in melted margarine and the Italian and Parmesan bread crumb mix and then baked then on 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Both versions were delicious. The version cooked on the stove top was quicker and probably a bit healthier but the the baked version was the one that both Ryan and I enjoyed the most.

The other thing I would suggest is cutting the sauce portions in half. We had way too much.

Overall, I would have to say Ryan and I both enjoyed this little semi-healthy recipe.

Due to the fact that we were basically eating Italian I had several glasses of wine while preparing dinner (because in my world that only makes sense). After dinner I watched the movie, Dear John.

Talking about books being made into movies yesterday really got me motivated to rent that one. I loved it.... and I love that the movie doesn't end exactly like the book. I would suggest checking it out!!

Oh, and I now officially have the biggest crush on Channing Tatum.

Talk about hottness! (and he was born right here in Alabama).

Good dinner, good company, and a good movie = my happy place.

Book to Movie

There are two books that are being made into movies which I am excited about. Like I've said before, I love to read! I like anything from a good romance novel, to an edge-of-your-seat Mystery, or even a book about the supernatural (i.e. vamps and whatnot). I love when a book is made into a movie because it can bring to life what you've imagined while reading. Nine times out of ten a movie can't live up to the book, but on occasion it does. For example... the Harry Potter series or The Notebook.

This summer one of the more recent books I've read is being made into a movie-- EAT, PRAY, LOVE.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's broken down in to three parts-- get this, section one is EAT, section two is PRAY, and section three is LOVE.

I love that it is a true story of one woman's journey from divorce and being at what she feels like is the very bottom to finding her way back from the edge. She spends one year traveling to three different countries. She begins in Italy where she eats her way through pasta and wine. She then heads to India to an Ashram where she has a spiritual rebirth, if you will. And finally, she head to Indonesia where she learns she can love once again.

I had a tough time with the "Pray" section of the book. I kept wanting to skip ahead but I stayed the course and I'm glad I did. (I'm not really a yogi so...)

Julia Roberts plays the main character and it looks like it should be a really good book to movie adaptation.



The second book that I absolutely love which is being made into a movie is Water for Elephants.

I could not put this book down. From start to finish I loved it. It is about a young man, Jacob, who has everything one could imagine. He has recently graduated from an ivy league school with a vet degree when he learns both of his parents have been killed in an accident. Unaware of how to handle the tragedy, Jacob simply decides to run away from the problems. Not long after hitting the road he comes across a traveling circus and he is hired as their vet. The plot only thickens from there...

The actor chosen to play Jacob is none other than Robert Pattinson. The person hired to play his love interest is one of my all time favorites, Reese Witherspoon.

Sadly this film just started shooting scenes last month, so we probably have a pretty good wait. But wait I will, my friend, because I am excited to see this movie.