All Star Special. Scrambled, Extra Cheese, & Bacon

Ryan and I had an awesome Christmas. We are so lucky to have such awesome friends and families.

I have all kinds of things to share with y'all. I've even made a list of topics I need to post about, so as not to forget. From holiday parties where things got wild to family gatherings where hugs were in abundance-- I will be covering it all.

In the meantime, I wanted to share a recipe for a shot that you will probably want to test out this weekend. Let me bring you up to speed.

The company my brother works for gifted their employees with bottle of Crown Royal Maple (among other things) just before the holidays.

This was new to my brother and he didn't know what to mix it with or what kind of cocktail to make with this maple flavored liquor. So he did what any person living in 2012 would do (other than google it) he posted to his facebook requesting suggestions.

My sweet cousin, Robin, replied with an answer to Justin's Facebook plea.

This is sweet cousin, Robin. A true connoisseur of fun!

Then, to our surprise, she had the ingredients on hand for us to test her suggested concoction at our Toland Family Christmas gathering. (for the record-- Robin doesn't claim to have created this mix; she simply shared some of her vast knowledge)

Here's the recipe:

It seems like the most random combination but it is so much fun! It is similar to taking a tequila shot in that you have several steps. Instead of drink, lick the salt, bite the lime... this is drink, sip the OJ and crunch on the bacon.  I'm not sure what the name of this shot is but I think it should be called the All Star Breakfast because after the shot you feel like you've just eaten a Waffle House All Star Breakfast.

Go forth and give it a go this weekend. You won't regret it!

O.T.W. Fall Getaway, Part II

Part II of our Fall Adventure takes us from Stone Mountain, GA to Senoia, GA.

Back in July of this year Southern Living Magazine released their issue with the cover story being the 2012 Idea House. The Idea House is a beautifully decorated farmhouse in Senoia, GA. It was instant love for me. Truly everything I would include in my dream home. Literally from the wrap around porch to the open floor plan to the amazing back yard-- it would all be included in the home of my dreams (hopefully one day).

 

As I read and reread the issue of Southern Living I knew I had to make it Senoia to tour the house. Senoia is about an hour from Stone Mountain so after a quick breakfast we loaded up and headed that way.

I knew from the article in the magazine that Fried Green Tomatoes and Driving Mrs. Daisy were both filmed in this small southern town. However, once we got there we realized the several other movies were made there.

Currently AMC's The Walking Dead is being filmed there. I love anything with celebrity ties and this had me so excited.

The show is currently set in the fictional town of Woodbury, GA so the town had a Bank of Woodbury and banners throughout the downtown area.

The downtown/main street area was the cutest! It is the quintessential southern town.

As we shopped we made small talk with one of the owners and he explained that as they film The Walking Dead the production company blacks out their shop windows and film in the street out front while business goes on as usual with patrons entering using the back door.

After touring the quaint downtown area we headed to Maguire's Irish Pub for lunch. The food was delicious and the atmosphere was perfect. Ryan got crazy and ordered a mac-n-cheese burger. Who has ever heard of such? Lunch was great.

After lunch we made our way to the 2012 Southern Living Idea House. I thought this house was beautiful when I saw it in the magazine, but in real life I was head over heels in LOVE. I can't even explain how much this house is every single thing I could ever want.

Just at home on the front stoop

Ryan quickly informed me that I wasn't alone in that thought process, as it was probably every other persons dream home too. That's fine... I can share my dream with others.

The house was decorated for the holidays. They had some great ideas that anyone could DIY.  The wreaths were made of magnolia leaves and the tables were decorated with jars of evergreen and cranberries.

Here is a picture of the living room when not decorated for Christmas:

From Southern Living's website

Look! I'm at home in the dinning area-- ready to host a holiday gathering.

The gingham painted pattern in the "keeping room" was awesome.

Some of the reoccurring things in the house included sliding barn doors, old trunks, and paintings of cows. All things I love.

I couldn't help but think of my friend, Katie, in the room below because her wedding bouquet had the dried Lily pad seed pods that are displayed in the bowl. That Katie is always in the know about what's cool.

I had a tough time figuring out what the print above meant. Finally it came to me-- it's Southern twang for A T L Georgia (because that's how we say it down here) 

In the magazine the deer painting in this sitting area looked like this:



from Southern Living website

But in real life it was much more textured.

 

The idea house had lots of trends that we had seen the day before at the Country Living Fair such as the paint by numbers paintings, the deer antlers,  burlap, and skeleton keys.

The hardwood floors, below, are restored from the original portion of the farmhouse dating back to the 1800's.

If this were my home you would be invited to roast marshmallows by the outdoor fire pit.  We would also sip wine here and discuss life and then I would ask you to sleep over in the guest room so as not to drive home from Senoia. The next morning I would cook you breakfast in my fancy kitchen while you sipped coffee in the keeping room. If only....

The 2010 Southern Living Idea Home was also built in this small town and was open for tours, although it was unfurnished and not decorated. The 2010 idea house was actually a brownstone similar to what one would find in Savannah, GA.

The back of the brownstone, pictured below, backs up to a pond and looks out toward the 2012 Farmhouse.

There was a real estate agent on site at the brownstone. She and I chatted regarding pricing and why Southern Living chose to do more than one idea house in this small town.

She explained that eventually this entire area will be developed into a small subdivision of sorts. As it turns out, one of the owners of the production company fell in love with this area and decided to develop the community. The lots are marked off for sale and the brownstone is up for sale for just under $1 million.

Here are a couple of the houses in that surroud the pond in the community:

Truth be told, I would move into this smaller white one tomorrow. How cute is it?

The Farm House has already been sold and went for somewhere between $550K and $600K.

If I had half a million dollars readily avalible to purchase one of the homes I would be moving to Senoia, GA. I would open a small shop in downtown. I fell in love.

Healthy Stuff

I feel the need to share a few healthy items or food I've recently discovered.

I'm not a health nut by any means. I more of a "I wish I looked like this super model but pass the Doritos" kind of gal.

But in the last couple of weeks I've discovered a few healthy lifestyle goodies that I think I should share.

First up, Quinoa. Now, I realize lots of people probably eat this on a weekly basis. It's probably old news to many, but like I said I like Doritos and cupcakes... all in moderation but that's where my heart is.

I love cooking and I'm always looking for healthy recipes to try out for Ryan and I. Ryan just goes along with me.

Back on track-- I saw a blog post where two trainers were stocking up on health food at Whole Foods before a trip. The photo they shared of their grocery cart contained a Quinoa and Black Bean Salad. I was intrigued.

A little research via Google and I was on my way.

I tried out this recipe which is only 74 calories per serving when cooked as directed.

That might look gross in the pic, but it was on my  phone. Trust me. It is good!

I did make a couple of substitution. I used chicken broth instead of vegetable broth, added a red bell pepper for more color, some chicken,  and chopped up an avocado for added yummy-ness.

I was unsure of where my culinary concoction would take me, but we ended up in a good place. Ryan and I both loved it. In fact, that's what I'm having for lunch today! Raise the roof if you love a healthy recipe that is also delicious and filling!!!

My next healthy discovery was the iPhone App Fooducate. While grocery shopping this week I was having difficulties deciding eactly which type of Oatmeal (High Fiber or Weight Control) was really better for me. I was tyring to compare the labels, which in all honesty who knows what the heck is going on with the labels. I'm good with serving size and calories, but you lose me with additives and stuff.

So there I was studying away when a lady tapped me on the shoulder and said, "Hey. I think you would love this app. You can just scan the bar code and it will rate the product for you."

Awesome. I had it downloaded in a matter of minutes. 

Scan the bar code.

It gives you a Grade for the product as well as the reason it ranked high or low. 

I was sad that this one got a C, but the great thing is  that I can just  click to see "alternatives" and it gives me different, healthier options.

I may or may not have scanned the majority of items in our pantry that night.

And my last new healthy product is my new shampoo and conditioner. How is that healthy? Well, it says on the bottle it's 100% Vegan. So that's healthy right?

I recently read an article that stated naturally curly hair tends to frizz due to all the sulfates in the shampoos we use. Who knows if it's true, but I rushed and bought L'Oreal's Sulfate Free Bodify Shampoo and Conditioner.

I have had one person tell me my hair looks great, but I think it's because it was freshly washed  that day (as opposed to a few days old) But I like to think it was my Juniper and Mint Sulfate Free Vegan Shampoo.

Keep it healthy, America. (or at least semi-healthy)

I'm off to scan the Greek yogurt I packed with my Quinoa for lunch while allowing  my Vegan hair to flow freely.

Random Friday Facts

TGIF.

Here are a few Random Friday Facts for all to know and tell (or not). It's actually more like "a few tidbits that you may not care about."

1. I was discovering on pintrest when I came across this picture:

The caption read; "The dragon from the movie The Never Ending Story." I'm confused. Am I the only one that always thought this was a just a big friendly dog that one could hop on for a flying ride to wherever? Never a dragon. Hmmm, something to think about.

2. Maggs = Awesome. Period.

3. I tried "oven fried okra" as a side item for dinner one night this week. Here's the linky to the recipe. It was okay. Definitely not as good fired okra, but it was decent and at only 70 calories per serving I won't complain!

4.  Finished this book a few weeks ago:

It was pretty good. My favorite "circus" book of all time is Water for Elephants, and this is certainly not even close. However, it's a good read and very descriptive. I loved picturing all of the different circus tents and tricks.

Started this series a last week:

This a naughty romance novel. It's probably the most risque series I've ever read (and I love a good romance novel, so I've read many). These aren't for the faint at heart.

Have an awesome weekend. Word.

Special Sight-Seeing

Last week, as we departed on our trip we had no idea just how long it would take us to get to our final destination.

We originally had a 5:30 a.m. flight out of Birmingham, AL and were scheduled to arrive in Salt Lake City, UT around 10:30 a.m.

We left our house at 3:30 a.m., although we had to turn around about a half a mile from the house in order to go back for Ryan's sunglasses (but he swears that didn't make a difference in our day).

We arrived at the airport around 4:45 a.m. We hustled to park and ran to the Delta Kiosk to print our boarding passes and check our bags. We knew we were cutting it close in order to get our bags checked prior to the 30 minute cutoff, however, the airport doesn't open until 4:45... so we felt okay about it.

Upon arrival at Delta's desk we realized a family of four children and two parents were taking up two kiosk and had a ton of bags. We waited patiently until it was our turn.

As soon as we stepped up to the kiosk we were informed we had missed the cutoff and would have to select a different flight. Also, that would be a $100 tacked on for good measure.

This is where Deidra, Ryan and I should have gotten mad. Mad because of the damn family taking up two kiosks, mad that we were there as early as we could be and got screwed, and mad because we had to spend more money.

But alas, we all took a "chill pill" (or Razzies as prescribed) prior to heading out so we absolutely didn't have it in us to get worked up. We took it with grain of salt. We were like, Dude that sucks. Let's get a biscuit while we wait. 

Rerouted through Minnesota and a 1:00 arrival time in SLC and we were on our way.

We got in to Salt Lake City a bit earlier than planned and our good buddy Mack (who kindly hosted us for the weekend) agreed to pick us up at the airport.

As we were leaving the airport we were all excited and chatting it up. At this point a few wrong turns may have occurred.

45 minutes later Mack asked nonchalantly, "Did I go east on HWY 80 or west?"

We had definitely gone the opposite directions than we should have for a close to an hour... but alas, if we had not gone that way we wouldn't have had a special sight seeing tour of the Great Salt Lake. I wouldn't have gotten to take these pics...

So it all worked out.

If Ryan hadn't forgotten those sunglasses, if we hadn't had difficulty finding a park spot, if I driven a little bit faster, then we would have never seen Minnesota from the air or The Great Salt Lake from the car.

Bright side people, bright side. Glass half full. Or maybe it was the chill pills/Razzies that gave us the illusion of not giving a shit either way.

I suppose the moral of this story is to pack your Maui Jim's next to the Razzies prior to travel.

Get One.

I found this water bottle in my stocking at Ryan's parent's house.

It's great. Simply fill the bottle up with tap water and drink. The built in filter cleans the water up for you. This cuts down on plastic bottles.

Do the environment a favor and get you one.

Recognize this House?

The house from the movie HOME ALONE has recently been listed for sale for a cool 2.4 million dollars.

Check out this article for a cool write up and photos comparing the home now to what the house looked like during filming!

I would love to slap my face and then yell like crazy in the upstairs bathroom! Wouldn't you?

If only I had millions of dollars and wanted to relocate to the Chicago suburbs.

Pigskin Picks

In mine and Ryan's marriage I would say he's the sports connoisseur, obviously. I've said it a thousand times... sports, especially football, rank way up there with Ryan.

Now, don't get me wrong, Auburn football is bred deep in my heart, but that's where it ends for me. I don't care about what the spread is, or who needs to be benched in this week's fantasy. I can't tell you who how many yards in whatever game, but what I can tell you is I'm obviously subconsciously picking up on all the football talk Ryan is laying down.

Case in point:

Each week our local small town paper does a little competition called Pigskin Picks. All anyone has to do to enter is chose who they think will win each game (ten games are listed each week) and then answer the tie breaker question, and fax it in. 

Normally, I go through and chose who I think will win, but just about every week I have to ask Ryan about the tie breaker. The tie breaker is usually total yards, rushing yards, passing yards and so forth in regards to Auburn or Alabama.

Pretty simple concept.

Well, last Friday afternoon I got ready to make my picks and send them in when I realized that Ryan wouldn't be able to help me with the tie breaker... so I had to wing it all on my own. I went all in and rolled with what I felt in my heart to be true.

When I got home last Friday afternoon I told Ryan I made the picks/tie breaker on my own and asked him what he thought.

He looked over the picks and in an attempt not to make me feel like an idiot told me that I did OK, but my total yards for South Carolina was probably a little low.

The wind went right out of my sails. I tossed my picks aside and didn't think about them again until...

... my phone rang on TUESDAY and the lady on the other end simply asked, Hi, Mrs. Sanford? Where do I need to send your check?

WHAT? A CHECK? FOR WHAT? WHY?

She then stated she was calling from The Outlook and I had won the Pigskin Picks contest for last week.

This probably makes the contest make a little more sense.  This is today's paper. I am "this week's winner" because I won for the games that were played last weekend.

Oh is that too small? Here's a better look:

WHOOO HOOO! All on my own I dominated a FOOTBALL CONTEST!  I was more excited about winning it on my own than the little ole $25 I won. Bragging rights, man. Bragging rights.

I could NOT wait to get Ryan on the phone and tell him the news. I didn't want to rub it in, but I certainly did! The newspaper clipping is potentially on our fridge at this time.

ATTEMPT AT FOOTBALL TALK/TOTAL BS: I think I knew South Carolina would be a little on the low side in total yards. I felt like Lattimore would have a tough game against Auburn. And then there's Garcia who got so embarrased in the SEC Championship against AU last year... I knew he hadn't totally bounced back. Both of those reasons were factored in when I put down the ridiculously low 115 as the total yards for South Carolina against Auburn. HOLLA!

Or maybe I just wrote some crazy number down... whatever it was I dominated for the entire small little town to see.

Maybe Ryan needs to start asking me a thing or two about football! Ryan, just call me or ask me when we wake up in the moring (whatever works for you) if you need my help making any picks.

And my hands go up!!!!!

O.T.W.

Over the weekend...

... Friday night I had a little date night with my man, which included Mexican and movie watching. We watched Your Highness starring James Franco and Natalie Portman.

Sweet Maggie and Ryan before we headed out for dinner.

It's a bit ridiculous but funny all the same. Not a movie everyone will enjoy.

Saturday around lunch a summer storm blew in. It didn't last thirty minutes but had some strong winds and scary lightning. Well, Maggie and I were sitting calmly on the bed checking the weather app on my phone, when all of a sudden I heard a loud pop and then a bang. Maggie started barking and I grabbed her and ran. It was instinctive. Needless to say, when I looked out side I saw this:

It looks smaller in the pic. Trust me... it's rather big limb.

Turns out this huge limb snapped right off the tree and bounced right off the side of our house. Upon initial inspection it doesn't look like it did too much damage... just a dented the gutters a bit.

After the storm passed on Saturday I ventured to Auburn for an afternoon of shopping and dinner/drinks with my best good friend, Kaci.

We had dinner at Moe's Original BBQ, a new-ish restaurant downtown. The food was awesome and the atmosphere great! I highly recommend it. I can't wait to go back with Ryan in tow.  After the food is gone a band gets started.

I had so much fun catching up with sweet Kaci. She and I were roommates while we were in school at Auburn. I can't tell you how many late night chats we had or laughs we shared.

On Sunday I ventured back to Auburn with Deidra to meet Kaci for the matinee of The Help. Now, I read this book and I loved it. LOVED IT. Who didn't?

But the movie is awesome. We laughed, cried, people clapped and even cheered. It was so so good. Go see it!!

After the movie Deidra and I hit up J. Tokyo for sushi and Gimlets.


Please note the straw is on the outside of the glass. Fancy bartending trick.



It was a fun filled weekend, I must say!