Catching up and Sloppy Joes

January has been such a great month so far, and I apologize for the lack of blogging.  We brought in the New Year in Memphis cheering on the Dawgs at the Liberty Bowl. It was definitely an interesting experience! As the clock ran down at the end of the 4^th quarter, the weather took a turn for the worse, symbolic of Georgia’s football season. …. and we got absolutely drenched!  After changing into dry clothes, we decided to stay in the cozy comfort of our hotel room and ended up falling asleep before 2010 came to an official close.   We are getting old. 

The rest of the month has been filled with snow days, birthdays, and exploring Nashville.

My MIL, FIL, and BIL came to visit last weekend to celebrate January birthdays.  We had such a great time showing them around our town, and we enjoyed a great Mexican dinner while we cheered on the Falcons (we have not had good outcomes with our sports teams this year!)  Happy Birthday Ryan, Will, Franklin, and Jane!  

In-Laws visit!

This weekend we drove around some little towns around Franklin including Liepers Fork and drove on the historic Natchez Trace Parkway.  

It was beautiful driving on the winding country roads.

Lastly, I will leave you with a delicious and healthy recipe for Sloppy Joes.

1/2 TBSP olive oil

1 onion, diced

1 green pepper, diced

1 lb. lean ground turkey

1 1/2 cup tomato sauce

2 TBSP tomato paste

2 TBSP brown sugar

1 TBSP red wine vinegar

1 TBSP worcestershire

1/2 TBSP chili powder

10 shakes tabasco or hot sauce

4 whole wheat buns

Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and pepper and cook for 2 minutes.  Add the turkey and cook until turkey is lightly browned.  Add tomato sauce, paste, sugar, vinegar, worcestershire, chili powder, tabasco, and season with pepper.  Turn heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.  Divide among the rolls and enjoy!!

Keys to a Happy New Year

I planned on doing this post a few days ago but just never got around to it.  Rather than sharing my own personal resolutions (which I have many of), I have decided to share 7 little things that I believe are the 'keys to happiness'.

1.

Make your bed.

It seems so simple, but I recently read in a magazine that only 50-80% (big range, right?) make their beds daily.  This horrified me.  I cannot function when my bed is not made.  If you do not do it, try it.  I promise you will feel a bit happier with a freshly made bed.

2.

Take a Mini Vacation

George and I love going on little weekend getaways. It is a fabulous way to temporarily escape reality.  And what’s better than spending a night or 2 in a hotel? (The previous ‘key to happiness’ does not apply here… this is the one time where I DO NOT make the bed. :) 

3.

Give Back.

These shoes are my new obsession.  Not only are they adorable and come in a million different styles (stripes, patterns, solids, corduroy, burlap, etc.!) but for every pair you purchase,  TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need.  They are UNBELIEVABLY comfortable, too. One for one.

4.

Take a Walk.

A long walk and a breath of fresh air is a sure way to clear my mind and a great way for George and I to connect and have a chance to talk sans fantasy football, facebook, blogging, cell phones, sports, etc. etc.!  It is something that we try to do as much as possible.

5.  Go to Church.  This IS one of my personal resolutions.  With my weird schedule of working night shift and occasional weekends, it seems that George and I always have an excuse.  No more excuses!  The few times we have been to church, it is amazing how much happier we feel.  I encourage all, including myself, to make the commitment to attend church every week. 

 6.

Get back to your 'Roots'.

  This is probably one of the best things I have ever done.  Highlighting my hair had taken over my life and my bank account.  It sounds crazy (I know it is just hair), but getting back to my ‘roots’ was the most liberating feeling I have ever had.  If any of you have been having thoughts of getting back to your roots, DO IT!  You won’t be disappointed! 

7.

Reward yourself.

Every once in a while, reward yourself.  Whether it is buying a new car, going to a nice dinner, buying a pair of jeans, or whatever it may be, we all deserve to be rewarded occasionally with no regrets about it.

I wish everyone a Happy 2011!!  We hope this year will be just as memorable as the last.

BUSY

We have been so busy, hence the lack of blogging.  George and I had a perfect first Christmas together as Mr. and Mrs.  My dream of a white Christmas (see post below) came true!  It was great to be able to spend the holidays with both of our families but look forward to the day where we will not have to travel.  Our holiday in pictures....

Christmas Morning

Christmas Eve before Church

First Christmas together :)

Christmas at the Bells

White Christmas!

After spending the holidays in Atlanta, we traveled back to Nashville for a few days of work then headed off to Memphis for the Liberty Bowl and to ring in the New Year (post to come).  2010 was the best year of my life so I am sad to see it go, but I am excited to see what 2011 will hold.  We bought a car today so I would say that is a very good start to the new year (another future post to come)!  Wishing everyone a healthy and happy New Year!!