♥♥♥

George and I had such a wonderful first Valentine's Day as husband and wife!  After a fun weekend of going to dinner with friends and attending the Predators game (my first hockey game ever!), we decided to stay in and do a little (husband sitting on the couch watching b-ball, golf, etc. while wife prepares meal) husband-wife cooking together. ;)  

After church, we did our weekly Publix run, and then I made some delicious Buffalo Chicken Melts with my panini press.  I have this one and really LOVE it.  You can only make one sandwich at a time, but it does a really great job and is easy to clean.  

The dinner menu consisted of an appetizer, dinner, and dessert.

Marinated Tomatoes and Brie on Crusty French Bread

I was not the hugest fan of the appetizer.  I had a really difficult time cutting the brie into 'bite sized pieces'.  It kind of turned into a gooey mess.  George LOVED it, though... so I guess that is what matters.  He ate all but maybe 2 off this plate.

Herbed Shrimp and Feta Pasta Bake

I do not usually compliment my own food, but ,WOW, this recipe is a keeper.  We bought the shrimp fresh from Whole Foods and I had to clean and peel the shrimp (deveining is so gross to me).  It only took me about an hour to do a pound, but it was SO worth it.  The shrimp was sweet and so delicious.  This recipe has feta, swiss, and mozzarella cheese... definitely not the healthiest but oh.so.good.

Heart Shaped Sugar Cake Cookies

We decorated cookies like we were little kids and had so much fun.  George did the Georgia 'G' on about half of them... so creative and romantic, right?  

So grateful for my two Valentine's that have totally stolen my heart.  I am one lucky girl. :)

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! XOXOXOXO

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!!

Winter Wonderland

We enjoyed our first snow this past weekend.  It started early Sunday morning and did not stop until early Monday morning.  It would have been the perfect date night in with some hot chocolate and a Christmas movie, but instead I had to venture out on the slick roads to tend to the babies at work.  Besides skidding through a red light and sliding off the road just once, I made it without a problem.  

Driving to work in the snow (probably not the best time to be taking a picture).

The snow stuck around on the ground for a few days so I was able to get a picture of Hank in it.   

Cute boy in his sweater.

The roads are slick again as it is now sleeting.   What a cold, wintry wonderland kind of December it has been!  I don’t know about you…. But I am dreaming of a white Christmas. 

MOM's B-day!

Sending you lots of warm wishes for a very Happy Birthday!  Wish we could be there to celebrate with you. We love you!  XOXOX

Holiday Cheer

I LOVE this time of year!