What I Ate Wednesday, December 29th
6:45am-coca cola classic
12:00pm-coca cola classic, sandwich (8 in rosemary bread, pepperonis, black olives, mustard, cheese), handful of sour cream & onion chips
8:00pm-Mt. Dew, 2 cheese roll-ups, side of mashed potatoes

What I Ate Tuesday, December 28th
6:45am-coca cola classic
8:15am-nutty buddy
12:00pm-coca cola classic, order of Tater Chips from Zaxby's, Toy Story mac & cheese
3:00pm-bottle of water
6:00pm-*Jacob and I ate at Tortora's* split pizza (spinach and feta) and slice of cheesecake, coca cola classic

What I Ate Monday, December 27th
6:45am-coca cola classic
11:34am-coca cola classic, creamy tomato soup, nutty buddy
3:45pm-handful of sour cream & onion potato chips
5:02pm-coca cola classic, pasta (with chicken and garlic), 1 piece of toast

What I'm Reading...

I just read O'Hurley Born (I'd recommend this to any free spirited romantic)...

...and now I'm reading O'Hurley's Return.

I plan to start Son of a Witch next. I loved Wicked! Jacob's parents did a great job getting me this one for Christmas.

• Okay, so this weekend is New Years! :) It's my most favorite holiday (besides the Fourth of July).
• That's probably because I have an extreme fascination for fireworks.
• Maybe I'm a pyro?
• The first day of the year is Jacob's birthday.
• He'll be 25. Old fart, right? ha
• We'll be celebrating with an extra long weekend in Ellijay, Georgia.
• I really hope there's lots of snow and our cabin looks like the one above!
• Steaks and red velvet cupcakes are on the menu for Jacob's birthday.
• I almost wonder if we should eat black eyed peas too? I mean, it's traditional for good luck!
• I need lots of good luck this year.
• Starting with a new job and higher paying salary.
• I'd move out and pay off my student loans.
• Then, I'd move on to the adult life.
• I'm ready. Very ready. Everyone's getting married and having babies.
• I'm starting to feel left out.
• I don't want the baby part yet, just the married part.
• When I have my own place, I'm determined to become a chef! I'll cook alllll the time.
• I have a passion for food. It's almost as great as my passion for music.
• Speaking of, I still haven't gotten the new Kings of Leon cd. I've gotta make that happen.

What I Ate Thursday, December 23rd
11:20am-coca cola classic, rice (broccoli and cheese)
4:15pm-coca cola classic, chili with cheese, 3 sausage balls

What I Ate Friday, Christmas Eve
10:55am-coca cola classic, fried bologna sandwich (2 slices of toasted wheat bread, mustard)
3:00pm-porkchop, corn on the cob (sliced off the cob), green beans, water
6:00pm-Mt. Dew, 5 pinwheels (tortilla, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, sharp cheddar cheese, black olives, green chillies)

What I Ate Saturday, Christmas Day
7:30am-coca cola classic, two biscuits w/ syrup, eggs, sausage
12:15pm-boston butt, roll, Mt. Dew, creamed potatoes, chicken casserole, 2 pigs in a blanket
4:30pm-1 honey bbq chicken finger, green beans, sweet potato casserole, water
10:00pm-peanut butter ball

What I Ate Sunday, December 26th
8:30am-coca cola classic
11:30am- Burger King Kid's Meal (4 chicken nuggets, coca cola classic, fries)
5:00pm- 2 slices of cheese pizza, coca cola classic

What I Ate Wednesday, December 22, 2010
6:45am- coca cola classic
12:00pm- coca cola classic, ruffles with french onion dip, Subway sandwich ( 6inch Italian Herbs & Cheese bread, onions, turkey, cheddar cheese, mustard, salt & pepper, parmesan cheese)
5:15pm- 4 chicken nuggets, 2 peanut butter balls, Mt. Dew

What I Ate Tuesday, December 21st
6:45am- coca cola classic
8:15am- handful of CheezIt Snack Mix
12:40pm- chicken finger, fries, 1 slice of texas toast, coca cola classic
5:15pm- water, beans and weenies, mac & cheese

Okay. So I'm a graduate now. That's right. Full blown, out of school forever, looking for better employment (and higher pay), never buying a textbook (for myself, at least) again, a graduate. I feel like it happened not a bit earlier than it should have. My family and those nearest and dearest to me have always given me a hard time about the fact that it took me more than 4 years to graduate. Okay, so 5.5 years isn't a stretch for most college-age kids. Right? I feel like there is a lot I've learned this year. Not just in school, but in life.

• I've learned that you choose who you are in love with. Gone are the days when you 'fell' in love. I'm not saying I want all romance thrown out the window, but I do believe that we choose our partners. We wake up every morning choosing to love them all over again for another day. That's important. If you haven't learned it already, you should.
• People can be extremely close to you, and you can still miss some of their behavior. I'm talking, people can conduct themselves in a way that doesn't exactly groove with the way you would conduct yourself. People will constantly surpise you. I've been surprised by people whom I considered my nearest and dearest multiple times over this year. Some have turned out to be better friends than I could have ever imagined, and some have turned out to be manipulative, complaining, controlling, vindictive, and more rough than what I want to surround myself with. I would encourage everyone to examine the people that they surround themselves with. It could really be a game changer for you :)
• Money seriously doesn't grow on trees. Adults don't just tell you that as an excuse to keep from giving you money. It's been a year in a half since I bought my car ('10 Honda Civic), and I have learned that budgeting is one of the most important lessons you can learn. Going without something now won't seem like a big deal in the future. Trust me.
• You should eat like you might not live another day. Why worry about weight? The people that love you are going to love you no matter what your body looks like. I'm not saying you should be completely unhealthy (hello! I've started logging on this blog exactly what I eat and when to try to create a better, healthier, ME), but you should stress and freak out over a number.
• Your relationship with Christ is going to mean more than any other relationship you'll ever have. Treat it that way.



What I Ate Monday, December 20th
6:45am- coca cola classic
8:15am- handful of CheezIt snack mix
11:20am-coca cola classic, sandwich (6inch, Italian Herbs & Cheese bread, cucumbers, pepperoni, pepperjack cheese, onion, black olives, tomatoes, salt&pepper, parmesan cheese) Baked Lays (sour cream & onion)
6:00pm- sprite, Hamburger Helper (mexican rice and beef)

What I Ate Friday, December 17th
6:45am-coca cola classic
12:00pm- coca cola classic, fried rice
1:30pm-slice of canteloupe
7:00pm-*dinner at Surin of Thailand in Mountainbrook w/ Erica and Katherine* california roll, side of steamed rice, egg roll, Shirley Temple

What I Ate Saturday, December 18th
11:30am- coca cola classic, mashed potatoes, dressing, cake bite
6:00pm-*dinner w/ the fam at Red Robin* Shirley Temple, slice of canteloupe, 1 cheese stick, guacamole w/ chips, sandwich (croissant, turkey, lettuce, tomoato, avacado)

What I Ate Sunday, December 19th
8:30am- coca cola classic
12:00pm- *ate at Zaxby's* coca cola classic, 1 nibbler, chips
8:00pm- coca cola classic, rice broccoli & cheese

I promise, that one day soon, I am going to do a normal blog post.

promise

What I Ate Thursday, December 16th
6:45am- coca cola classic
11:00am- sandwich from Subway (6 inch Italian Herbs &Cheese bread, mustard, salt&pepper, parmesan cheese, pepperoni, cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese, black olives, cucumbers), coca cola classic
6:00pm- sandwich from Bruegger's (wheat bread, 4 cheeses, tomatoes), bbq chips, Mellow Yellow

What I Ate Wednesday, December 15th
6:45am-coca cola classic
11:00am-*One of our officers took us to lunch for Christmas. We ate at the Rock House Eatery. It was horrible.* coca cola classic, blackbean burger with swiss cheese, fries
5:15pm- coca cola classic, 3 homemade waffles, two pieces of bacon, eggs with peppers and onions

What I Ate Tuesday, December 14th
6:45am-coca cola classic
11:45am- cheesy rotini bowl, coca cola classic
6:20pm-*Jacob and I had dinner with Catherine (her baby bump) and Adam at Cheeburger Cheeburger* Mt. Dew, classic burger (well done with feta cheese, jack/cheddar cheese, honey mustard, black olives), frings

What I Ate Monday, December 13th
6:45am- coca cola classic
8:00am-cheesy grits with salt
11:30am- coca cola classic, handful of Baked Lays, sandwich (1 slice Cajun turkey, 2 slices provolone cheese, 2 slices Italian white bread, mustard, salt)
5:15pm- mashed potatoes, black eyed peas, roll with butter, corn, water

What I Ate Sunday, December 12th
8:30am- coca cola classic
11:40am- Mt. Dew, rice with butter and Dale's sauce
5:00pm- Mt. Dew, homemade sausage and pepperoni pizza with a Bisquik crust

What I Ate Saturday, December 11th
10:30am- lemon poppyseed scone
11:45am- coca cola classic, bowtie pasta (with lemon juice, evoo, and basil leaves)
6:45pm- *We had our church Christmas party. Stomach, please forgive me.* sausage dip with chips, cheese ball with wheat thins, 2 little weenies wrapped in bacon and cooked in brown sugar, Oreo Delight, coca cola classic, 2 chicken nuggets, pepperonis and cheese
9:07pm- Mt. Dew

What I Ate Friday, December 10th
6:45am-coca cola classic
11:45am-coca cola classic, sandwich (2 slices of toasted Italian bread, 2 slices of provolone cheese, mustard, salt, 1 slice of Cajun turkey), chips with hummus dip
5:00pm-*ate at Jefferson's with Merica, Dee, and Haley*water with lemon, 2 hotdogs with mustard and onions, a few fried pickles
9:00pm-coca cola classic

What I Ate Thursday, December 9th
6:45am-coca cola classic
11:10am-coca cola classic, handful of plain potato chips, sandwich (mustard, salt, 2 slices of toasted Italian bread, 1 slice of Cajun turkey, 2 slices of provolone cheese)
5:00pm-coca cola classic, 1 slice of supreme pizza
9:00pm-glass of apple juice

• I need this photo.
• I also need 4 extras to gift to my blogging friends.
• Wait...I've got an idea! Linds and Merica, we should paint this on canvas when we have our crafting night :)
• My 'Dance Teal Dawn' fingernail polish is chipping. I need to take it off and put on the 'Red Carpet Red' polish.
• I'm finished with school.
• Like...forever!!!!
• Pretty exciting, right?
• Now I have all the time in the world to catch up on my reading.
• Any suggestions?
• Like I could really consider them right now. I've got 22 new books at home on the shelf just waiting to be read.
• I don't like slow days at work. They just crawl by.
• I need to vacuum under my desk. It's a bit chippy (and by chippy, I mean there are potato chip crumbs EVERYwhere).
• I can't wait to get home and delve into the new Jesus Culture cd that Dee got me for graduation.
• He's such a good and thoughtful friend.
• I really want a new camera.
• Then, I could spend all my free time taking photos.
• That'd be rad, right?

What I Ate Wednesday, December 8th
6:45am- coca cola classic
11:00am- *We had Zaxby's for lunch* 1 Nibbler,  side of fries, coca cola classic
4:45pm- coca cola classic, bowl of potato soup

What I Ate Tuesday, December 7th
6:45am- You know the drill...coca cola classic.
11:15am- coca cola classic, sandwich (2 slices of Italian white bread toasted, 2 slices of provolone cheese, mustard, 1 slice of Cajun turkey), hominy and blackeyed peas
4:45pm- coca cola classic, white rice (butter, Greek seasoning, soy sauce), lemon poppyseed scone

So, we're having our church Christmas party this Saturday night at 6pm. Everyone's been asked to bring a $10 gift for Dirty Santa and a finger food. I want to make a cheese ball. Specifically because I love cheese balls, and people ALWAYS make them covered with nuts. I am allergic to nuts, so this presents a problem for me. I think I've found a recipe I'm going to use, but I also stumbled upon this one that looks delicious and adorable!

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup wasabi-coated green peas


• 1/4 cup granola


• 1/4 cup ground gingersnaps (about 5 cookies)


• 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan


• 1/2 teaspoon whole fennel seeds


• 2 11-ounce logs goat cheese


Directions


1. Grind the peas in a food processor or crush them in a resealable plastic bag. Spread the crumbs on a plate. Repeat these steps for the granola, then the gingersnaps. Combine the Parmesan and fennel on another plate.


2. Shape the cheese into balls, working with about 1 rounded tablespoon at a time. Roll the balls in the coatings.



I don't know if I've made the annoucement yet or not, but...


I'm taking Jacob and Bailey (his lab) to Ellijay, Georgia for New Year's and Jacob's birthday. What? You thought I was gonna annouce something crazy BIG, didn't you? haha Got ya.

 Anyways, I'm taking Jacob away for New Year's and his birthday. We'll be staying in a Cabin-Serenity Pines. There's no cell phone service in Ellijay, and I'm more than ecstatic about that part. I really plan on sitting in the hot tub and reading the entire weekend :) Oh, and spending lots of time in front of the fire.

Here's what the website had to say about our cabin:

Serenity Pines, sits high atop a mountain, almost 1700 feet above sea level, in a quaint mountain community near Cherry Log, Georgia. It's a beautifully decorated two bedroom, one bath log cabin that sleeps up to four (4) guests and offers the following:

Two queen size bedrooms and full bath all on a single level.

Nice cozy living area with gas log fireplace, Satellite TV with Network Channels & DVD Player, Games, Books.

Central heat and air, washer and dryer.


Spa quality bath essentials such as, soap, hand lotion, lip balm, hair dryer and thick towels.

Covered porch with a large attached gated deck, huge hot tub, and gas grill.

The fully equipped kitchen includes:
Refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave, toaster, dishes, glassware, pots, pans, cutlery, and utensils.

Also included are fresh private label coffee beans, coffee grinder, and coffee maker.

And here are some photos:

The swingset might be my most favorite part!! I hope it might be warm enough in the day for a swing!!



On my mind...

• In case you were wondering, yes. That is Cam Newton. Yes, the Auburn Tigers are SEC Champions. Yes, I believe we'll be National Champions.
• War Eagle!!
• I can't even begin to describe how cold I am today. With the temperature barely reaching 40 degrees this morning, the space heater under my desk isn't working too well.
• The water board controls our air, and for some reason they don't believe in heat.
• I thought about yelling at them earlier, but decided it was best if I didn't.
• I might get fired for something like that.
• I hate it when people don't wind the cord on the vacuum cleaner up like it's supposed to go.
• Maybe I'm a bit OCD.
• Just a teensy bit though. :)
• I'm so ready for Christmas, I just about can't stand it.
• I believe I've bought WAY too much, but isn't that why you make money? To give it away?
• Besides, I went shopping with Jacob last night and had to make myself NOT buy Noah two things and Dad one thing.
• Maybe I'm addicted to shopping.
• Maybe it's a sickness.
• I know most people who even look at my blog (I'm talking to you, Linds, Merica, Lauren, and Kellye. haha You're the only ones), don't really care about the 'What I Ate' posts.
• Sorry. They are seriously proving to be effective for me. It's crazy realizing exactly what you consume everyday.
• It also helps you realize what you SHOULD be consuming more often.
• Bread and Coca Cola Classics are my weakness.
• Someone help me please.
• Jacob's niece has a name now!! (She won't be here til March.) They're gonna name her Corbyn Jayne. I think Corbyn's super cute for a girl. Most Corbin's that I've heard of are boys.
• I have to go to the funeral home tonight. I hate visitations. They're dumb sometimes. And depressing always.
• I have two finals left.
• I graduate on the 18th!!
• We're planning a celebratory dinner at the Cheesecake Factory because I'm not walking at the actual graduation.
• What's the point? They mail your diploma anyway.
• You might hear more from me today. And you might not.



What I Ate Monday, December 6th
6:45am- That's right. You guessed it!! Coca Cola Classic
11:00am- coca cola classic, handful of plain potato chips, sandwich (2 slices of white Italian bread-toasted, mustard, 1 slice of Cajun turkey, 2 slices of provolone cheese)
3:00pm- Coca Cola Classic
6:30pm- *Jacob and I ate at Newk's* half a turkey club, tomato basil soup, Coca Cola Classic

I ran out of eyeliner this past week, so this Saturday, I made a trip to ULTA. It's my most favorite spot to shop for makeup (which I practically loathe. no joke. I'm talking about makeup here. ). Anyways, I always get my eyeliner from Ulta, plus I had a coupon for $5 off my purchase of $10 or more. Easy peasy smeasy, right? GREAT DEAL.

Well, I got 3 eyeliners and two nail polishes for a little over $7!!

Nope. Your eyes didn't deceive you. I'm being serious. Ulta just happened to have a BOGO event going on for their makeup. AND if I purchased an Ulta product, I also got an extra eyeliner, lipliner, or top coat nail polish for FREE.

Here's what I got:

I got two of the automatic eyeliners in my everyday color, black/brown. I decided to be a little adventurous with my FREE FREE eyeliner and chose NAVY. I'll let you know how that works out for me.

Dance Teal Dawn

I'm sporting this polish right now, and I must say that I love it's metallic-esque look.

Red Carpet Red

I figured this would be a great color for my fingers AND toes for Christmas. Don't ya think?

What I Ate Sunday, December 5th
8:00am- mellow yellow
11:30am-*lunch at Wendy's* 10 piece spicy chicken nugget, natural cut fries with sea salt, Coca Cola Classic
4:35pm- mac & cheese, fried potatoes, slaw (with vinegar, not mayo), grilled chicken, Mt. Dew

What I Ate Friday, December 3rd
6:45am- Coca Cola Classic
11:00am-Coca Cola Classic, leftover rotini pasta from the previous night
7:30pm-*Jacob and I went to Zaxby's* 1 nibbler, chips with ranch dipping sauce

What I Ate Saturday, December 4th
10:00am- Coca Cola Classic
12:00pm- small order of pretzel bites, Coca Cola Classic
6:00pm- 2 glasses of water, one bowl of chili with cheese

I simply must go

But baby it's cold outside

The answer is no

But baby it's cold outside

Your welcome has been

How lucky that you droped in

So nice and warm

Look out the window at that storm

My sister will be suspicious

Gosh your lips look delcious

"Baby, It's Cold Outside"

Frank Loesser

Ever since Thanksgiving, I've been thinking about the many things I have to be thankful for. Great friends, a wonderful family, health, happiness, GRADUATION in 15 days :), a job with benefits...all that jazz.

I'm also super thankful that my boyfriend can be so sweet. As the Christmas season has come upon us, he's been singing this song to me. (Might I mention that he can't sing at all!! So it's completely endearing when he does.)

I should really download that song to use as his ringtone, dontcha think??

What I Ate Thursday, December 2nd
6:45am- Coca Cola Classic
12:15pm- Coca Cola Classic, 5 spicy chicken nuggets, Wendy's new value sized natural cut fries with sea salt
5:00pm- Coca Cola Classic, rotini (with parmesan cheese, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and greek seasoning)

I'd love to have a few days (or maybe just my own kitchen!!) of time alone in my kitchen at home. I LOVE food!! haha...It has become a bit of nuisance as of late though. I don't have time to even begin to LEARN how to cook, much less practice. If I did have the time to practice, these are the things I'd love to make...and of course taste afterwards!!

chicken souvlaki

This Greek favorite is usually made with lamb, but boneless chicken works equally well. The cooling, tangy yogurt sauce is the perfect accompaniment to balance out the assertive flavors of Feta, olives, and onion.

pan roasted chicken with lemon garlic green beans

A light dressing of olive oil, lemon, and garlic gives this dish a boost of flavor. The chicken cooks in the same pan as the potatoes and green beans, making cleanup a breeze.

parmesan scallion pastry pinwheels

Your guests will be impressed with these simple yet tasty snacks. Parmesan and sliced scallions dress up store-bought puff pastry, which can be baked six hours ahead or frozen, unbaked, up to 1 week in advance.

potato and celery root mash

Give your usual mashed potatoes a delicious twist by adding a root vegetable that tastes like—you guessed it—celery. The mash can be made up to 1 day in advance; reheat in a bowl over a pot of boiling water.

slow cooker squash lasagna

Use frozen winter squash puree to cut down on prep time—it has all the flavor and nutrients you’ll find in fresh squash. Ricotta and mozzarella ensure the final dish is creamy, cheesy, and rich.

stuffed mushrooms with spinach

Pass these crowd-pleasing bites at a party or as a pre-dinner nosh. The mushroom caps can be baked and stuffed up to 2 days in advance; bake the final product again just before serving.

sweet potato gratin

Give shredded sweet potatoes a cheesy topping of melted Cheddar for a creative take on the usual potato gratin. The bread crumbs become crisp and golden in the oven, giving way to the luxurious, creamy potatoes underneath.



What I Ate Wednesday, December 1st
6:45 am- Coca Cola Classic
9:45 am- sausage muffin (That's right, sausage. It was suprisingly delicious and came from the local Piggly Wiggly deli/bakery.)
11:00 am- *We ate at Tin Top Diner for lunch before court* side order of JoJo's (round potatoes that will make you wanna slap your mama), grilled cheese sandwich, Coca Cola Classic
5:10 pm- 2 scrambled eggs (with cheese, grilled peppers, and onions), 2 slices of bacon, 2 biscuits, Coca Cola Classic
7:00 pm-glass of apple juice

I feel like, if I can just keep my soft drink consumption down to 3 a day, I'll be making some progress. Dontcha think?

What I Ate Tuesday, November 30
6:45 am- coca cola classic
11:30 am- coca cola classic, handful of Munchos, sandwich (2 slices of toasted bread, 2 slices of provolone cheese, 1 slice of Cajun turkey, mustard, salt)
5:15 pm- Sprite, 3 advil haha, baked potato (butter, salt, pepper), salad (tomatoes, carrots, lettuce, Italian dressing), small dinner roll, pulled pork, brussell sprouts, snack size m&m's