Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Photo Sessions on the Horizon

So Bob and I bought a new camera! We decided to get serious about our photography and go into business, kidding! We started researching how much photo sessions are for babies and thought..surely we can do this! I am so PSYCHED but I have a feeling my doggie, hubbie, and new bambino will be tested on their ability to cope with this HUGE camera and lense in their face all the time:)

I will be starting class this week to learn what I am "supposed" to be doing with it and hopefully get the shots I so desperately can't wait for! I will keep you posted, but I'm sure you won't miss it when I blast the shots all over this blog!

www.canon.com

We went with the Canon Rebel SLR XSi

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Cinco De Mayo with Gourmet Club

Cinco De Mayo!

My Gourmet Club met last night and our Mexican theme fiesta was a hit. Fabulous recipes ladies. It was also extra special because we got to see Kate. My friend Kate received some very unfortunate news a few weeks ago that she has breast cancer. Kate and I initally started the gourmet club and it was doubtful she may get to attend due to current conditions after treatments. I enjoyed the conversation and laughs and Racheal thank you so much for hosting.

My recipe was inspired by my friend April Nodine, who has since moved from Nashville. One of her favorite dishes is Tortilla Soup and this recipe happens to be hers. Preparing this soup for my foodie friends was like sharing a little piece of friendship.

Tortilla Soup

Makes: 4 large bowls
1/2 c plus 2 Tbsp vegetable oil (or olive)
1 yellow onion- diced
2 garlic cloves- minced
1/4 c plus
2 tsp chopped fresh cilantro
1 c drained canned plum (roma) tomatoes
1/2 tsp ground cumin
4 c chicken stock
1 chicken breast cut into bite-sized strips
4 corn tortillas
1 dried chile seeded
1 avocado- diced
1/4 c shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 tsp fresh lime juice

Warm 1 tbsp oil in frying pan over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and 2 tsp cilantro and saute until golden brown (~10min). In a blender or food processor, combine the mixture plus tomatoes and process until smooth. In the same pan over med-high heat, warm another tbsp of the oil; add the tomato mixture and cumin. Cook stirring frequently, until thickened and darkened, 5-6 min.

Transfer the mixture to a large saucepan over med-low heat and add the stock. Cover partially and simmer until the soup is slightly thickened (~20min). Add chicken strips and simmer until they are opaque throughout, 2-3 min longer. Season to taste with S&P.

While soup is cooking, cut tortillas in half and slice into thin strips. you can bake them until hard or fry them in frying pan over med-high heat with 1 c oil. If you fry them, drain them on a paper towel after.

In small, dry frying pan over med heat, toast the chile until fragrant (~7min). Shake the pan often so it doesn't burn. Let it cool, then crumble it and set aside.

Ladle soup into warmed bowls.

Divide tortillas strips, crumbled chile, 1/4 c cilantro, avocado, cheese, and lime juice evenly among the bowls and serve.

***My modifications: I used a prepared roasted chicken vs raw chicken breast. It was faster and more moist.***

Derby Day

This is the first Derby Weekend Bob and I have missed since our Wedding, 3 years ago, and before that another few years! Being preggo does not lend itself for a fun filled day at the track walking, talking, and have a few mint julips of course! My bud Kelly came over on Saturday and we party planned until the big event. She is crazy planning wedding and baby showers. She truly is the hostess with the mostess.

Derby time came around and Kelly and Bob sipped Bourbon while baby and I prepared a few bites for Dinner. Breagal came by and we broke in the patio! Belmont's is officially open! That is what we call our partio. We lasted until Saturday Night Live came on and all crashed for some R&R. Good times Kell!

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Last Day in Charleston















Our final day in Charleston we just wanted to stroll through the city. We had to start off with more low country cuisine and Poogan's Porch was the place to go. The biscuits and fried chicken are to die for. Really, you must go there when in Charleston. http://www.poogansporch.com/

We walked along The Battery and Rainbow Row, I mean, these homes are jaw dropping. Along our adventure we were approached by a woman and her little girl, she introduces herself and begins on insisting we visit all her favorite landmarks. As we are trying to politely take her suggestions, her massive arms surround my belly and continue to move around like I'm getting an ultrasound. "Yes, I think it is a girl," she states. Bob and I just looked wide eyed at each other and thank her for her suggestions. Walking away he says to me, "You just got felt up my a mom." And my response was, "I know," Like still so confused and shocked. Funny hugh, the way people respond to you during pregnancy is one I have never experienced and certainly will never forget.















We strolled through Art Galleries and finished our afternoon off with some local ice cream from Kilwin's. http://www.kilwins.com/
We went back to the hotel to catch a snooze and watched the Yankees vs Red Sox. Unfortunately the Yankees lost, it is really unfortunate for me because Bob might be their number fan.

And to wrap up our getaway we dined at Mercato's, an Italian place really close to our hotel. Bambino Cietek was dancing to the Jazz music and she did not keep moving the entire time the band played. Since she was having such a great time, we went out for a night cap at Henry's, great music and perfect romantic setting.

We loved it, loved it, loved it and hope we sold you on it! We plan to return very soon.

TOP 5 FAVORITES OF CHARLESTON
Rickshaws
Architecture
Flowers, particulary Jasmine, it grows EVERYWHERE
Food: She Crab Soup, Fried Chicken/Shrimp, Biscuits
Pineapples


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The Beach on Kiawah




















Preggers at the Beach!!!!! After golfing, the spa, and a huge lunch at the resort, we decided to head over to the beach and kick back. The Straw Market is where you go to enter the beach and there is plenty of shopping and food for easy access. Again, you can find it at www.kiawahresort.com















What a great way to end our day, relaxing on this peaceful, beautiful beach.
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Kiawah Golf















Kiawah Island was as gorgeous as I expected. The drive out on Friday April 24th was magical. On Bohicket Road, live oak trees surround the entire road creating this mysterious tunnel of trees.














Bob played a round of golf at Oak Point Country Club http://www.kiawahresort.com/ I served as head caddy. The greens were manicured and lots of water but there was certainly one thing we were not accustomed to seeing on a golf course. Gators! I'm sure we saw at least ten and of all sizes. They were so close to you, just hanging out by the edge of the water and if you happened to be near the fairway, oh well. Check the photos for some shots, there is a great one of Bob at least 2 feet from one in the water. As you can see, I am only posing, oh how bad I wanted to play...the belly doesn't quite cooperate in this setting.



















After golfing, we went over to The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort's Spa. I couldn't wait for my treatment, you have a few more aches and pains when pregnant and a massage is pure heaven. Turns out, this spa is ranked in the top ten in the US, and I couldn't wait to indulge. From the second you enter, you are truly pampered, and the treatment I received was unbelievable. The link is the same as the golf. I will certainly be returning.

http://picasaweb.google.com/jrterry1707/GolfOnKiawah#
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Friday, May 1, 2009

Charleston..our first day




















Charleston SC, what a gorgeous city. Bob and I got away for a couple days last week for an early 3 year anniversary trip and a getaway before the BIG DAY. Wednesday morning, April 22nd, we headed out about 6:00 am and by 9:00 am we heard a pop from our back right tire. We had a flat, Bob had to change it on the side of the road, and drive to Atlanta at about 60mph with a spare. Unfortunately our drive went from 7.5 to 11 hours. We rolled into Charleston tired and hungry and walked around the corner from our hotel to Hank's Seafood for some low country comfort food. http://hanksseafoodrestaurant.com/. We found a good spot and highly recommend the She Crab Soup, award winning they say.

Thursday morning we woke up early and were ready for a fun filled day. After breakfast, we took a carriage tour of the city to learn a little history and see all the amazing architecture. The beauty of the city is breathtaking, all the homes have overflowing window boxes of flowers and long porches with ceiling fans. The people are sweet and the streets are lined with live oak trees, it is truly romantic. http://www.classiccarriage.com/. When our tour ended a new one began of the The Market, you can't skip it. It has everything you don't need. There are women that make african seagrass baskets that are quite beautiful and unique to Charleston, outside of Africa. I purchased a basket and couple of prints of the city. Bob and I have started a tradition of collecting art from most cities we visit. Fort Sumter was next on the list with lots of history to take in. We had a nice 30 minute boat ride to the island and plenty of sunshine to enjoy it. On the way to lunch, I insisted on getting a rickshaw. The tricycle taxi service is one of MY TOP 5 FAVORITES OF CHARLESTON. It is so much fun being toted around the city in an open air cab! Fabulous! Jestine's Kitchen, a local low country lunch favorite, is where we ended up for lunch. Fried green tomatoes, shrimp po boys, pecan fried chicken, and banana pudding. Need I say more, we highly recommend this spot. After all that food, we headed over to King Street, reminiscent of Rodeo Drive, and shopped in the afternoon. We didn't hit the antique stores but we heard they are a must for furniture lovers. We were craving to get near the water for Dinner and ended up at http://www.fleetlanding.com/ . It was perfect, on the water with a soft ocean breeze and really good food. The highlight was hushpuppies stuffed with seafood and cream, oh so good...an excellent first day on vaca.
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