I have just found the coolest site ever, Etsy. Have you heard of this? Everything's handmade! Check out this AMAZING 50s style apron. There's this chick, Amy Butler, that creates fabulous retro print fabrics. They are all beautiful.
Saturday, December 27
I always wanted a retro apron
I have just found the coolest site ever, Etsy. Have you heard of this? Everything's handmade! Check out this AMAZING 50s style apron. There's this chick, Amy Butler, that creates fabulous retro print fabrics. They are all beautiful.
Sunday, December 14
Christmas recipe numero uno
Jon and I are heading to Augusta for Christmas. Yay! I will go down on December 21 to hang out with my family, get ready for Christmas, and help cook for the whole week. I wanted to try a few new recipes for Christmas dinner. Here's the first I've decided on. I found this recipe in The Nest magazine.
Warm Apple Tart
Preheat your oven to 375
Peel, core, and eighth 6 fuji apples with 1/2 cup store-bought caramel topping
Line a shallow baking pan with parchment paper and a (roughly) 18" sheet of frozen puff pastry
Arrange the apple-caramel mixture on pastry
Combine 6oz cold butter, 6oz sugar, and 6oz flour until crumbly and sprinkle on apple mixture
Bake 40 to 45 minutes. Cut into slices.
The Nest suggests serving it with butter pecan ice cream.
Warm Apple Tart
Preheat your oven to 375
Peel, core, and eighth 6 fuji apples with 1/2 cup store-bought caramel topping
Line a shallow baking pan with parchment paper and a (roughly) 18" sheet of frozen puff pastry
Arrange the apple-caramel mixture on pastry
Combine 6oz cold butter, 6oz sugar, and 6oz flour until crumbly and sprinkle on apple mixture
Bake 40 to 45 minutes. Cut into slices.
The Nest suggests serving it with butter pecan ice cream.
Thursday, December 4
movie review- Becoming Jane
My senior year of high school we were given the assignment of reading Pride and Prejudice. I loved it. Well, I didn't actually read it, but I did rent the 6 hour COLIN FIRTH version before the test.
I have since seen Sense and Sensibility, Mansfield Park, and Emma. I love the old British romance each movie offers. Like the other films, Becoming Jane was about a strong-minded young woman and two men...one that is her soulmate but wrong for her and another man that she doesn't love but is wealthy.
Friday, November 28
Why can't I be wealthy and stay at home?
I've had three days off this week, four more to go, and I've already been reminded of what I would love to do with my life. Some of you may not know this but my passion, my life's calling is to be a stay at home mom. I would love nothing more than to stay home and serve my husband and children (obviously, I don't have children yet but I hope to one day).
I posted an article from Housekeeping Monthly 1955 describing a "wife's duties" for her family. Some women probably find the article offensive and insulting...the way it describes putting your husband before yourself. I would love to care for my family in such a way! Isn't that what the Bible teaches? Proverbs 31 is all about how a godly woman should act, the way she should care for her family. (I'm interested to know if the above article really does offend anyone. I would love to debate it with you.)
To end this post I would like to give you a list of productive things I have done today...not because it's relevant, necessarily, but because I'm a little OCD and I love lists.
went to the grocery store
did some minor yard work
made lunch for Jon
gave the dogs a bath
mopped the floors
did the dishes
did laundry
will...make dinner for Jon
I posted an article from Housekeeping Monthly 1955 describing a "wife's duties" for her family. Some women probably find the article offensive and insulting...the way it describes putting your husband before yourself. I would love to care for my family in such a way! Isn't that what the Bible teaches? Proverbs 31 is all about how a godly woman should act, the way she should care for her family. (I'm interested to know if the above article really does offend anyone. I would love to debate it with you.)
To end this post I would like to give you a list of productive things I have done today...not because it's relevant, necessarily, but because I'm a little OCD and I love lists.
went to the grocery store
did some minor yard work
made lunch for Jon
gave the dogs a bath
mopped the floors
did the dishes
did laundry
will...make dinner for Jon
Tuesday, November 25
Le Père Noël
I just got a letter back from Santa (at this site, you can EMAIL Santa!!!) Here's his response to my email:
What a nice surprise Stephanie!
Thank you for sending me your email all the way from Wilmington! The Net sure is wonderful because now I never feel lonely all the way up at the North Pole. I can get those wonderful Christmas emails any time of the year now, but it's always special when I get one from you, Stephanie.
Well bless my whiskers, Stephanie! Are you fibbing to ol' Santa Claus?!? You can't possibly be 26 years old already! Why it seems like only yesterday that I was leaving presents for a certain little girl and here you are now, practically one of Santa's elves! (*grin*)
Sorry the presents the last little while probably haven't been quite as exciting as they were when you were a little girl but, well, you know how these things go (*wink*). Anyway, Santa's glad to see some of the 'older kids' (not to mention anyone in particular!) still take the time to write. I also hear you've been a REALLY REALLY good girl. (Of course, you won't mind if I do a little checking, will you? Ho!! ho!! ho!!).
Let's see what you put in your letter for Christmas wishes: 1. kayak; 2. set of pots and pans and; 3. wardrobe of clothes. Ho!! ho!! ho!! That's exactly what I thought you might like! Of course, there's only so much room in the sleigh so I hope you won't be too upset with me if I can't bring you everything you asked for.
Oh yes, before I forget Stephanie, the elves really want you to visit my new blog! It is called Santa Claus' Christmas Blog. My blog is all about Christmas, life at the North Pole, and me, Santa Claus! You can even write messages to me and see what others have written. I can hardly wait to see what you write!
Oh! oh! I just got a report from an elf that a little girl who lives close to you was being very naughty! Guess I better end my letter to you so I can change my Naughty & Nice List again. Take care Stephanie and don't forget to come back and visit me here at EmailSanta.com on Christmas Eve!! And remember... only 30 more sleeps until Christmas!!
All My Love,
P.S. The reindeer say "Thank You!" for the nice treats! I hope you don't mind, but I had a bit of carrot and celery too. After all, even Santa eats his veggies!
What a nice surprise Stephanie!
Thank you for sending me your email all the way from Wilmington! The Net sure is wonderful because now I never feel lonely all the way up at the North Pole. I can get those wonderful Christmas emails any time of the year now, but it's always special when I get one from you, Stephanie.
Well bless my whiskers, Stephanie! Are you fibbing to ol' Santa Claus?!? You can't possibly be 26 years old already! Why it seems like only yesterday that I was leaving presents for a certain little girl and here you are now, practically one of Santa's elves! (*grin*)
Sorry the presents the last little while probably haven't been quite as exciting as they were when you were a little girl but, well, you know how these things go (*wink*). Anyway, Santa's glad to see some of the 'older kids' (not to mention anyone in particular!) still take the time to write. I also hear you've been a REALLY REALLY good girl. (Of course, you won't mind if I do a little checking, will you? Ho!! ho!! ho!!).
Let's see what you put in your letter for Christmas wishes: 1. kayak; 2. set of pots and pans and; 3. wardrobe of clothes. Ho!! ho!! ho!! That's exactly what I thought you might like! Of course, there's only so much room in the sleigh so I hope you won't be too upset with me if I can't bring you everything you asked for.
Oh yes, before I forget Stephanie, the elves really want you to visit my new blog! It is called Santa Claus' Christmas Blog. My blog is all about Christmas, life at the North Pole, and me, Santa Claus! You can even write messages to me and see what others have written. I can hardly wait to see what you write!
Oh! oh! I just got a report from an elf that a little girl who lives close to you was being very naughty! Guess I better end my letter to you so I can change my Naughty & Nice List again. Take care Stephanie and don't forget to come back and visit me here at EmailSanta.com on Christmas Eve!! And remember... only 30 more sleeps until Christmas!!
All My Love,
P.S. The reindeer say "Thank You!" for the nice treats! I hope you don't mind, but I had a bit of carrot and celery too. After all, even Santa eats his veggies!
What's your opinion? Seriously.
GOP preps for talk radio confrontation
By Alexander Bolton
Posted: 06/27/07
House Republican lawmakers are preparing to fight anticipated Democratic efforts to regulate talk radio by reviving rules requiring stations to balance conservative hosts such as Rush Limbaugh with liberals such as Al Franken.
Conservatives fear that forcing stations to make equal time for liberal talk radio would cut into profits so drastically that radio executives would opt to scale back on conservative radio programming to avoid escalating costs and interference from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
They say radio stations would take a financial hit if forced to air balanced programming because liberal talk radio has not proved itself to be as profitable as conservative radio. Air America, the liberal counterpunch to conservative talk radio, filed for bankruptcy in October.
But Democratic leaders say that government has a compelling interest to ensure that listeners are properly informed.
“It’s time to reinstitute the Fairness Doctrine,” said Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.). “I have this old-fashioned attitude that when Americans hear both sides of the story, they’re in a better position to make a decision.”
The Fairness Doctrine, which the FCC discarded in 1985, required broadcasters to present opposing viewpoints on controversial political issues. Prior to 1985, government regulations called for broadcasters to “make reasonable judgments in good faith” on how to present multiple viewpoints on controversial issues.
Senate Rules Committee Chairwoman Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) said she planned to “look at the legal and constitutional aspects of” reviving the Fairness Doctrine.
“I believe very strongly that the airwaves are public and people use these airwaves for profit,” she said. “But there is a responsibility to see that both sides and not just one side of the big public questions of debate of the day are aired and are aired with some modicum of fairness.”
Feinstein said she is not yet ready to submit a formal proposal.
Democrats on the Senate Energy and Commerce Committee have also begun to focus on what they regard as a lack of diversity in talk radio, and may hold hearings later this year.
To halt the growing momentum in Congress to balance conservative radio programming, House lawmakers are preparing to introduce legislation this week that would codify the FCC’s 1985 decision to abandon the Fairness Doctrine.
Rep. Mike Pence (R), who worked as a syndicated talk radio host in Indiana before winning election to the House, is the main sponsor of the legislation. He is working with Rep. Greg Walden (R-Ore.), a radio station owner, on the bill.
“A liberal think tank recently condemned what they called a massive imbalance on the airwaves,” said Pence. “I think a case is being made for government control of the use of the airwaves. The legislation we’re preparing is aimed at preventing that
from happening.”
The House Republican leadership and officials at the White House have reviewed the draft legislation.
If passed, the bill would require Congress to change the law before the FCC could mandate that television and radio hosts present conservative and liberal programming side by side. But the chances of passage are slim, given Democratic control of the Senate and House.
Still, Pence said the legislation could draw enough public attention to the issue to make it difficult for a future Democratic president or the Democratic-controlled Congress to pressure the FCC to increase regulation of radio content.
Conservatives have grown more apprehensive about a change to FCC policy under a Democratic administration in the wake of recent reports that Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.), the Democratic presidential primary front-runner, would support rules requiring more political balance on talk radio.
Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.) told a Los Angeles radio host last week that he had once overheard Clinton and Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) on a Capitol elevator complain about the prevalence of “right-wing extremists” on talk radio. He said that Clinton and Boxer discussed their desire for a “legislative fix.”
Clinton and Boxer have denied the conversation ever took place.
But Inhofe believes that Bill and Hillary Clinton and their allies are setting the stage for greater government regulation of conservative talk radio.
“This is the Clinton White House,” said Inhofe. “They are trying to regulate the content of talk radio from the ownership perspective, hoping to circumvent freedom of speech arguments.”
Inhofe cited a recent report by the Center for American Progress, a progressive think tank headed by John Podesta, who served as Clinton’s White House chief of staff. A June 20 report by the think tank described a “massive imbalance” on the radio airwaves.
The report suggested several steps to “encourage more responsive and balanced radio programming” and “diversify radio station ownership to better meet local and community needs.”
It recommended restoring ownership caps on radio stations; “greater accountability” over radio licensing; and that commercial owners who fail to abide by “public interest obligations” pay to support public broadcasting.
Pence hopes to rally colleagues around the issue with a speech that he plans to deliver on the House floor today.
“Since the demise of the Fairness Doctrine, talk radio has emerged as a dynamic forum for public debate and an asset to the nation,” Pence wrote in his prepared remarks. “Unfortunately, in the name of fairness, there has been much talk in recent days about the need to level the playing field of radio broadcasting by restoring the Fairness Doctrine.
“Bringing back the Fairness Doctrine would amount to government control over political views expressed on the public airwaves,” he wrote.
By Alexander Bolton
Posted: 06/27/07
House Republican lawmakers are preparing to fight anticipated Democratic efforts to regulate talk radio by reviving rules requiring stations to balance conservative hosts such as Rush Limbaugh with liberals such as Al Franken.
Conservatives fear that forcing stations to make equal time for liberal talk radio would cut into profits so drastically that radio executives would opt to scale back on conservative radio programming to avoid escalating costs and interference from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
They say radio stations would take a financial hit if forced to air balanced programming because liberal talk radio has not proved itself to be as profitable as conservative radio. Air America, the liberal counterpunch to conservative talk radio, filed for bankruptcy in October.
But Democratic leaders say that government has a compelling interest to ensure that listeners are properly informed.
“It’s time to reinstitute the Fairness Doctrine,” said Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.). “I have this old-fashioned attitude that when Americans hear both sides of the story, they’re in a better position to make a decision.”
The Fairness Doctrine, which the FCC discarded in 1985, required broadcasters to present opposing viewpoints on controversial political issues. Prior to 1985, government regulations called for broadcasters to “make reasonable judgments in good faith” on how to present multiple viewpoints on controversial issues.
Senate Rules Committee Chairwoman Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) said she planned to “look at the legal and constitutional aspects of” reviving the Fairness Doctrine.
“I believe very strongly that the airwaves are public and people use these airwaves for profit,” she said. “But there is a responsibility to see that both sides and not just one side of the big public questions of debate of the day are aired and are aired with some modicum of fairness.”
Feinstein said she is not yet ready to submit a formal proposal.
Democrats on the Senate Energy and Commerce Committee have also begun to focus on what they regard as a lack of diversity in talk radio, and may hold hearings later this year.
To halt the growing momentum in Congress to balance conservative radio programming, House lawmakers are preparing to introduce legislation this week that would codify the FCC’s 1985 decision to abandon the Fairness Doctrine.
Rep. Mike Pence (R), who worked as a syndicated talk radio host in Indiana before winning election to the House, is the main sponsor of the legislation. He is working with Rep. Greg Walden (R-Ore.), a radio station owner, on the bill.
“A liberal think tank recently condemned what they called a massive imbalance on the airwaves,” said Pence. “I think a case is being made for government control of the use of the airwaves. The legislation we’re preparing is aimed at preventing that
from happening.”
The House Republican leadership and officials at the White House have reviewed the draft legislation.
If passed, the bill would require Congress to change the law before the FCC could mandate that television and radio hosts present conservative and liberal programming side by side. But the chances of passage are slim, given Democratic control of the Senate and House.
Still, Pence said the legislation could draw enough public attention to the issue to make it difficult for a future Democratic president or the Democratic-controlled Congress to pressure the FCC to increase regulation of radio content.
Conservatives have grown more apprehensive about a change to FCC policy under a Democratic administration in the wake of recent reports that Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.), the Democratic presidential primary front-runner, would support rules requiring more political balance on talk radio.
Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.) told a Los Angeles radio host last week that he had once overheard Clinton and Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) on a Capitol elevator complain about the prevalence of “right-wing extremists” on talk radio. He said that Clinton and Boxer discussed their desire for a “legislative fix.”
Clinton and Boxer have denied the conversation ever took place.
But Inhofe believes that Bill and Hillary Clinton and their allies are setting the stage for greater government regulation of conservative talk radio.
“This is the Clinton White House,” said Inhofe. “They are trying to regulate the content of talk radio from the ownership perspective, hoping to circumvent freedom of speech arguments.”
Inhofe cited a recent report by the Center for American Progress, a progressive think tank headed by John Podesta, who served as Clinton’s White House chief of staff. A June 20 report by the think tank described a “massive imbalance” on the radio airwaves.
The report suggested several steps to “encourage more responsive and balanced radio programming” and “diversify radio station ownership to better meet local and community needs.”
It recommended restoring ownership caps on radio stations; “greater accountability” over radio licensing; and that commercial owners who fail to abide by “public interest obligations” pay to support public broadcasting.
Pence hopes to rally colleagues around the issue with a speech that he plans to deliver on the House floor today.
“Since the demise of the Fairness Doctrine, talk radio has emerged as a dynamic forum for public debate and an asset to the nation,” Pence wrote in his prepared remarks. “Unfortunately, in the name of fairness, there has been much talk in recent days about the need to level the playing field of radio broadcasting by restoring the Fairness Doctrine.
“Bringing back the Fairness Doctrine would amount to government control over political views expressed on the public airwaves,” he wrote.
Monday, November 24
Netflix me!
Do you have Netflix, too?! Please be my friend so I can be nosey and check out all the movies you love and hate. (you're welcome to be nosey at my expense, too)
Monday, November 17
movie review- Then She Found Me
So Netflix now has this instant viewing that is included in your regular monthly fee. Wow.
I started watching Perfect Stranger, with Halle Berry and Bruce Willis. I've been wanting to see it and almost bought it in Blockbuster one time. Glad I didn't. There are several "too graphic for me" sex scenes and tons of f-bombs. About 45 minutes into the movie I turned it off and went back to my Netflix instant que (my list of movies I want to see, the ones I can watch instantly on my computer).
Jon is working nights so I wanted to watch something I knew he wouldn't miss and/or wouldn't care to see. Then I chose Then She Found Me starring Helen Hunt, COLIN FIRTH, Bette Midler, and Matthew Broderick. Bette Midler is so funny and then of course COLIN FIRTH.....(Jon might get jealous if I went on anymore, let the capital letters speak for themselves). A few f-bombs here too but somehow not as awful. Lots about adoption and pregnancy. The movie left me crying and wanting to have a baby. I think we'll wait on that.
Three stars.
Saturday, November 15
My Husband's a Swinger Not a Shagger
This Monday, November 17th, The Pope is going to be on One Tree Hill as a swing dancer. The whole episode is a throwback to the 1940s; Chad Michael Murray actually wrote the episode.
We would love it if you checked it out, 9pm Monday night. (I've never actually watched an episode.) Here's a sneak peek. My cutie is the one in the white bow tie on the left side of the dance floor. You might recognize a few other dancers, too.
We would love it if you checked it out, 9pm Monday night. (I've never actually watched an episode.) Here's a sneak peek. My cutie is the one in the white bow tie on the left side of the dance floor. You might recognize a few other dancers, too.
Tuesday, November 11
Panera Bread comes to Wilmington!
Panera Bread is built and almost ready to go! I pass the new location everyday on my way to work, and I've been waiting to see a huge sign out front letting everyone know when the grand opening is. Finally, I got tired of waiting for the sign and just sent corporate an email. Below is the exact email I got in response:
Dear Stephanie,
Thank you for taking the time to contact Panera Bread. We are happy to know that you enjoy our food and that the service has been good for you.
Thanks to loyal customers like you, Panera Bread is enjoying tremendous success. We appreciate your business and your kind words. If all goes accordingly, the new bakery-café in Wilmington, NC is scheduled to open in late November, specifically the 17th. Please note that this date is a target date is very likely to change. We hope you will enjoy it!
Thank you again for contacting us. We hope that you continue to enjoy Panera Bread.
Sincerely,
Sam
Customer Comment Coordinator
Yay! November 17th...I'll see you there!
Dear Stephanie,
Thank you for taking the time to contact Panera Bread. We are happy to know that you enjoy our food and that the service has been good for you.
Thanks to loyal customers like you, Panera Bread is enjoying tremendous success. We appreciate your business and your kind words. If all goes accordingly, the new bakery-café in Wilmington, NC is scheduled to open in late November, specifically the 17th. Please note that this date is a target date is very likely to change. We hope you will enjoy it!
Thank you again for contacting us. We hope that you continue to enjoy Panera Bread.
Sincerely,
Sam
Customer Comment Coordinator
Yay! November 17th...I'll see you there!
movie review- Disturbia
The Pope and I recently cancelled our cable and subscribed to Netflix (the two at a time plan). We didn't watch much TV but we both love movies. I decided I would post reviews of our Netflix movies on my blog.
Our most recent viewing was "Disturbia." It's based on the Alfred Hitchcock movie "Rear Window" with Jimmy Stewart. The film began with an intense scene followed by lots of teenage sexual tension. (I told Jon it should have been titled "Hook-upia.") Then, about halfway through the movie it turned REALLY intense and suspenseful. I give it three out of five stars. I would have given it four except for the ridiculous teenage flirting.
Sunday, October 19
Saturday, October 18
rethink the grocery list
You know I like sharing random finds with you. Isn't that what a blog is for? Well today I randomly found this website grocerylists.org. I was looking for a pre-made grocery list that I could print off and stick to the fridge. This way you don't forget anything. Everything is already on the list, you just check off what you need.
So the creator of this website actually put together, and posted on his site, a collection of grocery lists that he found in shopping carts (we call 'em buggies where I'm from). Strange huh? He explains that it's fun to see what other people add to their lists and see how they misspell things-even stranger. But for some reason, I sort of found his site intriguing at the same time.
I'll add a link so you can see all he's posted and his "ultimatest grocery list."
So the creator of this website actually put together, and posted on his site, a collection of grocery lists that he found in shopping carts (we call 'em buggies where I'm from). Strange huh? He explains that it's fun to see what other people add to their lists and see how they misspell things-even stranger. But for some reason, I sort of found his site intriguing at the same time.
I'll add a link so you can see all he's posted and his "ultimatest grocery list."
Monday, October 13
just a few camping/kayaking things I like
Jon and I hope to get into kayaking, when we can afford it. I found these Keens and PFD that I like.
Astral Abba PDF for women
Keen Newport H2
Sunday, October 5
broccoli cheddar soup
Back in Augusta, I LOVED Panera Bread's broccoli cheddar soup in a bread bowl. Sadly, there is no Panera Bread in Wilmington. So I searched on allrecipes.com and found this recipe for broccoli cheddar soup. (I didn't puree the soup like the recipe suggests. I just chopped the broccoli into tiny bits.)
1 head fresh broccoli, chopped
1 (2 ounce) package dry leek or potato soup mix
3 cups water
1 cup milk
1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
In a medium sized stock pot, over medium heat, combine soup mix and water, stirring constantly until well mixed.
Add broccoli florets, partially cover and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes stirring often.
Once broccoli is tender, place soup in a food processor or blender and puree. Once blended return soup mixture to stock pot, add milk and stir.
Add cheese to soup mixture keeping 1/2 cup set aside. Stir soup until cheese is melted and then sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheese on top of individual soup servings.
Monday, September 22
Steph the chef
We got several cookbooks as wedding gifts. One of those cookbooks is Simple Suppers, The Pope's best man and his wife gave it to us. One day I sat down to label a few recipes I wanted to try and happily realized the whole cookbook is vegetarian!
One of the recipes from Simple Suppers I tried was roasted ratatouille (see recipe below). We loved it!
Then, while looking for recipes online I found the website allrecipes.com. I've tried the following recipes from there: mmmm...brownies, carrots with dried cherries, and vegetable orzo. I plan to make some "granola" bars for The Pope, too, oaty cereal bars.
The coolest thing about allrecipes is they let you save your favorite recipes on their site in your "recipe box." They have another feature "ingredients" where you type in the items you want in your recipe or the things you don't have in your pantry. It automatically pulls up all of the recipes that fall into that category. Pretty darn cool.
Roasted Ratatouille
1 zucchini
3 onions
1 eggplant (peeled)
2 tomatoes
2 red, green, yellow bell peppers
6 garlic cloves
1/3 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup packed fresh basil leaves
grated Romano or Parmesan cheese
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
Cut all the vegetables into 1-inch chunks and place them in a large bowl. You need between 12 and 14 cups total. Coarsely chop the garlic. Toss the vegetables and garlic with the olive oil, salt, and pepper, and spread on a baking sheet. Roast for 15 minutes and then stir the vegetables. Continue to roast for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring again after 20 minutes, until the vegetables are fork-tender and juicy.
While the vegetables roast, chop the basil. When the vegetables are done, put them in a serving bowl and stir in the chopped basil.
I served my ratatouille with crusty bread, but you can also serve it with rice or salad.
Wednesday, September 10
Saturday, September 6
KitchenAid Artisan
I really want a stand mixer, and I've read reviews that the KitchenAid Artisan is the best. Surf Green is my favorite color, although I like tons of 'em...reef blue, ice blue, cornflower blue, pear, and green apple. And they have TONS of attachments, too.
Sunday, August 24
Friday, July 11
preview of the Almasy wedding pictures
Check out a few of our wedding pictures on our photographer's website (Keith is great!).
keithketchum.com
click "client access"
password: almasy
This will hold you over until we post the other 3897 pictures (ok, just kidding).
keithketchum.com
click "client access"
password: almasy
This will hold you over until we post the other 3897 pictures (ok, just kidding).
Saturday, June 21
Thursday, June 19
Saturday, June 14
Wednesday, June 4
I'm moving, again.
I started packing the other day, sort of last minute...typical Stephanie, for the move into our new house. As I was putting boxes together (while listening to my future husbands Jimi cds, not my iPod) it occurred to me...I have moved so many times the sound of packing tape (you know, rrrrrrip) no longer bothers Titus.
I moved to Greenville SC for college, then back to North Augusta in 2003. Then I lived in Charleston for a few years before moving back to Augusta. In September of 2007 I gladly moved back to the coast, Wilmington NC.
Titus used to run and hide when the tape even appeared, now not so much. He just laid on the coffee table (even though he knows I hate that) and watched me pack.
Momma came up on Sunday to help move, clean, all those great things moms do. She also brought all 4 of her foster children with her (aged 1-6). It's been a crazy, stressful week so far. The 6 of us are staying at The Little House now. I can't wait to have The Pope there with me.
My sister, Samantha, came up to visit, too. She drove up from Statesboro GA just to see her big sister.
I am looking forward to cooking in the kitchen, getting settled, and letting the dogs play in the backyard. They love it!
I moved to Greenville SC for college, then back to North Augusta in 2003. Then I lived in Charleston for a few years before moving back to Augusta. In September of 2007 I gladly moved back to the coast, Wilmington NC.
Titus used to run and hide when the tape even appeared, now not so much. He just laid on the coffee table (even though he knows I hate that) and watched me pack.
Momma came up on Sunday to help move, clean, all those great things moms do. She also brought all 4 of her foster children with her (aged 1-6). It's been a crazy, stressful week so far. The 6 of us are staying at The Little House now. I can't wait to have The Pope there with me.
My sister, Samantha, came up to visit, too. She drove up from Statesboro GA just to see her big sister.
I am looking forward to cooking in the kitchen, getting settled, and letting the dogs play in the backyard. They love it!
Saturday, May 31
Picture a Day
For 18 years Jamie Livingston kept a record of every day of his life, but this was no ordinary journal.
Livingston, a New York City-based cinematographer, amassed thousands of Polaroid photos, taken each day of his life during those years, and a collection of the photos has been posted online by friends for people to see and experience, according to a report by MyFOX National.
Many of the photos were of friends. The subject sometimes was as ordinary as a smile, a window or a household item. Another was taken on his wedding day.
Livingston's friend Risa Mickenberg told MyFOX National the photos are an essay on life.
"'Photo of the Day' is a work of light, color, laughter, pain, travel, beauty, wonton soup, afternoons, coffee, hanging out, love, life in its entirety," she said.
Livingston was born in New Jersey on Oct. 25, 1956, and died in New York City 41 years to the day in 1997.
In 1978 at Bard College he began to take photos with his Polaroid camera, according to MyFOX National. After a few weeks he realized he had taken almost an image a day. He then began to earnestly take one photo a day and continued the project until his death.
"It's the masterpiece we all create," Mickenberg said. "It's just that Jamie thought to take its picture."
Livingston, a New York City-based cinematographer, amassed thousands of Polaroid photos, taken each day of his life during those years, and a collection of the photos has been posted online by friends for people to see and experience, according to a report by MyFOX National.
Many of the photos were of friends. The subject sometimes was as ordinary as a smile, a window or a household item. Another was taken on his wedding day.
Livingston's friend Risa Mickenberg told MyFOX National the photos are an essay on life.
"'Photo of the Day' is a work of light, color, laughter, pain, travel, beauty, wonton soup, afternoons, coffee, hanging out, love, life in its entirety," she said.
Livingston was born in New Jersey on Oct. 25, 1956, and died in New York City 41 years to the day in 1997.
In 1978 at Bard College he began to take photos with his Polaroid camera, according to MyFOX National. After a few weeks he realized he had taken almost an image a day. He then began to earnestly take one photo a day and continued the project until his death.
"It's the masterpiece we all create," Mickenberg said. "It's just that Jamie thought to take its picture."
Monday, May 26
I heart avocados.
I love avocados and eat them on/with everything. I have already told Jon avocados will be a staple in our kitchen, but they are so darn expensive.
Today I did a little research on growing an avocado tree. You can actually grow a tree right from the pit in you avocado at home. Here are the directions.
I also found these avocado facts to be interesting:
*Avocados contain just 5 grams of fat per serving.
*The name 'Avocado' originates from the Aztec name ahuacacuauhitl meaning testicle tree!
*Avocados contain 60% more potassium per ounce than bananas.
*There is documented evidence that animals such as cats, dogs, cattle, goats, rabbits, birds, fish and particularly, horses can be severely harmed or even killed when they consume the avocado leaves, bark, skin, or pit.
Today I did a little research on growing an avocado tree. You can actually grow a tree right from the pit in you avocado at home. Here are the directions.
I also found these avocado facts to be interesting:
*Avocados contain just 5 grams of fat per serving.
*The name 'Avocado' originates from the Aztec name ahuacacuauhitl meaning testicle tree!
*Avocados contain 60% more potassium per ounce than bananas.
*There is documented evidence that animals such as cats, dogs, cattle, goats, rabbits, birds, fish and particularly, horses can be severely harmed or even killed when they consume the avocado leaves, bark, skin, or pit.
Thursday, May 22
"...we all believe in God, guts, and guns."
BUTLER, Mo. — Salesmen at one Missouri car dealership aren't just kicking in a free CD player or factory air: They're offering a free handgun with every purchase.
Through the end of the month, car buyers at Max Motors in Butler will have a choice — $250 toward either a gun purchase or gasoline.
General manager Walter Moore said that so far, most buyers have chosen the gun, adding that he suggests they opt for a semiautomatic model "because it holds more rounds."
(In the fine print, the ad on the Web site explains, "Check written toward purchase price" and also mentions, "Approved Background Check REQUIRED!!")
Moore said he suspects his "Free Handgun" ad will draw protests in some places. But not in Butler, about 65 miles south of Kansas City.
Moore said, "Down here, we all believe in God, guts and guns."
Through the end of the month, car buyers at Max Motors in Butler will have a choice — $250 toward either a gun purchase or gasoline.
General manager Walter Moore said that so far, most buyers have chosen the gun, adding that he suggests they opt for a semiautomatic model "because it holds more rounds."
(In the fine print, the ad on the Web site explains, "Check written toward purchase price" and also mentions, "Approved Background Check REQUIRED!!")
Moore said he suspects his "Free Handgun" ad will draw protests in some places. But not in Butler, about 65 miles south of Kansas City.
Moore said, "Down here, we all believe in God, guts and guns."
Wednesday, May 21
right brain
We were discussing left and right brain thinking at pre-marital counseling last night. I had no idea if I was right brain or left brain...until tonight. I took a left/right brain quiz. I was 12% right and 7% left. Here's another interesting test.
RIGHT BRAIN FUNCTIONS
uses feeling
"big picture" oriented
imagination rules
symbols and images
present and future
philosophy & religion
can "get it" (i.e. meaning)
believes
appreciates
spatial perception
knows object function
fantasy based
presents possibilities
impetuous
risk taking
And your astrological sign always has interesting things to say about your personality. I'm an aquarius.
RIGHT BRAIN FUNCTIONS
uses feeling
"big picture" oriented
imagination rules
symbols and images
present and future
philosophy & religion
can "get it" (i.e. meaning)
believes
appreciates
spatial perception
knows object function
fantasy based
presents possibilities
impetuous
risk taking
And your astrological sign always has interesting things to say about your personality. I'm an aquarius.
Friday, May 16
BOLO
BOLO (bo-lo) in police lingo is Be On the LookOut (sure you know this).
Carlene and I have sent emails back and forth with lists of things The Pope and I will need to make our new house a home, or just plain livable. I wanted to share the comprehensive list with all of y'all just in case anyone of you have perfectly good not-currently-being-used junk lying around. Or you might just get a kick out of seeing what kind of stuff we're going to decorate with.
By the way, never ask The Pope to stop the car so you can pick perfectly good not-currently-being-used junk off the side of the road. He gets really embarrassed for some reason and will leave you there with the stuff.
So here's our list....
3 or 4 barstools (2 for bar, 2 for blue high table)
2ish nice (non-particleboard-y) bookcases
masculine 4 post bed (like pic from World Market)
dresser with mirror (non matching mirror is ok too)
jute area rug
desk and chair
outdoor furniture (table and 4 chairs)
porch swing
2 chairs for "sitting area" in master bedroom
grill
You might be thinking, "why do two kids just starting out need outdoor furniture or a grill?" Well, again, I just want to put our list of "dream furniture" out there into blog space.....you never know what might come back.
Carlene and I have sent emails back and forth with lists of things The Pope and I will need to make our new house a home, or just plain livable. I wanted to share the comprehensive list with all of y'all just in case anyone of you have perfectly good not-currently-being-used junk lying around. Or you might just get a kick out of seeing what kind of stuff we're going to decorate with.
By the way, never ask The Pope to stop the car so you can pick perfectly good not-currently-being-used junk off the side of the road. He gets really embarrassed for some reason and will leave you there with the stuff.
So here's our list....
3 or 4 barstools (2 for bar, 2 for blue high table)
2ish nice (non-particleboard-y) bookcases
masculine 4 post bed (like pic from World Market)
dresser with mirror (non matching mirror is ok too)
jute area rug
desk and chair
outdoor furniture (table and 4 chairs)
porch swing
2 chairs for "sitting area" in master bedroom
grill
You might be thinking, "why do two kids just starting out need outdoor furniture or a grill?" Well, again, I just want to put our list of "dream furniture" out there into blog space.....you never know what might come back.
Sunday, May 4
181 officers made the ultimate sacrifice in 2007
The 181 officers who died during 2007 ranged in age from 19 to 76; the average age was 39. The officers averaged just over 11 years of law enforcement service.
Six times during 2007 more than one officer was gunned down in the same incident, including the fatal shooting of three Odessa (TX) Police officers who responded to a domestic disturbance call in September. In 2006, there was only one such multiple-death incident.
Among the 83 officers killed in traffic-related incidents during 2007, 60 died in automobile crashes, 9 in motorcycle accidents, and 14 were struck and killed by another vehicle while outside their police vehicles.
Forty states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands all lost officers during 2007.
Texas, with 22, had the most line- of-duty deaths last year, followed by Florida (16), California (10), and Louisiana (9).
The states with the most officers’ names on the Memorial are California (1,435), Texas (1,386), New York (1,298), Illinois (939), and Ohio (733).
Seventeen members of federal law enforcement died in the line of duty during 2007, a dramatic increase from the 2006 total of five.
Among the 2007 fatalities were six members of the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations and seven members of U.S Customs and Border Protection/U.S. Border Patrol.
With 181 deaths, 2007 was the 37th most deadly year for law enforcement in U.S. history. The deadliest year was
1930, when 279 officers died.
For more facts and figures, visit the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.
Please be safe and never be complacent.
Six times during 2007 more than one officer was gunned down in the same incident, including the fatal shooting of three Odessa (TX) Police officers who responded to a domestic disturbance call in September. In 2006, there was only one such multiple-death incident.
Among the 83 officers killed in traffic-related incidents during 2007, 60 died in automobile crashes, 9 in motorcycle accidents, and 14 were struck and killed by another vehicle while outside their police vehicles.
Forty states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands all lost officers during 2007.
Texas, with 22, had the most line- of-duty deaths last year, followed by Florida (16), California (10), and Louisiana (9).
The states with the most officers’ names on the Memorial are California (1,435), Texas (1,386), New York (1,298), Illinois (939), and Ohio (733).
Seventeen members of federal law enforcement died in the line of duty during 2007, a dramatic increase from the 2006 total of five.
Among the 2007 fatalities were six members of the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations and seven members of U.S Customs and Border Protection/U.S. Border Patrol.
With 181 deaths, 2007 was the 37th most deadly year for law enforcement in U.S. history. The deadliest year was
1930, when 279 officers died.
For more facts and figures, visit the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.
Please be safe and never be complacent.
Saturday, May 3
wedding update
So we have moved reception site locations. The aquarium, although amazing, was too expensive for us. Our reception will now be at the Carolina Shag Club. It's gonna be great, like a big party.
AND...someone bought our first gift from one of our registries! Yay! I get a husband and lots of cool gifts, too.
For our honeymoon The Pope and I are going on a cruise with Royal Caribbean. Our calls of port are Haiti, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Cozumel.
I am ready to be married. I am ready to be with The Pope all the time. I am SO tired of leaving his apartment at night and sleeping by myself. I'm ready for my best friend to be my roommate.
AND...someone bought our first gift from one of our registries! Yay! I get a husband and lots of cool gifts, too.
For our honeymoon The Pope and I are going on a cruise with Royal Caribbean. Our calls of port are Haiti, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Cozumel.
I am ready to be married. I am ready to be with The Pope all the time. I am SO tired of leaving his apartment at night and sleeping by myself. I'm ready for my best friend to be my roommate.
Friday, April 11
secret formula to living, anyone?
In the beginning of wedding planning you think big and grand. You think about all the great things you can buy with this money someone has so thoughtfully entrusted you with. You think about your wedding day, your groom, your dress, your bridesmaids, your flowers. This is exactly how my planning has gone.
But here it is almost 80 days away from my wedding, June 28, and I am starting to see the big picture. I have just started thinking about what comes after the wedding (no, not sex, although that's pretty great too)...things like, a house.
Jon and I went driving today looking at a few houses he has seen while patrolling. The houses got me thinking about married life and money. Right now we have a long to-do-list of things that have to be done before the wedding. I just don't know how we'll pay for it all...then we have to pay for a house, too?!
How do people our age do anything these days? What sort of job do you have to have to pay for a decent house? What kind of degree does it take? How in the world do you pay off your student loans in a reasonable amount of time? How do you pay for a decent car and all of these things?
Someone please give me the secret formula!
But here it is almost 80 days away from my wedding, June 28, and I am starting to see the big picture. I have just started thinking about what comes after the wedding (no, not sex, although that's pretty great too)...things like, a house.
Jon and I went driving today looking at a few houses he has seen while patrolling. The houses got me thinking about married life and money. Right now we have a long to-do-list of things that have to be done before the wedding. I just don't know how we'll pay for it all...then we have to pay for a house, too?!
How do people our age do anything these days? What sort of job do you have to have to pay for a decent house? What kind of degree does it take? How in the world do you pay off your student loans in a reasonable amount of time? How do you pay for a decent car and all of these things?
Someone please give me the secret formula!
Saturday, March 22
engagement pictures!
We got our engagement pictures back today from our great photographer.
The Pope and I went down to Fort Fisher for the shoot. We took some on the beach, where Jon proposed, and at the boat ramp.
They look fabulous. Check them out at our wedding website
The Pope and I went down to Fort Fisher for the shoot. We took some on the beach, where Jon proposed, and at the boat ramp.
They look fabulous. Check them out at our wedding website
Friday, March 21
invites coming soon, only 99 days left
Well guys, I picked up our wedding invitations today. They are gorgeous! It was the strangest thing to see my name on a wedding invitation. I guess that means it's official...I'm getting married. Wow!
By the way, the wedding is only NINETY-NINE days away. I need to get busy finishing up wedding plans.
By the way, the wedding is only NINETY-NINE days away. I need to get busy finishing up wedding plans.
Sunday, March 9
Proverbs 31 woman
With the wedding coming up soon, I've been thinking about one of my favorite scriptures. Proverbs 31 is a great description of a godly woman. Verses 28 and 29 are my favorite. I hope my family can one day say those things about me.
10An (A)excellent wife, who can find?
For her worth is far (B)above jewels.
11The heart of her husband trusts in her,
And he will have no lack of gain.
12She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
13She looks for wool and flax
And works with her hands in delight.
14She is like (C)merchant ships;
She brings her food from afar.
15She (D)rises also while it is still night
And (E)gives food to her household
And portions to her maidens.
16She considers a field and buys it;
From her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17She (F)girds herself with strength
And makes her arms strong.
18She senses that her gain is good;
Her lamp does not go out at night.
19She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hands grasp the spindle.
20She (G)extends her hand to the poor,
And she stretches out her hands to the needy.
21She is not afraid of the snow for her household,
For all her household are (H)clothed with scarlet.
22She makes (I)coverings for herself;
Her clothing is (J)fine linen and (K)purple.
23Her husband is known (L)in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.
24She makes (M)linen garments and sells them,
And supplies belts to the tradesmen.
25Strength and (N)dignity are her clothing,
And she smiles at the future.
26She (O)opens her mouth in wisdom,
And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
27She looks well to the ways of her household,
And does not eat the (P)bread of idleness.
28Her children rise up and bless her;
Her husband also, and he praises her, saying:
29"Many daughters have done nobly,
But you excel them all."
30Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,
But a woman who (Q)fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
31Give her the product of her hands,
And let her works praise her in the gates.
10An (A)excellent wife, who can find?
For her worth is far (B)above jewels.
11The heart of her husband trusts in her,
And he will have no lack of gain.
12She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
13She looks for wool and flax
And works with her hands in delight.
14She is like (C)merchant ships;
She brings her food from afar.
15She (D)rises also while it is still night
And (E)gives food to her household
And portions to her maidens.
16She considers a field and buys it;
From her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17She (F)girds herself with strength
And makes her arms strong.
18She senses that her gain is good;
Her lamp does not go out at night.
19She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hands grasp the spindle.
20She (G)extends her hand to the poor,
And she stretches out her hands to the needy.
21She is not afraid of the snow for her household,
For all her household are (H)clothed with scarlet.
22She makes (I)coverings for herself;
Her clothing is (J)fine linen and (K)purple.
23Her husband is known (L)in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.
24She makes (M)linen garments and sells them,
And supplies belts to the tradesmen.
25Strength and (N)dignity are her clothing,
And she smiles at the future.
26She (O)opens her mouth in wisdom,
And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
27She looks well to the ways of her household,
And does not eat the (P)bread of idleness.
28Her children rise up and bless her;
Her husband also, and he praises her, saying:
29"Many daughters have done nobly,
But you excel them all."
30Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,
But a woman who (Q)fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
31Give her the product of her hands,
And let her works praise her in the gates.
Saturday, February 16
Saturday, February 9
Wednesday, January 23
Sunday, January 13
Hillary goes to school
Hillary Clinton goes to a primary school in New York to talk about the world. After her talk she offers a question time.One little boy puts up his hand. The Senator asks him what
his name is.
"Kenneth."
"And what is your question, Kenneth?"
"I have three questions: "First - whatever happened to the medical health care plan you were paid to develop during your husband's eight years in the office as President?
"Second - why would you run for President after yourhusband shamed the office?
"Third - whatever happened to all those things you took when you left the White House?"
Just then the bell rings for recess. Hillary Clinton informs the kids that they will continue after recess. When they resume, Hillary says, "Okay, where were we? Oh, that's right, question time.Who has a question?"A different little boy puts his hand up. Hillary points him out and asks him what his name is. "Larry."
"And what is your question, Larry?"
"I have five questions: "First - whatever happened to the medical health care plan you were paid to develop during your husband's eight years in the office as President?
"Second - why would you run for President after yourhusband shamed the office?
"Third - whatever happened to all those things you took when you left the White House?
"Fourth - why did the recess bell go off 20 minutes early?
"Fifth - Where's Kenneth?"
his name is.
"Kenneth."
"And what is your question, Kenneth?"
"I have three questions: "First - whatever happened to the medical health care plan you were paid to develop during your husband's eight years in the office as President?
"Second - why would you run for President after yourhusband shamed the office?
"Third - whatever happened to all those things you took when you left the White House?"
Just then the bell rings for recess. Hillary Clinton informs the kids that they will continue after recess. When they resume, Hillary says, "Okay, where were we? Oh, that's right, question time.Who has a question?"A different little boy puts his hand up. Hillary points him out and asks him what his name is. "Larry."
"And what is your question, Larry?"
"I have five questions: "First - whatever happened to the medical health care plan you were paid to develop during your husband's eight years in the office as President?
"Second - why would you run for President after yourhusband shamed the office?
"Third - whatever happened to all those things you took when you left the White House?
"Fourth - why did the recess bell go off 20 minutes early?
"Fifth - Where's Kenneth?"
Monday, January 7
Firearms Refresher Course
1. An armed man is a citizen. An unarmed man is a subject.
2. A gun in the hand is better than a cop on the phone.
3. Colt: the original point and click interface.
4. Gun control is not about guns; it's about control.
5. If guns are outlawed, can we use swords?
6. If guns cause crime, then pencils cause misspelled words.
7. Free men do not ask permission to bear arms.
8. If you don't know your rights, you don't have any.
9. Those who trade liberty for security have neither.
10. The United States Constitution (c)1791. All Rights Reserved.
11. What part of "shall not be infringed" do you not understand?
12. The Second Amendment is in place in case the politicians ignore theothers.
13. 64,999,987 firearms owners killed no one yesterday.
14. Guns only have two enemies: rust and politicians.
15. Know guns, know peace, know safety. No guns, no peace, no safety.
16. You don't shoot to kill; you shoot to stay alive.
17. 911: government-sponsored Dial-a-prayer.
18. Assault is a behavior, not a device.
19. Criminals love gun control; it makes their jobs safer and easier.
20. If guns cause crime, then matches cause arson.
21. Only a government that is afraid of its citizens tries to control them.
22. You have only the rights you are willing to fight for.
23. Enforce the gun control laws we ALREADY have; don't make more.
24. When you remove the people's right to bear arms, you create slaves.
25. The American Revolution would never have happened with gun control.
Calling an illegal alien an "undocumented immigrant" is like calling a drugdealer an "unlicensed pharmacist."
2. A gun in the hand is better than a cop on the phone.
3. Colt: the original point and click interface.
4. Gun control is not about guns; it's about control.
5. If guns are outlawed, can we use swords?
6. If guns cause crime, then pencils cause misspelled words.
7. Free men do not ask permission to bear arms.
8. If you don't know your rights, you don't have any.
9. Those who trade liberty for security have neither.
10. The United States Constitution (c)1791. All Rights Reserved.
11. What part of "shall not be infringed" do you not understand?
12. The Second Amendment is in place in case the politicians ignore theothers.
13. 64,999,987 firearms owners killed no one yesterday.
14. Guns only have two enemies: rust and politicians.
15. Know guns, know peace, know safety. No guns, no peace, no safety.
16. You don't shoot to kill; you shoot to stay alive.
17. 911: government-sponsored Dial-a-prayer.
18. Assault is a behavior, not a device.
19. Criminals love gun control; it makes their jobs safer and easier.
20. If guns cause crime, then matches cause arson.
21. Only a government that is afraid of its citizens tries to control them.
22. You have only the rights you are willing to fight for.
23. Enforce the gun control laws we ALREADY have; don't make more.
24. When you remove the people's right to bear arms, you create slaves.
25. The American Revolution would never have happened with gun control.
Calling an illegal alien an "undocumented immigrant" is like calling a drugdealer an "unlicensed pharmacist."
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