Another Year Older, Another Year Wiser

I once read [by a pretty influential lady, my aunt Vicki] that future years to come don't always have to be counted by a number; as another year older. Yet they can be recognized as another year wiser. She views each birthday as "another year of wisdom". 

I love that.

That statement couldn't stand more true to my own life experiences. I can certainly say I've grown a lot more wiser in these past years; more so than I could have imagined. And I'm blessed for that growth.

Along with a new age, this year I began a new tradition.

A night of food [of course] and ornament crafts!!!

This year was our first trial, and I'd have to say it was a success. Other than the short attendance [due to impromptu scheduling] it was perfect. With that said, we were able to get by with my kitchen table and a separate children's table.

As a way to stay festive, I even made up some cute to-go boxes! Add little tissue paper, and you have yourself a nice little Christmas take-home box for your ornament.

Here were a few I was able to capture at the end of the night.

 Lastly, after some full bellies and crafts, we had dessert.

Compliments of my dear husband! And no I don't mean he made it, but simply ordered it. Thoughtful. ;)

Next year we plan to continue the tradition, but on a weekend to avoid some work schedules. The intimate number [including kids] made it very doable for our first run, but next year I'm hoping we can increase the company. 

Cheers to new traditions, and to another year of wisdom - appreciating such things. 

Tis The Season For Chili Weather

Obviously by the spelling, I'm not talking about temperature here. It's that time of year where the only thing to cure those cold weather chills is a nice bowl of chili!! Mmmm.

Recently, the hubs went out and grabbed the necessities for "The Recipe" and I whipped us up a nice bit pot. The reason for the quotations is because it's a recipe my dad has passed down to me, and it's been called that for as long as I can remember.

Essentials: tomato juice, chili beans, chili tomatoes, mexene powder, ground beef, noodles

Obviously, we are a noodle-chili family. I know there are some who don't do that, but we do. I really can't enjoy it any other way. The only thing I do differently than dad is add MORE noodles.

The Recipe was always a secret, but once I was older and learned it for myself I realized the secret ingredient is simple TLC. There's steps to making it just right. If you're a first time chili maker, then my apologies for the lack of measurements, but I have to keep some of it to myself due to its history in the family. ;)

BUT! I won't leave you astray. There are many, many recipes here that will suite any one of your taste buds.

Just don't forget the most important part of any chili dinner event... the peanut butter sandwich. Yessir.

Although, after a recent convo with the bestie..."I've never had that with my chili", she says... I thought maybe it was another one of my weird quirks [never shocking]. But it was hard to believe I was the only one who enjoyed such a combo. That was until good ol google assured me I was not alone.

So to anyone who hasn't tried this combination, you haven't lived. Do it, just once. You won't regret it.

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It's not a #backthatazzup type of jam, but it's a classic, one of my favorites, AND totally necessary. There's about a million versions of this jingle, but I've always loved this one. Not to mention they used to be America's sweethearts. 

Gobble Till You Wobble

One of my favorite time of year has arrived. I love getting together with our families, and the food indulgence doesn't hurt either. Especially this time around. 34 weeks pregnant = automatic belly bulge = no shame. 

Before I head out to both family gatherings, I wanted to share a new tradition I've been providing these past two years. 

Homemade Pecan Pie

Ok so I first must confess that this year, and this year only I did not make my pie crust. [shreeeeeeek] I'm a strong believer that "homemade" means just that, homemade. Last year I successfully accomplished my first experience making two pie crusts from scratch, but this year I just didn't have the time. With that said, the Pillsbury Pie Crust was my second option and it worked just fine. I recommend that if you're ever in a crunch. 

Baking has always been a hobby of mine. I just love it. I don't know what makes it so enjoyable, but it is. Not to mention I love throwing on one of my favorite purchases from Paula Deen's restaurant in Savannah, GA. 

Recipe time!

Again, at the last minute I was unable to find my husband's grandma's recipe [failing on all accounts thus far] so the next best thing was set on good research, and reviews. With that, I stumbled upon the Pioneer Woman. Her ingredients, and measurements were almost exact to what I remember of my own recipe so that was the winner. 

Here are the essentials.

Sugar, brown sugar, salt corn syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, melted butter and of course pecans! I bought the halves, and coarsely chopped them to make some tinier pieces [it helps the crunch; read more on that on the recipe site]. For exact measurements, you can find them HERE.

1. combine all dry ingredients 2. sift them together 3. add syrup 4. add melted butter

1. add beaten eggs 2. add vanilla extract 3. coarsely chop pecans 4. evenly spread them on bottom of shell1. pour mixture over pecans 2. let pecans rise to top 3. fluff crust edges with fork 4. cover with foil

Bake for about an hour at 350 degrees. I say "about" because all ovens vary. This particular recipe even calls to split the time 30/20, removing the foil after 30 minutes. I ended up baking two pies, and each one did great with an hour's time. But you be the judge of your own oven.

That is all I have for today! Hope everyone has a safe holiday weekend!!!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!! 

A little thing called... DERBY!

It's that time of the year again!! The one event in which our little ol' town of Louisville, Ky gets recognition beyond its own population; and where spotting a celebrity or two... or three, seems as common as it would be in LA. Along with the infamous 2km horse race, hats, and celebrity sightings, it is quite the spectacle.

For those unfamiliar with this annual tradition; formally known as, The Kentucky Derby, here are some highlights...

The event is proceeded by a week of local festivities! It's a bit of an overload, so I'll get to the main event, which falls on the first weekend of May - divided into two particular days:

Friday - Oaks

Saturday - Derby

Location, is none other than Churchill Downs.

Attire is usually semi-formal, but for the women, the most popular accessory is the HAT! ie: here and here.

Regardless of the attire, this weekend is most certainly known for its heart-pounding, beat the program on the rail race of its beautiful thoroughbreds; as it's also deemed "The Fastest Two Minutes In Sports". Attending the Derby should definitely be on the bucket list. It's an historical event unlike any other. 

As for this household, the Derby festivities kick off this evening at Ferdinand's Ball. Friday (Oaks day) will be spent in our fun/matching attire (and yes, hats) at the track, then we'll magically spin around - you know, like Cinderella - and change into our more formal attire for the Unbridled Eve Gala. With whatever bit of energy left to gather, we'll then be back at the track on Saturday, Derby day (yes, more hats). This will be one eventful weekend!!

With that said, this post may be running until after the festivities!

As much as I cringe at that thought - as I like to be on top of things - I'm not sure my laptop would be an acceptable fashion forward accessory. So, I apologize in advance!

Our attendance, and attire, will be shared immediately following the weekend. 

Fingers crossed we pick a winner this year!!!! Good luck to all!!!

Have a blessed and safe weekend. :)

photo credit: 1 2 3 4 5 6 

THUNDER ...na na na na na na na na...THUNDER!!

...a little AC/DC for ya! ...no? ...oh well, I couldn't resist.

Thunder over Louisville

...the largest fireworks display in North America. 

As I've grown, the meaning of this particular weekend rapidly changed from one extreme to the other; in quite a fascinating cycle. As children, we go for the fireworks; teens go for the hangout; college years revolve around the unlimited consumption of adult beverages; then as parents, along with children of our own, we are back again just for the fireworks... back to the basics! ;)

Thunder got its name simply by "...adequately defining its intensity"; and that it did. 

Although, Thunder is known for its 100,000+ audience, it's always questionable whether it'll reach high attendance each year depending on weather conditions  - flood in 2011. The weather surely dictates that decision for this household - it's COLD today!!  

Regardless, I'm sure you'll find us bundled up; enjoying another year of this spectacular tradition. 

photo credit: 1 2