During the weekend, I enjoy cooking things that usually does not require a time limit on when it has to be ready.  We may have steak and potatoes, burgers and homemade french fries, breakfast, etc.  Whatever the menu, it's nice to to not have a schedule like during the week.

When visiting Winn Dixie on Friday, to give them a good portion of my paycheck, I walked past a display of fresh and ever so yummy smelling donuts.  Needless to say, I picked up a package and placed it right on top of my buggy.  I had been craving some homemade lasagna so I bought all the ingredients to make it and satisfy my craving.

Breakfast usually consists of cheesy browns, toast and bacon.  Depending on the time of breakfast, 9, 10 or 11, we may skip lunch and have an early dinner.  However, yesterday, we mixed it up a bit.  

Saturday's Menu

Donuts for breakfast

Turkey Sandwiches for lunch

Homemade lasagna for dinner

And since it was half gone, which usually means it was delish, I will share the recipe with you.

Homemade Lasagna

Serves/Makes: 10 to 12 servings

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 3 cups (about 28 oz. jar) spaghetti sauce
• 1-1/2 cups of water
• 1-3/4 cups (15 oz. container) ricotta
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 pkg (8 oz) Skinner Lasagna, uncooked

 

Preparation

• Heat oven to 350 degrees
• In 3 quarts sauce pan, brown meat; drain.
• Add spaghetti sauce and water; simmer about 10 minutes.
• In medium bowl, stir together ricotta, one-half mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, parsley, salt and pepper.
• Pour about 1 cup sauce on bottom of 13 x 9 inch baking dish.
• Arrange 3 UNCOOKED pasta pieces lengthwise over sauce; cover with about 1 cup  sauce.
• Spread one-half cheese filling over sauce.
• Repeat layers of lasagna, sauce and cheese filling.
• Top with layer of lasagna and remaining sauce; sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese.
• Cover with foil and bake 45 minutes.
• Remove foil; bake additional 15 minutes.
• Let stand 10 minutes before cutting. 

ENJOY!!! And let me know if you like the recipe.

Update on movies...

The things we do for our men.  I endured almost 5 hours of straight blood, guts and suspense with XIII - The Conspiracy & Law Abiding Citizen.  So if your not into the three listed above... I wouldn't waste your time.  Now it's time to make homemade lasagna.

A lazy weekend, or so I thought.

I know to not put much trust in the weather forecast but I was praying this one was right.  Earlier, they had rain in the forecast... all day.  Don't get me wrong, I loved last weekend's weather... bright, sunny, warm, Spring like day.  But I was really looking forward to a rainy day.  So much that we rented movies to watch as we lounge on the couch all day.

As I awoke this morning, no rain was falling from the sky and it looks as if the sun is going to come out.  Not what I had planned for the day but I guess we will take it.  And we will still have a lazy day of watching movies.  We watched one last night and it was pretty good.  (Couples Retreat.)  I wouldn't buy it, but I would watch it again when it comes on HBO.

Couples Retreat

Law Abiding Citizen

XIII - The Conspiracy

I, of course, picked Couples Retreat and got the other two because I knew Terry would like them.  Hopefully they aren't too crazy because last weekend we watched 12 Rounds and I had a dream/nightmare about it all night.

Will let you know what I think...

I spy

As promised, I will now let you in on how the rest of my day as Auntie Joy turned out.  

But first I should probably let you in on something, I do not have any kid toys at my house.  Just millions and millions of little squeaky dog toys.  And they can only hold so much attention to kids because the dog gets mad and takes her toys away from them.  But what I do have is this tray of little decorative rocks.  They love to get them out and play with them.  They line them up, count them, separate the big ones from the little ones, separate the light colored ones from the dark colored ones, and so on and so on.

However, Anniston noticed I had a new "rock" yesterday.  (This was given to me at Christmas from Terry's mom because she knew I collected things with my name on them.)  She loved it so much that she took it to school, without my permission.  I found out when I picked her up and noticed it was in her hand.  Fortunately, she didn't get in trouble with it at school.

So I mentioned that I had a lunch meeting yesterday with one of my sister bloggers, Angie.  And nothing would do but Anniston had to take the rock in with us to eat.  Once at the table, she decided not to eat and only play with the rock.

 

Once Mrs. Angie walked through the door

 

she was ready to eat her chicky nuggets and frenchy fries from Wendy's, of course.

On the back of the kids meal sack was the game, I Spy.  This child loved this game.  And she was very good at it.  She found stuff that Angie and I couldn't.  As the lunch was coming to an end, I had promised Anniston that I would take her to get her very own rock.  I knew that Plant the Earth had them for sale and I would let her pick out her own.  Plus, she loves "purdy frowers" 

 

and Plant the Earth has some beautiful potted plants inside the store.  So we head to pick out the rock and since she loved the game so much... we played I spy.

All in all, it was a good day.  I was exhausted when she went home but she didn't go home emptied handed... she and her sister got their very own rocks.  Anniston's says Dance and Ava's says Celebrate.

Simple Pleasures

One of our other Blogging Babes, Abby, gave the rest of us a challenge and you know I love a challenge... Blog on some of your "simple pleasures."

  

A few of my Simple Pleasures

Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Peas and Cornbread.

.......

Sleeping past 7:30, any day.

.......

Different ringtones for my special folks.

.......

Hearing those 3 little, but powerful words, I LOVE YOU.

.......

Receiving a card in the mail that wasn't expected.

.......

Praise for a job well done.

.......

 Good 80s music.

.......

Maroon and White

.......

Friends that make me smile, laugh and cry with me and remind me that I'm thought of, often.

.......

 6 Layer Red Velvet Cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory

Bad Auntie Joy

I get the bad Aunt of the year award.  

Today is my day with my niece, Anniston who "lubs" her Auntie Joy very much.  That is until she tells her mommy what Auntie Joy said in the car this morning.

 Anniston and me before leaving the house to go to school and work.

I don't have road rage but seriously, some people do NOT need to be on the roads during peak driving times.  Let me fill you in on the entire story.  Anniston's mom has a doctor's appointment in Jackson today and took the youngest with her.  However, Anniston is in preschool and she doesn't like to miss school.  So Auntie Joy to the rescue.  We met early this morning to put the car seat and 3 year old in my car.  And the best thing I heard was what came out of her mouth when I opened the door to their car... "Auntie Joy, you have missed me haven't you?"  Music to my ears.  

The music began to fade away as the number of questions grew.  Questions ranging from, "Auntie Joy why did that car pass us?" and "Auntie Joy why do you have to go to work?" Sometimes I ask myself that question.  lol  Anyway, after she played at the house for a few minutes, it was time to go to school and work.  I get her strapped in the car seat and start to back out when I hear... "SSSTTTOOOPPP... I have to tee tee."  Up goes the garage door and in we run to take care of this problem.  I might mention that even with this small interruption... we are still on time for school.

Back in the car, we are driving along on Poplar Springs Drive when someone not paying attention pulls out in front of me right when I was almost on him.  Did he stop and look... NO.  So here is where bad Auntie Joy comes out.  I said, aloud and without thinking, S**T!!!  Mainly because I know it's not just me in the car... it's another small life that I'm in care of today and we almost had a wreck!

After I get composure and start driving along, I heard a little voice from the backseat say, "What did you just say?"  BUSTED!

I apologized and told her I better not EVER hear that come out of her mouth.  Can't wait to see if she tells her mommy and if she actually says what I said.  I certainly hope not!

More to come later, I pick her up from school at 11:30 and have her for the rest of the day.  She will go to a lunch meeting with me and help me deliver some magazines.  Should be an interesting afternoon to which I will tell you all about it tomorrow.  Until then... Auntie Joy is holding her own.

Today's Playlist

I love itunes and furthermore, I LOVE MUSIC.  Everyday starts off with music with the alarm clock going off at 5:59 a.m. hearing 97OKK's National Anthem of the day to XM Radio in the car driving to work to itunes blaring from underneath my office door while at work. 

Music is what gets me moving in the mornings... always has and always will.  It's a passion of mine.

I have a few different playlists on itunes but I always hit "Get Going Music" and it stays on shuffle so I don't hear the same songs at the start of every morning.  (Note, there is over 150 songs in this playlist.)  Today's first 10 songs...

I Gotta Feeling - Black Eyed Peas

Cowboy Casanova - Carrie Underwood

Morning After Dark - Timbaland

What If I Stumble - DC Talk

She's A Beauty - The Tubes

We Built This City - Starkship

My Life Would Suck Without You - Kelly Clarkson

When Its Love - Van Halen

Fine Line - Little Big TOwn

Smile - Uncle Kracker

Yes, I know these are random songs, but I love all the songs in this playlist and they all have a reason for being in there.  Either I'm singing them out loud, my head is bobbing or my foot is a tapping.

What is on your favorite playlist?

My new love obsession... Steak.

For those of you who may not have known this before now, I have NEVER liked steak.  Take me to a steak house and I'll get chicken.  Take me to a fish camp or seafood restaurant, I order chicken.  I have nothing against seafood except that fact that I'm allergic to it.  However, the first couple of times I ever ate a steak... I didn't like the texture of it or the fact that chewing constantly was required.

One of the many great things my wonderful boyfriend has introduced me to is the fact that steak can taste good.  It's all about the way it is prepared and cooked.  The first time he ever grilled me a steak, I was so scared that I wouldn't like it so he grilled chicken, too.  To my surprise... I loved it.  Now that seems to be one of our weekend rituals, rib eye steak, loaded mashed potatoes, beans and a roll.  

We don't have it every weekend - but there hasn't been a month so far that we haven't enjoyed it at least once.

I still don't order steak when we go out to eat, unless they don't have chicken on the menu, because I'm never sure if they are going to cook it the way I like.  The only two places I have had steak at a restaurant is The Rustler here in Meridian and at Ralph's on the Park in New Orleans.  At both, I got new york strips.  And both were very much enjoyed.  It's amazing how things change as we get older.

It's been asked of me many times so I give you my loaded mashed potato recipe.

Joyful's Loaded Mashed Potatoes

4 medium to large potatoes, peeled and cubed

1/2 to a full container of an 8oz. sour cream

2 cups of grated cheddar cheese

salt and pepper to taste

Boil cubed potatoes until tender.  In a mixing bowl add potatoes, sour cream, 1/2 cup of grated cheddar cream and salt and pepper.  With a hand held mixer, blend together.  Pour mixture into a small baking dish and sprinkle leftover cheese on top.  Bake at 375 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes. 

What a difference a week makes

Last Friday, the city woke up to a white out.  It was beautiful and something that we don't see here very often.  The white, fluffy blanket of snow made the town look so innocent and pure.

  

I didn't get out to see the sites but I saw many pictures of families playing in the snow, making snow creatures and most important, smiling.  No one had a frown that day.  Everyone's inner child came out and enjoyed the day that was given to us.  

I can't help but wonder if God knew that was actually what we needed.  A day to forget about all the problems of the world, and focus on being with the ones we love.  A day where families spent the day together, not in front of the tv or playing the wii or any other video games but together making homemade snow ice cream and having playful snowballs fights.  A day to make memories as a family like families use to do when things were simple.  

Today, I woke to a completely different view.  The sun shinning and the view of dead grass.  However, there was just a tiny bit of the snowman left...

 

and with the temperature reaching near 60 degrees today, I'm sure that tiny ball of snow will be gone by noon.  But having even that little bit of snow in my backyard all week, it reminded me of last Friday.  And how happy our city was, and how I felt like a little kid peeping out the window every few minutes to see if it was still there.  I hope that memory stays with me and most importantly, I thank the Lord above for giving us that day to remind us that it's not the possessions we have but that everything good and well comes from above.

Enjoy the beautiful weekend!!

Tis the Season for More Candy

 

Candy, candy and yes, more candy!

Seems as if we can't get through one holiday until the next is right in our face.  And the stores know exactly where to put the candy so when you walk by you hear, "Joy, you know you can't resist me!"  I'm a sucker for the three Easter candies above (Cadbury Mini Eggs, Robin Eggs & Reese's Peanut Butter Egg).  Want to make me smile on a bad day, bring me one of the those and my frown is turned right side up!

The sad thing is, we hardly get a break from the holiday candy.  Fortunately, after Easter, we will not be tempted with the sweet, chocolaty, and oh so good it melts in your mouth candy for a few months.  That is until August when stores will be putting out the Halloween candy.  So that's three months to get rid of the holiday candy weight put on during the other nine months.  Yeah right, who am I kidding!

Until the candy is out of the stores, you can guarantee that I will have at least one bag of my favorites in my home.  Now the question is, which of the three will be the first bought.... decisions, decisions, decisions! 

Tagalongs, Dulce de Leche, Lemon Chalet Cremes & Do-Si-Dos

Chocolate, caramel, crunchy, creamy.... those four words are the best way to describe my yummy girl scout cookies that are sitting on my dinning room table.  All six boxes, yes I said six, are still unopened.  I must not have been feeling very well last night... otherwise a least one of those boxes would have been opened because I look forward to these cookies every year.

I had many to ask me to buy cookies this year, but I saved my order for Terry's niece who is a first year girl scout.  Unlike his niece, Hannah, I was never a girl scout.  I have been to Camp Meridale during the United Way Day of Caring and it seems like a great place!  I'm sure great friendships are formed from hanging out with fellow girl scouts.

Even though I was never a girl scout, we always had those cookies in the house growing up.  My mom is a teacher and I don't think she can say no to the kids at school because if one asked... she would buy at least two boxes.  We seemed to always have an abundance of "Thin Mints" in the house.  Maybe it was because they were my dad, mom and brothers favorite girl scout cookie!  Mom loved the fact that they could be frozen and brought out at a later date to enjoy.

I'm going to try something different with the one box of "Do-Si-Dos" that I got.  I found a recipe online and it sounds delicious.  Try it and let me know how it turns out!

Scavenger Delight

1 – 6 ounce package instant chocolate pudding
1 cup milk
1 package Do-Si-Dos
2 sticks butter, melted
6 ounces prepared whipped topping
1 – 4 ounce package cream cheese
Mix cookie crumbs and melted butter. Pour into 9" x 13" pan. Mix pudding with 1 cup of milk until thick. Spread pudding over crust. Mix whipped topping and cream cheese and spread over pudding. Chill to thicken.

Customer Service Etiquette

Customer Service is not what it use to be. 

Once the number you called is answered, it's no longer a person but an automated voice welcoming you to their customer service department and then you hear (for another 2 or 3 minutes) in another language someone talking.  First of all, this is America and the number I call, I expect to only hear someone speaking English and for that matter, be fluent in our language.  Now on to why I am blogging about this...

My Valentine's day gift was a TomTom GPS device.  I had been wanting one for a while and Terry got me one for Vday.  I was so excited and as I wrote about yesterday, we played with it Saturday and Sunday.  Yesterday, I went to the website to see all the different features the device has and found out the map I was currently using (which came on the device brand new) was out of date and I needed to download the latest version.  (This is where the gray hairs multiplied in my hair.)

I followed the directions of linking the GPS device with the computer and had no problems.  The download started and I couldn't wait to see what this new, updated map looked like.  After the download (which took about an hour), it said it was copying over to internal memory.  No problem, do what you have to do... only it froze up about half way through.  No biggie, I'll try it again.  Only it had the same problem.  So I call the customer support number.  After hitting 1 for this and 4 for this and another 1 for this, I talk to an actual human being.  Great, I think, problem will be solved.  Only I had the same problem another 7 times.  7 TIMES!!!  I called the customer support number so many times I knew the number to push before the menu items could be called out!  (Note - I called 5 times.)

Finally, at 8:30 p.m. (I missed the bachelor last night) I called for the last time.  This guy was not only rude to me, he was eating while talking to me!  And then told me it was my computer and I should go buy a new computer because mine was obviously not worth anything.  ARE YOU KIDDING ME????  By this time I was irate and I asked to speak with his supervisor.  She apologized and said, we will ship you out a new one tomorrow... I told her not to bother because we would be returning the device and getting another brand!

So I give you my Customer Service Etiquette...

1 - Please learn the English language so when I call, I can understand you.
2 - Do not make me feel like an idiot to the point I only want to cry or cuss you to kingdom come!
3 - Do NOT eat or smack gum while you are talking to me.
4 - Understand that not everyone can read your mind.
5 - Apologize for me even having to deal with this situation.
6 - And please, please understand that this is the job YOU chose, not me!

My Valentine

This was the first year that I have actually celebrated a Valentine's day with someone other than my parents.  I've dated guys in the past but either we were not dating during Vday or we just gave each other a card and chocolate for the (sometimes overrated) holiday.

Terry and I decided to do Vday on Saturday since we would be celebrating at his parents house on the actual day.  My Valentine surprised me with something I had been wanting but was definitely not expecting.  He got me a GPS device by Tom Tom.  The fun part was trying it out on our way to dinner.  It was interesting to see what roads I knew the name of to the ones I had no clue. 

We went to Ole Farm Beef House but apparently everyone in town had the same idea.   We did not even get out of the car... and decided to turn back around and dine at The Landing.  This was my third time to eat there.  The food, the mood... everything was great.  We even decided to indulge in a brownie sundae for dessert.  After the dinner, we went home and snuggled up on the couch to watch a movie. 

It was a perfect day for our first Valentine's day together.  I look forward to many more with the man of my dreams.

Birthday cake and laughter

One of my best friends celebrated her 24th birthday yesterday.

However, we celebrated her special day last Friday.  Even the snow couldn't stop us from partying with Abs!!  You know this is a special person when everyone on the invite lists comes (except for Lindsey but she was working and couldn't make it).  We had burgers, homemade fries and baked beans but I think the dessert was the best food of the night.

  This amazing cake was made by Carol Fanning and not only did it look amazing, it tasted divine.  Buttercream icing with white cake underneath.  Who could ask for more?

The rest of the night was filled with laughter.  We told of stories of the past to new beginnings for some.  Probably the best time I have had in a while. 

 

I'm so blessed to have these wonderful friends.

Throughout the night - pictures were taken and you know how us girls are... if we don't like the picture, we had to retake it.  Whatever did we do before digital cameras??  Anyway, the guys kept making fun of our hugging pictures so when it came time for their photo... this is what we got...

 

A wonderful time had by all.  And a night I will not soon forget!

Hope you had a wonderful birthday weekend, Abby!  Love you!!

Snow... it's a beautiful site!

 

This was the scene at my house 02/12/10 at noon.  It truly was beautiful to look at and I loved staying in and watching the rather large (for Mississippi) snow flakes come down for most the day.

My love came home right after lunch and we got one of my best friends, Abby to come over to play in the snow.  

 

We made a snowman, had a snowball fight and most importantly, laughed until we hurt!  That is probably the most fun I have had in a long time.  And much to my surprise.. making a snow man is HARD WORK!  I had no idea I would be this sore today.

 

Our snowman... he's not the cutest thing but I thought we did pretty good for our first time.

 

Our first snow together.

2010 is off to a great start so far.  Can't wait to see what other exciting things take place this year!!

All "cracked" up

I made it through my first visit to the chiropractor.  I was a nervous wreck when I got there and the sounds that were coming from the back rooms... I almost walked out.  But as soon as I started to get up and leave... they called me back.  

When I got back to the room, I saw the "table" and boy was it different.  When he came in, he said I can see scared written all over your face.  So he explained the table to me.  And 95% of the noise is because of the table.  He started with my feet.  He said you can tell a lot about a person's alignment from their feet.  I thought whatever but let him continue.  He knew what he was doing because he then explained in great detail what is going on with my neck, shoulder and shoulder blade.  Next was x-rays.

Since my muscles were so tense, he put a moist heating pad on my neck and shoulders to loosen the muscles up.  And then the fun began...

I got to go back to the table and experience the "cracking" for the first time.  To my surprise, it was pleasant.  He did explain my problems/condition to me and I will be going back a good many times over the next 3 months.  Apparently, my neck is completely out of whack and instead of curving it's more straight.  I told him my neck rarely hurts but he said everything in the body is connected.  (Which makes sense, now.)  At least we now know what the problem is and we are working to get it fixed.

After getting back on the heating pad when I got home... I could tell a little difference.  However, he said it will probably take a week or so to see and feel a big difference.  I go back in the morning for my second treatment.  So... it wasn't a quick fix but hopefully after it's all said and done... it will be a for good fix.

Gonna get "cracked"

After two nights of no sleep and hurting for a few months... I have made an appointment to see a chiropractor.  Scared?  You know it.  I love to pop my fingers, toes and neck but someone else doing this - I pray nothing breaks!  I think my biggest fear is having someone grab my neck and turn it where it never turns back.  I know... it's all in my head but I usually over think eeeevvvverything!

I have talked to a few people who have been "cracked" and they swear by it.  They tell me it will be loud and I might be sore the next day but overall I will feel much better.  I must confess, I have white coat syndrome and they tell me that you need to relax during the visit.  OH boy... relax, seriously?  I'm hoping there is no weird smell in the room.  I'm hoping I don't stop breathing (from holding my breath) during the session.  I'm hoping I get relief so I can sleep tonight.  I'm hoping for a miracle basically.  

Trying to calm my nerves now... so let the countdown begin.  4 hours til I get "cracked."

Snow or No Snow... that is the question

 

Marleigh and me - Jan 2008

It's in the forecast for Friday but, will we actually see any and will it stick?  I'm not holding my breath for it and I'm sure they will not close schools this time so maybe it will happen. 

This is Mississippi but the Saints did win the Superbowl so hey... it could happen.

I'm following a new blog...

Sidney Covington is now blogging!  You know this blog is going to be a hoot!!

You can follow her at this address.

More Than Words

Valentine's day is less than a week away and I can hardly contain my excitement.  Not only do I get to spend my V-day weekend with the man I love but it's our first V-Day together.  Gifts... check, card to go with his gifts... guess I better get to working on that.

I'm a card alcoholic.  There - it has been said.  I guess it started in my teenage years, I loved to give and receive cards.  Whether it be a holiday or just a note to say hello, I love to send them all.  However, I seem to stay so busy that I rarely have time to go shop for cards and the local CVS near my house doesn't have the best selection of cards.  Hallmark is my all time favorite place to shop for cards.  There is a card for everything.  With that being said, our Hallmark in Meridian has closed.  As tragic as it may be I have found a solution for getting the cards I love and can shop there anytime I want.  

Hallmark has a website, now I'm not a huge fan of the e-cards but I love that you can purchase cards and change the words to fit what you are wanting to say and they will even mail the card for you!  And you can even add pictures to the card to personalize it!  Talk about a personal assistant at it's best!!  When I purchased our Valentine's Day cards to send to family and friends, they were offering a special.  I let them mail the cards to the people I wanted to send the cards to and they mailed them for free!  Yes, it is the small things that I love!!  Not sure if the offer is still good, but it's worth trying.  I would do it today or tomorrow to be sure the cards get to your loved one on time.

I let them send a few cute ones to my love for V-day but I will be looking in our stores here for the perfect card for me to give him with his gift.  There is still nothing better than signing the card yourself and licking that NASTY envelope.  Hey, it's all about the love.  

And finding the card that says exactly how your feeling, is more than words!

Sunday lunch at Red Robster

Terry's niece Emma Kate just turned five yesterday and I still love the way she says Lobster!  It's hilarious!

We normally do not go out to eat Sunday's at lunch.  I mean, have you seen the crowds of folks that go out to eat after church?  But it was a birthday lunch and Red Lobster was the place she picked.  I saw everybody and their mama while we were eating!  From folks I see every once in a while to folks I haven't seen in years.  Nothing like a visit to a restaurant to remind you how small Meridian can be.  Hopefully those folks I saw won't think much of the way I said "good to see you" spoken with food in my mouth! 

And as many of you know - I'm allergic to seafood.  So, my entree... grilled chicken!  YUM-O!

I'll post some birthday party pics tomorrow... it was at Pat Gray and I have never seen so many kids having a good time.

Julie & Julia

So... the wonderful boyfriend brought home the movie that I had been wanting to see.  It was long but a great movie.  Of course after watching it - I was inspired to get up and cook.  Luckily, we were already planning on having steaks for dinner.  

MENU - 

Steaks

Loaded Mashed Potatoes

Baked Beans

Garlic Cheese Biscuits

Dessert - Husband's Delight

Let me just tell you - that was the best meal we have had in a few weeks.  Slept like a baby and didn't wake up hungry.  Now for Terry's sister in law's birthday lunch at Red Lobster... I'm secretly hoping Terry thinks my garlic cheese biscuits are better than theirs!  lol

Loaded Mashed Potato Recipe:
Peel, wash and cut potatoes into chucks then boil
Drain, place in mixing bowl and mix with sour cream, 1/3 cup of shredded cheese and salt and pepper to taste.
Place in a baking dish and bake with sprinkled cheese on top of potatoes at 350 for 15 to 20 minutes.

Oh and GEAUX SAINTS!!!!!

It's here and flying off stands!

Have you gotten your copy of 393 Magazine's newest issue, Feb/March 2010?

You can view the entire issue online here.

Makeup that STAYS on!

Living in Mississippi, it seems our humidity likes to do a number on my face and my makeup.  I have found the perfect foundation that works well for me.  If you love makeup, lotions and other fun girlie things you must take a quick trip to Flowood and shop at Sephora inside JCPenny (they sell the bare mineral foundation and eye shadows I love).  It's worth the trip over!!

Oh how I love this love!

All you need is love, all you need is love, All you need is love, love, love is all you need.

John Lennon knew what he was talking about when we wrote

All you need is love.

The love that one person has and gives, there is no greater feeling.

Everyone experiences some kind of love in their lifetime. That love can be through friendships, from parents and family members, to a first love shared in grade school. When you hear someone say those three words, you know that you are someone special to them.

Being a female, I have a couple of girlfriends that I consider to be the sisters I never had. They will tell you the truth, even if it's brutal and always have your back. If its been a rough day and nothing seems to be going your way, they come over and bring the chocolate. It's through these experiences that you know this is a true friend. It's through those times you find out just how much you mean to them and them to you.

In today's world, not all families consist of a dad, mom and children. There are more single moms and dads today than ever before. I feel very blessed to have a mom and dad who have been married for 38 years. They both showed me how much they love me by making sure I had the things I needed (and not always the things I wanted), stayed in school and made something of myself. Even if it's not said every day, you know there is love.

You'll never forget that first boyfriend and the way the made you feel. Wearing his class ring and wearing his Letterman jacket, that's how they showed you they loved you. And for some, they go on to marry their high school sweetheart. For others, it's the first heart break they feel and experience.

As great as it is to have the love of your family and friends, there is nothing better than finding your true love. The one that makes you smile just thinking about him and knowing that what you both share is real. I feel very fortunate to have found this love.

Growing up, I went to my parents when I was having a bad day. They could fix anything, right? Even if it was something that couldn't be fixed, you just wanted to tell them about it to get it off of your chest. Now the one person I can't wait to share the good news or the bad news with is Terry. He has a way of calming me down if I'm upset about something and loves to celebrate even the smallest of things with me. As a teenager and in to my early twenties, I always wanted to know how it felt to be loved by the man of your dreams. And now I know.

This Valentine's Day I will get to share the day with my love and I hope you and your love have a memorable day. The advertisers in 393 Magazine have lots of wonderful things for your special someone and remember, even if it's just a card... it's the thought that counts!