Ode to Fall

A Southern Classic a Little Lighter

Hey Y'all!

With Easter Sunday just around the corner, it's time to think what to prepare for Easter lunch. One of my all time  favorite Southern classic is shrimp and grits. Enjoy this Lowcountry favorite without the guilt! This recipe has reduced the calories to 235 a serving. Nom Nom Nom!

I came across this recipe on Southern Living's website.

via

Ingredients:

Parmesan Grits:

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup uncooked quick-cooking grits

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Creamy Shrimp Sauce:

1 pound unpeeled, medium-size raw shrimp (4 1/50 count)

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1/8 teaspoon salt

Vegetable cooking spray

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1 1/4 cups low-sodium fat-free chicken broth

1/2 cup chopped green onions

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon hot sauce

2 cups firmly packed fresh baby spinach

Preparation

1. 1. Prepare Parmesan Grits: Bring 1/2 tsp. salt and 4 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan; gradually whisk in grits. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, 8 minutes or until thickened. Whisk in cheese and pepper. Keep warm.
2. 2. Prepare Creamy Shrimp Sauce: Peel shrimp; devein, if desired. Sprinkle shrimp with pepper and 1/8 tsp. salt. Cook in a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat 1 to 2 minutes on each side or just until shrimp turn pink. Remove from skillet. Reduce heat to medium. Add oil; heat 30 seconds. Whisk in flour; cook 30 seconds to 1 minute. Whisk in broth and next 5 ingredients; cook 2 to 3 minutes or until thickened. Stir in shrimp and spinach; cook 1 minute or until spinach is slightly wilted. Serve immediately over grits.
3. Note: Nutritional analysis includes 1/2 cup grits and about 1/3 cup sauce.

Nutrition:
Per Serving

Calories: 235
Fat: 6.1g

Southern Living
OCTOBER 2011

Enjoy and have a wonderful Easter!!

LOL,

Meagan

 

The Truth

A little verse to think about this week...


Humility and the fear of the LORD bring wealth and honor and life.

Proverbs 22:4
 

Lots Of Love,
 
Meagan

Baby Hayes' Nursery Design Choice

and the winner is....

Corrie loved the rug and the cool calm colors of this design.

Paint:

Sterling by Benjamin Moore

Rug:

Swirl Rug by West Elm



Upholstery:

Yellow and White Chevron  http://www.etsy.com/

Can't wait to see it all come together!

LOL,

Meagan

Baby Hayes' Nursery

An overwhelmed pregnant bestie living 150 miles away, called me to help her with her baby girl's nursery.

She has existing furniture that she plans to paint white, her very own beautiful colorful paintings, and a few animal print decorative accessories. During a previous telephone chat with the lil mamma, I recommended a neutral and recommended a grey wall (since she has so many colorful pieces for the walls), she agreed. She has existing dark hardwood floor, dark wood crib (which will be painted white), a dresser painted white, a glider that will be painted white and recovered, two lamps with animal print shades, animal print hamper, and several bright paintings of wild animals.

So, you may ask, what is it that she needs help with?

Simple, she was uncertain about mixing patterns and color selection--many people have this issue. Not sure how to mix patterns, textures, or even color. She needed a rug, fabric for recovering an existing glider, custom bedskirt, and custom window treatments.

I began by creating a collage of the existing pieces, then I added the 3 selected rugs and 3 patterned fabrics for each design space.

Here's the 3 designs  I created for Baby Hayes' nursery:

Go ahead, vote for the nursery you like best!

LOL,

Meagan

My Birthday Eve

I've been crazy busy this week, and had no time to sit and blog, however started putting together Sunday's blog and I am super excited about it...

Today, is my nephew's 2nd birthday and my birthday eve and we are headed up to my parents to do a little celebrating. My mom has a little surprise in store and I am excited to see what she has up her sleeve. Then, for dinner we are all headed to eat some delish TN BBQ! What can be better than that?--family, surprises, and BBQ!

I hope y'all have a fabulous weekend and don't forget to set your clocks foward tonight!!

LOL,

Meagan

A Southern Red Velvet Cake

There’s something about a red velvet cake that always makes me feel good inside. My grandmother's cake especially, not just for the scrumptious taste, but the memories of sitting around with the family enjoying a slice together during the holidays or special occasions. But y'all, it doesn't have to be a special occasion nor holiday to enjoy a slice of red velvet cake.

However, during a phone conversation with my mom, she asked what cake I would like for my birthday celebration this weekend...and of course, I chose the red velvet cake. Yum!

PS: The recipe I'm sharing is not my grandmother's recipe, it's Martha's {there's no difference really} :-)

Ingredients for Martha's Red Velvet Cake

3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pans

2 1/2 cups cake flour (not self-rising), sifted, plus more for pans

3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

2 cups sugar

3 large eggs

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 one-ounce bottles liquid red food coloring

3 tablespoons lukewarm water

1 cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 tablespoon white vinegar

Ingredients for Cream Cheese Frosting

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature

1 (8-ounce) bar cream cheese, room temperature

1 cup confectioners' sugar, sifted

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts

Directions for Martha's Red Velvet Cake

1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter two 8-by-2-inch round cake pans. Line with parchment paper, and butter again. Dust with flour, and tap out the excess; set aside. In a medium bowl, sift together cake flour, cocoa, and baking powder; set aside.

2.In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter and sugar, and beat on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 15 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla, salt, food coloring, and water; beat, scraping down the sides of the bowl, until well combined. Add reserved dry ingredients in additions, alternating with the buttermilk; beat on low speed until well combined.

3.In a small bowl, stir together baking soda and vinegar; add to batter. Beat on medium speed for 10 seconds. Be sure not to overbeat. Divide batter between prepared pans, and bake until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove pans from oven, and transfer to a wire rack to cool, about 15 minutes. Turn cakes out onto rack; let stand until completely cool.

4.Using a serrated knife, trim tops of cakes so surfaces are level. Place a layer on a cake stand or cardboard round, and spread about 1/3 of the frosting over top. Place the second layer on top, and spread with the remaining frosting over the tops and sides of assembled cake. Transfer to refrigerator, and chill until ready to serve.

Directions for Cream Cheese Frosting

1.Place butter in bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, and beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add cream cheese, and beat until well combined and fluffy, about 2 minutes more. Add sugar and vanilla, and beat until combined, about 2 minutes. Fold in walnuts.

Lots of Love,

Meagan



adventures in babysitting

This weekend, Stephen and I had a couple of house guests that kept us entertained, kept us {me} up,  and kept us on our toes, and I felt truly blessed to have them around. Before their arrival, I made a list of things we could do with the kids...well, this is what we actually did:

We...
..read books in the bathtub two different times {we had a couple of tornado warnings and watches}
..played Where is Sock Monkey?
..played with legos
..changed a lot of poopy diapers
..cleaned poop out a bath tub and  the living room floor
..watched one particular Wild Kratts episode several times...I think I could quote the entire thing.
..went on walks
..colored
..played with bubbles
..played tickle monster...Stephen was the tickle monster
..went to The Creative Discovery Museum
..made blueberry muffins
..called Aunt Nana (my sister Amanda)
..were kissed and hugged constantly...and Tommy constantly told us he loved us. {my heart melts}

These boys make me so happy!

Lots of Love,

Meagan

sunday kind of love

Having a  lovely Sunday?

Did you rejoice, reflect, or remember the love Christ has for his children--a true love? {2 cor. 5:14}

Since Thursday, my hubby and I kept our two nephews, one 2 and one 4. They just left us and I am now filled with lots of love, joy, and a lot of patience. A love that's hard to describe. These boys are very special to me and Stephen. Stephen and I do not have kids of our own yet, but after this weekend, it has made me that more excited about being a mommy one of these days...like in a year or so... :-) I will post pics and stories from our weekend adventures. For now I'm going to rest...later I will reflect.

In the meantime, I am going to beautify my blog, My creative director (my hubby) told me my title needed a change too, yet again. I'm not going to change it entirely, just one word... hopefully this time I have it right. Thanks for letting me be creative.

LOL,

Meagan

Spring Cleaning Checklist

{via}

It's almost that time of year friends! The time of year, we open up our windows, turn up the music, and spend an entire Saturday, cleaning, purging, and organizing-- "spring-cleaning". I find having a spring-cleaning list very helpful. A list keeps me on track and provides me something to check off as a task is completed.

Our nephews are coming to stay with us this weekend, so I have a feeling my home is going to need a good deep clean afterwards {I will hold off any cleaning, until the little boys leave...hehe}. I like to get my spring cleaning done the beginning of March, sometime around my b-day, and since we are so close, I felt the need to share a list I find very helpful:


FOYER

1. Dust lighting fixtures.
2. Wash walls and trim.
3. Wash doors, knobs and switch plates.
4. Wash furnishings.
5. Empty out coat closet. Wash walls and floor. Sort items as you return them to the closet. Store out of season items, donate unneeded items.
6. Clean or replace entry mat.
7. Sweep and scrub floors.

BEDROOMS

1. Open windows
2. Dust furniture.
3. For each drawer: remove items, wash drawer, place items back neatly. Donate Items you no longer need.
4. Remove everything from closets. wash closet walls if necessary. Sweep and wash closet floor. Put everything back neatly. Donate items you no longer need.
5. Move Bed. Sort and put away anything that was under bed. Sweep or vacuum under bed.
6. Put bed back. Flip mattress. Vacuum both sides.
7. Launder bedding and curtains.
8. Wash pillows and duvet in hot water. Air out mattress pad, if you have one.
9. Dust lights and clean shades.
10. Wash windows and window sills.
11. Wash switch plates.
12. Wash walls and trim.
13. Wash mirrors or dust art.
14. Wash doors and doorknobs.
15. Sweep and wash floor or vacuum.

BATHROOMS

1. Open windows.
2. Empty all cabinets and vanity. Wash inside, replace items neatly.
3. Discard expired medications and cosmetics.
4. Wash outside of cabinets and vanities.
5. Clean tub. Clean drain.
6. Clean toilet, inside and out. Remove seat and clean around seat bolts.
7. Clean sink and drain.
8. Shine faucets.
9. Clean mirror and frame.
10. Dust light fixtures.
11. Wash windows and window sills.
12. Wash switch plates. wash walls and trim.
13. Wash doors and door knobs.
14. Sweep and wash floors.

KITCHEN

1. Open windows.
2. Remove and clean window coverings.
3. For each cabinet or drawer: Remove items, wipe out drawer, place items back neatly.
4. Wash and sanitize cutting boards.
5. Wash cabinet doors and knobs.
6. Clean out and organize pantry. Check food expiry dates.
7. Clean oven.
8. Clean stove top. Remove elements and drip bowls, if applicable, wash and put back.
9. Clean and organize fridge and freezer.
10. Defrost freezer, if necessary. Check food expiry dates.
11. Clean under fridge and stove.
12. Clean microwave.
13. Clean crumbs out of toaster oven.
14. Wipe down any other counter appliances.
15. Wash counters and back splash.
16. Wash and shine sink. Shine faucet. Clean drain.
17. Dust light fixtures.
18. Wash windows and window sills.
19. Wash switch plates.
20. Wash walls and trim.
21. Wash doors and door knobs.
22. Sweep and wash floor.

DINING ROOM

1. Open windows.
2. Wash curtains.
3. Wipe down table and chairs.
4. Wipe down or dust other furnishing.
5. Create a pretty spring centerpiece on table.
6. Dust any displayed china or serving dishes.
7. Launder table linens.
8. Wash windows and window sills.
9. Wash switch plates.
10. Wash walls and trim.
11. Wash doors and door knobs.
12. Clean floors. 

LIVING ROOM/FAMILY ROOM

1. Open windows.
2. Vacuum sofas.
3. Spot clean sofas, if applicable. 
4. Dust and Clean lamp/lampshades.
5. Dust shelves, furniture and decor.
6. Wash windows and window sills.
7. Clean television screen.
8. Carefully dust electronics.
9. Tidy electronics wires. Tuck nicely out of sight.
10. Wash switch plates.
11. Wash walls and trim.
12. Wash doors and knobs.
13. Clean floors.

LAUNDRY ROOM

1. Open windows.
2. Wash windows and window sills.
3. Wash cabinet doors.
4. Wash inside cabinets.
5. Wash laundry sink. Shine faucet. Clean drains.
6. Wash outside of washer and dryer.
7. Wash inside of washing machine.
8. Wash lint trap.
9. Wash switch plates.
10. Wash walls and trim.
11. Wash doors and door knobs.
12. Sweep and wash floors.

Happy Cleaning!!

LOL,

Meagan 

psalm 42:2

"My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?"

#Marchphotoaday challenge created by fatmumslim

My first month participating in the photo challenge created by Chantelle, was truly enjoyable! I can not believe I managed to post everyday with out forgetting. Go me! It's hard to believe February is coming to an end and my birth month is almost here! I am excited for March's photo-a-day challenge and recently Chantelle posted next month's prompts.

How to play:

*Starting on March 1st take a photo each day with inspiration from the prompt. You can interpret the prompt any way you like!
*Once you've taken your photo you can share it on your blog, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, etc.. If you're sharing on Twitter or Instagram add the hashtag #Marchphotoaday, so others can find your photos too.

I hope you will join the challenge!!

LOL,

Meagan

a weekend with my cutie patooties...25 things to do

Next weekend, Stephen and I will be keeping our two nephews {ages 2 and 4} for the entire weekend. So, I made a list of 25 things we can do with the boys to keep both entertained.

1. go on a nature walk

2. draw with sidewalk chalk

3. dye eggs

4. make mommy and daddy artwork with crayons

5. make a fort in the living room out of sheets and cushions

6. play "superman"

7. read books

8. make pizza

9. give maxwell a bath {hahaha}

10. play hide-and-seek

11. have a dance party

12. give piggy back rides

13. go to the park

14. play go and stop

15. go to chi-fil-a

16. take a nap

17. go on a treasure hunt in the apartment

18. color

19. play chase

20. call aunt nana, grandma & grandaddy

21. sing songs

22. play with bubbles

23. go for a walk

24. do a spring craft

25. watch a 3D movie with Uncle Stephen

Super excited to have my nephews stay with us for three entire days! What a great way to kick off the month of March! They fill me up with joy, love , and laughter.

LOL,

Meagan

"I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!"

John 15:11

just a few of my favorite things

1. Scout by Bungalow- The Pleasure Chest is perfect for a day at the beach or pool. http://www.bungalowco.com/

2. The Original Donut Shop K-Cup

http://www.keurig.com/

3. Falsies Mascara by Maybelline

http://www.maybelline.com/

4. Monogrammed Silver Matte Earrings

http://www.handpicked.net/

5.Coral Reef Revlon Lipgloss

http://www.revlon.com/



6. Auburn Tumblers

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/

LOL,

Meagan

a funday monday craft tutorial

what I used:

scissors
pencil
dollar general picture/frame I found in a closet
extra scraps of fabric I found in the same closet
1 piece of white computer paper

time: approx. 10 min.
cost: $0--things I found around the apartment.

You can choose to do any cut-out, I chose a {pregnant...or over weight...lol} bird, to add a little spring -cuteness to our guest bath. {okay, it was not my intention to create a preggo bird, but hey, I think it's still adorbs!}

How are you spending your President's Day?

Why not get a little crafty? You'll be surprised what you can do with the things you have just laying around your house.

{be merry}

LOL,

Meagan

grey+yellow

I couldn't resist blogging about two other colors I love, when you combine them--grey+yellow.

The color grey can boost moods and still looks elegant, and yellow is clean, fresh, and always reminds me of bright summer days. They're a perfect match--calm+pure, sunny, and, bright.

So, during many pinning sessions, I drooled over several grey+yellow inspirations and designs.

Grey is a neutral {also known as the elegant neutral}, balanced color. It is a cool, conservative color that seldom evokes strong emotion. Yellow is a warm color, that means sunshine and can symbolize happiness and joy.

Y'all I love, love, love when these two hues collide!! Grey+yellow can help create a modern or either a classic space in a calming-cheerful way.

Can you tell I love the chevron too? Because, I do!! I should have titled this blog post grey+yellow+chrevron. :-) OBSESSED.

{be merry}

LOL,

Meagan



When Colors Collide

Another trend I am a little excited about this spring and summer, is Color-blocking. It actually returned last spring and you may recall the height of its popularity first in the 1960’s and later in the 1980’s...ladies, it's baaaaaaaack.

People who know me, may find my liking to this trend a little crazy, since my wardrobe consist mostly of neutrals. However, last summer I actually began embracing color, and I plan on color-blocking my way through this spring and summer. Color-blocking is not only used in our outfits, it's also used when designing a room or space.

Selecting a Color Scheme

Complementary colors are opposite each other on a basic color wheel. This color combining method works well if you want to make something standout.

Analogous color schemes use colors that are next to each other on the color wheel. This color combo approach is more harmonious and pleasing to the eye.

I recommend selecting an initial favored color in a hue that is flattering on you and then work from there to complete your outfit, the same goes for the home. Color-blocking does not mean your color selection must be bright – subdued hues work beautifully too. Combine a maximum of four colors in one outfit and again, same goes for a room – two to three work best.

There are a couple things to remember when it comes to color-blocking with the right colors--make sure you only use one neon color. While it's okay to rock three bold colors, only one of them should be super bright.

Follow this formula:

one bright, one bold, one neutral.

Color-Block what?

Home: Draperies, Pillows, Furnishings, and Decorative Accessories

Wardrobe: Shoes, Handbags, Blouses/Tops, Skirts, Pants, Shorts, Accessories, and Dresses

Here are some hues that go great together:

1. Cobalt Blue, Yellow, Orange

2. Chocolate Brown, Pink, Peach

3. Purple, Bright Blue, Teal

4. Deep Blue, Bright Pink, White

5. Coral, Grey, Ivory



How do you feel about this trend?

Let your colors collide y'all!

LOL,

Meagan

Craving Coral

Valentine's Day is behind us, and to me, this means Spring is just around the corner y'all.  And this season, I have fallen in love with the color coral, any shade--apricot, peach, sunset, or salmon, and I am quite obsessed. I have put together a couple of collages of some coral inspirations, for both the home and the wardrobe. Coral is a versatile color and it can add a unique vibe to your home and closet.

Coral is often associated with tropical or coastal interiors, it actually is one of the colors of coral reef as well as the inside of some sea shells, and for these reasons many people are hesitant to use it. But, don’t restrict this color to the beach--however, i love being reminded of the lowcountry coast and the gulf beaches.

When using coral, you can create a dramatic space by adding complementary colors such as green or teal.  In order to create a modern space, add white furnishings. For a more serene feel, create an analogous color scheme by adding colors such as a pink or lavender.You can also use neutrals such as  tans or greys. When adding this color to your wardrobe, the rosiness of this color is very flattering to all skin tones and it's been said it will add a flushed healthy and youthful glow to your complexion. And who wouldn't want a youthful glow?

{Be merry} & Crave coral too.

LOL,

Meagan

a guiltless {chocolaty} sensation

A Guilt-Free Valentine's Day Dessert:

+

+

+

1 cup of Oikos Vanilla Greek Yogurt
1 Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa Mix Packet
Fresh Raspberries
1 Hershey's Special Dark chocolate bar

In a medium ramekin, mix the 1 cup of Greek yogurt and the hot cocoa mix. Top mixture with raspberries. Garnish with a tsp of shaved dark chocolate. You can even add a dollop of fat free whip cream on top of the raspberries, if you prefer. IT'S DELISH!!

And that y'all, is a guiltless dessert to serve your Valentine's Day sweety, prepare for your next dinner party, or maybe just to curb that chocolate craving you have.

Happy Valentine's Day Y'all!

Lots of Love,

Meagan

Blogging for Alabama

Happy Friday, Y'all!

A fellow blogger, Mrs. Jones has asked others to join her and write a 400 word post to benefit Alabama Disaster Relief. I was more than willing to do anything to benefit the Alabama Disaster Relief and help others.

On a Wednesday afternoon in late April, Tuscaloosa, Alabama and several other southern cities, including my own, experienced a tragedy--devastating tornadoes swept through the south taking lives, and destroying buildings, homes, and injuring more than 2,000 people in the tornado aftermath.

The April 27 outbreak of 62 tornadoes that swept across the state in waves, caused more than $1 billion in damage, and destroyed or damaged nearly 24,000 homes.


source: msnbc

 One of the first things that went through my mind, post the Tuscaloosa tornadoes, was what the students of University of Alabama must have been going through. I too was a college student living off campus, and I couldn't imagine being off at school, away from my family, sitting in a off-campus house studying or just hanging out with roommates on a midweek afternoon, and then all of a sudden everything changes--lives are taken, homes destroyed, and neighborhoods no longer exist.



source: msnbc



source: msnbc

I am not an Alabama resident, but my husband, was born and raised in Birmingham, AL and attended Auburn University, and his entire family calls AL home. He exemplifies what it means to have state {okay maybe school} pride. In my eyes, the state as an entirety has a large amount of state pride. However, I'm sure most of it comes from the pride and rivalry between the two schools. The day the tornadoes occured in Tuscaloosa there was no such thing, and when before attending a game in Tuscaloosa was difficult to do, he was eager to go to Tuscaloosa or help disaster relief in any way {unfortunately, he couldn't make the trip--but we continued praying for the entire town and those going to serve}. It was amazing to see the state come together in time of disaster, exemplifying selflessness and helping those in need, in addition, to cleaning up the widespread damage--whether you wore crimson or orange and blue. Sometimes, I question why it takes a tragedy for people to come together like this to serve and create a sense of a community. Needless to say, it happens--and people help!



source: msnbc

 

Thankfully, none of our family or friends were effected {ptl}, yet, our hearts still broke for the state of AL and the rest of the south-- we even at moments on that day, broke down in tears and shouted out our prayers for those effected. It's hard to believe ten months have passed since the disaster, yet there is still so much to do.

You too can help, by writing a 400 word post on your thoughts of the Alabama tornado disaster, link-up on both Mrs. Jones' blog, and on the Top Alarm System website. Top Alarm System will donate $25 for each post, to Christian Service Mission to help rebuild Alabama.

Thank you for the support!

LOL,

Meagan

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