a few things I'm proud of

Three things I'm proud of:

I have (with the help of Jon at times) managed to keep this plant alive for over 3 months. This is a record for me. I always had plants in college. As in I always bought them and they always died, so I always had to go buy more.

The second thing is that we have given up bottled water. We went cold turkey back in early May, only to fall of the wagon once when we had guests in town and it was more convenient. I thought it might negatively affect my health, as I previously thought only bottled water was drinkable. However, I have enjoyed my filtered water as much or more than the bottles (insert drama) that are destroying the earth. We have cut our trash in half just by getting rid of bottles and we save approximately $15-20 a month. (I usually just use that extra to buy more diet coke).

I'm proud I didn't let the crazy ticket price keep me from seeing Eddie Vedder at the Ryman. It was one of the best shows I have ever seen. Ever. I don't have any pictures, because the older people who work the Ryman ain't joking when they say no pictures. However, a quick google search just showed me that we could sale our Hatch Show print for $150+.

Now that I've told you what I'm proud of can I give you a tip? Try Southwestern Ranch Baked Lays. I did on a casual mention from Peachy Perspective and they are delicious.

Sorry I let June completey pass by. I'm actually probably about to let this blog simmer for a while and work on another blog project that will be easier for me to update and more fun for people to read.

I'll keep you (as in my one reader) updated of the move.

Keep it classy.

may is already here?

Time is flying by way too fast to suit me right now. I mean, I think it's been like a week since I blogged only to come back and find that it has been almost a month.

Things that happened in April:

• I pretty much became obsessed with Twitter. Yes, I know that many of you think it is stupid or that it's a fleeting fad. But, give me something that can keep me updated on my friends, family, my sports and my music and then send it all directly to my Blackberry and you can consider me hooked.

• Easter :) We once again stayed in TN for Easter. Went to church on Saturday night and woke up to the sweet aroma of a pot roast on Sunday morning. I made my mom's corn casserole, which is one of Jon's favorites. It is super easy and delicious.

1 8.5 oz box Jiffy cornbread mix
1 15 oz can cream-style corn
1 15.25 oz can whole kernel corn, undrained
1 8 oz sour cream
1 egg
1 stick margarine, softened

Mix all ingredients together. Pour into greased 2 quart dish. Bake at 350 degreeds for 45-60 minutes.

• We went to Starkville for Super Bulldog Weekend and packed the weekend with just the right mix of fun and relaxation.
  

• My dad came to visit for a night and we finally got to take him to Noshville. He gave it his stamp of approval and was glad to get to eat there after hearing us talk about it ALL the time.

• Town Hall for Hope--Amazing national event that was something special to be part of as a team member and just as a person.

• I also redid our bedroom. It's still somewhat of a work in progress, but I'll be posting pictures soon.
  

This was technically in May, but we made this delicious Chicken & Sundried Tomato Pesto Pasta this past weekend. I got it from my favorite magazine: Southern Living. Thanks to Donna for the gift subscription!

1 16 oz pkg. farfalle pasta
1 lb. chicken breast
4 Tbsp. olive oil
1 10 oz jar sundried tomato pesto
1/4 cup green onions
1 medium red bell pepper sliced into thin strips
1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Cut chicken into bite-size pieces and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Saute in 2 Tbsp. hot oil until done. Saute onions in 2 Tbsp hot oil over medium heat for 1-2 minutes or until softened. Increase heat to medium-high and add bell pepper and saute for 5-6 minutes more. Stir in pesto. Cook, stirring occasionally, 2-3 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Remove from heat, stir in with pasta and chicken and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.

coming up in May... Jonathan and I are kicking the habit of bottled water, but we're trying to decide the best and most efficient way to do that. Very exciting stuff people, don't miss out.

a night at the opry

It's been pretty quiet around the Crenshaw place. We have both been really busy at work, so that's excellent. However, it leaves us wanting to relax on the weekends and not get too busy.

It's been a month ago now, but we took a little trip over to the Opryland. We stayed at the hotel, ate at Ristorante Volare and then went to the Grand Ole Opry to see Carrie Underwood! You might remember, I like her just a little bit. :) However, I have competition in the fan category as I am not an official member of the Carrie Underwood fan club. Yes, I might a lady who was and had on the t-shirt to prove it. I was shamed. (Remember when people used to say that?)

It was a great little get-a-way. Of course, I'm always impressed by the expanse and beauty of the hotel (but will never forget how they get $$ at every turn!). The food at the restaurant was delicious (I had rigatoni and Jon had steak). The show was amazing.

As you may or may not know, the Opry has multiple performers during a show. For example that night Josh Turner and Carrie Underwood were the big names, but they only sang 2-3 songs each. You get to see an interesting mix of bluegrass, classic country, etc. all while they do the old school radio show. I can't wait to take my Dad--he will love it.

Next up: Easter complete with a roast. I'll let you know if I go out on any limbs and cook anything different. After that: Super Bulldog Weekend and I cannot wait!

not for cheese haters

So, I am probably not the best of chefs. I love the idea of trying crazy, difficult dishes, but I tire easily of the steps and clean-up. I love to bake though. It's different when you're doing all that work and something sugary, sweet is the outcome.

However, I have been trying to do better about cooking meals. Today I have decided to share an indulgent, unhealthy casserole I love.

It came to me without a formal name from my mother-in-law. It's pure cheesy goodness, but that wasn't enough of a description. So, I have named it Cheesy Chicken Tortilla casserole.

Enjoy!

Ingredients:
- 3-4 boneless chicken breasts
- 16 oz of shredded Monterrey Jack and Cheddar Cheese
- 1 medium white onion chopped
- 2 Tbsp margarine
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (I did use the low-sodium/low-fat kind)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (ditto on the low-sodium/low-fat)
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 can of Rotel
- 8-10 flour tortillas

Boil the chicken, cool and shred. Keep the broth from the chicken. Saute onion and margarine. Combine soups, milk, Rotel and onion in a bowl and stir well. Pour a very small amount of broth (just enough to coat the bottom) into a well greased casserole dish or glass baking pan. Place the bottom layer of tortillas in the dish. Then layer chicken, sauce and cheese. Repeat the layering process, starting with tortillas and ending with cheese,of course. (You can soak the middle layer of tortillas in the broth if you want them to be very soft in the casserole)

Cover and refrigerate overnight (or a few hours would probably be fine). Bake at 300 degrees for 1 hour and 15 minutes.