Chicken Divan

I am constantly inspired by the blog world- DIY projects, recipes, decor, fashion, books to read, music to hear, places to go, things to try.  My GoogleReader has exploded as of late with new finds, and a favorite part of my day is taking a minute to catch up with you all.

Given my knack for the kitchen and all things cooking, it should come as no surprise that my favorite blogs are cooking blogs.  However, as a result of an incredible birthday week, and as our wedding countdown ticks closer to closer to 100 days, I am in search {and desperate need} of lighter fare.

In my attempt to diet this week, I spent a great deal of the weekend scouring old Cooking Lights and surfing the web for inspiration.  And you know what's funny? Everyone has been talking about chicken divan lately!!  Christie and Margaret both blogged about it, my mom recently made it, and last week Publix had it as their feature recipe.

It must have been meant to be because I also had all the ingredients on hand so it was time to find out what in the world all the talk was about!  I set off mimicking Gina's Skinny Taste Recipe and served with a side of roasted cherry tomatoes.  It was so delicious, light, and super super easy.  Definitely one for the rotations!!

Since I was determined not to go to the store, I did make a couple changes to the recipe including using frozen broccoli.  I also substituted some mozzarella cheese when I ran out of swiss (oops), and fattened the recipe up a little bit by using Ritz cracker crumbs in addition to bread crumbs.  Cleaning out the freezer, fridge, and pantry in one meal? CHECK.  Also, I made it hours ahead so I could save myself the time and just pop it in the oven for supper. A win, win in my book.

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Birthday Decor

So today is my birthday (whoo hoo!), and this is what I saw when I talked into work this morning! 

I am incredibly blessed to work for a great company who makes you feel very special on your big day!  The decorations sure make hanging out in my cube very fun and festive!

Tonight, I'm off to Lucca to celebrate and enjoy a glass of wine or two with my family. Photos and details to come.  Thanks for all the birthday love from calls, my blog, and Facebook. :)

Birthday Week ...

. . . started off with a parking ticket. What a bummer, dude!

Apparently, parking over 18" away from the curb in downtown Chucktown will cost you 10 bones these days.  But, you better believe I am paying this bad boy STAT because it goes up to $30 if payment is not received in 30 days. And that, my friends, is ridiculous!

I am, however, making out better than the unfortunate individual parked on our street who has a big fat boot on their driver side front tire.  This dear Four Runner has been parked in the same spot on Rutledge for as long as I can remember, and they must have ended up on the wrong side of my dear neighbors' wrath, because the boot is on and the gig is up!  I really wish the owner would just come claim their coche, but at this point, it's not quite like they can get their car and move on.

Anywho- back to a more fun topic- it is birthday week!

Like I mentioned yesterday, Lash is in the midst of test week and locked in the prison known as the MUSC library.  Subsequently, we are celebrating this weekend, but my sly little fiance has hinted he has something up his sleeves.  Curiosity kills this cat, and I can't wait to figure out what is up.

Until then, I am very thankful my wonderful family is coming to keep me company as my internal clock strikes 24.  Wednesday night, my mom is coming to visit, and I hear we are all set to talk business (aka wedding).  We are entering a little bit of crunch time!

Thursday, my dad is joining us in town, and we are celebrating!  We have big plans to start the evening at Enoteca for some vino and then move down the block to Trattoria Lucca!  I am so excited.  I've only eaten at Lucca once, but it tops my Food Network list of "the best thing I've ever eaten." I can't wait to go back.

Unfortunately, Luci can't join us but she will be in Spartanburg celebrating her own exciting occasion- having officially 100 days until she graduates from college- go goose! :)  We will miss you!

Pictures and details to follow. Maybe a little wedding update, too! Hope everyone is having a great start to February thus far!

Sup(p)er Bowl

Lash and I did not have any plans for the Super Bowl this year as he actually is in the midst of hell test week.  Knowing he would spend the majority of the night in the library, I really wanted to make sure he felt loved and included in the fun!   My love language must be cooking because I happily spent the afternoon in the kitchen whipping up some football fare for him.  I love the idea of appetizers for supper so a Super Bowl fiesta is right up my alley!

I meant to post this earlier, but woe is me, and time sure got away from me.  Last year, I made these Roasted Asian Chicken Wings by Emeril Lasage for a party we went to and they were a huge hit!  Save this for your next season's football fete!

This year, Santa so graciously gifted Lash with a deep dryer for Christmas, and it has been calling our name to get in trouble with!  So, in keeping with the sacred wings and football tradition, I set off Sunday to fry that chicken.  I am brand new behind the fryer, but I think they turned out pretty good!  This go-round we went for the lemon pepper variety.

I also made some Pioneer Woman Jalapeno Poppers because I love them and I love her.  And I wrapped them in bacon.  Because I needed to get rid of it.  Or that's at least what I've been telling myself.

Don't worry, I did NOT get on the scale this morning nor did I sleep a wink last night because of the total crap I put into my body last night.  Super Bowl fair is not conducive to wedding weight.  I'm trying to convince myself that because I ran three miles yesterday before the caloric overload, it had to negate each other. Ha.

I am glad the Super Bowl only comes once a year!!

Extreme Couponing

Luci recently told me about a show TLC called Extreme Couponing.

After seeing these clips and struggling to pick my jaw up off the floor, I have got to figure out when this show comes on.

Thank YOU

I want to thank you all for your kind words regarding my Jeremiah 29:11 post.

You know, the funny thing about blogging is that sometimes it is terribly one sided.

I write and write and really have no idea who reads and reads. . .  which doesn't bother me terribly- but I do love hearing from you with your sweet comments and seeing you follow me.   :)

This blogging train has been an incredible ride, and I have found something that I truly enjoy and look forward to doing on a daily basis.  I just wanted to take a quick second and say thank you for reading!

Photo Opt

I just realized that I never posted any of our 'engagement photos.'  I use that term loosely, because we:
1. didn't use a profesional photographer (but our friend photographer was great!)
2. didn't want any professional 'staged' photos, just us being us in a natural setting
3. just wanted to get a good picture to send to the newspaper for our announcements
4. the night before the 'shoot' I drove to Bluffton after work, then to Laurel Spring, stayed up drinking wine and laughing with my family until midnight, and got up at 5:00 am to duck hunt, made it back to Charleston just in time to shower and then drive to Myrtle Beach to take the photos.   Needless to say, I was really tired and crossing my fingers I did not ruin the photo opt.

Ok now that you are about to vom from the l.o.v.e. . . There are plenty of these out-takes that make me laugh.

I'm so glad we took these photos and will have them to cherish!