The Fruit Truck Flipped and Gave Us All Limes

That title just about sums it up.

A couple of weeks ago, Hubs and I were visiting my family and grabbing some of the garden-fresh veggies that sometimes come our way when we're "down South."

Note: If you've never had a home-grown tomato or cucumber, please fix this as soon as you can. There are few things in the world that taste as good as a fresh-from-the-garden veggie :)

While we were there, my mom seemed to have an usual amount of limes around, and asked if we would PLEASE take some back to The City with us.

This is odd, because my mom isn't exactly a huge LIME fan, even though there were probably about 20 or so in her kitchen at the time.

It turns out, she had a surplus in the lime department because, the day before, a fruit truck that was driving through town sort of...lost its balance and spilled limes everywhere.

Thankfully, no one was injured so FREE LIMES FOR EVERYONE!

We also got a few jalapeño peppers out of the deal.

 So, naturally, we made enchiladas and guacamole for supper.

I love being from a small town in Mississippi. It's just the best.

Free Coffee Times TWO

Today has thus far been a particularly caffeinated day...aaaaaand I'm KIND OF LOVING IT.

Where there is free coffee, you may COUNT ME IN, Madam.

It all started when I found THIS GEM at the WalMarts this weekend:

And also shortly thereafter, when I found THIS ONE, too:

Side note: It just occurred to me that the chocolate one PLAINLY states "Decaffeinated" on the box. Oops.


So first thing this morning, I made myself a hot cup of delicious (and apparently decaf) chocolate coffee. I'd like to think it made me more productive, but then lunch rolled around and then all was lost.

But AFTER lunch, my coworkers and I found out about a new coffee shop that just opened LITERALLY TEN STEPS FROM OUR FRONT DOOR (okay maybe twenty steps!).

The struggle is going to be REAL, peeps.

One of my sweet (and fellow caffeine addicted) co-workers decided to try it out, then later stopped by my desk, worried that she ordered TOO BIG OF A COFFEE*****.

*****Is there such a thing? I say "nay."

She insisted - INSISTED! - on pouring half of it in my cup, and before I knew it, it was GONE AND IN MY BELLY.

I have no idea what happened, really.

Only that I suddenly felt ALIVE.

I come in handy at this place sometimes :)

***

On another note, today's lunch took place at the Mississippi Museum of Art (they have an in-house cafe) and it was absolutely crazy good. I'm not exactly sorry for the cliche I've become in terms of posting my food everywhere.

Grilled Squash Panini with Blueberry Butter.

Let's just let that sink in a moment, shall we?

Blueberry Butter.

As weird as it sounds, it was off the charts good. My mouth is watering again just thinking about it.

Grilled squash, a chunk of mozzarella, lettuce, a fresh tomato, and homemade butter -- all on warm, grilled bread.

You're incredibly welcome.


Eat local, folks!

Bucket List Bandwagon

Summer Bucket Lists are popping up everywhere - and really, I can't find a reason to NOT jump on board with the blog trend.

Join me, won't you? Here we go!

background image via Tumblr

Spend time at the pool.
I mentioned awhile back that we've started the grand ol' House Hunt of 2015. While we're pretty pumped (read: terrified) at the thought of homeownership, we realize that said House may not come with access to a pool. In the year that we've been at our current place, we've visited the pool a handful of times. When it's not crowded and the weather is right, being in and around the pool is pretty great.


Eat a s'more.
Add me to the millions of other people who have said this already, but s'mores are best in the summer. I've melted many a marshmallow on my stove with a butter knife, and if you're nowhere near a campfire or grill it's DEFINITELY the next best thing. COUNT ME IN.


Hop in a kayak.
One of my favorite places to be.

Folly Beach, SC

Beach getway.
It's a must. Even for just a couple of days.


Disconnect.
Unplug and pay attention when I'm with those I care about. I love Instagram, but I love people more.


Go on an adventure.
Day trips to new places can be oh-so-wonderful.


Conquer a fear (or two?).
YIKES. This one is scary (obvious much?), but must be done. What's life if it's not a little bit exciting once in awhile?


Run more.
Not for distance or exercise. Just for fun.

credit: Tumblr

Write more.
Even if it's just blogging more. Writing was my first love, and it's a wonderful, soothing outlet for me.


Buy fresh flowers.
There's something about having fresh flowers in a vase that makes everything seem prettier. It really brightens up a room. Even though I've only bought them on occasion since, well, ever...I'm thinking I need to incorporate more of this into my life.

Have a party.
BONUS POINTS if said House is in the picture at this point. Plus ALL THE MORE REASON to BUY THE FLOWERS! :)


Be more positive.
I can be QUITE a downer on the rough days. I declare this...THE SUMMER OF JOY!

{insert George Costanza gif here)


Keep in touch.
Earlier this year, I rebooted my Facebook in an effort to reconnect with folks. However, it only reminded me of why I deactivated it in the first place three-ish years ago. I spent too much time on it, and read status updates instead of actually calling someone. So, this weekend, Facebook went BUH-BYE once again. My goal this summer: keep in touch with those I don't see often. I want to call my people, send them a card or two...or MAYBE even WRITE A LETTER (OLD SCHOOL). We shall see!

Okay people, it's your turn. What's on your summer bucket list?!!!

Ms. Helen's Corn Dip

Before The Mister and I got married, a few of my co-workers at my previous job joined together and gave us a wedding shower. Afterward, my friend/co-worker Christy gave me a cookbook that she made herself (!!!) that contained recipes and marriage advice from many of our co-workers.

One of my favorite (and the most-used) recipes from that cookbook came from Ms. Helen, a lady that I grew very close to during my three years at that job.

I've taken this to church dinners, parties, and other places and it's always a hit - and it comes together in a flash, too!

The original recipe calls for cans of corn, jalapeños, and red peppers, but GO TEAM KROGER because they have little cans of corn with the peppers already mixed in!

This really doesn't need any seasoning, but if you want an extra kick, try adding some lime and cayenne pepper. I think you'll be pleased!

Ms. Helen's Famous Corn Dip

What you'll need:

2 cans of Mexican/Baja corn with jalapeños and red peppers (or 4 small cans)

8 oz. sour cream

4 oz. cream cheese, softened

10 oz. grated cheddar cheese

Fritos, for serving

What you'll do:

Drain corn and pour into a large bowl. Add in remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly. Chill until serving time, then serve alongside Fritos.

Delish.

Weekend Adventures

Isn't it nice how a quick out-of-town trip can lift your spirits?

This past weekend was a combined birthday-slash-Mother's Day weekend celebration for us, and the drive home is always worth it.

We kicked off the weekend on Friday night with an outdoor concert hosted by the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra on the Reservoir near our city.

The weather was absolutely perfect for picnic blankets, sailboats, and music from the movies.


And of course, fireworks at the end!

Saturday had an early start with Magnolia Meltdown 5K...

And it didn't disappoint! Around mile 2 my knee started hurting again, so maybe I'm not 100% "healed up" like I thought, but I'm definitely on my way!

YEAH for running again!


The rest of the weekend included crawfish, berry pie, and a little early Mother's Day cele-bray-sheon.

Not before stopping at Sonic, though :)

Is ANYONE ELSE out there basically ADDICTED to the new slushes? I've been to Sonic more times in the past two months than I have in my entire life. Roughly.

I'm not proud, but I'm DEFINITELY not sorry.

MY WORD I LOVE GRAPE SLUSHES.


Also...

Handwritten thank-you cards are the best.

...Especially when there are days like this:

But that's another story for {maybe} another day ;)

Happy Wednesday!

Chicken Stuffed 'Bellas

A recipe! Hooray!

I love simple, easy-to-put-together meals. THIS recipe is one of those!

I love using portobella mushrooms as an entree, they're filling, but not overly heavy like bread or pasta - and they're just downright delicious.

If you thaw and/or cook your chicken ahead of time, this will literally come together in just a few minutes. The longest part is baking them, but even then they are done in about 10 minutes.

One shortcut I've found is this - and it may sound ridiculous, but it's what I do! When I need shredded chicken, I cook it throughly and then put it in the blender for a few rounds. By doing this, I usually have finely shredded chicken in about three seconds. Try it! It's worth it.

My super-key ingredient for this recipe is this:

I first used this when I made chicken marsala awhile back, and it ups the flavor like nobody's business when it comes to cooking with mushrooms. I had to try it in this dish and, even with just a third of a cup, it BLEW MY MIND.

((Note: I was a little afraid to cook with even cooking wine for a long time, then I learned the alcohol cooks out, much to my relief. If you're not comfortable with this, then chicken broth will work fine!))

My pictures of this are terrible quality, but don't let that deter you from trying your hand at this dish. I think you'll be pleased!

Chicken Stuffed 'Bellas
Serves 2

adapted from What'sCookingMexico

What you'll need:

2 medium-sized portobella mushrooms

1/4 cup of butter (1/2 stick butter)

4 oz cream cheese

1 chicken breast, cooked and shredded

1/3 cup marsala cooking wine or low-sodium chicken broth

2-3 tbsp half & half

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

dash of crushed red pepper

dash of salt and pepper

Italian breadcrumbs

What you'll do:

In a large skillet, melt butter and cream cheese. Stir frequently to mix. When each are about halfway melted, add marsala wine (or chicken broth), garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red peppers. Stir and continue to cook.

Meanwhile, rinse and clean your mushrooms by using a spoon to scoop out the insides. Remove the stems and chop into small pieces, then add to the sauce mixture as it cooks. If sauce mixture looks
"soupy," add half & half. This will make the sauce very creamy, so add a little at a time until it reaches the consistency you prefer.

Place mushrooms in a baking dish or sheet, then fill with sauce mixture. Top with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs and bake for 10 minutes at 350. After 10 minutes, turn on the broiler for about 2 minutes, just enough to let the breadcrumbs start to darken and crisp.

Remove the mushrooms from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, then enjoy!

Friday Thoughts

I've sat down at least TWICE this week to write a post or two, but to be quite honest, there's not a lot going on right now and I thought I'd spare you pointless details about the tacos I made on Tuesday night and the beautiful weather we've had lately.

Don't you love me? :)

However, it's been kind of quiet over here today, and I've found that writing keeps me HIGHLY entertained. So bear with me, because

ONE. There are some people that can go all day at work - all eight hours or so - and still leave looking just as flawless as they did when they arrived that morning. I am NOT one of those people.

Please, somebody, tell me how it's done! How on EARTH do you people keep your hair looking FANTASTIC? How do you keep ALL OF YOUR MAKEUP ON through the day? By noon mine is non- existent and my hair looks A HOT mess.


TWO. Ever since our daycation last weekend, I'm in full-blown vacay mode. Unfortunately, it's impossible to find a place to stay, um, ANYWHERE near the beach without roughly SIX MONTHS notice. I have an idea or two I'm stewing on, but it MIGHT have to wait until June.

JUNE. Patience is not my strong suit.



THREE. Today we had a baby shower at work. With what appears to be THE MOST fantastic diaper cake I've ever seen in my life.

I kind of want a centerpiece like this for my dining room table. I have a feeling that JUST might be vetoed by a certain tall man wearing a ridiculous hat.


FOUR. Speaking of baby shower, I MOST DEFINITELY bought THESE SHOES for my gift. I have no idea if the couple were registered anywhere, but as soon as I heard the words "baby girl gift" my mind IMMEDIATELY said "GLITTER."

 

THEY EVEN HAVE CUPCAKES ON THE INSIDE.
DO YOU EVEN KNOW HOW THIS AFFECTS ME???

If I found these in adult sizes I would most certainly own them by now.

FIVE. It's been five months since our St. Jude race in Memphis, and my knee/leg issue has FINALLY healed up. So I'm celebrating tomorrow by - WHY NOT - doing a 5K, because the weather has been fantastic lately and all I want to do is RUN THE RACES.

Fingers crossed that my leg really is, in fact, healed up and there will be no hobbling like last time! :)


SIX. Every year around this time I catch myself thinking about how nice it must be to be teacher with summer break right around the corner. But THEN I remember how scary it must be to be outnumbered by small children and/or teenagers, and then crawl back into my cube to continue sending emails to people who are not, technically, children.


SEVEN. The Hannah and Kaylee Show. Gets me EVERY TIME. Watch their stuff and just TRY not to laugh.

EIGHT. I saw this yesterday and was THISCLOSE to sending it to Hubs at work. Considering the fact that we don't exactly have a dog (or any kind of pet) I'm thinking it will not fly.

A girl can dream.

Have a great weekend everybody! And to all those mamas out there -- Happy Mother's Day!