Lulu and Daisy

Let's Eat, Y'all!

2012-01-27T07:02:00.000-05:00

Good morning, y'all! TGIF! I didn't sleep worth a hoot last night. My husband had to push me out of bed this morning. I got up, though, because I had to share my new obsession: Crock pot Suppers.

If you follow me on Pinterest, then you know I have a whole board of crock pot suppers that I've found. I'm compiling a list and working to make them as healthy as possible. The crock pot is the easiest way to prepare dinner in the morning and come home to a house smelling D-liscious!

Last week, I made my first Pinterest recipe, Hawaiian Chicken. This could not have been easier.

Photo courtesy of Six Sisters' Stuff Blog

I won't waste time here telling you how to make it. Just go to the Six Sisters' Stuff Blog HERE. I will tell you that I used Lawry's Hawaiian Marinade and not the Target brand. Truth be told, my Target doesn't have a large "grocery section." I do plan to pick some up when in I'm near the one by my office and try it too, though. It was still yummy! I served mine over Jasmine Rice, too. White or brown will do the trick also.

My favorite this about this recipe is that you can change the sauce and the vegetables to make a whole different meal with very little effort.

Have a great weekend!
Happy Friday!
xoxo,
Laurie

{Semi} Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-25T09:58:00.000-05:00

Happy Hump Day! We're half way there...the weekend is in sight! I don't have much this week. I realized that I haven't shared my photos from New Year's weekend, so here they are:

Elk River Falls, NC

I'm sure this watering hole is packed on the weekend. Not a hike to it either. You just drive down this dirt road. Don't mind the banjos (cause that is what you'll be thinking on the ride there).

Happy Wednesday!
xoxo,
Laurie

Rainy Days and Mondays

2012-01-23T16:09:00.000-05:00

This is where my mind is today.....

Rainy Days and Mondays are always the worst combination. I am ready for full-on spring. I hate to wish away my snowy days, but it's January 23rd and I've not seen one (outside of being in the mountains). Here are my miscellaneous thoughts for Monday:

All Mondays should be included in the weekend. I'm all for 4, 10 hour days a week.
If this rain were snow, it would be a blizzard!
I'm still wondering when I think I'm going to get back on the treadmill.
Today is the Chinese New Year....the year of the Dragon!
Is anyone else seriously addicted to Pinterest? I was giving Daphne from Flip Flops and Pearls a hard time about all her boards. The next thing I know, I've got just about as many!

Happy Monday, friends!
May all of these January Showers bring March flowers and lots of warm weather, too!
xoxo,
Laurie

Tag! You're It

2012-01-19T18:08:00.004-05:00

Wendy over at Madras 'n Pearls tagged me to participate

in the blogger game: Tag! You're It!

The Rules:

1. You must post the rules. (Check)

2. Post eleven fun facts about yourself on the blog post.

3. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post,

and then create eleven new questions to ask the people you've tagged.

4.Tag eleven people and link them on your post

5. Let them know you've tagged them!

Here are 11 fun facts about me:

1) I love New York. My first trip was in 1985.

2) I am the oldest of 4 children.

3) I am deathly allergic to cats.

4) I have never been to Europe.

5) My favorite color is Green.

6) I love chocolate more than just about anything else.

7) My favorite adult beverage is Vodka-Cranberry.

8) I still love to roller skate.

9) I went to college a lot longer than I should have. I also enjoyed it more than I probably should have!

10) I now work at my dream company.

11) I ran my first 5K last year with my brother. We would wait for each other and walk when the other needed...until the very last bit. Then he sprinted to the finish line just so he could say he beat me. That will NEVER happen again.

Now to answer Wendy's questions:

1) What was your favorite first date? With my husband. We went to eat in Winston at Village Tavern. It was the easiest first date I have ever been on in my life. I knew that night he was the one.

2) If you could have dinner with any famous/historical figure, (past or present) who would it be? Hmm. I'd love to have dinner with Andy Warhol. He's always been my favorite artist. I have a whole list of people I'd enjoy picking their brains.

3) What is your favorite book and why? The Great Gatsby. I love the fashion, the romance, and the deception. I can't tell you how many times I've read it, but at this moment, I cannot remember enough of it. Time to re-read it!

4) What kind of car do you drive? Jeep Liberty--I love it!

5) What was your first job? Babysitter? Or my first REAL job? I sold furniture as a designer.

6) What was your major in college? Interior Design/Art History with a minor in PoliSci.

7) Do you have a favorite style icon, if so who is it? Ralph Lauren

8) What cosmetic can you not live without? Mascara

9) Who is your favorite designer? Ralph Lauren

10) Coke or Pepsi? Coke

11) How have you cultivated followers for your blog? I try to interact as much as possible. I am always leaving comments and I reply to my comments in an email when possible.

Ok, I'm tagging you:

Ashley from Ashley’s Antics

Katie from The Perks

Annie from Classic Annie

Sara from SimplySara

Shelly from Shellybobbins

Kelly from Orangie’s Attic

Mrs. MFC from Mrs. MFC

Kim from Mo’ Better

Allie from Sundresses and Smiles

Kristin at Summer in Newport

Shannon from Two Dudes and a Diva

Here are my questions for you lovely ladies:

1) What is your inspiration?

2) If you could have dinner with any famous/historical figure, (past or present) who would it be?

3) What is your favorite shopping destination/site?

4) What kind of car do you drive?

5) What is your favorite find on Etsy? Be sure to link to it so we can check it out!

6) What was your major in college?

7) Are you addicted to Pinterest? If so, how many boards do you have?

8) What is your favorite snack?

9) What do you do to keep blogging exciting?

10) Coffee or Tea?

11) How have you cultivated followers for your blog?

Happy Thursday!

xoxo,

Laurie

BLACK OUT PROTEST: SOPA

2012-01-18T07:14:00.000-05:00

Though I don't have the skill to black out my own blog, this is my participation in the blackout.

LEAVE THE INTERNET ALONE!

Miscellaneous Thoughts for a Monday

2012-01-16T18:34:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday! This is officially my last long weekend until Presidents Day. Then it's full steam ahead until Memorial Day. And y'all know I'm ready for Memorial Day.

I realized yesterday that I am officially ready for spring. There are daffodils trying to bloom in my backyard. With the 65 + degrees forecast for this weekend, I have no doubt that it will look like late March in my yard by Sunday afternoon.

College basketball is in full swing, too. So far, it has proved interesting in the ACC. Being an NC State fan, I have enjoyed the wins this year. We've got talent, a new coach, and things are looking up! I found this on Facebook and it is probably the funniest thing (or saddest, depending where you stand) I have seen in a while.

This was originally posted by Lori Pate of Grifton, NC

I still don't know what to make of this situation. I didn't watch the game, but if my coach left the game I would have lost all respect I ever had for the man. What in the hell was he thinking?

Hope you've had a great day!

Happy Monday!

xoxo,

Laurie

Funky Chick Confections---Yes, please!

2012-01-14T15:16:00.000-05:00

Happy Saturday to you! I am loving an extra long holiday weekend again. It's even better that it is my husband's birthday weekend. We spent Thursday evening with friends at a local spot (great burgers and more). Friday was his actual birthday. We had two other couples for dinner and for dessert....

a Funky Chick Confections cake. OH. MY. GOODNESS!

Chocolate Mocha Yumminess!
(Hubs told me to start doing his candles in decades)

Funky Chick Confections is a local business. Jenn bakes cakes right in her home for friends and anyone in need of her talent. She really began it all by accident. She had a friend ask her to make a tie-dye cake for a celebration. The cake was great looking and yummy. Someone at that party asked her bake one for another event. Wheels now in motion....she couldn't believe she she realized how much she enjoyed baking. Pair that with the fact that she's REALLY good at it and voila...Funky Chick Confections.

Since I had the pleasure of enjoying a delightful confection last night (and will soon have a second slice), I thought....I need to share this with the world. So here are some of her other fabulous confections. She's also got a Facebook page, so check her out and so some love here!

Apple Spiced Cake

Mocha Iced Double Chocolate Cake

She also has some fabulous cupcakes (which are next on my "need to order" list):

Chocolate Covered Cherry Mini-Cupcake

Strawberry Whoopie Pie Mini-Cupcake

The Black Elvis--banana infused chocolate cake
with peanut butter cream icing

Are you hungry now?? I sure wish I had a few of the Black Elvis cupcakes. Mmmm.

Happy Birthday to my Hubs yesterday and Happy Birthday to one of my besties, Rebecca of Madie Deluxe.

Have a great weekend!

xoxo,

Laurie

{Semi} Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-11T07:13:00.000-05:00

Happy Wednesday! I'm not sure how much this counts as "wordless" but at least it's only semi! Plus, I do believe this counts as "Oh, How Pinteresting??"

LINK UP!

Have a great Wet Wednesday in the Southeast and hopefully better everywhere else!

xoxo,

Laurie

Miscellaneous Thoughts for a Monday: Weekend Recap

2012-01-09T07:18:00.000-05:00

Well, well, Monday. You arrived way too quickly for me. I had a great weekend of girls nights while Hubs was working at the ski slope.

Friday night, I went out with some of my favorite women. Landing at Southern Roots in Jamestown. I had the most fabulous meatloaf pizza. Sounds odd, but let me tell you it is tasty! They also have a yummy Granny Smith Apple salad dressing. So good, I wish they would bottle it!

Saturday was almost an all-day affair with some of dearest friends and running buddies. The weather has been unbelievable here. 67 on Friday and 65 on Saturday. It certainly doesn't feel like January. We sat out by the lake till mid-afternoon. I soon returned home for a little lunch and a catnap prior to heading out for dinner with the same ladies.

Dinner at Emerywood Fine Foods was yummy, as usual. I had the always yummy Emerywood salad and split a chicken, spinach, feta pizza. (Seemed like a pizza weekend, but at least I was eating a salad each time). Time spent with these ladies is always fun. Not to mention that I managed to get home at a fairly decent hour.

This Friday is Hubs birthday. Working on planning an evening with some close friends. Very casual and nothing too fancy. And of course, this means I have another short work week!

Hope you have a great Monday!
xoxo,
Laurie

{Semi} Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-04T07:00:00.000-05:00

First Wednesday of the New Year and it's 17 degrees outside right now. BRRRR!

Here's my 2012 Motto:

How will you live in 2012?

Happy Wednesday!

xoxo,

Laurie

My Favorite Gift from Santa {Link Up}

2012-01-02T10:52:00.000-05:00

Can't believe we're already rolling into 2012. 2011 seemed to fly by, but I am ready for the new year. Today, I'm linking up with Daphne of Flip Flops and Pearls and Michelle of The Vintage Apple for My Favorite Gift from Santa.

Since I posted about this fabulous gift the day after Christmas, this makes it easy for me. You can read all about it HERE. Isn't it beautiful?

What a wonderful Christmas we had with our family. I am grateful for the time I am able to spend with my family. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday. Tomorrow is back to reality, but to be honest....I'm ready for it!

Happy Monday!
xoxo,
Laurie

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T16:15:00.000-05:00

Welcome 2012! So glad to have a fresh start. Christmas went by far too quickly. It surely doesn't feel like January either. It's 65 degrees out and sunny. I sure hope it gets as cold as promised tomorrow. I'm ready to go full steam ahead in 2012, but first, let's see where we've been.

In the last year:

We spent New Year's in the mountains skiing*I got a new job*I went to New York twice*I linked up for my first ever recipe swap*I hosted a Facebook page giveaway*I signed up for and later resigned from Bamboo Pink*I started a short-lived Westie Wednesday post*My nephew, Walker, was born*Started the Shout Out segment*We planted our first summer garden*I received my first starter for sourdough bread*I did a stint as art instructor at Wine and Design in Jamestown*Spent a week at Holden Beach with my husband's family*Started running and found out what endorphins really do for you!*Ran my first 5K in September*Found out both my sisters are expecting this year*Participated in the 2nd Annual Mendenhall Turkey Bowl*Enjoyed a wonderful New Year's weekend in Banner Elk with my husband...not enough snow to ski this year.

Ten on Tuesday--Resolutions

2011-12-27T07:22:00.001-05:00

Happy Tuesday! If you're like me, you’re headed back to work today. It's an easy week though….just 3 days!

I have learned through the years that I'm not good with resolutions. I decided some time ago that this works better as lifestyle changes. Sometimes they stick sometimes they don't. Either way, I like the idea of setting some goals and making a list of some habits I'd like to get rid of in the next year. Out with the old and in with the new, I say!

Here's a list of 5 Things I would like to get rid of this year:

· My addiction to bread.
· Stop feeding my feelings.
· My unfinished bathroom….it is next on the list to be completed!
· My addiction to sugar.
· The clutter in my house!

Here's a list of 5 Things I would like to implement this year:

· Find out what kind of exercise I really enjoy and do it.
· Eat a salad every day.
· Drink at least 64 ounces of water every day.
· Walk a mile (or more) every day.
· Live Simply!

What are you thinking about for the new year? Do you make resolutions?

Have a great day, y'all!

xoxo,

Laurie

Miscellaneous Thoughts for a Monday

2011-12-26T18:23:00.000-05:00

Happy Day After Christmas! What a whirlwind weekend. Glad I had today to recuperate and clean the house. We had so much fun with our family this week. Seeing the kids get excited and tear through gifts is the so much fun.

My favorite gift was an antique table that my great aunt left me when she passed. I know you're thinking, What??? Well, it's a pie crust table and some of the great fretwork on it had broken off the top. It's been sitting in the basement for a while. I had it at my condo before we got married and made it work. Well, I am big on a homemade Christmas. I am not so much into the retail part of the holiday. Don't get me wrong, I spent 4 days straight at Target on my lunch hour buying for the kids. You know, because homemade doesn't make you the favorite aunt.

Anyway, Hubs restored and refinished the table for me. Since he's a woodworker by trade, I never noticed what he was working on in his shop in the basement. I also didn't notice he started working on my drop-leaf secretary, too. By far, the best gifts I could ask for were things that I really wanted to complete my living room. He's the best!

How was your holiday?

Happy Monday Y'all!
xoxo,
Laurie

Tis the Season

2011-12-24T08:28:00.000-05:00

My cousin, Brian and me, probably 1973

Good morning and Merry Christmas, friends!

Hubs and I are at it early this morning. Heading for two last minute gifts and then off to see his mom. The best Christmas present we've had so far is that she's moved from the rehab facility at the hospital to an off-site rehab center. She's really working hard to speak again and she's eating more and more on her own--even feeding herself when the spoon is pre-filled for her. Her progress the last 4 weeks has been amazing. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. Please keep them coming because they are working!

I'm looking forward to dinner with my family tonight. All the wild kids, the good food and lots of laughs. I'm baking a vanilla pound cake (flavor requested by by nut-allergy nephew) for tonight and we'll serve it up with Edi's Peppermint ice cream. I grabbed the last two cartons at the store yesterday.

I love our family traditions and look forward to them every year. Due to my MIL being in the hospital recovering from a November 1 stroke, we celebrated Christmas Monday night with my in-laws. It was low key and a lot of fun with the girls (9, 11 and 13). They still have lots of excitement, but a ton of maturity. Plus they got my dream gift....Rock Band! I think I need to ask for a Wii first. Yes, I know I'm old, but seriously, if you've every played you know it's so much fun!

I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas! I am thankful for my readers and friends I've made in the blogging world the last few years. I appreciate you and love your blogs, too. Sometimes, I can't get to reading, but I do try and know you do the same. May you have a wonderful holiday full of friends, family and love.

xoxo,
Laurie

{Semi} Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-21T15:17:00.000-05:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS, Y'ALL

Happy {Semi} Wordless Wednesday!

xoxo,
Laurie

Miscellaneous Thoughts for a Monday

2011-12-19T08:03:00.000-05:00

What a whirlwind weekend! Here are my thoughts for the Monday before Christmas:

Just one more gift to buy for my nephew.
Snow flurries in the mountains ushered in some long awaited cold weather in Banner Elk.
Loved the cold weather this weekend, but not enough to get on the slopes with every snow maker blowing fresh snow. Hubs still worked on Sunday, though.
Really loved spending time shopping with my husband on Saturday in Blowing Rock.
The Ralph Lauren outlet in Blowing Rock has some of the nicest people working there and it's not overly crowded like some outlets. This shopper scored big!
Love, love, love Black Cat Burritos in Boone. Go there--You will not be disappointed.
Found out about a new vineyard near Foscoe. Grandfather Vineyards. Can't wait to get by there and visit the Tatums and check out the vineyard.
I'm ready for a week of eggnog, family, friends and laughter!
Please keep praying for my mother-in-law. As with most strokes, it's two steps forward, one step back.

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Merry Christmas, y'all!

xoxo,

Laurie

{Semi} Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-14T07:28:00.000-05:00

Hey, y'all! I hope you have made your list and are checking it twice. We're in the home stretch to Christmas. It seems to be flying by. Today, I'm all about my favorite holiday movies. What movies have you watched already?

My favorite is White Christmas.

I have also watched How the Grinch Stole Christmas (with Jim Carey) and Elf. I'm looking forward to the next week when I'll see all my other favorites and probably see White Christmas another 10 times. Can't get enough of White Christmas!

Happy Wednesday, y'all!
xoxo,
Laurie

Fa La La La La Monday

2011-12-12T07:18:00.000-05:00

Another weekend in the books. I was really getting excited yesterday when I realized that I won't work a 5 day work week for at least the next 6 weeks. 4 1/2 days this week, 4 days next week, 3 days the next week, 3 1/2 days the next, 4 days the week after that and finally, 3 1/2 the week of MLK day. It's like taking a vacation spread out over the course of a month.

By this time last year, we'd already had our first snow. This year we've barely had any nights with freezing temperatures. As ski bums, we sure were spoiled last year. It's been a rough start to the ski season, but we'll keep trying!

This photo makes me realize that I haven't bothered to put wreaths on the windows.
Ooops!

Miscellaneous Thoughts about Christmas today:

I love this time of year.
I love the smells and twinkles of the lights.
I love that my niece and nephews are so excited and they have genuine concern for their Elves and what they are telling Santa.
I love the music...not all of it, but Johnny Mathis and others.
There is magic in the air.

Happy Monday, y'all!

xoxo,
Laurie

Happy Friday

2011-12-09T07:16:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday, Y'all! Just 15 days until Christmas. Can you believe it? Time is flying by this month and I have shopping, crafting, and baking to do! It's going to be a busy weekend, that's for sure.

I am in need of a new "sure shot" type digital camera. Mine is 8 years old (almost 9, really). Anyone have any suggestions? It's needs to be small but take fabulous pictures.

Oh and before I forget (like I have forgotten), today is the LAST day to order key fobs! Below are just a couple more designs.....or you may select from the designs on the original post HERE.

Have a fabulous weekend!
xoxo,
Laurie

Thankful Thursday

2011-12-08T07:14:00.000-05:00

Good morning! BRRRrrrr! Our weather has finally made a drastic change. We've had highs of 65 lately. That sure doesn't feel like December. It's finally beginning to feel like Christmas!

So glad the weekend is in sight! Work has finally calmed down a bit and I think by Monday, we'll be almost back to normal. As usual, December is rushing ahead to Christmas. I can't believe it's less than 20 days away. I am very excited, yet I still have a few gifts to pick up.

Today, I'm thankful that my mother-in-law, who suffered a stroke on November 1st, has eaten pureed food this week. This is probably the biggest hurdle she's jumped since she became responsive. My husband also believes she has responded to touch on her foot on her paralyzed side. Though it was a difficult choice to send her over to the hospital specialty wing a good 30 - 45 minutes away, the success that she's having with therapy daily has made it all worth it.

I'm looking forward to my visit with her this afternoon. Not to mention, we are all looking for a Christmas Miracle that will bring her home soon.

What are you thankful for?

Happy Lil' Friday, y'all!
xoxo,
Laurie

{Semi} Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-07T07:07:00.001-05:00

Sometimes, it's like beating a dead horse.

Have you checked out my special sale yet? You can access that blog post HERE.

Here are some of the designs and don't forget...you can monogram it! $10 (plus $3 shipping).

Happy Hump Day, Y'all!

xoxo,

Laurie

Miscellaneous Thoughts for a Monday

2011-12-05T07:01:00.000-05:00

Courtesy of Pinterest

Happy Monday, y'all! I hope you had a fabulous weekend! I enjoyed my weekend. My nephew came and spent the night on Saturday night. We had big fun and can't wait for the next time! I just have a few thoughts for today:

20 days until Christmas--YAY!!
Key Fob Sale now through Friday. Check it out HERE.
I'm excited about the employee sale this weekend!
I am ready for my hip to heal (again) so I can get back to running.
I have almost ALL of my bread baked for the holidays....time to deliver!
Ready to start some crafts for the holidays. I just have to see what I have available.

Enjoy your day!

xoxo,
Laurie

Christmas Special--A ONE TIME Opportunity

2011-12-04T14:01:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I was in my husband's wood shop and came across a bag of wooden balls. Not just any old balls, but the ones I used to make monogrammed key fobs when my business was running full steam. For those of you who don't know, I owned a company called Lulu and Daisy. I built a brand and sold them in most states (including Alaska and Hawaii). They retailed for $16 to $20.

Starting right now through Friday, December 9th, I am taking orders for one last time. I will take orders until Friday, spend next weekend painting and mail them out. I will not guarantee Christmas delivery, but I will do my best to get it mailed out on the 12th.

Here are the specifications:

Key fobs only and only in the designs below (color requests accepted, but not special designs).
$13 ($10 for the key fob plus $3 shipping). If you live near me, you can pick it up.
Payment accepted via Paypal/cash/check due at the time of the placement of the order.
Email your order to lauriemt@earthlink.net Include monogram, if desired. Single initial or 3 letter monogram (first, LAST, middle). Please let me know they method of payment in your email.
Last Day to Order: Friday, December 9th, 2011.
100 available. When they are gone, they're gone!

Here are the designs available:

Happy Sunday and Happy Shopping!
xoxo,
Laurie

Let's Eat, Y'all!

2011-12-04T06:30:00.000-05:00

We all know that I rarely make Daphne's "Let's Eat" recipe swap. I may not have many pictures, but I am asked for this recipe all the time. So, I want to share it with you, in this, the holiday season. It's an easy appetizer to take to any function. Plus, this is my second swap in a row! Whoo hoo!

Edi's Onion Dip
2 large sweet onions, rough chop
2 cups Mayonnaise (you can use 1 cup regular, 1 cup reduced fat)
2 cups of shredded Parmesan Cheese

Mix all three ingredients. Place in casserole dish. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Serve with toast points, pita chips, wheat thins....whatever you have to "dip." This is such a great dish that if you LOVE onions....it makes the best side dish to a big steak.

Happy Friday, y'all!
xoxo,
Laurie
PS--I posted this last week, but the link up was not listed until today. Here's to Take 2!!