texas2nashville

Easy Peasy Dinner

2011-07-01T20:57:00.000-07:00

The makings of a beautiful friendship

A few people have asked me for this Mexican Lasagna recipe, so here it is! I have made this just for Doug and I (makes great leftovers) or tonight we had some friends over and it made plenty with just a little bit left over. Seriously, this is sooo easy to make and delicious and pretty healthy to boot.

Mexican Lasagna
*adapted from Cooking Light magazine

2 jars of your favorite salsa (make sure it's thick/chunky)
1 cup diced red peppers
1 cup diced onions
1 cup diced zucchini
1 cup frozen corn
3 cups shredded chicken (I personally tend to do less meat and more veggies)
1 4-oz can chopped green chilis
1 10-oz can green enchilada sauce
3 garlic cloves
1 tsp. cumin
2 tsp. chili powder
1 cup Monterey jack cheese (I used cheddar because it's what we had - do what makes you happy here!)
1 cup feta cheese
12 tortillas

Preheat oven to 350. Spray a nonstick pan with cooking spray and over medium-high heat saute the onions, zucchini, corn, and red peppers for about 6 minutes.

Add cooked chicken, chopped green chilis, garlic, enchilada sauce, and spices to the mixture and cook until fully warm and mixed in, about 2-3 minutes. Spray a 9x13 dish with cooking spray and coat the bottom of the pan with salsa. Place half the tortillas on the bottom of the pan. Put 2 cups of the chicken mixture over the tortillas. Put another cup or so of salsa on top. Sprinkle with half a cup of both cheeses, and continue with another layer of tortillas. Follow this same pattern for the layers, ending with the final cheeses. Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes, or until things just start t bubble.

There's so many ways to create variations to this recipe: more spices, more cheese, more veggies, experimenting with different salsas and sauces, etc.

If you make this, leave a comment and let me know how it turned out! ;) We had friends over tonight for dinner and this meal was a bit hit!

I never claimed to be a great photographer! This was a delicious meal, though!

Dessert - Jello pudding Cake

This is a very light summer dessert, my mom made this a lot for my dad's birthday in July:

1 box white cake mix
one large box jello
1 box vanilla pudding
1 container cool whip

Make the cake according to the box directions. Dissolve the jello in 2 cups of boiling water. When you take it out, use a fork to poke holes inside the cake, pour the hot jello all over the cake.

Let it cool completely. Make the vanilla pudding according to the box directions and spread, top with cool whip on each slice individually or all across the top. You could also top with fruit like in the picture (stolen from google.) Enjoy!!

Fall Sneak Peek

2011-06-29T19:22:00.000-07:00

WHO'S excited about the new fall line of Stella & Dot jewels coming out?!! Me me me! The line debuts in one week...so in the meantime here's a little video to get you excited about what's to come.

I'd love to host a trunk show for you to debut the new line! For those of you who aren't in Nashville...we can do an online party and as you collect orders you get FREE jewelry for yourself!

Thank you, BMW

2011-06-22T13:14:00.001-07:00

This NEEDED to be said!

Triumphant Return*

2011-06-19T18:05:00.000-07:00

Yes, my blog still exists, but you wouldn't know it by my lack of posts. :) Please forgive me and excuse my absence. I was out taking care of things, trying new things, traveling, enjoying spring and all that Nashville has to offer.

A few random factoids of what I've been up to:

-Doug and I celebrated our two-year anniversary at a b&b in the Smoky Mountains. Thank you, Living Social, for a ridiculously awesome deal on a 5 star place!

amazing dinner one night!
this porch overlooked the mountains!

on a tram heading to a park in gatlinburg

dinner!

hiking...i am pretty sure this branch broke off pretty soon after this pic was taken :) it was old
there was an unbeliveable view from our bed & breakfast

-I overcame my "great bike wreck of 2008," got a new bike (think beach cruiser rather than road bike) - Doug and I have been pedaling all around Metro in the evenings and weekends.

-My parents made their inaugural visit to Nashville over Easter. We went and visited the Hermitage, Andrew Jackson's home (among other things!)

-Over Memorial Day we went to Alabama for my younger brother Michael's graduation from the Air Force officer training school. Here he is getting his official first salute and another picture of his squadron marching. After celebrating his success (same day as Doug's birthday) we all headed down to Gulf Shores for a long weekend. Awesome.....!

watching the marching
rebecca, michael's friend from atlanta and my mom

-My nephew Wyatt was born 10 weeks early in Dallas. Quite a surprise to the family and not what you'd consider a "good" surprise on first glance. But he is quite a champ and is currently a rock star in the NICU. He is suuuch a cute baby and looks so much like my brother Randy. We got to come in to DFW when he was born and I went back this weekend for the baby shower - here's my bro and his fiance Janice:
future red raider
the onesie says "my aunt is awesome"

janice and randy!
and of course precious little wyatt! i love him!

-Doug and I signed up for a local organic produce co-op and have been bringing in a haul each week of kale, lettuces, veggies, and fruits of all kinds. I heart cooking and have expanded my repertoire more than ever.

-Doug is working this summer at a local real estate firm and has seen a lot of opportunity from the job. He is rocking P90X and is on week 5 right now. I am so proud! He is also contributing to the Vanderbilt Owen School blog with an Excel tip of the week - if that floats your boat or if you're desperate for help with Excel check it out here: www.owenbloggers.com - Oh and since the title of my blog is "texas2nashville" I MUST mention the PRIDE we felt last week when the Mavs upset the Heat to become CHAMPS! Tons of excitement from this side of the country...Texas IS biggest and best!!!!

-Next week we're headed to Vegas baby! Watch for more pics and I will start updating my little texas2nashville blog much more frequently! Please come back for more!!

*this title was chosen by Doug!

A few other rando pictures:
work would be 1,000x less fun if it wasn't for my awesome friends from work!

downtown for the owen formal in may

this day i probably felt more southern than i ever have: rainboots and a big hat for the steeplechase horse races

movies in the park in nashvegas

dinner with a few besties in dallas over the weekend

dallas - evil eyes!
my hubby swinging a croquet stick as a golf club on our anniversary trip. i think he's cute. :)

ciao for now!

One More For Today...

2011-03-02T08:57:00.001-08:00

I'm sorry but this is just hilarious!!!!

2011-03-02T08:54:00.000-08:00

“Some folks look at me and see a certain swagger, which in Texas is called "walking."” - George W. Bush

Happy Independence Day TEXAS!!

Shiny.

2011-02-23T15:22:00.000-08:00

A few reasons to GET EXCITED

2011-02-17T16:41:00.000-08:00

1. It's spring (ish). The highs this week have been in the 60s, which makes my heart happy. Seriously... I went to the park this week when it was in the 50s and I saw: hula hoopers, puppies, roller bladers, bikers, puppies, corn hole-players, puppies, babies in strollers, puppies, people with inappropriate displays of affection, puppies, skateboarders, hackey-sackers, and even more puppies. Seriously, Nashville is ready to get out and play!!!
2. Because of the spring-ish weather I have walked to work twice this week. Amazing!!
3. DOWNTOWN NASHVILLE IS GETTING A CHUY'S. No need to say more.
4. Doug has been on a few exciting internship interviews lately. He flew to Atlanta for an interview with Delta (free flight benefits for BOTH of us, holla!) and he's been interviewing with the U.S. Environmental Defense Fund for summer opportunities.
4. I started my own business.
5. Number four still surprises me! But yes, I am now working as a stylist for Stella & Dot. (Which, if you haven't heard of them before, is the most fabulous jewelry EVER!) I hosted my business launch party last night and it was FABULOUS! I had the support of good friends here in Nashville to introduce and launch my business. If you ever need a piece of jewelry for an event or need a great gift for a friend or your mom... I'd love to help you! In fact, for the rest of February, if you comment on this blog what you want to order I'll give you 10% off your entire purchase! www.stelladot.com/stephaniemidkiff
6. I ran a half marathon on Saturday and beat my current fastest time.
7. I still get excited about Stella & Dot. I am the epitome of girly girl!! I'd be lying if I didn't have Doug take my picture in front of my display the morning of my launch...

Happy Heart's Day!

2011-02-14T07:10:00.000-08:00

I love Valentine's Day ... it reminds me of all the roller skating parties I would go to when I was little and passing out little Valentines to all my friends. My mom would make these candy bouquets out of shortbread cookies and gummy jujube hearts that I loved! This year, Doug gave me a pair of Ugg slippers/house shoes since I always manage to steal his in the mornings, and he was up at the crack of dawn to start on an extra-special dinner for tonight. All I know is, at one point he was toasting hazlenuts and the apartment smelled amazing. He is wonderful. :) We have lots of updates, I will be posting more soon! Enjoy the day and tell someone you love them. :)

Lastly, to my wonderfully amazing husband, I love you! I can't imagine life without you and I am so blessed to call you mine.

Smile

2011-02-08T06:51:00.001-08:00

The Year of Doug (err, the Rabbit)

2011-02-06T09:21:00.000-08:00

When I started working at Vandy I signed up for a program where I'm matched with a student who came from a foreign country. It's sort of a friendship exchange program. I was matched with Sophie, who is from Taiwan but did her undergrad at Purdue. I went into it thinking I would teach her all about America but not only is she totally at home here, she's taught me TONS about Asia! She's in a one-year master's of finance program at Owen, sort of like what Doug's doing but sort of not really. Anyway, Sophie is awesome! We had her and her roommate Wei over for dinner one night (I hope I'm spelling your name right!)

Sophie invited me to the annual Chinese New Year's Celebration which was last night on campus. It was awesome! They had an amazing dinner of Chinese food and while we ate they broadcast the New Year's Show, sort of like Rockin New Year's Eve here in NYC. I learned this is the Year of the Rabbit, which is what Doug's mom has called him since he was tiny. (He had more energy than the energizer bunny, still does!) So ... it's the year of Doug. :) Anyway, after dinner came the performances, singers, student films, tiny kiddos doing cultural dances, ballerinas with swords, it was all very entertaining! I have learned tons about the Chinese/Asian culture and have made a new friend too. :)

Doug and I at the New Year's Celebration

Sophie and some of her friends (terrible picture quality, I know!)

The tiny dancers. What could be cuter than little girls dressed as bunny rabbits?

Mid-Afternoon Style Break

2011-02-03T15:00:00.000-08:00

Today I discovered that O.P.I. (the experts in nail polish)released a spring line based on Texas!! I love the names of these fabulous colors!

I am really digging Big Hair, Big Nails, Do you think I'm Texy, and San Tan-Tonio!

Lone Star Weekend

2011-02-02T12:51:00.001-08:00

Last Friday after worked I hopped a plane to Dallas and was greeted by my wonderful friend Stephanie who I first lived with in Dallas. We both moved from Lubbock to Dallas and were roomies for the first few years. I. Just. Love. Her. She stood beside me on my wedding day - friends don't get any better than that! Steph was just getting off her night shift at the hospital in Plano when she picked me up and we had a 45 minute "speed date" while she drove me to my brother's apartment downtown.

We didn't take any pictures so I am posting this one - this was us having breakfast the morning of the day I got engaged! Anywho, then I stayed with my brother one night and the next morning I got up super early and went for a run down Greenville Avenue. I laughed to myself counting the number of amazing Tex Mex restaurants I ran by in just a 5 mile span... there was a lot. Good Tex Mex is hard to find in Nashville for obvious reasons! Randy and I met up with his girlfriend Janice for breakfast at Cafe Brazil (one of my personal favorite breakfast spots). She is super sweet and it was great meeting her!

Then I hopped back on a Southwest plane this time headed to Midland. I was greeted at the airport by my parents (fresh off their own plane from Hawaii) with a orchid lei straight from Maui. These things seriously smell amazing. The first thing we did when I got in the car was drive straight to Rosa's Cafe (West Texas peeps, you know what I'm talking about! It's the BEST Mexican food!)

It was good being home, which consisted of a lot of good home cooked food, waaay overdue mani/pedis, watching lots of Iron Chef, wine, and playing with Duke, our tiny little chihuahua! Saturday night one of my dearest friends from high school had an couples shower. It was like a mini high school reunion all in itself. I was actually quite suprised at just how many people in our class have moved back to Midland. Anwyay, it was a blast to see everyone and I could not be more thrilled for Amy and Ryan to get married, they've met and started dating junior year of high school! Their wedding will be in San Antonio in March and I'm super excited for another upcoming mini vacay in Texas. I didn't take many pics at the party because there was a photographer snapping tons of shots everywhere, but I did snag Amy for a photo!

Sunday was going to my parents church and again seeing tons of people - mostly my friends' parents which is also fun! Then Amy had a bridal shower that afternoon. Another fun time!

Monday was a little bit of shopping, a dentist appt (courtsey of dear old dad) and lunch with my mom. Then I headed back east - had my plane been ANY later I would have been grounded due to all the crazy weather the nation's been facing. Luckily, my flights were perfectly fine and I even was on the same plane as Ben Stein!! (I resisted making any jokes about winning his money. Although I seriously had to bite my tongue.)

All in all the weekend gets two thumbs up!!

Time for LOVE!

2011-02-02T03:57:00.001-08:00

It's February, and that can only mean one thing! (Are you holding your breath?) Time to pull out the "Love Wreath!" This thing only gets pulled out for one month out of the year and the other 11 it sits and takes up waay too much room in our closet (according to Doug, anyway!) But I love it and this colorful wreath makes me so happy! Midland peeps, this is a Miss Cayce's creation! I had a fabulous weekend in Texas, post and pictures coming soon!

2011-01-20T12:04:00.000-08:00

Vanderbilt is doing something this year called 365 at VU where they post one picture from campus each day for a year. I am seriously in love with this winter skyscape and think I'm going to frame it and hang it on our bedroom wall. Will be a compliment to the giant vintage map of Dallas over our bed. (I know it sounds like we're obsessed with Texas, and I never thought so, but maybe, just maybe, we are.)

But I think these colors are so pretty...

Cabin Fever!

2011-01-18T18:38:00.000-08:00

This past weekend Doug and I had a major case of cabin fever what with all the cold weather we've been dealt lately! We wanted to get out of Nashville and see something new. So we spun the globe (not really) and our fingers landed on Louisville, KY. Turns out, it's a lovely city with an awesome riverfront and a vibrant downtown. We landed a sweet deal on a hotel, and were on our way.

On our way!

We had dinner at the River Bend Winery - good food, good music, good wine!

Then we headed to Proof, a restaurant inside a modern art museum and hotel. We had dessert and of course I had to try some of the famed local Kentucky bourbon. (When in Rome, right?)

Sunday morning we had brunch at an amazing spot called Ramsi's Cafe on the World. Anytime the two words brunch and buffet are side by side, you know you're in for a treat. I will go back again just for brunch at Ramsi's one day.

We toured Churchill Downs, where they hold the Kentucky Derby each year. This is me in front of the horse Barbaro.
At the paddock where the jockeys and the horses parade out!

I don't know if you can see the statue of the guy in the back, but he's the all-time winningest jockey at Churchill Downs. They gave the poor guy a break and made the statue 2 inches taller than he really is, he's tiny - 4'10"!

Winners Circle!
The Derby is always the first weekend in May, which is when our anniversary is. We promised each other that we'd make it back one day for the race. Big hats, dresses, and mint juleps? Yes please!
This is the Ohio River front --
Had a blast!

Happiness is...

2011-01-17T18:19:00.000-08:00

...working on a marketing project for a client back in Dallas and eating Trader Joe's gingersnaps and drinking homemade hot chocolate. My recipe of choice: warm up 1 1/4 cups almond milk and add to it 2 tablespoons Hershey's cocoa, 1 tablespoon raw sugar, a dash of salt and a dash of cinnamon. Add more sugar, marshmallows, whipped cream to your heart's content. Yum!

When life hands you lemons....

2011-01-12T18:36:00.000-08:00

...you know what to do!! Happy Tuesday, everyone!

Winter Wonderland/Weekend Update

2011-01-10T07:02:00.001-08:00

Hello everyone! I will start by saying that I woke up this morning with a text from Pamela, my mother in law, "Just saw on the news that TN has declared a weather related state emergency. Everything ok with yall?" To which I replied "We got 3 in of snow but other parts got up to 10. More to come tomm, this will get interesting. It sucks!"

And that folks, is exactly how I feel.

The snow is absolutely beautiful but it just makes getting around town so
darn inconvenient! Give me a fire and a cup of hot cocoa then we'll chat. :) I am trying to stay positive because winter here lasts much longer than I'm used to! Seeing as it's only January, we have several months of winter to go, but I am thinking March will bring my happy place. Maybe I will learn to love the cold in time. :)

On a lighter, happier note, we had a wonderful weekend here in Nash! Doug and I went and checked out the Impressionist exhibit at the Frist Center for Visual Arts. Ever since I was little I had adored the work of the Impressionists...Degas and Cezanne in particular! Two thumbs up there. Saturday Doug was working on a project in sustainability while I had my first Team Rio run! I loved hearing about the charity we're raising money for - Big Brothers Big Sisters - and the impact they're making on Middle Tennessee. Then we went for a chilly 5 miler - that's right, I know I just complained about the cold, but when you're moving fast and with a group of people you can chat with, I swear it's not that bad. :) We had a lovely dinner Saturday night at Sunset Grill (another 2 thumbs up - I had the stuffed acorn squash and it was delicious!)and Sunday was church, some cooking, another chilly 5 miler with my friend Kristi and otherwise just hanging out. Bring on the work week!

2011 Resolution....

2011-01-07T07:04:00.000-08:00

To see more of The South!! I was inspired by this book I saw for sale on Ideeli. It's currently on order ... and am excited about taking more weekend getaways with my sweet husband!!

Auld Lang Syne*

2010-12-31T06:22:00.000-08:00

Good morning friends! It's the last day of the year, can you believe it? When I look back on 2010, I can't believe all the crazy/awesome things Doug and I have experienced together!

Here's a very quick recap of the best things of 2010:
-We celebrated our one year anniversary in Hot Springs, Arkansas and I am still so very in love with the guy I married May 2, 2009!
-Doug was admitted into the business school program at Vanderbilt and I could not be more proud of him!!! Way to go!
-In April, we visited Nashville for the first time, our new home!
-I was sad to leave friends, family, and my job behind in Dallas but excited to embark on a new adventure, and starting a new job in development at Vanderbilt University! I am so grateful for this amazing job opportunity!
-Doug and I ran a hilly Tennessee half marathon in September
-Visited Chattanooga in November (loved it!) and played hostess to some wonderful friends who visited us in TN
-Spent time with family over the holidays back in TX and also in Florida! Great times!

Looking back on it, 2010 involved a lot of job and grad school applications, waiting, planning, hoping, dreaming, praying and CHANGE! It was a lot of being patient, being impatient, and being patient some more. I can't wait to see what surprises are around the corner for 2011. Here's a few things I know for certain:

I am running the Country Music Half Marathon and raising support for Big Brothers/Big Sisters. If you'd like to support this awesome cause by giving even just $5, click here:

I still blog for As you wish... DFW wedding coordinators! If you're in the DFW area and are planning your wedding, check out Shari and the other ladies, they ROCK! We have been asked to contribute posts to a Daily Candy-type site called The Feast Dallas (eek!) I am so excited to have exposure on a bigger scale! Check out the As you wish... blog at www.sharijohns.blogspot.com

I want to keep up the running and work on increasing speed and distance. I have a few specific goals in mind! Other than that, my plan is to sort of "power down" a bit and lead a simpler life. Less time in front of the tv or computer at home, and spend time reflecting and reading, cooking, creating --- I believe it's important to clear the mind and your life of unnecessary junk in order to keep the creative juices flowing! {I know that sounds vague, and I guess it's supposed to...} Sometimes I forget to build in down time so I never really sit and catch my breath. I want to focus on what's really important this year and not sweat the small stuff!

All in all, I am looking forward to what 2011 has in store!

*I had to look up "Auld Lang Syne" to see what it means, it's a scottish phrase that translates to "old long ago," or simply, "the good old days."

Best and Worst Celeb's Baby Names of 2010

2010-12-29T14:12:00.000-08:00

I read this on yahoo.com this afternoon and could NOT pass up the opportunity to re-post!

Best Celeb Baby Names of the Year:
Grace Margaret (Mark Wahlberg)
Harper Grace (Neil Patrick Harris)
Aviana Olea (Amy Adams) ... not sure about that middle name...
Olivia Marie (Lance Armstrong)
Bryn (Bethenny Frankel & Jason Hoppy - I don't know they are, anyone know?)
Eli (Rachel Dratch)
Stella Zavala (Matt Damon, who can do no wrong in my book)
Gia Francesca (Mario Lopez a.k.a. A.C. Slater)
Levi James (Sheryl Crow)
Easton (Jenna Elfman)

Worst Celeb Baby Names of 2010:
Buddy Bear Maurice (Jamie Oliver)
Egypt Daoud (Alicia Keys)
Cosmia (Claudia Schiffer)
Axel (Will Ferrell)
Krisha (Padma Lakshmi)
Gideon Scott (Neil Patrick Harris)
Billie Beatrice (Eric Dane)
Abel James (Amy Poehler)
Vida (Matthew McConaughey)
Nelson (Celine Dion)

What do you think? I won't lie, there are a few names on the top list that I adore! Not telling which, guess it will have to be a surprise for everyone one day ... whenever that day comes!

A Very Disney Christmas

2010-12-27T19:35:00.000-08:00

So...Christmas at Disney World you might ask!? Well, it's a place that's been special to my family since we were little and we all still love it! So it made perfect sense (to us) that with us in Nashville, my parents in Midland, one brother in NYC and another in Dallas ... that we pick Orlando as our vacation location and all meet up! We had a blast and I just loved the 70 degree weather we enjoyed every day. We actually saw the sun ... then flew back to Tennessee just after they had another large snowfall! Trying to stay positive about the cold.... :) But back to Disney! It was a blast. We rode all the rides, saw all the characters (from a distance - you have to wait in mega lines to meet them, gone are the days of just going up to Mickey for a photo), saw awesome fireworks, ate great food, and had a wonderful week at the Happiest Place on Earth. Great way to spend Christmas, if you ask me. And the park had amazing Christmas decorations!! You know the family who had the mega Christmas decorations (you've seen it on YouTube) well, their neighborhood basically banned the Christmas craziness, so Disney offered to re-create the family's Christmas decor at the park. It was AWESOME - great lights, music, and they even made it snow!

Christmas Recap {Part 1}

2010-12-27T18:34:00.000-08:00

Hello again!! I've been out and about for a few days but now am back home safe and sound in Nashville. We had a great time when Doug's mom and brother visited Nashvegas for a few days, then Doug and I jet-setted to Orlando to spend Christmas with my family and, you guessed it, Mickey and the gang! I've enjoyed the break from blogging and all-around unplugging for a few days. Now that I'm back, I'm geared up and ready to go back to work tomorrow (wait, am I?!) I've enjoyed catching up on all your blogs and hearing about how everyone's spent their Christmas. And it was wonderful to come home to a mailbox full of Christmas cards. I love a fridge covered in pics of friends and family we don't get to see on a regular basis... having your pictures so close at hand is a great way to remind me to pray for you guys!

Hope you've all enjoyed a wonderful Christmas season!

On to the pictures...

Hanging out in Nash...
Pamela with two of her three boys... Critter you were missed!

We saw the Rockettes (awesome!) at the Grand Ole Opry then enjoyed a fantastic dinner at Tin Angel.

We went hiking on a chilly day at Percy Warner Park. Hiking, eating, running, the Rockettes, The Fighter (good) and Black Swan (creepy, but good) early Christmas presents - all in all a great weekend!

C'mon, Weekend!

2010-12-16T07:25:00.000-08:00

Good morning everyone! I am sooo ready for the weekend - Doug's mom and brother are coming to Nashville for a quick visit! We are going to eat some fabulous food and go see the Rockettes! Then we are heading to Florida Monday morning. In the meantime, tonight I have an office Christmas party. I just need to stay focused today....