Feta and Spinach Stuffed Chicken

In an effort to not be worthless when it comes to being in the kitchen, I've decided to commit to making a meal at least once a week.  

I must say that the only time that I may have picked something that was a little out of my league was last week with the Italian Drunken Noodles (which will also be featured here sometime next week).  And honestly that was only because I had to YouTube how to core a bell pepper.

Yes.  I'm thirty and I didn't know how to do that. 

But I do now!  Anyway, more on that adventure next week.  This one was a lot easier:

Feta & Spinach Stuffed Chicken

Ingredients:

 Ingredients

¾	cup crumbled feta
½	cup thawed frozen chopped spinach, squeezed dry
3	tablespoons cream cheese
¼	cup chopped scallions
2	cloves garlic, minced
3	tablespoons EVOO
4	6 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Directions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees . In bowl, mix first 5 ingredients. Cut a lengthwise pocket into each breast; season the pocket and stuff with spinach mixture. In ovenproof skillet, heat EVOO over medium-high and cook chicken until golden, 4 minutes per side. Transfer to oven and bake 5 to 7 minutes.

Yep and that is seriously all.

And then it looks like this:

I didn't have to change anything on this recipe.  Although you can (and probably should) spice it up a little bit.  If you go to New Orleans, find some Kitchen Witch spice, and enjoy the heck out of it!

Try it this weekend; super easy, and maybe some leftovers for later!

Happy weekend!

#tbt: Polaroids

My dad has this project that he claims he's been working on for awhile.  He has a ton of old pictures that he says he's going to scan in, so we have them digitally.

Until that day, I am going to have to take really crappy pictures with my phone, and you're going to have to look at them.

I have always wanted a Polaroid.  Even now when they're pretty much obsolete.  I like that the picture automatically comes out; I like that you have to wait while the picture develops in front of your own eyes.  And then poof!  It changes from black, to yellowy-orange, to picture of your loved ones!  

These are a few that my dad happened to hand down to me.  Sorry about the bathtub picture, Juney.  It's just way too cute.

Juney!  We used to be so cute back in the day!!

Again, I'm sorry for the horrible quality of these, but maybe this will speed my dad and his project along.  Yes, Dad?  Maybe?

Two Birmingham Amazenesses (Yep, that's a word)

Picture this.

It's a lovely March/April/May day in Birmingham.  It's just at that point where it isn't too cold to stay out when the sun goes down, and it isn't too hot to where your legs stick to the chair or you get that little sweat bubble thing right under your boobs.  Oh, does that only happen to me?  

So where is one to go in Birmingham when that weather is just perfect?  Let me tell you.

You head to the Garage!

Yeah, it's a tad bit grungy and dark, especially if you walk through the front part of the bar.  But make your through the tables and down the stairs to the sliding door and you've made it to the courtyard!  There's plenty of places to sit and enjoy your beverage.  I do believe they serve some food, but I can't confirm or deny.  I've never eaten their food, but enjoyed the awesome above and their outdoor seating.

Then, after a night of drinking, what is the very first thing that you want to do?

Stuff your face right?  Don't even pretend that I'm not the only one who's eaten after midnight McDonald's or Taco Bell.  Yeah, I feel bad about myself the morning after, but that moment when you're shoving French fries in your mouth or that soft taco...pretty much the best thing ever.

So what if you find a place that's even better than those two combined?  Plus they're open twenty-four hours, and their food is delicious.  You still feel pretty bad about yourself afterwards, but damn, nothing compares to Al's Deli.

I only have two words for you about Al's Deli.

Ranch.  Fries.

You will never find better late night drinking food that Al's.  It's not expensive, and they don't sell alcohol which allows you enough time to sober up before driving home.  Their gyros are pretty delicious too.

Plus, I actually did run into a grown adult here once in Elmo pajamas.  Footies and all.  

Old School Bestie Photos

Me and Lindsay.

A friendship that actually developed out of a relationship of a friend of B's.  It didn't last, but one thing that did last was my friendship between me and her.

Yes, she is younger.  Yes, she is a Bammer.

But I still love her.  

I was going through some older pictures (mainly trying to figure out how in the bejeesus I'm going to scan all those puppies so I can have them digitally), and decided that there were so many old pictures of Lindsay and I!  Back from the first night we actually got to meet at Cajun Steamer, to bar nights at Blue Monkey, to dressing up and going out for Halloween, New Orleans trips, and discovering N*SYNC Christmas in my purse and jamming out to it.

So while her relationship with B's friend wasn't meant to last, ours most certainly was!

Here's to you chick!  <3 p="">

I've had so much fun being your friend!  Here's to many more awesome bestie moments and sweet ass pictures!

A Non-Football Saturday on the Plains

I had been toying for awhile about going to Auburn to solely go shopping.

My old Birmingham haunts were letting me down, and when I know that I can't even find anything at Forever 21, that I need to shake it up.

So Saturday ended up being that day.  It also just happened to coincide with an Auburn/Vanderbilt basketball game.

And any sort of sport coincides with a trip to the Auburn Mellow Mushroom.  I will rant briefly about every other Mellow Mushroom in the world.  I pretty much hate them, because they aren't in Auburn.

That's where I had my first Abita beer; that's where I had my first date in Auburn and where I tried my first vegetarian pizza.  That's where I decided that cheesebread was pretty much heaven in your face.  

And rant over.

So guess what I had for lunch!!  (I also didn't end up buying anything in Auburn, which was a total bummer.  But when you're the thirty year old in these stores, you sort of stick out like a sore thumb.  Forgot about that part.)

Here are some pictures from the Mushroom, Toomer's and the Auburn loss to Vandy.

It would have been much more enjoyable had they not blown a sixteen point lead to lose to Vandy.  BUT I did learn that if you're thirty, they totally don't check you at any point in time for alcohol.  

Suckas.

Sprite and sweet tea vodka tastes delicious, by the way. 

Valentine's Outfit Fail

We were told at work to wear either pink or red.  Regardless that pink is my favorite color in the world, I don't really own that much of it wardrobe wise.  And ever since that fourth of July picture was taken at work last year in my red dress, I have avoided red.  

It was obviously not my color.  Thanks to everyone who decided to let me walk around looking like an idiot.  Oh, well there could have also been some massive water retention going on; that was the day a coworker and I decided to have a water drinking contest.  And the day a gallon and a half of water was consumed.  I recommend that to no one.  Unless you want to feel like hell for the rest of the evening.

Super hydrated, though.

Anyway, on to the outfit.

where ya goin, Laura?

because why take yourself too seriously?

skirt: Francescas // tank & cardi: Kohl's // tights and shoes:  DSW

I thought the high-waisted trend was super cute.  Until I tried it on, and it made already gigantic hips look even bigger.  I also had a pervy driver tell me that he didn't know my legs were so long until I wore this skirt to work.  Guess which skirt will not be making another appearance at work?!?  You got it!!

Have I mentioned that I really want to see the Legos movie?  I'm pretty sure that's in store for my weekend!  Hope everyone has a good one!!

Self Interview for Alabama Women Bloggers

When I first started blogging or facebooking or whatever, it was so popular to do these little self interviews.  But I finally decided to put myself out there and try to meet some other bloggers from around Alabama, and actually try to get this blog up and going.

So here we go....

1. What part of the state do you call home?

I've lived in Birmingham for about seven years.  Before that I called Auburn home for the entire four years.  I am by no means a native, but pretty much consider this my home, since I've lived here the longest.

2. How long have you been blogging?

I started blogging when I started college in 2002.  I started it off with easyjournal.com (which I don't even know if it still exists), then went to xanga.com, and then found my way to Blogger.  I was so embarrassed by the stuff I posted on my easyjournal site that I eventually deleted it all together.  But if you search super hard, you can still find my xanga one!  Although, I don't recommend reading it, because it makes my head hurt.

3. Why did you start blogging?

Started blogging as a way to bring my friends together.  We used to all journal from one account, and it was awesome.  As I grew up and graduated and started living not so close to my family, I started using it as a way for them to see what was going on with me.

4. What do you love most about blogging?

I love that it allows me an outlet.  Since I'm not too big and don't have many followers, it allows for more personal information.  Even if this did turn into a gigantic blog with a million followers, I don't think I'd ever change that.

5. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I want to live in New Orleans.  That's pretty much the only standard I've set for myself.

6. What is your favorite movie?

Almost Famous or American Beauty.  I love Kevin Spacey.  I love the music in Almost Famous, and that the kid wanted to be a journalist, which was what I wanted to be in my former life.  You know, before, the trucks and stuff.

7. If you could use any actress to play you in your life, who would you choose and why?

Anne Hathway, because she's beautiful and awesome.  I got nothing else on that one!

8. Name the top 5 things on your bucket list.

*Live in Spain for a year.

*Visit every SEC stadium to cheer on Auburn

*Own a rescue shelter. (of course on the barn that I will eventually have, too)

*Go to a Chicago Bears/Packers game.  And of course root for the Packers.

*Learn how to blow dry my own hair so I look like a supermodel.

9. Who or what inspired you to blog?

I always loved to write, and this was an easy way to do it without being judged or graded.

10. If you could be known for one thing in your life, what would it be?

Being a good friend.

11. Where is your favorite place to go on vacation?

New Orleans, hands down.  I love that city.  If you stick around this blog enough, you'll see a trip to New Orleans pretty much every three months or so.  The culture, history, food.  You can't beat it.

12. Describe the best moment in your life.

Graduating from Auburn.  I had dealt with a sickness that left me not knowing if I was going to be able to graduate.  I got really sick two weeks before graduation.  Through some hard work and convincing on my parents end, I did end up graduating.  Still with honors.  I didn't get to walk, but I got to watch the ceremony on TV, and my best friend at the time wore my honor cords for me since I couldn't be there.

13. We’re headed to your neck of the woods for one day. What is one thing we have to do, and what restaurant we must eat at?

Must go to Saw's for their amazing BBQ.  After that, head next door to Dream Cakes for one of their awesome cupcakes.  If they have the Grapico one, do it.  If not, go for the wedding cake one . Full of deliciousness.  Then hit up Vulcan Park to see Vulcan.  You know the statue man that watches over Birmingham?  After that, head to Avondale Brewery for one of their awesome beers (or Good People!).  Then if you're in the mood for some music, hit up Workplay or Zydeco!

14. What is a tradition you and your family have?

Doughnuts from Dunkin Donuts on Thanksgiving morning!  

15. We all love social media, share your links so we can follow you. 

They're down there...yeah, down there at the end!

Being Brave

(via)

I've never considered myself to be a very brave person.  Actually, I would label myself as a chicken.  I'm pretty much terrified of everything.  Even though I try to act the ripe age that I am, I somehow would much rather just curl up into my covers and hide.

I've had a dream on repeat the past couple of weeks.  In almost every single dream that I can remember, I am in a plane crash.  And in most of those dreams, my family is around me, and I can remember very vivid details.  One where I go back in to the plane to get my purse, even though the plane is on fire.  One of them was a hijacked airplane.

But because this dream seemed to jerk me awake, I really wanted to find out what it meant.  So I consulted Google, and what I found was kind of shocking.

from dreammoods:

Airplane Crash

to dream that a plane crashes signifies that you have set overly high and unrealistic goals for yourself.  you are in danger of having those goals come crashing down.  Alternatively, the crashing airplane represents your lack of confidence, self-defeating attitude and self-doubt.  you do not believe in your own ability to achieve those goals.  Loss of power and uncertainty in achieving your goals are also signified.

So, there's that.  But try as I might, I couldn't really think of any unrealistic goals that I have set.  And then they all came to me.

My impossible "dream weight."

My wanting to be the absolute best at my job, regardless of whether I like it or not.

Moving to New Orleans.

Going to beauty school.

All things, which I believe to be unattainable.  Plus, if you've met me for a second, you know my level of self-doubt is off the charts.  So I've decided to take the above motto and make it true of my life.

Scary roller coaster?  I'm gonna freaking ride it.

An opportunity arises where I can move to New Orleans?  I'm going to go.

A magical pill is invented where you automatically become your dream weight?  I'm popping that baby.

An opportunity comes up where I can truly be happy?  I'm doing it.

My goals do not have to be unattainable.  All I need to do is be brave.

Just be brave.

Super Simple Sausage Balls

I really wanted something easy to make for our work's food day for Valentine's Day.  I usually like to make something breakfasty, for the main reason that I super love anything breakfast, and that anything doing with breakfast is usually pretty easy to make.

I came across these guys, and figured, hey Laura, even you can make these.  Four ingredients, getting to use the KitchenAid mixer, and being able to make them that morning?  All of the above.  I was so in.  

so here we go:

(recipe from plainchicken.com)

Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

Ingredients:

 

1 lb hot sausage uncooked.

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1 1/4 cup Bisquick

4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded ( or if you're a cheese lover like me, 8 oz)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400F.

Mix all ingredients until well combined. (I used my KitchenAid mixer with the dough hook attachment)  Roll into 1-inch balls.  Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until brown.

Sausage balls may be frozen uncooked.  If baking frozen, add a few minutes to the baking time.

For me, it made about forty balls

And they were delightful!!

I thought adding the extra cheese was a good idea.  Four ounces just didn't seem like enough!  I also ended up cooking them for only about 17 minutes, and it gave them a little crunch which made them even better.

These would be awesome for a football game too!  And they were so so easy that it was impossible to mess up.

Which is always a plus in my book.

Snow Day Hobby

During my snow day last week, I needed to figure out something to do to pass the small lulls in my day.  Because even though the demands of truck drivers are constant, every once in a while, the stars align and the angels start singing, and there is a moment of silence.

So I came up with a game.

Let's torture the dog with excessive picture taking!!  She doesn't like her picture being taken.  She actually doesn't like a whole lot of anything.

She's kind of a chicken.  She hates baths.  She hates loud noises.  She barks at nothing and everything.  While every other dog in puppy training class was using the clicker to train, Stella said no way.  We had to resort to snap training.  

I do see dogs that appear to love having their picture taken.  This sweet little ball of fur is not one of them.

I look so hot working from home.

"Really, mom?"

The whole day she pretty much insisted on helping me with work.  Every time she decided she was going to put her head on my computer was when I decided she needed a picture.

She is so blasted cute though, so it was really hard to mind that head on my lap top.