Georgia on my mind

Last weekend I flew to Augusta, Georgia for a graduate school interview I had.  It was an exciting, nice little "break" in the day to day.  My parents drove down from North Carolina (which was a HUGE blessing), and I also got to spend time with my cousin who lives there.

This was the morning view I enjoyed at my cousin's house...definitely different from what i'm used to in Dallas (there are trees!!)

The city had nice, old charm to it.

And I mean reeeally old, this church was originally built in the late 1700s.

 

The Savannah river.  I'm sure it will be even nicer when the trees are in bloom.

The last day of my trip, I spent in Atlanta with my parents.  After lunch we pretty much hung out all day at my favorite spot, Piedmont Park.  It was gorgeous weather for relaxin' and people watchin'

Even with the pressure of an interview (and having to wear clothes that needed to be ironed and tucked-in), it was such a nice weekend.  It's always a treat to unexpectedly see my parents.  Family and a change of scenery is always refreshing.

In the name of love...and spanish rice

In the past, Valentine's day has never been a holiday that David and I celebrated "big".  Our dating anniversary was always the week before, so we usually went out to celebrate that and then stayed home on the 14th to avoid the hectic restaurant crowd.

Here we are recently celebrating 7 YEARS of being together.  Forgive the bland background, there's not a lot of scenery in an apartment.

But it's because we stayed home, a lovely and delicious (and maybe strange) tradition was born: PAELLA.   Several Valentine's days ago I made paella, David loved it, and it just kind of stuck with us! Now I make it every year on V-day and it's something we both look forward to.

It's even better along side crusty bread and a good glass of wine.

Also I'd recommend some handmade chocolate dipped strawberries.  So easy and decadent.

This was definitely my best Valentine's day yet.  Maybe it's just because I have the best Valentine :)  Speaking of my lovey, he started his own blog!   

"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.  And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" -- Ephesians 5:1-2

Hope everyone is feeling the love! Next time I will share my upcoming adventures in Georgia (and the paella recipe)

Inclement weather day

I woke up this morning to this. 

I can't call it a snow day, because that's not snow, it's solid ice.  Either way, David and I both got to stay home from work today! Woohoo!

This past weekend though, we had absolutely gorgeous weather (Texas weather can be bi-polar like that).  Friday night after work, David and I spent some time walking around at the lake and snapping a few pictures...and then we went back the next day too because it was just so darn 70 degree-sunny-perfect. 

Before we went to the lake we tried to go to the Dallas Arboretum, apparently though they were closed and we got yelled at by the security guard on a golf cart and almost got locked in.  But never mind that.

Good food and good friends

Here's a great recipe that my mom gave me a couple of years ago, and I think before that it came from allrecipes.com.  Either way, it's the best pork chop recipe I have.  I think if you asked David what he would want me to make him as a "last meal," he would choose this.  This is great news for me because it's incredibly easy and requires very few ingredients.  Another little bonus, it will fill your home with THE most incredible aroma.  So make sure you take the time to breathe in deeply while cooking.  

Pork Chops with Raspberry Sauce 
Ingredients: 

• 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp. dried sage
• Salt and pepper
• 4 (4-5 oz) boneless pork loin chops
• 1 Tbs. butter
• 1 Tbs. olive oil
• 1/4 cup seedless raspberry jam
• 2 Tbs. orange juice
• 2 Tbs. white wine vinegar

1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees.  in a small bowl, combine thyme, sage, salt and pepper.  rub evenly over pork chops.
2. Melt butter and olive oil in a nonstick skillet.  cook pork chops for 4-5 minutes on each side, turning once.  Remove from skillet and keep warm in preheated oven.
3. In the skillet, combine raspberry jam, orange juice, and vinegar.  bring to a boil, and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until sauce is reduced.  Spoon sauce onto the pork chops.  Enjoy!

On a side note, we traveled down to Austin this past weekend because David had a couple of job interviews to attend (more on that another time).  While we were there, we were able to spend time with several great friends, which was such a blast.  There were even several rounds of Taboo that were played that contained unspeakable fits of laughter on all accounts.  Every time I am able to see old friends it's always such an encouragement to me.  It's so wonderful to be able to talk and reminisce and laugh (and laugh and laugh and laugh).  God has blessed me so much with amazing friends, close and far away.  So thanks to everyone in my life, ya'll make my days better and my smiles bigger :)  Hope everyone has a great week ahead!


*Sorry there are no pictures with this post, I failed in that department this weekend*

New year, new blog!

Welcome to my new blog home!  I'm very happy and cozy here and think i'll stay put.  I feel kind of bad for not posting more often on the old site.  It's not for lack of subject, but lack of time.  Applying to seven graduate schools, taking the GRE, and working full time has kept me busy to say the least.  But most of that is over now and one of my new year resolutions is to update my blog more frequently.  So I hope that you will follow me over here :)