Tuesday, April 28, 2009

I want some blackberries....


Ok, I have been trying to be one those people who lays off the technology for a while and make things work and I tried so hard. I had a plan with AT&T and I had a BlackJack, which to me was the coolest PDA phone ever and took care of my needs. Then I woke up one morning last week and for the second time, my phone corrupted all the files on my phone! I was so mad about it and I literally said "Good Riddens". Anyways, I moved my service to T-Mobile and I got the newest Blackberry and I heart it so much! I am still learning, but it is absolutely amazing and honestly worth the price. I'm impressed and still have so much to learn. I reccomend it to anyone who is in need of a new phone company and need a new phone.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Krystal's in Labor!


One of my friends, Krystal, is in labor as we speak and we are all anxious to see little Kennedy. Krystal's water broke around noon today and now I am just waiting to hear back that Kennedy is here. Babies are so exciting. I went shopping to buy the baby a welcome gift and it made me want another little girl, just for a few minutes. Anyways, I will keep you updated with everything that's going on.

Room Redo


I am about to start on redoing Leah's room. I am taking it on as a project to keep me busy, but also want her to have an amazing room. I am pretty HGTV saavy, so I have tons of cool ideas, but I will definently take pics when the room is complete. Just like above, Leah has this bedspread, so we are going to be using yellow and pinks. I am excited, but I am hoping I can get it all done in a week or even a few days.


(Photo from potterybarnkids.com)

Cute Spring Outfits for Girlies..



These are so fashionista...and I so want Leah to have these cute outfits. Don''t worry, I am pretty good at coming up with outfits just as cute!
(Photos from Cookiemag.com)

Fashionista Tested...


(Photo from lottieanddoof.com)
I am truly beginning to love to cook and I try at least once a week to do a few dishes from scratch. I was reading another blog, and came upon the website: www.lottieanddoof.com and I am officially addicted to reading the recipes on the page. I decided to try their version of macaroni and cheese and it just came out of the oven. I tasted it and...it is absolutely amazing! It is so tasty and yummy and anyone would love it. Amazing! I am so surprised. Please try it out and see what you think. I think the kiddies will enjoy it also, cause its pretty tasty.

F.Y.I. The only subsitution I made was I used turkey bacon instead of pork bacon, and it tastes just as good.

Mac + Cheese (Lottie + Doof Style)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
3 slices bacon, diced
1 cup of finely chopped yellow onion
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or less if you would like this with less spice)
2 small garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
3 cups coarsely grated sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup Parmesan cheese
4 ounces Mascarpone or cream cheese
1 cup panko (Japanese Breadcrumbs)
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 pound Penne
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add bacon and cook until crisp. Use a slotted spoon to remove bacon to paper towels to drain. Remove all but about 3 tablespoons of fat from the pan. Add onion and saute until tender, about 5 minutes. Add red pepper flakes and garlic, stir for 1 minute. Stir in 2 tablespoons butter, allow to melt, and then add the flour and stir for a minute. Gradually whisk in 3 cups of milk; simmer until thick enough to coat a spoon, stirring frequently, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in 2 1/4 cups of cheddar and all of the Parmesan cheese and marscapone. Return bacon to sauce and season with salt and pepper.

Melt 3 tablespoons butter in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add panko and stir until light golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in parsley.

Preheat oven to 375 F. Lighly butter a 13×9x2 inch glass baking dish or similarly sized gratin dish. Cook pasta in large pot of boiling water until very al dente. Drain well. Toss pasta and cheese sauce and season again with salt and pepper, if needed. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish and top with remaining cheese and breadcrumbs. Bake until hot and topping is golden brown, about 30 minutes. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Recipe from www.lottieanddoof.com

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Pictures from Panoply 2009











So, yesterday was such a busy for me and Leah. I went to Birmingham early yesterday morning, because Leah had a play for her school and then we spent a few hours with family. Then we rushed back and got ready to go to Panoply. It was really amazing and fun. I think we both had a good time. Here are the pics.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Thankful Thursday


Happy Thursday loves,Ok, there are always tons of things to be thankful for, but here are a few things on my list:
1. My wonderful daughter, Leah. She will always be at the top of the list. She has made me so mad numerous times this week, but at the end of the day, she is still amazing and I am really looking forward to our fun weekend together!
2. Being alive: Life is too short, so we had better be grateful for every single day. Thank you lord! You have been good to me!
3. For my new phone. I have been waiting patiently for a new phone, because mine is about to go kaput, but I finally got a Blackberry and I am officially in LOVE!
4. For my amazing friends. This week has been extremely stressful on every level and at the end of the day, my friends were there every step of the way, whether it was to take me to dinner or just being on the phone with me. I love you guys!
5. At the end of the week, I am so grateful that ALL my bills are paid, and even though I am broke again, I dont have to stress and worry that much.
6. I am so so grateful for Netflix. I joined this week and I love it! I don't think I will ever leave the house again. It gives a single woman something to look forward to. Right now, I am watching: Felicity-Season 1(I am doing a flashback, and its better than ever!)
7. That Panoply is here. Panoply is a major arts festival in Huntsville, AL and it is fun to take your kiddies to and there are lots of free activities. Check this article out about it and make sure you come: http://www.weekendsetc.com/al-35801-panoply-arts-festival-april-25th-27th-2008859

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Baseball Time!


It's officially minor league baseball season here in Huntsville. In Huntsville, we have the Huntsville Stars and for a small city, people in Huntsville actually look forward to baseball and this year I am going to see what all of the hype is about. I cant wait to take Leah to her first baseball game; I am going to get us matching hats. The opening game is April 9th at 7:05 p.m. I won't be able to go unfortunately, cause I have class, but I will be going to probably a game next week. For the full April schedule, click on this website: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/schedule/index.jsp?sid=t559.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Pancake or French Toast Sunday


Since its just me and Leah, we generally have tons of fun and always think of fun things to do. Now that everyone is strapped for cash and want to think of fun things to do with the kiddies, here's a great idea: make a theme Sunday. Me and Leah have started having pancake or french toast Sunday. We get up whenever and then we either make pancakes together or french toast and add some vegetarian breakfast meat and some juice and have an amazing breakfast. We turn on the jazz channel on the radio and set the dining table and drink out of wine glasses. Its fun and girly and costs little to nothing and its our special time together and Leah loves it. Try it and see what you think.
P.S. I am giving you the recipe for the french toast that we make, cause it is really good and super easy!
French Toast
2 eggs
1 tablespoon milk
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
loaf of bread
vegetable oil
Add oil to the skillet and turn stove on medium heat. Combine the eggs, milk, sugar, and cinnamon together well. Dip slices of bread into the mixture and place into skillet that is set on medium with the oil already in skillet. Fry until brown and voila!
This recipe makes about 5 pieces, so you may have to alter the recipe for more than 5.

My Leah Bee!




Family trip


Me and Leah are going to a family resort in St.Maarten and I am so excited. We will headed out in about a month, and it is going to be so exciting, because my sisters and brother are going and bring along all the kids, so all of the cousins will be together, its exciting! Leah has never flown before, so there are few things left on the list that I need to get:

1. A carryon for me...I'm thinking something fun like Betsey Johnson

2. A carryon for Leah, some kind of a fun backpack that I can stuff her items into and keep up with

3. Flip flops for both of us, of course Old Navy

4. Dressy sandals for both of us

5. A few pairs if shorts for Leah


Thats about it and we should be set! As I buy, I will definently post! I am getting so excited!...Now if the weight would go away:-)

Hello My Loves...


Hi loves,

I have been debating for a while if I wanted to start a mommy blog or not, but I think I handle managing both blogs. For one, it will give me something to do and will give me something to maintain and hopefully it will be the motivation that I need to keep both up to date. Anyways, for those who don't know, my name is Jessika. I live in Huntsville, AL and I am a single mother. My daughter's name is Leah and she is the love of my life. She is 6 years old and I am having the time of my life with her. She is truly my pride and joy and even though being a single parent has its ups and down, it is a great experience. You will get the chance to get to know the good, the bad, and the ugly. Welcome!