Most of my meals are dictated by what is on sale. This week, Mahi Mahi was the best priced fresh fish, so that is what I got. I had no plan in mind and didn't give it a second thought until I was about to cook. I used the internet for some inspiration and then improvised with what I had on hand. Luckily, it ended up great!
Mahi Mahi is known as the poor man's lobster. Appropriate I guess, we are on a law school budget. With that being said. I decided to cook the fish simply and make a garlic butter sauce for the side.
Fish
Cavender's Seasoning
Salt
Pepper
Olive Oil
White Wine
Sauce
6 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic
1/2 teaspoon salt
Rice Pilaf
Olive Oil
1/4 cup Onion, chopped
Kosher Salt
Pepper
Penzey's Pasta Sprinkle (which includes sweet basil, turkish oregano, thyme, and garlic)
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup water
First, season the fish with salt, pepper, and Cavendar's seasoning.
Heat olive oil in pan until hot. Cook fish, flipping halfway through, until white and flakey. About halfway through cooking, I added a splash of white wine.
For the garlic butter sauce, melt 6 tablespoons of butter, 2 garlic cloves, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt low and slow so the garlic cooks while the butter is melting.
For the side dish, I use basmati rice to make a rice pilaf. Sauté chopped onion until softened. Add basmati rice (uncooked) to pan and sauté 1-2 minutes. Add chicken broth, water, salt, pepper, and seasoning. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10-15 or until liquid is absorbed.
Drizzle garlic butter sauce over fish when serving. Along with the fish and pilaf, we had cornbread and broccoli with fresh lemon juice.
Enjoy!
MF
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Football
AKA soccer. I thought I was going to be a star goalie when I began playing soccer as a kid. I was willing to go to any length to stop a ball. I can remember my mom yelling from the sidelines asking me to stop diving because my head was getting way to close to the metal bar holding up the net. I loved the thrill of it though. Of course like all other sports, the coach mentioned running in warm temperatures, and I hit the road.
My interest shifted from playing sports to watching them. Particularly I enjoy watching football and baseball but I was recently reintroduced to soccer. We were invited to see the USA team play in the olympic qualifying game against El Salvador at LP Field. I knew I would enjoy any sporting event, but I LOVED it! Since the same players played almost the entire game and worked so hard at scoring only three points, I felt like I was invested in the game by the end. It was so sad to see them fall to the ground after the loss. The USA team played a great game, but unfortunately lost in the last few seconds.
Maybe watching soccer can fill the void when the Auburn Tigers and Braves aren't playing.
MF
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Spring Fever
I have anxiously been waiting to go to see my mom's new house in Little Rock. We headed out there the first part of Vandy's spring break. Thach, of course, made the journey with us. We didn't arrive until almost midnight because of construction, but Thach jumped out of the car like he knew exactly where he was. He ran straight out of the car and up to the front door. Thach was as excited as we were to see mom and he loved the house almost as much as us! I don't think he knew what to do with himself with so much space compared to our apartment!
Normally my mom and I would have spent a vacation shopping, but with Danny around and my recent closet purge, we decided to enjoy the beautiful spring weather. As a kid, I visited my aunt in Little Rock and always climbed Mount Pinnacle. I apparently did not remember what it was like... we got about 15 minutes into the hike and got to the point where you literally had to climb straight up rocks and decided it was no longer for us. We considered it our exercise for the day and headed back down. Mom, Danny, and I enjoyed the time together, despite our inability to reach the top!
Since we have been back home, spring has really arrived! I hesitated to pull out all of the summer clothes from the back of the closet, but I couldn't wait any longer. Hopefully I didn't jinx us! All the sweaters are folded and put away and the flip flops are out!
When deciding how to spend our Saturday afternoon, my only request was that it included being outside. I can't help but try to do everything I can outside while the temperature is perfect and everything is newly in bloom. We decided to go out to Percy Warner Park in Nashville. We had been once before last summer but this time we headed to a different part, the Iroquois Steeplechase. Danny and I couldn't help but feel like we were walking in Ireland on St. Patrick's Day with such brilliantly green rolling hills around us.
There is just something about spring that is so refreshing. The clean smelling air, birds singing, and brilliantly colored flowers and leaves are a constant reminder to me of God's creativity. Not only is He our Father, our Savior, and our strength, but He is an artist who took such care to make the world around us a beautiful place. How quickly I forget and get caught up in worldly things. My prayer this spring is that it will be a reminder to recognize God's glory in the world around us and an inspiration to give the glory to Him daily.
 |
| Mom, Thach, and I |
 |
| Pinnacle Mountain East Summit Trail |
 |
| Danny, Thach, and I |
Since we have been back home, spring has really arrived! I hesitated to pull out all of the summer clothes from the back of the closet, but I couldn't wait any longer. Hopefully I didn't jinx us! All the sweaters are folded and put away and the flip flops are out!
 |
| Thach at Iroquois Steeplechase |
There is just something about spring that is so refreshing. The clean smelling air, birds singing, and brilliantly colored flowers and leaves are a constant reminder to me of God's creativity. Not only is He our Father, our Savior, and our strength, but He is an artist who took such care to make the world around us a beautiful place. How quickly I forget and get caught up in worldly things. My prayer this spring is that it will be a reminder to recognize God's glory in the world around us and an inspiration to give the glory to Him daily.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Learning Curve
Well it has been awhile again. It appears to be spring already, although it seemed to be all along.
Where have I been since the last post? Adjusting is the best answer I can think of. I am in love with my new job, but man has there been a learning curve. Not only is there a learning curve for the paperwork and logistics, but a learning curve about the world. I didn't necessarily think I was sheltered growing up although I knew I was blessed. I have quickly learned that it is a huge city, a huge country, a huge world. Maybe I was just secluded to our little area of Nashville but I had no idea that the city was so big. Now I have seen what seems like every inch of the city including the good, the bad, and the ugly.
What lesson am I learning as I travel through the neighborhoods of my sweet kids? We are always in the mission field. My eyes have been opened to the needs of others, the needs of this world.While my job does not always allow me to incorporate my faith, my prayers can continue. How do so many of us live like I do, not even realizing the poverty, pain, and uncertainty that lives right down the street? Other than my constant prayers, I don't know what my plans are. However, I know God brought me to this job for a reason far greater than developmental therapy. I pray that we all look around and see others right in our backyards that need our love, prayers, and the knowledge of Jesus.
Where have I been since the last post? Adjusting is the best answer I can think of. I am in love with my new job, but man has there been a learning curve. Not only is there a learning curve for the paperwork and logistics, but a learning curve about the world. I didn't necessarily think I was sheltered growing up although I knew I was blessed. I have quickly learned that it is a huge city, a huge country, a huge world. Maybe I was just secluded to our little area of Nashville but I had no idea that the city was so big. Now I have seen what seems like every inch of the city including the good, the bad, and the ugly.
What lesson am I learning as I travel through the neighborhoods of my sweet kids? We are always in the mission field. My eyes have been opened to the needs of others, the needs of this world.While my job does not always allow me to incorporate my faith, my prayers can continue. How do so many of us live like I do, not even realizing the poverty, pain, and uncertainty that lives right down the street? Other than my constant prayers, I don't know what my plans are. However, I know God brought me to this job for a reason far greater than developmental therapy. I pray that we all look around and see others right in our backyards that need our love, prayers, and the knowledge of Jesus.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Happy Valentine's Day!
Who Needs Hallmark?
I have really enjoyed this holiday this year! I used it as a great excuse to bake sweets and make some crafts!
I decided to try my hand at embroidering paper. While it seemed intimidating, I looked up some advice online and got started! I found that simple designs worked much better. More complicated and smaller designs, like a smaller font, resulted in the paper becoming weaker. One bit of advice I read was to place something soft like a dish towel under the paper while embroidering. I tried this the second time around and it made all the difference! With those tips in mind, lets get started with what to do step by step!
First pick out a pattern and print it off. Tape or paperclip it to your paper. Use your embroidery needle to make a hole where the stitches will be. I used a back stitch which was recommended for paper. Once the pattern was on the paper itself, I removed the design and started my project. After starting my first stitch, I taped the end of the string on the backside of the paper. When design was complete, I taped that end as well. I covered the back of the stitches with another piece of paper. Get ready for your fingers to be a little sore from pushing on the needle, but otherwise, it is easy and looks great!
Thach got to play a special role in the Valentine's card this year! He asked my mom to be his Valentine inside her Valentine's Day card! He was proud to wear his sign and pose in the picture! I placed his picture over the stitches to hide the backside!
Heart Cinnamon Rolls
I kept seeing a recipe for heart-shaped cinnamon rolls. The recipe suggested making the dough but I decided to go the "semi-homemade" route. I opened a can of crescent rolls and pushed all the seams together. I then brushed 3 tablespoons of melted butter on the dough followed by 1/3 cup of brown sugar and a heaping tablespoon of cinnamon. After spreading out the sugar mixture, I began the rolling. To make them heart shaped, roll halfway from each direction (as shown below). This will create the top curves of the heart! Slice the roll into about 3/4 inch slices and place on a greased cookie sheet. Once they are on the cookie sheet, you can help to shape them to look more like hearts! I recommending pinching the bottom point into the dough.
Bake at 350 for 9 to 13 minutes depending on how dark your baking sheet is. If you have a silpat, I recommend using it because some of the sugar will melt onto the pan.
I recommend removing the cinnamon rolls quickly before any of the sugar that melted underneath the cinnamon roll hardens onto the cookie sheet.
Make powdered sugar icing with powdered sugar, water, and vanilla and drizzle over the cinnamon rolls! Enjoy!
52 Reasons
For Danny's Valentine's Day surprise, I tried my hand at a craft using playing cards. Also seen on pinterest, I made a few changes to my own version. I used the card box cover for the cover of my book. I cut red and tan paper into rectangles and used a permanent glue stick to glue them to each card. I picked a font that I liked and used it as an example as I wrote my 52 reasons on the cards with a sharpie marker. I chose to handwrite the notes instead of printing them off the computer. Instead of using metal binder rings, I used ribbon since I had the ribbon already! Danny was excited to see such an unusual use for a deck of cards!
My prayer for today is that we all remember who is the greatest example of love on this holiday! Enjoy the ideas and some chocolate for me!
MF
I have really enjoyed this holiday this year! I used it as a great excuse to bake sweets and make some crafts!
I decided to try my hand at embroidering paper. While it seemed intimidating, I looked up some advice online and got started! I found that simple designs worked much better. More complicated and smaller designs, like a smaller font, resulted in the paper becoming weaker. One bit of advice I read was to place something soft like a dish towel under the paper while embroidering. I tried this the second time around and it made all the difference! With those tips in mind, lets get started with what to do step by step!
First pick out a pattern and print it off. Tape or paperclip it to your paper. Use your embroidery needle to make a hole where the stitches will be. I used a back stitch which was recommended for paper. Once the pattern was on the paper itself, I removed the design and started my project. After starting my first stitch, I taped the end of the string on the backside of the paper. When design was complete, I taped that end as well. I covered the back of the stitches with another piece of paper. Get ready for your fingers to be a little sore from pushing on the needle, but otherwise, it is easy and looks great!
Thach got to play a special role in the Valentine's card this year! He asked my mom to be his Valentine inside her Valentine's Day card! He was proud to wear his sign and pose in the picture! I placed his picture over the stitches to hide the backside!
I recommend removing the cinnamon rolls quickly before any of the sugar that melted underneath the cinnamon roll hardens onto the cookie sheet. 
Make powdered sugar icing with powdered sugar, water, and vanilla and drizzle over the cinnamon rolls! Enjoy!
For Danny's Valentine's Day surprise, I tried my hand at a craft using playing cards. Also seen on pinterest, I made a few changes to my own version. I used the card box cover for the cover of my book. I cut red and tan paper into rectangles and used a permanent glue stick to glue them to each card. I picked a font that I liked and used it as an example as I wrote my 52 reasons on the cards with a sharpie marker. I chose to handwrite the notes instead of printing them off the computer. Instead of using metal binder rings, I used ribbon since I had the ribbon already! Danny was excited to see such an unusual use for a deck of cards!
MF
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Thach's Big Adventure
I have always thought that we have the best dog in the world. He is always willing to cuddle up next to you, chase after a toy, put his head on your lap, or give you a high five! Thach was pretty willing to please from the start. He took a few days after bringing him home to realize he could trust us. Those few days included learning about a leash, experiencing a kennel for the first time, and hiding in some thorny bushes when uninterested in going outside. However, once we got over that hump, he was ready to go! I still remember after just a week I was taking him tailgating and to Auburn's tiger walk.
Everyone loves their pets and thinks they are special. But of course, I think Thach is a little extra special. Because of this, I have always wanted to train Thach to be a therapy dog. This year, I decided I would finally make that dream come true, and Danny decided to join in on the fun. I asked that my Christmas money go to fund Thach being trained to be a therapy dog. I was familiar with Birmingham's Hand-in-Paw after interacting with them at Birmingham Children's Hospital. After researching the local organization that does similar work in Nashville, we have set up our initial review toward the end of February. We are so excited and are praying about the process! Thach is very well trained but I am hoping he decides to be on his best behavior with great listening ears that day! Once we can pass that hurdle, we will move onto a training process.
I wanted to share this exciting new adventure with you for your prayers and thoughts. While part of me is just excited to share my sweet dog with the world, I also go back in my mind to the memories of my patients interacting with therapy dogs at Children's. Sometimes we take so much for granted. I pray Thach will get to be that special friend to someone. Please keep us and hopefully Thach's future friends in your prayers as we begin this adventure!
Check out the organization's website. We will be meeting with Therapy ARC (animals reaching clients). Therapy ARC
MF
Everyone loves their pets and thinks they are special. But of course, I think Thach is a little extra special. Because of this, I have always wanted to train Thach to be a therapy dog. This year, I decided I would finally make that dream come true, and Danny decided to join in on the fun. I asked that my Christmas money go to fund Thach being trained to be a therapy dog. I was familiar with Birmingham's Hand-in-Paw after interacting with them at Birmingham Children's Hospital. After researching the local organization that does similar work in Nashville, we have set up our initial review toward the end of February. We are so excited and are praying about the process! Thach is very well trained but I am hoping he decides to be on his best behavior with great listening ears that day! Once we can pass that hurdle, we will move onto a training process.
I wanted to share this exciting new adventure with you for your prayers and thoughts. While part of me is just excited to share my sweet dog with the world, I also go back in my mind to the memories of my patients interacting with therapy dogs at Children's. Sometimes we take so much for granted. I pray Thach will get to be that special friend to someone. Please keep us and hopefully Thach's future friends in your prayers as we begin this adventure!
Check out the organization's website. We will be meeting with Therapy ARC (animals reaching clients). Therapy ARC
MF
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Valentine's Day Around the Corner!
I can't believe it is February already! While I am not one to decorate much for the smaller holidays, I still had my Christmas wreath hanging on the front door. It seemed to still fit the season until groundhog day hit and (even though he saw his shadow) its been in the 50's and 60's outside. I used some supplies I already had on hand to transform my wreath to be ready for Valentine's Day.
The wreath was previously covered with burlap, layered with an artificial evergreen wreath, and a tartan plaid bow. First I removed the evergreen wreath. I then cut out hearts in both red felt and burlap. I layered the hearts and then strung them on a piece of yarn. So easy and only took a few minutes! Check it out!
The wreath was previously covered with burlap, layered with an artificial evergreen wreath, and a tartan plaid bow. First I removed the evergreen wreath. I then cut out hearts in both red felt and burlap. I layered the hearts and then strung them on a piece of yarn. So easy and only took a few minutes! Check it out!
My last day of work is this Friday! I am looking forward to getting started at my new job! Hopefully during the in-between I will enjoy making a few crafty things and watching the super bowl with Danny!
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Happy New Year... oh wait its February
Well needless to say we started off our new year with a bang! You would think a new year would start off with you being on top of things and ahead of schedule, but instead my first post of the new year is almost in February!
We enjoyed the time away from law school and the opportunity to visit with family! It was a much deserved and needed break for Danny. After heading back to school and work, we began to realize the need for some changes.
Our first change was encouraged by our church family. As they kicked off the new year, they challenged the body of believers to embark on a journey together of reading the bible through chronologically in a year. Sadly, we were hesitant at first as must of us are in dedicating our time to something greater than ourselves, but with some prayer and encouragement we committed to joining in! Not only is it a great thing for us as a couple but many of the couples in our small group also decided to participate. It is really neat to be at church on Sunday and realize that a lot of the people around you have been studying the same parts of God's word. We are excited to see what the Lord will show us in the year 2012 as we read the word together and with our friends at church.
Secondly, I realized that I needed to be diligently searching for a new job. We had been praying since moving to Nashville that something more specific to my passion would open up for me. Luckily, I didn't have to wait too long since I am not always the most patient. I will be starting a new job the second week of February as a Developmental Therapist. I went to school to work with chronically ill children focusing on continued development and coping skills during difficult times and/or situations. This job is extremely similar! While the children are not hospitalized, they are facing developmental and often health difficulties, and I will work with them to meet developmental goals. I cannot wait to get started!
Hopefully this year I will also be more diligent with this blogging thing! Time flies when you are in the real world ;) Be on the lookout for new recipes and projects I've been trying to keep myself sane and happy!
MF
We enjoyed the time away from law school and the opportunity to visit with family! It was a much deserved and needed break for Danny. After heading back to school and work, we began to realize the need for some changes.
Our first change was encouraged by our church family. As they kicked off the new year, they challenged the body of believers to embark on a journey together of reading the bible through chronologically in a year. Sadly, we were hesitant at first as must of us are in dedicating our time to something greater than ourselves, but with some prayer and encouragement we committed to joining in! Not only is it a great thing for us as a couple but many of the couples in our small group also decided to participate. It is really neat to be at church on Sunday and realize that a lot of the people around you have been studying the same parts of God's word. We are excited to see what the Lord will show us in the year 2012 as we read the word together and with our friends at church.
Secondly, I realized that I needed to be diligently searching for a new job. We had been praying since moving to Nashville that something more specific to my passion would open up for me. Luckily, I didn't have to wait too long since I am not always the most patient. I will be starting a new job the second week of February as a Developmental Therapist. I went to school to work with chronically ill children focusing on continued development and coping skills during difficult times and/or situations. This job is extremely similar! While the children are not hospitalized, they are facing developmental and often health difficulties, and I will work with them to meet developmental goals. I cannot wait to get started!
Hopefully this year I will also be more diligent with this blogging thing! Time flies when you are in the real world ;) Be on the lookout for new recipes and projects I've been trying to keep myself sane and happy!
MF
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