Yummy!

If anyone is looking for some cookies to make over the holidays (or for a particular cookie swap) here are some ideas!

http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/recipe-roundup/cookie-time-9-cookies-wed-like-to-bake-soon-101520

Enjoy!

Cleaning out and Moving On

So, this week was my last to stay the night in Madison while being in Jackson for my job. My mother took full advantage of this by making me (finally) clean out my room/closet. Since I've been out of the house for a while now, and have been married for almost a year, we decided it was time to say goodbye to clothes from middle school, old purses, etc.

Many memories came rushing back to me as I found things from my past. First was my size 4 khaki shorts... man was that a while ago! ;) At the very top shelf of my closet, I found about 12 small handbags. It was funny to see how the style of purses have gotten bigger as time goes by! I must have had some weird obsession for pens, because there were about 10 in each purse I cleaned out...(wait maybe I still do have an obsession with pens.)

Mom and I made it through shorts, purses, swimsuits, shoes, clothes, but if any of you have ever been to my parents house, you know the biggest challenge of this whole deal is ALL of my many tshirts... I could clothe an army. I think tshirts and blue jeans have been my "outfit" of choice since like...forever! There were shirts dating from Madison Central Cheer Camp (elementary school) to my last Chi O shirt. Of course, I'm not getting rid of all of them, but I should have counted how many there were... I just took a picture of the ending pile instead. This pile measured about 3 feet tall and ehh about 3 or 4 feet wide.

All in all, it was a good night. It was bittersweet to let some items go (as I sometimes connect memories to material things), but very necessary. I just feel bad for my Mom who has to categorize and itemize everything for Goodwill, but hopefully these clothes will come in handy for people in need. Lord knows a size 4 khaki shorts are doing ME no good!!!

If you haven't cleaned out your closet in a while, DO IT! It's fairly exhilarating. :)

-ACE

Homemade Bows

I thought this was awesome!

Check out how to do it yourself: http://howaboutorange.blogspot.com/2009/10/make-gift-bow-from-magazine-page.html

Grilled Shrimp Recipe

Yay! My first recipe post. I was really excited to take a picture of the food for this post, but it was so good we gobbled it right up! Seriously... we did. This is a very, very easy recipe but tastes incredible!

Quick and Easy Grilled Shrimp

• 1 large clove of garlic
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• ½ teaspoon of cayenne
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice
• 1 lb of large shrimp, peeled, deveined, rinsed, and drained.

1. Mince the garlic with the salt.
2. Mix with the cayenne and paprika, then form into a paste with olive oil and lemon juice.
3. Toss in the shrimp and allow them to marinate in the fridge for 2 hours.
4. Preheat your grill to high heat, then place shrimp onto skewers. **(If using wooden skewers, make sure they have soaked for at least 30 minutes.)**
5. Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes per side or until they turn pink.
6. Enjoy!

Tonight, I served the shrimp with squash and zuchinni sauteed in olive oil with salt and pepper. Also, had a salad with a homemade Italian Vinaigrette --- amazing... very easy, very light.

Vinaigrette:

Combine the following:

• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Enjoy!

-ACE