Yes, I've Moved!

I've moved here. Come join me on my new down south adventure.

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Food Friday!

Coconut Shrimp (spicy but not hot)

35 large shrimp deveined 1/4 cup of lime juice 1/2 tsp. salt 1 1/2 tsp. curry powder 1/2 tsp ginger 1 1/2 cup grated coconut 12 oz. beer 2 1/2 cups flour

Apricot Dipping Sauce: 1 cup apricot preserves 1/4 cup raspberry vinegar 1/4 cup sherry vinegar 1 tsp. paprika dash of Tabasco sauce 2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. pepper 1 tbs. sugar

Split shrimp lengthwise down to tail with a sharp knife, but do not sever tail. Combine lime juice, salt, hot curry powder and ginger in a small bowl. Add shrimp, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. To prepare coconut coating and beer batter, lightly toast coconut on cookie sheet at 375 degrees for 3 to 5 minutes. Set aside. Mix beer, flour, salt, white pepper, sugar and paprika. Heat oil in heavy skillet; hot. Dip shrimp in batter and fry until brown. Roll immediately in toasted coconut. Serve with apricot sauce. Combine apricot preserves, both vinegars, paprika and Tabasco in a small saucepan over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring several times. Heat until thoroughly blended. Serve warm with coconut shrimp.

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About the Town

Gulf Shores is really wonderful. It's a little bit big city, but sweet, charming town. Even with it's quirks.

My observations:

* People here {love} their fried fish here. And it is so good. Like "dunk it in the homemade tartar sauce and a moan rumbles from your throat" good.

* When the speed limit is 35 mph, go 35 mph. They're pretty strict about it.

* Nice people are everywhere. It's contagious.

* The beach boulevard has a place for bike riders and walkers, so if you come, bring your bike.

That is really all that I have right now, but I'm sure more will come soon.

Enjoy :)

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Sweet Home Alabama

I'm finally here! Last Monday, I drug too much luggage to Gulf Shores, Alabama to stay in my beach front rental, while I begin work at a new job. (Pic at left is view from front door.)

So, here's the update:

* As I was unpacking, and making a list of what I needed, I noticed that a few of my left shoes were missing. Because I recently broke my left ankle, I haven't really been able to wear shoes on that foot. Obviously I didn't plan ahead and now need those shoes. Luckily they have a few outlets (see next item).

* They have a great outlet here with Ann Taylor, Ralph Lauren, Nautica, Banana Republic, and more. It's dangerous- but oh so good!

* The new job feels like home! It really is fabulous, and I'm enjoying meeting the people and the training.

* I've been house hunting here and found a very cute blue and white home, with a very welcoming front porch.

* I'm missing the main {furry} man. His current family loves him and is taking good care of him, but I miss his excitement. Hopefully my house will sell soon, so I can bring him home.

How's your week going?

Enjoy :)

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Food Friday!

Key Largo Cooler

Ingredients:
2 oz. 10 Cane Rum
1 oz. DeKuyper Key Largo Schnapps
1.5 oz. orange juice
1.5 oz. pineapple juice

Prep:
Shake the ingredients together, pour on ice, and garnish with a cherry and a slice of fresh pineapple. Put on some Jimmy Buffett and enjoy!

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Free Museum Day!

Its back! Free museum day!

Museum Day is an annual event hosted by Smithsonian Media in which participating museums across the country open their doors for free to anyone presenting a Museum Day Ticket.

Go here to get tickets -> Museum Day

Enjoy! :)

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Recipe- Marks Feed Store Potato Salad

Here in Kentucky, it isn't always about fried chicken. Sometimes it's about BBQ!! One of the more well known places here is called Mark's Feed Store. Not only do they have great BBQ, but also super-fab potato salad! Enjoy!

Mark's Feed Store Potato Salad
(makes 10 servings)

Ingredients:
3 lbs unpeeled red potatoes
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
2 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons white vinegar
1/2 cup sliced green onion
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup sliced celery

Prep:
1. Bring large pot of salted water to a boil. Add red potatoes, cook until tender but firm, (about 15 minutes). Drain cooked potatoes, cool and then chop into 1 inch cubes.
2. Bring eggs to a boil, cover and let eggs stand in hot water 10 minutes, cool, peel and dice.
3. In a small bowl whisk together mayo, milk, vinegar, green onions, salt and pepper. Set aside.
4. Add potatoes to the mayo mixture, mix well covering all potatoes, and then add the eggs and celery. Chill 2 hours before serving.
5. Because I like vinegar, I added a bit more at the end to taste.

{ps.- they also have more of their recipes online here}

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Moving- Yikes!

<- In less than a week, I'll be here (otherwise known as Gulf Shores, AL).

Needless to say, I've been so stressed! I really don't know where to begin. {drama alert} The doctor finally put me in a walking shoe, and it really isn't that cute, but it's functional. I guess that's what matters.

My packing list is pretty much done, but I need to organize a bit more. The last thing I want to do is find myself down in Alabamee and discover that I forgot something. Big ole yikes!

The house is finally on the market, the dog is visiting a friend for a few months, and the cat is seeking a new home. So far so good.

How is your part of the world?

Enjoy! :)

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Trash to Treasure

Now, you know I love flea markets, estate sales, thrift stores, Habitat ReStores, yard sales, etc. However, sometimes it takes imagination to see the potential for the pieces you love. Unfortunately, my imagination ideas aren't always original, so whenever I see how others have taken their trash to treasure, I try to make notes.

Inspiration (courtesy of Real Simple)

1. Assigned Space: Vintage letters are a clever way to designate hooks on a coat rack. Try to match the style of the letter to the personality of the owner. These flea-market finds are easy to install -- secure an initial above each hook with adhesive mounting squares, which can hold up to two pounds, or use a heavy-duty two-part epoxy intended for most surfaces.

2. Stacked Cabinets: These two flea-market cupboards looked nothing alike, yet it wasn't hard to turn them into a single piece that functions like an armoire. All we did was paint them the same shade of white and blue-green and then add polished-nickel latches and crown molding. We stacked them and placed display items in the glass-front and linens underneath.

3. Indoor Shutters: Modern windows no longer accommodate outdoor shutters, but that's no reason to pass shutters by at flea markets or secondhand shops -- when cleaned up and painted, they make charming indoor accessories.

4. Handkerchief Pillowcase: Leftovers are the bane of the sewing room as well as the kitchen. But the same creativity that inspired cassoulet can save odd lengths of fabric from ragbag ignominy. One idea: Use strips of cloth or lace to trim the opening of a cotton pillowcase. A monogrammed handkerchief from a flea market can be folded diagonally and machine-stitched to a pillowcase, creating a wonderful gift for someone with the right initial.

Enjoy! :)

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Recipe- Italian Bread Salad

I hadn't heard of this before, until a friend explained. The more she spoke, the more by mouth watered! It seems like a light alternative to a heavy summer side.





Italian Bread Salad

Ingredients

• 1 clove garlic
• 1 (1 pound) loaf Italian bread
• 1 cup chopped tomatoes
• 1 cup cucumber - peeled, seeded and chopped
• 1 cup chopped red onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 cups chopped fresh basil
• 1/8 cup chopped fresh thyme
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Directions

1. Rub a peeled clove of garlic around a wooden salad bowl.
2. Pull apart or chop the bread into bite-size pieces.
3. In the prepared salad bowl, combine the bread, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, garlic, basil and thyme. Add enough olive oil and vinegar to lightly coat, toss and serve.

Enjoy! :)

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