Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
You need an ice cream maker (duh). We got ours at Target - it is an Aroma 4-qt. Traditional Ice Cream Maker and is about $65.
Items you will need:
Rock Salt
3 cans Sweetened Condensed Milk (you can use fat free if you like)
Milk (I use 2%)
Vanilla
I put the metal container that holds the ice cream in the freezer before I get started. I don't know that it actually does anything, but I like for it to be super cold.
Place 6 cups of cold milk in the metal container. Add 1 1/2 tablespoons of vanilla. Add 3 cans of sweetened condensed milk. Put the lid on the top and set it down in the bucket. Once you get the crank on, and get it situated, you add the rock salt and ice.
I do a sprinkle of rock salt on the bottom and about an inch or two of ice, followed by more rock salt and then another inch or two of ice. I continue this until the ice meets the top of the container.
Once I turn it on, I add about a half cup of cold water.
It usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour and then you have delicious homemade ice cream. You can put it in the freezer before you serve, or serve it straight out of the container.
Enjoy!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Family and the 4th of July
My dad's family has a family reunion every 4th of July. I'm not sure how many years it has been in existence, but I know it has gone on for my 30 years of life.
Everyone brings a dish - it is some of the best food you will ever put in your mouth. Chicken casserole, fresh vegetables, grilled meat of just about every kind, fruit and desserts. My favorite thing? Homemade ice cream! I remember my grandfather making homemade ice cream when we were kids and it was my favorite thing to eat at the reunion.
My other favorite thing about our reunion is being with my family. Laughing and talking with grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles is the best. This year my son was old enough to run around and play with his cousins. It was such a great feeling watching him play with them while I sat and talked with their moms - the people I used to play with when I was a kid.
After lunch the kids played with water guns, rode the paddle boat, and some of the grown-ups played washers and bean-bag toss. Later on in the afternoon it was time for us to pack up and head back home. We were hot, sweaty and tired, but it was such a great day!
P.S. I'll add my recipe for homemade ice cream in the recipe section this week.
Everyone brings a dish - it is some of the best food you will ever put in your mouth. Chicken casserole, fresh vegetables, grilled meat of just about every kind, fruit and desserts. My favorite thing? Homemade ice cream! I remember my grandfather making homemade ice cream when we were kids and it was my favorite thing to eat at the reunion.
My other favorite thing about our reunion is being with my family. Laughing and talking with grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles is the best. This year my son was old enough to run around and play with his cousins. It was such a great feeling watching him play with them while I sat and talked with their moms - the people I used to play with when I was a kid.
After lunch the kids played with water guns, rode the paddle boat, and some of the grown-ups played washers and bean-bag toss. Later on in the afternoon it was time for us to pack up and head back home. We were hot, sweaty and tired, but it was such a great day!
P.S. I'll add my recipe for homemade ice cream in the recipe section this week.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Sister's Wedding
We celebrated the marriage of my sweet sister and new brother-in-law on Saturday of this past weekend. It was a beautiful ceremony! Pink and green were her colors, with the ceremony taking place on the beach and included their closest friends and family.
I had the priviliege of being the matron of honor, and it was such a great honor! I was able to be with her for showers, throw her bachelorette party and most importantly, stand beside her on her wedding day. My son was the ring bearer, the groom's father was the best man and the groom's precious niece was the flower girl. Both our parents walked my sister down the aisle.
The wedding reception took place inside, with tons of delicious food, music and a delicious wedding cake! I was able to make a toast and during the toast was the first time I teared up. I smiled the entire wedding. Why? I'll share my toast and then you'll understand my happiness.
Most of you know that I am Rachel's big sister and what some of you may not know is that I am very protective of her. There have been times when I knew what was best for her even when she didn't. From the moment she met her now-husband, I found myself worrying less about her and becoming more happy for her. I knew from the moment my son took to his future uncle that he was the one and that they would be happy forever. Congratulations baby sister and welcome little brother! Cheers to the happy couple!
Their wedding was the most beautiful I have ever seen. Filled with love, laughter and some of the best friends and family you could ever imagine.
Stay tuned for pics!
I had the priviliege of being the matron of honor, and it was such a great honor! I was able to be with her for showers, throw her bachelorette party and most importantly, stand beside her on her wedding day. My son was the ring bearer, the groom's father was the best man and the groom's precious niece was the flower girl. Both our parents walked my sister down the aisle.
The wedding reception took place inside, with tons of delicious food, music and a delicious wedding cake! I was able to make a toast and during the toast was the first time I teared up. I smiled the entire wedding. Why? I'll share my toast and then you'll understand my happiness.
Most of you know that I am Rachel's big sister and what some of you may not know is that I am very protective of her. There have been times when I knew what was best for her even when she didn't. From the moment she met her now-husband, I found myself worrying less about her and becoming more happy for her. I knew from the moment my son took to his future uncle that he was the one and that they would be happy forever. Congratulations baby sister and welcome little brother! Cheers to the happy couple!
Their wedding was the most beautiful I have ever seen. Filled with love, laughter and some of the best friends and family you could ever imagine.
Stay tuned for pics!
Sunday, May 8, 2011
For the Mothers
Happy Mother's Day!
I am sure you have all seen the emails going around about what it means to be a wonderful mom: you've been puked/peed/pooped on; you don't have any sleep; your hair is a mess; blah, blah, blah. Those are definitely merit badges for the Mom Scouts, but is that really what being a mom is all about?
I can only tell you what I think being a mom is all about is from the relationship with my wonderful mom, and the mother I am to my son.
My mom is the most forgiving, understanding, and kind-speaking woman you will ever meet. She understands giving my little family the space we need even though she and my dad would really love to see my son every weekend. She forgives me for my faults and flaws, and never ever holds them against me. If I am having a bad day, I can call her to vent and she says something positive that helps me refocus and get through it.
Having a son is probably the best thing that ever happened to me. The first time my husband and I got pregnant, everything seemed to be going well. At our 12 week appointment (you know, when you are supposed to be out of the woods), we learned that our baby didn't have a heartbeat. It was devastating. It was a pain and loss that I had never felt before. I went between being numb and crying. I had to have surgery to remove the pregnancy and it was the worst day of my life.
People who had good intentions told me there was probably something wrong with the baby and that is why the baby didn't make it, or that it was God's will, or that it just wasn't our time. Here's a tip: those things, no matter how comforting you think they are, just don't help. Please don't ever say those things to a friend who loses a baby. Just say you are sorry.
Later on that year, while getting ready to go tailgate at an Alabama game, I had a feeling that I should take a pregnancy test. Well, I took it and the rest is history - our little guy was born the following summer.
When I was pregnant my Aunt Brig told me something I still have not forgotten. She said to me, "he will be your salvation." I didn't quite understand what she meant at the time, but I think I am getting there now.
My child is my salvation in that I want to be a better person for him. I try harder to have patience, watch what I say and how act so that he has a good example. We sacrifice so that he can everything have he needs, if it means I bring my lunch to work, or don't go shopping whenever I want. And you know what? It is just fine with me. Sure, there are times I wish I could go buy whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted, but then what would that teach my son?
My son loves sports (especially Alabama football) and he loves me. Unconditionally. He will try whip anyone who he thinks is being disrespectful to his mommy. We were driving through snow and ice, trying to get home last winter, when a jerk swerved over into our lane without any notice. I just kind of yelled a noise, no actual words. My son said, "MOMMY! WHAT HAPPENED?!" I told him a bad driver almost hit us, and he said "MOMMY! I GONNA GET DAT BAD DRIVER!! HE NOT HURT MY MOMMY!" He will come up to me for no reason at all and say, "Mommy, hold me." I try to stop whatever I am doing and hold him because I know it won't be long before he is too big or too cool for mom.
Happy Mother's Day. I wish all of the moms lots patience, lots of love and some sleep.
I am sure you have all seen the emails going around about what it means to be a wonderful mom: you've been puked/peed/pooped on; you don't have any sleep; your hair is a mess; blah, blah, blah. Those are definitely merit badges for the Mom Scouts, but is that really what being a mom is all about?
I can only tell you what I think being a mom is all about is from the relationship with my wonderful mom, and the mother I am to my son.
My mom is the most forgiving, understanding, and kind-speaking woman you will ever meet. She understands giving my little family the space we need even though she and my dad would really love to see my son every weekend. She forgives me for my faults and flaws, and never ever holds them against me. If I am having a bad day, I can call her to vent and she says something positive that helps me refocus and get through it.
Having a son is probably the best thing that ever happened to me. The first time my husband and I got pregnant, everything seemed to be going well. At our 12 week appointment (you know, when you are supposed to be out of the woods), we learned that our baby didn't have a heartbeat. It was devastating. It was a pain and loss that I had never felt before. I went between being numb and crying. I had to have surgery to remove the pregnancy and it was the worst day of my life.
People who had good intentions told me there was probably something wrong with the baby and that is why the baby didn't make it, or that it was God's will, or that it just wasn't our time. Here's a tip: those things, no matter how comforting you think they are, just don't help. Please don't ever say those things to a friend who loses a baby. Just say you are sorry.
Later on that year, while getting ready to go tailgate at an Alabama game, I had a feeling that I should take a pregnancy test. Well, I took it and the rest is history - our little guy was born the following summer.
When I was pregnant my Aunt Brig told me something I still have not forgotten. She said to me, "he will be your salvation." I didn't quite understand what she meant at the time, but I think I am getting there now.
My child is my salvation in that I want to be a better person for him. I try harder to have patience, watch what I say and how act so that he has a good example. We sacrifice so that he can everything have he needs, if it means I bring my lunch to work, or don't go shopping whenever I want. And you know what? It is just fine with me. Sure, there are times I wish I could go buy whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted, but then what would that teach my son?
My son loves sports (especially Alabama football) and he loves me. Unconditionally. He will try whip anyone who he thinks is being disrespectful to his mommy. We were driving through snow and ice, trying to get home last winter, when a jerk swerved over into our lane without any notice. I just kind of yelled a noise, no actual words. My son said, "MOMMY! WHAT HAPPENED?!" I told him a bad driver almost hit us, and he said "MOMMY! I GONNA GET DAT BAD DRIVER!! HE NOT HURT MY MOMMY!" He will come up to me for no reason at all and say, "Mommy, hold me." I try to stop whatever I am doing and hold him because I know it won't be long before he is too big or too cool for mom.
Happy Mother's Day. I wish all of the moms lots patience, lots of love and some sleep.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Sweet Home Alabama
In light of the recent and very tragic happenings in my home state, I thought it was only appropriate to give a little shout out to the state I know and love, Sweet Home Alabama.
I was born in Tusaloosa and lived there until I was three years old. I attribute my die-hard love for the Alabama Crimson Tide to being born in Tuscaloosa. I think it is in my blood. Literally.
When I was three, we moved to Hamilton, where my dad's family is from. Hamilton is a little town of about 6,000 people. Everyone knew what you were doing before you did it. Growing up in a small town is an experience like no other. I grew up running around barefoot outside, swimming in creeks and ponds, eating fruit straight from the mulberry tree or blackberry bush without worrying about pesticides. I would keep and take care of stray dogs, probably sometimes to the chagrin of my parents. I had a horse growing up, helped my dad with feeding and taking care of the cows, helped my mom with cooking and laundry.
My sister and played outside all the time. We rode our bikes, played with our Barbies and Cabbage Patch dolls, and dug in our sandbox. I sometimes look back and think of those times - it was so simple. We did not want for anything; our parents worked so hard to make sure we had everything we needed and more.
When I left for college, I returned to Tuscaloosa and loved every minute of living there. I have family and friends in Tuscaloosa so it has always felt like home to me. Even when I was a child and went to Tuscaloosa to visit family and friends, I loved it. I still love and miss Tuscaloosa - it is a beautiful city with so much history and charm.
We have somewhat of a family history with the University of Alabama - my mom, dad, husband and I all graduated from the University. We are huge Alabama fans.
Being born and raised in Alabama helped shape who I am today. I hope to see my children attending the University of Alabama one day. Some of my son's first words were "Roll Tide!"
I write this post to honor my Alabama roots and to let everyone know how much Alabama means to me and my family. Even though we aren't there with our friends and family to help with the aftermath of the storms, we think about you every day. We pray for you every day. We continue to send donations from our friends here and we know that you will recover with a force like no other.
ROLL TIDE!
I was born in Tusaloosa and lived there until I was three years old. I attribute my die-hard love for the Alabama Crimson Tide to being born in Tuscaloosa. I think it is in my blood. Literally.
When I was three, we moved to Hamilton, where my dad's family is from. Hamilton is a little town of about 6,000 people. Everyone knew what you were doing before you did it. Growing up in a small town is an experience like no other. I grew up running around barefoot outside, swimming in creeks and ponds, eating fruit straight from the mulberry tree or blackberry bush without worrying about pesticides. I would keep and take care of stray dogs, probably sometimes to the chagrin of my parents. I had a horse growing up, helped my dad with feeding and taking care of the cows, helped my mom with cooking and laundry.
My sister and played outside all the time. We rode our bikes, played with our Barbies and Cabbage Patch dolls, and dug in our sandbox. I sometimes look back and think of those times - it was so simple. We did not want for anything; our parents worked so hard to make sure we had everything we needed and more.
When I left for college, I returned to Tuscaloosa and loved every minute of living there. I have family and friends in Tuscaloosa so it has always felt like home to me. Even when I was a child and went to Tuscaloosa to visit family and friends, I loved it. I still love and miss Tuscaloosa - it is a beautiful city with so much history and charm.
We have somewhat of a family history with the University of Alabama - my mom, dad, husband and I all graduated from the University. We are huge Alabama fans.
Being born and raised in Alabama helped shape who I am today. I hope to see my children attending the University of Alabama one day. Some of my son's first words were "Roll Tide!"
I write this post to honor my Alabama roots and to let everyone know how much Alabama means to me and my family. Even though we aren't there with our friends and family to help with the aftermath of the storms, we think about you every day. We pray for you every day. We continue to send donations from our friends here and we know that you will recover with a force like no other.
ROLL TIDE!
Friday, April 8, 2011
Another 30 x 30 Update
My 30 x 30 checklist is very slowly being updated. I have crossed out the things that I have already done. I am hoping to finish the flower beds this spring and I have determined that decorating the house will be a never-ending project!
1. Go to Vegas. . . with the girls.
2. Get my gun carry permit.
3.Meet Bret Michaels.
4. Be a bar tender for a night.
5. Drive a race car. On a track or on a drag strip. Either works for me.
6. Finish decorating the house.
7. Cook a gourmet meal for friends.
8. Take a photography class - or at least learn more about photography.
9.Start a vitamin regimin.
10. Learn how to swim better.
11. Have all my girlfriends to my house one weekend with no husbands, kids, boyfriends, work or any other distractions. Just fun!
12. Drive a Mercedes McLaren.
13.Get my eyes checked. Boring. I know.
14.Buy a really nice handbag.
15. Bring a good volunteer project to my church.
16. Have Sunday brunch at the Peabody.
17. Do the Diabetes 5K for the 3rd year in a row! For my dad and grandad. 18. Have a romantic dinner on the patio of Jarrett’s.
19. Go paintballing.
20. Go to Key West to see the sunrise and sunset.
21.Have dinner at Itta Beena at BB Kings.
22.Start a blog and keep it updated.
23. Cook more Sunday lunches for my family.
24. See the duck march at the Peabody (there are a lot of cool things in Memphis that I haven’t done).
25. Get dressed up and attend a show at the Orpheum.
26. Invite more friends to church.
27. Finish designing and planting the flower beds at the house.
28. Learn how to can vegetables and make jellies/preserves.
29. Go see the Velcro Pygmies one last time.
30. Learn to water ski.
1. Go to Vegas. . . with the girls.
2. Get my gun carry permit.
3.
4. Be a bar tender for a night.
5. Drive a race car. On a track or on a drag strip. Either works for me.
6. Finish decorating the house.
7. Cook a gourmet meal for friends.
8. Take a photography class - or at least learn more about photography.
9.
10. Learn how to swim better.
11. Have all my girlfriends to my house one weekend with no husbands, kids, boyfriends, work or any other distractions. Just fun!
12. Drive a Mercedes McLaren.
13.
14.
16. Have Sunday brunch at the Peabody.
17. Do the Diabetes 5K for the 3rd year in a row! For my dad and grandad. 18. Have a romantic dinner on the patio of Jarrett’s.
19. Go paintballing.
20. Go to Key West to see the sunrise and sunset.
21.
22.
23. Cook more Sunday lunches for my family.
24. See the duck march at the Peabody (there are a lot of cool things in Memphis that I haven’t done).
25. Get dressed up and attend a show at the Orpheum.
26. Invite more friends to church.
27. Finish designing and planting the flower beds at the house.
28. Learn how to can vegetables and make jellies/preserves.
29. Go see the Velcro Pygmies one last time.
30. Learn to water ski.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Connections
There aren't that many things I will claim as something I am good at, but one thing I have discovered is my joy and ability in connecting people. Whether it is helping my sister find the perfect photographer for her wedding day, or helping a former intern find a job, I love helping people with my resources.
I wanted to share some amazing connections I have made along the way. I have included links to their blogs or Facebook page. I hope you become friends, fans or followers of these folks and share your connections with them.
Whiskersnaps Photography www.whiskersnaps.com or www.whiskersnapsblog.com
I am Memphis Pretty http://www.facebook.com/iammemphispretty
Atomic Graphics (Printer) www.atomicgraphics.biz
The Growth Coach http://businesscoachmemphis.com/
I wanted to share some amazing connections I have made along the way. I have included links to their blogs or Facebook page. I hope you become friends, fans or followers of these folks and share your connections with them.
Whiskersnaps Photography www.whiskersnaps.com or www.whiskersnapsblog.com
I am Memphis Pretty http://www.facebook.com/iammemphispretty
Atomic Graphics (Printer) www.atomicgraphics.biz
The Growth Coach http://businesscoachmemphis.com/
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