The Babies

Well the tomatoes have been in the ground for 10 days and we already have little babies.  These suckers are fertile; now if we can get them to stay on the vine and ripen.



little babies

We've been working on more cages; and I'm creating awesome tomato cage tags - be excited people labels are fun!  Other things going on at the Smith Ranch include a drip irrigation system and planting okra.  I personally haven't put any irrigation together in over 10 years in my Greenhouse Maintenance Class with Dr. Wilkerson.  Let's all hope that my fancy college eduation will come in handy.  If it doesn't my parents will tell me they want their money back and Todd might not let me be the offical taste tester.  That is my biggest fear during this whole project in case you where wondering. 

Tomatoes on Tuesday

We have a little project going on at the Smith Ranch....tomatoes.  I'm talking about tasty; you only need a fork and knife kind of tomatoes.  They are older types....that's right folks, you guessed it.  Heirloom Tomatoes - all types and there are 67 plants in all and we have a plan.  Logging the water, fertilizer, production, and most importantly the taste.  I'm excited about being the official taste tester in the project because next to eggs, tomatoes might be the best used cooking ingredient in the kitchen.

Most people have thought that Todd and I are nuts to plant so many but we need a project and can you think of anything better except maybe ice cream.  We won't pack on as many lbs. tasting the tomatoes...we'll leave the ice cream to our visits to the good old DQ - I'm already an expert at the Blizzard.

The back garden plot.

Here's what we have planted:

Porter
Stupice
Yellow Perfection
Gardener's Delight
Golden Nugget
Kellog's Breakfast
Marglobe
Persimmion
Mr. Stripey
Black Krim
Aunt Ruby's German Green
Mortgage Lifter
Jaune Flamme
Arkansas Traveler
Lemon Boy
Striped German
Cherokee Purple
Green Zebra
Black Cherry
Golden Jubilee
Patio

 *I know some are not considered "heirlooms"but we're trying them anyway.  It's our garden and we can!

We've grown a few of these before but if you have any experience with heirlooms; taking all the advice and knowledge I can get.

And So It Began...Again

I was blogging and then I wasn't.  So now I'm beginning again.

Some would call it taking a break and others would call it writers block.  I don't know what it was but anyway I'm going to try it again.  I'm funny to me and about five other people so maybe you can be one of those five.  There are two spots remaining to be filled so board this blogging train and take a ride.  If you don't like it the ticket was free so there. 

I'm always open for suggestions on topics to discuss - I may not like your topic so don't get your panties in a bunch if you get left out.  I've got lots of things to ramble about like yummy food and good places to eat in different cities; I have a side business doing wedding flowers so I'm "into" weddings and parties; also I've recently decided to start exercising (when your stretchy pants don't fit there is a HUGE problem).

BY THE WAY - I'm a true blue procrastinator with no sign of recovery in my future.  Just wanted to let you know in case something happens.

Love and Later -
Allie

Hostess

I was the hostess with the mostest this Easter Weekend.

On Good Friday Mr. Smith and I held the 2nd Annual BBQ & Bonfire out at his place. There was some freshly caught white bass fried up for all the Catholics too! Oh and of course no bonfire due to the incredible burn ban going on in the whole state of Texas. I'd talk more about it but I don't have one single picture from the night to prove it. Not the 16 feet of food, not the cooler filled with beer, not the huge jump house....not even a single guest.

I.TOTALLY.SUCK!


On a brighter note: My game was on Sunday for making Easter Lunch.

Menu:
Mimosas
Ribeye Steaks
Tiger Prawns
Spring Salad
Deviled Eggs
Goat Cheese Mashers
Rosemary Olive Oil Bread
Cherry Cheese Cream Pie


Love & Later -

Allie

Five Weeks

It's session*; it's midnight; I'm still at work. This is where it all starts going down hill, up hill, and all to shit. This new job and new boss have been great and I have absolutely nothing to complain about yet. Let me put it in prospective...I haven't slept in my office yet. The crunch time is happening as we speak. Bills are flying around, some moving forward and some dying a slow death in committee land.

More importantly I'm dreaming of a vacation long over due. I'm looking for suggestions on places to visit. Right now the beach isn't sounding that great (I'm living in my office, not the gym) with the requirement of a swimsuit. Do you have any favorite places that you'd like to share with me?

*Session last 140 days but it seems they try to cramp the majority of my work into the last six weeks. Why? Who knows; but that's how these clowns roll.

Love & Later -

Allie

Saying Yes

Someone is getting married....my brother Ty asked his cute girlfriend of 5 years to stick around for a little while longer. SHE SAID YES!

We are all very excited with the wedding buzz and a date of March 3, 2012 has been set. They picked an awesome location in the Hill Country.

I received this box in the mail from the bride to be a few weeks ago.

And open it up to find the sweetest note...saying how she can't wait to be a part of our family.

It also included an awesome bridesmaid barbie and some Mentos gum.

Let me just tell you that before I accepted her offer of being a bridesmaid, I had one single question.

Do I have to go commando just like Barbie?

Love & Later -

Allie

Lists

Hi, I'm Allie and I'm a list maker. DUH! If there is anything to do I write it down; sometimes I will add things that I've already finished just so I can have something marked off the list. It doesn't even matter what kind of list, things to do for work, grocery (seperate for Costco, HEB, ect.), home projects of course broken into list of each room and then there's a list for outside.

You get it....I love a good long list.

There's going to be a huge party on Good Friday out at Mr. Smith's house. Let me just tell you I have 5 pages of lists. It started with a list of things to do at his house. Things like finish planting the summer garden, rearrange and revive the flower pots; get some hanging baskets; trim up some of the trees; burn out some stumps (what at pain in the arse for him); get some decent hand towels for the guest bathroom (claiming it was my request); and then there was the shower curtain (again, all me).

In case you didn't know, I'm the weird person that could spend hours in the grocery store. Looking at all the fresh produce, aisles and aisles of bread, pasta, cereal, milk and eggs. The different kinds of EVOOs and 30 different kinds of canned tomatoes. Yes I did compete in consumer decision making while in 4-H. I digress.

I have a list of things to do; places to shop; and a grocery list that is a notebook sheet front and back. For Real! Checking items off my list - it's what I do.

And while I'm at Costco, I've got to get a new passport photo. More to come....


Love & Later -

Allie

Thinking about thoughts

So this blog use to be a place that I was funny, witty, and entertaining. Honestly I used it as a place to kill time during the work day when there wasn't anything happening. As life picked up, my three jobs progressed, and I didn't really have much to say, I stopped blogging.

I've been thinking about it more and more lately. Should I resume blogging here? Do I have anyone that would still read what's going on in my corner of the world? IF either of these questions are answered with YES....what would you like to hear about?

I'm ready to get back on the blog train...I'm just needing a push. This is the time for blog lurker to speak up and let me know you are there and what you want to hear about.

Help a sister out...throw me a bone...give me a break...feedback needed!

Love & Later,

Allie

Birthday

This is a shout out to this guy I know....sometimes referred to as my boyfriend. He harasses me about not blogging. Today I'm going to harass him about being 39. I could go on and on about how much I love him or all of the wonderful things he does for me and with me. I will just say that he still opens my car door; he laughs at me even when I'm really only funny to me; and is dog-sitting until the end of time (it's session, people).

Oh and did I mention that he indulges my obsession for eating out...all kinds of food, all kinds of places!

Happy Happy Birthday!

I love you!

Allie

Heavy on my Shoulder

Here's what in my heavy purse today:

Wallet: I got this adorable wallet in North Carolina when my cutie cousin graduated from the very prestigious Wake Forest PA Program. It has more card slots than even I could fill up: two zipper pockets; and three different open slots for receipts, cash, and stamps. It's true I carried stamps in my wallet like an 80 year old woman.

Notebook: I carry this around to make lists...that's how my world goes round...lists and lists of lists. There are lists on everything from grocery to blog ideas to possible vacation spots. Also there are notes on great website I read in magazines and recipe ideas...if I don't write it down there will be no way I'll remember.

Sunglasses: I have this problem with buying super cheap sunglasses that always break. So last year for my birthday I splurged on these and love them so much I can't imagine my life without them. I still have the cheapies for the lake and pool - I don't trust myself that much!

Card Holder: I have two jobs and two different business cards to carry around. This also doubles as a ID/credit card holder to slip in my clutch when I go out.

Gum: I'm always in fear of the bad breath monster. It is also here in case I get sleepy in church...just don't tell Father Albert!

Oh and a bunch trash including receipts, gum wrappers and earbuds. Also an awesome Specs gift card that I'm mailing to my dad for his birthday!!!

What are you toting around on your shoulder?

Love & Later -

Allie

Hippie Chic

I'm not talking about the tie-dyed t-shirt you made in 2nd grade. The once 1970's style is coming back in a big way. Move out of the way t-shirt from dad's closet this pattern is taking over everything from swimsuits to dresses. And the colors they are a changing, this once primaries only is now following a more monochromatic tone. Is this something you would be willing to wear?

I recently purchased the above maxi dress that is maroon with a white bulls eye pattern on it...love it! If you're not really into it you could away dress a baby in a tie-dyed onesie because they could get away with it.

Love & Later -

Allie

Muffin Madness

I know a few weeks ago I was talking about the summer garden and how it can get out of control quickly. Some things produce wildly and you can't eat it all before it goes bad. There is always the option of freezing it and using it later which has been done. I like to make things dishes and then freeze them that way all you have to do is thaw and heat up. Here's what I been making with all that zucchini:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
2 1/4 cups white sugar (you can also use Splenda)
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups grated zucchini
1 cup chopped pecans

1. Grease muffin tins. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Sift flour, salt, baking powder, soda, and cinnamon together in a bowl.

3. Beat eggs, oil, vanilla, and sugar together in a large bowl. Add sifted ingredients to the creamed mixture, and beat well. Stir in zucchini and nuts until well combined. Pour batter into muffin tins.

4. Bake for 30 minutes, or until tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on rack for 20 minutes.

I store them in freezer bags and just get a few out at a time.

Love & Later -

Allie

Weekend Nothingness

It's true my friends...I have nothing but work on my weekend agenda. I have job three this weekend where I get to be wedding bossy - you know polite but stern. And by nothing you know I mean going to the country to see my boyfriend, grocery shopping, church, mowing the lawn, bathing the dog, cleaning out one more closet and not all in that exact order.

Anyone want to volunteer to help me do nothing?

Have a great weekend friends....wish I was doing this again like last weekend.

Clean Look

Who says you don't decorate your bathroom? I do, don't you. Lately I've really been looking at shower curtains to make my master bathroom look cleaner. About a year ago I painted it this awesome kelly green and added a solid white seersucker shower curtain and chocolate brown towels. I'm really loving it but I need some more color or texture or something. It's reminding me of block color and I'm more into the mix and match. If this is the room I'm spending my first waking hour of the day in I want like it. Also I'm a huge fan of the curved shower rod...feels like I have a garden tub and you know I don't. With a new curtain am I going to have to paint again???

Dillards

Pottery Barn
Bed, Bath, Beyond

Anthropologie

A happy morning is new shower curtain and a diet coke....right?

Words on Paper

Magazines are what I'm thinking about today. There is nothing better than going home from work and checking the mail. It's usually just junk I drop in the recycle been but occasionally there's something worth while to browse through. I have loved getting magazines since I was a kid reading Highlights. I don't think I get any crazy amount but here's my list.

Current list of subscriptions:

Southern Living

Real Simple

Glamour

Texas Monthly

Martha Stewart, Weddings

Cooking Light

I'm always looking for new and interesting things to flip through so give me your suggestions.

*You know the be all, end all of mail is a card or letter....send me something if you have my address. Just don't send me your bills, I'm not paying them.

Love & Later -

Allie

Cover This

I'm that girl...the one that buys all of her makeup at Wal-Mart or Target...with coupons. Over 90% of the items in my adorable oilcloth makeup barrel bag are CoverGirl.

Here's what's in my bag:

Foundation: CoverGirl Smoother Aquacurrent Foundation, Natural Ivory
I only wear this if I have something to do after work like a happy hour or meeting because it keeps my powder on longer.

Powder: CoverGirl Fresh Complextion Pocket Powder, Natural Ivory
I've been wearing this powder for the last 5 years. It's the best.

Blush: CoverGirl Cheekers Blush, Natural Twinkle
The blush and eyeshadow I wear have been in my bag since I was in high school. It's true...over 12 years. Does anyone want to talk to me about loyalty to brands?

Eyeliner: Perfect Point Plus, Espresso
No sharpener needed. I don't always were eyeliner but this is the best I've found.

Eyeshadow: CoverGirl Eye Enhancer, Taupe Tapestry
You may think it's boring but it's never let me down. I use it lightly during the day and then heavier for evenings.

Mascara: Lashblast Volume Blasting Mascara, Black
Until recently I was a brown mascara kind of girl...I've gone to the dark side.

Lips: There is no rhythm or reason to my lips. During the day it's Chapstick or Carmex. In the evening I like Victoria's Secret Lip Rush, Juiced Berry.

Love & Later -

Allie

Corny Twist

Your invited to a party and you ask "Is there anything you need me to bring?" and the hostess says "...not a thing." What do you do? If you're a guy you do nothing, if your a girl you think twice and then ask again if you can bring chips, dip, ice, a dessert...at least something to not show up empty handed. Oh wait is that just me and my inability to go to a party alone. And by alone I mean without something either for the other guests or hostess. My friends love me in spite of this and my boyfriend is at least learning to deal with it. I've got this small problem called over committing. I like to think of it as going above and beyond.

I've got a new recipe for a dip that will rock your cob!

Corn Avocado Salsa

1 can yellow corn, drained
1 can white corn, drained
3 avocados, chopped
15 -20 cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup salsa verde or tomatillo sauce
1 tsp salt
1 lime, juiced
2 jalapenos, seeded
4 cloves of garlic
1/2 small onion
1/2 bunch cilantro

1. Add yellow and white corn, avocados, tomatoes, salsa verde, salt, and lime juice in a large bowl.

2. In the blender chop the jalapenos, garlic, onion and cilantro together.

3. Stir in the blended ingredients to corn mixture and refrigerate for one hour.

4. Serve with tortilla chips or crackers.


Love & Later -

Allie

Wedding Love

I read this blog everyday. It combines two things I love weddings and being Southern. If you are remotely interested in parties, decorating, weddings or happiness I would recommend it. I love it...I do wedding flowers and planning and coordinating and get more great ideas from these ladies than almost anywhere else. I've use many things I've seen here to help friends plan their weddings...which turned out fabulous if I do say so myself!

Love & Later -

Allie

Straw, Ribbon, and Canvas Oh My

I'm getting ready to pack a bag and head to the river this weekend for some family time and hanging out in the water. It's summer in Texas and the means it's HOT - water please!



With that being said I'm usually the girl with the big sunglasses and a hat on my head. I'll admit I'm a baseball cap kind of girl but I'm starting to branch out...a little. Yes I know that ball caps don't protect your ears but I'm a sunscreen believer so don't yell at me. Here are some hat I'm loving right now. Some are out of control and some are right up my alley. Hat wearer or not you've got to love the style they create with a fun sundress!




Love & Later -

Allie

Squash Overload

If you know anyone with a summer garden they're probably trying to give you bags of veggies. In those sacks are probably tomatoes, peppers, zucchinis and the ever abundant squash. The yellow crookneck squash is an over producer. You plant 4 or 5 seedlings and before you know it there is squash coming out of your ears. Yes you can do a lot with the yellow veggie but battering it in cornmeal and frying it can get old. Try this yummy dish and let me know what you think.

My boyfriend finally ripped the plants out of the ground...so now we're getting squash from his parents!



Texas Squash Casserole

2 tbsp butter
2 yellow onions, diced
5 medium yellow squash, chunked
10 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
1 can of cream of celery soup
7 ounce can of diced green chilies
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/4 grated parmesan cheese
2 tsp crushed red pepper


1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Saute onions in butter until translucent.

3. Add squash and cook until slightly soft.

4. Drain squash and onion mixture to get rid of any excess liquid.

5. Mix squash and onions with Velveeta, cream of celery soup, green chilies, and crushed red pepper.

6. Pour into greased 9x13 baking dish.

7. Cover with bread crumbs and parmesan cheese.

8. Bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly around the edges.


*this recipe can be cut in half if you don't have veggie lovers in your family.

Love & Later -
Allie