Hope you had a Merry Little Christmas!

Derek and I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!  Our first Christmas together was amazing as expected.  We were surrounded by family and friends which is the best Christmas gift anyone could ask for.  SO....for today's weekly rundown I will share with you my 5 favorite things about this Christmas!

1.  I know I've mentioned this before....but I'll make sure you know!  I LOVE Sprinkles!  My mom knows this especially!  Just the other day, I broke in to their house and stole their stash of sprinkles (not joking at all).  So for Christmas my mom got me a whole canister of these "bits of sunshine!"  If you need some sprinkles....stop by!  I'll be glad to lend you some.


2.  I have some great friends...but for today's blog I will focus on 2 very special ones.  Diana and Emily.  I met these girls my sophomore year at App.  We pledged the same sorority, and instantly became great friends.  Emily and Diana both live in the western part of the state, which means we only get to see each other about once a year, twice if we are lucky.  Our friendship is amazing and I cherish it dearly.  We can go for weeks without talking and all of a sudden pick up right where we left off.  Emily will be having a little bundle of joy in May and I am SUPER excited!  I can't wait to deck him out in some Appalachian gear!  This year for Christmas, Diana and her husband Travis, sent Derek and I the sweetest package in the world.  (Diana thinks of everything)  This package of love contained, SPRINKLES, and some sweet ECU and App Gear!  When I opened this, I just couldn't stop thinking of what a lucky girl I am to have these girls in my life!

Thanks Guys!

Baby Pitts 

3.  I love our First Christmas Ornament!  During our honeymoon, Derek and I decided to pick up an ornament at some of the cool places we visited.  We got one in the Bahamas, at Kennedy Space Center, in Charleston, and a few more.  But...my favorite we purchased in Blowing Rock to remember our First Christmas!

4.  I love my "B Tree."  We have not one but 2 big Christmas trees.  One tree has all the ornaments from my Granny B's tree, hence "The B Tree."  When she was still alive, I would go over almost every Christmas and help decorate her tree.  Even if I was away at college she would wait until I got home to help.  She would tell me the story of each ornament as I hung them.  I was lucky enough to get her box of Christmas goodies when she passed away.  Now, every year I will have a part of Granny B near me at Christmas!


5.  I love the Ernest Movies!  Derek really listens to me...not long ago we were watching TV and I mentioned I hadn't seen the Ernest Movies in a while....I'm sure you all remember (Ernest Saves Christmas, Ernest Goes to Jail, Ernest goes to Camp....etc.)  So for Christmas, Mr. Husband of year got me not one people....BUT 3 Ernest Movies.  This jewel of a collection was probably my favorite gift this Christmas....besides the sprinkles of course.




One more thing....I have a special prayer request from you readers!  Derek's best buddy, Gardner who was in our wedding, has a sister who suffered a massive stroke on Christmas Eve and is fighting hard for her life.  I don't have a personal relationship with Hillarie but I met her a few times years ago and remember that she was such a sweet person.  Gardner and his wife Misty have been great friends to Derek and I.  Their parents are wonderful people as well, I've only met them a few times but they act like they've known me forever.  So if you will, please pray for a miracle recovery for Hillarie and strength for her family.  There is a facebook page "Praying for Hillarie Denning" started by one of her friends full of people praying for her.  Since the page was created, there were more than 3900 followers in less than 3 days, including Scotty McCreery.  Talk about amazing!  If you read the page, you will see what a wonderful person she is and how many lives she has touched over the years.  

A few Sweet Recipes for your Holiday Happiness!

First of all....I'd like to say how lucky my husband is.  He gets to be my official taste tester to all these yummy recipes I've been trying lately.  Well...now that I think about it, he could be a little unlucky too, some of them have been "different" I guess I should say ;)


I do have a couple of yummy Christmas recipes to share.


This first recipe is straight from my Nanny's kitchen.  Last week, we had a cookie exchange at work and I gave her a call to ask her what I should bake, and this was her suggestion, Chocolate Crinkles.  These cookies are so yummy.  My favorite thing about these is that they are so light and airy.  Which also makes them dangerous, because you can't eat just one.  So....without further anticipation...


Nanny's Chocolate Crinkles!

I know you want some!

2 Cups Sugar                                                                                   
1/2 Cup Vegetable Oil
4 oz. Melted Unsweetened Chocolate Squares
2 tsp. Vanilla
4 eggs
2 Cups All Purpose Flour
2 tsp. Baking Powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 Cups Confectioners Sugar


In a mixing bowl; combine sugar, oil, chocolate, and vanilla.  Then add eggs one at a time.  Continue to incorporate flour, baking powder, and salt to the mixture.  Cover this with plastic wrap and allow to chill for around 2 hours in the refrigerator.  (I actually let mine chill in the freezer for 1 hour.)  
Roll into small balls and roll in confectioners sugar.  Place on a non-stick baking sheet for 10 to 12 minutes at 350.  Makes about 3 dozen cookies.




Last night, husband and I went grocery shopping...yes he goes grocery shopping with me and I am very thankful for that.  That is one thing that I hate to do, but he makes it interesting to say the least.  While shopping, we got the bright idea to make sausage balls.  I don't know about you, but for me these are a Christmas staple in my family.  So for dinner tonight we had sausage balls and tomato-n-rice and it was glorious.  Here is my recipe.


Sausage Balls (I found this on a recipe card from Neese's sausage, so you know it HAS to be good)

You HAVE to try these!

1 lb. Sausage (uncooked)
1 10 oz. pack of sharp cheddar cheese grated  ( I grated my own, there is something about fresh cheese that is just better,  and no preservatives)
2 1/2 cups of Biscuit Mix (Bisquick)
1 tsp. Paprika


Allow sausage and cheese to come to room temperature and combine.  Add paprika and biscuit mix. (This can be very hard to combine because it is so dry, but with advice from the Nanny, I used my KitchenAid Mixer with the dough hook and it was SO much easier)  Roll into small balls and bake at 350 for 15 to 20 minutes.  Makes about 75 balls.




Enjoy, and as my mom says...Merry Cripmus ;)

Ho Ho Ho Edition of the Rundown

"It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!"  Of course you don't think I would let it get this close to Christmas without a Christmas version of the Weekly Rundown.....Here we go!


1.  I have a new found love...Trivia Night (at McKinley's).  Before Derek and I started dating, he and a few of his friends would go to this local bar and play Trivia.  I had no clue what that meant, nor did I understand how entertaining it was.  After I joined the land of the living, and got on a shift at work other than 2nd...Derek introduced me to Trivia Night.  It's a lot of fun, and you actually learn a lot.  I do however apologize to the team (who apparently are avid blog readers) for being a weak link.  Even with the help of the daily Trivia app on my phone, I still struggle.  The bar where it is hosted actually has great food...last night at they had an AMAZING warm Cinnamon cake served with yummy vanilla ice cream.  Now that I think about it, maybe I like the food more than Trivia....hmm


2. I love Christmas movies....and my Christmas isn't complete with out National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.  If you want a good laugh and to get in the Christmas Spirit....watch this movie.  It is absolutely hilarious   You will probably walk around the house (like my husband) randomly shouting "Joy to the World!" This probably is my favorite quote of the movie :


Clark: Hey, Kids, I heard on the news that an airline pilot spotted Santa's sleigh on its way in from New York City. 
Eddie:You serious, Clark? 
 HAHAHAHAHA!  


3.  Love my Daddy and Christmas parades! First of all...I'll start by mentioning I have the best daddy in the world.  For that past couple of years my dad has been in charge of the annual Newton Grove Christmas parade.  This year by far was one of the best yet.  And I'm also the luckiest girl in the world because my Dad knows SANTA.  It's like I have a direct line to the ole Mr. Claus himself.  I even have a picture to prove it.

Dad giving Santa a lift!

4.  Love this Decorating Idea...I'm really not sure what happened, I'm actually having a hard time coming to terms with it, but ever since I got married I have turned into a little Martha Stewart.  I'm always looking for new crafts and decorating tips.  Just last weekend I made two wreaths, and the looked pretty darn good.  I saw this idea on tv the other night and hopefully I can try it out before Christmas.  It's so simple, just a glass vase and some ornaments, and it's just too cute and classy. 

Candy...Oh My

5.  My heart belongs to the Meadow Lights :)  This year marks my 27th Christmas, and every year for the past 27 years I have gone to witness the glorious Meadow Lights, and each year it gets better and better.  Derek and I are fortunate enough to live only about 5 miles away...which means we have been 5 times already this year and it's not even Christmas!  If you've never been, it's a huge attraction of lights, with a country store full of old fashioned candy, train rides, and a carousel.  I actually made Derek take me tonight so I could get some "blog" material.  I didn't have to twist his arm....he was out of Chocolate Covered Peanuts ;)
  

How Pretty!

Enjoy!


.

Drum Roll Please.....

I know you are all itching to find out our Big Announcement I hinted to last week....I've even had  few phone calls begging to know ;)  Well, thanks for being patient with us and here it is.....Derek and I have a new bundle of joy!  Our family of three (Derek, Emma, & I) is now a family of FOUR!  

About two weeks ago we adopted a special little kitty from the JoCo Animal Protection League.  If I would have blogged about her two weeks ago you would have heard about my frustration with this little girl...the first night we had her home it was a complete disaster, so much so I was ready to take her back.  Derek nor I got barely a wink of sleep.  They must have slipped her Mountain Dew before we left, she literally climbed the walls all night long!  I finally dozed off to sleep and when I woke up I found that she had DEMOLISHED dried flowers I had saved from the wedding.  I had them all nice and pretty on a dresser, and by the end of the night she had them on every inch of the bedroom floor.  At that point, her name was going to be Lucy, short for Lucifer...haha.  As time has passed, she is finally settling in and has made herself queen of the castle, without even considering Emma.

Without further anticipation, we would like to introduce to you our Sophie!  She has the sweetest little face and the sweetest personality to match.  I'm sure she will provide this blog with lots of material....silly girl.

I will leave you with one word of advice...DO NOT get a new kitten around Christmas time!  They LOVE Christmas trees!

The New and Improved Friday Five...now known as the Weekly Rundown

I've been a bad blogger...I apologize.  Things have been a little busy in the Stevens' household...and I'm an old woman who goes to bed by 9.  I have decided to change the blog up just a little!  Friday's turn out to be pretty busy most weeks, so instead of having the Friday Five,  I'm going to make it the "Weekly Rundown,"  same concept (five things I can't live without) just not only on Fridays.  SO for this weeks rundown....here you go...(drum roll please)

1.  I LOVE the fact that I actually have people that read our blog...AND WANT MORE.  You don't know how much that makes me smile.  At least once a day, I have someone come up and ask me "Hey Ash, when are you blogging again" or "You have got to blog about that!"  So a big thank you to all my readers.  I hope I don't disappoint you!

olivecharleston.com

2.  I've been blogging for a little over a month now, so I think it's time I share with you something that I absolutely can't live without.  Many of you who read this know I'm a big kid at heart.  So I feel very sorry for Derek when we ever decide to have a child because I'm sure I'll be a bigger kid than them.  BUT without further ado...I LOVE SPRINKLES.  Don't ask me why, but I can't live without them.  I tell everyone they are just little bits of sunshine.  I don't even want ice cream without them. So promise me, next time you order ice cream,  you'll get sprinkles, better yet do like me and go for extra sprinkles!  (FYI one layer of our wedding cake had sprinkles baked in and the cream cheese icing also had sprinkles, hah!)


3.  Thanksgiving with my sweet family is love! YAY...Thursday is Thanksgiving and I couldn't be more excited!  I have an amazing family and lucky for me they cook some of the best food in the world.  I wish I could say it was because I'm partial to their cooking....but the simple fact of the matter is, it really is some of the best food ever.  So please be jealous!  This year is our first thanksgiving as a married couple which means more excitement and more stops throughout the day.  I am thrilled!

4.  Derek and I have an unhealthy Love for Swamp People on TLC.  If you've never tuned it, you must.  This TLC show chronicles the life of alligator hunters in Louisiana.  It is amazing and hillarious.  The hunters are true characters.  As I blog, we are watching the "Swampsgiving" Special!  "Choot him Clint...Choot him!

MaryMe Photography

5.  You're going to love this one just like me!  I Love Mary Me Photography.  This past week we got the proofs back from our Wedding and I just can't stop looking at them.  That is one of the main reasons I haven't posted, I've been too amazed by all the beautiful pictures.  Mary Me Photography is a must consider if you are getting married.  Mary (the owner) is amazing and her attention to every single detail is amazing.  She also is just a fun and sweet person to be around and so is her assistant Sarah.  I couldn't imagine our special day without her.  Check out her website you will love her as much as I do.  I don't have any digital copies yet of the wedding, but here are a few wonderful bridal portraits to get you through.  P.S.  Hair and Make-up by the amazing Jamie O'Branovich and Flowers by the awesome Jeffrey Surles :)

MaryMe Photography

MaryMe Photography

MaryMe Photography

MaryMe Photography

MaryMe Photography

STAY TUNED!! Derek and I have a big announcement coming up on the blog! It's not what your thinking ;)  AND a few new recipes you have been asking about!

YAY....Friday Five 11-11-11 Edition

First off, I'd like to apologize for missing last week's Friday Five.  Sometimes life just gets in the way, don't you hate that.  SO here is my 11-11-11 edition of the Friday Five!  You know I wouldn't miss posting on 11-11-11!

1.  Love holidays, but especially this Holiday!  Today is Veteran's day, a very special holiday to a lot of people.  To be completely honest, for me it carries as much meaning as Christmas and Easter.  As we all know, this is a day to show our appreciation to the men and women who are serving or have served in our military.  I can't thank each of you enough, because of you I have the freedom to live a wonderful life.  I was very lucky to have a grandfather who served and I have cousin who is overseas serving our country this very moment.  (Special thank you to you Stephanie if you're reading this)

2.  Christmas music is love!  November 1st marks the day I start playing Christmas music ;)  Almost everyday since then I enjoy a few carols on the way home from work.  My MOST favorite holiday CD is NSYNC's Christmas.  Go ahead and laugh...it's ok but I'm still going to rock this CD.  Listen to it, you will Smile.  Many of you may not know that my husband is a singer and he is pretty darn good.  It always makes me smile when he does his on rendition on Elvis' "Blue Christmas" and Dolly Parton's "Hard Candy Christmas."  (Just imagine, haha)

3.  I absolutely love ETSY.com.  As I was planning our wedding, I discovered Etsy.  If you've never heard of it...STOP what you are doing and go there now.  Etsy is a website that allows people to post and sell things.  However, most of the things are handmade by everyday people like you and me.  I was just browsing etsy to see what cool things I could find.  So I'll share this with you, I bought this really cool garter to wear on my wedding day and the seller was great!  Here is her shop's website www.etsy.com/shop/plainNfancy

4.  Love scarves!  Cooler weather is finally here to stay I do believe.  So in order to stay warm and look stylish too, I like to dress everything I wear up with a fun and funky scarf.  I have way too many in probably every color.

5.  Love fall leaves!  A few weeks ago, Derek and I took a trip to Boone, NC to visit old friend for AppState's homecoming.  Just so happens it was during the "peak" of the leaves changing colors.  It was breathtaking.  We took a little drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway and took some amazing photos and we also were surrounded by beautiful leaves at he football game.  The leaves where we live are beginning to be very pretty too, so go stand outside and stare at some leaves, I guarantee you'll smile.

Ashley Cooked...CRAZY

Many of you who read this know me very well.  Which means you know that cooking is not one of my strong points!  I have promised Derek that I would try a new recipe at least once a week, and so far I have kept the promise.  One of the first recipes I tried was a success, (unlike the roasted pumpkin seeds, but that is another post).  So.....I'll share!  I found this recipe in Paula Deen's October issue while we were relaxing on our honeymoon.  I hope you enjoy!


Paula Deen's Quick & Easy Chicken Cacciatore  (Makes 4 to 6 servings)


2     pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
1     green bell pepper, chopped
1/2  onion chopped
1     tablespoon of bottled minced garlic
1     (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1     (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes seasoned with basil, garlic, and oregano
1     teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/7  teaspoon crushed red pepper 
1     (16 ounce) package linguine (cooked & kept warm)


1.  Spray a large skilled with nonstick cooking spray; heat over medium high heat.  Add chicken, and cook for 4 minutes per side or until browned.  Remove from skillet, and keep warm.


2.  Add bell pepper, onion, and garlic to skillet, cook for 6 minutes, stirring frequently, or until tender.  Add tomato sauce, tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper, stirring to combine.  Return chicken to skillet, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Serve over hot cooked linguine.

For me....this was a BIG (huge actually) accomplishment all on the first try!

This week's new recipe will be Pumpkin Bread...yum!  Derek and I tried the BEST pumpkin bread last fall at The Ham Shoppe in Valle Crucis, NC which is where my inspiration came from.  So...if you have any good recipes for pumpkin bread let me know!

Friday Five....Halloween Edition

Ok guys, here is my second try at the FRIDAY FIVE!  This weeks Friday Five is going to be dedicated mostly to Halloween :)


1. Love this Halloween idea!  Everyone says you turn into your mom when you get older, and with each passing day I can tell you that it is TRUE (which I don't mind one bit).  My mom is an entertainer she loves planning parties and decorating for EVERY holiday even when we were kids.  So lately, I find myself scoping the internet for entertaining ideas.  I stumbled across this one from Martha Stewart.  I can't wait to host a little "gathering" and try this out!!  It's so easy and so fun.  Just a pumpkin and some ice, who would have thought!


2.  Georgetown cupcake = LOVE.  If you are like me, you get easily addicted to TLC shows.  One of my recent addictions was DC Cupcakes.  Lucky for us, Derek's brother and his wife lives in DC....which means (drum roll please) DC CUPCAKES FOR ME!!  Let me tell you, these cupcakes are amazing.  We try to get a dozen each time we visit.  They always do a "special" holiday dozen, so this is their super cute Halloween edition.  Next time you go to DC check this place out, you won't be disappointed.


3.  I love Corn Mazes, and Haunted ones too.  If you've never tried visiting a corn maze you should.  They are very fun and a little scary too.  They remind me so much of fall.  We have a corn maze near our house, and next weekend they are having a "pet" day....you know what that means!!!  MISS EMMA will be going to her first corn maze.  She is SO excited, I can't wait to share how it goes.


4.  I love my husband....I know what your thinking...oh no not some mushy post.  Sorry, but I do love my husband.  Tuesday makes an entire month since we've been married and we are enjoying every minute of married life.  Derek always makes me laugh and this picture makes me smile every time I see it....so in honor of Halloween check out our costumes...haha!


 5.  Pizza Night at Nanny's is love!  This Friday Five is not Halloween BUT it's pretty important.  My grandma is a baker and a great one at that.  About a year ago she experimented with her very own pizza.  Her pizza consists of a home-made crust and freshly grated mozzarella.  Can I just say WOW!  Ever since then we try and have pizza night every few weeks.  Last night was pizza night and I went over early to try to pick up some pointers for Nan on how to make my very own pizza (per Derek's request)  Thanks Nanny for the pointers....I love you.

Friday Five...Featuring the Birthday Girl!

One of my goals of this blog is to give you weekly the Friday Five, I got the idea from the one and only Rachel Ray (my fav).  My hope for the Friday Five is to share with you some of the things I absolutely love and can't live without.  So without further introduction...here is my FIRST Friday Five!

1.  I love Pumpkins....One of my most favorite things about fall are pumpkins.  They are so bright and happy and just plain out make me smile.  Hopefully before too long, Derek and I can carve our own and we can share with you!


2.  I love Appalachian State University...I am beyond excited for the weekend.  It is homecoming weekend at my Alma mater.  I was so lucky to be able to go to school in the beautiful NC Mountains.  This weekend is extra special, because all of my favorite people will be in the same place for an entire weekend for some fun, football, tailgating, and remembering college days.  

3.  I love my Holland Companion Grill...Last year for my birthday, my parents bought me a travel Holland grill. Derek and I try to be avid tailgaters as much as possible and this is the perfect addition to our tailgate extravaganza!  "Holland," as I call her, will be attending homecoming with us this weekend.






4.  I love afternoons with Emma...As soon as Derek and I got back from our honeymoon, we moved Emma from Derek's parents house to our house.  As soon as I get home from work, I see our little girl smiling as I drive in the driveway.  She is so excited her whole body goes crazy and I just laugh.  We then spend the next half hour or so playing fetch, or going on a walk, or just hanging out in the sunshine.  I didn't realize it until now, but she is the perfect stress reliever.




  5.  I saved the best for last...I LOVE my baby sister (and my middle sister too).  This past week, the family celebrated a big event.  My baby sister turned 18.  It seems like just yesterday when Laura-Beth and I took the trip up to Raleigh with Nanny to see this new baby that was coming to live with us.  I was beyond excited, Laura on the other had was a little disappointed when she realized we weren't getting a puppy!  Erin has grown into a beautiful young lady and I can't wait to see what her future holds.  So this blog is for you Erin....Happy Birthday :) Derek and I love you!

Photo Credit Swank Photography

State Fair = Love

My favorite season of the year has to be fall for many reasons.  One reason in particular is the NC State Fair.  This weekend, Derek and I decided to venture to the fair along with every other person in North Carolina.  I guess I should begin with what we ate....now that the wedding is over, I let myself splurge on fried goodness.

1)  Mt. Olive Pickles

2)  Al's French Fries...trust me, these aren't your average fry

3)  Homemade fudge...which tastes JUST like my Nanny's

4)  Corn on the cob...smothered in butter

5)  Maple Cotton candy...also known as Clouds from heaven

6)  Polish Sausage...layered with peppers and onions

7)  Steak Sandwich

8) NC State Ice Cream...too yummy for words

...I'm sure I've missed something, but I think you get the picture.

Derek and THE Corn

Every year the fair prides itself in having something new and inventive that is fried (as if the fired oreos and cookie dough isn't enough)  This year the hot new fried item was Fried Kool-aid and Fried Bubblegum.  Don't get me wrong, Derek and I LOVE trying new things, but this was a little much for us.  So if any of you tried these you'll have to let us know.

One of my favorite parts of the fair is the garden section (yes....you will learn that I really enjoy gardening, who would have thought).  I discovered something totally unique and cool that I would love to try to make on my own.  It is a bird feeder made from recycled lamps.  I know it is hard to imagine so I'll post a picture.  This new project will now be on my bucket list.

Love

She has an Etsy shop!

Overall, even through the massive amount people, we had a great day.  On the way home, we stopped at PetSmart and bought Emma some new bones that I am currently watching her demolish as I type.

SO, I guess the moral of this story is GO TO THE FAIR and eat some Fried Goodness you won't be disappointed.

Isn't he cute? 

Top of Ferris Wheel

Derek's Photography Skills

Introducing the Stevens'

I've been obsessed lately with blogs....I LOVE finding good ones and learning about all the interesting things out there and fun things going on in different people's lives.  I've been telling my husband, Derek, that I wanted to start one just to chronicle our lives as newlyweds and keep our family updated in the craziness of our life.  


SO....I'll start my first blog with a little background on "Our Life with Emma!"  


We are Ashley & Derek.  We met in high school years ago but it wasn't until after college and after our careers started that we "re-met" and made new first impressions.  We went on our first date in June of 2009 and have been together ever since. We were married on October 1st of this year in a beautiful and perfect ceremony at a vineyard in Pine Level surrounded by our amazing family and friends.  (I'll share more about that event on a later date.)

(Can you tell Derek is an ECU Pirate fan?)

During our first year of dating, Derek decided he needed a companion and that is where Emma (or as the AKC knows her as "Derek's Miss Emma Belle) comes into the picture.  Emma is a sweet 90lb yellow lab who still thinks she is a 20lb puppy.  She has the greatest personality and everyday she surprises us with new tricks, new disasters, and makes us complete as we start our family.  So....this blog is dedicated to Miss Emma Belle :)

Emma's First Week at Home 

Our "Little" Girl