Call Me Barefoot Contessa Junior

Okay, that might be pushing it just a bit, but my good friend Rox and I spent the day cooking and our entree came from the wonderful Ina Garten (aka Barefoot Contessa for you non-Food Network junkies).

Roxanne and I work together. She's one of the marketing directors for the label and keeps me in line. She also loves to cook so we had planned for weeks to get together to try some new recipes. Rox showed up with groceries in hand and we got busy in the kitchen.

Rox had never been to my house, so I wanted to make it extra cozy and inviting. What's cozier than a fire going?


I love having company over this time of year. I keep the Christmas lights on all day.


We were going to try one of Julia Child's recipes, but it involved setting wine on fire. I'm sure it would have been fabulous, but since I've never cooked with fire, I was a little afraid of my cabinets going up in flames. Or worse.

Instead we made a dish I watched Ina make last weekend: Chicken with Goat Cheese and Sun Dried Tomatoes. For sides we chose Honey Glazed Carrots and roasted asparagus. For dessert we made the yummiest new recipe. I don't remember the name of it, but it was basically crispy phyllo treats topped with a citrus custard, raspberries and pistachios. While the custard chilled we watched Julie & Julia. Such a great movie! I don't typically like to watch movies twice and I had seen J&J this summer, but it's so good that I could watch it over and over.


Now I'm going to try to clean the house a bit before Todd gets home from the football game and maybe fit in a workout. With our busy schedules, I have to pack as much in a day as I can.

Hope you had a great weekend!

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I'm Back...Sort Of

Can anyone tell me where November went? It has been a little crazy in the Stepp house. I've been meaning to blog, to record the things that have happened in our lives, (because regardless of if anyone reads this silly blog, I like to scroll through old posts to relive past memories), but life got in the way. I know I'm not the only one feeling this way. Fall came and went and I didn't even realize it was visiting. Here's to hoping things slow down soon!

Since the last time I've "really" written, I visited California.

One of the largest radio stations/networks I work with is in Sacramento, so I spent the day there meeting with some of the best promotions directors in Christian music. The next day I took a quick flight down to LA where Tenth Avenue North was performing. I only got a glimpse of the ocean, but it was great to see the sun (and palm trees), especially since I would be returning to a cold, rainy day in Nashville.

Right before I left, Todd worked very hard to put our Christmas lights up. Unfortunately he's a bit afraid of heights, so he asked our good friend Jeff to help.

Look at him. He's not so sure about the "climbing on the roof" business. He decides to supervise instead. (Sorry about the glare - it was sunny and our camera is awful)

We're so thankful for Jeff for getting our house ready for the holidays! Unfortunately we had some technical difficulties and couldn't get the power outlet situation figured out, so I left for California before I could see our home all aglow. My sweet husband worked hard while I was gone and sent me this picture via text:

I love pulling into our driveway and seeing the Christmas lights lit up. I wish we could keep them on all year!

The same week I got home from my 3-day trip to California, the greatest thing happened. One of my best friends got engaged!! Suz is now officially the soon-to-be Mrs. Matt Manes. I'm so happy for her I could burst!

 

In other news, the Pioneer Woman visited Nashville last night. My good friend Renee and I went to her book signing in hopes of meeting Ree herself. But when we arrived we found out we were in the last group and it would be several hours before we made our way to her table. I've never been the "super-fan" type. I think PW is wonderful, but we weren't about to wait in line all night. Thankfully we met the sweetest ladies who just happened to be first in line. They graciously took our books to have them signed. The lady in the black & white shirt was one of the ladies who helped us out. PW might just be signing my book in the picture!

I'd say PW has some fans in Nashville. It was a bummer to not get to meet her, but it was still a fun girls' night out.

I'm home for awhile, but not less busy. Now we're gearing up for crazy work schedules, Christmas parties and another trip back to Missouri. I don't think you will hear the words "I'm bored" come out of my mouth for a very long time.

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Busy Busy!

I have definitely neglected my blog these past few weeks. I was out of town for Thanksgiving, then headed straight to California. I'm back, but I'm swamped at work. That's life, right? Honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way.

I just received an early Christmas present. I've started having my packages sent to my office. It adds a little more excitement to the day. Just a few minutes ago I was handed this:


It's a cell phone shot, so it's not the clearest picture I've ever taken, but I'm excited to dive into this book. Even more excited to meet the PW herself next week at her book signing! I'm thinking about whipping up a PW dish this weekend. Chicken Parmigiana anyone?

I'll be back soon!

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A Few of My Favorites

So many blogs, so little time.

I have two books on my desk. I have started one (an amazing new book by Francis Chan that I will hopefully finish and write about soon) and another by Mark Hall that I'm anxious to start. The problem is that I follow too many great blogs. How am I supposed to read an actual book when I can't take my eyes away from my laptop? It's tough.

Since I am an admitted blog stalker, I thought I would give a shout-out to a few of my favorites. Maybe someone reading this post will fall in love like I have.


Favorite Design Blogs:


Urban Grace Interiors

Erica has an amazing eye for design and decor. I was a blog virgin before I discovered her. I googled "blog similar to Cottage Living" when the Cottage Living magazine went under (I'm still bummed about it) and Urban Grace Blog came up. I've been hooked ever since.



Design Sponge

Another great site for all things design. I can spend hours reading this one. I wish there was a need for a professional blog reader. I think I would be qualified.


Favorite Food Blogs:

The Pioneer Woman



Do I really need to say anything about this one? I will mention that I'm excited to go to her book signing in Nashville to pick up a copy of her new cookbook. If you're a Nashville native, PW will be at Davis-Kidd on December 8th at 7pm.

Happy Lady Eats

This blog is a new one for me, but I instantly liked it. Like the author, I'm definitely a "foodie," so this blog fits me well.



Favorite Everything Blog:

Fly Through Our Window




Darby's blog is one of my absolute favorites. She's a doll and I secretly wish we were best friends. You can learn so much from this young mother of three. I'm pretty anxious about motherhood, but she makes me want to be a mom. A humble follower of Christ, Darby doesn't flaunt her blessed life, but instead encourages her readers to see the beauty in their own lives. At her site you can learn how to make pumpkin butter, how to decorate a bathroom, how to sew an apron without a pattern and how to balance a crazy, busy life. She's also the twin sister of Erica (Urban Grace Design). Check her out if you haven't already.

Favorite "Beautifully Written" Blog:

Dreams of Simple Life


Christine's attempt to live life in its simplest form is beautifully portrayed in her blog. It isn't one that I casually read between sending emails. Instead, her blog is one that I need a warm cup of coffee before reading because I'm going to stay awhile, soaking in every word. Her writings about God, family, home, travel and life in general are poetic. I honestly believe I will own a copy of one of her best selling books one day. She is a true talent.

Favorite "Genuine" Blog:

This.Very.Moment


There are thousands of blogs out there that depict the good life. Sometimes I even find myself caught up in the fluff, almost feeling defeated because my life isn't as shiny-happy as others in blogland. Christi doesn't write to impress. She writes to express life as it really is: the dirty, ugly, difficult life that most aren't brave enough to write about. But Christi has a way of ending each post with hope - she reminds us that we are all to be dreamers, anxiously awaiting what God has up His sleeve. With Christi, what you see or "read" is what you get. With a vulnerability that is rare these days, Christi's blog is a gem.

Favorite Inspirational Blogs:

Humble Pie



I consider Lissa a friend. We have never met and may never meet, yet she has encouraged me in more ways than she may ever know. She bravely shares with her readers the journey of a difficult road that she has walked and how God is bringing her to the other side. Her faith, courage and hope are to be admired. She also has a great creative side and I definitely share her love for all things Pottery Barn!

Flowerdust



If you are a Christian and want to be challenged, this blog is a must. With topics ranging from 'should child molesters be allowed in church?' to 'ministry burnout,' you will spend the rest of your day thinking about her posts.

Whew! This has been a lengthy one for me. I guess if nobody reads this, I'll have a great reference page for myself!

So these are my go-to blogs. What are yours? I'm always looking for another great one to add to my list!

PS - Happy Thanksgiving!!

(All photos are courtesy of their respective blogs)

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Wedding Bells

This weekend I was the matron of honor in a very special wedding: my mom's. My mother is officially Mrs. John Patrick. Todd and I drove out to Asheville, North Carolina for her small, yet beautiful ceremony in the little town of Maggie Valley, just outside of Asheville. We couldn't have asked for a more perfect day. It was sunny and 75 degrees. I don't think anyone was expecting that in November.

I'm biased and obviously think my mom is beautiful, but on Saturday she looked stunning.




The chapel was adorable. It was tiny and only fit about ten people comfortably, but it was exactly what they wanted.




This weekend was the third in a row that I have been out of town, even if for a short trip. Last night to get things a little back to normal, I tried a new recipe. I found it in Real Simple. Only requiring a few ingredients, Pasta with Chicken Sausage and Broccoli (you would think they could have come up with a more catchy name) was super easy to throw together and tasted great. I think it will be even better tonight when all of the flavors have had a chance to mix together.




I'm hoping the weather is just as beautiful next weekend when we put up our Christmas tree and lights on the house. This will be the earliest we will have put our tree up, but I'm getting antsy and can't wait!

Hope you all had a great weekend!

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