Project 365 Day 107 - April 16th

This has got to be one of my favorite shots so far... it's simple but I love the way it turned out.  I love that the flower behind the fence is in focus more than the one poking through.  I love that you can see the rust on the chainlink so clearly, and that it actually looks beautiful when contrasted with the buttery yellow of the flowers.  And I love that the shot turned out so beautifully without any editing to enhance it!

Project 365 Day 106 - April 15th

Our pastor gave a great sermon in church this morning entitled "Don't Waste Your Storm".  He talked about how you should use the calm times in your lives to prepare for the rougher times, the stormy ones.  The passage he specifically discussed was Mark 4:35-41.  The passage reads as follows:
          That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, "Let us go over to the other side."  Leaving the    
     crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat.  There were also other boats with him.  A
     furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped.  Jesus was on
     the stern, sleeping on a cusion.  The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we
     drown?"
          He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet!  Be still!"  Then the wind died down and it
     was completely calm.
          He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid?  Do you still have no faith?"
          They were terrified and asked each other, "Who is this?  Even the wind and the waves obey him!"

Today's message was a reminder that if you give your life to God during the calm times, he will be there for you in the tough ones.  My family has faced some tough times in recent months so this message really hit home for me.  As we left church and prepared for some quality family time today, I looked out the window of the car to see today's photo.

I love the way the utility pole looks like a cross among the clouds, and the way that through all of the storm clouds, you can see some sunshine peeking through.

Project 365 Day 105 - April 14th

I don't remember off-hand what kind of flowers these are (and it probably doesn't help that all you're seeing is the start of the bloom).  Both the flowers and leaves are huge - I'm hoping to get a shot of one fully open in the coming weeks as they start to open up more... we have two trees in the middle of our apartment complex that will be covered in these flowers before long!

Project 365 Day 104 - April 13th

I am a huge fan of local businesses.  As someone who is working hard to start my own business, I believe that giving support to all types of businesses is great for the economy, but I prefer to give my money to the smaller local businesses whenever possible.  Living in a smaller town has some advantages - one being that we have lots of small local businesses.  One of my newest favorites is Prissy Pots.  Located on Highway 59 in the heart of downtown Robertsdale, AL, Prissy Pots has tons of cute and quirky gifts that will make even the most crochety old woman feel like a girly-girl.

One of my favorite things about Prissy Pots is that their prices are affordable.  If you're interested in checking out their website, you can do so here.  I have not been asked to support the shop or promote them in any way... I am just pointing out a cool little shop that I think deserves some promotion.

Project 365 Day 103 - April 12th

It was once again time for a trip to Auburn with my friend Kathy.  Every few months she drives up to Opelika, AL (not far from Auburn) to meet her daughter or son-in-law.  During those trips, she is usually picking up or returning her 3-year grandson Nate.  Since Keiran and Nate have become buddies, we will typically ride with Kathy.  It gives she and I some "girl time", plus I can give her a break with the driving.

Part of the routine of this trip is lunch at the local Cracker Barrell.  This was the 3rd trip that I have actually made with Kathy but the first time I had seen these cool windchimes hanging outside.  We all know that Cracker Barrell is famous for the old-fashioned rocking chairs lined up outside the door for customers to sit in and/or purchase.  Because my husband is such a huge fan of the rocking chairs (though we've never splurged to pay the high price for one of theirs), I had to get a picture of this windchime to show him.  I think I'm going to take some extra money the next time to buy him one as a gift.

Project 365 Day 102 - April 11th

I have to admit that I'm not a huge fan of super sugary cereals, especially early in the morning.  However, as a child, one of my two favorite cereals was Cap'n Crunch with Crunch Berries.  It wasn't until Sunday when I discovered Oops All Berries.  I don't know how long it's been out, but my mother-in-law brought a box for the kids.  I think I got more excited than they did.  LOL  The crunch berries were always the best part of Cap'n Crunch cereals so to have the option to have only the Crunch Berries was fabulous.  I know, I sound like a kid!  :)

52 Weeks of Pinterest - Week 16: Fried Green Tomatoes

Growing up in the South, I was always fascinated by fried green tomatoes.  Much to my detriment, I was never given the opportunity to try them until my college years.  Let's just say that I was hooked from the start.  I love almost all things tomato-related anyway, so these fried green tomatoes were like heaven to me. For years I've been wanting to make them myself, but the prices on green tomatoes always seemed so ridiculously high.  That was before my recent trip to one of the local farmer's markets.  At $0.99 per pound, I grabbed 4 and was ready to give it a whirl. With leftover ribs and barbecue chicken for dinner, I knew tonight was the perfect night for a good southern dinner.

I pulled up this recipe that I found on Pinterest a few months ago.  It came from Real Simple and seemed easy enough to do.  I grabbed the necessary ingredients and got to it.

Ingredients:
1/2 C all-purpose flour
3 eggs, beaten
1/2 C yellow cornmeal (all I had on hand was white but it worked just fine)
1 lb green tomatoes, sliced to about 1/2" thick
1/2 C oil (I used vegetable)
salt

Start by putting the flour, eggs, and cornmeal into separate bowls.

Dredge your tomato slices in the flour.

Dip the tomatoes in the egg, allowing the excess to drip off.

Gently press each slice into the cornmeal - pressing will help the cornmeal to adhere to the tomatoes.

Preheat your oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.  Once hot, drop your tomatoes carefully into the pan a few at a time - remember that placing too many in at one time will decrease the temperature of the oil.

Allow the slices to fry on each side for 1-2 minutes or until golden in color.

Remove the tomatoes from the skillet and allow to cool on a paper towel-lined plate.  Season to taste with salt and enjoy!!!