July, Thanks!

How is it August already?! Remember when you were a kid and every day seemed to last forever? That is certainly not the case now!

This thank-you post is going to feature some awesome food via our Louisville/Nashville trip, so let's get to it!

July, Thanks!

1) Thanks to the Goose Creek Diner in Louisville for feeding us. A LOT.

That's a Hot Brown in the second photo...


My Fried Green Tomato BLT with baked sweet potato & HUBS' Chicken Fried Steak

2) Thanks to Savannah's Candy Kitchen for helping to make a long walk around downtown Nashville a late-night surprise.




3) Thanks to the Pancake Pantry of Nashville for making a long wait in line worth it.

My Sweet Potato Waffle, his Swedish Pancakes


My sides and the Cinnamon Cream Syrup that accompanied my waffle

4) Thanks to easy road trips.

5) Thanks to Walmart for always having what we need even when we're in another city.

6) Thanks to my job for opening up my free time.

7) Thanks to specialists for helping me get to the root of my many annoying health issues.

8) Thanks to my last big check for making things more possible than before.

9) Thanks to $4 movies tickets for new releases.

10) Thanks to my intense money saving skills.

What did July bring you?

Happy Friday: Today...We Shop!

Today is pay day. Usually, I'm very calm on pay day. There are bills to pay and groceries to buy...but today? Today all I can think about is shopping.

So I'm just gonna do it.

But before we buy our asses off, let's see what's happening online...

1) Writers, stubbornness will get you through that WIP. By the by, if you like fantasy novels, the writer of the linked article, Laini Taylor, has an awesome series called Daughter of Smoke & Bone. It is truly un-put-downable.

2) There are now giant, pink slugs in Australia. Just more evidence that I should probably never go there.

3) Get nervous when you have to talk to people you don't know? Here are three tips to help.

4) This animated map of eye-witnessed meteorite strikes since 921 is pretty cool. After it plays you can scroll down to get more detailed info.

5) The Talks features cool interviews of everyone from Michael Caine to Johnny Rotten.

Have a great weekend!

Sunday Dinner: Chicken & Dumplings

As someone who cooks, it's nice when I try out a recipe for a second time and finally get it really, really right.

That's what happened a couple of weeks ago when I took my second stab at Chicken & Dumplings. The first time I made it, the chicken soup-like part of the dish turned out fine. But, I failed my dumplings. Instead of puffing up into nicely poached biscuits, they fell apart in the stew.

So, this time, I changed some things and finally got it right!

Chicken & Dumplings (adapted from Mad Hungry by Lucinda Scala Quinn)

1 Cornish Hen
1 Onion, roughly chopped
Several Large Carrots, roughly chopped
1 bag Frozen Corn
2-4 Yukon Gold Potatoes, cut in fourths
2 Bay Leaves
Parsley (I almost never measure seasoning. Start with a teaspoon for each and add more later if you need to.)
Sage
Salt
Pepper

Dumplings

1 Cup All Purpose Flour
2 Teaspoons Baking Powder
1/2 Teaspoon Coarse Salt
Milk
Dill or Parsley
Garlic Powder
Tarragon

Put your chicken, onion, carrots, bay leaves, parsley, sage, salt and pepper into a large pot with a tight fitting lid, add enough water to cover everything and bring to a boil on high heat.

Reduce to a simmer, partially cover (or cover completely if the lid is vented) and simmer for 50 minutes. Take out the chicken and use a couple of forks to take off the skin and shred the meat as the broth and veggies continue to simmer. Add the corn and potatoes to the pot. Fish out your bay leaves. Add the meat back to the pot, taste to see if the soup needs more seasoning and add as necessary. Keep everything simmering.

In a small bowl, combine dry ingredients, including seasoning and mix well. Add milk until mixture is moist but still thick. Drop the dough by spoon fulls onto the simmering broth around the pot. Cover and simmer until dumplings have cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes.

Once you get everything into bowls, you can spice things up with some hot sauce and/or add some Parmesan or other grated/shredded cheese. Enjoy!

Recent Obsessions: Podcast Mania!

This photo has nothing to do with my post. Don't judge, it's almost the weekend and I'm gettin' antsy!

I love my new job. It tends, though, to be research and email heavy. This means that if I don't watch it while I'm working I'll basically fall into a meditative-like trance that numbs my mind.

What's been my savior the past few weeks? Podcasts!

I've been hearing about these things for years, but had never listened to one. But then, back in January, I found Girl on Guy, a podcast from comedian and talk show host Aisha Tyler.

I was immediately addicted.

There are literally tons of podcasts out there, but here are the ones keeping me sane as I research my days away.

1) Girl on Guy: Funny, profane, insightful discussions with Tyler and a host of actors, comedians, chefs and other public figures.

2) The Mental Illness Happy Hour: Oh. My. God. Anyone dealing with any kid of mental issue (depression, panic disorders, sexual dysfunction, schizophrenia...) or dealing with someone else who has mental issues WILL FIND SOMEONE ON THIS PODCAST WHO HAS SIMILAR PROBLEMS. I think this podcast is really important for people who feel fucked up, alone and unsolvable.

3) By the Way: One of the best parts of this podcast is listening to host Jeff Garlin's insane laugh as he talks to famous friends. The episode with Conan O'Brien is a hit.

I have to say, one of the best parts about these conversations is hearing how accomplished people (many of whom had horrible backgrounds or are living with psychological troubles) got to where they are and hearing about their creative process.

Here's another list of the podcasts I'm hoping to get into soon.

1) Nerdist
2) Star Talk Radio Show (what can I say, I'm an astronomy/physics geek)
3) Channel Surfing (I'm also a TV geek)
4) WTF with Marc Maron

Give some of these links a try when you have a tedious task to complete or even when nothing good is on TV. You won't be disappointed.

Clotheshorses Unite!

All photos via eshakti.com

Ladies, who likes to shop out there? I'll admit that since I a)gained weight and b)became lightly employed shopping for clothes has not been my favorite pastime. But, every now and then you find something so awesome it's hard to look away. Eshakti.com is one of those somethings for me.

Last summer I won a contest sponsored by them through another blog. I had a chance to get amazing clothes totally for free. I picked a long, silk dress. The sort of thing I would never actually buy for myself. The cool thing about eshakti.com? You can get any (non-overstock) item on their site ready made or have it customized to your specifications in sizes that range from 0 to 36W.



That's right. 0 to 36W. I don't think any other retailer has a range of sizes that broad.

You can change the length of skirts, tops and dresses. Pick out different necklines or types of sleeves. They will even let you measure pretty much every area of your body and cut their clothes to fit you and only you.



Here's the really cool part, now you can get on the eshakti.com train for less. Head to their site, pick some duds and enter my reader sale code ROCKETTE74 to save 20% off from today until March 10!

Now, go, my pretties! Shop and have fun!

Code has to be entered in the 'Promotional Code' box. No Minimum Order Value. The discount code is not case sensitive. The code can be used any number of times until the validity period. This code can be clubbed with any other gift coupon or gift card in the same order. This discount code is not applicable on our Overstock category. Not applicable on previous purchases.

Music Monday! Get It Done!

Well, it's about time! I am finally off my ass and doing things, people. I made three necessary phone calls today, did four loads of laundry and have made a significant dent in the 1,000+ emails I let build up over the past four weeks. Plus, I did yoga and managed to drink only one cappuccino. Progress!

I hope your week is off to a good start. Now, let's get to some music so you can round your day out with some fun...

Music Monday: I Got The Music In Me!

Welcome to the week, everybody. Do you know what's awesome? Google Play Music. I'm probably late to the cloud music party, but I love this thing. Just upload your music and you can listen to your library on any device with the app installed. It's amazing.

What else is amazing?

1) Comfort food on a rainy day.
2) Frozen yogurt with caramel sauce.
3) New fall TV shows.
4) New music. Go!

Happy Friday: Better Times

It's entirely possible that the weather will actually be nice this weekend. I didn't even need the A/C on today until after 2 pm! I am very happy about this, people! HUBS has been very stressed getting ready for the school year to start next week (he's been working 10 or more hours a day for two weeks), and we both need to get out a bit.

I've had a very productive day. I applied for three jobs, evaluated my freelance rates and exercised. I like days like this, when I get real stuff done all day long.

Well, I hope you've got something nice planned this weekend. But, if not, here's some things to help keep you happy indoors.

1) Make this weekend body positive.

2) In time for the tail end of Olympic fever, I bring you the Olympic Scrunchies tumblr and this Smart Money article on the true cost of getting to the games.

3) Ever wondered what cats get up to when we let them outside? Check out the Kitty Cams Project.

4) Boredom might be good for your creativity. Who knew?

5) Wild author and advice columnist Cheryl Strayed talks about writing, reading and learning.

Sunday Dinner: Veggie Chowder

Sometimes procrastination and avoidance really work in my favor. I was passing time one night, and found a couple of episodes of The Barefoot Contessa on Hulu. Seeing as how I was taken with her show back in March while stuck in a hospital bed, I started watching. And, wouldn't you know it, I immediately saw something I wanted to make. Her East Hampton Clam Chowder looked divine. There was one problem, though. I detest the idea of clams and clam juice. Obviously, those are two main components of the dish. So, what did I do? I improvised.

Not to brag, but I grew all of these onions and some of the carrots I used. I rock! OK, that sounds like bragging, doesn't it?

Take out the icky clam stuff, add more veggies and you've got my all-new Veggie Chowder. It turned out really good; and I was able to get rid of some veggies that were starting to go south due to my lack of desire to turn on the stove or oven when it's hot outside. Try it, I think you'll like it.

Don't lie. You can tell these are homegrown. Look at that mutant carrot on the left!

Veggie Chowder

2 tablespoons butter
2 cups onion
2 cups mixed sweet peppers
2 cups carrot
4 cups potato
1 1/2 teaspoons thyme or Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cracked pepper
1 quart chicken stock, homemade if possible
1/2 cup flour, whole wheat if possible
1 stick melted butter
1 can of Mexicorn
1/2 cup sour cream
shredded cheese

First off, you melt the two tablespoons of butter in a big pot, add the onion and cook for 10 minutes. Add the carrot, potato, thyme/Italian seasoning, salt and pepper and cook for another 10 minutes.

Add your chicken stock and sweet peppers and let things heat and mingle as you prepare your thickening agent. Melt a stick of butter and whisk in the flour. Add a cup of hot soup to that and stir it until all the flour and butter is incorporated. Put that whole gravy-like glob into the larger pot of veggies and stock, stir it up and get your chowder thick.

Put your corn in with the sour cream, let it heat and add some shredded cheese of your choosing. If you like, the cheese can be added to the bowls when you serve it instead of the larger pot. You could also add in chunks of ham or shredded chicken if you need some meat, but I like it just the way it is. Feel free to serve this lukewarm if the idea of piping hot soup on a 105 degree day drives you batty. Or, just set your A/C on 60.

Dig in!

What have you cooked lately that you loved?

Happy Friday: Doing A New Thing

Julia's not so sure...

Well, I finally did it. I finally joined the millions of tweeting twits on Twitter! Yay for new things, right? I have to say, I've only been on the site for about 24 hours, but I think I'm already getting addicted. Which is something I in no way thought would transpire. At all. Isn't it nice to surprise yourself?

Ok, so, as soon as I find my directions on how to add social media buttons to my blog, I'll add a twitter button over there in my sidebar. Oh, and also? I'm on Instagram now, too. Just look for rockygirl3 and the same photo as the one under About Me A Little. Now! To the internet!

1) All the creatives out there can benefit from A 5-Step Technique for Producing Ideas via Brain Pickings.

2) Exercising without sweating? Yes, please.

3) Can't get an invite to Pinterest but want to track your shopping obsessions? Try Currently Obsessed.

4) Any television fiend needs as many places to get spoilers and news as possible. TVLine is a great addition for you.

5) Ever wonder how A List actors spend their copious dough? This NY Mag report from late January breaks things down nicely.

There, my lovelies! It's gonna be a hot one this weekend, so stay inside, do some reading and enjoy the AC.

Music Monday: Traveling Songs

Earlier in the month, while HUBS was taking some time off for Spring Break, we did a little day tripping that I'd completely forgotten to tell you about.

We drove to Kimmswick, MO via Imperial, MO. Our first stop was in Imperial. We went to lunch at a Jack n the Box (I know, it's so touristy of us to eat food we can get basically anywhere in the country) and then headed to the Mastodon State Historic Site. We opted out of the museum to save some cash, but the grounds were nice, though I must warn those of you who fear caterpillars to stay away at this time of year. The place is filled with them!

After walking around and dodging those fuzzy little critters for a few minutes, we headed on to our destination. Downtown Kimmswick is essentially filled with nick-knack shops and eateries. It's also a tiny old river town. If you park your car you can walk the whole thing in a couple of hours.

Half way through our walk we stopped at The Blue Owl Sweet Shoppe and got this giant treat:

This involves apple pie, ice cream, caramel, whipped cream and cherries. It was understandably awesome. All in all, not bad for a 30 minute drive outside of St. Louis.



Where have you been recently that's close to home but nothing like it?

Expansion Ahoy!

Imperial caterpillar

Friends! I did something semi-bold yesterday. I spent two and a half hours in the morning volunteering at The St. Louis Area Foodbank!

Why is this a big deal? Because, it involved going someplace I'd never been before, talking to strangers and being stuck with them for a few hours. The last time I did any volunteering was for the CineVegas film festival in 2006, and that was a mostly selfish endeavor. It was also easier since I'd been there the year before and knew a lot of the returning volunteers/staff, and, you know, it's Vegas. There's no shortage of stuff to talk about with strangers.

This was different, and I must say, I aced it! I worked my ass off packing and unpacking donations. I also spent my time working with a nice retiree named Fred from Memphis. We talked! I socialized with people I'd never seen before! I got out of the house for something other than errands! I helped people! Yay!

Our volunteer group actually finished early because we worked so efficiently. At the end of our shift the volunteer manager left hand outs that listed our stats. We processed 8,811 pounds of food which translates to 7,193 meals for the hungry. Isn't that cool? I'll definitely be back.

I signed up through VolunteerMatch on Monday for this gig and also contacted a couple of other places (a no-kill animal shelter and a not-for-profit news site) about volunteering for them, also. I like this. I get to help others and myself at the same time. If I weren't so chicken around strangers I would have done this much sooner!

What have you done lately that you loved enough to wish you'd done sooner?

Happy Friday: Spring To Winter In One Day

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Even though we've had a super-mild winter here in Missouri, days like today help remind us that mid-western weather is completely unpredictable. Just when I was feeling crazy for indulging in my yearly boot craving, the temperature dropped 20 degrees, the sun hid behind ominous clouds and the winds began howling.



Lordy, I love looking at boots. Much more than plain shoes. I think it has a lot to do with the fact that, as a large-legged lass, I can't wear any old boots. In fact, boots that go past my ankle rarely zip all the way up. This means no cheap boots from Payless or Target for me. I've got 18 inch calves over here!



The last boots I got, for my birthday in 2010, were from Torrid. Those aren't even real leather and they cost 70 bucks! If that doesn't sound like a lot to you, let's remember that since going full-on freelance I think everything that costs more than $10 is too expensive, so, my perspective? She is skewed.



Don't boots just make you feel cozy and loved and safe and happy? Like you're in your own little cocoon of warmth and style and joy? Yes? I knew we had a lot in common. Enjoy the weekend, friends!



* Photos from Nordstrom, Delia's and Lands End catalogs.

Happy Friday: Light As A Feather

You know that feeling where the fog lifts, the clouds part and everything seems bright and hopeful again? I'm having that in spades today, and a lot of it has to do with not filling out mortgage refinance applications or talking to bankers or doing math. That stuff took up so much time this week that by yesterday this time I felt I was losing my complete and total mind.

I don't know what we're going to do for the extended weekend, but I foresee some low-cost fun. Oh yes, I do. On to the internet!

1) Lifehacker lists 50 Free Apps they adore.

2) This simple site looks like nothing much at first. But, type an Amazon.com product into the box, hit GO and get a dizzying array of like-minded items in return. It's kinda fun!

3) I haven't seen this HBO documentary yet, but I'm intrigued.

4) For job seekers: more opinions on how to get hiring managers to pay attention to you.

5) I like the looks of Greatist, yet another health and wellness website.

Possibly The Funniest M&M's Commercial...Ever

I laugh every time I watch it, and I've watched it quite often.

I Feel Much Better When I Accomplish Things. Why Do I Continually Need To Relearn This?

Wow, you guys. I got a shit-ton done yesterday, and it wasn't even a Wednesday!

I applied for eight jobs yesterday. That's the most actual jobs I've ever applied for in one day. When I say actual jobs, I mean there were job openings listed, as opposed to me just sending out random resumes and cover letters to places I'd like to work, thinking Notice me! Like me! Hire me! Please? Please!

It was quite nice to be able to truly relax when HUBS got home. There were less shouldas hanging around my brain making it hard to concentrate on Tara's third season. I was spurred on by HUBS' activity on Monday night. The man applied for 14 jobs in five hours. I tried, but after eight jobs and four and a half hours, my brain just dried the fuck out.

I still need to write my query letters and my freelance writing marketing letters. But, I do feel good about Tuesday's productivity level. So, yay for accomplishment. But, boo for basically needing to accomplish the exact same stuff every day!

Ah, well. 'Tis life, my friends.

What do you have to keep relearning?

Tuesday Tipday: Bathing Beauties

Photo

More than anything right now I need baths. Some of this is just my natural predisposition to want to soak in a hot tub when it's cold outside. But since I've been having a host of issues with my knees and lower back and tailbone which include the occasional shooting pain, I can tell you for a fact that it's also because of that.

I can't feel like I'm being healed by the water if I'm standing in the shower. Not to mention that standing is not so great for my back. Or my knees. Or my desire to luxuriate in a warm liquid cloud as I read magazines and sip Kool-Aid. Trust me, it's kinda hard to do that in the shower.

Now, I'm all for fancy bath potions. There are innumerable softening bombs, beads, bubbles and oils on the market and I'm proud to say that I've tried many of them. But, it's not necessary to blow your mortgage money to have a sumptuous bathing experience.

Here are my ingredients for a splendiferous soak. Mix and match as needed.

For the Bathing Beauty

1) Reading material. Any book or magazine that you love needs to be beside the tub. Simple as that.

2) Unless, of course, you've got writing to do. In that case a journal and your best pen will set you right.

3) Your beverage of choice. Yes, I really have had Kool-Aid while I was in the bathtub. Why is that so odd?

4) Something to make the water soothe all those aching muscles and troubled thoughts. Try: milk (even the powdered kind or stuff from a can work) for skin softening, epsom salt for body aches, vanilla or almond extract for a pleasing scent and essential oils for soothing the mind.

5) If you're like me the feet need some extra attention. Don't forget a foot scrubber.

6) Music for the mood. I've been taking my phone into the room to play some tunes from my Pandora app, but a solid CD on repeat that can be heard from the bathroom will also do nicely.

7) Candles for serenity. Doesn't it help to stare into a flickering flame? Yes. Yes, it does.

I know you feel better just thinking about this, right? Well, that's what I'm here for.

I Can't Hate A Man Who Loved Magnum P.I.

Even if you already liked Michael Fassbender, don't you like him a bit more now?

A Nice Thought

Ah, so true...

Music Monday: Post Birthday Pep!

Peeps! Did everyone have a good pre-Thanksgiving weekend? HUBS and I did quite a bit of running around in honor of my birthday, including driving almost 50 miles to obtain the four free meals I got from various restaurant e-clubs. Getting that much free food made this the most exciting birthday I've had in years. Is that weird?

Well, I think it's time for some tunes. How 'bout you?