Goodbye, George

This week marked a huge milestone for me.  I said goodbye to my lean mean fat grillin' machine George.  George and I have been together since I graduated high school...I won't tell you exactly how long that is.  I have always dreamt of the day when I could replace George with an 'adult grill'.  George was always very good to me, but he was hard to take care of and he always smelled a little funny. 

Last week, the Easter Bunny surprised me with a gas grill and it was installed on Monday...just in time for spring weather!  I am in love with "The Master" and haven't thought twice about George.  I am looking forward to using this grill for many years to come...now I just need to work on my grillin' skills! 

Thank you to the Easter Bunny for the best 'Bunny Pull' ever! 

March Recipe Club

Ashley hosted Recipe Club this month and she chose a Mardi Gras theme. I love Cajun food, but have never attempted to cook any of it....until now! Holy cow, these recipes were AMAZING! Every single dish was delicious. Not only were the recipes were great, but Ashley had her beautiful home decorated to a 't'! There were beads, boas and even some jazz music...I totally felt like I was in NOLA!  Everyone go check out our blog and make some of these dishes.  My personal favorite was Sister's bread pudding...I won't tell y'all how much of it I actually ate because it's down right embarrassing.

Ashley's beautiful dining room

Mardi Gras themed tablescape

Meghan's Mozzarella and Onion Stuffed Bread

Rhonda's Mardi Gras Salad

Meghan's Creole Tomato Salad

Caron's Red Beans and Rice

Liz' Okra Creole

Melanie's Mini Muffulettas

My Chicken and Sausage Jumbalaya

Ashley's Cajun-Baked Catfish

Sister's Pineapple-Apple Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce (YUM!)

In addition to the bread pudding, Ashley had a king cake for us...yours truly was the lucky gal who got the baby in her piece.  I've heard it's supposed to bring you good luck for the year and I sure hope that's right.   It looks like Fat Tuesday hit our group a day early!  Ashley, thanks for a wonderful recipe club this month...it was a blast!

A 'W' and Chocolate Cake

Well, Mr. Darcy did it...last weekend he brought home the 'W' for his leading role in 'The King's Speech'!!!  I am so glad I pushed through my exhaustion Sunday night and stayed up to see him win...I'm not gonna lie...I teared up during his acceptance speech.  And not to mention he looked oh-so dapper all dressed up.

Not only did my man win for his role, but the whole movie won for best picture.  I was thrilled!!  I've waited years to see a movie bring the role of speech-language therapy into the spotlight.  Congrats to Colin and the entire cast...this SLP couldn't be happier for y'all!



To celebrate the big 'W' and in an attempt to curb my craving for something sweet, Momma Decker and I whipped up a chocolate sheet cake.  The parentals made a pit stop in B'ham on their way to the beach.  Now don't get too excited...it's not a 'real' chocolate cake.  For all you Weight Watchers warriors, it's our version of a 'real' chocolate cake.  haha  It's around 6 points plus value per slice.  I found the recipe on the WW website.  It was fairly easy, but it sure did require a lot of ingredients.  After being scolded for placing the cake on the wrong oven rack that ended up causing a little longer baking time, it finally was ready.  The reviews are in.....YUMMY!  It is very moist, light and fluffy.  Momma Decker and I LOVED it...Now, Daddy Decker wasn't such a fan...but he doesn't like 'light' things.  If you're like me and are used to eating 'fake' foods, I highly recommend it!

Happy weekend everyone!

Tidbits

I guess this post could be considered a 'Sunday Confession' post...just a day late.  From a young age, I always wanted to wear pearls, carry a purse, wear big sunglasses, and wear clothes that were certainly 'more mature' than my actual age.  Also, I'm probably the only 27 year old who still 'flips' her hair out, doesn't straighten it everyday and who knows all the words to the 'oldies'....The Temptations, The Supremes, 4 Tops, and Sam Cooke are always at the top of my iPod playlist.  My mom used to tell me that I had an 'old soul' and I have come to realize that she is right. 

Have you ever thought you and someone were kindred spirits?   I think Jackie O, a.k.a. my idol, and I are long-lost sisters.  I love everything about her style...the hats, the pearls, the over-sized sunglasses, and all the beautiful dresses.  To me, she epitomizes the ultimate classy woman.  When I'm shopping, I randomly see 'Jackie" dresses on mannequins that are literally screaming, "Buy me Virginia, Buy me!"  The only problem is that my sister Jackie and I don't quite have the same budget!  lol  When dressing, I am a firm believer in wearing things that are flattering and that leave a lil' bit to the imagination.  Jackie always did both.  Jackie may no longer be with us, but her style definitely lives on and it inspires me everyday.  The following pictures are some that I feel represent her style....and the only word I can use to describe her style is...stunning. 

I've always enjoyed reading quotes, but lately I've found myself finding inspiration from reading blogs who publish fantastic quotes and pictures.  One of the blogs on the top of my must-follow list right now is Dream A Little Dream.  I saw the following quote on there last week and it really hit home with me.

Today is the last day of February...wow...where did the month go?  Ok, I really have to end this post so I can get geared up for the Bachelor!  Yes, I know what you're all thinking, yet another reality show to add to Virginia's long list of tv shows...but in my defense, it's addictive!  Also, I apologize for my lack of blogging lately...I promise to do a better job in March!

27

Turning 27 wasn't quite as painful as I thought it would be.  I am a HUGE fan of celebrating everyone else's birthdays, but not a huge fan of celebrating my own...but I did a lot better job of getting on board with the celebrations this year than I did last year.  I am incredibly blessed to be surrounded by the most amazing friends, fantastic family, and awesome coworkers ever.  They helped remind me each year is a blessing and that each birthday, no matter what the age, should be celebrated!

Thursday night, my B'ham girls took me out for some Mexican food and my favorite...strawberry cupcakes!

The gang at La Paz...thanks girls for a wonderful dinner!

Katherine and Sister brought me birthday lunch to school on Friday!

Who doesn't love a candle in their chicken sandwich?!

Two of my favorite girls!  

This year, my family had my birthday dinner at Gian Marco's...it was FANTASTIC!

Saturday morning, we had family breakfast at Over Easy...everyone go eat there...it's super yummy!

For V-Day, DB got the dancing Mickey..."Hot Dog, Hot Dog, Hot Diggity Dog!"

Thanks, Sister and Blake for my new Tory sandals...can't wait for them to get here!

Oh how I have dreamt of these shoes for seriously 2 years...I am so excited to finally have them!  Thanks, Mom and Dad!

K's cute owl towel

My V-Day bag from my parents

I have had this knife on my want list for months...LOVE it!

A big thank you to everyone for making my 27th Birthday so wonderful.  My late 20s aren't looking as bad as I thought they would!  I spent this morning with 9 of my coworkers running the Mercedes Marathon Relay...it was amazing and such a wonderful experience.  Congrats ETC 1 and ETC 2...I'm so proud of us!
Well, tomorrow is V-Day..a.k.a 'A Single Girl's Worst Nightmare'.  I'm approaching it with a positive attitude and a smile...we'll see if it holds out.  Love to all!   :)

February Recipe Club

I hosted this month's Recipe Club and chose Paula Deen as our theme.  My Aunt Vicki gave me a new Paula Deen cookbook for Christmas, so I decided it was time to put it to good use.  All the recipes I chose sounded DELISH...and of course, most of them had at least a stick of butter in the recipe!! haha  I went with Valentine's Day as my decor...there were red and pink flowers/hearts everywhere.  If you know the Decker family at all, you know we love a theme!  A HUGE thanks to my mom for all she did helping to 'swoozie' up my house.

By far, the best recipe this month was the Southern Buttermilk Biscuit and Blue Cheese Bread Pudding that Lauren made....AMAZING!  It was very rich, but would be perfect for the holidays or a special occasion.  I thought they were all yummy and if you're looking for some good ole southern cookin' staples, go check out our blog for all the recipes!!  They won't disappoint!

Ashley's Double Cheesy Mac 'n Cheese 

Caron's Baked Chicken with Dijon and Lime

Lauren's AMAZING Buttermilk Biscuit and Blue Cheese Bread Pudding

Liz' Toffee-Coconut Rocky Road Bars

Meghan's Orange, Strawberry, and Date Salad with Buttermilk Dressing

Sister's Smoky-Tomato Bacon Pasta

I made Four-Cheese and Pesto Italian Baked Spaghetti

 The group!

To the girls who couldn't make it, we missed you!  But I'm sure your waistlines are glad you couldn't make it! haha  As Paula would say, "Best Dishes and Best Wishes y'all!"