Date Night: Toast of the Town

My wine glass and guide/notebook.

Tim and I got to do something we've never done before. We attended the Toast of the Town in Columbus, Ga. I decided to really take advantage of all the different wine and food tasting opportunities. I've really cut down on the amount of alcohol I consume for two reasons (1- it has too many points, and 2- my parents aren't drinkers so it is kind of weird to bring it in the house). However, when I do drink I'm mostly a Chardonnay, White Zin or Pinot Grigio gal.

Tonight, in following my theme of being brave and trying new things I thought I would try a few red wines (ok so I only ended up trying one- but I really liked it). I tried Te Kairanga, Estate, Pinot Noir. It was fruity but not like a fruit punch fruity. Light and tasty. I also tried a Pinot Grigio and the newer Kendall Jackson Avant Chardonnay. I think I like it better than the regular one they have at most restaurants. 


On to the food.


We circulated around the many food displays. From Ben's Chophouse, Tim tried the Seared Scallop with Fresh Apple and Celery Salad tossed in Champagne Vinaigrette. We both had brownies from Buford's Brownies (OH MY STARS! I wanted to eat them all...I had to keep walking). From C'Sons/Mare Sol we both had Handmade Chicken and Gorgonzola Tortellini (WAY YUM). I hope to try this place out if we catch a softball game of Katie's up in LaGrange. From Green Island Country Club, Tim tried the Smoked Trout Mousse in a Savory tart Shell with Trout Roe. But, we both had the AMAZING Trifle of Milk Chocolate Panna Cotta and Raspberry Mousse with Chocolate Genoise. From the Rivermill, Tim had the Chilled Sweet Three Onion Soup with Truffle Foam (and it was much sweeter than he expected). From the Cantina Bar and Grill, Tim really went out on a limb and tried the Ceviche- Citrus Marinated Sea Bass tossed with Fresh Tomoatoes, Onions and Cilantro. I don't think he normally would have tried it, but we bumped into a coworker who was raving on and on about it. From the Chattahoochee River Club, we tried Chocolate Truffles, Pistachio Checker Board Cookies, and Profiterole. I think Tim tried to sneak a few extra Checker Board cookies...


Finally...our favorite hands down of the evening: Vintage 222's Slow Roasted Filet Mignon Topped with Jumbo Lump Crab Encroute Drizzled with Sherry Cream. I want to eat this for the rest of my life. I've never had crab, I actually turn my nose up at seafood all the time. But, I thought it looked cute and appetizing so I just opened my mouth and took a bite. Hopefully, some day soon Tim and I will make it over to Vintage 222. I know they recently catered the other event we went to for YP and we really liked it. Maybe it will be our April new place.


All in all, it was a fun evening.   

The Art of Couponing...

So, I've been inspired. I want to learn the art of couponing. Especially when I hear these grand stories of how people get $100 worth of stuff for a dime. If you have any tips or suggestions please feel free to comment.

Currently, I'm following a friend's blog, Jaclyn's Couponing Journeys and I've read a lot about Southern Savers. 

Another friend recommended I join inbox dollars.

It sounded a little weird at first, but I'm giving it a try. I don't use it to play games or whatever. I don't even fill out all the crazy surveys that ask you for your address. What I am interested in are the features that allow you to earn cash back for using coupons you print there, and the online shopping cash back. One of their stores is Express and Tim and I purchase online there once or twice every few months. They give you 4% cashback. I can see that as being somewhat productive. I'll let you know how it goes.

One good tip I've been using for a long time now is this: sign up for newsletters. Create a separate email JUST for email offers. Especially with clothing stores like Express, NY&Company, The Limited, Bath & Body Works, Victoria's Secret, etc etc etc. I log in to that email anytime before I go to shop and print away the savings.

So yeah, let's hear those tips!

Caturday Saturday

It's that time!

Elliot was hiding...

There she is!

I love that little face.

This was another time she snuggled up in my blanket.

Scooby did too.

This was from one night when Elliot wanted to eat at the table too.

Happy Birthday Kylie!

Today is our niece's birthday. Unfortunately, we're going on three years that we haven't been able to see her. Kylie lives in Japan, where her father (Kelly's brother) is in the US Navy.

So this post if for you, Kylie.

Happy Birthday!

Love,

Aunt Kelly and Uncle Tim

Eleven in 11: Evaluating February

2011 is moving along pretty quickly. We're already at the end of month two. I'm keeping myself accountable on the progress of Eleven in 11.

The breakdown:
1. Volunteer opportunity- Well, I thought I had found something, but the first committee meeting was on the same night as another event I was working on. I'm going to find something here and soon!
2. The weight loss one- I've lost 9 pounds since January so I'm doing pretty well on that front. (However, Tim and I have slacked on the gym the past two weeks so we've got to get it in gear).
3. Plan and take honeymoon- We had a plan, but I'm waiting for an event at work to go down first before I make/pay for any plans. It is going to happen though :) I know it!
4. Trying four new recipes- We've done it, I just haven't posted these all in the blog. Some were kind of bleh. We made:

• Honey Mustard Baked Chicken
• Yummy Chocolate Cake
• Chili Potato Wedges
• Cheesy Potato Soup
• and I made my own version of Italian Chicken and Pasta (this was pretty good I'll have to share it)

5. Blog three times a week- Slowed down a bit in February, but we've added the new Caturday Saturday section to the blog. I find it entertains the cat lady in all of us.

6. Student loan- Check :)

7. Savings!- Check check :)

8. Read 52 books- Ugh I am struggling on this! I just cannot find the time and/or right books to settle in to. I need to crack out the Goosebumps, R.L. Stine or Sweet Valley I guess...not sure I'll be meeting this quota any time soon.

9. Facebook birthdays- I've stayed on track with this I think.

10. Visit 12 new restaurants- Actually did this one this month.

11. Etsy- Thinking about working on a piece tonight.

Once again, I think we're doing alright. 2011 has been a very kind year so far.

Caturday Saturday

It's time for...

Caturday Saturday!

Scooby is a trash cat...

She likes the tissue paper

Jackson and Elliot are interested too...

Oh hi. It smells like a snack in there. 

Three Years Married, But Over a Decade of Friendship

Tim and I three years ago today!

Tim and I last night at CODE RED.

It is crazy to think we've been married for three years. It feels like only yesterday we were in grad/law school at rival SEC schools. It feels even more bizarre to think about the near seven years of dating (yes, if you're new to the Kelly and Tim show we met way back in high school). But, here we are. There have been ups, downs, good times, bad times, crazy times, crazy fun times, tragedies and celebrations. I look forward to the next three years, and the next three and the next three and so on...I'm still hoping that we can eventually take that honeymoon though...*cough* Anyhow...on to the fun part!

The gift for a three-year anniversary is supposed to be leather...so check out what I got Tim:

Tim opening up the leather zip-padfolio I got him. It was also engraved with his name!

Tim got me a new handbag. Scooby wanted to check it out too.