Blessings

I'm such an incredibly lucky and blessed girl.  I began to realize around my senior year of high school how unusual it was to have such a large group of girl friends, who had maintained solid friendships through high school, middle school, and for some of us- even elementary or pre-school.  To this day, almost 10 years after high school graduation, we still maintain a fantastic friendship despite the bumps in the road and the distance between us (Boston, Charlotte, Atlanta, Colorado Springs, Cincinnati, and Chicago-ish.)

Not all of us, but most of us- My going away party, August 2008 

These girls are not just my friends, they are an extension of my family.  They have laughed, cried and fought with me- taught me how to be patient, ask for and give forgiveness, given me a couch to crash on, endless amounts of ponytail holders, and plenty of shirts/dresses/shoes for nights out.  They are there when I need them, even if I don't ask.  

Growing older with these girls is TRULY and incredible experience.  I am watching them fall in love, get married, and start their own families.  I can only hope that their children (and maybe someday my own) will have friendships that are so tried and true.  In the last 4 months the two newest members of the family have joined us- and I am so proud of their strong beautiful mommies.  I cant wait to watch Addison (Addy) and Parker grow up to become strong, classy, gorgeous girls, just like their mommas.  

Love you girls, XO

THE picture

We all have THE picture.. you know the one that makes you go on a diet??  Well this was THE picture for me.  Courtesy of Cook Productions... thank you SO much for taking this AMAZING photo of me :)

Typically I try to bury these pictures and hope nobody sees them...ever.  Since the link to my best friend's wedding photos were sent out to some odd 200 guests, I'm assuming that will never happen.  So why not embrace it?  This is my fat photo, people: notice- no neck, and cellulite on my ARMS.  Yes, this is the photo that will set in place a diet which I hope will last for longer than 30 days.  Happy Hump Day!

My Momma's Sour Cream Banana Bread- Healthy Version

INGREDIENTS

• 1 c splenda
• 2 Tbsp oil
• 1/2 c unsweetened applesauce
• 3 egg whites
• 1/2 c fat free sour cream
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 c mashed ripe bananas (like BROWN, ripe)
• 1 1/2 c whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt

• DIRECTIONS

  Heat oven to 350˚. Grease and flour bottom only of 9 x 5” loaf pan. Beat together splenda apple sauce and oil. Add egg whites, bananas, sour cream and vanilla. Blend well. Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup. Level off. Add flour, baking soda and salt. Stir just until dry ingredients are moistened. Pour into prepared pan. Bake at 350˚ for 50-60 minutes. Toothpick should come out almost clean.  Cool 5 minutes and remove from pan. Cool completely. Wrap tightly and store in refrigerator.  Makes 12 servings.

  
  

  Nutrition Facts:

  1 Serving

  Calories: 110

  Fat: 4

  Sodium: 220 mg

  Carbs: 19.3g

  Protein: 3.8

  Fiber: 2.4

  Sugar: 3.4

  
  

My Momma's Sour Cream Banana Bread- The Original

INGREDIENTS

• 1 c sugar
• 1/2 c oil
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 c sour cream
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 c mashed ripe bananas (like BROWN, ripe)
• 1 1/2 c flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt

• DIRECTIONS

  Heat oven to 350˚. Grease and flour bottom only of 9 x 5” loaf pan. Beat together sugar and oil. Add eggs, bananas, sour cream and vanilla. Blend well. Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup. Level off. Add flour, baking soda and salt. Stir just until dry ingredients are moistened. Pour into prepared pan. Bake at 350˚ for 50-60 minutes. Toothpick should come out almost clean.  Cool 5 minutes and remove from pan. Cool completely. Wrap tightly and store in refrigerator.

Undeniably In Love

Dear World,
Let me introduce you to the two love's of my life: Kyle and Nugget...

To say that they have changed my life would be the understatement of the century.  They make my world go round, they make my heart complete :)