Food Porn

"I lurched away from the table after a few hours feeling like Elvis in Vegas - fat, drugged, and completely out of it." ~ Anthony Bourdain

After watching numerous episodes of "No Reservations," I became hungry. Not craving anything in particular - just everything in particular!

With out a doubt - I LOVE FOOD. Sure, who doesn't? Well.. maybe the anorexic. (No, I am not poking fun... just saying..)

I thought I would post some of my ab-fab recipes. Not the actual recipe - more so, a pictorial journey... food porn, if you will!

Soo.. if we are ever out to eat, and you want to know what I crave - then look no further than my absolute favorite dishes!!! You will see.. it is by no means "fancy." But oh sooo.. good.

Let's start with a lunch time staple in my home - Orzo Salad. Soo good, and actually - good for you.

I think I drench almost everything in Balsamic Vinegar. I always love when my Italian exchange students send me a new shipment!

Did I tell you I make the best banana pudding in the world? No? Well... I do.

BABY BACK BBQ RIBS. The best? At a little hole in the wall on Beale Street in Memphis.

We always have a basket full of cucumbers in our frig. We will add a little seas salt and pepper. Or soak them in vinegar. YUMMM

Biscuits and sausage gravy. I don't get to eat it often - only when I go home (Georgia.) My dad makes the best!

A nice piece of french bread with balsamic vinegar and a little olive oil. One of mine and the egyptain's favorite thing to snack on.

Did you read my buffalo chicken blue cheese dip recipe on Monday? This is what it looks like.

Give me a good cheese calzone. I love the one's at Lazio's here in Hoover.

A really good cup of chai. Best? Indian restaurants.

Extra Cheese pizza

Potato & cheese soup and Irish soda bread - my mom's only!

Chicken tandoori. Best in town? Silver Coin Indian Grill in Hoover.

Give me chips and dip. If you see me go for this combo - I am stressed!

Hot apple cider

Coffee flavored ice cream

Pink cotton candy!

A double shot of espresso with creme and a hot, buttered croissant. A perfect breakfast in my eyes.

Shepard's Pie. I have to admit - I make the best!

Veggie Egg Rolls.

Egg nog

Fried pickles dipped them in ranch! (I love the ones at Baumhower's Wings or Pub 260.)

Fried Chicken, english peas and mashed potatoes.

Just a big ass plate of fruit!

Goat cheese!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Green Tea Frappucino

Grilled Cheese Sandwich - best? Urban Standard. They have this wonderful balsamic/jam dip for it!

Guacomole - here? Iguana Grill in Hoover

A Gyro!!

Prime Rib with horseradish sauce (I love the P. R. at J. Alexander's.)

Hummus!

Coconut popsicles

Pad Thai Chicken

A Krystal double cheeseburgar

A Layered Salad - again - my recipe is the best!

Dark Chocolate with Sea Salt

Dark Chocolate with hot chiles

The egyptian recipe for macaroni bechamel!

Mac & Cheese! (A staple around here)

Lamb Kebabs (Here? Ali Baba)

Mc Donald's French Fries are the BOMB

A Nuway Chili Dog!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Only found in Macon, Georgia)

Cheese Omelet and hashbrowns at Waffle House

I love fruit trifles.. my favorite one is my mom's Georgia Peach trifle

This what I snack on around the house - sweet peppers stuffed with creme cheese.

Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich

Pig in a Potato Patch. (okay.. my northern friends.. let me explain..) It is an oversized baked potato loaded with sour cream, butter, chives, and bbq pulled smoked pork and bbq sauce.) Go to Jim N Nicks to get the best one!

Pumpkin Pie

Queso dip with rotel

My favorite cookie is a snicker doodle

Iced Caramel Macchiato

Sweet Potato Pie

Tabouli

Taco Salad

Tahini

Greek Yogurt and Cucumber salad

Tiramisu

Argula, Strawberries, spinach, oil & vinegar salad

Lindor white truffles

Turkish coffee

FINALLY - chicken wings with blue cheese dressing...

Which one do you LOVE?

Disturbing Behavior

When any of us even stop to think about how the AIDS epidemic became so wide spread, it can be really disturbing.

Last night, I watched another amazing movie on Netflix - 3 Needles. It basically is a three-paneled look at the worldwide AIDS crisis: in Montreal, a porn actor schemes to pass his mandatory blood test; a young nun  makes a personal sacrifice for the benefit of a South African village; in rural China, a black market operative posing as a government-sanctioned blood drawer jeopardizes an entire village's safety.

The decisions these average people make boggles the mind. The outcome is sad in all instances, and it brings up the one question we all consider - WHY? Most of these characters had to make a serious choice at one point or another.. and the obviously, most of the choices were selfish and destructive.

However, there is light at the end of the tunnel - the very last "paragraph" of the script is so poignant and there is such beauty and truth in it - one cannot help but feel a sort of catharsis after watching this movie. WATCH IT.



The point of this post - what decisions do we make that have lasting, if not detrimental results? When I think of a "new mom"- clearly there is a desire to create the perfect world for their new born child. Then again, that is impossible - and there will be mistakes and roads that twist and turn and cause the desire for perfection to swerve and become a desire for survival.

And what about the newly married couple? Each enters their agreement with the best intentions of being loving and a security blanket for the other.. but time passes, life gets in the way, and things .. sometimes just don't turn out as we would like.

Destructive behavior comes in all forms, but after watching this movie, it is clear - the human race often makes decisions in more of a survival-ist sort of way, choosing decisions that best suit their needs, regardless of the hurt it may do to others.

Is there something that has happened to you along the way that might have hurt you? Have you exhibited any disturbing behavior?

What can we do to turn our thoughts into healthy action and move forward in a constructive way?

Interns & Coffee

Nothing is a waste of time if you use the experience wisely. ~Auguste Rodin

Today is a glorious day! Why? My full time intern starts. Granted, she is only coming in one day a week- but she will be working all day. THAT is a glorious thing.

I have been without a intern for several months now. The job I have covers a very large territory, and sometimes it is necessary to have a little extra help. Now I do!

I kind of made a joke on Facebook the other day about 'Where is my coffee... " and that I needed an intern to go make a run to Starbucks. Honestly, that desire still remains.

I remember the first time I sent an intern for coffee, I almost laughed about it. But they do it so eagerly, I felt as if I was taking advantage. See - as a journalism major, you just aren't put in positions where you have people work for you. But then here comes the ever-eager intern and BOOM - instant assistant. I actually feel bad asking them to do menial tasks like: scan the hundreds of newspapers for one of our placements, or make copies, or make those random phone calls I hate making. But they do it - and they do it with a smile. God bless them. ;-)

I really like my current "intern." She is sharp, a graduate from Auburn University and she even did an internship in NYC with a major fashion company. The problem with "big" internships - it is next to impossible to get a job at that company.

When I decided where I wanted to intern, I took that into consideration. If I went to say - Atlanta, and began interning at a TV station, 9 times out of 10 a job (or a GOOD job) would not have happened. Instead I picked a medium sized market and got hired as a producer the week after my internship ended.

You just never know!

Now I am sitting on my bed, in my pjs, drinking my morning cup of coffee, but smiling - knowing I will not have to get out in the cold and the wet weather to get my afternoon Starbucks... no, no my dears - my intern will!

Chicken Wings and Dragons Roars

You know it is a good day when your lunch includes chicken wings. No, not the most healthy food item, or is it best for the burning of the belly... but yummy all the same.

Publix's deli was selling these Cajun style wings- made with rosemary, paprika, pepper, cayenne and a few other fabulous herbs and spices. I just had to give them a try, and SO glad I did.

I have spent my lunch hour reading up on your blogs. Yes, I may not always comment, but I DO read every blog post that I follow. So if you wrote one today, I assure you, I read it.

What I love to see if the same theme that sweeps through during various times of year. For instance, right now - many of you are dealing with the changes/transitions/hopes/fears of a New Year.  What I find comforting in these posts is, we are all on the same wave length. We all want a new, "fresh" start - and we made our plans and are hoping for the best.

I have always prided myself on being a "strong" woman. I stand strong in my convictions, will stand up for what is right, and not afraid to speak my mind. I often encourage the passive aggressive folks or the soft spoken ones to "stand up" and "fight for what is right." What I think the hardest thing for someone that is more passive than aggressive is to understand that strength is not found in hurting others, it is in being confident. There is a HUGE difference in confidences versus being a blow horn.

The biggest mistake a person struggling with finding their "voice" is that they have squelched the fire that was burning inside of them for so long, that when they try to express themselves it comes off as a dragon roar. No one wants to hear that.. nor will they listen.

I decided to take a look at the "healthiest" way to "find your voice." Basically - how to express yourself. Being a tortured soul is one thing, acting like a caged animal released into the wild is another.

I found an article on the web that has some great advice! Written by: Greg S. Baker is a Pastor, Counselor, and Author specializing in building and strengthening relationships.
For more books and resources on how to communicate better, express yourself, and strengthen social skills, please visit his website at: fitlyspoken.org :


TIPS ON EXPRESSING YOURSELF
- Do A Lot Of Reading



Reading will help you learn how other people express themselves. Pay attention to word usage, diction, flow, voice and tone. These will give you ideas on expressing yourself.



Look up words that you've never seen before. Use them. They'll provide you with many and myriad ways of expressing your emotions. Often, I've found that a single word does better expressing what I feel than an entire paragraph of sentences. Learning new words will help you express yourself better and reading will help you to learn different ways to do so.



A wise man once said, not every reader is a leader, but every leader is a reader.


-Do Some Writing On Your Own


Do a variety of writing. Start a novel. Write letters. Keep a journal or diary. Often, you'll find that writing helps you to think your thoughts through. In the heat of an argument, you'll often say what you don't mean in a tone that creates more resentment. Writing will help you organize your thoughts. It'll give you focus and direction.



- Don't Fear People's Judgment



Social anxiety is not a disease. You can't catch it from someone who has it. It is a spiritual state of mind that is the direct result of fear. There is really only one type of fear and that is the fear of the unknown. Don't fear what other people think about you. Honestly, your imagination will create far worse scenarios than what most people will ever think.



To overcome your fear, try asking for their help. Try this, "I'm having a hard time expressing myself, and I thought maybe you could help me." Saying that will invoke an instinctual need that most everyone has-the desire to help and feel needed. Hardly anyone will be critical of you when you've asked for their help.



It also sets the stage to retract what you may say when you say it wrong. Since you've already warned them that you are struggling with expressing yourself, when you actually struggle with it, they'll just shrug it off. It's a great tool to overcoming your fear of other people's judgment.



-When You're Upset, Write A Letter


If you're furious at someone, then go ahead and write them a nasty letter. Just don't give it to them. Sleep on it. The next morning, go back over the letter. You'll find that your attitudes and perspective have shifted. I seriously doubt you'll send the letter under those conditions.



But more than that, sending someone a letter that is well thought out is a great idea when you're trying to express yourself. Look, letters can't be argued with, they can't be interrupted, and you can't derail the train of thought. In fact, even if the letter is negative, most people will read it all the way through.



Sometimes a well worded letter will allow you to convey your feelings where a conversation would not.



-Be Mature When You Express Yourself



I don't take people seriously when they rant, rave, swear, cuss, insult, deride, mock, or get stubborn. These are immature attitudes that prevent and hinder the expression process.



Here is a rule of thumb. If they are willing to talk about others behind their back, they will do it to you too. Let's stay away from the unproductive gossip, the insults, the profanity, and the finger pointing. These accomplish nothing. Think about it, when is the last time you actually made a situation better by swearing at someone? Maturity in conversation is thoughtfulness, consideration, and the willingness to listen. Show respect to others and they will respect you.

-Ask Questions


You'll be amazed at how easy it is to express yourself in the form of a question.


But the short of it is this, questions allow you to interact with others. They involve you in their thoughts, feelings, worries, and cares. This provides an opportunity to express yourself better to them. Expression is best done when there is good interaction. Thoughtful questions provide this platform.


DANGERS OF NOT BEING ABLE TO EXPRESS YOURSELF

If you have a fear of people, people will avoid you. It's a vicious cycle. You avoid people because you fear that they will hurt you. People see your aloofness, and either think the worst (that you're stuck up), or grant your desire and leave you alone. Then you wonder why it is that no one likes you.

When you can't open up to people, people will feel that you are unapproachable. You'll have a hard time getting close to people when you bottle everything up inside. Your relationships will all be shallow.

Your inability to express yourself will haunt you in times of trouble. You'll need help, you'll want help, but you won't seek it. You'll hide. So, no one helps you. Then you grow resentful and angry.

Another danger is that of isolation. You build walls around your emotions and people instinctively leave you alone. That might be what you wanted at first, but your life will be barren, and empty. Life is relationships. The stronger your relationships the more joy you'll have in life. No matter if it is with your mate, God, children, neighbors, co-workers, friends, relatives, or even yourself, you must learn to express yourself.

*****

There you guys go.. some good advice on expressing yourself. Finding your voice is what blogging is all about. It's great to have an outlet- finding a way to do it where it resonates with your audience is important. If you don't care about making connections with others- then I suggest purchasing a journal and writing in it by hand!

XOXO

Nicole

Omm... yeah.

Ommmmmm..

Lord knows I am trying to hold it together. LOL It is DAY 4 in the New Year, and I am pulling out all of the stops -

reading more, taking longer (hotter) baths, opting for smiles, sharing an encouraging word, and...

just laying it on the line with the egyptian.

Yep.

I just said what needed to be said.. and now let the chips fall where they may.

Okay.. on to other things..

I have GOT to get motivated to head back to the gym. Before I left work, I came up with at least 6 different excuses for skipping my Body Jam class:

1. It was my first day back at work.... and I was tired.
2. I had to run a few errands after work.. and I was tired.
3. I had to cook dinner, since I got off work a little later, and got stuck in traffic.. and I was tired.
4. My mood was a little low by the time I got home.. and I was tired.
5. It gets darker so much sooner, so it got really cold quickly.. and I was tired.
6. Did I mention I was tired?

So.. I did not go.

Booo on me.

What is Body Jam? Did I show you? I found the actual choreography my class was doing (when I took a little break before Thanksgiving)



That is literally the last piece of choreography we were learning. See - all of the Body Jam classes around the world learn the same pieces every few months or so. I have no idea if they have moved onto the 55th yet or not. Which means, I may be learning some new stuff on Thursday. Also - this is the same exact music we all use... same technique and all. It's fun...

You have to watch the video all of the way through to see what I am talking about.. it's fun!

Sooo.. yeah.. trying to keep the positive attitude.. but lacking in motivation.

Here's hoping for a Terrific Tuesday!

What are you struggling with right now?

Zen is sticking!

Billy Jean King once said, "“I think self-awareness is probably the most important thing towards being a champion."

I could not agree more.

2011 - so far, so good.

Back at work after a very long (and much needed) break. This morning we all started off with a long, inspirational (if you can believe that) meeting, followed by a welcome lunch at a local cafe (Olexa's) in Mountain Brook for our newest employee.

I have a new intern starting on Wednesday, so I would say - over all, it's going to be okay.

If you did not get a chance, please take a look at the recap of my New Year's Weekend.  Incredibly twisted and funny all at the same time.

I am sticking to my guns about finding my "center." I seem to be giving the whole "trust" thing ago and I do feel that "balance" I was hoping for.

This month is jam packed with media promotion and preparation for National Wear Red Day. If you are not familiar, check out: Go Red For Women . If you live in the south, and would like to share your story about how you stay healthy or have battled heart disease, there will be several opportunities to audition! Audition for what?? The September prime time special on NBC with Houda. For one, Birmingham plans to do their "Go Red Connection Event" aka (casting call) on January 29th at the Macys at Riverchase Galleria from 10am until 6pm. I will be conducting the audition with a team of volunteers and staff. Or, if you live closer to the panhandle - you can buy a ticket to the Go Red For Women Luncheon in Mobile, Alabama on Feb 4th, and audition there. I believe Atlanta, West Palm Beach, Miami and New Orleans will also be conducting an event. All of these will take place at the flagship Macy's in those towns.

That's sort of what I am coordinating now.. not to mention a ton of other promotional opportunities. I got my one of my magazine sponsors to activate their sponsorship by throwing a "Little Red Dress Party" on February 4th. From 5 - 7pm at A Loft Hotel in downtown Homewood.. there will be a swanky little fiesta raising awareness around heart disease - all celebrating Heart Awareness Month and National Wear Red Day.

There is tons more, and as I pull it all together, I promise to share. I know many of you live nearby, and I would love for you to attend!

With that being said - there is more work to do today. Sorry, nothing earth shattering or philosophical today.. but to be perfectly honest - I am completely okay with that! I needed a normal day, and I feel quite content.

"I take it that what all men are really after is some form of, perhaps only some formula of, peace." ~James Conrad

Meet Me on Monday

It is the "Meet Me on Monday" Blog Hop with Java! Click on the pic to the left for directions.

For now, the only requirement is to answer the following questions.

If you are new to Destination: Unknown - make sure to scroll down and read at least one or two blog posts. Leaves some comments and definitely google connect with me as a friend or FB "Like" the fan page!

Now... for Java's questions:

Questions:








1. Do you have any New Year's resolutions? YES! As a matter of fact - you can see the post about 4 posts down! But one thing you need to know, I have adopted a theme word for the year  - and my word is TRUST. Got any advice on learning to trust more?? :-)


2. What food item are you craving right now?
Mac & Cheese - always. I LOVE my mac & cheese.


3. When is your birthday?
February 16th - I will be 38.


4. What were you doing an hour ago?
Writing my blog post about my journey to the beach for New Year's. You have GOT to check it out. It was one for the books... lol


5. Last thing you cooked?

Was last Thursday and it was a buffalo cheese dip.
You need:
1 cup wing sauce
1 cup blue cheese dressing
1 8 ounce carton of soft cream cheese
1 small bag of shredded cheese
1 can of chunked chicken.

Get a casserole bowl -
spread the cream cheese on the bottom
Mix the sauce/dressing/ and shred up the chicken a bit and mix together.
Pour on top.
Sprinkle Cheddar on top.
Put in oven at 400 for 20 minutes

Dip your chips!!

Happy New Year!

Welcome 2011! I have been waiting for you..

"We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day." ~Edith Lovejoy Pierce

Oh beautiful day - Happy New Year! I have been waiting for 2011 to get here... just waiting.. wondering.. what she holds for me..

Odd numbered years are good ones for me. God willing, this will be one of those years.

Five years ago I left my hometown for Birmingham. I embarked on a BIG adventure and met some of the best friends a girl could make. My career got a little jump start, and I conquered many fears. I also met my egyptian online.

Ten years ago I accepted my first exchange student - Pennapa- from Thailand.
I even rented my first house. I became a patriot as my country pulled together after the horrible tragedy of 9/11.

15 years ago I was a senior at my university - having the best year of my college career. My grades were awesome - life was awaiting me - all preparing to graduate. Who knew in one year I would be a producer for a television station, and my career dreams would be coming true!

20 years ago I graduated from high school. That's right - I was embarking on one of the best phases of my life. Unlike some people, I loved high school - I loved my friends, I loved dating, I loved going out, I loved my classes - the future looked so bright. Believe it or not - I was one of the happiest people you would have ever met!

25 years ago I was about to go to high school. Finding my way through middle school, making new friends, navigating the waters of boyfriends. During this time I was planning my future, I literally already new I wanted to work in the media. Can you believe it?

30 years ago I was in 2nd grade. I got my very first journal from my great grandmother for Christmas (or my birthday - I can't remember.) I still have it.

35 years ago I was a toddler, living quite cozily with my parents... the whole world yet to be conquered!

May God Bless me with another 5 wonderful years - an odd number and my favorite number! Once the next few years end, I will be 42 years old. A LOT can happen.. in 35 years I will be 72 - God willing.

WOW..

Let's do this 2011.. take me into the next phase!

2011 song theme brought to me by my dear friend, Erica!