Peek Sunday

From time to time, I get a little bored and decide to play around with my camera. Today, I did one of those "sneak peeks" into my pantry & fridge. I've done this before, and I've seen other's do it. I LOVE to see what you guys are eating and what type of brands you shop for. Granted, we are in between grocery shops.. but for fun, I did take a few pics of some random items we have.

Want to see what I'm consuming? lol

Let's start with the freeze. THAT.. my friends.. is the staple in any good middle eastern/busy home. ;-) Frozen falafel. To the right, that's goat. Seriously. *sigh* Below you see some random veggies frozen. At the top left, I think that's chicken breasts. Fairly bare. We don't eat a lot of meat, nor do we like to freeze stuff. We like it FRESH.

The coffee/espresso I use. I do have an espresso maker. ;-)

Top shelf: Greek yogurt is a staple. The one in the back has already been turned into a fabulous tzatziki sauce (I just put it right back in the container. I use real butter (in the dish.) All of the other stuff is food in plastic containers(which we recycle and reuse.) I see some cheese dip (for my Hint of Lime chips) and there is a Vidalia onion wrapped in foil and yes.. that's cool whip for the jello.

Next level. I see three types of "specialty" cheeses. One in the white container is in arabic, but it is the most amazing white cheese (goat.) The one in the plastic wrap with black dots (which I think are cardamon seeds) is really salty and the one in the plastic container with the red top is what the egyptian calls "Turkey Cheese." As in Turkish. It's the driest, saltiest stuff. Totally stinky and completely different that anything you have probably tasted. The green on top - Spicy Guac. In the back, I think there are some carrots, and what you can't see to the left is the milk and eggs.

One shelf has all of the essentials. Lemon juice, Louisiana hot sauce (like all good southern kitchens, bold & creamy chipotle sauce for my famous taco salads, yellow mustard for the egyptian's sandwiches, taco sauce and sugar free blackberry jam.

Another level - Worcestershire sauce, my fave coconut cream coffee mate, some fresh/organic balsamic vinaigrette, and the items that is cover is tomato sauce.

Oh yeah - MY FAVE - Blueberry jam (organic.) I eat it on toast. That crappy processed cheese is to the right. I told you, the egyptian loves his cheese.

I finally got a Keurig/K Cup coffee machine thingy and I have my box of K cups and of course, my organic whole wheat flour for my home made waffles. I keep all of my baking stuff up there.

Here you see the strawberry jello (the egyptian's fave,) chocolate pudding (for Autumn's visits,) my honey collection, my canned veggies for those busy nights, some Peanut butter, tahini, biscoff spread, crackers, prunes, and mac & cheese.

Lebanese flat bread, and buns.

See - I did not even organize it for you: The egyptian's collection of canned tuna (yuck) as well as beans, corn muffin mix, random processed canned stuff for emergencies, a big bag of Zatar and Lentils. In the containers are orzo and basmati rice.

Just a few of my spices (in the front of the cabinet.) Sumac, Mediterranean Seasoned Salt, Paprika, Za'atar, Cayenne, rosemary and cumin.

finally.. some apples and oranges from the farmer's market.


What do you have in your pantry? Share in a post and leave your link below.


Here are some past posts where I showcased some sneak peeks...

November 2010

February 2010



 

Things I Have Learned This Week

1. Sleep is a glorious, glorious, cleansing, healing thing.

2. The Flu or some random bacterial infection has invaded my body and WON'T seem to go away.

3. I really do love taking pictures.

4. My new antibiotic causes insomnia. Eew.

5. If you lay low, and mind your own business - life goes by so much easier.

6. Today's my 5 year anniversary. I might be the only who remembers.

7. I finally wrote a blog post. Now I find I have nothing to say.

8. Perhaps the 6 year old who keeps talking might be the reason I am limited on what I can say.

9. I might make it to 10.

10. Yep.

Much needed break

I knew something wasn't right when I began writing super fast at work. Basically, I had to create a persuasive letter for potential artists to purchase a vendor booth at our festival, and I had to write a 4 page piece for an end of the year report - both of which I did in less than 30 minutes. Something told me then that I missed writing.

So.. I'm back.

I needed to just remove myself from sharing so much of my life with others. I have sort of decided to totally pull back, not just in my writing, but in general. I've been keeping to myself, even when it comes to friendships. I sort of figure, if you want to know what's going on with me - then call me. I also just needed some time to breathe. And live.

We all need that space from time to time. Whether it's with our family, our significant other, our friends, our co-workers - we all need time to just gather our thoughts and hopefully, after the break, you will appreciate the relationships you have even more.

I think my body responded to needing to rid myself of the excess toxins by catching the Flu. Yes, for almost two weeks I have been really, REALLY sick. My hair would end up soaking wet each night from my fever attempting to break. I was hacking up a lung. My body ached, my head hurt, I was vomiting and I had lost my appetite. Apparently, over the past week or so, I've become so dehydrated that somehow.. someway.. I ended up with a really bad bladder infection. Now I'm on some SUPER strength antibiotics and other random pills. Let's just say.. my urine is bright orange because of the meds. Lovely thought, right? Yes...

I've also had a TON of things going on at work. We hosted a Second Saturday Storytelling which was a complete success. The community response is going so well that one of the local tv stations wants our storyteller to come on air once a month (regular schedule) to promote the next book. YAY!

The very next day we had our Fall Benefit at the museum. This was a small fundraiser to support the education and outreach programs. It was hosted by one of the HBC's in Georgia, Fort Valley State University.

At the event, there was delicious food (seen above,) a wonderful jazz quintet, a live auction, and a Veteran's Day tribute. We met our goal, which is exactly what we wanted!

I've got some other news... sort of. I finally finished the red badge program with my Rotary group. Rotary is doing this new thing where new members for through an "orientation" period. Sort of reminds me of Greek life and the whole pledge process. I finally completed enough points to be official. I have to admit, at first I felt a little silly in the program. Sort of like I was not sure if it was the right place for me. But each week, I honestly meet some of the most dynamic business leaders in our community. I get to eat a fantastic lunch, and while doing so, I hear some amazing presenters. Just this last week, a representative from Mercer University came and shared the "Mercer on a Mission" program. This program is where students as well as faculty, head to remote village and fit people with prosthesis, provide ways to get clean drinking water, and a slew of other services. Each week, the stories are profound and very moving. I even got up one Saturday morning and cleaned up part of the Interstate with fellow Rotarians. I have to say.. I'm drinking the kool-aid my friends. ;-)

Outside of that, I've been selected to be on a Public Arts Committee for the city. There is a group of us (representatives from Arts organizations, as well as key stake holders with the local government) that are meeting to identify public and private spaces for public art. What's kind of cool, is that in the end, something will be in place for years to come that people will enjoy. It'll be that "thing" you go to take a picture in front of. It's nice knowing I will play a part in making my community a more culturally vibrant place.

Also - I don't know who did it, but I was nominated for Leadership Macon. I'm sort of excited. I have to attend an interview to see if I will be selected, only a select few actually make it through, but it is nice to know I was thought of by someone. I checked out the criteria, and it looks like the courses (which take places over 11 months,) are pretty cool. There includes a lot of topics I could get excited about. Who knows...

It's weird really. Since I have moved home, so many wonderful career opportunities just keep unfolding before my eyes. Everything I (we) do in the community (from the museum's standpoint) is so well received, it just sort of blows my mind. I don't know if I see myself in Macon long term, but it certainly seems like I am at the right place at the right time. As always, I want to use this time to make a difference. I need to just relax... and do what needs to be done.

One last "update" of sorts - I am SUPER excited about the next First Friday Forum at the museum. So.. you may not know about this, but each First Friday in downtown Macon there is a huge celebration of sorts. All of the restaurants and bars get involved, as well as the businesses. We are about to have our 3rd event. (I love that I, along with my intern, get to make these up.) In October, we had some nurses from the Central Georgia Breast Care Center do a "Breast Cancer Awareness" forum. We had a small group of about 14 people attend. Then last month we had an African Drumming Forum and it was PHENOMENAL. Even more people showed up. THIS TIME (and I am SOOO excited about this,) we are doing a "Celebration of Words." It's a mix of spoken word/poetry readings and things like that. We got a local coffee shop in the College Hill Corridor called "Jittery Joes" to sponsor with an in kind donation of coffee and pastries. So people will get to have a mock "poetry cafe" experience. I decided to charge $3 a person, and even have it where for the first hour and a half it's "family friendly" and the last hour and a half, more mature material can be read. I am SOOO excited.

Oops.. one more update. I get to lead ANOTHER marketing workshop. If you will remember, I did one for Middle Georgia Art Association on how to market their art. This month, I get to do a different presentation to the Macon Writer's Group. Mainly this will focus on marketing for those who are self published. I'm really excited and honored to share what I know.

Wow.. right? :-)

That's it folks. I think you are caught up on my life.

Oh yeah.. today is my 5 year wedding anniversary.

Until next time...

Things I have learned this week

1. Aches, fever, chills, cough, vomit and extreme fatigue = The Flu. By the way, it sucks.

2. It really is all about the camera. Work bought me a EOS Rebel (Canon.) My photos are freaking amazing.

3. Obama. (Booyah.)

4. Trying to play catch up at work after only being out 2 days is basically like voluntarily going into a concentration camp. It's like I'm trying to kill myself.

5. I finally have a great excuse to purchase the Keurig. MY COFFEE POT DIED. That's right. This morning. I am having to settle for hot cocoa. Next Friday, Mr. Keurig - you are MINE!

6. Next Saturday is my 5 year wedding anniversary. I wonder if he will remember.

7. My November Issue of Psychology Today has been a blast to read while sick. Pick one up.

8. I finally qualified for an upgrade with AT&T. Don't laugh, but I am not the type that has to have the latest, I just like to have something. So it's time to get rid of my little Iphone 3 and upgrade to a 4. Yes, I am like one upgrade behind, but honestly - I don't care. I will receive my new phone for $1 (with a two year contract.) I saved $450. Yay me!

9. I have been living off two sweet gifts from God: Holiday Grapes and Honey Crisp Apples from Fresh Market. Oh my word... they taste like love.

10. I have a fear that our staff Thanksgiving holiday meal will involve someone bringing KFC. I am SOOOOOOO against KFC. But I like fried chicken. It will be torture.

11. I finally had to turn the heat on for one night. Just to take the nip out of the air. Other than that - the weather is really finally beautiful. Cool air, bright blue skies.

12. The trees STILL have not changed for me.

13. Ladybugs are ALL over my house.

14. I decided to read a trash novel for fun. It's called "Gypsy Lover." I got it for 25 cents at Kema's Book Shop. *hee hee*

15. Today is the first day that I woke up and did not feel like I was going to hack a lung off. When I cough, I still sound like a 20-year smoker. Booo.

16. That the states that voted for Romney (majority) are the highest in illiteracy, have less college educated citizens and are the poorest. Interesting.

17. Make that 3 months until I turn 40. EEK.

18. My skin looks sooo dry. This weather change is not good for preserving Nicole.

19. Did I mention I'm getting a Keurig?

20. Two events. Two days. Here I go...

F.L.U.

There has been less of this

 

 

And more of this

 

Actual shot of my pajamas


There's definitely been waaay less of this

And most certainly more of this

 

The flu is on the way out.

 

Slooooowly.. but surely.

 

 



A Decision Has Been Made

Something has been weighing heavily on my mind.

I think it is time to forge a new path.

 

I've given this blog over three years of my life, and I have written almost every, single day.

 

I think it may be time to officially pull back a bit, and work on some of those dreams I have been putting on hold.

 

You know.. putting those God-given talents to use.

 

You see, the problem with a blog is -it's hit and miss if anyone can relate to you.

 

Oh, I've caused plenty of fights with my words. I have received the most offensive email from people I know, as well as people I don't know.

 

But when the comments stop... and the applause dies down..

 

I begin to question why I do it at all.

 

If I feel a sense of let down, maybe I am doing it for validation.

 

Whatever the case my be, I want you to know I am not abandoning Destination Unknown.

 

No way.

 

I gave birth to this baby, and I plan to stick by her side.

 

Instead- no more will you find the daily dribble.

 

Gone are the days of random posts.

 

From now on, if you get anything from me, it'll be because I planned it that way.

 

I may write a few times a week

Maybe once a week.

Heck, maybe once a month.

 

But it's time for me to start working on something a little more... well.. important.

 

I'm going to write a book.

 

That's right.

 

No.. it's not fiction.

 

On the contrary.

 

But I am trying to sort that out.

 

Mark this day my friends, the day I made the official decision to work on something bigger.

Something bolder.

 

It's time, I think.

 

I hope you stick around.

But you need to know, I am probably going to close out the option for direct email or comments here.

 

 

 

I think it is best this way.

 

So before I do that - let me know if you are still out there.

 

That way, I'll know it's worth my time.

 

PS - I ALSO PLAN TO DELETE THE FB FAN PAGE AND FORE GO THE POSTING TO TWITTER. It will take a little while to disconnect from all of those "ways to share" - but it is something I think I need to do for a while.

 

Have a beautiful night, my friends!

 

 

Sunday Blog Hop Thingy

Honestly, I have not done one of these in a really long time. But I as I was doing my Sunday blog reading, I popped by Tamie Marie's blog and found that she had participated in someone named "Neelie's" blog. Well, her actual blog is called "A Complete Waste of Makeup."

She does one of those Sunday "Get to know you" blog hops with a few questions. I thought to myself, "Hey, that's quick simple and to the point." Perhaps I will discover some fantastic new blogs, and maybe pick up a few new followers in the process.

 

Let's get the questions started:

 

 

1. What is currently on your wish list?

 

Where do I begin? Honestly, I was wanting a nice, new digital SLR camera - and luckily work ordered one for me!! I suppose my next purchase needs to be an ipad and a new iphone. (It's time for me to upgrade!)

 

 

2. What is the new Fall TV Show that you have added to your DVR?

 

Hart of Dixie.

 

 

3. Share your social media links so we can follow you:

 

Twitter    Facebook    Pinterest

 

 

4. What is a TV show, Movie, Song, you could listen to over and over and never tire of?

 

Sex & The City for TV, Under The Tuscan Song for movie, and Careless Whisper by George Michael.

 

 

 

That's it! It's that simple!

 

If you are stopping by for the first time, welcome! I'm Nicole -

 



That's me, doing what I always do... drink coffee.

Make sure to pop by the two tabs on the top, under the header to learn a little more.

Have a GREAT Sunday!

Things I will NEVER stop doing

There are those few things you will never change about yourself. It's those little things you cannot ever imagine yourself without. Perhaps it's something small, but defines you. Maybe it's a preference that you are unwilling to compromise on. Whatever it is - it is special and more importantly, it's a part of who you.

Here are a few things I will never stop doing:

1. Wearing Red Lipstick. I LOVE my lipstick, and I REALLY love wearing red lip stick.

 

 

 

2. Thinking I am Wonder Woman.

 

 

 

 

3. Kicking my addiction to coffee.

 

 

 

 

4. Going to Karaoke bars or "Karaoke" night.

 

 

 

5. Dipping my french fries in Ranch Dressing.

 







 

 

6. Stop thinking that Sex & The City has some of the wittiest writing.

 

 

 

7. Thinking flip flops are the most disgusting shoe ANYONE could wear (outside of the beach and a communal shower.)

 

My one pair of flip flops I have owned for years. They are for the pool & beach ONLY.




Those are just a few items...

Tell me a few of yours!









 

 





Week in Review

I've been a bit quiet the past week (pictures wise.) My camera DIED and I have been busy entertaining my old exchange student from Australia (2005) and within that time period, I had about 2 big events (not including 2 more in the next week.) I am little on the crazy side, for certain.

BUT - I happened to capture a few shots. With my phone. Which has NO flash. Apologies for the quality.

Preparing for our Drum Circle. My intern and I created this great monthly event - First Friday Forums. This month is International Percussion Month.
We held an African Drumming Circle at the Museum in the AT&T Technology classroom.

I took the Australian to meet some of the nicest people I know. Here we are with Marsha & "TOD" on their back porch, deep in the woods in Baldwin County. They own Olive Forge Herb Farm.

Marsha and "TOD" shared their lunch with us - we met two other guests from North Atlanta.

Last weekend, the Australian and Autumn carved the pumpkin on my balcony.

We were craving fried food. What about a trip to Outback? LOL

My intern and my friend, Telisa at the Mr. Imagination exhibit at the museum.

The pumpkin lit up!

At Olive Forge Herb Farm, they shared some local goat cheese and blue cheese. Was really wonderful.

We were also treated to some wonderful oatmeal and some lavender sugar cookies as our dessert. See their lovely clay/pottery dinnerware?

The Australian and I at the Mr. Imagination exhibit.

Telisa and I at the exhibit

Kelsea and I at the exhibit

Look what I get to taste test!!!!

Christie and I at the exhibit

Me WITH the exhibit

Marsha made a Costa Rican recipe of spicy black beans and rice! We had some organic plain yogurt to take the bite out of it!

Then they shared this interesting jelly. It was made of pineapple and guava from Brazil. Was delicious!

Apparently, our Second Saturday Storytelling is a hit!!

Baba Raa and Daniel Muhammed laying down some amazing beats at our Drumming Circle.

Daniel explaining how the Drumming Circle works to our participants at the museum

Things I Learned This Week

1. It is really important that people around me say things like, "Thank you." or "I'm Sorry." Two simple phrases that go a really long way with me.

2. That when you help people and you use your talent - you find your purpose.

3. Going grocery shopping on a full stomach is an excellent idea.

4. A Venti Frappuchino will not do anymore. Made. Me. Sick.

5. Taking some initiative and helping out is something that I think young people are not shown enough of. I should not have to ask you. You should know better.

6. Do not take advantage of a situation. No one likes to be used.

7. I feel the need to apologize to all of the adults I had conversations with when I was between the ages of 24 - 27. I apologize now if I was argumentative and pretended to know it all. OMG. Payback is hell, right?

8. I am looking forward to cooler days. I've enjoyed pulling out my scarves and sweaters and other nice things.

9. I really love having a closet I walk through to go to the bathroom.

10. Having a sink that seems to want to stay clogged up is a bit of a pain.

11. I am soooo looking forward to my life returning to normal. Translation- becoming a hermit.

12. I have also decided - I am sort of done with the whole going out thing. Yep - just 3 1/2 months until I turn 40 and I really could care less about socializing. I was thinking of throwing a big party.. now I am kind of like... meh.

13. I am sure I being so pessimistic because I have spent a little too much time around people over the past few weeks.

14. I truly enjoy spending time with Autumn. I know I have said it before - but she really makes me happy.

15. If I never eat goat again, it will be too soon.

16. My feet do not recover as well from wearing heels as they once did.

17. I need new mascara. I think I am going back to Definicil

18. I really love teal.

19. I'm ready to go to sleep.

20. And done!