Butter

Sooooo, I haven't blogged in an embarrassing long time. I have good intentions of getting back into it, but I'm not promising anything. SO much has changed in my life since I've visited this forum and you might think that would be a great place to start - new job, new(ish) town, new friends, new life basically. 

But no, that would be way too easy. Instead, my return to the world of blogging will revolve solely around butter. Yep, you read that right. Butter. You may be asking yourself, "Why butter? Is Sarah picking up where Paula Deen left off?". It's a great question. No, I do not want to develop type 2 diabetes or contribute to the arterial blockage of my fellow Americans. However, it occurred to me as I was driving home yesterday that several things I'm digging right now revolve around butter in one way or another. 

Exhibit A:

BUTTER: THE MOVIE. I saw this recently in the comfort of my own home through the On Demand services of the evil Comcast (why is Comcast evil? If you don't know first hand then I will explain it to you in a subsequent blog/rant combo that I like to call a blant). This movie is PRECIOUS and HYSTERICAL and RANDOM. It's not the best movie of all time, but it is a great way to spend a rainy Sunday afternoon that will leave you feeling warm, fuzzy, and wondering how Jennifer Garner gets her hair so freaking shiny. 

It will actually be out in theaters soon, if not already, but I paid the same amount to watch it in my pajamas, on my sofa, and with unlimited access to snacky snacks that did not require me to take out a second mortgage, thus contributing to the downfall of the movie theater.Buuuut that's another topic for another day. (See how I'm already racking up ideas for this triumphant return to the world of blogging?!)

Exhibit B:

Fiona Apple: "Hot Knife" from the ridiculously long-titled album "The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do"

I am completely enchanted by this song. I'm still in the process of delving into all the tracks of "The Idler Wheel...", but this one struck me immediately and I've had it on repeat for the past week. I just can't get enough of the cyclical nature of the lyrics, the spirit within them, the rhythm of the rounds, and the lyrics that compare a couple in the first throws of a relationship to butter and a hot knife. It's just cute and hot and charming and reminds you of those butterflies you get in the first few weeks of a new relationship. I especially like these two stanzas:

I'm a hot knife- if I'm a hot knife- 
I'm a hot knife if he's a pad of butter 
If I get a chance, I'm gonna show him that 
He's never gonna need- never need another. 

He excites me 
Must be like a genesis of rhythm 
I get feisty 
Whenever I'm with him...

Besides, how can you not love a song that's almost completely and solely accompanied by a timpani with a little piano thrown in for good measure?!

Exhibit C: Martha's Ginger Pumpkin Bread

It's a balmy 88 degrees here in Tallahassee, which in Florida culture means FALL IS HERE! Even though I'm still fighting the frizz and wearing flip flops, it is time to stock up on the pumpkin and get to bakin!

This is one of my all-time favorite pumpkin recipes, which, you'll notice, calls for quite a bit of butter (see what I did there? It's called thematic consistency, actually I just made that up, but we'll go with it). I prefer to cut the butter requirement to just one stick and it actually turns out better in my opinion. 

Ingredients

• 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted, plus room-temperature butter for pan
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled), plus more for pan
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed light-brown sugar
• 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree (1 3/4 cups)
• 3 large eggs
• Sugar Glaze, (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Butter and flour two 8 1/2-by-4 1/2-inch (6-cup) loaf pans (see note, below); set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, ginger, and salt. In a medium bowl, whisk together sugars, pumpkin, melted butter, and eggs; add flour mixture, and stir until just combined.
2. Divide batter between prepared pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center of loaves comes out clean, about 50 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes; invert pans and transfer loaves to a wire rack to cool completely. Glaze, if desired.

So friends, enjoy the butter related revelry and I make a not so solemn vow to attempt to blog every once in a while, which will be 100% more than I have done in the last 9 months. 

It's Fall Y'all!

Wait, is it really? It certainly doesn't feel like it. I LOVE fall, autumn, the season after summer and before winter, yet it continually toys with my emotions year after year. We get a little hint, a little sneak, a tiny cold snap and then BAM! Back to 85 degrees and 90% humidity (much like today). YUCK. Regardless of the fluctuating temperatures, it's still fall! In my opinion, fall has the best color scheme, best food and best clothes! I decided that in the absence of my favorite weather I would indulge in my other fall favorites today.

Mini Pumpkin Pies! I actually made these a few weeks ago and they were delicious. And you know, if I can make them then they can't be that hard. Via Bakerella.

Spiced Pumpkin Mousse Trifle via Rachel Ray - must try this. 

Yes, please - to all of it.

I have decided that all trees should be red. Or yellow. 

Pumpkin cookies!

Super creative use of candy corn!

I want my backyard to look like this - well, when I have a backyard.

Don't you just want to put on a sweater and ride a bike over this bridge?

If I didn't already have an adorable fall wreath on my door, this would be my next crafty project.

Let's see - I've gone to a pumpkin patch, had a fancy coffee drink (pumpkin spice latte YUM),  baked MINI pies, and had a picnic with Lauren and Lisa in Birmingham! I apparently still have a lot to do.

Beautiful table.

Who doesn't love a fuzzy pumpkin?!

Or a SPARKLY one??? I am seriously going to do this. THIS is my next crafty project!

Sweater dress!

An adorable hat to keep the head nice and toasty. I do LOVE a nice winter accessory.

I am just a sucker for stripes right now!

No matter how many pairs of boots I have, I usually need more. NEED.

I realize I live in the South and rarely need a coat, but who can resist these adorable jackets? 

So Happy Fall Y'all! That is, if it ever actually gets here.

A little of this, a little of that

Hello blogosphere! I apologize for my silence. I just know you've been dying to know what's been going on. Here it is in a nutshell: end of summer, new boyfriend, downsizing at work = more work, UNCW back to school, nasty craptastic infection, more work, more boyfriend, some travel, and now some more travel! Basically, life is good! One big reason life is good? This guy:

Blog friends, Mike. Mike, blog friends. He's wonderful and amazing and pretty much makes me feel like the most special person in the whole world. Fun fact: he has the same, somewhat rare (very rare in the South) last name as my roommate. Even more fun fact: they are not related. It's caused some confusion amongst friends and coworkers who think I'm dating Stef's brother. Not the case.

UNCDub is back in full swing, in fact, it's already fall break! In the spirit of taking a rest from thinking, I am also jetting off with Mike to Dallas this weekend to see Mom, Kari and Jared, and maybe even my brother! So excited to visit and to introduce Mike to some very important people in my life! I've also taken great pains to prepare him for a fall weekend with me and my mom. In 5 words: Nordstrom, wine, football, sushi, movies.

Speaking of important people, it was Jenn's birthday yesterday! Happy Birthday Jenn!! We really like wine. This is one of many reason we are friends.

Speaking of more important people, I am going to be a bridesmaid in Trisha's wedding in March! I'm so excited to be part of her and Patrick's big day. I've  been blessed enough to be a bridesmaid 7 times, this being the 8th. I'm always happy to do it and own the fact that 27 Dresses is the story of my life. Trisha is letting each bridesmaid pick her own dress (as long as it's the same color and material). Here's the one I chose:

Pretty, right? I'm so excited to wear it! I think it's perfect for my body type, which is the beauty of picking our own style!

In other news I'm getting ready to go back to Germany this November to travel around for a week and sing with my Dad's college alumni choir. This may sound random to some, but won't surprise others. I've been singing choral music my entire life and absolutely love it. The German people love it too and this group has been taking this trip for over 20 years. I'm excited to be going on my second tour and can't wait to sing again with some awesome musicians! Another bonus? Germans LOVE Christmas. Consequently, SO DO I! I am part German, so this just makes sense. Anywho, the Germans have these great Christmas markets called Christkindlesmarkt that pop up all over the country. You can buy all sorts of things at these markets including intricately carved wood ornaments, jewelry, nesting dolls, handmade scarves, and hundreds of other items. Some pictures from the last trip:

Can't WAIT to go back!

So this is basically what I've been up to! I'm not making any promises, but I hope to be blogging more these days!

Little things

More in-depth blog coming very soon, but in the meantime....

Things that make me happy:

1. Freshly cut flowers
2. Getting a haircut
3. The first crisp fall day of the season
4. Ginger babies
5. The smell of a new book
6. Watching an old movie and recognizing a now-famous actor in a bit part
7. Finding jeans that make your butt look real good.
8. Hearing a baby laugh
9. When my cat, Sidda, flips around in the air
10. Any type of bread just out of the oven
11. Coming up with an inspired Halloween costume and then pulling it off
12. Falling in love
13. New friends meeting old friends and loving each other as much as I love them.
14. Sloth days
15. The sense of accomplishment after a kick your ass workout
16. Sparkly things
17. Yelling at the TV during an Auburn game
18. Visiting family
19. Getting mail that's not a bill, magazine, or advertisement.
20. Buying funny greeting cards and saving them for the perfect occasion
21. New clothes
22. Friends that not only tolerate my crazy, but share in it as well
23. Getting completely lost in a book and losing all track of time
24. Christmas decorations
25. Singing choral music
26. The inspiration for this post: http://justlittlethings.net/

Best damn conference in the country!

I know, I know. I haven't blogged in forever and really, this is just a re-blog from the lovely Annahita, (who is a Gamecock fan, but we'll forgive her. Hey, at least she's in the right conference!) but a. it is so worth it and b. I promise to do a true update soon. Summer recap anyone? 

T'was a Month Before Football

by Johnny Smith

{via}

T’was a month before football, and all through the South

Rabid fans everywhere were running their mouth.

The recruits were all arriving to show off their wares,

In hopes that playing time soon would be theirs.

The fans were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of championships danced in their heads.

And Momma in her Orange, and I in my blue,

were patiently waiting for the season to ensue.

When out on the field there arose such a clatter,

I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.

Away to my front door I flew on a rail,

Only to see a Bulldog brandishing his ‘bell.

I went to the internet to find out the reason,

it seems they’re hoping for a championship season.

I decided to look at the other teams’ prospects,

and there I found all of the usual suspects.

While Bama fans keep claiming judgment day is near

The Auburn fans keep saying there is nothing to fear.

The Gator fans are joyfully embracing their new leader,

And Georgia fans are hoping their season don’t teeter.

LSU is hoping they don’t need any luck,

To get by a team of high-scoring Ducks.

While Rebel fans are just now leaving their casinos,

Hog fans are dreaming of crowning Petrino.

On Rocky Top, Bray seems to be the magical word

While Gamecocks hope to keep their opponents spurred.

Poor Vandy and Kentucky, as in seasons past,

Are just hoping their teams aren’t playing for last.

And then, in an instant, I heard on the news

Everyone was picking the champion to lose.

I looked at their roster, scratching my head,

I couldn’t believe what they had just said.

While across the state at that other school,

These same pundits were saying the Tide would rule.

While one school is dissed because of their losses,

The school that is picked first lost way more hosses.

That’s life in this conference, I readily admit,

And what you did last year doesn’t matter a bit.

Championships in this conference are hard to come by,

But repeating as champion is an even farther cry.

So now we sit and wait for the veterans to report,

And hope they are ready to hold down the fort.

Many who waited their turn on the sideline,

Will now be hoping to become the next headline!

While injuries and suspensions can wreck someone’s season,

Let’s hope they stay healthy and for good reason,

For most of us this is nothing more than a game,

But for them it’s their livelihood if they come up lame.

Here’s hoping for a good finish to the season this year,

And may twelve SEC teams celebrate holiday cheer.

We all have our dreams of postseason glory,

But let team play and sportsmanship be the main story!

To win the crown, there’s one thing to remember.

You’ve first got to get to that game in December.

Winning championships is what it’s about,

Here’s wishing every Saturday was a Saturday Down South.

WAR EAGLE!!!

As it should be

Emmy Nominations as they should be, according to me.

OUTSTANDING DRAMA
Boardwalk Empire
Dexter
Friday Night Lights
Game of Thrones
The Good Wife
Mad Men

The Walking Dead

I have nothing against Dexter really, I just never got into it personally. However, one of my absolute favorite shows of the year was AMC"s The Walking Dead. They make a zombie apocalypse seem less fantastical and more probable.

OUTSTANDING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA
Julianna Margulies (The Good Wife)
Kathy Bates (Harry’s Law)Mariska Hargitay (Law and Order: SVU)
Connie Britton (Friday Night Lights)
Elisabeth Moss (Mad Men)
Mireille Enos (The Killing)

Anna Torv (Fringe)

Anna Torv, arguably the weakest of the trio of leads on Fringe, still had an incredibly strong year playing two sides of a parallel universe.  And although Kathy Bates is an accomplished and respected actress, Harry's Law is just silly.

OUTSTANDING ACTOR IN A DRAMA
Jon Hamm (Mad Men)
Kyle Chandler (Friday Night Lights)
Steve Buscemi (Boardwalk Empire)
Michael C. Hall (Dexter)
Hugh Laurie (House)Timothy Olyphant (Justified)
John Noble (Fringe)

It is CRIMINAL that John Noble has not been acknowledged by the Emmy's for his work on Fringe. His portrayal of Walter's bumbling brilliance and, alternately, Walternate's steely reserve and vengeance make him an obvious choice. Well, to those that know good tv. 

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA
John Slattery (Mad Men)
Josh Charles (The Good Wife)
Andre Braugher (Men of a Certain Age)
Walton Goggins (Justified)
Alan Cumming (The Good Wife)
Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones)

I have no beef with any of these men and think this category is a strong one. I will say, however, that Peter Dinklage was absolutely hysterical, brilliant, and endearing in Game of Thrones, and as a long time fan (The Station Agent anyone?) I will be rooting for him.

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA
Christina Hendricks (Mad Men)
Archie Panjabi (The Good Wife)
Christine Baranski (The Good Wife)
Margo Martindale (Justified)
Kelly Macdonald (Boardwalk Empire)
Michelle Forbes (The Killing)

Again, I have no strong feelings in this category except for the fact that Archie Panjabi MUST WIN again, if only for this scene (do yourself a favor and turn up the volume. To 11.):

OUTSTANDING COMEDY
The Big Bang Theory
The OfficeParks and Recreation
Modern Family
Glee30 Rock

Community

Archer

How I Met Your Mother

Oooookay. Here is where the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and I part ways, become adversaries, get into a food fights, etc. etc. etc. I have a lovely place in my heart for The Office, and although it is still a quality show, there are others that are now doing it better. I know that it is shocking to see Glee crossed out my list, of all people, but it was a weak year for a show that started off strongly. They still do many things well, but building a seasonal arc is not one of them, something I consider somewhat essential to the type of show Glee has set itself up to be.

Community is simply one of the funniest shows on tv. Period. If you actually watch it there is no way you will argue with me. 

I recently discovered Archer and have only watched the first season, which was so outrageously inappropriate and hysterical. It's streaming instantly on Netflix so watch it while you can for free! (Don't get me started - that's a whole other blog post)

And I'll admit that How I Met Your Mother is a sentimental pick for me because I just love it. They've had stronger seasons than this last one, but I admire the steps they're taking to grow the characters and add a little depth to an entertaining show.

OUTSTANDING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY
Melissa McCarthy (Mike & Molly)
Tina Fey (30 Rock)
Martha Plimpton (Raising Hope)
Amy Poehler (Parks and Recreation)
Edie Falco (Nurse Jackie)
Laura Linney (The C Word)

LOVE Melissa McCarthy. Loved her as Sookie in Gilmore Girls, loved her playing so against type in Bridesmaids that it blew my mind, but do not love this show. Beyond finding it somewhat insulting to larger people, it's just not funny.

OUTSTANDING ACTOR IN A COMEDY
Alec Baldwin (30 Rock)
Louis C.K. (Louie)
Steve Carell (The Office)
Johnny Galecki (The Big Bang Theory)Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory)
Matt LeBlanc (Episodes)

Nick Offerman (Parks and Recreation)

Garrett Dillahunt (Raising Hope)

Joel McHale (Community)

I know, trust me, I know. Steve Carrell created one of the most noxious, yet lovable characters in The Office's Michael Scott, but I think this nomination is for the run of the series, not the past year. Sentimental fools!

I have nothing against Johnny Galecki or Matt LeBlanc, I just don't think they're as good as my other picks. 

Joel McHale anchors the  cast of Community with a wry smile and effortless style. And Garrett Dillahunt is a pleasant surprise as the slightly dim, yet gentle Burt.

And then there's Nick Offerman aka RON FUCKING SWANSON. He can do no wrong. There aren't words to describe him, just this:

Oh, and this:

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY
Chris Colfer (Glee)
Jon Cryer (Two and a Half Men)Eric Stronestreet (Modern Family)
Ty Burrell (Modern Family)
Ed O’Neil (Modern Family)
Aziz Ansari (Parks and Recreation)

Danny Pudi (Community)

I promise no more Parks and Rec videos after this one. 

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY
Jane Lynch (Glee)
Betty White (Hot in Cleveland)
Jane Krakowski (30 Rock)Julie Bowen (Modern Family)
Sofia Vergara (Modern Family)
Kristen Wiig (Saturday Night Live)
Judy Greer (Archer)

Busy Phillips (Cougar Town)

 I realize that Betty White is a national treasure and all, but really? Hot in Cleveland?

I know many of you are wondering who the hell is Judy Greer? You know her. You just don't know that you know her. Blogworld, meet Judy Greer:

Right? I know, she's been in everything, including voicing one of the characters on Archer. Her delivery is HYSTERICAL. The entire show is hysterical, but she's my favorite.

 

And Busy Phillips on the seriously underrated show Cougar Town is just a vision of air-headed bubblegum. Her clothes alone deserve an award.

OUTSTANDING REALITY SHOW COMPETITION
Project Runway
American Idol
The Amazing Race
So You Think You Can Dance
Dancing with the Stars

Yay So You Think You Can Dance! Booo Dancing with the Stars. And can we please just put American Idol out of it's misery?

OUTSTANDING VARIETY, MUSIC, OR COMEDY SERIES
The Colbert Report
The Daily Show With Jon Stewart
Conan
Real Time with Bill Maher
Late Night with Jimmy Fallon

No Letterman, No Leno and instead Conan and Jimmy Fallon?! Yes Emmy's, YES! You got something right. Thank God.

A roller coaster ride of emotions

Emmy Nominations are out! It's no secret that I love TV. I know, I know. I should read more, be more active, play a sport. To that I retort: I read more than the average bear, I AM active, and I don't play team sports to the benefit of potential teammates. I just also make time to watch a disturbing amount of tv. 

Now, I watch my fair share of shit programming (i.e., most all of ABC Family's original programming - don't judge, Make It or Break It is horrendously amazing), but I also champion some truly excellent television shows as well (i.e. Parks and Recreation, Community, The Walking Dead, Friday Night Lights, the list goes on). Therefore, I'm always naively optimistic that these incredible shows will get recognized by the Emmy's, often considered THE awards show for television (although I would argue it's headed the Academy Awards route of being considered stodgy, predictable, and antiquated). The nominations are out for this year's broadcast, and, per usual, I am sent on a roller coaster ride of yays! and seriously?!'s and OMGWTF's. I still need to process my feelings about the following nominations and will provide my commentary and my own fantasy nominee list later today. Stay tuned readers.

OUTSTANDING DRAMA
Boardwalk Empire
Dexter
Friday Night Lights
Game of Thrones
The Good Wife
Mad Men

OUTSTANDING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA
Julianna Margulies (The Good Wife)
Kathy Bates (Harry’s Law)
Mariska Hargitay (Law and Order: SVU)
Connie Britton (Friday Night Lights)
Elisabeth Moss (Mad Men)
Mireille Enos (The Killing)

OUTSTANDING ACTOR IN A DRAMA
Jon Hamm (Mad Men)
Kyle Chandler (Friday Night Lights)
Steve Buscemi (Boardwalk Empire)
Michael C. Hall (Dexter)
Hugh Laurie (House)
Timothy Olyphant (Justified)

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA
John Slattery (Mad Men)
Josh Charles (The Good Wife)
Andre Braugher (Men of a Certain Age)
Walton Goggins (Justified)
Alan Cumming (The Good Wife)
Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones)

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA
Christina Hendricks (Mad Men)
Archie Panjabi (The Good Wife)
Christine Baranski (The Good Wife)
Margo Martindale (Justified)
Kelly Macdonald (Boardwalk Empire)
Michelle Forbes (The Killing)

OUTSTANDING COMEDY
The Big Bang Theory
The Office
Parks and Recreation
Modern Family
Glee
30 Rock

OUTSTANDING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY
Melissa McCarthy (Mike & Molly)
Tina Fey (30 Rock)
Martha Plimpton (Raising Hope)
Amy Poehler (Parks and Recreation)
Edie Falco (Nurse Jackie)
Laura Linney (The C Word)

OUTSTANDING ACTOR IN A COMEDY
Alec Baldwin (30 Rock)
Louis C.K. (Louie)
Steve Carell (The Office)
Johnny Galecki (The Big Bang Theory)
Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory)
Matt LeBlanc (Episodes)

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY
Chris Colfer (Glee)
Jon Cryer (Two and a Half Men)
Eric Stronestreet (Modern Family)
Ty Burrell (Modern Family)
Ed O’Neil (Modern Family)

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY
Jane Lynch (Glee)
Betty White (Hot in Cleveland)
Jane Krakowski (30 Rock)
Julie Bowen (Modern Family)
Sofia Vergara (Modern Family)
Kristen Wiig (Saturday Night Live)

OUTSTANDING REALITY SHOW COMPETITION
Project Runway
American Idol
The Amazing Race
So You Think You Can Dance
Dancing with the Stars

OUTSTANDING VARIETY, MUSIC, OR COMEDY SERIES
The Colbert Report
The Daily Show With Jon Stewart
Conan
Real Time with Bill Maher
Late Night with Jimmy Fallon

See the full list of Emmy nominations here.