Random Update

I would update the blog more often, but my life has become comfortably boring.  Here are a few noteworthy events/ observations.

(1)  Chick-fil-a kickoff game in Atlanta.

Charles caught a cow.

And my ring looked extra-sparkly under the dome lights.

Which brings me to my next notable update....

(2)  Wedding planning.  So far we have a venue, photographer, caterer, baker (cake), and florist.  If anyone would like to pick my dress, bridesmaids dresses, bridesmaids, guest list (w/ addresses), registry items, or videographer, please let me know -- you will make my fall break (1 month away!) much less busy!

(3)  Alex forgot to specifically mention in her labor day post that WE GOT TO HANG OUT.  Good, good times.

(4)  Mama and Daddy took me and Charles to see Jersey Boys as my early birthday present.  That's a crazy event for a school night!

(5)  The upgrade to i0S 7.  I love all things Apple; I'm obsessed.

(6)  School is turning me into a "runner."  At least for now.  I study 100% better on days I allow time to clear my head.  I wouldn't really say I like it, but it's definitely becoming a staple.

(7)  I've been having weird dreams.  And craving hotdogs.  (not at the same time)

(8)  I really miss going outside and biking to class.  (Although I am thankful I don't have to bike to UAB!)

(9)  I am always cold.  Today I wore socks, shoes, jeans, a flannel shirt and covered up with a blanket in class.

(10)  Southerners talk really slowly.  I've been watching lectures on 2x speed to study, and the southern lecturers sound normal -- the others sound like chipmunks.  

Labor Day Weekend and other random things

Kevin and I made the trek to the Magic City for Labor Day and had much needed time with family and friends. 

 We managed to eat all of our favorite foods,

did some shopping, 

and we took this one for her first drive! (in a parking lot)

Speaking of driving, I wonder if anyone's obituary reads death by 8 o'clock traffic. Because I'm pretty sure that's a contributing factor to wrinkles, mental disorders, and all-around destruction. 

In happier news, I let the secret out today that I am starting up some new adventures! Check it out here.

Friday Inspiration

Image via A Paper Aeroplane

Wishing I could sit on this back porch with a cup of coffee and a good book.

Dying to make this flourless chocolate espresso cake.

Reading this new journal series and loving it.

How cute is this little guy? Pups + Bike baskets = Too cute for words.

Thinking that this free printable would be great over my desk. Such a needed reminder.

Pretty sure this is going to be my next cookbook purchase. So much goodness.

Weekend Adventures

 We drove into the sunrise to spend the weekend in the wonderful city of St. Louis. 

 There was the journey to the top of the arch,

the Braves vs. Cardinals game, 

 and the exploration of downtown and all of its charm.

We ate the most magnificent brunch at Soulard Coffee Garden and had the best lattes at The Mud House.

And then there was The City Museum. Pretty much the coolest museum ever. 

A bus hung off the roof with a ferris wheel on the opposite side. A ten-story slide (among many other slides), lots of climbing and swinging activities, and spectacular exhibits fill the inside. Like I said, not your typical museum. I thought Kevin was never going to leave. 

I'm already making a list of places to go when we return. Needless to say, I fell in love with St. Louis and all of its loveliness and cannot wait to go back!

Friday Inspiration

Check out 7 Stylish Ways to Wear A Bandana and sport your favorite bandana style this weekend. My personal favorites are retro and boho. 

I think this bed-nook would be perfect for guests or rainy day reading.

21Photos Proving That Eldest Siblings Have the Toughest Job in the World. Couldn't.stop.laughing. We eldest have a tough job indeed.

I'm a big fan of handwritten letters and I love this DIY of handmade envelopes.

Here's to a lovely weekend.

BBQ+Chicken+Bacon Quesadilla {Crockpot Style}

So this is how it went down. I knew I wanted to make quesadillas; I started the crockpot right after work and threw in some chicken and salsa. While the chicken was cooking away, I remembered the amazing quesadilla I had at this restaurant. Two years ago, and I still remember it. Obviously the BBQ+bacon goodness had an impact on me. Anyways, I decided to recreate it as best I could. And it turned out pretty darn good. We're rhyming over here, folks.

Hold on to your hats because this recipe is mouthwatering. I mean who doesn't love barbecue chicken, bacon, and cheese all in one place? No one. That's who.
Not only is this quesadilla super delicious, but it is so. darn.easy.

{Serving Size for 2}

Ingredients:
4 soft taco shells
2 medium chicken breasts
4 pieces of cooked bacon or substitute bacon bits
shredded taco cheese
1 cup medium chunky salsa
barbecue sauce (however much or little you please)

Place chicken in crockpot on low for about 5 1/2 hours. Pour salsa over the chicken (You could use barbecue sauce instead if you don't want the extra flavor that comes with the salsa)

Go about your day and savor the aroma every time your enter the kitchen (this is a must in my humble opinion whenever crockpot cooking). Maybe snack on some chips & salsa while you're at it. Because let's be honest, chips & salsa is essential to every good quesadilla.

When the chicken is done, shred using a fork and keep it in the crockpot on warm.

Get those taco shells out and sprinkle cheese all over 2 of them (you can add bacon here too if you want), then place all 4 in the oven on broil at 450 degrees until the shells are nice and toasted and the cheese is melty (Mine were perfect at 4 minutes)

Pour barbecue sauce all over the 2 shells with the cheese to your taste.

Add bacon-either cut up into small pieces after cooked-or sprinkle bacon bits. Both are good, both add that bacon-ey goodness that we all know and love. Bacon-ey. It may or may not be a word. It is most definitely a lifestyle.

Scoop the chicken onto those shells and sprinkle more cheese if you're into that sorta thing. Bring on the cheese, please. 

Slap on those top tortillas, slice like a mini pizza, and try to make it last more than five minutes.

Forever Like That

First of all, shout out to Alex for re-vamping the blog.  It looks great!

Okay, so I realize that Alex has outblogged me like 100:1 the past few weeks.  I'd like to say I'll do better.... but that's probably not going to happen.

Here's a quick recap of the past few weeks.

(1)  Bryan Adams concert with Daddy.  Confession: I knew who he was because of the movie "Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron" (he was featured on a large portion of the soundtrack).  Turns out, he's REALLY good live, AND he sang a "Spirit" song.  

(2)  Lots of class.  This photo is me modeling "glaucoma glasses," glasses that imitate what it's like to see like a person with glaucoma.  Unfortunately(?), trying on different diseases is not the typical class.

Macie trying to read with glaucoma glasses

(3)  White Coat ceremony.  Three weeks in to class, UAB held a ceremony for their latest victims.  This coat is perfect for my "professional" wardrobe because a) it "matches" everything and b) I'm always cold.

(4)  BEN RECTOR'S NEW ALBUM CAME OUT TODAY!!!!!!  If you've EVER read my blog entries you know I have a Ben Rector problem.  I've lost count of how many of his concerts I've been to (9?), and according to iTunes I've played "The Beat" 262 times.  I fell in love with his song "Forever Like That" at a concert in October 2011, and I've been on pins and needles waiting for it to come out since then.  

Disclaimers: (1) the video below of "Forever Like That" isn't my own; (2) it's hopelessly romantic.

First thing I did this morning!

Now go listen to his album.