Blueprint - Exposed Ceiling Rafters

I'm pretty sure Jimmy could care less about most of the features I blog about as part of my Blueprint series. Deep kitchen sink, really? With that said though, I know for a fact that Jimmy also loves the subject of this post - exposed ceiling rafters. There is something so cool and rustic about beams and rafters. I definitely lean towards lighter ones to keep everything airy. Beams, you will be mine...

{House Beautiful}

{House Beautiful}

{Tom Sheerer}

{Coastal Living}

The Best Thing I Ever Ate: Nutty

It's no secret that I watch the Food Network every chance I get - I'm on my 8th hour today, in between doing laundry, etc. I know, I need to get some fresh air. One of my favorite shows is The Best Thing I Ever Ate. Right now the episode is about nutty foods. Without a doubt the best nutty thing I have even eaten in my 26 years on this earth is Handel's chocolate pecan ice cream.

It's insane. The pecans are roasted and salty. The chocolate ice cream is so creamy. It's the most amazing combination ever. Sadly for me, it's $60+ to have it delivered to NC. Before today, I thought you could only get it in Ohio where my grandparents live. Much to my surprise, however, they have locations in Virginia Beach, where Kelly and Kevin live, and Williamsburg, VA, where Spencer's parents live. Things are looking up...

2010 Beerfest

...went on today at Greenfield Lake while Jimmy and I did more productive things like grocery shopping, paddleboarding, running with Malloy, yard work and more. Sigh. We're responsible adults. That doesn't mean, however, that we didn't have a wonderful night. A little Post Road Pumpkin beer, Spaten Octoberfest, salad, very yummy creamy chicken picasso and a little relaxation is the perfect recipe for great evening. Happy Saturday!

Maple Sweet Potato Sandies

Inspired by Wedded Whittaker's baking fest and the lonely sweet potatoes sitting in my pantry, I decided to whip up a batch of these yummy maple sweet potato sandies from Visions of Sugar Plum. Enjoy!

1 cup finely chopped pecans
1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups finely grated North Carolina sweet potato

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Place pecans and coconut on a large cookie sheet. Bake 6-7 minutes or until lightly toasted and fragrant.

In a medium mixing bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and ginger. In a large mixing bowl, using a mixer on medium speed, beat together butter, brown sugar and sugar until creamy - about 1-2 minutes; beat in maple syrup, egg and vanilla until combined. Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually beat in flour mixture until just combined. Using a wooden spoon, stir in toasted pecans, coconut, and sweet potato until combined. Chill dough in refrigerator for 45 minutes, or until well chilled and firm.

Roll heaping tablespoons of dough into balls, and place on greased cookie sheets, about an inch apart. Flatten balls slightly using palms of hands. Bake 13-15 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer cookies to wire racks to cool.

Makes 30 cookies

Funny is...

...going through sexual harassment training at work with your husband...especially when the trainer, your HR manager, relies on scenarios and role playing. There was some advising against asking to feel Jimmy's muscles, some "what couples should not to do" in the breakroom, I was ogled, Jimmy was very close to having his butt slapped by our co-worker Elizabeth. Ahh good, awkward fun...

Fame

Check out Jimmy's cousin Alyssa's music video. I've had the pleasure of hearing her sing "acoustic" style for the family at holiday get-togethers a couple times now. She is such an amazing young woman, her voice is ridiculous and we couldn't be more proud of her recent success. Go Alyssa!

http://www.youtube.com/user/alyssashouse524

Sunday Funday

Our Sunday was super productive and relaxing. I did the laundry and grocery shopping while Jimmy had class on Saturday, so all I had to do Sunday morning was a quick run workout and a little house cleaning. By noon I was finished with both and geared up for the Redskins game... but then I fell asleep on the couch... but then we miraculously won!! Yay!!

We celebrated by taking a bike ride to the Fat Pelican for a couple beers and then home for TACO NIGHT!! Let's be honest. I'm super obsessed with seasonal beers, especially of the pumpkin variety. Tonight I got to try Dogfish Head's pumpkin beer and I was very impressed. So easy to please...

In other news, I'm currently loosing to Amie's grandma, God love her, in Fantasy football. Really?!?!? Oh well, I've still got tomorrow. I need a fantasy win!!