Mason Jars

Mason Jars, Ball Jars, Glass Jars, Canning Jars, whatever you call them, I LOVE them. My hatred of plastic bags and bottles started in my youth. It hasn't gotten any better over time. The sound of someone crunching up an empty plastic water bottle is enough to make my skin crawl. I have used reusable bags at the grocery store for years, only because in my many years of apartment living, the elevator seems to always be out of service when I go grocery shopping and making more than one trip up the stairs carrying bags flat out sucks. The reusable bags are bigger and stronger.

While I can appreciate the convenience of a zip lock bag, I hate they way they make my pantry look. Working in restaurants for so long has made me obsessive about being able to find things quickly and easily. Knowing exactly how many chocolate chips are left in the crinkled up bag in a bag is impossible and I inevitably start baking when there are not enough for my recipes.

Organizing my pantry using mason jars to store just about everything I can has made me a happy cooker. I can see what I need, how much is left and things stay fresh. It's nice to look at and the jars are less expensive over time than the zip lock bags that I hardly reuse.

Mason jars also make for a great cocktail glass, they are dishwasher safe and they are charming, for what it's worth. I have never had a drink from a mason jar without a smile on my face.

Consider replacing your plastic bags with mason jars. I guarantee you will smile when you open your pantry.

Tennessee Tips!

I've learned a lot of new things living in the city. Nashville is a great place filled with wonderful people. Since I keep learning new things I thought I might share two Tennessee Tips today! You may find them useful wherever you live.

Tennessee Tip número uno:
The Red Solo Cup iPhone Amplifier

Red Solo Cups have been a part of my whole life. Since they're widely available, I have used them at backyard picnics as a child, in high school at our keg parties where we would drink Newcastle on the soccer fields in Laguna, and now they were a part of my moving care package from Bev. She was smart and sweet enough to pack up some cups, plastic ware, paper plates, napkins, soap, a sponge, toilet paper, shampoo, body wash, and a pen and paper so while I was moving I didn't have to search for anything!

The Red Solo Cups proved extra handy when we went on our canoe adventure a few days ago. Steph, a fellow California girl taught me this tip! If you place your iPhone in a Red Solo Cup, the sound is instantly amplified. What's better is that it's added protection against minor water spills and fits nicely in the canoe cup holder! Your music is louder and you don't even have to fuss with external speakers! Genius!

Tennessee Tip número dos:
Carry a coozie!

At night I always have a small purse with minimal necessities when I go out. Wether it's a friends house or a local bar, beer is always better cold. A coozie is slim enough to fit inside my smallest cluch. I know because the first night I was in Nashville, one of the sweet gentleman from Rebar bought me a beer and gave me a coozie with it! It's standard practice in these parts to cover your beer. Out at the ranch they are referred to as "Huggies", but whatever you call it, always keep one with you! You never know when you're going to need it!

For those of you unfamiliar with a coozie please reference the Urban Dictionary definition:

www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=coozie
A beer holder that keeps your beer cold. An insulated wrap that holds a can of beer. Usually made of Neophrene or styrophome (Must be a Southern term)

Men at Bars

I consider myself a social person, albeit shy. I don't talk to strangers. When someone strikes up a conversation with my friends at a bar, I generally assume they may know them. I try to be polite. If they weren't greeted with a hug then I will flash a half smile if they make eye contact, just in case my friend doesn't remember their name and doesn't want to be rude by not using it in an introduction. It takes about fifteen seconds for me to sum a person up. That's it. That is all the time they get before I'm checking my phone, walking off to the bar, making sure the jukebox is playing a song, or just straight walking away from the small talk.

If within fifteen seconds you've already managed to ask me the dreaded question of "What do you do?" and this just happened, I know that next is a series of other personal questions that I also don't want to answer. In Nashville it means you're not a musician or in the industry by any means. I think that's why all of my friends here are in the business. If when my friend answers your horribly uninteresting question honestly and you follow it up wiping the sweat from your brow and answer with "Insurance" I'm still not interested. I'm not interested in what you do. I don't care where you are from or how long you have lived in Nashville. The only thing I'm thinking about is when you actually ask our names, are you going to reach out your sweaty palm and try to shake my hand? I'm not above being rude for the sake of protecting myself against germs. I do not go around shaking people's hands at the gym. A simple nod and smile does me just fine when greeting people.

Insert second subject -> the drunk friend. Mr. I'm Also Sweating Like A Pig On A Spit, don't call me Maggie. I like that name but it's not mine. I don't like repeating myself. I also don't do high fives. I don't play football. I will leave you hanging with a blank stare on my face and ask you where you would like me to put my drink, purse and phone so I can slap your sweaty palm. I keep my hands full so I don't have to touch strangers. What's worse is starting a conversation about how at least my friend will high five. Again I'm not a football player so don't nudge me with your 250lb elbow. I will tell you that if you hit me I will hit you back. If you continue to think this banter is me flirting then you have it coming. Just because I am in a skirt at a bar doesn't mean I'm there for your amusement. I will be relieved when you stumble away defeated. Oh and if all of this is happened before 9pm, you have another problem.

So thank you Sirs for giving me the answer to the question. What do I do? I write a blog about experiences with sweaty morons at bars who ask what I do for a living :)

Canoe Music City!

Britt and Steph invited #themandies for a canoe adventure on the Harpeth River today. Not knowing much about it, it sounded fun so we promptly agreed to join them. Canoe Music City has rentals with seats in the canoes. It makes for a pleasant trip.

As we set out with coolers to keep us company, I had no idea that there would be rapids to navigate and beaches to stop at. We cooled off in the water, enjoyed lunch along the way and had a lot of laughs. It truly is a great workout. Our trip was about 7 miles long and we stopped several times to play.

Ace, the wonder dog, had tons of fun swimming with us and jumping between our canoes and the kayak.

Sometimes just being outside with friends is enough to keep you so happy that the hours pass like minutes. Our four hour trip seemed like twenty minutes, and we never even noticed the clock. I can't wait to go again!

Sunday Gunday

Oh Tennessee! How I love thee. In my short time thus far living in the city, the most exciting invitation #themandies have received was to go to "The Ranch". Details on where this ranch is located, who hangs out there, and what happens there are vague. I couldn't tell you if I wanted to. Let's just say this not so little property is not only gorgeous but filled with stories and history. It's one of the coolest places to escape to and it's not on any map.

The lake, streams, animals, houses, barns, and trails are all so interesting. It's a world away from where I grew up yet strangely comfortable. The food and company and conversation was really nice. It felt like a long vacation and we were only there for the afternoon and evening.

On the shooting range, the boys were busy with their favorite long guns. I got in on a little bit of the action but had some fun watching them shoot skeet as I pushed the button on the machine.

We are such lucky girls to have been able to go to this hideaway. Next time I'm bringing dessert!

Burger Up: The Hair of the Dog & More Popsicles!

Located in 12 South, adjacent to Las Paletas Gourmet Popsicles is Burger Up. A joint where you can find some delicious burgers and the first restaurant I have seen that you can order a half of a glass of wine.

After our Friday night at the Honky Tonks, Stacy and the Mandies had lunch at this great place. Fried Pickles are a must have when you dine here! I ordered a Bloody Mary. It was glorious and one of the best. It's even better than the Gibson Lounge at the OC Airport!

The Mandies both had the Bison Burger. It was incredibly satisfying. White cheddar and jalapeños on their soft sponge burger bun and served with fries, it was big enough for me to take half home.

I had to save room for my not so secret addiction. I will always be up for meeting my friends for lunch in 12 South because then I'm always close to Popsicle heaven! Las Paletas has me hooked. After lunch we went in an I wanted everything on the menu. I ordered Nutella, Hibiscus, Pineapple Chili, and Peaches & Cream. Conveniently, they sell freezer bags and my Popsicles made it home still frozen in all their glory even though it was over 90 degrees outside!

Downtown Nash: Food Adventures & Honky Tonks

Q: What happens when you let four girls loose on the town?
A: A late night of hilarious adventures, of course!

Have I mentioned how much I love living downtown? Mandi came over to my place and we decided to walk to dinner to meet Britt and Steph, who is visiting from California. We had dinner reservations at Merchant's which is located among the downtown strip of Honky Tonk Bars and Boot Shops.

I've been visiting Nashville for the past year and never had been to any of those places. To be honest, I didn't really know what it was and was convinced that it was in a completely different part of town. Think Vegas of the South and you will know why this city is affectionately called Nashvegas.

The Mandies set out on our fifteen minute walk to dinner. It was a great way for me to see the area I now call home, and put things into perspective. I am constantly getting lost on one way streets but manage to find my way eventually.

We made it to Merchant's and had a bit of time before our reservation and friends arrived so we sat at the bar for a drink and browsed the dinner menu. The restaurant has a lot of history. The bartenders uniforms are adorably handsome and match the old style cocktail list. I opted for a Hendricks Martini muddled with cucumber which reminded me of many nights at Houston's after work. Mandi had a Dark & Stormy.

When the girls arrived we were seated by a window which had a view of Broadway and all the madness going on outside. We immediately ordered the Duck Fat Tots. Served with Chipotle Aioli, Ketchup, and Bernaise in an iron skillet, it was a mountain of crispy piping hot potato bites from heaven. Everything cooked in duck fat is better.

For my entree I had the Soup & Sammy which was a wonderful Tomato Bisque with a Fancy Grilled Cheese with Bacon. It came with potato chips and all of it was even better when dipped in the soup.

After dinner our first stop was The Stage. A cover band was playing. There were bodies wall to wall. Mandi told me that's where scenes from the movie Country Strong were filmed. We had an adult beverage and got to gettin' on our Honky Tonk journey.

Next up was Whiskey Bent. The music was a bit better. Again it was another cover band playing Country and Rock music. The drinks were great and we all started having more fun because we weren't feeling like sardines in a can.

We headed across the street to Honky Tonk which unknowingly was our last stop. Three floors of fun, it has balconies so you can see out into the night. It looks a bit like a New Orleans bar. I was almost expecting beads to be tossed down to us as we walked in.

On the second floor a band which we later found out is called Gunnar and the Grizzly Boys was playing. By far it was the best band we had seen in all of the Honky Tonks. The Mandies are both music snobs but we were taken by the stage presence and talent of these guys. They played some covers an some of their own songs. The crowd enjoyed them and so did we. We got to chatting with the bassist after the show and discovered they are from Michigan. I really hope they come back to Nashville soon! They are tons of fun!

My first adventure at the Honky Tonks was a success! I love my friends here and now I know why so many people come to Nashville to visit and never leave. This city is incredibly diverse and always fun!

My Nash Friends

I've lived in Nashville for a week now and already had more fun than I ever thought possible! My friends here are amazing and talented, not to mention good looking.

Cheers to my first week and the best friends ever!

Wilson County Fair

The Mandies continued the celebration of Tyler's birthday with him and some new friends at Wilson County Fair. Set outside of Nashville in a town called Lebanon, it was a bit of a drive to get there. I'm already spoiled by living downtown and within walking/biking distance to all of my favorite bars and restaurants and shops!

As we arrived, we noticed how clean the place was. It was similar to the only other Fair I have been to in the past 10 years. The OC Fair midway is just as much fun. Crazy carnie rides and food. We were there at night so we missed the Monkey Races and petting zoos etc.. We did however find the bumper cars, ferris wheel, swings, and the mouse ride that had us laughing uncontrollably for the rest of the evening. The fair was so much fun!

On our way out we discovered what looked like a tractor museum. So cool! Just beyond it we saw a field of scarecrows and posed for some pics and warmed our hands around the fire. Another fun night with fun friends!

Sloco Lunch

I'm obsessed. I haven't had a good sandwich outside of my kitchen in the longest time. Living in the sticks for a year can do that to you. Yesterday Mandi and I noticed a sandwich shop next door to Las Paletas Popsicles. Today I decided to try it.

The gentleman behind the counter noticed that I was a little lost looking at the menu and he suggested the Vegan Special. As a former vegan and vegetarian I still love vegan food. It's not conducive to my profession to maintain the lifestyle but I do appreciate it. I also really appreciate a great sandwich. He sold me on it and a can of Unsweetened Lemon Tea. The shop prides itself on using organic and local ingredients. They also compost all the waste and recycle the cans. While not just a vegan place, the shop has a cause and a sandwich for everyone.

The vegan option had grilled eggplant and squash with a creamy jalapeño garlic vinaigrette, tofu, and black eyed peas and greens.

The sandwich was phenomenal and had so much flavor. The vinaigrette was spicy and the tofu surprisingly lovely. The size was manageable and not overwhelming. That was important because next door, Popsicle Heaven awaited me!

I went to Las Paletas again and today I tried the Rice Flavor. I was torn between that and Avocado and got to chatting with the girl there. She said each of the creamy bars are about 120 calories and the Avocado is great dipped in chocolate. That will be tomorrows frozen treat! The Rice Paleta was like Horchata on a stick. So light and refreshing on another hot day in Nashville. I can't wait to do it all again tomorrow!

A Surprise For Tyler

Tyler and I have been friends for almost 15 years. No matter what city each of us has lived in, we have managed to see each other and stay in contact. Today is his 35th birthday. He wasn't planning on doing anything to celebrate it. The Mandies and Stacy conspired to throw him a surprise party. We thought it would be easy. Ha!

Tyler had no idea the amount of lies, and conspiracy it took not only to plan the party but to get him to agree to go somewhere at a specific time.

We had a dinner party without him the evening before and the girls got a crash course in fondant decorations for cupcakes. We decided on a Dia De Los Muertos theme, and I think all three of us wanted to kill him at some point during the planning. ;)

On our way, he finally agreed to let us blindfold him and take him to dinner. He thought Stacy was out of town for work, and that it was dinner with The Mandies and us just being weird when we wanted him to play along.

When we finally arrived at the bowling alley, he knew where we were by the sound. We let him take of the blindfold and he was silent. Thirty or so of his friends and family were waiting for him. He was pretty shocked and overwhelmed. It was awesome! We ate, drank, bowled, and had cupcakes! Such a fun surprise for a really fun guy!

Happy Birthday Tyler! I couldn't ask for a better friend! Xo

I'm Addicted To Popsicles

Nashville among it's many perks is a foodie town. It brings me joy to see food trucks everywhere and be able to talk food with all of the wonderful people I am meeting here. Britt, also hails from California and lucky for me, one of her friends suggested she go to Las Paletas Gourmet Popsicles. As soon as she mentioned popsicle, I was sold!

The Mandies set out on an adventure yesterday. We had a lunch date at Tavern in Midtown and the food was amazing. Sweet Potato Chips with Blue Cheese Fondue, Tuscan Fries, Short Rib Tacos that I'm now craving again. It was all so delicious.

Our mission for the day along with setting up some last minute details for Tyler's surprise birthday party, was Popsicles! As soon as I saw the menu online, I knew it would become my favorite place! We were not disappointed.

Las Paletas is located in a cool part of town near lots of shops and restaurants. It's small and unassuming. If you were not aware of it's amazingness you would likely just pass on by. The menu includes creamy and fruit paletas. I opted for the Hot Chocolate w/ Chili and Mandi went for Chocolate w/ Mint Chips. Mine reminded me of a fudgesicle with a kick of spice. I'm a huge fan of spice in my sweets so this was a great choice. It will definitely have me going back there on a regular if not daily basis. Mandi was also a big fan. We were like two little girls sitting in the sun, talking business and eating popsicles.

The menu changes on a daily basis, much like the cupcake shops in California. We are so excited to get to try all the flavors! If you're ever in Nashville, be sure to try Las Paletas. You might even see The Mandies sitting outside with big smiles!

Thoughts for today

Good plan:

St. Louis & Waterloo In A Nutshell

I love my friends. I really love my friends who have become my family. Camellia, Mama Bea, Lil Lexi & Bradley live in a small town outside St. Louis, across the state line into Illinois. Waterloo is where Mama Bea has lived for several years. I was excited to see Camellia and her kids.

We had planned to take the children to Six Flags over St. Louis for some roller coaster fun. I am terrified of heights but I got charmed into riding the scary rides with Lexi who is 11 and unafraid.

We also made dinner. Mama Bea's husband Norm had gone to a butcher shop and came home with a pork loin wrapped in bacon and stuffed with cream cheese and jalapeños. Camellia and I decided to make our own version. It was amazing.

I took a pork loin and cleaned it. I butterflied it open and filled it with seeded and deveined jalapeños and cream cheese. I rolled it up and with the seam down, I wrapped it in thick slices of bacon. I baked it at 350F covered in foil for 30 minutes, uncovered for another 30 minutes and then turned up the heat to 425F for another 10-15 minutes to better brown the bacon.
I can't tell you enough how good this dinner was. You need to make it!