July Fourth Fried Chicken

July 5, 2017

Although it isn’t frequently on the menu at my house,

I Love Fried Chicken!

I know that at least one of my Memas made fried chicken during my lifetime, but I cannot remember witnessing this process first hand. The Food Network is my go-to place for cooking instruction these days. Recently I have watched several episodes of chicken frying and have been bitten with the chicken frying bug. Since allowing myself the experience, I can safely say I have it out of my system. Here is my attempt at frying chicken:

Because I made the mistake of not purchasing a chicken that was already cut, I began by cutting up this whole chicken. Then seasoned the chicken pieces with salt and pepper and I’ll spare you that horrific photo. Let me just say that I do not ever want to cut up a whole chicken ever again.

My Recipe

Taking tips from several different Food Network cooks, I began by combining 2 cups of buttermilk with 1/2 cup of Tabasco, a beaten egg, and my chicken pieces. Apparently the buttermilk mixture is what will tenderize the chicken. Good to know. All of this goes into a zip top bag then into the fridge for 2 hours up to overnight.

In my Le Creuset French oven, I added about 2 inches of canola oil (because it has a high smoke point) and heated until it reached 350°F. I’m learning a lot from the Food Network!Next I mixed together flour, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a large zip top bag to easily coat each chicken piece in the seasoned flour. It reminded me of Shake and Bake. Sort of. Then I placed 3 or 4 pieces of the chicken in the oil (you can’t do more than 3 or 4 at a time without causing the oil temperature to drop) put the lid on, and fried for 5 minutes.Next I removed the lid, turned the chicken, and fried for another 5 minutes. Then removed the chicken from the oil and placed on a wire rack.Once every piece was fried, I put it into the oven at 375° for 15-20 minutes. It turned out pretty good, if I do say so myself. LB thought so too!

Reminiscing

July 2, 2017

Tonight we attended a family gathering in honor of my brother-in-law Stuart.

On June 29th of June he hit the big 5-0 milestone.

Happy Birthday Stuart!

We gathered at my Mama’s house and enjoyed pizza, spaghetti, and, of course, salad.We sang the Happy Birthday song, enjoyed cake and ice cream, and the company of family. This will be a moment worth reminiscing.

Speaking of reminiscing

…recently my Mama has decorated a bedroom in her house. She loves chalk paint and has taken a collection of bedroom furniture that was handed down to her from my great-grandmother and transformed it. During the birthday festivities she looked at me and exclaimed “you haven’t seen my new bedroom!” Until tonight I had only seen pictures, but now I’ve experienced the new room first hand.

As she showed me around the newly decorated room there were

stories to be told…

When they visited their grandmother, Mama and her siblings used the finials on this bed post to serve as pretend telephones. Reminiscing about life as a little girl, she described having to reach up to take the finial from the post.

The portrait on the wall is of my great-grandmother when she was sixteen years old.The bed is decorated with throw pillows, one of which is a portion of the feather pillow that belonged to my great-grandmother. My extremely talented brother-in-law took the pillow and divided it into smaller pillows for my Mama and each of her siblings to treasure. Mama has kept hers in the case that is in front on the right.

She spent time telling me about

The Mementos

on the dresser

A little glass shoe that was a gift given to my great-grandmother by my maternal grandfather on the day he joined the military. It was well taken care of and eventually passed down to Mama. A box of Coty Airspun loose powder and a bottle of Evening in Paris cologne have a place on my great-grandmother’s dresser as they did when my Mama was a little girl.

And it has an interesting scent.

She has placed a temporary mirror on the beautifully refinished dresser until she completes painting the original dresser mirror. Her plan is to place it above the singer sewing machine table, that is reminiscent of her grandmother’s.

The tour of the newly decorated bedroom was delightful…

…and the tour guide, even more so

Friday Favorites

June 23, 2017

Friday is my favorite day of the week, therefore it is a perfect day to mention my weekly favorites.

Every Friday, I will go to the office and do the same job that I do on Monday through Thursday, but for some reason, it is easier to manage. This is an enigma.

Nevertheless…

Here are my Five Friday Favorites:

Favorite # ONE

Gingham I mentioned this blouse on my Target post and I think it is adorable. Gingham is a classic and also a trend. Here are some other gingham items that I think are cute:

Favorite # TWO

This HatA box from Amazon made its way to my doorstep last Tuesday. Certain that it was for LB, I alerted him that he had a package at the front door. After he retrieved it and brought it inside, he announced, it is addressed to Kim Starling. Well, I thought, when did I order something from Amazon? I must be losing my mind. It must be something I ordered. It is JUST like something I Would order. I can’t remember ordering anything. Maybe it is a back order item from Shein. How is that possible? It is from Amazon, not Shein.

I was perplexed about this for at least 12 hours. Finally, I decided, I must figure out when I ordered this hat, so I went back to the box. Inside the box I found this:What a Happy Surprise! Thank you for the belated birthday gift from my sweet Daughter-in-law Emily, my wonderful son Richard, and my Perfect Glam-daughter Lydia! I am tickled! (that’s a Southern term)

Favorite # THREE

Hall & Oates tickets… this week LB discovered that one of my favorite 80’s Duos will be performing at the Jacksonville Veteran’s Memorial Arena in September. So he bought tickets! The last time Daryl Hall and John Oates were in Florida, I had bronchitis, and was not able to completely enjoy the Hall and Oates experience. Now I get another chance and I’m SO EXCITED!

Favorite # FOUR

A FaceBook post from my Daddy’s cousin (and mine) Robbie Darden. It is SO HOT and HUMID right now. If we weren’t able to come inside for comfort and cool air, what would become of us????

Favorite # FIVE

This Video clip:

https://prettyis.me/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/FullSizeRender-14.jpg

This is a MUST SEE… My sweet Mama spending a rainy day with my sweet Glam-daughter Lydia in search of muddy puddles (thank you Peppa Pig). When asked, “where’s the muddy puddle?” Lydia replies, “where’d it go?”

So Adorable.

Father’s Day

June 18, 2017

My last Father’s Day with my Daddy was in 2001. Although I am not able to remember that day, if he were here today, I would make the whole day a day that would be unforgettable. I’d be up early making breakfast for him. He would enjoy eggs and grits, biscuits and milk gravy, waffles with all the toppings, or one of our favorites from my childhood…

“Flying Saucers” (source)He would make flying saucers for me when I was a little girl. Does anyone else remember these?

This little sandwich press device was filled with a white bread, peanut butter and jelly smothered sandwich (a LOT of jelly), then pressed together and heated on the stove-top. These were always a treat.

After having breakfast with Daddy, I would want to hear him sing. Whether it was at his church in the choir, standing behind the pulpit, or standing behind my aunt Debbie or Brother-in-law Stuart as they played the piano at home. I’d so enjoy hearing his valiant tenor voice again.

Later in the afternoon, it would be fun to play catch with Daddy again. He was a sports enthusiast and always enjoyed a good game of tennis. He attempted to teach me, but I didn’t pick tennis up easily, and wasn’t able to enjoy the game with him. Softball was more my speed and he taught me everything I know about the game. Daddy coached the girls softball team at Faith Memorial Baptist Church when I was in high school. I’d love to have pictures to share, but cannot find them. I would not have become involved in playing softball had it not been for him. Because of this activity, I have many wonderful memories of my time at the ball park. I also have great memories of skiing with him. He taught me to ski in Vermont in the early 90’s and I had the opportunity to enjoy additional ski trips with him later on. He was so good that he would ski with a video camera instead of ski poles. This was quite a feat in the days preceding the Go Pro.

He loved a good movie. John Wayne was his favorite actor, but he also enjoyed all of Elvis Presley’s movies, especially Kid Galahad. He thought Groundhog Day with Bill Murray was hilarious. After seeing this movie he tried to tell me about it. He got so tickled that he could hardly complete a sentence. The last movie we watched together was Breakfast at Tiffany’s. I believe we would end our day together with a good movie.

He loved to have a good time.He had a bit of a mischievous streak

He loved his girls

I remember walking into the kitchen on the morning of my sixteenth birthday and Daddy had the stereo cued to play “Sixteen Candles“. On June 1, 2001, Daddy stopped by my house on his way to work that morning, to wish me a happy birthday. In addition to the traditional 7:52 AM call that he and my Mama always made to me on my birthday, this was an extra special treat that day.

I learned to love music from the 50’s and 60’s era, as well as Gospel music such as Willie Wynn and the Tennesseans.

Okay… so maybe I don’t LOVE Willie Wynn like I do the music from the 50’s and 60’s, but the memory makes me smile.

Daddy was a spiritual person and a godly man. In the last years of his life, his spirituality took a turn that made him seem like a man who truly walked with God. He talked with me about this at times and I determined that the special relationship began with a workbook he used called Experiencing God.

I believe he walked with God right into to Heaven.

On the day of his funeral, this article was ran in the Times-Union. I have it tacked up in my home office and I thought I would share

Happy Father’s Day in Heaven Daddy

Happy Birthday to Me

June 1, 2017

My birthday celebration actually began on May 31st at the St. John’s county pier.

Every Wednesday night beginning in May and continuing through September at Music by the Sea, there is a catered dinner and musical entertainment event at the pier. LB and I attend every chance we get. This particular event was catered by Amici’s Italian Restaurant and entertainment provided by one of our favorite local groups The Committee Band. We split an entree that included eggplant parmesan and penne pasta while relaxing in the pavillion prior to the concert. While waiting for the concert, the resident DJ “DJ Dan”, honored us with tee shirts including us in The Danighan Gang.

As is customary, my birthday began with a phone call at 7:52 AM from my sweet Mama. Because I was in a hotel that rendered my cell phone useless [No Service] I missed her call. She went right to my voicemail. When we left the hotel this is the message I retrieved:

“(singing) Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you (laughs) Happy birthday Dear Kim… it’s too early in the morning, but I wanted you to know I love you. God bless you. You’re such a joy to have Kim. I love you with all my heart. I hope you have a wonderful birthday, spendin’ it with the one you love. When you get back we need to have cake. And biscuits. I’ll talk to you later. God bless you Darlin’. I’m so thankful there’s you. Bye.”

I am blessed beyond measure to have such a precious Mama who loves me so much.

I listened to that message several times.

LB had other surprises planned. He brought me to Cathedral Drive and let me pick a restaurant for brunch. I thought the Greek restaurant would be a nice treat. We walked into Athena Restaurant and I immediately noticed the specials posted. One special was Salmon Eggs Benedict. Yes please!

Those are grits on the side.

LB had hashbrowns

After brunch we strolled [it is a vacation day, after all] down to St. George Street and visited one of my favorite St. Augustine shops, H.W. Davis Clothing and Shoes. LB was recalling a post from April when I mentioned a blouse that I loved. He brought me to H.W. Davis and found that blouse

along with another that was just as cute

He bought both of them for me! Oh Happy Day! Not one, but TWO Clara Sunwoo blouses! LOVE these! This has definitely been a day to remember thus far.

The birthday gifts continued

These bracelets were purchase by LB more than a month ago from a Traci Lynn Fashion Jewelry party hosted by my coworker Geraldine. LB logged onto the website that was assigned to her party and selected the Silver Star Fish Bracelet and the Two Tone Silver Razzmatazz Bracelet. I was not at all surprised at his GOOD TASTE! But very surprised by the presentation as I had completely forgotten he participated in this event.

There was also an adorable little bracelet that I picked out myself on April 2nd that LB decided I could wait till my birthday to have. This pearl bracelet with starfish and sanddollar charms is from Fresh Produce and I shared it on this post.

So cute!

Believe it or not there was ONE MORE! I absolutely loved it and feel it deserves a post of it’s own. I’ll be presenting this particular birthday gift from LB soon. Stay tuned.

Obviously a birthday is Not all about gifts. LB knows I love pretty things, but he also knows how to make me happy in ways that do not get filed under Material Girl. So he took me to the beach and let me put my toes in the sand

Afterward

We split smokin’ Carnitas Fajitas at a delightful Mexican Restaurant

To all of my FaceBook friends who wished me a happy birthday… I Had a GREAT day. Thank You!

Memorial Day

May 30, 2017

As I was searching for a words to capture the spirit of Memorial Day, I came across this article and could not decide which quote to use. It is worth reading.

While Memorial Day is a day on which those who died in active military service are remembered, and I have no intention of undervaluing this, it is also a day that typically marks the beginning of Summer. Although summer officially begins on Friday, June 21 of this year, we typically celebrate its start on Memorial Day. This year I celebrated with my family. Though I do this on many holidays with my Mama and kids, this year my sister Gina and her family joined in the fun

We had FOOD!

corn dog bites, sliders, kettle chips, Asian slaw, crudités, guacamole, corn chips, cupcakes, and there was more!

There was even an attempt to create a red, white, and blue punch that did not remain red, white, and blue for long.I tried!

however… Kyle liked my PURPLE PATRIOTIC PUNCH!

then there was the initial investigation of the hot ducks (thank you Lydia)… and Yes, they were hot.

I didn’t get many action shots of the family gathering, but I so enjoyed seeing everyone get together. They played in the pool, enjoyed dessertthose are the sprinkle accessorized ice cream sandwiches you’ve all seen on Pinterest. They are very tasty and cute.

then some came inside to watch Moana (which I didn’t get to finish watching), played various board games, ate again, and enjoyed being in the company of family. Regardless of the takeaway from this event, I am happy that it occurred, and hopeful that it happens again. LB and I thank you for coming Mama, Stephanie, Amanda, Richard, Emily, Lydia, Gina, Stuart, Kyle, Clay, Dillon, Sydney, Chynna, Levi, Thea… I love each and every one of you.

Pretty is: Celebrating Mothers

May 15, 2017

Yesterday was Mother’s Day and it was fabulous. For me, the day started with a “made from scratch” sour cream pound cake.

Since my mother loves a warm pound cake, I made sure she got some. I followed a recipe that I found on Pinterest posted by Call Me PMc which I have used before and will used again.

LB and I hand delivered it early Sunday afternoon. That’s Mama

We visited for a while, had a nice talk, then I had to head home to get ready for the evening festivities.

Amanda is my younger daughter and the celebrated middle child of my three. She likes to treat me to a pedicure on Mother’s Day, and that has been our practice for several years now. While waiting for her to pick me up, and getting everything ready for company, LB discovered a plumbing problem. Sparing the details, let me just say, it was bad enough to cause a change in our evening plans. Instead of having the kids come to our house to visit, enjoy sliders, and maybe take a swim, LB suggesting we reschedule. I broke the news to the kids but my brilliant first born decided we should all go out instead.
So we did.
To my favorite restaurant (it is Mother’s Day after all)… La Nopalera.
So we met at the Roosevelt location and enjoyed Fajitas for Mother’s Day. As expected, I carried on to excess and am back on the diet today. But it was thoroughly wonderful and I am richer for the experience to spend time with my delightful children, glam baby and for all the lovely Mother’s day gifts they presented.

Photography by LB