Southern Girl Cooks: Oven Fried Chicken

One thing Southern people love is fried food. I'm a victim of it, there is just something delicious about fried chicken, fried pickles, fried veggies, and even fried snickers (which I eat annually at the fair). Unfortunately all these delicious things aren't healthy for you and you can't keep your ticker tickin' if you're clogging it with grease. Well, I decided it was time to start making:

Oven Fried Chicken

 

Ingredients

• 2 to 3 pounds of chicken
• 1 cup dried bread crumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup mayonnaise

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a medium bowl or gallon size resealable plastic bag, mix together the bread crumbs, garlic powder, salt, pepper, thyme and paprika.
3. Coat the chicken pieces with buttermilk. Place chicken pieces in bowl/bag with bread crumb mixture and coat/shake until well coated. Place chicken pieces in a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish and bake for 45 minutes or until juices run clear.

I sometimes mix things up and add other seasoning to the bread crumbs. I also mix up the toppings and use flour, corn flakes, and even French Fried Onions. Occasionally I will start frying the chicken normally and then put it in a pan and bake it the rest of the way. This way it helps cut down the calories, but still gives you the taste!



Measuring with time

You know you're an Oklahoman if: You measure distance in minutes

Have you ever had to get directions from someone and have no idea what the hell they mean? Well this is especially true if you live in the South.

When I turned 15 my mom beat into my head that I should always pay attention to where I am, not only because she wanted to me to be safe if something were to happen to the car, but she didn't want me to get lost. While I "pretended" to pay attention to my current location it took several years, getting lost numerous times, and not being able to tell AAA where I was when my car broke down, for me to actually pay attention. But now that I have an iPhone, I will never have to call AAA and sound like a bumbling idiot when describing my location.

But before GPS I had no idea how long an actual mile was. I mean sure, some people would say that it was from one main road to the next, but when someone told me that it was 106 miles from Oklahoma City to Tulsa, I really didn't understand how long that was. Now, if someone were to tell me that it would take approximately an hour and 44 minutes for me to get to Tulsa, I'd completely understand and could time my trip perfectly.

A few years ago I dated a man boy that had recently moved to Oklahoma from South Carolina. He was in the military and I thought I was in love. We got along great in the beginning, but eventually the "love bird phase" wore off and the guy drove me bonkers. One of his favorite things to do was to mess with me when I wanted directions. He knew the concept of a mile was just a vague understanding, and yet he would tell me how to give somewhere with the number of miles, and to turn North, South, East, or West. Maybe it is just a "Yankee" thing, but it drove me mad. I'll take my left, right, 10 minutes, and even a few landmarks please.
 
Thank goodness for GPS.

Newspaper Print Fingernails

If you are like me, you love to have cute finger and toenails. I recently bought some of the OPI Shattered nail polish and LOVE LOVE LOVE it. But as I was surfing the web, I found newspaper print nails and cannot wait to try it. Here's a step-by-step guide provided by Glam.com .

What You’ll Need:
▪ A shot glass
▪ Rubbing alcohol
▪ Base coat
▪ Clear top coat
▪ Pastel nail polish
▪ 10 small strips of newspaper

Step One: Apply one base coat followed by two coats of your pastel nail color. Allow to completely dry.
Step Two: Pour rubbing alcohol into a shot glass and dip a fingertip in.
Step Three: Cover damp nail with a strip of newspaper and firmly press in place for 30 seconds. Slowly peel newspaper off and allow to dry. Repeat on other fingertips.
Step Four: Set with a top coat.

Cute right?

Happy Memorial Day

I know it is a little late (I got stuck working) but I wanted to wish everyone a Happy Memorial Day. Today I took some time to remember those that risked their lives and even died to make this country free.

God Bless the Troops, thank you for all you do.

A day of destruction ...

Yesterday Oklahoma was hit by a tornado outbreak. Tons of tornadoes tore through Oklahoma like it was a playground waiting to be toyed with. Lives were taken and people lost everything. There is even a 3-year-old boy that remains missing after he was ripped out of the arms of his mother, who is in critical condition.

I am very blessed that none of my family or myself were affected by the storm. I had some very close calls and shed a lot of tears, but I woke up today knowing everything was going to be OK. Here is a look at what Oklahoman's faced yesterday:

(This is the tornado that was headed towards my house. Thank God it lifted before it got there.)

If you'd like to help, there are a lot of resources here with information on how you can do so.

The photo's were provided by NewsOK.com

Sometimes you need to shave face?

I am a huge fan of the Housewives of New Jersey. Yes it is like a 'real life' soap opera, but maybe that is why I like it so much. While I am not a fan of the traditional soap, I do love the fact that this one is real. But that isn't the point of this post, haha. So what do I mean that 'sometimes you need to shave face?'
mostly


Last season, Caroline Manzo said that she shaves her face. When watching the show, I thought ... wow that is brave to admit on national television. I'm not sure I could admit something so personal on national television. Today, on Caroline's blog she posted a response about her shaving. You can read it here.

Growing up, I have heard numerous times not to shave your face because it makes the hair grow in thicker and black. And even though I was told this, I have shaved my 'peach fuzz' on my upper lip a time or two. I tried waxing and the pain is just too unbearable for me to stand it. I don't mind it on my eyebrows, but never again will I put wax on my lip.

I know I am not the only person that deals with this type of problem, so I ask you ... What do you do to fight that pesky facial hair?

Southern Girl Cooks: Watermelon Salsa

Summer is just around the corner, and watermelons are going to be selling like hotcakes. I don't know about you, but I love love love salsa. Down here it is often refered to as redneck caviar.

I have not tried this salsa, but I am planning to as soon as watermelons get a little cheaper than $6 or more a piece. If you try it, let me know what you think!

Ingredients

• 2 cups seeded and coarsely chopped watermelon
• 2 tablespoons chopped onion
• 3 tablespoons seeded, chopped Anaheim chile
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt

Directions

1. In a serving bowl, mix together the watermelon, onion, and chile pepper. Season with balsamic vinegar and garlic salt. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour to blend flavors.

.... And we're back

It never fails... every time I tried to log-in to blogger to tell you all an amazing and hilarious story, it was down. I found myself constantly checking to see if it was up and no, it wasn't. Right now is the first time I have seen it up in the last 2 1/2 days. Actually, I was in mid-post when it shut down. Talk about suck!

Anyways, sorry I have been on a force hiatus. Now back to your viewing pleasure ...

My lucky day!

Last week was pay-it-forward week and a local jewelry store does just that. Every year, the jewelry store will drop gift boxes off in different locations throughout the city every day. Usually they go to a few places each day. They then post hints on Facebook about the location. Generally it is a picture of the place and in some cases they will post a generic map photo.

Well, I have hunted and hunted for one for several years now. I always wondered what was in them and what girl doesn't love free jewelry? Well last week, my boyfriend I found one! How did it happen?

Well I was sitting at work surfing Facebook and I just happened to see that they posted a new pic with a new location. It was at the lake near my house and I knew my boyfriend would be driving by there at that exact time on his way home. So, I ran to the break room and gave him a call. I was so excited and hoped it would be me!

He went to the location I described (because he is such a great boyfriend) and there it was, the little jewelry box containing the free gift! He took it and I asked him to open it so that I'd know what was in it (I just couldn't wait to open it myself). This is what I got:

I just love it and know I have several outfits that will look great with it.

So now I have to ask, what is the best free thing you have received?

I miss you mom, grandma

As Mother's Day approaches I find myself more and more bitter. Not just because I am sick of seeing all the ads and they are pulling at my heart strings, but because I won't be celebrating with my mother or my grandmother. And even though they have been gone for 2 years, I just can't help but cry,

Every year we would go to my grandma's house and have lunch then spend the day with her. Typically she would cook even though we always told her not to. I miss that. I miss walking into the house and getting a warm hug and hearing how much they love me.

I can't help but be pissed off. I'm pissed off that my grandma was taken from me. I'm pissed off that I five months later I had to turnaround and plan my mom's funeral. It's just not fair to take them both from me in such short of time.

And believe me I know that life's not fair. Everyone has told me that, I grew up knowing that but I don't care. This is just wrong. It's wrong to do this to anyone. No one deserves pain like this, I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. I'm 27-years-old and I feel like I have lost the biggest part of who I am, and I have because these are the women that made me who I am.

So I sit here in a slump, ranting about things I know I can't fix. But I do hope that all of you who are lucky enough to still have your mother's and grandmother's make sure you let them know how special they are because you never know when it will be the last time you get to hear them tell you that they love you too.

Rest in peace grandma and mom, I will forver love and miss you.

Thank you to our troops!

"Now I lay me down to sleep, one less terrorist this world does keep. With all my heart I give my thanks, to those in uniform regardless of ranks. You serve our country and serve it well, with humble hearts your stories tell. So as I rest my weary eyes, while freedom rings our flag still flies. You give your all, do what you must...with God we live and God we trust.

Stuff Southern Girls like ...

Flowers!

I remember when I was younger I always wanted some amazing man to send me flowers. At first I wanted them to be sent to my school and when I went to college I knew some man would have to send more flowers at work.

There is something special about getting flowers at work. Not only does it bring a smile to your face and make you feel special, but it also makes the other women in the office jealous. And then if you get flowers more than once, then they will stop by and tell you how they need to talk to their significant other about having flowers sent to them.

Luckily I have a great man and he has sent me flowers to work and fulfilled my teenage dream! Now, if I could just get a kiss from the boys in N'Sync and I'd have most of my teenage dreams fulfilled.

Ahhh, here come the chips

Have you ever heard the crunch pork rinds bring? Have you ever cringed every time someone took a bite of them?

That's where I am right now. Unfortunately it's not because of pork rinds, it just chips. Every day I am at work I have to hear the noisy eating of those around me, and while it usually doesn't phase me, there is one person that drives me absolutely insane.

I'm not sure how you can make Cheetos crunch louder than pork rinds, but somehow this person manages to pull off the job. It's not just Cheeto's, it's all chips and of course this person eats them every day. Hell, he even makes drinking pop loud! I just don't get it. My mom got on to me anytime she heard me chew and it was louder than it should be. I honestly think this person likes to hear themselves eat. I mean my gosh, this person eats this loud with or without the iPod on.
CRUNCH, CRUNCH, CRUNCH

AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

I have a huge pet peeve when it comes to eating, I hate hearing it. I know that some food is loud and I accept that and don't complain, but when I can hear you chomping on your Cheetos over my iPod there is a problem.

So what do I do? Just turn my iPod up and hope to block out the crazy chomping? Tell him to STFU? I'm just not sure.

Pay-It-Forward

*Warning, this may sound like an advertisement*

I just wanted to let ya'll know that I am hosting some free giveaway's on my Facebook page Wickless Scents By Deaven. All you have to do is "like" my page and follow the rules!

Southern Girl Cooks: Mac & Cheese

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Yield: Serves 6

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons flour
• 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 pepper, or to taste
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup light cream or half-and-half (or more milk)
• 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• 3/4 cup breadcrumbs tossed with 2 tablespoons melted butter

Preparation:

Cook macaroni following package directions. Drain in a colander and rinse with hot water; set aside.

Butter a 2-quart baking dish. Heat oven to 350°. In a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Stir flour into the butter until smooth and bubbly. Stir in the dry mustard, salt, and pepper. Gradually add milk and cream, stirring constantly. continue to cook, stirring constantly, until thickened. Add cheese and continue to cook and stir until melted.
Combine the macaroni and the sauce and turn into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with the buttered bread crumbs and bake for about 25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly and topping is lightly browned.
Serves 6.

Beauty redefined

I love love love cars and I love to go to classic car shows. This is one of my "boy traits" as some like to put it. Well, recently I was sent a link to a car that I instantly fell in love with. This isn't your typical car and it really redefines beauty. Have a look.

For more pics (there are a ton) go here. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Happy Easter!

We Call it Home

As you may know Earth Day is Friday and it is a great day to do a little something special for our planet. While you may choose to be a greedy energy hog or take extra long showers, Friday is the day you can give back. So, I will give you a few tips on how to be a little bit more "green":

• Share a ride! Ride with a co-worker or use public transportation to get yourself to work.
• Use less water (Shower together or opt for a sponge bath).
• Pick up some trash.
• Share some of nature's beauty with your family (take a hike).
• Go for a sunset walk.
• Recycle, Recycle, Recycle.
• Use cloth shopping bags (avoid the plastic bags, even if you use them to clean-up after your dog).
• Turn the electronics off (go outside and soak in the natural light).
• Drink out of that Brita pitcher instead of those plastic bottles.

Hope this helps you with your Earth Day celebration, feel free to share how you will be celebrating!

16 Years Ago Today

16 years ago today Oklahoma was attacked by a terrorist. The state was wounded after the Alfred P. Murrah Building was destroyed and 168 lives were taken. Oklahoma survived this and rebuilt, but that scar will always be there and we will never forget.

Even though I was a child, I remember exactly what I was doing when this happened. My family and I were living in Scottsdale, Arizona and I had the TV on as I was getting ready for school. My mom had left for work and I was just waiting until it was time to walk to the bus stop. I had the TV on some crazy cartoon and suddenly a women from the local news came on and said a bomb had gone off in Oklahoma City. I honestly thought it wasn't real and went to school not truly knowing what had happened.

After school I came home to find my mom crying on the couch. I didn't understand why she was crying until she had explained to me everything that happened. She told me that someone blew up the building and she worried about some of her friends. I instantly thought about my grandparents and begged her to tell me they were OK. Unfortunately we didn't know because the phone lines were tied up and we couldn't call.

Luckily we eventually got through to my grandparents they were fine, as well as the rest of my family. They said they felt the bomb, but at the time they didn't know what had happened. While our family was safe, my mom did lose a few friends and it hurt her deeply.

Even though I wasn't physically here and was just a child I will remember this event and what I was doing the rest of my life. I will remember how I felt and what it was like coming home to see the building as nothing but rubble. I will also remember crying when I fully understood what happened.

If you have an opportunity to do so, I'd encourage everyone to go to the Oklahoma National Memorial. It is so beautiful and peaceful and even I sometimes find it hard to believe that such a tragedy happened in that location.

Modern Day Miracle

When you hear the word miracle your first thought may be healing the sick, having a child when you didn't think you could, or even surviving a terrible car accident. Unfortunately we don't see miracles happen every day, but do we take notice when they happen?

Yesterday I witnessed a miracle.

I got a text message from my boyfriend saying that his bank account had been hacked. My first thought was that all of his money was taken and that he wasn't going to get a dime of it back. I could easily say that the miracle was because the bank is going to fix it and my boyfriend didn't lose all his money, but that's not it. Instead the miracle came from a random stranger in New York.

My boyfriend got a call from a random number in New York. He didn't answer and waited for the caller to leave a message. On that message man said that he received an order from (insert bf name) for a order of two watches totalling over $400. He said he wanted to confirm the order and left a number where he could be reached. My bf listened to the message and instantly freaked out because he did not order anything. He called the man back and told him that his bank account had been hacked and asked him to cancel the order.

Sometimes in this world it is hard to believe there are still people out there that care about others. We often look at life has a dog-eat-dog world and trus no one. This was very enlightening because there was someone who cared enough to make that call instead of taking the money and going about his business. So on this first post, I'd like to thank Big Apple Watch for looking out for my loved one.