The McLeods

a blogcation

2009-12-11T09:51:00.003-06:00

As you can tell.... I've been absent. I've decided to take a blogcation. I really want to spend this Christmas season doing more than plotting my next (sub-par) post and staring at a screen... instead, I'll be reading, crocheting, and snuggling. I'll be back after the holidays. I'll have gifts and memories to brag about + I've got a BIG new years resolution planned! To tide you over though, since I know you can't thrive without me (don't you love witty sarcasim?), I will post in the next week 1 special electronic greeting from our dear home to yours.... till then: drink egg nog, wear scarves, and smell your Christmas tree everyday!

good & bad

2009-12-03T16:57:00.001-06:00

The bad news: I lost my phone today
The good news: someone called my dad from my phone to say that he had found it in the kroger parking lot and would leave it for me at customer service
The bad news: it had been run over
The good news: I bought a hard protective shell for it right after i bought it 6 months ago
The bad news: I decided to take it off last night
The good news: the phone still works
the bad news: its incredibly jacked up looking!

Reveling in Nashville - Part 7

2009-11-23T12:34:00.011-06:00

This is a bit of a spin on my traditional nash-revs. I of course do not love homelessness. And this is by no means a blog to say that I think Nashville is doing everything right to combat poverty - they aren't.

On my way to work (almost everyday) I pass at least one homeless person. Every day at work I encounter a handful of people in the deepest midst of poverty. Homelessness in Nashville can no longer be overlooked - it abounds.

But there are a few groups and individuals who definitely stir up my community pride by the work they are doing and the sacrifices they are making: Nashville Rescue Mission, Room in the Inn, & The Key Alliance.

A somewhat new combatant of homelessness, that I love, is The Contributor. This is a monthly newspaper that features articles written by Nashville's homeless or former homeless while providing them with a source of income. These same contributors sell the newspaper for $1.00 all over the streets of Nashville. It has been awesome in building community between the vendors and customers.

One of the early creators of The Contributor is Kevin Barbieux, writer of The Homeless Guy, a blog about his own story of chronic homelessness. I've really enjoyed his writing and insight. He is really helping to break down stereotypes, while at the same time giving an honest perspective on the lives, needs, desires, faults, and hopes of the homeless. He also has a second blog, How to Survive Homelessness, where he provides tips and resources for those, like him, who have or are experiencing a season of homelessness.

The ability to revel fully in something (be it a community, the arts, friends, etc.) comes with a responsibility to recognize, struggle with, and combat its weaknesses.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-11-18T10:28:00.003-06:00

The Charcoal Sketch

2009-11-17T11:11:00.004-06:00

Teaser for David's upcoming instructional video.

37206

2009-11-16T15:03:00.006-06:00

These are the digits of my hood, and I might have already mentioned it (alright, I know I have...), but I LOVE the greater East Nashville Neighborhood. There are a lot of random things I love. Like the times I saw -- a man running with 5 German Shepherd mixes tied to his waste, or a woman sitting on her front porch with a huge blue macaw on her shoulder and a big red chow-chow at her side (the bird whistled at me! added bonus), or the time I saw a woman in traditional African garb carrying a large hamper on top of her head walking on the side of the road, or just this morning I saw this awesome man with a long flowing beard, riding a rascal, with his pet Chihuahua perched on all fours on the man's leg (the dog looked like he was surfing as the man drove along). I mean who wouldn't love this place!

{our attempt at a plaid shirt}

While stopping for lunch at the VW bus turned hot dog joint, I Dream of Weenie, we ran into a great community event - Separate Paths Common Goals. This is on ongoing project to raise awareness about crime prevention in East Nashville while bringing together community through fun and educational events. Saturday's event included painting public art of life size children to be displayed in our yards throughout the neighborhood. David and I had fun painting our little boy, Zeke. We also filled out some survey questions about crime in our hood. (I made sure to tell them about the ipod incident.)

Come on Get Happy

2009-11-15T08:56:00.003-06:00

1000 Awesome Things

Its like playing barbies...

2009-11-12T10:32:00.007-06:00

Only better

Remember playing barbies when your were little? Pick out clothes. Put on clothes. Take off outfit. Put on a new one.... well Polyvore.com is like that for adults (minus the disproportioned dolls). If you love shopping but your wallet doesn't, this site if fun for picking out (expensive) outfits that you love, but just like your barbies - you'll probably never wear them. You can choose between hundreds of designers and put it all together in a nice magazine-type-spread. Perhaps you can even send one of your spreads to Santa...

{Buy this look}

Happy Birthday Sesame Street!

2009-11-10T15:32:00.012-06:00

{Brought to you by the number 40}

Ernie and I have been together on and off for about 22 years. We met when I was 2. He belonged to my babysitter. I fell asleep with him and managed to bring him home with me. He was my best friend. We skipped together (hence his arm came off a couple times). I chewed on his nose when I cried. We did everything together for a blissful 4 years.

Then suddenly, my mother decided he would make a good graduation present for the babysitter I had stolen him from -- I woke up one day to find him missing. I have forgiven my mom, but I was emotionally scarred for a long time. So much so that my sister sent me a "stand-in" Ernie when I was away at college. I love replacement Ernie too, but he just wasn't the same. He had plastic eyes & polyfill instead of cotton. At this point it had been a good 13 years since I had the love of MY Ernie.

Another 2 years roll by and I get a package in the mail while at home for the summer with my parents. I opened the box and tears burst forth -- there he was... MY Ernie, the one I had known and loved so well. With him was a note (from him) - "Dear Blair, I have missed you. I have enjoyed my time with Amanda, but I have always belonged to you."

I'm never letting him go again!

Happy Birthday Ernie & Friends!

'tis the season

2009-11-09T18:20:00.007-06:00

Since Eggnog has hit the shelves it means that the holiday season has officially started! For a great morning holiday jump start, mix together:

{your favorite eggnog. I do NOT suggest silknog}

{your home poured cup-a-joe}

I also approve of the red-cup version...

{eggnog latte}

mmmm...it does a weary-ready-for-a-holiday soul good! If you are not a nogger or (gasp) find yourself in a nog-less situation, I might also suggest a new find and quick friend:

...happy nogging!

Reveling in Nashville - Part 6

2009-11-05T10:53:00.006-06:00

The East Edition

{gourmet}

{lots of color in our hood}

{hot dog joint}

{tomato festival}

Since the end of May, David and I have been home owners on the East side! This part of town is full of history, diversity, eclecticism, charm, and culture. We love it!

Back in the early 1900's East Nashville was THE place to be if you wanted to be somebody. All the white upper class country-clubbers had their fancy cottages and plantation style houses. They sat on their front porches, waved at neighbors, and sipped their cocktails. However, when segregation ended all these "somebodies" hit the road (white flight if you will). The city stopped investing money in this area and over the years the neighborhoods got very run down, crime increased, and East Nashville was the "make sure you don't get off the bus over there" part of Nashville. Hope & restoration came in the form of a Tornado that swept through Nashville in 1998. East Nashville took a pretty big hit - but the upside was that it drew the city's attention back to this forgotten neighborhood. Insurance companies, disaster relief, and investor money started coming in all over the place. People started moving back in and investing themselves, their families, and their businesses in reviving the East Nashville Community.

There is no real easy way to describe East Nashville today. Unlike most other pockets of Nashville and surrounding suburbs, there is a beautiful array of skin tones and purse sizes. The small businesses, local festivals, restaurants, parks, architecture are all too much to touch on in one revel. I'm sure I'll be diving in deeper in the future. But to sum up in one word, East Nashville is.. Refreshing!

10/31 Recap

2009-11-03T13:36:00.004-06:00

all ready for the trick-or-treaters.... a grand total of 12 1/2 showed up!

7 of them were from the same family! my precious neighbors across the street! They all got special goody bags.

sis, David, and I made our own fun...

It Ain't Easy Being Green....

2009-11-02T12:44:00.002-06:00

...or at least lets just say it ain't easy washing off green!!... I think i still have green in my ears...

{Elphaba & Fiyero}

More pics from our Party

A Halloween Eve / 2nd Blogaversary Special Posting

2009-10-30T09:32:00.006-05:00

I've been absent the past week or so... but I will nonetheless now celebrate my 2nd Blog Anniversary (Oct. 29th)! Woohoo! The flowers and cards have been pouring in from all my adoring fans. Thank you thank you... but really, its too much.

My blog has gone through many facelifts in its two short years of existence. I wish I had a picture of the simpler times... before there were sites just for blog backgrounds and html changes...but check out some early posts HERE. A special thanks to E.H.R for first inspiring me to start my blog. Oh the times, they are a changing!

Dear McLeod Blog,

Thank you for the past two years. You have supported me through many a tough times -- a most unpleasant job last year, my eggnog taste-testing phase, all the times I got tagged, and when Pandora broke my heart. You've always been there to share in my joys and brag about my craft and cooking accomplishments. You revel in Nashville with me. You are indeed my friend. Happy 2nd Birthday/Anniversary - whichever you prefer, just know... you are loved!

With Gratitude,
Blair

To close this post I will now add a few pictures from my HS Junior year Halloween. Let me preface by saying that my freshman year in HS my sister and I started Trick-or-Cans. The first year twin & I + 10 of our friends went door-to-door collecting cans instead of candy. We pushed around borrowed shopping carts and filled the parlor floor with cans. By my Senior year we had expanded to include all the county high schools and several local churches -- I don't even remember how many trick-or-canners were going around, but we consistently collected THOUSANDS of lbs. for the local food kitchen. Trick-or-Cans is still going on today. Check out an article HERE.

Okay, I think this forever-long-post makes up for my recent absence. David and I are having a Halloween Bash tonight... stay tuned for pictures!

...today...

2009-10-21T15:46:00.006-05:00

Just a couple of snapshots from work today! (did I mention i love my job?!) Also, I would like to point out my:

second-hand $0.50 vest (bought at church yard sale by Momsie + its handmade!)

$4.00 skirt (banana republic outlet)

...and of course my target boots, my fall go-tos

Weekend Snapshots

2009-10-20T11:51:00.009-05:00

{Benny Boo Boo}

{Zack Attack a yak yak yak}

{J.Pizzle}

Proud Peacock for my Daddy - the President!

2009-10-17T10:27:00.005-05:00

My dad was appointed this week as the new President of Lambuth University in Jackson, TN. I'm so excited for you daddi-o. You've worked so hard and no one could do this job better! You are the bomb!

Official Lambuth Appointment

WBBJ Local News

The Jackson Sun

Volunteer TV

Maryville Daily Times

Oscar: Watchful Guardian & Eager Snuggler

2009-10-16T09:55:00.002-05:00

according to the cell phone photographer (hubbs), Oscar sat like this for 30 minutes as I dozed...I love this spoiled little poochie pooch...

Smitten Wednesday Experiment

2009-10-15T09:15:00.007-05:00

I've gone and done it again!... my husband is starting to worry -- I cooked dinner last night. After discovering SmittenKitchen last week and last Wednesday's successful squashy-goatcheese-tomato pizza, I decided to give it another whirl. Last night's menu - butternut squash and carmalized onion galatte!

My lack of attention to detail got in the way at the grocery store last night and I forgot the fresh sage (I had to settle for dried) & my lack of patience and time got in the way of making a homemade crust-- in other words, this recipe was done the Blair way.

It turned out pretty well. We liked it (just not as much as last week's pizza). It is very savory. Almost too savory for my liking. If your looking to try this recipe, my suggestion would be to buy cheaper cheese. The fontain cheese it calls for is nothing special (especially for the price). It tastes just like munster cheese, plus I think this dish would be better with some mozerella and parmesan.

I had some extra butternut squash and more or less made little "tatter-tots" with them - tastes a lot like sweet potatos. mmmm-yum.

All in all, I'm expanding my horizons in the kitchen (you should all be grateful). Don't hold me to it, but perhaps you'll see me back in the kitchen next Wednesday!

I got a Handwritten Letter from the Smallwoods...

2009-10-14T16:24:00.007-05:00

Who loves mail? Raise your hand! Who loves parcels filled with homemade surprise gifts?...

Exactly! Not a single person with their hands down! Thats why yesterday was so great... this lovely family --

sent me this --

Oh HAPPY day!!

This package came all the way from the SmallWoods via the Inkling Network. Tammy is an awesome artist/singer/musician/mommy/blogger. (did I mention she is my cousin-in-law?!) I loved my surprise. Tammy & Jamie (her hubbs) are so fun and each have a bounty of artistic ability. But you should check out their many skills yourself!

The Inkling Network

Mr. Fox Brands on Etsy

Handwritten Letters

Jaime Harper Art & Portraiture

Thanks Tammy! I (and david, and my whole office, and everyone I have met today) love my little hoot pin, business card caddy, and print! In short-- y'all are pretty much the bomb!

Reveling in Nashville - Part 5

2009-10-12T12:09:00.004-05:00

{Spirit of Nashville}

As part of the south and the Volunteer State, I have always found Nashville to be a very friendly place. As the second largest city in TN, its still a small town with lots of historic and community charm. So, I am not surprised that Nashville has been voted the friendliest city in America by Travel & Leisure Magazine!

We also ranked within the top 10 cities for: affordable getaway, wild weekend trips, bar scene, attractive cities, best B&Bs/Inns, affordable hotels...and not surprised based on my Nashville Revel #3... we were the number 2 city for Live music/concerts and bands! Way to go Nashville!

And now, as a resident of this great city, I would like to now humbly accept these great awards ...I would like to thank all of the little people for making this possible and all of my fans...it was a lot of hard work and Nashville couldn't have done it without me... thank you America!

Pigs have flown...

2009-10-08T12:41:00.004-05:00

because I actually cooked dinner last night! I'm quite proud of myself and after enjoying the leftovers for lunch I thought I would share.

Yesterday I spent a couple minutes drooling over the yummy meals on Smitten Kitchen (again) and ran across a "Lemony Zucchini Goat Cheese Pizza" recipe that I was intrigued by. I set out to make my own squash pizza- sans "lemony" plus tomato and parmigiana reggiano. It was delish if I do say so myself.

{Look what I made!}

Don't tell anyone, but I'm thinking about trying to cook at least once a week. Be scared!

Heaven's my home anyhow...

2009-10-07T10:12:00.007-05:00

Perfect Wednesday morning work music-- Nashville artists Sam & Ruby. I actually heard a piece on them this morning when my radio alarm (set to NPR) went off. I checked them out right after staff meeting and plan on listening to them all day. Check out their myspace (also on itunes and amazon).

During the fall I eat...

2009-10-06T16:57:00.008-05:00

PUMPKIN!

...candy Pumpkin corn, pumpkin pie, pumpkin-spiced lattes, pumpkin seeds, pumpkin-nut muffins, pumpkin cheesecake (David makes the best!)...

and although we all know that I don't cook... just read the post below to know that my hubby does! I stumbled upon this plethora of pumpkiny recipes and can't wait to be served them by sweet chef David! Who knows- perhaps I'll give one of the recipes a try myself!

Head over to the SmittenKitchen.com and check out these awesome recipes!

The beautiful circle of cooking

2009-10-01T08:50:00.007-05:00

Next to my wife and my art, cooking stands as one of my greatest sources of joy and frustration. There's something of a microcosm in the act of planning, prepping, cooking, and serving that never ceases to provide a distinct extremity of emotion. It's a project in every sense of the word--there's a concept, a working prototype (that becomes the product, nonetheless), a deadline, an audience, and a delivery. This circle is opened hours--or days--before, is traveled upon dutifully, mindfully, and frantically, and is closed at the table with your closest friends (usually), who just so happen to be your greatest critics (usually). And hopefully, eating as a closing act to cooking is a pleasant experience. If not, there's nothing to deprecate the act of traveling the arc, desperately fighting the forces that would pull you off course...

Though I cook nearly every day, it's only a few times a month when I find myself embarking on a project that really feels special. Sometimes it's delivered; most of the time it's simply served at home. On these occasions, my audience has the fortune to stand alongside the arc, and the lowly "project" becomes "performance". I'll spare the details; essentially, my wife and I had a good friend over for dinner. We tag-teamed the menu, then I shopped, prepped, and cooked. One of the delicacies we served was a conglomerate of necessity (eat-me-now tomatoes), prior knowledge, and new recipes. Thus:

Basically, this treat is a fried tomato, topped with homemade pimento cheese and a balsamic sauce. DE-lish. Recipe here.

If life is a straight line, it's really nice to have a neat, closed circle every once in a while.