How I Ate My Way Through Stormwatch 2011 Atlanta

When I wrote on Sunday about the things I want to master, little did know (never imagined) that I'd be stuck at home since Sunday afternoon. Did y'all hear me?? STUCK, absolutely no driving ANYWHERE, no opportunity to go to Publix to touch produce or purchase my favorite Boars Head Jerk Turkey Breast, no dining out, no Goodwill thrifting, no searching for deals at Ross, HomeGoods, TJ Maxx or Marshalls, no NOTHING!! Now mind you, when I say stuck, I mean I've been on lock down! Before you start feeling super-sorry for me, I have a confession to make--I've loved every minute of being stuck at home--I just enjoy whining about not being able to shop. For years, in my former life, I rarely had an opportunity to spend very much time at home. I was an expert car renting, hotel dwelling, room servicing, restaurant dining puppet. Since Sunday, I've tracked down every speck of dust; reorganized the kitchen and bathroom(s) cabinets, the pantry, the linen closet, the bar, the coat closet and last, but not least, my dreaded office file cabinet. While doing all that, I've also forced myself to cook (more than I normally do) based on what's on hand.

Now this next part will probably not surprise you. In my shut in state, somehow I fell into a bit of hibernation-induced sipping and eating, so to ease my guilt, I'm sharing a few photos with you. In all reality, my little eatfest started on Saturday evening after a fantastic lunch with some super-fabulous friends at La Madeleine.

I was wise to order a small one this time.

I won't even attempt to tell you how much of this I inhaled, but let's just say that I've mulled about as much as I can mull.

Kinda-sorta fried, but not deep fried. I may have my "Southern" card taken.

Who can survive a snow storm without gingerbread?

This is my I'm-beginning-to-feel-guilty dinner last night.


And today's still-feeling-a-little-guilty lunch. I used the leftover lump crab.

I think we'll be somewhat back to normal tomorrow, so I decided to have one last unnecessary, but quite delicious meal as my official goodbye to Stormwatch 2011 Atlanta.

Guilt is nowhere to be found on this plate.

Metro Atlanta should be almost back to normal for the weekend. If not, I suppose I'll just continue to organize, reorganize, and eat myself into a stupor.

Since 49 of our 50 states (lucky Florida) are "enjoying" snow, I'd love to hear how you're coping.

Sheila Denise

Crate & Barrel Taste on a Ross Budget

Hey y'all!! By now, you should know that I love a bargain almost as much as I love food (I said almost). LOL Crate & Barrel has been a favorite for many years and I have quite the stash of goodies to show for it. Not everyone can plop down the cash for some of the lovely items, and when I'm shopping for more budget conscious clients (yes, another one of my "jobs"), I make every effort to make the best use of their dollars. Of course, I do the same for me, so when I was out doing a little shopping in Ross the other day and happened upon a pair of candleholders that looked very familiar--they were so very similar to the Pixie candleholder from Crate & Barrel. I actually stood there and pulled up the photo the website to be REALLY sure. Don't believe me...click here. Although, they're not exactly the same, they're close enough for me. Now for the price breakdown, the C & B version retails at $9.95, the Ross version retails at $2.99. So what do you think Little Miss Budget did?? I snatched up those two and nearly ripped the store apart, looking for more. I didn't find any more, but I'm headed out in a little while to "visit" another Ross store to quench my thirst for these babies, because I have grand plans!

Please share some of your budget knockoffs...I simply love a deal!!

It's truly the little things that make me extremely happy!

Sheila Denise

Look What I Found!!

I just HAD to share my latest find with y'all. It has to be the nifty-est pan EVER. It's a Lasagna Trio Pan by Chicago Metallic. Yes you read that correctly, THREE rows of lasagna and it comes equipped with it's very on spatula!! I'm envisioning the rows of lasagna as I type...traditional meat, vegetarian and seafood. I simply can't wait to use this pan, well, what I really mean is I can't wait to take it to my sister, Riley and ask BEG her to work her magic. Her lasagna and Aunt Maxine's lasagna taste waaaay better than mine (and mine is really good). There's something about a loved one creating a dish with you in mind that makes it extra awesome.

Oh, I almost forgot the best part, it scored this baby for $17.99. It's listed at $25.21 on Amazon. I'm a very happy woman tonight.

I'd love to hear your creative ideas to put this fabulous pan to good use.

Sheila Denise

White Dishes: Episode 2

The urge to shop overcame me today. It was so strong that I chose to skip lunch and shop instead. I've always had hit-or-miss kinda luck in Ross Dress For Less, but I thought I'd give it a shot and I'm soooooo glad I did.

I stumbled upon these little pitchers. They are by Over and Back/BIA. I have quite a number of their items, so I know they're durable. The curved dishes showcased in Episode 1 are the same brand.

They'll hold approximately 2 cups--the perfect size for salad dressings, sauces and simple syrups at my Spring and Summer gatherings. These are a great compliment to my ever-growing arsenal of white dishes and a nice nudge to get me into the entertaining mode (as if I need an excuse).

I love Spring and Summer entertaining.

Sheila Denise