Just call me Ina

So no matter what circle you're in, where you're from, religion, race, class, etc, we all have one common aspect of our lives...everything revolves around...FOOD. Since becoming an adult (eiiikk.. ps. I still think you're not a real adult until you've had a bebe so I'm still good to do all those guilty pleasures, right?) Work, P's work, friends, family etc always want food at gatherings. Honestly, one would think as much Food Network as I have watched I would feel pretty confident with all this, but no. I am better at whipping something up out of nothing but the whole idea of presentation and feeding a crowd stresses me out. It's not like I don't know how to do anything but everyone has gotten all fancy w/ the food network etc and I always feel the need to do something extreme...with out trying before...because that would take time and extra money for all those random ingredients that nobody ever really keeps... So I get all JoJo circus clown about it. Both my parents are good cooks but my Dad has the gift of making something out of nothing... really. He will take a potato, lima beans, and a canned corn and somehow make a culinary masterpiece. Dad is also the king of presentation. For my book club a couple of months ago, Dad totally knew best and came over and helped put together this beautiful presentation of tapas. Everyone was super impressed and I was so thankful Papa came over to do the dirty work. This is the before pic, mostly done by my Dad, my Mom did the salad, I poured the wine. This is the after pic, obviously a huge hit with my ladies!

So recently at my singing gig I became... the head of the party planning committee...if you are not instantly thinking of Angela from the Office we are not friends. Anyway, I don't think I actually hold this title, I am supposed to plan birthday parties but the diva in me wanted a title so there you have it. Anyway, 3 days after the title was honorably given I had a birthday to plan... not just any birthday...2 of our members are turning the big 65. (whoohooo Medicare) Our director is making a cake but I needed to make some "munchies". Everyone there is a secret chef. I found this out the hard way when I brought bagels and cream cheese to a breakfast and they were not touched or even looked at. So with all these foodies I knew it was time to bring the big guns. Having the pictures of my Dad's masterpieces on the handy iphone I bought the ingredients, and attempted to make it look just like his.

This is the final product. I know I didn't really cook anything... (well I warmed pita) I am still proud of my culinary success. Usually my meals includes a lot of tears and beers and I'm happy to say none were needed!

I'll take pics of the rocking party tonight and report later. For Natalie's News this has been, Natalie-Corinne.

SMH

Being a teacher I have gotten pretty good, who am I kidding GREAT at interpreting "creative" spelling, grammar, text speech, slang etc. Usually even if I haven't heard of it, I can figure it out, but today one got me. Ouch. The worst part about the whole situation is that I kept seeing the same 3 letters over and over in people's facebook statuses...adult statuses! (I have a strict no student facebook friend policy) Apparently there is the whole 3 letter word vernacular that I am totally illiterate in! Yikes. After the announcement that we would have another snow day I saw 2 teacher's updates and at the end it both statuses it said "SMH". hmmm SMH? Shut my mouth? No, h not m, can't be mouth. hmm see my hiney? Lord I hope my teacher friends are posting that... after much (about 20 seconds) deliberation the old lady from my previous lives took over and I. googled. it. So lame. But efficient. Anyway I realized that SHM means shaking my head... See, you CAN learn on snow days!

For Natalie's News this has been, Natalie-Corinne.

thank you thank you thank you!

If anyone DID read my blog (bwhahaha) and actually sent good vibes/prayed/meditated/called on the king etc etc because IT SNOWED :) Currently I am sitting drinking coffee, watching tv and LOVING life. I braved the elements for some winter wonderland pictures. A small thank you for a wonderful day off :)

COLD!

Our pretty backyard!

Front yard.

Rebel love.

Is that Quasimodo? Loch ness monster? Abominable snowman? No. It is me sporting a MEAN snow day ensemble. Wish I could say I was running around in a hot little snow bunny get up but it is so cold I just keep throwing on more and more clothes so here it is! Tim Gunn is dying a little on the inside...but making it work in the I'm not leaving my house all day kind of way.

I hope you are enjoying your day as much as I am! For Natalie's News this has been a very happy Natalie-Corinne.

White Christmas - Snow Song

I hate to admit this, I don't really love White Christmas however I thought this clip was appropriate because of the AMAZING snow we have! I also love one of the drinks is... milk. More snow pics later.

For Natalie's News this has been a very SNOWED-IN, Natalie-Corinne.

wishing and hoping and thinking and praying...

Whatever it is you do...

Pray...

call on the king...

cross your fingers...

meditate...

FOR

A SNOW DAY!!!

Everyone here at Natalie's News would just LOVE a longer weekend...

cue chariots of fire please

I wish I could have music playing as you are listening because Chariots of Fire (think the song Will Ferrell dances to in Old School w/ the ribbon dancer) should be playing to unveil this wonderful, brilliant, phenomenal announcement...where to begin? umm how was this not the first the first item unpacked? I got the BEST (and only appliance ever allowed, ps) Christmas present!!! We unpacked it tonight and I wanted to bake everything possible but then I remembered it would negate the previous running. Boo. Anyway, I HAVE A KITCHEN AID mixer.

In other news... I AM OLD and believe having a Kitchen Aid mixer is news worthy!

Anyway, I LOVE it.

For Natalie's News this has been a briefly domesticated Natalie-Corinne.

Bravo breakdown

Who are you kidding? We can play like we all watch the news or other "adult" programs but if we've all got to have something. Sure Bravo is probably the most shallow network in existence but when you listen to NPR to and from work, read all kinds of news blogs, television is this sacred place where people only judge on appearance and where six figure incomes are comparable to those living on government cheese, you know, reality television. One new fun addition to the new pad is at&t uverse. Although occasionally the uverse freezes, I have been happy with the change from the evil, child laboring, endangered species killing, non recycling, company known as...comcast. (dum dum dum) Now it is even EASIER to fast forward commercials and watch hours of "reality" television. Because of the move last week Bravo and I had major separation anxiety but Bravo and I made new commitment vows to one another and are right on track to make at least a silver anniversary... (and with all the gays if I don't get something fab America will know) Following my duty as an avid Bravo fan I watched The Collection (not even really my favorite, but I watched to see if Rachel Zoe looked preggers...NOPE), Top Chef All Stars, Millionaire Matchmaker and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. So much important things (bwhahahah) have happened I don't even know if I can respond to all of it but if you're not watching... we should probably defriend on facebook... it's that serious.

For Natalie's news this has been Natalie-Corinne.

times they are a changing....

It is 9:00 PM

I've already had dinner.

Wine.

Bed Bath and Beyond.

Gone to Dicks (don't google it)... (oh bought a pedometer..Rebecca Bertrand inspired me to do the 100 mile challenge.. it is so on at 8:00 AM tomorrow)

Borders.

Played on the fb.

Read blogs.

Currently laying on the house.

My 22 year old self is cringing.

The exhausted working self couldn't be happier.

Happy Weekend everyone.

For Natalie's News this has been, Natalie-Corinne.

funny because it's true...

So I've always been one of those people who thinks that stereotypes are rarely true and quite dangerous. I feel like the South (capitalized on purpose) is constantly being criticized for something outsiders do not understand. I'm always blown away by people who think we do not have shoes, cannot drive, read, write...or anything else for that matter. I'm always so offended and shocked by the ignorant allegations. However...as painful as it is for me to admit this, perhaps there is one kind of, sometimes true stereotype....driving. I will say I've noticed that the driving is the worst in my new found suburbia but for some reason Southern people seem to have missed the boat on the slow folks stay in the right lanes concept. Every single day some pious Mom in a minivan with her entire family including their pets outlined in white in sticker form on the back window so the entire world will know all four children, three dogs and husband will all be safely driving below the speed limit in the fast lane in order to block anyone else who has any intention of driving at all faster than them. If one is lucky enough to get past the Mommy van then you have to battle the trashy trucks. Scenario 2 is a always a truck with a man dipping and cruising along once again in the fast lane. Unlike the Mom who is driving annoyingly slow to save her precious white outlined sticker family and is oblivious to anyone at all having anywhere to go, trashy trucker knows you are trying to pass him but once a small compact car is passing the big masculine trucker, he speeds up and begins this cat and mouse game so he remains king of the double wide and the road. While I guess one could argue that neither of the above scenarios are really Southern things, it just seems like some Southern folks (especially those from Arkansas) do not realize that anyone other than themselves have anywhere to go. So as a constant educator please, please, please GET out of the way. It is so okay to drive under the speed limit but do it in the right lane!!!!!! Ugh, please imagine the left lanes as the autobahn of the good ol' USA.

For Natalie's News this has been, Natalie-Corinne.

confess

I have something to confess. But not just any old ordinary confession..this one I'm not even sure my priest could cure. After completely scoffing and judging I too have been converted. Last night I literally caught myself thinking the impossible...."I wish I had a snuggie". I cannot tell you how often I have worried about the fate of the world because the task of changing the channel and staying warm was all too difficult for the average person...but last night shamefully I fell into this category. To my defense, we are still working out the whole heat situation with the house. We thought we were super cool because we got this updated house with a lot of green amenities but what I'm finding out about "green" products is that the reason they cost less is because they do not work! Well, maybe they work but we haven't figured them out yet. Anyway, unless I'm under a blanket it is freezing in the house. Last night I was working on the computer, watching tv and I wanted to grab for my phone when I suddenly realized...I will have to leave the optimum comfort of my blanket to reach for the phone and that's when I crossed over to the dark side...the desire, need, craving of the snuggie. Even worse is the awful timing of the entire realization. Christmas has passed so there will no more tacky sweater or dirty Santa parties to attend where inevitably someone brings a snuggie. If I actually wanted one, I would have to PURCHASE a snuggie which I am just not prepared to do. I guess I feel better now this is off my chest and I promise I will just buck up a do and make the "old fashioned" blanket work for me!

I hope everyone is having a very warm and snuggie-free Thursday. For Natalie's News this has been Natalie-Corinne.

work eating

Does anyone else gain weight at work? I seriously lost weight...over Christmas break...yes after the parties, the drinks, the dinners and the drinks... I thought it was due to the move but returning to work I started noticing some gross trends. I don't have a snack drawer, I don't frequent the vending machine but Satan's workers (colleagues... oh and if you're a colleague and have have found this I don't mean you) bring tons and tons of free, fattening food.

Scenario 1: Obviously we just moved in and Dave Ramsey has a control over my soul and I feel the need to save money every way possible. A representative from a local college is pitching a masters degree program. Not interested because I already have one but wait, do you have pastries? No. Resist. Bagels? Resist. Holy Lord, did she bring Nutella? Big guns. Nice work. Almost talked into getting another masters that I am totally not interested in but the idea of bathing myself in Nutella can get me to agree to almost anything. Okay, 2 bites of nutella and then I'm done. Plus it is free.

A few short hours later.....

Scenario 2. A fellow employee has negotiated free lunch! Yay! What is it? Hot wings. Honey buttered biscuits. Fries. Free? Yes. A heart attack on a plate? Yes. Thought process, "Okay, 4 wings, 1 biscuit, 3 fries...and I'll blot the excess oil..."

Less than 12 hours later...

Scenario 3: Morning. Appreciation day. Sausage. Breakfast casserole. Hash brown casserole. Fruit. Yogurt. Bagels. NUTELLA. Thought process, "okay, just a bite of each and I brought steamed vegetables and grilled chicken for lunch. I will be fine".

A few short hours later..

Scenario 4: CAKE. No, not the band. FREE homemade pound cake. Seriously, hold the phone...more free food?! My thought process, "hmm..perhaps a sliver... I wonder if metro covers the lap-band?"

Literally 5 minutes later...

Scenario 5: CHOCOLATE DONUTS!! Okay, ENOUGH...I've finally had enough and I made it known in the most dramatic fashion possible... I make a mad dash out of the employee lounge and try to hibernate at my desk losing myself in email and diet coke.

So here is my new Near Year's resolution. Even if it makes me seem distant, weird, stuck up, rude, whatever, I will not eat what people bring to work and eat at my desk. Too many distractions and offers. I figure I've got the weird music thing going for me anyway so I might as well live it up and let the rumors fly.

If you're at your desk eating your healthy lunch too, we could gchat and judge others. Just a thought.

For Natalie's News this has been a very tempted, Natalie-Corinne.

Claire Bear

So this is late but please forgive me being void of Internet! My dear friend Claire's birthday was Sunday! Claire was in town all weekend and helped moved, closed down Nashville karaoke and made this weekend so much fun! Love you and happy late blog birthday!

Happy New Year

Happy New Year! Natalie's News returns from the dark abyss lacking cable and Internet (insert scream). Wow, the first week of 2011 has been crazy and full of firsts and excitements.

In efforts to refrain from being too long winded I will create a little kid-esque picture book with short descriptions. So I know I said there were a lot of firsts but here is the only last...the LAST apartment. Although I was so happy to move I was a tad bit sad about leaving our first place back in Nashville, our first home after marriage, the place of many parties and exciting times...seems kind of sad...then I think of being stuck up on the huge hill during snow, and the gate.... the gate always being broken, our rent increasing to fix the constantly broken gate, people (actually several people, one time there was a 3 car pile up!) hitting the gate because it had been broken for 2 months creating a huge traffic jam...and them making it so difficult to buy out of our lease.. so, NO. Not really all that sad, at all. Any. None. First house pictured above. Yeah, I know it is obvious but it is still exciting. So exciting in fact that we are the crazies that had people over not once but two times right after moving in... and not for just any old night.. New Years Eve!!!

Above is the only New Years shot taken in our newly unpacked (kind of) New Years Party. Honestly it was a tame night with friends, fun and free cable! P being the ultimate handyman hooked up the tv and we were able to see the ball drop!

Our first Birthday Celebration! The Bognis came over and celebrated Sarah's' big day! We had our first birthday and first child in the house!

Seriously, could he get any cuter? The correct answer is no.

First (and ultimate) house guest.

First cat in a sink. Pappi accompanied Ms. Kelly so I guess the were co-first house guests.

First time meeting Reece!

First cook out. Did I mention we had people over twice?! The second night in our new house we had our first cook out for friends and family and honestly I could not have imagined it any other way!

This is so much work but fun work. I'm already so happy with the house and cannot wait to get more and more unpacked and settled. I hope everyone else had a fabulous New Year! For Natalie's News this has been, Natalie-Corinne.

top 5

I am such a sucker for a countdown. Here goes the New Years countdown that I will probably never follow. In the year 2011 I want to change some things and here goes my public promises that all 4 readers can hold me to.

Number 5: I want to spend less money on my nails. Since the wedding I have become a little obsessed with the nail salon. It is such a treat but it's this never ending cycle. I go in, get a wonderful mani/pedi and literally with in 24 hours my mani is chipped and I am left wondering why I spent the money and 2 hours in the salon.

Number 4: I want to find an activity I like doing outside. Not really sure why I feel the need to be all granola all the sudden but everyone seems to have these really cool outdoor hobbies. Hiking (walking), kayaking, biking etc. I want to get one that does not include wearing spandex.

Number 3: Learn to take better care of my skin. SHAME. I have been using Clearasil since I was apx 14 and know nothing else. It is time to use something grown up.. but where is Ramona Singer and her skin care knowledge when I need her? Countless times I have walked down an isle, department store etc and been so overwhelmed I resort back to the Clearasil cocoon I know so well.

Number 2: Join the public library. Okay this is very shameful. I spend so much money on books and I totally judge them by their cover. If the picture on the front is: in black and white, anything revolving the Holocaust, about a great story, by David Sedaris, or just looks cool I buy it... read it in about 3 days... and then it takes up room forever. I never go to the library which is wasteful and not very green.

Number 1: Sing for FUN. I rarely sing anymore for fun. This is sad. I sing for work 6 days of the week but never in the car, w/ friends, nada. I'm too exhausted. Although listening to NPR is super fun I am going to start requiring "fun" music in the car and get back to my pop roots and sing for fun.

Wow, this is a shallow list. I'll try to recycle and save the world too.

For Natalie's News, this has been Natalie-Corinne.

Happy Birthday Sarah :)

Sarah might think that her birthday gets over shadowed by New Years Eve but that huge celebration all over the world is obviously in celebration of YOU. Happy Birthday to the best Jill of all trades. I hope you have a WONDERFUL DAY!