My Favorite Things Party 2019

This is my 6th year attending Margaret Ann and Nancy's My Favorite Things party. It never gets old! 

If you're not familiar with this party theme, check out the details here. This year, the limit for each gift was raised to $15. Here is what I brought to past parties that still remain as some of my favorites:

• 2014: Flylady's rubba scrubba
• 2015: A collection of spices from The Savory Spice Shop, one of my favorite stores in downtown Franklin
• 2016: A jar of pickled okra, Bloody Mary mix, and a small bottle of vodka
• 2017: A Christmas tea towel I bought at Sanctuary South (one of my favorite gift shops)
• 2018: A collection of several items: stainless steel condiment cups, baking cups, and homemade cinnamon rolls

This year, I brought stainless steel spoon straws. I first bought mine over 20 years ago at Restoration Hardware and have been using them pretty much daily since then. And then I could never find them again . . . until now. Thank you, Crate and Barrel! They're perfect for milk shakes, smoothies, etc. I mostly use them now as extra long teaspoons as I prepare my coffee in tall mugs. I also included one of my favorite frozen drink recipes: Orange Julius. 

Keely brought Supergoop! combination sunscreen and lip balm. She keeps hers in her tennis bag at all times. It will also come in handy on an upcoming ski trip for her and Max. I'll now be keeping mine in my tennis bag, too. Hmmmm. Perhaps it was a coincidence that I drew her gift? :D

Although I wasn't able to capture everything, here are some of the other favorite things shared from Thursday night (in no particular order):

• Pouch from Ellen's collection at Walmart
• Homemade salad dressing
• Eddie Bauer outdoor blanket
• What's Gaby Cooking mini rub
• Champagne glasses
• Fashion tape
• Jeni's goat cheese with cherries ice cream
• Cynthia Rowley and Martha Stewart wrapping paper from TJ Maxx
• Patagonia ultralight black hole hip pack
• Anthropologie volcano candle
• Dunkin Donuts coffee
• Werther's originals candy
• The Seaweed Bath Co. detox cream
• Mario Badescu mint lip balm
• Justin's peanut butter cups
• Madewell leopard luggage tag
• Nest candle
• Redkin Guts 10 volume spray foam
• Hello Weekend tote bag
• Wool dryer balls
• Grandma's secret spot remover
• Pond's cold cream
• Beauty care micro needle face roller
• York peppermint patty
• Brach's Christmas peppermint nougats 

Hopefully, this will give you plenty of new ideas for stocking stuffers!

Nancy and Margaret Ann

Fresh Strawberry Cake

While strawberries are in season, it's a great time to make a fresh strawberry cake! Have you ever had the seasonal favorite at Nothing Bundt Cakes? This is a great copycat recipe. I had never made one before until Keely requested it for her birthday this year. She thoughtfully asked that I make a gluten-free version so that Max could enjoy it, too. One would never know. This recipe is definitely a keeper!

Fresh Strawberry Cake

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces fresh strawberries, diced
• 2 1/2 cups regular flour, divided (Substitute Cup4Cup if gluten-free.)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 3 eggs
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice, divided
• 8 ounces plain Greek yogurt
• 1 cup powdered sugar

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease and flour a bundt pan (I use Bakers Joy). 
2. Gently toss the diced strawberries with 1/4 cup of flour. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, sift together the remaining 2 1/4 cups of flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix in the lemon zest. Set aside.
4. In a separate bowl, use a mixer to cream together the butter and sugar for approximately 3 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Alternate beating in the flour mixture and the yogurt, mixing just until incorporated. 
5. Gently mix the strawberries into the batter.
6. Pour the batter into the Bundt pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 60 minutes.
7. Allow to cool at least 20 minutes in the pan, then remove from pan and cool completely. 
8. Prepare the icing by combining the remaining 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and the powdered sugar. Drizzle over the top of the cooled cake. (Note: Next time, I'll be adding a cream cheese icing. Then it will really be a Nothing Bundt Cake copycat!)

Recipe adapted from A Spicy Perspective.

The Birthday Girl

Birthdays aren't just for one day around here. We celebrate at least a birthweek. Then on big birthdays (like the Big 3-0), it's worth celebrating all month long! And that's exactly what I did. All month long, I got to reminisce about what I love most about one of my greatest blessings.

KK and Keely at 30A - June 2019

#30to30 Day 1. I remember so vividly the day you were born. You were seriously the best baby ever! You even slept through the night the very first week. You have always made my job so easy! Xxxooo

#30to30 Day 2. The hair! “Look Mom! That baby’s got a Mohawk!” . It’s still stunning. Xxxooo

#30to30 Day 3. “My not cute. My ‘dorable.” So very true. Xxxooo

#30to30 Day 4. “H I KK LMNOP”  Is it crazy that I still love to hear you say my name?

#30to30 Day 5. You sacrifice so much for our family and it does not go unnoticed. It’s like Steve passed the torch to you for being the glue that holds our family together. Always wise beyond years. Thank you. Xxxooo

#30to30 Day 6. “My not swim like a fish. My swim like mermaid.” I really do think you were a mermaid in your past life. You could stay in the pool all. day. long. I still love hanging out at the pool with you!

#30to30 Day 7. You’re the most nonjudgmental person I know. It’s such an admirable, rare quality. Xxxooo

#30to30 Day 8. I have always loved your sense of fashion. We both know you did not get that from me!  In fact, you should be commended for surviving the high waisted Talbots khacki middle school days.🤷‍♀️ (But I do remember that you loved me wearing my “heel highs”!) Thank you for helping me! Xxxooo

#30to30 Day 9. “I like your face.” Now that’s an understatement! I think you are so so beautiful. But as striking as you are on the outside, you are even more beautiful on the inside. “For attractive lips, speak words of kindness. For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people. . . “ This is you. And that’s what makes me so very proud. Xxxooo

#30to30 Day 10. I love your sense of adventure! It takes a lot of courage to venture out into this crazy world, and I love that you do just that. I mean, who else can say they went swimming with a shark ... on purpose! Haha I’m so grateful that I get to be your travel companion occasionally because you’re the absolute best! “Jobs fill your pocket. Adventures fill your soul.” You help remind me of this. Thank you! Xxxooo

#30to30 Day 11. I love how you take pride in everything you do. I hope you will always know how so very proud I am of you. I can’t wait to see what other goals you accomplish! Xxxooo

#30to30 Day 12. No one knows me better than you. Not even myself. You seem to know exactly what to say and when to say it that brings me comfort. I’m also grateful for the times when the best thing you can say is nothing at all. Not too many people take the time to enjoy silence. I’m glad that you can recognize and appreciate those moments. “The cure for anything is salt water. Sweat, tears, or the sea.” I’m so glad we are here. Xxxooo

#30to30 Day 13. I believe independence is such an admirable trait. I can’t think of any other person who could live (responsibly) by themselves during their last few weeks of high school! You have never allowed others to define who you are or what you should be doing. Followers don’t stand out. You sure do! Xxxooo

#30to30 Day 14. You are so generous. Not just with money, but with your smiles, laughter, thoughts, and time. I love that.  Xxxooo

#30to30 Day 15. You really know how to love. Not only do you love others with all that you are, but you also open yourself up to be loved. I really admire that and want to be more like that. One thing I know for sure, though, is I love you infinity. Xxxooo 

#30to30 Day 16. You have always made me so proud whenever I heard how you stood up to bullies. It takes such inner strength to protect those who have been bullied. Xxxooo

#30to30 Day 17. You have amazing writing skills! I can’t tell you how many times I have re-read your blog posts from college. You simply have a special way with words. . . just ask anyone who has ever received one of your thank you notes. I know I cherish everything you have written for me. I still think there is a book brewing inside of you even it is a collection of short stories of all the outrageous things that have happened to you. Haha Xxxooo

#30to30 Day 18. I just loved the day you noticed your hands look like mine. You take such delight in little things.  Xxxooo

#30to30 Day 19. I think one of the reasons you consistently succeed is you’re an “I can” person, not an “I can’t” person. Who else would secretly run through security at an airport on 9/11 to make sure you don’t miss an interview? (Knucklehead. 🤦‍♀️) Your ability to overcome obstacles is pretty unmatched.  Xxxooo

#30to30 Day 20. I have really enjoyed watching you grow to be an amazing cook. I also love that you share your skill by spoiling those you love. Thank you!  Xxxooo

#30to30 Day 21. I love your planning and research skills! I’ll never forget our amazing trip to London, Paris, and Rome. I’m so grateful for all the time you spent in planning it as well as other fun events. You’re so good at it! Xxxooo

#30to30 Day 22. I love that your blood runneth orange! I’ll never forget helping you decorate your graduation cap: “Wild as a mink, but sweet as soda pop.”
So perfect. So you! And I can’t quit smiling whenever I see you in your checkerboard overalls. Your spirit is so genuine and contagious! #vfl 🧡

#30to30 Day 23. Your critical thinking skills are amazing. After watching a movie, we would have such deep discussions. Well, you and Steve would have the deep discussions, and I cherish those memories. I listened well though! Haha. I’m so grateful you got that from him. It’s a rare, special skill. Xxxooo 

#30to30 Day 24. When it comes to having fun, you’re not the one to sit on the sidelines. I love watching you kick butt in corn hole, ping pong, basketball, etc. (I will always be your best cheerleader! ) I also love our own games: spades, poker, Sorry!, and most recently dominoes. Watching you enjoy life makes me so happy!  “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” -George Bernard Shaw. 

#30to30 Day 25. I love how much you love music. I wonder who you got that from?  The excitement you have when Taylor Swift launches a new song is especially fun to watch. Your dressing the part or in theme cracks me up. I also love when I get to go to concerts with you like Eric Church, James Taylor, George Strait, etc. I can’t imagine anyone else I would rather go with because you have the most fun! I’m still amazed that you seem to know the lyrics to every single song of all artists. Every. Single. Song. 

#30to30 Day 26. You bring calm to stressful situations. You simply don’t panic. So, if there is ever an emergency, I would choose you to be by my side. That’s another thing you got from Steve, and I’m so grateful. You live by the Serenity Prayer more than anyone I know! “Accept the things I cannot change, change the things I can, and have the wisdom to know the difference.” Xxxooo 

#30to30 Day 27. You are smart for knowing a well-lived life requires rest, pampering, and time alone to recharge. I hope you always make time for naps, pedicures, and a good soak in the bath tub, especially on a cold rainy night. You deserve such luxury! Xxxooo 

#30to30 Day 28. On this 4th of July weekend, I’m reminded of how patriotic you are and I love that. You would celebrate Steve on Veteran’s Day each year as if it was another birthday. Being at Pearl Harbor on his last Veteran’s Day will always be a favorite memory of mine. Always cheering on the USA in any major sporting event such as the Olympics, Wimbledon, etc, is another special memory. I’m so glad that you have such pride for being born in this amazing country. “God bless the USA”! Xxxooo 🇺🇸️️️

#30to30 Day 29. It’s your birthday eve, and I still have too many things I want to say such as: You really listen when others talk. Really listen. It’s so respectful. Your wisdom/advice is highly sought after and for good reason. You have always been wise beyond your years. You are the most thoughtful gift giver. . . because you’re such an excellent listener. You truly know how to love and show it. You have a beautiful three- point shot! Years later, it’s still fun to watch (and beat naysayers). Haha. You never stop learning. “Life is always under construction.” You are genuinely empathetic to others. You are kind to everyone, all the time. You are so tolerant of others who live or believe differently from you. You’re the best roommate. Even when it’s complicated, you value family. You have a heart of gratitude. You stay active and healthy. Your smile lights up a room. You bring joy to so many lives, especially mine! As I read over this list, gosh I realize I could also be describing your dad. You are his living, breathing legacy. No wonder you’re my very best friend. Xxxooo 

#30to30 Day 30. Oh how I’m glad that you were born! On this day 30 years ago, I became a mom. It remains to be one of the happiest days of my life. I loved you before you were born, on the day we first met, and even more since then if that’s even possible. What a pleasure it’s been to watch you grow into the most amazing woman that you are. I can’t wait to see what your next thirty years look like. I love you with all my heart, Keely. Happiest birthday to you! Xxxooo 

Chicken Parmesan

I must admit, Keely has become quite the cook, and she is fearless about trying new recipes. I love that! She spoils Max with Chicken Parmesan, his favorite, and often serves it to her guests. I'm grateful that she agreed to make it for me and my cousin Fred who was visiting from Texas last week. Not surprisingly, it lived up to its reputation. I honestly haven't had any better. It's sooooo good. 

Keely's Chicken Parmesan

To begin, prepare your chicken by pounding it with a meat mallet. Don't have one? No worries. I didn't either. Instead, we used a large rubber mallet covered with plastic wrap. Problem solvers. That's us. :) Next, season both sides with Paula Deen's seasoning and then sprinkle with flour.

Preparing the Chicken

Now dip the prepared chicken into beaten eggs, followed by a bread crumb/Parmesan cheese mixture. 

A side benefit: this recipe calls for an air fryer, so it's lower in calories than other versions. If you don't have one, this recipe alone is worth getting one! In fact, Keely has said more than once that it's her favorite kitchen appliance. Period. "Fry" both sides for approximately 2-3 minutes each.

Keely's favorite kitchen appliance is the air fryer!

Although the chicken is "fried," the last step calls for baking it in the oven. First, though, top it with marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, a little more shredded Parmesan cheese, and lastly a slice of Provolone cheese.

Once baked, serve it on top of spaghetti covered with additional marinara sauce. Enjoy!

(Note that this recipe can easily be made gluten-free, which is how Keely makes it. Simply replace the flour, bread crumbs, and spaghetti noodles with gluten-free alternatives.) 


Chicken Parmesan

Ingredients:

• 3 chicken breasts
• Paula Deen's seasoning (salt, pepper, garlic powder) to taste
• Approximately 6 tablespoons of regular flour (Use Cup4Cup if gluten-free.)
• 2 eggs
• 1 heaping cup Panko bread crumbs (Or use gluten-free Panko.)
• 1/2 heaping cup shredded Parmesan cheese, plus a little more for topping
• 1 to 1.5 jars of marinara sauce (Keely prefers Rao's.)
• Italian seasoning to taste
• 3 slices Provolone cheese
• Spaghetti noodles (Use Barilla if gluten-free.)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
2. Pound chicken breasts with a meat mallet to the thickness of approximately 1/3 inch and then season both sides with Paula Deen's seasoning.
3. Sprinkle/dust flour on both sides of the chicken breasts (approximately 1 tablespoon for each side) and lightly pat down to make sure it's a light, even coating.
4. Beat eggs in a shallow bowl.
5. In a separate bowl, combine bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese.
6. Dip flour coated chicken breasts into beaten eggs. Transfer breasts to bread crumb mixture, pressing the crumbs into both sides. Repeat for all breasts.
7. Put air fryer on highest setting (mine is 390 degrees). Spray Pam on air fryer basket to avoid sticking. Cook breast for 2-3 minutes, flip and then repeat.
8. Place cooked chicken in a baking dish that has been lined with aluminum foil and sprayed with Pam. Top each breast with about 1/3 cup of marinara sauce. Sprinkle Italian seasoning on top of the sauce and breast. Lightly top with shredded Parmesan cheese. Top with a slice of Provolone cheese.
9. Bake at 450 degrees approximately 15-20 minutes until cheese is browned and bubbly and the chicken breasts are no longer pink inside. (165 using a meat thermometer) 
10. Serve over spaghetti noodles (cooked according to directions) and topped with additional heated marinara sauce.