Meet Abbey and Sushi Bowden

Adopt two animals at one time you ask?  Why, indeed we did! The Bowden Mantra...Go Big or Go Home.  Abbey and Sushi Bowden were adopted from the Atlanta Humane Society in October and have had our hearts ever since. 

Abbey, a three month old lab collie mix, is quite the character.  She is very energetic and playful but also likes to relax with us and get a good ole belly rub as often as possible.  Ahhhhhh that sweet puppy smell.  Adore it!  For most of you, it comes as no surprise that Dylan, the die hard Beatles fan, picked out Abbey's name.  {Hint: It has to do with what you drive on...and is often re-paved and re-paved and re-paved again on I-75}

Sushi's name, on the other hand, was mine all mine! {Insert: crazy, devious laugh}.  I planned on getting a cat one day and naming him Sushi and was waiting, just waiting, for the opportunity to "pounce!"  Sushi is just as spunky as Abbey weighing in at a hefty 3 pounds. ; )  This kitten is all over the place exploring our home and yard and thinking he can take Abbey with a single blow in a wrestling match.  At times, I think this little kitten thinks he's a puppy too. They are quite hilarious together.

"What did I do, Mom?" 

We've learned a lot about training a new puppy and a new kitty and are finally getting some things down. Cat's have that natural instinct and seemingly just know what to do while dogs need a bit TON more direction.  And Direct we have!  She has successfully mastered the art of "sit" without even getting a treat anymore.  Now for the "stay" part.

After doing some research and ruling out puppy pads, we decided on the crate method for potty training Abbey.  She's done a superb job with it and learned quickly.  We still pick her up out of the crate in the morning and carry her outside to keep potential "accidents" at bay.  Unfortunately, we know we can't do that forever as she already weighs 13 pounds and will only get bigger.  Big Paws=Big Dog.

Though I don't have this on video or in a photo, I had to share one little funny "incident" we had with the good ole Sush-ster.  The night we brought them home, after much play time and getting them accustomed to their new home, I decided to make a nice dinner for Dylan and I.  Some yummy, hearty taco soup {basically chili}.  Simmering soup on the stove makes the house smell lovely so we were looking forward to soon tasting it.  Since our dining room table served as a home for wedding gifts at the time, dinner was enjoyed on our little coffee table in our den on most nights.  This was one of those nights.

Taco soup done, ladled into two big bowls and I'm on the way to the den to serve Dylan.  I place both our bowls down on the trusty little coffee table and head back to the kitchen to fix our drinks.  Dylan is relaxing on the couch waiting for my return, just casually flipping through channels.  Having not been around too many curious cats, he was in tune with the tube but not in tune with his mischievous kitty surroundings. Then for the inevitable...gasp!  All of a sudden, Sushi FLIES through the air from the back of the couch {I'm talking flying squirrel style} and belly flops directly into Dylan's bowl of soup!

Tomato sauce drenched cat then bounds onto the couch then onto the carpet leaving a trail of BRIGHT red paw prints.  As Dylan frantically cleans up the mess, I grab Sushi and put him into the sink to rinse him off.  As most of you know, cats hate hate hate water on them!  Let me tell you this cat welcomed his bath after landing in the piping hot bowl of soup.  Poor poor little Sushi!  Needless to say, Sushi will no longer jump onto the coffee table during dinner!  Laughter wasn't present at the time but now looking back at it we laugh hysterically.  The memory of a flying cat landing in Dylan's soup will forever be etched in my memory!

We love these little rascals more and more each day.  They are our babies. Our two sweet, lovable, funny, frolicsome Bowden babies. 

Bells Will Be Ringin…Wedding Planning 101

Soooo you’ve got the engagement ring on your finger!!!  Congrats!  Welcome to wedding planning…da da duummm...  Ha!  Just kidding its actually really fun.  It’s planning for the day you’ve dreamed of since you were a little girl.  What will be one of the biggest milestones and most memorable days of your life.   The day you look into your fiance’s eyes, say your vows in front of God and all your family and friends.  The day you become a wife.  

A very romantic, fairytale-esque time, TRUE  TRUE…but let’s get real and down to the nitty gritty of planning the wedding.

Whether you have a long or short engagement, trust me it goes by in the blink of an eye.  Don’t forget that throwing all your energy into planning the big day is not nearly important as keeping your focus and part of that energy on your fiancé.  Your poor poor fella that has to go through your mini- mood swings and cry fests {if you are so inclined to have such things when stressed}.  Even if you aren’t, trust me, emotions fly high during this planning time so give him a pat on the back every once in a while for being there to listen to every single little detail. 

I have to say that there are tons, I mean LOADS of experiences you have and while yes, some are stressful, there are so so many fun things you get to do!  I have to admit, I actually thoroughly enjoyed my nine month planning experience.  I was quite hands on with everything from choosing the flowers to the cake flavors to the menu for the reception.   Even made a moss “B” for the front door of our venue. 

And what a venue it was…Founders Hall in Roswell, Georgia.  Folks, this place is absolutely gorgeous and I highly recommend it!  There is a very elegant and romantic vibe seeping through every inch of the lovely antebellum style space.  Tami, Tracy, and Emily {our wedding planners} were super fabulous and so helpful in making our wedding day so beautiful.  We’re eternally grateful!  www.roswellfoundershall.com/.  We opted for the Package Deal with Founders which included the fabulous, talented Melodie from http://www.angelwingsphotography.com/ and our yummy food from http://www.talkofthetownatlanta.com/ and finally our delicious cake from http://sweetcarolinescakes.com/

Okay, so now, back to your fiancé during this pivotal time…didn’t think you’d get off that easy huh?  Ladies, we all know men, right?  It only takes one little football game, basketball game, baseball game, tennis match, golf tournament, roller derby, speed skating {heck, anything that is under the realm of a sporting event} to keep him preoccupied and absent from a few meetings with the florist and the like.  Don’t worry at all about this and don’t take it personally one little bit…he’s protecting his manhood from all this girly stuff you’ve thrown at him!  Good for him!  Let it slide.

Let me give credit where credit is due though, I got very LUCKY with Dylan.  He was a part of almost all of it.  I’m talking things like accompanying me to meetings, giving his opinion, knowing when not to give an opinion, being supportive when the bridezilla very slightly emotional Kelly made her appearance-I promise only on very RARE occasions {wink}.  In all honesty though, he truly was a champ through it all. 

Every guy is different just like every girl is…so that means each engagement and wedding planning experience will be different.  It should be different and unique to you just as your relationship is.  Don’t go down that road {that we as women often do} and compare your wedding planning experience to anyone else’s.  It’s yours, so own it. 

First off, get yourself organized.  Get a planning book or make a binder for yourself.  I used The Ultimate Wedding Planner and Organizer. 

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ultimate-wedding-planner-and-organizer-elizabeth-lluch/1102082138

Whichever planning book you choose, make sure not to read through all of it in one sitting.  Especially if  you are in a bookstore.  It will be too overwhelming.  Let’s not mince words here, no one wants to see a woman having a panic attack at a quiet Barnes and Noble.  From what I’ve seen, most all of these books have month by month instructions and to do’s.  Follow them.  Check them off as you do each one.  Move slowly but thoroughly through it. 

Another piece of valuable advice I can offer is to get a family member, sibling, bridesmaid, maid of honor, etc to help you with some of the duties.  I was so blessed that my mama and daddy, sisters, bridesmaids and girlfriends were all very involved.  You’ll need some help…you simply can’t do it all alone.  Sometimes it’s easier to delegate responsibilities.  Barnes and Noble also has wedding party responsibility cards that you can actually hand out to your attendants.  I didn’t do this for fear that the wedding  party would drop out like flies for being “micro-managed” so to speak.  By all means though, use whatever is at your disposal and whatever works for you and your crew.

When planning your theme, tear out magazine pics you like and check out wedding websites.  Make an Inspiration Board to be clear about your vision.  One of the websites that my dear friend, Whitney introduce me to that I loved to peruse is http://www.stylemepretty.com/.    Even video clips.  Check it out!  Another fave of mine is http://www.etsy.com/ for gifts and décor.  There is a special wedding tab with tons of little unique items from cake toppers to cuff links.  I got my dad’s gift from etsy…a beautiful handmade, engraved handkerchief.

When it comes to your bridal couture, pick two or three bridal shops and make appointments for fittings.  Know your budget upfront and don’t try on a dress that exceeds that budget.  No reason to.  When you try them on, look in the mirror, twirl around, do a little dance, practice what the dress will look like on you when you move.  Note:  You will NOT be standing still during your wedding day so get a dress that accommodates walking down the isle and dancing.   Before you go to your fittings, tear out dress photos that you like to give the salesclerk the idea of what dresses to pull for you.  Vision baby, I’m talking vision!

The rest of the planning…settling on your venue, your color pallet, your flowers, the décor, etc.  is a fun process so take a deep breath and let yourself enjoy it.  Sure, you can’t have EVERYTHING you want on your wedding day, for one bc we all don’t have a million dollars to throw around.  You can, however, take things and ideas you want and make them happen on a budget.  You want a handmade wedding sign, paint your own.  You want a special party favor, make it.  You want that pair of Christian Louboutin's but know its not in the budget then go to http://www.myglassslipper.com/ and opt for the more affordable Badgley Mischka approach.  {hint: that’s what I did}.  Enlist a family member or bridesmaid to help with some of these tasks.  My dear friend, Kim Kulavic, helped me pour candy corn into 150 mason jars and tie raffia bows.  Bless her sweet heart!  My sister Jenny helped me with the hotel welcome gift bags.  So many others helped out in other great ways!  Gotta give a shout out to my parents for everything as well…and I mean EVERYTHING…soooo supportive and involved in every way humanly possible!

Once you’ve made some decisions and the day quickly approaches, remember to take care of yourself.  Get some exercise, read a good non-wedding related book/magazine, go on date nights with your fiancé, and by all means, GET SOME SLEEP.  Nobody wants under eye circles on their big day.  Eeeek.
The last piece of advice I’ll throw at ya…don’t forget to pre-pack all the items to take to your venue on your wedding day.  Print it out! 

1. Marriage License {if the Groom or Best Man doesn’t take it}
2. Your wedding dress, shoes , undergarments
3. Groom’s ring
4. Garter
5. Honeymoon bags if jetting off straight from your wedding reception.
6. Gifts for bridesmaids/family members {I did this at the bridesmaids luncheon but did save my dad’s gift until the wedding day as a thank you for walking me down the isle}
7. Flip flops or comfy shoes to change into for the reception if desired.
8. Makeup for touch-ups throughout the evening
9. Deodorant and body spray/perfume…no one wants a smelly bride!
10. Tissues or a handkerchief
11. Breath mints or mouthwash
12. By all means, remember your “Somethings…”  Old, New, Borrowed, Blue and don’t forget the sixpence for your shoe!

With that, I'll bid you adieu and say GOOD LUCK!!!  HAPPY WEDDING PLANNING!!!

Panko Chicken with Mustard Maple Pan Sauce

Trust me, its yummers! This is one of my all time favorite recipes I wanted to share. Panko Chicken with Mustard Maple Pan Sauce. Made it Tuesday night and shot a few pics of the process. Note: pictures taken with a camera bought at a discount camera shop in San Fran are not exactly the best quality. Must buy new camera…must buy new camera. It’s on my list along with a ton of other things I’m behind on! 

Okay, back to the meal. I would cook this for dinner one night a week if my husband would let me. Epicurious is one of my favorite websites as well as its affiliate Bon Appetite Magazine. Yes, sometimes I feel like I’m cheating on Ina {aka Barefoot Contessa} but I just simply adore outside of the box ideas that Epicurious and Bon Appetite provide and hope Ina will somehow understand.

As busy as Dylan and I have been lately, cooking needs to be somewhat of a quick process all the while still allowing for me to have enough time in the kitchen for it to be enjoyable. Something about cooking really relaxes me...the chopping, the stirring, the smells, the warmth of the stove. An evening in the kitchen making dinner for Dylan is very much one of my favorite parts of the day. If anyone else out there feels that little sting of stress leaving from a hard work day, then by all means get yourself into the kitchen when you get home! {And get a really cute apron because a girl always needs to be dressed right for all occasions-even those in your own home}

Click on the below link for the ingredients and instructions. I’ll share my experience below as well.
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Panko-Crusted-Chicken-with-Mustard-Maple-Pan-Sauce-355192

First up, get all your ingredients out and onto your kitchen counter. Its so much easier when everything is readily available at your fingertips so you aren’t slinging panko in the air while cooking. Set out two plates and one bowl in an assembly line fashion. Bowl in the middle. This makes the entire process flow smoothly and keeps the counter clean. Can’t beat that.

Place your skillet on the stove and begin heating the oil. I used Herb de Provence infused olive oil to cook the chicken to give it a little more umph. This olive oil came to us from Roswell Provisions on Canton Street. Adorable, chic little store filled with wine, olive oils, baked goods, fresh LOCAL produce, cheeses and other nibbly things. I use this oil in almost every dish. Its blended flavors of basil, fennel, lavender, rosemary and thyme do mighty good things to the food and to the smell of your kitchen!

	http://www.roswellprovisions.com

Whisk your egg, Dijon mustard, and parsley together so its ready for the chicken’s bath. Pour the panko onto one of the plates and on the other plate place the chicken, washed and patted dry. Salt and pepper the chicken and then go to work! Chicken into egg mixture, turn to coat, then chicken onto panko plate. Cover with panko and into the skillet! Depending on your stove temp and the skillet you are using the cooking time varies. Also, if you pounded out the meat to a thinner cut then your cooking time will be much shorter as the recipe suggests. I never do that bc I’m a germaphobe and think raw chicken juices will get everywhere…not to dissuade you though! By all means pound away with a mallet or rolling pin. Use your judgment and the fork test to make sure you’ve cooked it through. Don’t forget to turn each piece every few mins to prevent burning. The panko needs to turn brown on the chicken, not black.

And you've got crispy panko chicken!

For the pan sauce, whisk in the remaining ingredients into a measuring cup and once the chicken is cooked and you’ve plated it to rest, then add the mixture into the skillet. Get your head out of the way if you are still on medium or med-high. Let the broth mixture bubble away and then add the butter.

Spoon over chicken {I am heavy handed with this!} and serve your favorite veggies along side. Dylan’s request of course…potatoes with gravy. Mine is steamed broccoli. And well, maybe a few nibbles of potato too…strictly for balance.

Sit down at your table, say the Blessing and enjoy!

A Newly Wed Beginning

I was one of the last people to join facebook I do believe so no surprise that I’m more than likely one of the last {who actually wants too} to start a blog. Of course I have no idea what I’m doing…the first few posts will be a bit lacking so grin and bare with me as I learn this “new technology.”

After I married the man of my dreams on October 1st and returned from our honemoon, I realized just how busy our new life was going to be! Between working and wifing, cooking and cleaning, running around after and training our new adopted “babies” {kitten and puppy…more on them later}, whew! how would I ever catch up with everyone?!?

Gone are the days of those precious, treasured, hour long conversations with family and friends at night after work. I marinated on this issue for a couple days and decided my plan of action was to start a blog. To sort of chronicle our first year of marriage and be able to share all our fun moments with friends and fam that we might otherwise miss out on because of our hectic schedules. Especially those who don’t live nearby!

With that, welcome to Bowden Life 101! We hope you enjoy keeping up with us. We feel truly blessed in our newly wedded life and look forward to sharing it with you. I’ll post updates, pictures, 101′s I learn as a new wife, pet stories, cooking/entertaining tips and recipes for busy lifestyles, interior decorating tips on a budget, and much much more! Stay tuned!