thought for the week: go do

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I have had some free time on my hands lately.  While this has been a wonderful change of pace, I've also had plenty of time to reflect on some of those things I have "always wanted to do."  Some of these things are still a little fuzzy, but I know that I have lots left ahead of me to explore and learn.

Here's a quick sampling:

Take a photography class
Overcome my anxiety about flying
Master French
Relearn my favorite Christmas carols on the piano
Commit to a more consistent blogging schedule
Run a personal best during the River Run
Explore decorating as a way to tap into my creative side

Develop my writing skills and begin making notes for a book

What are some things you have always wanted to do?  Will you try them?

Whether or not you have a list of things you would like to do, I leave you with this:

Every experience is a good experience.  

"Do everything, try everything."

[William H. Macy]

xo,

artichoke dip

Hello Loves!  Once again I am off with the blogging schedule, but late nights and early mornings make for quick posts these days.  Today, I am sharing a quick, yummy appetizer.  This is my go-to for almost any event where I need to bring an appetizer...so if we are headed to the same party- I call dibs!  Just kidding...

In all seriousness though, this sounds a little gross just reading the ingredients, but it is always devoured.  AND, since you all loved my confessions so much on Friday, I will confess that sometimes I just make this and eat it as a meal.  (Not exactly in line with these goals for 2013, but artichokes could be considered a veggie even when they are covered in cheese!)  Try it out...you won't be sorry!

sorry for the photo of just artichokes...I don't have a picture of the completed dish because it is usually eaten before I find a camera!

Warm Artichoke Dip

Ingredients:

• 2 cans of artichoke hearts, drained
• 1/4 C. mayo (you can also use plain greek yogurt if you prefer)
• 1 package of shredded parmesan cheese
• 1 bag of pita chips (I like Stacy's or the triangle shaped triscuits)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 and lightly grease a casserole dish.  (It is best to use the casserole dish you are going to serve in because this is hard to transfer to another dish later.)
2. Add the artichoke hearts to a medium bowl and cut into small pieces.  Add the mayo and 2/3 of the cheese and mix well.
3. Transfer the artichoke mixture to the casserole dish and top with remaining cheese.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and dish is warmed throughout.  Serve warm with pita chips.

ENJOY!

xo,

PS: Don't forget to check out the Charles Emerson Designs Jewelry Party I am hosting here.  Enter discount code "PartyWithAnnie" for 10% off your entire order until Tuesday, January 22.  

2013 goals

Happy New Year!  I hope you had a fabulous night ringing in 2013!  We had a great time over dinner with some friends and a very low-key champagne toast at midnight.

For many people waking up today, resolutions are running through their head.  For some it is a vow to be healthier, to workout more, or to eat less of something.  For others, it is a vow to be kinder, to volunteer more, or to spend more time with family and friends.  While I can appreciate all of these (and actually hope to incorporate many of them into my life in 2013) there is something about the word resolution that seems overwhelming to me.  I think it is because the word resolution conjures up images of deprivation and immediate, all or nothing, change.

So, in 2013 I am not making resolutions.  I am, however, setting goals for myself.  I think the idea of setting a goal lends itself to the mindset that you can work towards it in baby steps - much less overwhelming to me.  While these goals are not immediate, overnight changes, I do think they will be helpful to keep in mind as I move into my final semester of school, take the bar exam, move from North Carolina and (hopefully) start a new job in 2013.  With all these changes on the horizon, here are a few more I hope to make...

1. Spend some quiet time each day.  

2. Learn a new skill.  I'm thinking needlepoint...maybe new Christmas stockings?

3. Drink more water... and maybe less coke.

4. Eat more of this...

5. And these.

6. Use more of these- but in moderation so I don't get hurt.  Tarheel 10 miler anyone?

What about you?  Did you make any resolutions (or goals!) for 2013?

xo,