A Holiday Tradition

Every Christmas, my mother, who should be a professional baker, makes a delectable desert called Georgia Street Squares. With the combination of chocolate, frosting, graham crackers, more chocolate, and other yummy ingredients, these babies call to you from the refrigerator. This year, for our staff Christmas party at work, a decided to make these treats for the first time. I did my best to document the process for my followers so that you too can make these yummy morsels at home!

This recipe involves three layers. Here is what you will need for the first one: 

Graham Crackers, Walnuts, Sugar, Cocoa, Coconut, Uno Egg, Butter, and Vanilla Extract ( I hid it because I don't like the bottle...haha)


Before you do anything else, crush the graham crackers and mix in walnuts and coconut.

Combine a stick of butter with the sugar and cocoa in a double boiler. I finally got to use mine from the wedding! Thank you to my great aunt's!

Once the butter, sugar, and cocoa are melted, add those ingredients to the graham mixture and spread evenly across a 9x13 pan. Pyrex just happens to be my personal favorite.

That's Layer One! Now refrigerate it for about an hour.

Ding! Time for Layer Number Two! Here is what you will need:

 Milk, Powdered Sugar, MORE Butter, and Jello Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix.

 Combine all ingredients in a mixer (mine would be the pink Kitchen Aid that my husband wants to paint) until they take on a frosting consistency.

Then layer that on top of the first layer evenly. Refrigerate for another hour!

The final layer is quite simple, oil and an entire bag of milk chocolate chips. Melt in the microwave, let it cool, then put on top of the first two layers. Then, you know the drill. Let it set up in the fridge for an hour.

Next you might want to consider gifting them to everyone you know because you will eat them all. Seriously. They are dangerous.

If you want the actual recipe, just leave a comment and I will send it to you!

Merry Christmas!!!!

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas...

and the Holtzhower's will be sending out Christmas cards! We are excited to spend our first married Christmas together and can't wait to share some fun photos with all of our friends and family on our very first Christmas card! What makes this process even more fun is that we are going to use Shutterfly to custom-make our own personal cards with the photos we take year-round. Who knows??? We may even get carried away and make calendars and select some scenic photos to have printed on canvas for great wall art!

So...you've been warned...you know it's coming....

Be on the look out for our FIRST CHRISTMAS CARDS! WOO HOO!!!

Oh, and if you're interested in getting some FREE CHRISTMAS CARDS from Shutterfly: Bloggers get 50 free holiday cards from Shutterfly… learn more: http://bit.ly/sfly2010
Till then,

Ash

A Month!!!

I absolutely cannot believe that it has been almost one month since I have written a blog post! Between the amazing life of being Mike's wife :), traveling, fun times with friends, and of course working ridiculous hours Monday through Friday, I guess I have been a busy bee.

Work shall be my subject of blogging this evening - why you might ask? Well, because it's basically what I eat, breathe, and sometimes even sleep during the weekdays. The transition from a block schedule (teaching three 90 min. classes) to a seven-period day (55 min. classes) has been....different. I thought teaching had it's struggles on a block schedule, but wow, was I in for a shock. Try doubling the students and halving the plan time...can I get a "Yay!"? Yeah, definitely not from me.

However, in the spirit of thankfulness I have decided to not devote this posting to the practice of "venting" but to instead list the reasons "Why I Teach". The reasons why we each chose our professions in the first place and why we continue to show up each day (other than those things called bills) are often lost in the dust of deadlines, complaints, frustration, and busy workweeks. I'll give it my best shot though...

1. Cheese Warning - No matter whether I realize or not, every day, I have an influence on someone. Maybe it's a smile in the hallway or a congratulations for a job well done on a quiz or test. Heck, it could even be a reprimand for poor choices or rudeness (which happens a lot). Regardless, that kid remembers me for even  thirty minutes - I made them think about something or got them to smile. As a teacher, you NEVER realize the impact meaningless things (to you) can mean to a child.

2. I absolutely adore literature. It moves me and when it really moves me, it is apparent to my students (at least I hope it is). For instance, we are currently studying Emerson and Thoreau in my American Literature classes. Inspiration, much??? Those two men provided us with hundreds of quotes we still use and apply to our lives today.

3. One Word: SOAPBOX. Yep, I've got a big one at the front of my room and I use it about daily. When you teach English, it never fails that a current event or controversial issue will arise. I think of this as my time to get out my thoughts and opinions and also listen to those of a generation who experiencing events I never thought of...and I am not that far off from some of them. And let me tell you, there are some SMART teenagers out there. Seriously, even those you might see haunting the mall on Fridays...yep, I have some of those...and they have some interesting ideas and excellent input too!

4. Plan Period: Yeah, I know it's work time, but I do quite enjoy when my classroom is empty, I can play my music and complete melt into my chair and make lesson plans, grade, or read for upcoming assignments. This is totally my decompression period of the day.

5. Humor: A lot...all day long. It's how I maintain my sanity and attempt to make school fun. No, that is not an oxymoron.

6. I am my students. Let me elaborate. The same exact things I get on to them about doing are the things I do. I LOVE to talk...laugh...and get irritated when someone is making me do something that I find "pointless". Therefore, I can't help but find the irony in this. The only issue is that I have a little more weight than my students do when it comes to choices...haha...but really, if you teach, think about it? Are you your students???


Alright, enough for now...however, I am thinking this might be an interesting book. A compilation of anecdotes and one-liners about why teachers "TEACH".

Adios :)

Garage Pros!

So, a few weeks ago, Mike and I set out to complete a project we had been waiting to do for months: finish the garage floor! Now, while many of you may not find this particular project exciting or intriguing, just wait until you see the finished product!

As a Christmas gift, Mike's sister and brother-in-law got us this:

We got to pick our color, and we chose what you see on this box! Chris (brother-in-law) works for Valspar and we were pumped to get this!

After close viewing of the instructional DVD (by Mike), we were off to tackle our garage:

Pre-Project (We Love America and Tennis!)

After a two days of work (one entirely done by my amazing husband) and just a few drops of paint covering our bodies and in my hair, we successfully completed our garage and LOVE it!

My, who is that good-looking man???

FINISHED!

We are currently taking appointments to professionally finish YOUR garage today! ;)


Hopefully posting again soon....


Ashley

Obsessions....

I am not sure if it is because I have an "obsessive" personality per say or if I just really get attached to things, but I use the phrase, "Oh, I am obsessed with that..." quite frequently. The thing is, 99% of the time I actually am infatuated with whatever "it" is. Whether it be a singer, band, food, drink, restaurant, workout, clothing item, makeup, book, blah, blah, blah....you can bet that at one time or another I have referred to it  as such. And since it has been SO long since my last blog, I have decided to combine six blogs into one and speak on my.....

CURRENT OBSESSIONS

(In no particular order)

1. Jillian Michaels

My girl, Jillian, ballin it up...

Alright, I know everyone either LOVES Jillian Michaels or HATES Jillian Michaels. I definitely fall into the LOVE category. Actually, OBSESSION, right? ;) I started Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred DVD last year and loved it. Then I found more and more and more and more DVD's, OnDemand Workouts, and even Wii games, yay! 

She may appear harsh and tough sometimes, but that's what we all need to get our butts into shape these days. Her methods and mentality about eating and exercise are incredibly simple and healthy. Personally, she is my fitness role model...sniff, sniff...

Now she even has Yoga Meltdown - for anyone who thinks yoga is for the birds, check this out:  

 

You know I can totally do this already.

2. Lady Gaga

Well, so far all obsessions are people, but I am not a stalker at all (only on Facebook, with millions of other people...haha). I think this artist speaks for herself. And I am not trying to sound cheesy, but she is an artist. Between her clothes, her hair styles, her music, her videos, and her interviews...she is an interesting bird. If you haven't seen the performance that she and Elton John gave to together, you must check it out. AH-mazing...and then watch all of her videos. It never fails that a Lady Gaga video can make you laugh, roll your eyes, frown, look confused, and dance all within three to five minutes.








3. Franzia
One sentence: Don't knock until you've tried it.



4. Top Chef: This show is pretty much a constant obsession in our household, but Mike doesn't seem to have the same interest I have in a cooking contest...haha...Don't get me wrong, he loves to cook, but watching other people do it doesn't give him chills and cause him to cheer the chefs on as the chop, slice, and sautee their way to the top. Here is who I am hoping to take the crown this season:

Tiffany! Do you know where she started her cooking career?

I HOP.

Well, she was 15 then, but still. :)

5. Our "Soap Operas": Mike and I consistently watch the following shows, either on actual cable or Netflix: 

• Dexter
• Rescue Me
• True Blood
• The Shield
• The Sopranos
•  Sons of Anarchy

All of those immediately caught my attention with their trailers and previews, all of them except, the last one on the list. I never thought I would enjoy any entertainment involving a motorcycle gang, but oh was I in for a shock.

 New season starts September 7 on FX...that gives you plenty of time to Netflix or Hulu or whatever seasons one and two!

6. Napping: I need one now, and well the rest of these obsessions will just have to wait until my sixth obsession and yoga meltdown are complete!

Don't let the bedbugs bite!

Anyone else find that statement gross now that they are over the age of five?

Ash! 

Buffalo Style Chicken Cordon Bleu = DELICIOUS!

As the summer winds down and I start to mentally prepare myself to go back to work, I have realized how much I am going to miss having time during the day to look up new and exciting things to cook for dinner each evening. Today, I really realized this when I came upon this recipe:

Buffalo-Style Chicken Cordon Bleu

I followed the recipe pretty closely except for subbing turkey for ham and baking the dish instead of pan-frying it. It turned out GREAT!!!

See...look at that presentation! What a pro...

 For sides, I tried two new things! Needless to say, it was pretty daring of me...

I used barley (left side of plate) for a starch and followed this recipe:

Baked Barley - definitely follow the base of this recipe, but you could add any herbs or seasonings you like what ever matches the rest of your meal.

Then I made a creamed spinach...it's a Paula Deen recipe, so you know it's rich and yummy!!!

Eat Your Greens!

All three of these are recipes that anyone who has medium knowledge around their kitchen could make, and best of all, there are plenty of leftovers if you are just eating for two!

Till we eat again....

Ashley

HullabaLOU Highlights!!!

Mike and I just got back from an awesome weekend in Louisville, KY at HullabaLOU! Between time with our friends, Kelly and Joey, the excellent line-up, lots of frosty beverages, and great weather, it was a BLAST!!! Oh, and did I mention the people watching? Holy canolli - it was a people-watching paradise! What Not to Wear could have made 500 episodes at least! But, people watching is a hobby that the Holtzhower's share, so good times for us!

This is what we saw each day as we entered Churchill Downs. How beautiful is this? It's crazy to think that we are in the middle of the city of Louisville and not out in farm land.

First Night: The only act we got to see was Bon Jovi. (Note the sarcasm on "only") They rocked! We had to look up his age while at the concert - 48! Definitely put on a show though...I don't think we sat down the entire concert! Did I mention it was like 98 degrees too? Fun times :)

Oh, Dierks Bentley performed before Bon Jovi and he came out on the stage during their concert and sang Wanted with Bon Jovi...see photo below...

Day Two: This was the longest day we spent at HullabaLOU - all of the acts were just too good to miss! Also, Mike and I wandered the festival grounds in the heat. However, we did find a sweet tea vodka booth - how could we pass that up???

One of the FOUR stages with a handsome man in front of me!

First up on Saturday was Sara Evans - I had seen her before and she was just as good, if not better! It's amazing how an artist can sound the same live as they do on a recording. That is true talent...also, she is 38? And I was and still am obsessed with her shirt. I need it in my life.

Winner of Most Surprising Act at HullabaLOU: Jason Aldean.

Seriously, we knew that we liked his music, but what a performance too. Not only does he look like some guy you would run in to at the grocery store or gas station up the road from your house, but he is awesome on stage! Now, we love his music! Check out the GA Bulldogs shirt...oh, and those jeans aren't too shabby either. ;)

The Main Stage at Dusk

The headliner for Saturday was Kenny Chesney. Mike had never seen him, so he was surprised at how great his show is.

I will be selling this photo for $10 a piece. Geeze, I love our camera.

Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, and Rastafarian Man?

Day Three: Last day :( We finally had getting to the festival down to a science and we had the best seats of the weekend! Seriously, there were crazy people sprinting to get seats every day. We never sprinted and always had great seats...haha...and we got a koozie and ray bans out of it because crazy sprinters would drop their stuff and never come back to get it.

Southeast Diesel Shout-Out

Me and Mike!

The Zac Brown Band was sooooooooo good. They jammed out the entire concert and even played The Devil Went Down to Georgia -wow. We loved them so much and they are so patriotic. I am glad that young people are listening to their music because so many of them do not realize how and why we are free and why we are so lucky to be free.

Life Milestone Moment of the Weekend: Dave Matthews Band

Dave was the most gracious performer - he said thank you to the crowd after every song. Also, they were the happiest band...and Dave's hippie dancing was contagious. I got to hear my favorite DMB song, #41, and that totally made my weekend complete.

Shout out for HullabaLOU: Like music? Want to see TONS of performances for the cost of about three single concerts? Then HullabaLOU is for you! Check out their website in the future for info. about the 2011 festival!

Later!

Ash

Headed to HullabaLOU!

This weekend, me and my wonderful husband are heading to Louisville, Kentucky to spend some quality time with our good friends, Joey and Kelly Nunn at Hullabalou. You may be asking, "Just what is this Hullabalou you speak of, Ashley?" Well the answer will now be revealed....

Welcome to Hullabalou! A three day music festival at Churchill Downs in the rolling, horse-filled fields of KY! 

Churchill Downs from my Helicopter

 Yes, ladies and gentlemen, in that green expanse of horse-racing wonder, there will be four smaller stages and one MAIN stage. The festival will run from 1-11PM each day and the headliners are as follows:

Friday Night: BON JOVI....most excited about THIS song being performed:

Saturday Night: Kenny Chesney...ready to sing to this song:

Sunday Night: Dave Matthews Band...soooo want to hear this one:

Not to mention all of these other people....Dierks Bentley, Gladys Knight, Doobie Brothers, Train,  Colbie Caillat, The O'Jays, B 52's, Jason Aldean, Huey Lewis and the News, Al Green, Sara Evans, Ben Folds, Steppenwolf, Zac Brown Band, Steve Miller Band, Dwight Yokam, Loretta Lynn, Black Crowes, Kansas, 38 Special, and many, many, more!!!

There are a few goals for this excursion:

1. Have at least one celebrity interaction - must have documentation

2. Take at least 200 photos

3. Enjoy beverages...

4. Buy T-Shirts

5. Possible purchase of Bon Jovi poster for classroom display

Prepare yourself for a massive post with photo and video upon our return! HullabaLOU here we come!!!

Take it easy!

Ashley

Riding Lake Chickamauga

The first time I ever tried wakeboarding was with Mike about four years ago when we first met. I was horrible and couldn't even get out of the water, but after many attempts, and patient coaching from Mike, I did it! Now, Mike and I consider boarding an important part of our lives. It gives us exercise and quality time together, with friends, and in the beautiful outdoors. Actually if it weren't for Mike, I am pretty sure I would NEVER have tried wakeboarding, or even took up such an interest in it....so thanks, husband!

Due to Mike's interest in boating and boarding, he joined the Chattanooga Water Ski Club (CWSC) ,and I recently became a "spouse" member! Yay! Basically, this is a group of people of all ages that enjoy boating for many reasons, and many of those are skiing, boarding, or skating. It's a great group of folks who are fun to be around during those hot, long, amazing summer days...and nights. :)

 That beauty of a boat in the picture above, is our ride on the water. It is a 1999 Nautique and it gets A LOT of use from about April until September!

That hunk pictured above is my husband, who is a GREAT wakeboarder! I love taking lots and lots of pictures of him wakeboarding...no bias or anything....

And me, well I am pretty much a professional. Check out those mad skills...haha...actually, I am WAY better and I get better every time we go riding! Of course, I have some excellent coaches because there is always at least two or three people on the boat!

There are also a handful of sliders and ramps out in the Ski  Club Slough.

Thanks to our boat and the awesome Ski Club, Mike and I feel very fortunate that just about three weekends out of every month during the hot months, we get to crack open an icy beverage, ride some wakes, and actually be "On a Boat"!

More to come soon...I need to catch up on my posting! :)

-Ash

A Little Behind, but OUR HONEYMOOOOOON!

So, after getting hitched, Mike and I got home, packed WAY too much (well, that was just me), and boarded a plane bound for Cabo San Lucas, Mexico!

 For those of you who aren't geography buffs, Cabo is on the Baja Peninsula below California. See, I have even included a small map for you! How efficient am I? We actually stayed in San Jose Del Cabo, which is about 20 minutes from Cabo. Mike and me really liked San Jose because it was much more laid back and street vending is not allowed. Therefore, we could walk through the streets without getting hassled to buy a whistle or pet a lizard. Seriously, this lady chased us with three lizards crawling on her!

While in Cabo, we stayed at a wonderful new resort, Barcelo. Here's a few photos!!!

The staircase you see here came from the main lobby...it was beautiful! Those giant white balls, or orbs, as Mike and I called them, would light up at night! We were kind of obsessed with these....

And this was the VIEW from that staircase....notice the little "island" in the left-hand corner. Those were fun to relax and enjoy a beverage on at night!

Prior to the trip, we had signed up to go on a "tour" of Cabo San Lucas. We thought we would just be riding around town and stopping in a few places, but much to our surprise, it included a glass bottom boat tour!

Like we even needed the glass-bottom boat though...check out that clear water. I got to see yellow-tail fish, which I often, very often, enjoy in my sushi! So, nice to meet you yummy fish!

The best part of the Cabo trip HAD to be the beautiful scenery and seeing some famous landmarks. The rocks were unbelievable, along with Lover's Beach, and of course the famous arch!

We went to a glass blowing factory, where I got to blow glass! No evidence of this, but I really did and it was harder than it looked to do! We also found a mango tree (left photo), and I was oh so tempted to just pick some and carry them back home, because they would have been perfectly ripe by then!

We also went to San Jose Del Cabo for some lunch (fresh caught fish...authentically prepared), shopping, and sightseeing! I got some great photos of the mission pictured on the left!

While at our resort, we ate and drank A LOT! Since those are two things that Mike and Ashley really enjoy, one can imagine that this was a good experience for us! The picture above is before we went to the AH-MAZING Japanese restaurant at Barcelo! Hands down the best sushi and Japanese food I have ever had!

Gotta represent the family business! Too bad Prendergast Construction doesn't have koozies...we could rep. our other family business! :)

For some reason, my husband likes to take photos of me....especially when it is WINDY!!!!

This was the bar we made our home while in Cabo. Best bartender...comfy double lounge chairs...perfect sun! I think we tried 35 different drinks during that week, my favorite being the Mango Mojito!

I could have posted 30 other photos, but I think this sums up our wonderful honeymoon! Neither of us had ever been to Cabo before, but we loved every second of it and would like to go back some day! For more photos check out our Facebooks!

Till we meet again....ADIOS!