DHS Fighting Irish

This Southerner is back in the South, at least for a little bit.  While I wait for a permanent position, I'm doing some marketing/public relations work for Dublin City Schools.  So, I guess you could say I'm trading in my NYU purple for green and gold.

Just yesterday I interviewed the football coach on what fans can expect from the Shamrock Bowl as they take on Dodge County this Friday.  Thank goodness he liked it, and it's already on the website.

And today, it was all about highlighting the players.  Take a look at a few of my action shots!

Becky's Humble Abode

Being  the oldest of threes, I'm the one who usually experiences things first (like deciding it was time to stop watching Barney, graduating from kindergarden, and driving a car).  But, there's one thing my baby sister's got be beat on…moving into her first apartment.  A junior at University of Florida, she's now the proud payer of monthly rent.

So, this weekend we made the trek to Gainesville to help her and Kanga move in!

If there's one thing I realized it's that our parents raised high maintenance children.  In addition to packing two cars to the gills, Becky had a full storage unit.  Still, that's less than the moving van my dad rented to help me move.  So, I carted stuff up three flights of stairs while she and Momma went to the Scooter Store to pick up her aqua ride from its summer stockpile.

I havent' lived below the 11th floor for the past few years,
but at least NYU had elevators and giant moving carts.  

Fast forward five hours and the lot of us were sticky with sweat and rain water.  Nonetheless, I begged Becky to let me take a picture with her scooter, aptly named Nemo.  A metro card was the only thing close to being my college ride, so the fact that she has two sets of wheels makes me a bit jealous.

Forgive our sweaty selves; isn't that just the cutest scooter!
I just wonder how long it'll be before Becky gets Kanga a puppy helmet? 

With school starting tomorrow, by now all Bec's boxes are unpacked, and Kanga's made herself quite comfortable.

With A Name Like Tumpie's

I'll be the first to admit it, I have a really bad habit of collecting t-shirts.  Give me a goofy named restaurant or a noteworthy logo, and I can't resist asking the waitress how I can acquire my own punning product.  Fast forward to today, and t-shirts literally take up half my dresser.

I'm trying to scale back on buying wearable souvenirs, but with a name like Tumpie's, East Dublin's family steak house is at the top of my t-shirt wish list.

Nestled just off US-80, this 19th century home turned restaurant is jam packed with loads of charm and delicious dishes!

Boasting to be the "Best Little Steakhouse This Side of Texas," their main menu item is"kind of like your Grandma's, if she cooked big delicious ribeyes," one restaurant goer said, while the fried catfish and salmon suit the needs of those craving seafood.

At our table, three in a row went for the ribeye. 

Of course, Tumbie's is more than just your typical surf and turf cuisine.  It's Dublin, so Southern sides and appetizers litter the menu.

Fried pickles made their way to my plate, while the table ordered frog legs.  I'd always heard they tasted just like chicken, and after a little peer pressure I tried the tiniest of bites for myself.  It's got more of a fishy-chicken (aka fishken) kick to it if you ask me though.

This is fishken! 

Served with sides , salads, and homemade yeast rolls, the portions were plentiful.  I left completely stuff totting a doggy bag.

So, if you’re looking for reasonalbly priced country dining that takes you back to a simpler time, definitely stop by Tumpies.

And word to the wise, don't let its Dublin address fool you.  The locals tell me this rural restaurant is a weekend favorite, so arrive early and be patient.

Frozen Banana Pops

So, this is what our copy looked like before all the splatters. 

For as long as I can remember whenever my mom wanted to be culinarily creative she'd always turn to her 1980 Good Housekeeping Illustrated Cookbook.  Her faithful fooding find has been my guide to many delicious dinners and more kitchen messes.  Literally, I've looked through its index more times than I can count, so when my latest summer craze was recently spotted I figured I'd leave the pre-made packages alone and attempt to make Diana's Bananas myself.

Now, you have to realize what I've got to work when it comes to a kitchen...a side-by-side set of college refrigerators and no working oven.  So, if I can make it work with my limited skill set and less than ideal cookery, trust me when I say this is a recipe for all!

What You'll Need:
-6 bananas, peeled and sliced crosswise into thirds
-1 package wooden popsicle sticks
-16 oz. package semisweet chocolate pieces
-2 tablespoons  butter

Directions:
After peeling and cutting your bananas, the first step is to skewer the fruit with popsicle sticks.  Word to the wise, I found my popsicle sticks in the craft/school supplies section of my grocery store--not the baked or frozen aisles.

Then, freeze the bananas for about 30 minutes.  I literally just put them on a paper plate and left them in there as I watched an episode of The Cosby Show; no plastic wrap or aluminum foil required here.

Once your 30 minutes are up, remove the bananas from the freezer.  Take one at a time, dipping them into your melted chocolate, making sure its completely covered.

I just left mine plain, and they were pretty tasty.  But you can also roll the chocolate coated banana in chopped nuts, toasted coconut, or sprinkles to add a little extra flair.

Your sweet treats can be eaten right away, but I'd suggest placing them on a wax paper lined baking sheet and popping them back in the freezer for a bit.


Once they're completely frozen, the bananas can be stored in a plastic bag and should stay fresh for about a week.

Now, the only problem is they're just like Lays Potato Chips...I can't eat just one! 

There you go.  Here's a chance to relive your childhood without breaking the bank or cringing at the calorie count! 

And if you're just really in the banana-y mood, here's a recipe for Not Yo Momma's Banana  Pudding.  It's not quite as healthy but just as delicious.

Journey to Jekyll

Almost 10 years ago I saw the Jekyll Island Club for the first time. Talk about your instant attraction. From the turret and its millionaire history to the chapel and horse drawn carriages, I was in love!

I've even go the vintage picture to prove it...

I'm sure my brother and sister will be embarrassed, but that's from way back when with the pups on a Jekyll Island bike trolley.   

So, when my dad said he was going on a business conference to St. Simons I begged to accompany him.  In addition to having a few more days to read beachside, it'd put be only 30 minutes away from my absolute favorite location.

I know everyone always says Disney Land is the most magical place on earth.  But take a look at these few photos, and really it's no surprise my money's on Jekyll.

Founded in 1886, the Jekyll Island Club was once the private winter retreat of America’s wealthiest families with notable members like Morgan, Rockefeller, Pulitzer and Vanderbilt vacationing at the turret-clad clubhouse once the Northern Winters became to harsh to handle.    

These days of course guest can sunbath at the Millionaire's Pool or play croquet on the spectacular lawns. 

A personal favorite spot of mine is the Faith Chapel.  With Wall Street's wealthiest worshiping here,
are you shocked it contains a magnificent signed window by Louis Comfort Tiffany himself?    

Think Great Gatsby with a Southern twist.  Jekyll's cottage colony may seem grand by today's standards, but the homes on "Millionaire Row" were relatively simple in design.  While walking, I was particularly attracted to two lions that stood guard ore a turn-of-the-century swimming pool,
 long abandoned on the grounds of the Hollybourne Cottage.  

Following the path along the river your bound to see the shade of these massive live oaks too beautiful for words. 

 So what do you think?  Do I have you convinced you're in need of a Jekyll Island vacation?

Tomato Pie

This Southern Lady knows how to cook, especially with a little help from my Momma.

Tomatoes have hit their peek of perfection, so for our latest Sunday Dinner we stopped by the roadside stand and whipped up some Tomato Pie.

You'll have to forgive me.  I took this picture after
making my pie, so only one tomato made it here. 

What You'll Need:
-5 Firm Tomatoes
-1 Pillsbury Refrigerated Pie Crust
-1/2 cup of Parmesan Cheese
-2 Cups of Cheddar Cheese
-2 tblsp. of Olive Oil
-2 tblspn. of Oregano
-2 tblspn. of Basil
-2 tblspn of Salt
-2 tblspn. of Pepper
-1 tblspn. of Chives

Here's How To Make It: 

First things first, wash and dry your tomatoes.  Cut all five into tiny, bite-sized portions.  Place the bites  into a colander, draining off all the additional tomato juices.

Bake the pie crust at 400º for about 10 minutes.  It should be golden-y brown when it comes out of the oven.

Layer the bottom of your pie with 1/4 cup of parmesan and 3/4 cup of cheddar cheese.

Then, place half of your chopped up tomatoes atop the cheese.

Next, it's time to add some spices.  Generously sprinkle oregano, basil, salt and pepper.

Repeat your layer of cheeses and add the remaining tomatoes.

Sprinkle the rest of your spices until the tomatoes are covered.  This time include your tblspn. of chives.

Scatter the Olive Oil over all your zesty flavors, and finish off the pie by adding your remaining cheddar cheese.

Bake at 350º for 40 minutes.

Before serving, let the pie sit for 15 minutes.  Enjoy!

Wearing Waffle House??

I'm literally one of the biggest fans of Waffle House.  I've told way too many friends about their wondrous waffles, and anytime I'm below the Mason-Dixon line, a stop at the famous house is always on my agenda.

So, when my dad asked us where we wanted to stop late Saturday night, of course I suggested the Waffle.

Nonetheless,  even I (a waffle regular) was a little perplexed by my latest discovery.  Nope, it's not a menu addition but apparel?  That's right, merchandise promoting pancake bashing can be all yours.

Here's a few of my favorite FOR SALE items.

Nothing says sophisticated gentlemen's game like this bright orange golf shirt.  Only $32, it's less than one you'd find on the sale rack at Polo. 

For all you Frat Tank rocking ladies, here's a new $17 designer dud to add to your collection.
It's sold out now, but they're bound to get a new shipment in before a new crop of Sorority Recruits enter the hallow halls of university come August. 

I am a Waffle House Princess, and thank you for noticing $17 shirt. 

I was on the Mayhew Collateral, so pancake bashing is tough.  But, if this $15 tee found its way in my drawer I'd wear it.  

Look like a pro in this $18 trucker hat. 

Seriously, my dad should get one of these $12 bibs.  It'd take the guessing out of ordering hashbrowns. 

A bit pricy at $22, this soft tote cooler would surely be a great addition to anyone's tailgating routine.  

Unfortunately, you can't just stroll up to your favorite breakfast bearings demanding duds.  It's only available online.  

For  more information, or to see all their Waffle House Wear just look here.