Great Weekend

This past weekend I stayed in Atlanta Friday night and went to a Sips n Strokes class with 2 girls from work and one of their moms. It was so much fun…but I think we probably got one of the hardest paintings they have! Mine didn’t turn out too great but it was still nice to go and see what it was all about :) We brought wine, cheese and crackers and made a little night of it.

Saturday morning I got up super early and drove to Charlotte to meet my dad. My mom was in New Orleans helping my grandparents out because my grandma had eye surgery so I was sad I didn't get to see her…but it was so great to have some one on one time with the ole pops, especially for Father’s Day weekend :)

Some friends of the family's daughter was getting married @ 2:00 so my dad and I went to that as soon as I got into town…it was great to visit with everyone and play catch up with some people I hadn't seen in a long time. The wedding was beautiful! It was in uptown Charlotte on the gorgeous campus of Queens College. Saturday night we just relaxed and cooked dinner…it’s always so great to just lounge around my house at home, ha. Sunday we got up and went for a long walk. It was so very hot but great to get outside and enjoy the weather. My dad grilled burgers and we ate a delicious lunch before I headed back to the ATL. My brother, Michael, got back from a fishing trip in Hilton Head right before I left so it was a nice surprise to see him as well, even for a few mins! That was my weekend in a nutshell :) I hope everyone enjoyed theirs as well!

Sips n Strokes Class

My painting...don't judge

Kelly and Nick

Ready to Paint!

I start my 8 week acrylic painting class at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center Monday and I cannot wait! I am so excited to have a creative outlet one day a week that doesn't involve running from meeting to meeting or working on a computer :) The class is taught in the carriage house on the grounds of Callanwolde so it sounds like a pretty and relaxing setting to retreat to after work.

Today I finally made my way to Sam Flax Art Supply to buy all my supplies (and boy does that stuff add up!) I absolutely love that store…I could browse for hrs if I had the time. I especially love all of their handmade paper and stationary. I want it all :)

I will try and do weekly updates of my class and progress. My hope is that I learn some basics so I can start painting on my own and continue to do it down the road. I would love to be able to do paintings for family, friends and myself. What a cool gift to give… We will see how it goes!


Some of the paint I bought...


You can see how confusing it is to buy exactly what is on the supply list...there are so many brands, consistencies and prices that I needed someone to help me!


Some of my brushes/paint...

The amazing handmade paper Sam Flax sells...there were rows and rows (didn't want to take too many pics, ha)



Callanwolde...

Delicious Recipe

Last night I made a delicious chicken recipe from Gena Knox. It's very easy and is sooo delicious. This would be great for a small dinner party or just a week night meal...It is called ARTICHOKE AND GOAT CHEESE STUFFED CHICKEN. Enjoy!

4 teaspoons olive oil, divided
1 shallot, finely chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
3 ounces goat cheese, softened
1 cup marinated artichoke hearts, drained and roughly chopped
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Instructions
FIRST Preheat oven to 375°F. Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a medium skillet set over medium heat. Sauté shallots until softened, about 3 minutes. Transfer shallots to a mixing bowl, add goat cheese, artichokes, and thyme and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.

NEXT Make a horizontal slit in the side of each chicken breasts to form a pocket. Stuff each pocket with 2 rounded tablespoons of mixture. Sprinkle chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

LAST In a large, oven proof skillet, heat 2 teaspoons oil over medium heat. Sear chicken for 3 minutes on each side or until brown. Transfer to oven and continue to cook for about 15-20 minutes until meat thermometer inserted in thickest part of breast reads 165°F. Allow chicken to rest 5 minutes before serving.