In Print

Today, I am excited to share my first article, published in the May issue of Birmingham Magazine.

{Photo by Kellen Jacob Photography}

You might recognize the couple above as Paula and Kellen Coldiron 

(of Two Ellie and Kellen Jacob Photography, respectively).

We had the pleasure of hiring them as our wedding photographers and I have since been inspired by pictures of their precious home on Paula's blog.  When given the opportunity to write, I knew the Coldiron family would make a perfect first story.

Without further ado: you may view the article here.  

**You can purchase a copy of the magazine at Books-A-Million or Barnes & Noble locations in the Birmingham area. For a full tour of Paula's home, visit her upload on Houzz. 

**May I also encourage you to check out Birmingham Box Set?  Way cool music reviews and interviews coming soon! You can read my first interview here.

Local Favorites: Restaurants

A couple of weeks ago, Eric and I started Eating for Life, a diet that considers portion size, eating six times per day and balancing the nutrients contained in each meal.  I am doing it for weight loss and Eric is doing it for different reasons: namely, it's what I am cooking.  He doesn't need to lose weight and I happen to like him as-is.  He is a supportive husband who fills up on the leftovers.

Things were going swimmingly until we arrived in Nashville Wednesday night. Our four-day food detour started with Thanksgiving and ended with Chuy's two days in a row.  I kid you not.  Saturday night in Nashville and last night in Birmingham.  The food is that good, people.

We first ate at Chuy's in it's hometown of Austin, TX while visiting my cousin and her husband.  We fell in love.  The chips and salsa alone did us in.  We are salsa snobs, remember? They have now moved to the southeast and I am deeming them local.

Eric (almost) always gets the Chuy-changa.  My favorites range from stuffed peppers to flautas to crunchy or soft tacos.  The tortillas are hand-made. The queso and 7 signature sauces are to die for.

Today I'll head to the grocery store to prepare for this week's meals.  All the while I'll be dreaming of Chuy's.

Have you done Eating for Life?   Any tips or favorite recipes?

Local Favorites: Used Bookstore

I will never own an electronic reader.  When engulfed in a story, I need to turn the page, hold the binding, fold down the corner. And I want the book to be all mine.  The freedom to take my time and read for understanding; or pull an all-nighter and pass the book along to a friend.