Don Juan Tacos

Jeremy originally saw this recipe on the Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and decided to recreate it for dinner. They're called Don Juan Tacos because the place that is famous for this souped up breakfast burrito is named Don Juan's.

Here's our version of this delicious breakfasty yummy dinner:

Ingredients 

<> Tortillas 

<> 2 Potatoes 

<> Grated Cheddar Cheese 

<> 2 Eggs 

<> Hot Sauce (Optional)

- Cube the potatoes
- Boil potatoes then strain
- Cook potatoes in frying pan
- Beat eggs then pour over potatoes
- Add cheese to potato mixture
- Put warm goodness in warmed tortilla
- Add hot sauce if you want

Easy and delicious andddd it uses ingredients which are commonly found around the house, which is always a plus.

Have you tried any new recipes lately? 

Untitled

Found out today that my Great Aunt Millie past away this morning. We weren't incredibly close, she was my grandmother's younger sister. We could expect to see her at family gatherings and holiday dinners.  In recent years, her health began to decline. She had her morning glass of juice and drifted peacefully away in her favorite chair. She will be missed.

I was already going home this weekend. Now, I'm especially thankful. It's always good to spend time with family and those you love when you're reminded how unknowing life can be.

For if we live, we live to the Lord,

and if we die, we die to the Lord.

So then, whether we live or whether we die,

we are the Lord's.

<> Romans 14:8 <>

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

I hope everyone had an amazing Memorial Day holiday this weekend!

On Saturday night, we went to see a Memphis Redbirds game with some very close friends of ours, and their absolutely adorable daughter. She got so into the game dancing to the music and cheering no matter what team made a play. She was such a happy camper until the firework show at the end. She didn't like those so much, she was scared and clung to Jeremy. Completely melted my heart.

A side note, since summer is officially here in Memphis with temperatures easily in the 90s everyday, pretty much the only thing to do during a three day weekend is go to the pool. I am quickly learning that having a cool pool to dunk in is basically the only way to survive Memphis summers. Here's to cotton sun dresses and air conditioning.

Thinking

I think I think too much. You know when you say a word over and over it eventually loses meaning? Well, that just happened with think. Think. What a strange word, yet I do this literally all day.

I tend to over analyze and disect every little thing that goes on and every little thing that I do.

When I write a blog post, I think about how all different people will react when they read it. My family, my "in real life" friends, and other bloggers. I worry about coming off in a way I don't mean to or offending someone.

Thinking consumes me. My mind is literally never quiet.

As a result, I feel like I try too hard. At the beginning, blogging came naturally, I wrote about what  was going on and what I wanted and didn't worry about people reading it. I think I need to starting thinking this way again. Or better yet, stop thinking. Stop thinking about how other people will react, stop thinking about ways to gain followers, stop thinking about how to make everyone happy.

I need to just be myself. I like to think I'm a nice, likeable person, but I guess when you put yourself out there, like we do when we blog, you run the risk of finding people who won't like you, or don't share your same opinions, or who are just different from you. And there's nothing wrong with that.

We are all different, and that's what makes each and every one of us beautiful.

This has been on my heart. Blogging helped me find who I was. However, I'm losing that. I'm trying to be someone that everyone likes, someone that makes everyone happy. What I need to do, is be myself and make myself happy. So, here's to a good, long, weekend and getting back to basics and blogging for me. Only for me.

Oh, How Pinteresting - Bicycles

When the weather's nice I just want to ride a bike everywhere! Too bad I don't live in a place where this is possible. Not yet anyways. Until then, I'll just dream about biking around on something pretty like these.

Source: indulgy.com via Alyssa on Pinterest

Source: 79ideas.org via Alyssa on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Alyssa on Pinterest

Source: notjustalabel.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Source: goo.gl via Gisela on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Jill on Pinterest

Source: weheartit.com via Hannah on Pinterest

Linking up with Michelle today... a BIG congratulations to her and her husband :) :) 

I am so happy for them -- they're expecting!!

BBQ Fest

Why would a Vegetarian go to something called BBQ Fest, you ask? Only becuase it is the biggest thing to happen in Memphis since Elvis left the building. Even though I wouldn't be tasting any of the world renowned, award winning barbeque grub, I did have a good time with some good friends taking in the atmosphere.

  For those of you who don't know, Memphis is the barbeque capital of the world! Every May there is giant food competition called BBQ Fest in which teams from all of the country (the world?) bring their best barbeque recipes and compete. Tom Lee Park, which is right on the banks of the Mississippi River becomes tent city. Each team that competes sets up shop with temporary kitchens with ginormous smokers in tents. There are multi-story tents, themed tents, and then just plain simple tailgate-ish tents. All award winning teams proudly display their trophys and other recognition they might have receieved for their cooking. There are hundreds of teams! In order to get into a tent though, and actually eat some barbeque, you have to know somebody on a team. Lucky for us, we have a good friend who has a family member on a team, sooo we were able to truly experience the fest.   It pretty much becomes one huge party by nightfall all in celebration of good barbeque. Only in Memphis. 

Eating in Memphis (3) - Yolo

Located in the charming Collierville town square lies Yolo where we found our next item on the "100 Things to Eat in Memphis" list, self-serve frozen yogurt.   It seems like there are about a million self-serve froyo places now-a-days, however, Yolo stands out in Memphis. It is part of Project Green Fork, (which I talked about here) meaning they are environmentally friendly. They even feature toppings from many different local businesses.   Not to mention, the yogurt tastes amazing. It's such a fun thing to go do on a hot summer night.   There are many locations sprinkled throughout the Memphis area and beyond. They even have a food truck!  

I had mint chocolate with a bit of espresso flavored froyo topped with fresh strawberies and blackberries. Delicious!!

Just Because

Aren't these flowers pretty? My oh so thoughtful boyfriend gave them to me because he actually reads my blog and noticed that in this post I said I had never receieved flowers for no reason. I love how supportive he is of this little hobby of mine and that he actually reads my blog everyday. He even sometimes offers me post topic suggestions when he's feeling inspired. He better be careful, I may be making him play photographer for me next!

Happy Friday Everyone!!

Ps. Don't forget, if you want to swap buttons with me, just send me an email (alyssa.perrella@gmail.com)!!

All I need is a 250x100 button :)

Walmart Sunrise

I did something this morning that I never thought I'd do..

I watched the sun rise from the Walmart parking lot.. let me explain.

At about 5 this morning, I got a phone call I hope nobody ever gets... "Can you help me? My dog is, uhh, leaking". Yes, Harrison apparently had a very upset tummy and was having an "accident". I rushed over to Jeremy's apartment in my pajamas (boxer shorts and a very large tshirt) to help.

There was mess everywhere.. literally, everywhere. And "leaking" was definitly a good word to use to describe the poor sick pup.
   

I jumped in the car and raced to the 24-hour Walmart to get some carpet cleaner and lysol.. lots of it.

It wasn't until I was pulling into the parking lot that I realized I hadn't looked in a mirror. I could tell I probably looked horendous by the looks I was getting from Walmart employees of all people.. and you know they've probably seen some pretty bad stuff. I mean, it is a Walmart, in Mississippi. I got double-takes and a few pitying looks from employees stocking the shelves.
     
Anyways, I grabbed several bottles of cleaner and a whole package of paper towels and when I walked outside, there was a gorgeous sunrise. I took a deep breath and knew it was all going to be ok.

Somehow I still made it to work on time and Harrison is apparently feeling better. I have no idea what happened. All I know is that I have already had two giant cups of coffee and I can say that I have appreciated a sun rise.. at Walmart.
     

healthy harrison I also want to note that Jeremy did clean up majority of it and I'm so proud of him for doing such a diligent job and not getting sick himself.. :) 

99 Things

I originally saw this on Jax's blog hereee and thought I'd participate! I haven't been feeling too blog inspired lately, so I haven't really posted must. Plusss I think it might be time to start thinking of some new content.. lately my posts have been all about food and I want it to be more than that...

1. Started your own blog

2. Slept under the stars

3. Played in a band - does the church youth group band count? hah I played the keyboard

4. Visited Hawaii - you can see some pictures here.

5. Watched a meteor shower

6. Given more than you can afford to charity

7. Been to Disneyland

8. Climbed a mountain

9. Held a praying mantis

10. Sang a solo - I was in an acapella group in college...

11. Bungee jumped

12. Visited Paris

13. Watched a lightning storm

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch

15. Adopted a child

16. Had food poisoning

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty - seems kinda silly that I haven't done this - I grew up so close

18. Grown your own vegetables - I wish!! One day I will.

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France

20. Slept on an overnight train - going from Italy to Germany

21. Had a pillow fight

22. Hitch hiked

23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill - I like to call them "mental health" days

24. Build a snow fort

25. Held a lamb - Does Mary Lamb count? bahaha counting it!!!! Miss you, Mary!!!

26. Gone skinny dipping

27. Run a Marathon

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice

29. Seen a total eclipse

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset

31. Hit a home run

32. Been on a cruise - the Disney Cruise with my family

33. Seen the Niagra Falls in person

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors

35. Seem an Amish community

36. Taught yourself a new language

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

39. Gone rock climbing

40. Seen Michelangelo's David

41. Sung karaoke

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

44. Visited Africa

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight

46. Been transported in an ambulance

47. Had your portrait painted

48. Gone deep sea fishing

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling

52. Kissed in the rain

53. Played in the mud

54. Gone to a drive-in theater

55. Been in a movie

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business

58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Visited Russia

60. Served at a soup kitchen

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies


62. Gone whale watching


63. Got flowers for no reason

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
- I am an on the bone marrow registry anddd an organ donor

65. Gone sky diving


66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp

67. Bounced a check - thank goodness!!

68. Flown in a helicopter - in Hawaii

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy


70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial 


71. Eaten Caviar


72. Pieced a quilt


73. Stood in Times Square


74. Toured the Everglades


75. Been fired from a job

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London


77. Broken a bone


78. Been a passenger on a motorcycle


79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person


80. Published a book


81. Visited the Vatican

82. Bought a brand new car


83. Walked in Jerusalem


84. Had your picture in the newspaper

85. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year’s Eve


86. Visited the White House


87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
- no, thank you.

88. Had chickenpox


89. Saved someone’s life


90. Sat on a jury


91. Met someone famous - I met several Flyers when I worked there.. does that count?

92. Joined a book club


93. Got a tattoo


94. Had a baby


95. Seen the Alamo in person


96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake


97. Been involved in a law suit


98. Owned a cell phone


99. Been stung by a bee

Yikes!!! I've only done 29 things!!! Some of them, though, I'm happy I've never done.. like getting stung by a bee? haha I'll take it!

Don't forget - if there's anything you want to know about me, all you gotta do is ask :) I'm nice, I promise!

Eating in Memphis (2) - Gibson's Donuts

Our next stop on our "100 Things to Eat in Memphis" tour is Gibson's Donuts for their blueberry donuts.

There are actually two donut flavors on the list but they were out of the second. Boy, am I glad they were out of the other flavor because now we have a reason to go back!! It's not exactly in the most convenient location for us, but now we'll have to go.. and get lots more donuts.

 



Another amazing Memphis food place that clearly has not changed since the day it opened.

A Saturday Morning

If you're ever visiting Memphis (or even if you live in the area), this is something I reccomend for you to do with your Saturday morning. After spending the night out on Beale, or at a concert, or some sort of sporting event, you'll wake up hungry. Head over to Blue Plate Cafe (Lauren, you'll be happy to hear I finally went!!). It's a charming little place with brightly painted walls and tiger art work everywhere that serves extremely delicious breakfast.

Why don't you order some biscuits and gravy? - this was the first time I had this. Sounds kinda weird, but it was realllly good.

After you're full from eating your weight in pancakes.. you can take the trolley down South Main to the Farmer's Market. Even though it's located right in downtown Memphis, it's amazing to see all the different types of produce and handmade goods that people sell. One of my favorite stops is the Yippie Hippie - he makes his own granola is is happy to give you samples. You can then pick up a bouquet of fresh flowers and sit and listen to some live music. Oh, you're hungry again? Don't worry, there are plenty of things to munch on at the market, including various food trucks to choose from.

Sneak Peek

No Oh, How Pinteresting today.. how sad..

Last night, instead of putting together that post, I played around with a new blog design. Keep your eyes peeled for that coming sometime (hopefully) soon :)

Here's a little sneak peak:

And please, I am always open for suggestions!!
Anything new you'd like to see around here?



A Night Out

The month of May is a pretty big deal here in the Bluff City. We call it Memphis in May. There are so many things going on throughout the city this month, as well as lots of people coming into town to visit. This past weekend was Beale Street Music Fest. Unfortunatly, Jeremy and I didn't go to music fest (sadly, we were not impressed with the musicians this year) we were, however, the only crazy locals to go out on Beale street during one of the busiest times in Memphis. I actually think we got lucky, it really wasn't that bad. The people watching was pretty amazing, too.

We started our Friday night at The Blind Bear. What initially sparked our interest is that this bar is a speakeasy with lots of nods to the prohibition era. There are two-way mirrors and they serve beer in mason jars! There was realllly good acousticy live music and they have a pretty extensive menu, although we didn't eat there, I definitly want to go back sometime to eat, everything looks delicious.

After spending some time at The Blind Bear, we headed to Beale St. for a completely opposite bar experience. We went to Blue City Cafe to see a band that we've seen several times before, Hillbilly Casino. They're an extremely energetic rockabilly band that play all different genres of music, my favorite is when they play Elvis and Johnny Cash. We went from drinking Memphis brewed Ghost River in a mason jar to PBR out of a can...

The highlight of Jeremy's night was getting a picture with the lead singer of the band... and our waitress.

Yes, my pictures are extremly grainy.. it was dark in all these places, had to get creative with the editing so you could see things.

Eating in Memphis (1) - Coletta's

So, we've seen these lists everywhere: 100 Books to Read Before You Die, 100 Things to See Before You Die, etc. There is one list in particular that stands out to me. The list is 100 Things to Eat in Memphis. 

I am on a mission. To try everything on this list! Well, almost everything.

Jeremy will be the meat eater on this journey.

We will eat our way through the city we both love - we figure it will give us great new places to try and amazing things to order that maybe we wouldn't have on our own.

We started at Coletta's for the barbecue pizza.
They have been serving Italian food since 1923.. and clearly haven't changed one thing inside the restaurant since then either. They claim to be the creators of the barbecue pizza andddd to be Elvis's favorite place to get pizza.

Something I notice about "must eat" places in Memphis is that they all don't change! They have been around for forever and everything is exactly as it was when the restaurant first opened. I guess it's working for them, so there's no reason to change. Literally, I think they had the same menu and decor since they opened.

According to Jeremy, the pizza was delicious! Definitely not pick up and eat slices - knife and fork is a must! I got a bite of the crust with the sauce.. yummmmmy.

I ordered the ravioli.. which, according to their website, is homemade.. it was good! Well, as far as Memphis Italian goes, it was good.. definitely still missing the good stuff from up North, aka my Mom's kitchen.

Ended the Italian meal with a slice of tiramisu.. I love this stuff. Jeremy, on the other hand, only liked it. I'm not complaining, that meant there was more for me!

Let's Be Friends

Just a reminder... I am always looking to swap buttons with fellow bloggers out there! The way I see it, swapping buttons is the best way to promote fellow bloggers and for smaller blogs to grow.. also, it helps finding new great reads that are out there!!

If you're interested in sponsor swapping and getting your button on my blog, just send me an email!

alyssa.perrella@gmail.com

Buon Cibo

 

Located about a half hour outside of the heart of Memphis in Hernando, Mississippi lies a hidden gem of delicious cheesy goodness. Buon Cibo. We tried Buon Cibo for the first time this weekend and it didn't disappoint. Something that I miss most about the North is pizza. I may have finally found a place to feed my pizza cravings. 

 

Somebody had recommended this place to me a while ago but we never made it down to Hernando to give it a try. They knew I'd like it because they use locally grown ingredients in their food. You could definitely tell. Everything was so fresh!

Doesn't this look so good!!

Jeremy ordered The Memphis.. it had ranch dressing, sausage, even some dry rub.

My pizza had giant slices of fresh tomato, fresh basil, mushrooms, and a few different cheeses I believe. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

Clearly we enjoyed it. (the leftovers were good, too )

Buon Cibo is also Project Green Fork certified. Project Green Fork is an organization in Memphis that recognizes restaurants that meet six environmentally friendly criteria. They all use sustainable products,  kitchen composting, non toxic cleaning products. They reduce energy and water consumption, properly maintain pollution prevention, and they all recycle. The list of restaurants in Memphis with the Project Green Fork certification is growing. It's nice to see local businesses caring for the environment and following all these criteria. You know when you walk into a restaurant with the Project Green Fork seal, you are going to have a good meal.