Friday: Give 5, Take 5: Jett's name, my least favorite thing about blogging and YOUR Thanksgiving side recipes
It’s Friday Five time, and I am SUPER excited to switch it up and this time around I’m answering five questions.. and taking one of the questions you asked me, and asking for YOUR response, then sharing five of my favorites!
Give 5
How did you come up with Jett’s name?
Jett was one of the names Brandon’s parents debated on when they were naming him! He told me that story when we first started dating and I think we both laughed about it - thinking how funny it would be if his name was actually Jett and not Brandon. When we were talking names, we really didn’t have that much of a serious talk about it - I think I threw it out there because I DID really like the name. Brandon thought it clicked too. We landed on Jett with no other serious contenders for the name. I am starting to see a lot of Jett’s these days too! I love that its unique but not completely too far out there.
What is the best designer item to splurge on?
I have never been much of a “need to have designer items” person. I definitely admire luxury brands but honestly am happy with items that are just a fraction of the cost. Currently I don’t have any designer items at all in my closet actually! In the past I have had designer sunglasses, bags, wallets.. and one pair of shoes for my wedding that I only wore once (but promised myself I would wear again!.. ha) If I was going to splurge I would hands down go for a bag. I feel like a bag most likely stand the test of time and I would get the most use out of.
What did you go to school for
I majored in business with an emphasis on Finance in undergrad from the University of Southern Mississippi, and I also have my Masters in Business (MBA) from The University of Kansas. I was always a numbers person and loved finance and accounting. I tutored student athletes in accounting & calculus during both undergrad and grad school, and then worked in several finance jobs before making the jump to do my own thing! (which is completely OPPOSITE of corporate finance.. isn’t it funny how things work out?)
What is the thing you like LEAST about blogging
Honestly… the strategic social media stuff that have no rules or guidelines. I can create content.. I can write blogs… I can shoot photos… all of that I love and take pride in.. but when it comes to Instagram and “growing my audience” I am really horrible at staying engaged on the app (meaning liking, commenting, finding others in my niche to connect with) and playing by Instagrams rules just to get my content SEEN. It’s not that I don’t love connecting with others - I really DO! I just find it exhausting to constantly be scrolling, liking, commenting with ALL my spare time. This is definitely the game you have to play within Instagram to stay relevant and visible.. and I notice a big difference when I take the time to do it. But MOST of the time, I use my time in other ways - like ACTUALLY creating the content, writing the blogs, responding to emails and questions… spending time with my friends and family… playing with Jett. All those things come first, and when .do have the time, I first respond to DM’s, then comments and then try to like and comment on friends accounts and accounts that I enjoy looking at. (which these days - who knows if Instagram is showing me what I really want to see!) I love Instagram - but it CAN get exhausting. I try to keep it light, and realize it doesn’t need to be a source of stress. If it’s stressing me out - I move on! I try not to worry about follower counts and just keep on doing the parts that I love!
Favorite Thanksgiving side dish
Every year for Thanksgiving, we all get a pick of a side we want included for dinner. Because most of the sides (or ALL of the sides!) are pretty unhealthy (and hey its Thanksgiving, so I am all for indulging for the day!) I like to suggest at least one healthy option! I really love any kind of roasted veggie - butternut squash and brussle sprouts are a favorite combo for Thanksgiving - but this year I am throwing this recipe into the pot: Roasted Butternut Squash & Quinoa Salad. Everyone usually shakes their head, but then does end up really loving my input!:)
Take 5
On Wednesday this week, I took the last question above:
What is your favorite Thanksgiving side dish?
and threw it out on stories to collect YOUR input! Here are my favorite 5 recipes you submitted!
1. From @ashworthcam
Hondo Corn Casserole (this one looks deadly!! YUM)
2. From @thisiskels
Corn Casserole
1 can cream-style corn
1 can whole kernel corn
1 stick margerine, softened
1 1/2 boxes Jiffy corn muffin mix
2 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar Cheese to sprinkle on top
Mix & Pour into 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes.
3. From @korilwilliams
4. from @knod12
Carrot Casserole
This one shared was from Grandmas recipe book! So I’m typing it up since I don’t have a link. (I think I have to try this.. I have never even heard of it before!)
2 cups shredded carrots (you can buy shredded or shred yourself)
1 1/4 cup chopped onion
3/4 cup sour cream
1 cup packaged cornbread mix
3/4 stick of butter
1 can cream mushroom soup
1 tablespoon lemon juice
salt & pepper to taste
pinch of sugar
2 beaten eggs
paprika
Mix all ingredients except paprika, adding the eggs last. Pour into buttered casserole dish and sprinkle with paprika. Bake 30 minutes at 350.
5. from @austarledge
(a couple from her!)
Pimento cheese (makes about 3 cups):
Combine 2 cups shredded cheese (I prefer sharp cheddar, but adding smoked Gouda or another hard cheese you prefer can be fun!), an 8oz package of softened cream cheese, a half cup of mayo, and a 4 oz jar of diced pimentos, drained in a medium sized serving bowl. after mixing, add in 1/2 tsp of salt, onion, and garlic powders. finally, add in 1/4 tsp of ground red pepper. mix once more! serve with crackers, pickles, or add a dollop onto on deviled eggs.
Traditional Deviled Eggs (makes 12):
place 6 eggs in large saucepan/pot and cover with 1 extra inch of COLD water. bring to a slow boil over medium high. once they are boiling, turn off the burner and remove pot from heat. cover with lid and let the eggs continue to cook for 8 minutes. meanwhile, fill bowl with ice water. after the 8 minutes, immediately drain hot water and place eggs in the ice water to stop the yolks from graying, about 5 minutes. peel eggs and then cut them in half lengthwise. Remove yolks and place into a mixing bowl; mash with fork. stir in 1/3 cup of mayo, 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish, and 1/4 tsp of both and ground black pepper. generously spoon mixture into egg whites. I like to garnish with paprika and fresh dill! best if served after refrigerating for an hour.
and last but not least…