Crockpot BBQ Beer Chicken

One day while perusing Pinterest for new recipes, I scrolled upon a recipe for Crockpot BBQ Beer Chicken. I have made this recipe numerous times and always receive a lot of compliments and walk away with a scraped clean crockpot. Very easy to make and makes about 8-10 sandwiches. (I used Blue Moon as my beer of choice).  Can't wait to make this recipe next week for the first game! War Eagle!

Crockpot BBQ Beer Chicken
serves about 8-10

3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 large)
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
8 oz beer
32 oz BBQ Sauce

Season chicken with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper. Add to crockpot, then add beer and 24 oz of BBQ sauce. Cook on low for 8 hours, tossing once or twice. After 8 hours, shred and add the remaining BBQ sauce. Toss chicken to coat and let set for 10-15 minutes before serving.

P A R T Y T I M E w/ Paperless Post

Auburn Football is only 12 days away! With the game being held at the Georgia Dome, I won't have to travel far to see my Tigers play. As I started to think about the food in my tailgate line-up, I remembered an engagement party I threw a few months ago and the cute invites I found on Paperless Post. A lot of the online invitations are free, with a cool dashboard to see all of your invitees responses. If you are throwing a football party in 12 days, or anytime this season, check out these cute football themed invites to snazz up your Tiger party. War Eagle!

43 Forever!

This morning was the inaugural Lutzie Road Race in memory of our beloved #43, Philip Lutzenkirchen. Held at Lutzie's high school stomping grounds, Lassiter High School in Marietta, there was a great turn out and celebration of his life. If you haven't checked out the Lutzie Foundation his family has created in his memory, check it out: http://www.lutzie43.org/

"The Pose* of The Tiger"

As our Auburn Tigers have hit the practice fields to get in shape and prep for football season, I can't help but think about the few lbs I put on last week from sipping cocktails and eating delish food while on vacation. If you are looking to update your yoga moves, or just stretch out from a long work day, try out the Tiger Pose (also known as VYAGHRASANA). 

1. On your hands and knees in Table pose, inhale the right knee to the forehead, rounding the spine. 2. Exhale reach the right foot up towards the ceiling, arching the spine and looking up at the ceiling.3. Inhale the forehead to knee and exhale the foot up 4-8 times.  4. To release: exhale the knee back down to the floor into Table pose.5. Repeat on other side.

(The Tiger pose warms and stretches the back muscles and spine. Tiger pose strengthens the core body and stimulates the nervous, lymphatic and reproductive systems.)

If your workout gear needs a little Tiger in it, check out some of my favorite Auburn workout finds:

Yoga Mat- Bombay Blue

S'well Water Bottles

Under Armor Novelty Tech V-Neck

Nike Epic Lux Running Pants

Lululemon Headband

Lululemon Tank

Lululemon Yoga Mat

SEC Helmet Schedule

To my dismay, I work with all UGA alums apart from one other AU Tiger. Football season can be miserable any Monday after a Georgia win. In order to stay in the loop of all SEC schedules, I use fbschedules.com to keep me in the know. Hung this beauty in my office cube yesterday. 24 days left until Auburn football! War Eagle!

Tory Burch for Tigers

It's almost time for those Game Day Outfits (38 days to be exact)! Sometimes it is harder to find Auburn garb compared to those boring crimson, black, and white colors (gag). Luckily, orange and navy accessories can help snazz up any outfit to show your Auburn allegiance! Currently at Tory Burch  there are lots of cute orange and blue items for the Auburn section of your wardrobe.

War Eagle!

Pictured here:

Reva Watch- Orange or Navy

York Small Bucket Tote 

Padlock Flat Sandal in Orange

Thin Flip Flop

Ella Nylon Swingpack

York Small Cosmetic Bag

Mini Miller Flat Thong Sandal in Navy

Let Me Upgrade Ya

Football Season 2015 is 59 days away (for Auburn, at least)! With a new season, I have stumbled upon some nifty gadgets to add to your tailgating set-up this year!

The 'Coolest' Cooler


This cooler will be available for purchase in August 2015. After a successful Kickstarter campaign, the cooler that has it all has come into being! Not only does it have built-in features like a blender, bluetooth speakers, USB charger, bottle opener, wine opener, and rechargeable battery; it comes in AU colors too! Although a cheap price tag isn't one of the features, this cooler definitely aims to fulfill all of your tailgate needs! See more at: http://www.coolest.com/





 Yeti Rambler Coaster


The makers of the Yeti cooler have taken their cooler technology to the world of koozies. Made of stainless steel and boasting of No-Sweat technology, this koozie will keep your drink cool through several rounds of "Bodda Getta!"
 http://yeticoolers.com/colster/#!






Solar Powered Cellphone Charger

There have been many wonderful Gamedays on the Plains through making phone calls, searching for signal, and posting on social media; I manage to drain my entire cell phone battery. If you do not have a generator at your tailgate, charging your phone can become a real problem. "How will I take a picture of the eagle flying?!" Check out this new solar powered cellphone charger (works with iPhones and other USB phones). Available on Amazon: Solar Powered Cellphone Charger

      iGrill Meat Thermometer

      Grilling out at your tailgate and feel like you have to constantly check on the burgers? With the iGrill you can now monitor your meat's temperature with a smart bluetooth thermometer that will let you know when the desired temperature is reached!
      http://store.idevicesinc.com/igrill-mini/





Outdoor Slim-Fold Cook Station

Need some more space to place all your nibbles and snack supplies? Unlike big bulky tables that can take up a lot of space in a car, this slim station has plenty of room and folds up nicely! For plenty of Gameday snack ideas to fill up these shelves, check out some of my favorite Gameday Recipes!
http://www.rei.com/product/881640/gci-outdoor-slim-fold-cook-station


Cheers to you and your tailgate!

Game Day with Kendra Scott

Over the last few months I have seen a surge of Kendra Scott jewelry on my friends and coworkers. All I could think of is how cute their orange and blue pieces would be added to a game day outfit!

All of these (and more) can be found at: http://www.kendrascott.com/explore/game-day-jewelry

If you live in the Atlanta area, join the Atlanta Auburn Alumni at the Kendra Scott by Lenox Mall on August 30th from 2-4 for a shopping party! (20% of proceeds to Roy B. Sewell Memorial Scholarship Fund, Inc.)

A Fond Farewell

As I plan to attend the final rolling of the Toomers Oaks this Saturday, I cannot help but feel mixed emotions. The outrage and hatred I feel for Harvey Updyke and his actions still lingers as strongly as the day I found out 2 years ago. Since that day, I have read reports, looked at tree replacement proposals, and tried to never give up hope that the trees would have a miraculous return. Alas, the trees couldn't pull a comeback (and/or Camback) in the 4th quarter. I cannot imagine driving down Magnolia and not seeing the trees marking the corner of campus, or walking from Jordan Hare after the game and not walking through curtains of toilet paper on the way downtown. While I have thought and felt all of these emotions, I couldn't help but be reminded of 'The Giving Tree' by Shel Silverstein, for in its own way, the Toomers Oaks have always been Auburn's own Giving Trees. Enduring thousands of rollings, pressure hosing on Sundays after gamedays, and even fires; the trees have stood their ground on the corner of Auburn's campus waiting for the next Auburn Tiger victory for thousands of fans to repeat the cycle. Saturday will be a sad day, but should also be a celebration for the trees and everything they have meant to Auburn University and Auburn fans over the years. War Eagle always!

You Don't Know Bo- ESPN 30 for 30

Don't miss ESPN's next 30 for 30 Film on Auburn's own, Bo Jackson. 

airs Saturday December 8 at 9 p.m. on ESPN

You Say Goodbye, and I say Hello

Now that I have recovered (somewhat) from the heartbreak of this football season, my thoughts include less #$*&(@*(^$^ and a little more clarity.
"To everything there is a season," and this one just wasn't ours. However, that statement becomes harder to grasp as our Bama neighbors to the north seem to defy this sentiment, as of late. (But we must remember what Saban's name sounds very similar to.... think pitchfork and extreme heat).

Despite those elephants being in the room, the more obvious (polite, less stinky, and all around better) elephant, is the fact that Auburn let Gene Chizik go. I don't use the term 'fired,' because any man who has helped shape the Auburn football program like Gene did, should not be associated with the negative connotations associated with being fired. I understand the reasoning, and whether I agree with it or not, what's done is done. Although I questioned his initial hiring, I will forever respect and support Gene Chizik and all he did for the Auburn Family and football program.

As we say goodbye to Gene, we say, "Welcome home!" to Gus-Gus Malzahn. I couldn't be more excited! A decent and respectable man (with no neck braces and 25-year-olds in his closet), I think he was the perfect choice. Plus, Bo Jackson sat on the selection committee, and we all know that, "Bo Knows."

With many changes occurring in our football program, 2013 looks to be a fresh start. Cheers to a new year! War Eagle now and always!

"It was my privilege to work the Auburn - Georgia game. When you see men and women shedding tears during the Tiger Walk, that is what college football is all about. As I made the turn in the Tiger Walk, and the band was there, well, if you can't get yourself up for a football game at that point, then something is wrong. When I walked toward the locker room, it was one of the greatest experiences of my life....football in the South is one thing., football at Auburn is something else." -Adrian Karsten from ESPN

The Deep South's Oldest Rivalry

Three cheers for Auburn on their victory this past weekend! As Saturday approaches, I can't help but feeling nauseous as the Georgia Bulldogs will travel to Jordan Hare. The "Deep South's Oldest Rivalry," this game dates back to 1892 at Piedmont Park in Atlanta (when the "War Eagle" legend supposedly began). With 115 games played almost every year since 1898 (with the exceptions of WWI and WWII), Auburn leads the series with a 54–53–8 record. Let's hope our Tigers show up to play on Saturday. Weagle Weagle, War Damn Eagle! 

1895 AU vs UGA - Piedmont Park

"It's a unique thing. It's like playing against your brother. I don't think anybody who plays in that game can ever forget it. It just doesn't matter much where it's played or what somebody's record is. It's so intense and tough, but at the same time, it's family."

— Pat Dye on AU vs UGA

Beat Bama Food Drive

From now until November 19th, Auburn will be holding its annual Beat Bama Food Drive. Besides losing bragging rights, the SGA President of the losing school must sing the fight song of the opponent at the AU vs Bama Basketball game. That should be reason enough to donate! Each dollar donated will provide two pounds of food. Do your part!

You can donate online : Food Bank of East Alabama

Or drop off in Auburn outside of the Winn-Dixies, Kroger, and Walmart.

"I believe in the human touch, which cultivates sympathy with my fellow men and mutual helpfulness and brings happiness for all. " - Auburn Creed 

We'll Mess with Texas part 2

Tomorrow evening, Auburn will welcome the Aggies into Jordan Hare stadium. I will leave my thoughts, hopes, dreams, prayers, and desperate musings about the actual game out of this. If you are looking for something new to dish up for your tailgate, and my former post about Texas Tackler-Size Burgers doesn't peak your interest, check out these tailgate deviled eggs.

• The Sweet-Heat Eagle Eye
• 1 dozen hard-cooked eggs, peeled 
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise 
• 1 teaspoon spicy brown mustard 
• Sweet Hot pickle slices

Prep:

1. Slice eggs in half lengthwise, and carefully remove yolks. Reserve egg whites.
2. Mash yolks with mayonnaise and mustard until well blended. Add salt and pepper to taste. Spoon or pipe yolk mixture into reserved egg whites. Serve immediately or cover and chill up to 1 day.
3. Garnish with pickles

The Caviar Teaser (Texas A&M)

• 1 dozen hard-cooked eggs, peeled 
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise 
• 1 teaspoon spicy brown mustard 
• Drained and rinsed canned black-eyed peas, minced pickled jalapeno peppers, and fresh cilantro leaves.

Prep:

1. Slice eggs in half lengthwise, and carefully remove yolks. Reserve egg whites.
2. Mash yolks with mayonnaise and mustard until well blended. Add salt and pepper to taste. Spoon or pipe yolk mixture into reserved egg whites. Serve immediately or cover and chill up to 1 day.
3. Garnish with peas, peppers, and cilantro leaves. 

WIN OR LOSE, TRIED AND TRUE! WAR DAMN EAGLE! 

What's Orange and Blue and 1-5?

Well Ain't This Dandy, Let's Beat Vandy!

This Saturday our Tigers take on the Vanderbilt Commodores. Depending on the game, you might need this 'spirit' to raise your own. Fearless and True, Orange and Blue!

Auburn Blue & Orangeade

Muddle 1/4 cup fresh blueberries, 2 Tbsp. turbinado sugar, 2 Tbsp. fresh orange juice, and 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice in a 10-oz. glass. Fill glass with crushed ice, and top with seltzer water or club soda. Gently stir. Garnish with an orange wedge.

 (recipe and photo from Southern Living) 

Not Your Average Cheese Ball

There are a few things that get me super excited (besides Auburn football, of course). One of those things being FALL! While this recipe might not taste like apples, cinnamon, pumpkin, or a smoked meat; it LOOKS like a pumpkin and is made of cheese. (If you are like me, I would live off of cheese if I could). Whether you are making the trek to AU this weekend to watch the Tigers take on the Razorbacks, or staying at home to catch the game on tv; add some festivity to your snacks with this White Pumpkin Cheeseball!

The Great White Pumpkin Cheeseball

• 2 (10-oz.) blocks extra-sharp white Cheddar cheese, shredded*
• 1 8-oz.) package cream cheese, softened 
• 2 (4-oz.) goat cheese logs, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• Braided pretzel, muscadine vine and leaf  (for pumpkin stem and leaf)
• Crackers and assorted vegetables

1. Stir together first 4 ingredients. Shape mixture into a ball to resemble a pumpkin. Smooth pumpkin's entire surface with metal spatula or table knife. Make vertical grooves in ball, if desired, using fingertips. Press pretzel into top of cheese ball to resemble a pumpkin stem; place muscadine vine and leaf beside pretzel. Serve with crackers and assorted vegetables.
2. *Extra-sharp Cheddar cheese may be substituted.
3. (Recipe and picture from Southern Living)

Bye Week Breakfast: Lemon Poppy Seed Pancakes

One Saturday every football season, my day does not revolve around the Auburn game. This week, after snoozing in and enjoying a little bit of College Game Day, I decided to make Lemon Poppy seed Pancakes. A nice twist on your standard pancakes, these were refreshing and delicious. With no Tigers to cheer for today, I'll cheer against Bama. Hotty Toddy! Beat Bama!

Lemon Poppy Seed Pancakes
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/3 cup sugar
- pinch of salt
- 1/3 cup of poppy seeds
- zest of 4 lemons
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Mix buttermilk, eggs , butter, lemon zest, and poppy seeds.

Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Mix wet and dry until combined. Cook pancakes on skillet or on griddle until golden  brown.

Garnish with strawberries, and enjoy!

Fruit Salsa

If your sweet-tooth gets tired of the constant array of cakes, cookies, and cupcakes, try out this healthier sweet alternative; fruit salsa and cinnamon pita chips. Very easy to make and a step in the right direction of eating all your fruits & veggies for the day, this make-ahead treat is perfect for your next tailgate!

War Eagle!

Fruit Salsa

3 Granny Smith Apples

2 Pears

2 Kiwis

Carton of Strawberries

2 Tablespoons of Sugar

1 Tablespoon of Brown Sugar

Package of Cinnamon Sugar Pita Chips

Cut and dice strawberries

Dice Kiwi

Dice apples and pears

Add the sugars and stir together! 

Gameday Garb: Statement Necklaces

This past weekend while on the Plains, I saw seas of excited Tiger fans (pun intended) dressed in terrific Gameday Garb. Some of these trendy tigers sported very fashionable statement necklaces. Although this store is in enemy territory (Athens, Ga), I've found that The Red Dress Boutique has some great necklaces and other gameday gear to add to your collection.

War Damn Eagle!