Kara's Blog

You dont' want to miss this - and be sure to tell everyone you know!!!!

What:      Antique Jewelry Extravaganza                                 

When:     TODAY - FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2008

                     10am - 5pm

Where:    the Carriage House Inn.     139 Laurens Street, NW,  Downtown Aiken.

Certainly there must be someone on your list that has been extra nice!   Or naughty, if that's what you like, hahaha.           Stop by and pick out the perfect gift for them (or for yourself!!)

From diamonds to pearls - to rubies and emeralds......  

Stop by and check it out :)

If by chance  I am on your list, lol -  I like it all!  Diamonds/pearls/sapphires/emeralds/rubies... :)   

The year is just about over.  Have you had your mammogram?  

Maybe you have been waiting for them to come to you - well, this is close enough, lol.

What:   University Breast Center Digital Mobile Mammography Unit

When:  December 19, 2008

Where:  Masonic Center, Graniteville SC

More info / Schedule Appointment:  706. 774.4149

If you have 'em, get 'em checked.

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Please share this with your friends and associates in Aiken County!   Call me if you are ready to buy a new house in the Aiken area :)

This is one of my favorite pasta recipes.  I do not recall where I first saw it, but -  like every recipe -over the years I add/subtract/switch....etc...and make it my own!  And of course that means better ! :)  In this case - so so easy, and healthy too.  Don't roll your eyes on the 'healthy' part!! It is delicious, trust me :)

**Crock pot involved -give yourself time to cook the chicken!!**

First thing I do is put a few boneless skinless chicken breasts in the crock pot with a can of chicken broth.  Cook on high for an hour  then turn down to low for another 4-6... hours.  {Cook till done!} One of the breasts (2 if they are small) will be used with this recipe - and the others you can freeze to use in other recipes later in the week/month.  When the chicken is done - shred one or two breasts to use later with the sauce.

Later in the day......When the chicken is almost done, start boiling a pot of water.  Cook one box of your favorite pasta shape!  I use rigatoni, ziti or penne but I think any shape will be ok.

For the sauce you will need one jar/can of  spaghetti sauce (traditional flavor) That's right. I said a jar.  Unless you have some homemade sauce in the freezer! and a can or jar of artichoke hearts (you need to drain and cut them in half or whatever so if it is easier for you - go ahead and buy the ones that are quartered already) Don't get the ones marinating in the oil - that defeats the purpose of healthy, haha. About 6 garlic cloves, some crushed red pepper (a pinch or two)  Next cut up some yellow squash. I usually get about 3-4 depending on their size. Cut them in half long ways and then just slice them up.  You can slice them about this thick:  (---------) lol.

Don't forget about your pasta!                                     

 Chop up the garlic and saute in a pan with a little olive oil - - add the jar of sauce and the squash. Cover and simmer about 5-7 minutes, Then add the cut up artichoke hearts - cover and simmer.   Stirring occasionally. Simmer until the squash is done. (nice and tender) Once the squash is tender, add the shredded chicken breast and the crushed red pepper.   Stir it all together and mix in bowl with your drained pasta.    Top with your favorite grated cheese.  (I like something I get everytime I go up to Jersey -  Locatelli Romano. - I love it!)

This is such a hearty sauce that one serving should be satisfying!   Remember to give yourself time to enjoy your meal.  It takes 20 minutes for your brain to get the signal from the stomach that it is satisfied :)

Enjoy!

I love all of the parades, but I think the Christmas Parades are the best! (unless you are in the marching band and it is freezing rain! - but that is another story, lol)  Anyway -   If you like Christmas parades too, you are in luck - there will be Christmas Parades all across Aiken County this weekend!  My favorite (since moving down here)  is the Aiken Christmas Parade.  I have even participated in it a few times!  I have some pics of that somewhere, I'll add them here if I can find them in a reasonable amount of time, lol.

(X post pic here if I find it, haha)

I won't be able to go to the parade this year, but that's ok - I will be with the other members of the education committee---decorating for our Realtors Holiday Party!!  It will be alot of fun - I'm looking forward to the entire day :)   (I hope my gallbladder behaves itself that day!)

                                    GET READY FOR THE PARADE!!!    HERE COMES SANTA CLAUS!!!!

If you want to take in a parade or two this weekend, and are in the Aiken County SC area.....

......  Here is a list of some of the parades this weekend in Aiken County:

Saturday - December 6th

Wagener  -  11am - parade begins at Wagener-Salley High School

New Ellenton - 12Noon - parade begins at the north end of Main Street

Graniteville - 3:30pm - parade begins at Canal Street

Sunday - December 7th

Aiken - 2pm - parade begins at Park Avenue 

I hope you are able to enjoy at least one of these parades!  A great way to welcome the holiday season. 

Have fun and take some pictures for me! !!

Give us a call if you are thinking about moving to the Aiken area!

Have you been looking for a new hobby.  Got some free time on your hands.  The Aiken Center for the Arts has a winter schedule - posted below thanks to Gene Mock.    Take a look.    You just might see something that piques your interest!

You might just see me there :)

Can't take the heat - call The Kitchen!!

A new place in town.  Check it out.