Center Stage: Plain Chicken

By Jamie

Welcome back to Center Stage where we take a fanfare look at one of the many great blogs being churned out here in Alabama. You can find past spotlights here.

I'm an awesome cook.

Well...I'm more like an awesome heater-upper. And taker-outer. But I would like to become an awesome cook.

So I've been hanging out at this Alabama blog:

Stephanie Parker at Plain Chicken is a self described "accountant by day, amateur chef by night." She kicked off her blog in November 2007 with very little fanfare and a recipe for Toasted Pecan, Caramel, Butterscotch Oat Squares. I approve of all of those ingredients.

Plain Chicken covers every type of recipe including desserts, sides, appetizers, entrees and 38 posts labeled "Bread." Hello new best friend.

Stephanie also features her cats Jack, Marmalade and Sherbert on Mondays.

I'm fairly certain they're just for show.

Jamie is a planner of events by day and chaser of shiny things by night. Follow her trails at Jamie's Rabbits. If you'd like to have your blog featured on "Center Stage" then contact Jamie so she can swing by your neck of the internet woods. Please know she sometimes shows up uninvited, so you may see your blog on stage if she really digs it.

Center Stage: Erin Shaw Street

By Jamie

Welcome back to Center Stage where we take a fanfare look at one of the many great blogs being churned out here in Alabama. You can find past spotlights here.

As I'm dropping by blogs listed in THE LIST - my ADD is desperately wanting. It wants to be captured by some pictures, a great header, or some incredible storytelling. So when I stumbled upon a blog that included recent posts about her Elvis tree, teaching yoga to her toddler and a love for a vintage 90210 notebook - I planted myself in the archives wandering around for days.

Without getting worn out.


Erin Shaw Street is an Alabama blogger who gives you glimpses of a very unique, yet normal life. She's a magazine editor by day. And magazine editor by night. She seems to always be writing, but we're the better for it. Her life as a wife, mother, lover of fonts and malls are all simply stories to spin - whether at work or at play.

Only four more years of archives to go. A task I'm actually relishing.

Jamie is a planner of events by day and chaser of shiny things by night. Follow her trails at Jamie's Rabbits. If you'd like to have your blog featured on "Center Stage" then contact Jamie so she can swing by your neck of the internet woods. Please know she sometimes shows up uninvited, so you may see your blog on stage if she really digs it.

Center Stage: Saving Money and Living Life

By Jamie

Welcome back to Center Stage where we take a fanfare look at one of the many great blogs being churned out here in Alabama. You can find past spotlights here.

When I check out at Publix and the cashier tells me how much I saved - I ride the high all the way to the car. Even in spite of the 5 bakery petit fours I ate first and paid for second.

If you might be interested in the same type of thrill, then I have the Alabama Bloggers for you.


Heather and Jessica at Saving Money & Living Life teach you and me about saving money on all types of purchases from all types of places. They cover the basics of coupons with links to new finds almost daily. They also find great freebies and share the wealth.

My favorite feature is their weekly "treasure maps" for navigating Publix and CVS with their complex BOGOs and extra care bucks. Heather & Jessica do all the work and we reap the rewards.

My favorite kind of partnership.

Jamie is a planner of events by day and chaser of shiny things by night. Follow her trails at Jamie's Rabbits. If you'd like to have your blog featured on "Center Stage" then contact Jamie so she can swing by your neck of the internet woods. Please know she sometimes shows up uninvited, so you may see your blog on stage if she really digs it.

Center Stage: Birmingham Restaurants

By Jamie

Welcome back to Center Stage where we take a fanfare look at one of the many great blogs being churned out here in Alabama. You can find past spotlights here.

Disclaimer: This post may incite feelings of anger or hunger. I'm hoping for the latter.

I have this weird rule when it comes to eating out.

I don't like to eat at restaurants with foods in the name. I don't want to point fingers, but think "chili" or "waffle" or "apple." It's not that those places can't serve great food. But I figure life's too short to eat only at regional or nationwide chains.

Especially if you're looking for grub in Birmingham.

And if you ARE looking, there's no better site to follow than Birmingham Restaurants.


This comprehensive site gives you exactly what you need to plan your next meal out. Whether you live around the corner or you're just visiting. Birmingham Restaurants includes detailed restaurant profiles with overviews, menus, reviews, chef info and website links. You can sort restaurants by cuisine, neighborhood, child-friendliness and even wi-fi availability.

Two of my favorite sections of the site are Recipes and Chef's Secrets. And I'm not just saying that because of the pictures of gorgeous food and a few gorgeous chefs.

Hi. {wink}

Jamie is a planner of events by day and chaser of shiny things by night. Follow her trails at Jamie's Rabbits. If you'd like to have your blog featured on "Center Stage" then contact Jamie so she can swing by your neck of the internet woods. Please know she sometimes shows up uninvited, so you may see your blog on stage if she really digs it.

Center Stage: Boomama

By Jamie

Welcome back to Center Stage where we take a fanfare look at one of the many great blogs being churned out here in Alabama. You can find past spotlights here.

Mommy bloggers are fabulous. I know they are the majority of folks visiting my own cyber journal so I would never speak ill will. Trust me.

However, I used to think their blogs wouldn't resonate since my life is wrapped in sleep and travel and working long hours. Of course, moms are often wrapped up in the same things - I just get to keep all my money.


Boo Mama is an actual mommy. But she's that and much more. Even though she's produced one more child than me, I knew we were kindred spirits when I discovered a category of posts entitled "TV is my Friend."

Boo Mama writes with a nice dry wit about her son, her husband, her faith and her adventures on the interwebby. I'm now a faithful follower.

Finally, she doesn't care for unicorns. That's good people.

Jamie is a planner of events by day and chaser of shiny things by night. Follow her trails at Jamie's Rabbits. If you'd like to have your blog featured on "Center Stage" then contact Jamie so she can swing by your neck of the internet woods. Please know she sometimes shows up uninvited, so you may see your blog on stage if she really digs it.

Center Stage: It is What it Is.

By Jamie

Welcome back to Center Stage where we take a fanfare look at one of the many great blogs being churned out here in Alabama. You can find past spotlights here.

I love a good storyteller. I might fancy myself as such, but then I remember I begin a tale and then wind it up six topics to the right. And I can't quite remember what you and I were even talking about in the first place.

But that's not the case with Alabama blogger, Laurel Mills.


At It is What it Is, Laurel spins stories about all kinds of things that always seem to resonate. She tackles pop culture and you start searching the web. She wrestles with religion and you begin to meditate. She writes about family and you call your Mom.

Her expertise with the written word is not surprising with a resume including magazine editor and writing professor. Her previous employer, Lipstick Magazine, is still missed by yours truly.

When you visit Laurel's blog, make sure to take a seat for her Black Friday Scene-stealing and her Birthday Lamentations.

Jamie is a planner of events by day and chaser of shiny things by night. Follow her trails at Jamie's Rabbits. If you'd like to have your blog featured on "Center Stage" then contact Jamie so she can swing by your neck of the internet woods. Please know she sometimes shows up uninvited, so you may see your blog on stage if she really digs it.

Center Stage: Cookin' Mimi

By Jamie

Welcome back to Center Stage where we take a fanfare look at one of the many great blogs being churned out here in Alabama. You can find past spotlights here.

Thanksgiving is a time for reflection and family.

But let's not kid ourselves. It's mostly about food.

So I was on the prowl for an Alabama Blogger who could guide us through this edible time of gratitude.

Cookin' Mimi is a great place to search and destroy some great dishes. And I use "destroy" in the best possible way.

"Mimi" is actually Micha, who's been an epicurean since before she could pronounce such words as "epicurean." Her first published recipe was at the tender age of 4. She's not afraid of butter and cheese and all things that make dining a treat.

Her site is nicely organized into classic categories with the handy addition of titles such as "easy" and "meatless" and "kid-friendly."

My go-to category at Cookin' Mimi and in real life is "bread." Here you will find delicacies such as homemade Refrigerator Rolls and gorgeous Buttermilk Biscuits.

So be thankful this week. For carbs.

Jamie is a planner of events by day and chaser of shiny things by night. Follow her trails at Jamie's Rabbits. If you'd like to have your blog featured on "Center Stage" then contact Jamie so she can swing by your neck of the internet woods. Please know she sometimes shows up uninvited, so you may see your blog on stage if she really digs it.

Center Stage: Okra Cola

By Jamie

Welcome back to Center Stage where we take a fanfare look at one of the many great blogs being churned out here in Alabama. You can find past spotlights here.

When I attended college in Atlanta, more than half of the students were born and raised outside of the South. This led to confusion when I said things like "I'm fixin' my hair." OR "Grab that buggy." However, I patiently taught my new transplanted friends the melodic language of the South. One I'm proud to speak even today.

Bless my heart.


This is probably one of the main reasons I like the Alabama blog - Okra Cola.

Drew, the author, considers himself 25%, 50% and 100% Southern - depending on your point of view. I'd lean on the greatest percentage simply based on his series: Southern Word of the Week. Who can't relate to the confusing nature of terms such as "tump" and "stove up?"

Okra Cola clears the air.

He also takes on classically Southern hobbies, delicacies and toys.

Including squirrels that fall into all of those categories.

Jamie is a planner of events by day and chaser of shiny things by night. Follow her trails at Jamie's Rabbits. If you'd like to have your blog featured on "Center Stage" then contact Jamie so she can swing by your neck of the internet woods. Please know she sometimes shows up uninvited, so you may see your blog on stage if she really digs it.

Center Stage: All Access Pass To Jack

By Jamie

Welcome back to Center Stage where we take a fanfare look at one of the many great blogs being churned out here in Alabama. You can find past spotlights here.


I'm not a kid person.

Now mommy bloggers, be gentle. I'm just a 30-something career-obsessed single gal who hasn't heard the clock ticking. And truthfully, kids and I get along really well. I'm just not ready to be legally obligated to one.

Unless it's Jack.

I met Alabama blogger, Marie, at a recent blogger meet-up hosted by this very site and she was delightful. But let's skip Marie and get right to her blog, All Access Pass to Jack. Because that gets us to her snazzy son Jack.



Jack is an adorable 4-year-old boy who loves pie and Jillian Michaels - hard romances to balance. Jack also has some special needs. But lucky for him, he has a very special Mom.

When you read All Access Pass, you are transported to a world of patience and love and gratitude. It's a world where many of us would not react the same. Marie and Jack remind me that the complicated stuff is not really that complicated.

And the simple stuff is pure gold.

Jamie is a planner of events by day and chaser of shiny things by night. Follow her trails at Jamie's Rabbits. If you'd like to have your blog featured on "Center Stage" then contact Jamie so she can swing by your neck of the internet woods. Please know she sometimes shows up uninvited, so you may see your blog on stage if she really digs it.

Center Stage: Croweblog

By Jamie

Welcome back to Center Stage where we take a fanfare look at one of the many great blogs being churned out here in Alabama. You can find past spotlights here.

I've been a fan of cartoons since The Smurfs followed The Littles on Saturday mornings. I would steal away for hours in the library being BFFs with Charles Schulz. My fascination continues today and one Alabama blogger is part of the obsession.


J.D. Crowe of Croweblog is a "moderately disturbed editorial cartoonist for Mobile Press-Register." His words, not mine. But they provide a fair description of a man who's not afraid to paint a picture that speaks a thousand words AND still provide an additional rant for good measure.

Some of my recent favorites are Interracist Judge and Double Header Jackpot.

It's unfortunate our world gives Crowe such a broad canvas on which to draw. At least we can be entertained by it.

Jamie is a planner of events by day and chaser of shiny things by night. Follow her trails at Jamie's Rabbits. If you'd like to have your blog featured on "Center Stage" then contact Jamie so she can swing by your neck of the internet woods. Please know she sometimes shows up uninvited, so you may see your blog on stage if she really digs it.

Center Stage: Doc's Political Parlor and Home of Lawn Mower Repair

By Jamie

Welcome back to Center Stage where we take a fanfare look at one of the many great blogs being churned out here in Alabama. You can find past spotlights here.

Reading political blogs generally falls farther down my "must-do" list. It's somewhere between clean under the refrigerator and check cholesterol. All are things I really should do, but none tend to be very inviting.

Until now:



Doc's Political Parlor & Home of Lawn Mower Repair had me at Friday Bits. If you're like me, you think about being more politically involved or at least more aware. Especially in regards to what goes on at "home." The Political Parlor sorts through all the fluff and brings you the headlines, features, and randomness that matter the most. And not just for the state, but it likely covers your neck of the woods as well.

The best part? It's even-handed. So often political blogs buy an acre of hateful and camp out there for a lifetime. Danny and Walt and the rest of the Parlor team attempt to bring you multiple sides of an issue and respect your ability as a reader to make up your own mind. Kudos.

Now it's time to think about looking under that fridge.

Jamie is a planner of events by day and chaser of shiny things by night. Follow her trails at Jamie's Rabbits. If you'd like to have your blog featured on "Center Stage" then contact Jamie so she can swing by your neck of the internet woods. Please know she sometimes shows up uninvited, so you may see your blog on stage if she really digs it.

Center Stage: Dust Bunny Hostage

By Jamie

Welcome back to Center Stage where we take a fanfare look at one of the many great blogs being churned out here in Alabama. You can find past spotlights here.

This week's feature blog was not picked because of the Cheez-its in the header image.

Well, at least that wasn't the only reason. .

Jennifer from Dust Bunny Hostage describes herself as "Christian. Wife. Mother. And NOT very good at any of the three." I like an honest blogger, especially if there is limited yelling involved. And Jennifer is not really a yeller.

Dust Bunny Hostage is a take on the everyday with a delightful and dry sense of humor. (my favorite kind.) Plus, Jennifer is wonderfully self-deprecating - a great quality when tackling topics such as parenting, traveling, and this month - boobs.

Jamie is a planner of events by day and chaser of shiny things by night. Follow her trails at Jamie's Rabbits. If you'd like to have your blog featured on "Center Stage" then contact Jamie so she can swing by your neck of the internet woods. Please know she sometimes shows up uninvited, so you may see your blog on stage if she really digs it.

Center Stage: Wade On Birmingham

By Jamie

Welcome back to Center Stage where we take a fanfare look at one of the many great blogs being churned out here in Alabama. You can find past spotlights here.

Wade Kwon is smart. And connected. And possibly part of the Salty Ham Mob.

Maybe not that last one.

I met Wade from Wade on Birmingham a few months back at an Alabama Bloggers meet-up. I managed to milk him for all he was worth. Ideas and inspiration with a side of BBQ.

He also offers a hefty dish of perspective on all things happening in Birmingham-at-large. He covers cultural events, breaking news, and features on the overlooked side of this great city. His history at the Birmingham Post-Herald and Southern Living give his posts a well-written journalistic feel often missing in "city blogs."

Plus, there are haiku. Lots of them.

Jamie is a planner of events by day and chaser of shiny things by night. Follow her trails at Jamie's Rabbits. If you'd like to have your blog featured on "Center Stage" then contact Jamie so she can swing by your neck of the internet woods. Please know she sometimes shows up uninvited, so you may see your blog on stage if she really digs it.

Center Stage: No Debt Plan

By Jamie

Welcome back to Center Stage where we take a fanfare look at one of the many great blogs being churned out here in Alabama. You can find past spotlights here.

I adore credit card machines. I revel in the swipe of the card. The feel of the fake pen in my hand. The rubber buttons confirming the amount is "okay." It's a torrid love affair. And it must stop.

Meet my new therapist:

Kevin at No Debt Plan is a personal finance wizard who is sharing all of his spells with the world. My first suggested stop is his blog's namesake series - The No Debt Plan. It's a 9-step plan getting you from overwhelmed to healthy, wealthy, and wise. I'm currently on pre-step #2.

You can also wander through topics such as financial planning, debt reduction, budgeting, and the economy. Kevin's posts are accessible to the reader who may not understand terms such as "liquidity ratio," but sophisticated enough for those who do.

So put down that Old Navy card and get to reading. (That may be directed at me...)

Jamie is a planner of events by day and chaser of shiny things by night. Follow her trails at Jamie's Rabbits. If you'd like to have your blog featured on "Center Stage" then contact Jamie so she can swing by your neck of the internet woods. Please know she sometimes shows up uninvited, so you may see your blog on stage if she really digs it.

Center Stage: Lessons from an 80's Alumna

By Jamie

Welcome back to Center Stage where we take a fanfare look at one of the many great blogs being churned out here in Alabama. You can find past spotlights here.

It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. It was the 80's.

I find much comfort in the connection I have with folks in their thirties and forties, because there's a common language. It includes words like "friendship bracelet" and "fraggle rock."

Bettina Byrd-Giles is a blogger who speaks that same language. However, she focuses on what the Oregon Trail lovers should do now that they have careers and families and mortgages.



Lessons from an 80’s Alumna is a place for personal and professional development with regards to topics like relationships, health, career choices, and even the often dreaded - reunion.

Bettina has more than 20 years experience in administration and she brings that wealth of knowledge to the blogging table. Pull up a chair.

Jamie is a planner of events by day and chaser of shiny things by night. Follow her trails at Jamie's Rabbits. If you'd like to have your blog featured on "Center Stage" then contact Jamie so she can swing by your neck of the internet woods. Please know she sometimes shows up uninvited, so you may see your blog on stage if she really digs it.

Center Stage: Trials and Tribulations of a Southern Gardnener

Welcome back to Center Stage where we take a fanfare look at one of the many great blogs being churned out here in Alabama. You can find past spotlights here.

The Dirt Princess just might convert me. She paints pictures of the outdoors as a place of beauty and shares stories of hard work that pays off with even more beauty. And I think to myself "I want to go to there."

Then, I remember there's dirt involved.

At Trials & Tribulations of a Southern Gardener, you will learn the inside scoop on working the soil of a land characterized by mosquitoes and humidity. The Dirt Princess has great features like Fertilizer Friday, which gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how she brings her own garden to life. You can also keep up with Kiki and wander with Bilbo as they comically make their own way in the world.

The Dirt Princess is no amateur. She is a full-fledged member of the North Mobile Garden Society. Serious pedigree, indeed.

Jamie is a planner of events by day and chaser of shiny things by night. Follow her trails at Jamie's Rabbits. If you'd like to have your blog featured on "Center Stage" then contact Jamie so she can swing by your neck of the internet woods. Please know she sometimes shows up uninvited, so you may see your blog on stage if she really digs it.

Center Stage: Largehearted Boy

Welcome back to Center Stage where we take a fanfare look at one of the many great blogs being churned out here in Alabama. You can find past spotlights here.

I love music. I love to read. Largehearted Boy and I are new best friends. And now he knows.

Largehearted Boy is a blog after my own heart. David, the fella with the big ticker, highlights the best and brightest in music, literature and pop culture. He's an avid consumer of all these things and takes the guesswork and the googlework out of finding out what's what. He also gifts you with links to free and legal music downloads. He does this EVERY DAY. You're welcome.

David also reads. A lot. At least one book every 7 days for his 52 Books, 52 Weeks series. But my favorite feature is Book Notes. I'll let David provide the description. "In the Book Notes series, authors create and discuss a music playlist that relates in some way to their recently published book." It's quite intriguing to learn how artists and songs I love influence writers from a variety of genres. This influences me to pick up their book. We all win.

Go quickly to Largehearted Boy. You will understand why he and I are BFFs.

Jamie is a planner of events by day and chaser of shiny things by night. Follow her trails at Jamie's Rabbits. If you'd like to have your blog featured on "Center Stage" then contact Jamie so she can swing by your neck of the internet woods. Please know she sometimes shows up uninvited, so you may see your blog on stage if she really digs it.

Center Stage: Fabulously Frugalicious

by Jamie

Welcome back to Center Stage where we take a fanfare look at one of the many great blogs being churned out here in Alabama. You can find past spotlights here.

Who doesn't like to save a buck here and there? Who has a serious case of stuff-itis? No? Oh, me either.

I'm always looking for a way to rationalize feeding my craving to buy lovelies. Trina to the rescue!

Trina at Fabulously Frugalicious provides a great resource for all things cheap AND sassy. Gentlemen, are you still with me? I first fell for her blog once I realized we shared a love of Lost, high heels, and extra wads of cash remaining in our bank accounts.

You don't have to share Trina's obsession with all things peacock to want to be her friend. She focuses on fashion, beauty, and general frugliciousness in a way that encourages you to kick poor spending habits in the face and look gorgeous while doing it.

Finally, Fabulously Frugalicious points you in the direction of more than a dozen other sites which will keep you on the stewardship straight and narrow. I particularly love that Trina introduced me to her "pretend BFF" Kandee. She is now my fake friend too.

Jamie is a planner of events by day and chaser of shiny things by night. Follow her trails at Jamie's Rabbits. If you'd like to have your blog featured on "Center Stage" then contact Jamie so she can swing by your neck of the internet woods. Please know she sometimes shows up uninvited, so you may see your blog on stage if she really digs it.

Center Stage: {head}:sub/head

Welcome back to Center Stage where we take a fanfare look at one of the many great blogs being churned out here in Alabama. You can find past spotlights here.

When I'm on the prowl for a blog to feature, I maintain a fairly scientific process:
1. Click on 6-10 random links in the The List.
2. Find the "shiniest." (Merriam defines "shiniest" as most able to keep the attention of a woman with adult ADD.)

{head}:sub/head first caught my attention because of the fabulous clean design. I know some (coughmecough) may feel the need to throw in everything but the kitchen sink in the blog design, but I think Travis has it right. Easy to navigate and easy on the eyes. Kudos.

This blog maintained my attention because it's all about books. And I'm all about books. Travis is in the publishing industry which provides a more thorough perspective on things like trends, technology, and the general state of affairs. However, he's also a genuine fan and guides you through his own bookshelf and what's great in his neck of the woods (Birmingham).

Literary blogs can be heavy and thick and overall tragic. {head}:sub/head does not make its home under any of these umbrellas. It's a nice mix of review, behind-the-scenes, and a slice of humor while you read.

Bookmark it. Check it out. Read and don't weep. I'm stopping now.

Jamie is a planner of events by day and chaser of shiny things by night. Follow her trails at Jamie's Rabbits. If you'd like to have your blog featured on "Center Stage" then contact Jamie so she can swing by your neck of the internet woods. Please know she sometimes shows up uninvited, so you may see your blog on stage if she really digs it.

Center Stage: Live From the 205

Welcome back to Center Stage where we take a fanfare look at one of the many great blogs being churned out here in Alabama. You can find past spotlights here.

Live From the 205 is a great stop on your travels in the intertubes. Kim claims she's "crazy in Alabama" and you hope "nuts" is relative since so many of her posts seem quite easy to relate to.

She grew up in Singapore, loves Craig Ferguson and stalks her local weatherman. No specific niche for this blog other than "Kimtastic."

And with that comes the journey most of us wouldn't trade with Kim for anything. She lost her husband to an accident less than five months ago. Reading her blog from then until now is a fascinating glimpse into the world of grief. Both hating it, embracing it, and moving past it. She weaves in out of these phases like a car in traffic simply trying to arrive at some unknown destination.

But know this. You won't click out of her blog pitying a "widow" too young for the title. You will leave impressed with her humor and endurance while facing one of life's unexpected tragedies.

Jamie is a planner of events by day and chaser of shiny things by night. Follow her trails at Jamie's Rabbits. If you'd like to have your blog featured on "Center Stage" then contact Jamie so she can swing by your neck of the internet woods. Please know she sometimes shows up uninvited, so you may see your blog on stage if she really digs it.