Here's the Dirt..."Just Dance" by Lady Gaga

PS22 Chorus singing "Just Dance" by Lady Gaga

PS22 Chorus has had over 8 million hits on YouTube. Watch this video and you'll know why. Their charm, charisma and talent is inspiring. All these kids graduated this year and a brand new group of 5th graders will start performing this fall.

Here's the Dirt...Bow Tie Pasta Salad

Well, well, well, C&C Bakery's recipes have been getting a lot of hits on my blog, so here's another one for everyone to try.

Bow Tie Pasta Salad

1 pkg. bow tie pasta
1 yellow pepper, chopped
1 jar sundried tomatoes in oil
1 clove garlic (optional)
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
basil pesto (I use classico, about 3/4 jar)
salt/pepper to taste

Cook pasta according to package and drain. Add pesto to taste. Add pepper, tomato, garlic, and nuts. Chill and serve.

Thanks to C&C Bakery for sharing all your wonderful recipes!
Enjoy!

Here's the Dirt...Industrial Chandelier

Industrial Chandelier

How cool is this industrial chandelier?

This would be a great accent piece in any room.

Here's the Dirt...More Summer Flowers

Blue Hydrangeas, Skyline Roses and Yellow/Orange Dahlias

from The Clay Pot

Here's the Dirt...Jumper Cabin Rental Rates

Here's the Dirt...Bench with Flowers

Bench with Flowers

Flowers from The Clay Pot.

423.265.2007

Here's the Dirt...Revival

Revival

Purveyor of antiquities, luxury gifts and the most uncommon of goods.

Rodney Simmons and Billy Woodall, co-owners or Revival and Revival Studio

are bringing new excitement to Chattanooga!

This fall they will be moving their wonderful shop and design studio to Warehouse Row.

I can't wait to see the magic they will create.

If you've ever been to Revival you know it's like stepping right into

the pages of a magazine photo shoot. Wow!

Revival Studio will also be creating the interior designs for all

common areas inside Warehouse Row.

I've seen just a sneak peak, and it's going to be very elegant and something

Chattanooga has never seen.

Chattanooga is so fortunate to have the many talents of Rodney and Billy.

Their vision is Chattanooga's gain.

Make sure you check out Revival's website

at "Links I Dig" to see more of their wonderful work.

Here's the Dirt...Summer Arrangements

Fun Summer Arrangements

You don't have to use a fancy container for your flower arrangements. This arrangement of dahlias, sunflowers and hypernicum looks great in a simple "Ball Jar".

Here's the Dirt...Table 2 in Chattanooga

Table 2

Table 2 in Chattanooga has a great facility for rehearsal dinners. These photos are from the "Schrader Rehearsal Dinner" The Clay Pot recently did.

The room is cozy and I love the warm colors

used in the decor. An outside patio

is also available for cocktails before diner.

Neat place!

Table 2

232 East 11th Street

Chattanooga, TN 37402

423.756.8253

Here's the Dirt...from The Clay Pot...Chicken Wire Trellises

Chicken Wire Trellises in Urns

Check out these new chicken wire trellises in urns available at The Clay Pot. They would be great in your garden or even inside. Fill them with plants, moss or fruit to make a great statement.

Call The Clay Pot at 423.265.2007 or

email me at theclaypotriverview@comcast.net for more information.

Here's the Dirt...Bungalow Classic

Bungalow Classic

One of my favorite new stores to visit in Atlanta is Bungalow Classic. It is located in the newly developed Westside District. There are many great shops in this area. Make sure you visit Bungalow Classic

on you next trip to Atlanta.

Bungalow Classic

1197 Howell Mill Road

Atlanta, GA 30318

404.351.9120

(located between Huff Road and 14th Street)

Here's the Dirt...Oats 'N Honey Granola Pie

Everybody is always looking for a new pie recipe. Here's a good one!

Oats 'N Honey Granola Pie

Crust:
1 refrigerated pie crust, softened as directed on box

Filling:
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
3/4 cup corn syrup
1/8 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
3 eggs, lightly beaten
4 Nature Valley granola bars, crushed (2 pouches from an 8.9 oz box)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup quick-cooking or old fashioned oats
1/2 cup chocolate chips
whipped cream or ice cream, if desired

Heat oven at 350 degrees. Place pie crust in a 9" glass pie pan. In large, microwavable bowl, microwave butter on high for 50-60 seconds or until melted. Stir in brown sugar and corn syrup until blended. Beat in salt, vanilla and eggs. Stir crushed granola bars and all remaining filling ingredients into brown sugar mixture. Pour into pie-crust lined pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for 40-50 minutes or until filling is set and crust is golden brown, covering crust edge with foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking to prevent excessive browning. Cool at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve at room temperature or chilled. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream, if desired. Store in refrigerator. Makes 8 servings.

Here's the Dirt...Summer Throw Pillows

Summer Throw Pillows

These wonderful summer throw pillows

would add charm to any room.

Two of my favorite colors are orange and persimmon,

which make these pillows extra special.

Here's the Dirt..."King Street", Charleston, SC

"King Street"

Charleston, SC

c. 1910

If you've ever been shopping on "King Street" in Charleston, SC you know what a wonderful place it is to shop. All the neat buildings have so much character.

I thought this photography was very interesting showing what King Street looked like in 1910.

The people may be different now, but the buildings are still the same. Pretty neat!

Here's the Dirt..."Landslide" by Fleetwood Mac

"Landslide" by Fleetwood Mac

performed by PS22 Chorus

Here is another amazing song performed

by the wonderful 5th graders at PS22.

Enjoy!

Here's the Dirt...Large Basket Lights

Large Basket Lights

These large basket lights definitely make a statement. They are subtle, yet dramatic! They will give a room a completely new look.

Wow!

Here's the Dirt...Old French Wine Bottles

Old French Wine Bottles

I love these old French wine bottles. Use one large bottle or group different sizes together to create a wow factor in any room.

Here's the Dirt...Grass, Grass, Grass!

Grass!

at

The Clay Pot

Bring some summer inside!

Try this idea for your next party. Have grass growing!

These 4" cube vases filled with grass

will look great on your table.

Your friends will be so impressed.

We can grow grass in any size containers.

Bring in your own containers

or pick one out at The Clay Pot.

It takes about one week

to have your grass looking like this.

Give us a call at 423.265.2007.

Here's the Dirt...The "Jumper Cabin" Rental Rates

The "Jumper Cabin" Rental Rates:

1 Night: $150.00

2 Nights: $125.00 per night ($250.00)

3 Nights: $100.00 per night ($300.00)

Weekly: $650.00 (7 nights)

Here's the Dirt...The "Jumper Cabin"

The "Jumper Cabin" is available for nightly, weekend and weekly rentals. Call Joe Jumper at 423-265-2007 for details and pricing.

Go to my facebook photo album to see more information:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2014882&id=1402690784&saved#/album.php?aid=2014882&id=1402690784&ref=mf

Here's the Dirt...Cool Wrap

Cool Wrap

How cool is this? I love the way this package is wrapped

using kraft paper, jute and a hot wax stamp.

Neat!

Here's the Dirt...Connie's Chilli Pepper Bake

This is a great recipe for your next party. Thanks to Connie for sharing her recipe with everyone!

Connie's Chilli Pepper Bake

1 stick sharp Cracker Barrel cheese, grated
3 cans chopped green chillies
23 tbs. milk
3 eggs

Line pie pan with green chillies, add grated cheese. Combine milk and eggs and pour over chillies. Bake 45 minutes at 350 degrees. Serve with Ritz crackers. Enjoy!

Here's the Dirt...Mini Mum Ear Posts

Mini Mum Ear Posts

Check out these fun "Flowers for your Ears" at

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=87087

These would make great gifts for bridesmaids. Fun, unique and original!

Here's the Dirt..."I'll Be Your Mirror" by the Velvet Underground

"I'll Be Your Mirror" by the Velvet Underground

sung by PS22 Chorus

Here is another wonderful video from PS22 Chorus.

According to a recent article in New York Magazine, many of the students in PS22 come from struggling families. (Nearly 70 percent qualify for lunch assistance.) 37 year old chorus director Gregg Breinberg, better known as Mr. B, says "there are some kids who come from places where I wish I could just physically move them somewhere else. Horrible backgrounds."

These talented 5th graders prove how the power of music can and does inspire others. Enjoy!

Here's the Dirt...Summer Sale at The Clay Pot

Join us for our Summer Sale,

Thursday night from 6:00 to 8:00

and Friday from 10:00 to 5:00.

1311 Hanover Street, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 423.265.2007

Here's the Dirt...Happy Flowers by Stella & Dot

Happy Flowers by Stella & Dot

How much fun are these? The designs were inspired by vintage brooches. You can find out more about this fun line of jewelry by checking out their website under

"Links I Dig".

http://www.stelladot.com/sites/katherinewatson

Here's the Dirt...What are you "digging"?

Give me the Dirt...

I would love to know what inspires you.

Answer the following questions and email me, Joe Jumper, at

theclaypotriverview@comcast.net

and I'll share your thoughts with others.

1. What inspires you?

2. What are you "digging" at the moment?

(Favorite restaurant, shop, designer, place, person, video, recipe)

3. Where do you take out-of-town guest when they visit your city?

4. What is your favorite restaurant and why?

5. Are there any shops or products out there that you think everyone should know about?

6. Is there a person who inspires you?

Here's the Dirt...Pasta & Veggie Stir Fry

Here's another yummy recipe from C&C Bakery.

Pasta & Veggie Stir Fry

12 oz. uncooked fettuccini noodles (I use whole wheat)
1 lg. carrot, cut into julienne strips
1 yellow summer squash, cut into julienne strips
1 zucchini, cut into julienne strips
3 plum tomatoes, cut into strips
olive oil
1 garlic clove, pressed
salt
fresh ground pepper
fresh snipped basil
fresh parmesan cheese

Cook pasta according to package, drain and return to pot and keep warm.

Heat pan with olive oil and cook pressed garlic until softened. Add other veggies and salt. 1-2 minutes or until crisp and tender. Add snipped basil, salt, pepper and oil to pasta and toss.

Spread pasta on platter and top with veggies and parmesan cheese and serve.

Can also add grilled or blackened chicken. Yum!!!

Thanks C&C. Enjoy!

Here's the Dirt...PS22's "Everybody's Changing" by Keane

"Everybody's Changing" by Keane

Here are the wonderful kids from PS22 Chorus singing Everybody's Changing by Keane. These 5th graders from Staten Island, New York are so inspiring to watch.

Enjoy the video!

Here's the Dirt...Happy, Happy Clay at Hanover Gallery

Happy, Happy Clay at Hanover Gallery

Niki Crosby creates these fun bowls, plates and tumblers.

They are such a big hit at Hanover Gallery in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Owner, Missy Peirano tells me a new shipment has just arrived!

Be sure to stop by and check them out.

Hanover Gallery

111 Frazier Avenue

Chattanooga, TN

Here's the Dirt...Crunchy Fried Chicken

A special thanks to C&C Bakery for sharing their wonderful recipes with everyone. Those gals are truly special. This is C's famous crunchy fried chicken.

Crunchy Fried Chicken

1 lb chicken (boneless skinless, thin sliced)
salt/pepper
cayenne pepper (just a tad) optional
1 egg
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/4 cup milk
1 sleeve saltine crackers (crushed)
vegetable or canola oil
honey mustard

(I cut breast in half) sprinkle chicken with salt and lightly sprinkle cayenne pepper on one side. Combine egg, flour, milk, black pepper (if batter is a little thick add a tad more milk). Dip chicken in batter, then in cracker crumbs. Fry (here's the secret, you need to deep fry in a fry daddy) until golden brown. Serve with honey mustard. Deeelish!!

Check back for more delicious recipes from C&C Bakery. Enjoy!

Here's the Dirt...Lush Life, in Buckhead

Lush Life

146 East Andrews Drive

in Buckhead in Atlanta, GA

404.841.9661

One of my favorite things to do when I travel to different cities is to visit other floral, gift shops.

One of my very favorites in any city is Lush Life located in Buckhead in Atlanta, Georgia. You walk into an old home that has been transformed into a wonderful oasis. The displays and merchandise are incredible! When you walk out back there is a greenhouse filled with wonderful plants.

Anytime I have a customer needing flowers sent to someone in Atlanta, I always refer them to Lush Life. Next time you're in Atlanta make sure you stop by.

Here's the Dirt...Element, Photography by Joe Jumper

Element

by Joe Jumper

This black and white photograph of an industrial stove top has a neat design element.

It would look great hanging in a kitchen.

Here's the Dirt...At the Farm and Max, by Carylon Killebrew

At the Farm, 30x30

by Carylon Killebrew

Max, 30x30

by Carylon Killebrew

I love these horse paintings by Carylon Killebrew. Carylon does such a wonderful job painting all kinds of animals. The painting she did of my dog, Littlebit, is one of my most prized possessions!

Here's the Dirt...The Galleries at Southside

The Clay Pot,

The Galleries at Southside

Here is a photo of The Clay Pot booth at

The Galleries at Southside on Cowart Street in Chattanooga.

The Galleries at Southside is a great shopping destination with over 60 vendors selling anything from gifts to furniture.

423.267.8101

Here's the Dirt...Felt Brooches

Felt Brooches for Ivey Handcrafted

I think these felt brooches by Ivey Handcrafted are really fun.

I've seen these whimsical accessories at The Chattanooga Market, held in Chattanooga, TN every Sunday from April to December.

They are also available on Etsy at

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5069157

Here's the Dirt...Handmade Pillow

Handmade Pillow

How neat is this? This is handmade...no doubt about it! This linen pillow was created using block letter, rubber stamps and fabric ink. Pretty neat!

Here's the Dirt...Baked Oatmeal

This recipe was sent to me by my friend, Laura Powell Johnson of Birmingham. Laura tells me it's a healthy recipe that she and her husband love for breakfast. They had a similar baked oatmeal at a B&B in Seattle that they fell in love with.

Baked Oatmeal

3/4 cup sugar (half brown sugar/half splenda)
3 tbs. melted butter
2 1/2 cups milk (maybe even 3 cups)
2 tsp. baking powder
2 eggs, beaten
1 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. cinnamon
3 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, cherries)
1/2 cup chopped almonds or walnuts

Bake at 325 degrees in a baking dish sprayed with Pam. I like to use individual ramekins...will cook in 20 to 25 minutes. A bigger casserole dish will take longer...maybe 45 to 55 minutes. Just cook until the edges start to get golden brown and it is set in the middle. Leftovers are great re-heated in the microwave! Serve with fresh fruit and yogurt. Yum!

Laura says you can also add 1/2 cup applesauce or 1 apple grated.

Thanks for sharing Laura! Enjoy!

Here's the Dirt...Spoons, Knives, Forks...Photography by Joe Jumper

Spoons, Knives, Forks

by Joe Jumper

I love these sepia toned photographs of vintage flatware. I found a container at our cabin filled with an assortment of old spoons, knives and forks.

The different styles add to their character.

Using the stone background also adds to the sepia texture.

These photographs would look great in a kitchen, dining room or cabin.

They are available at The Clay Pot, 423.265.2007.