It's Christmas time, and so I'd like to give you a gift. Cuz Christmas isn't all about receiving, you know. So, here goes, my favorite things of 2009:
10. Hunt for the Worst Movie of all time. Every Monday, Gabe posts a new review of a movie that has been suggested to be the worst ever. His reviews are witty, hysterical and brutally honest. Even better? I think I've seen most of the movies he reviews...
9. My favorite San Diego bar/restaurant. It's funky and different, and I have yet to be disappointed by a dish or drink.
8. Etsy. This site is fantastic if you like one-of-a-kind pieces. I love the jewelry and bags, but they also have great men's items like cufflinks, ties, etc.
7. My very own tomato sauce recipe. I use this for Chicken Parmesan, Sausage Pasta, etc. It's the perfect blend of tomato and spices.
(Ingredients:
1 large can crushed tomatoes
1 shallot
3 cloves garlic
1 tsp. Italian herbs
1 tsp. crushed red pepper
1 tsp. bay leaves
Chop garlic and shallot. Saute in olive oil. Add crushed tomatoes and spices, keep on low heat until served.)
6. This song, by Wakey!Wakey! Click on and listen to the track titled "Brooklyn." It's gorgeous.
5. My favorite Chocolate Cake recipe. I get asked for this recipe every time I make it. Even my mother-in-law was impressed by it and asked me for it!
(Ingredients:
1 box devil’s food cake mix
1 small box Jello instant chocolate pudding mix—not the sugar or fat free kind
1 cup sour cream
1 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 cups mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a VERY large bowl (4 qt), mix together everything except chocolate chips. Batter will be thick. Stir in the chocolate chips. Pour batter into cake pan of choice. For cooking time, I use the cooking times on the back of the devil’s food cake box as a guide and usually add 10 minutes to whatever it says. Then I do the toothpick check, and if it’s not done, I check on it every 5 minutes after that. :) It usually takes around 45 minutes for two, 9-inch pie pans.
I use the frosting recipe on the powdered sugar box to top off this baby. You can't go wrong.)
4. Owl City's "Ocean Eyes" CD. Every song on this album is good. I think I've listed to it 50 times already.
3. My favorite bottle of wine. If you're a red wine fan, you should try this. Ramey Wine Cellars produces an amazing claret, and it so happens to be my favorite wine. The 2005 is all gone, but the 2006 is supposed to be excellent as well.
2. The Pioneer Woman. She is my blogging and culinary inspiration. I wish I had her dedication and photo talents, so instead I follow her blog, and you should too.
1. Mylifeisaverage.com. You will thank me for this one. It's like FML, but for people with a sense of humor. It updates frequently and always gives me a good laugh.
So that's it. Ten of my favorite things that I've discovered this year. Merry Christmas to all!
Friday, December 18, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Wear Sunscreen
My parting gift to you, over the Thanksgiving holiday.
This piece was presented as Kurt Vonnegut's commencement address at MIT in 1997. It's great stuff, but apparently it wasn't written or delivered by Vonnegut. It's still a beautiful piece...
Ladies and gentlemen of the class of '97:
Wear sunscreen.
If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists, whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience. I will dispense this advice now.
Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth. Oh, never mind. You will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they've faded. But trust me, in 20 years, you'll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can't grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked. You are not as fat as you imagine.
Don't worry about the future. Or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubble gum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind, the kind that blindside you at 4 pm on some idle Tuesday.
Do one thing every day that scares you.
Sing.
Don't be reckless with other people's hearts. Don't put up with people who are reckless with yours.
Floss.
Don't waste your time on jealousy. Sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind. The race is long and, in the end, it's only with yourself.
Remember compliments you receive. Forget the insults. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.
Keep your old love letters. Throw away your old bank statements.
Stretch.
Don't feel guilty if you don't know what you want to do with your life. The most interesting people I know didn't know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives. Some of the most interesting 40-year-olds I know still don't.
Get plenty of calcium. Be kind to your knees. You'll miss them when they're gone.
Maybe you'll marry, maybe you won't. Maybe you'll have children, maybe you won't. Maybe you'll divorce at 40, maybe you'll dance the funky chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary.
Whatever you do, don't congratulate yourself too much, or berate yourself either. Your choices are half chance. So are everybody else's.
Enjoy your body. Use it every way you can. Don't be afraid of it or of what other people think of it. It's the greatest instrument you'll ever own.
Dance, even if you have nowhere to do it but your living room.
Read the directions, even if you don't follow them.
Do not read beauty magazines. They will only make you feel ugly.
Get to know your parents. You never know when they'll be gone for good. Be nice to your siblings. They're your best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future.
Understand that friends come and go, but with a precious few you should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle, because the older you get, the more you need the people who knew you when you were young.
Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard. Live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft. Travel.
Accept certain inalienable truths: Prices will rise. Politicians will philander. You, too, will get old. And when you do, you'll fantasize that when you were young, prices were reasonable, politicians were noble, and children respected their elders.
Respect your elders.
Don't expect anyone else to support you. Maybe you have a trust fund. Maybe you'll have a wealthy spouse. But you never know when either one might run out.
Don't mess too much with your hair or by the time you're 40 it will look 85.
Be careful whose advice you buy, but be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia. Dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it's worth.
But trust me on the sunscreen.
This piece was presented as Kurt Vonnegut's commencement address at MIT in 1997. It's great stuff, but apparently it wasn't written or delivered by Vonnegut. It's still a beautiful piece...
Ladies and gentlemen of the class of '97:
Wear sunscreen.
If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists, whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience. I will dispense this advice now.
Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth. Oh, never mind. You will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they've faded. But trust me, in 20 years, you'll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can't grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked. You are not as fat as you imagine.
Don't worry about the future. Or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubble gum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind, the kind that blindside you at 4 pm on some idle Tuesday.
Do one thing every day that scares you.
Sing.
Don't be reckless with other people's hearts. Don't put up with people who are reckless with yours.
Floss.
Don't waste your time on jealousy. Sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind. The race is long and, in the end, it's only with yourself.
Remember compliments you receive. Forget the insults. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.
Keep your old love letters. Throw away your old bank statements.
Stretch.
Don't feel guilty if you don't know what you want to do with your life. The most interesting people I know didn't know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives. Some of the most interesting 40-year-olds I know still don't.
Get plenty of calcium. Be kind to your knees. You'll miss them when they're gone.
Maybe you'll marry, maybe you won't. Maybe you'll have children, maybe you won't. Maybe you'll divorce at 40, maybe you'll dance the funky chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary.
Whatever you do, don't congratulate yourself too much, or berate yourself either. Your choices are half chance. So are everybody else's.
Enjoy your body. Use it every way you can. Don't be afraid of it or of what other people think of it. It's the greatest instrument you'll ever own.
Dance, even if you have nowhere to do it but your living room.
Read the directions, even if you don't follow them.
Do not read beauty magazines. They will only make you feel ugly.
Get to know your parents. You never know when they'll be gone for good. Be nice to your siblings. They're your best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future.
Understand that friends come and go, but with a precious few you should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle, because the older you get, the more you need the people who knew you when you were young.
Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard. Live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft. Travel.
Accept certain inalienable truths: Prices will rise. Politicians will philander. You, too, will get old. And when you do, you'll fantasize that when you were young, prices were reasonable, politicians were noble, and children respected their elders.
Respect your elders.
Don't expect anyone else to support you. Maybe you have a trust fund. Maybe you'll have a wealthy spouse. But you never know when either one might run out.
Don't mess too much with your hair or by the time you're 40 it will look 85.
Be careful whose advice you buy, but be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia. Dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it's worth.
But trust me on the sunscreen.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
A Review: The Twilight Series
I just finished, well, started and finished, the Twilight series over the weekend. I've been sick, so I've had some extra time on my hands.
As a literature minor, I'd been curious about the books I'd heard were "well written." I wanted to read them to see what the big deal was.
Starting the books, I was initially annoyed. The melodramatic character of Bella Swan is a whiny (irritatingly so), obsessive, dark, misunderstood misfit, or so she feels. But, as I continued the first book, I got attached to its brilliance. Stephanie Meyer captures the emotions, passion, fear and romance for her primary audience of romantically inexperienced preteen and teenage girls. She creates an overwhelming dichotomy of passionate love and perfect friendship with the characters of Edward Cullen and Jacob Black.
In the end, I would never call the series a literary masterpiece. However, its brilliance to entrap the hearts of girls everywhere is undeniable. Even as I was reading it, I felt myself believing in what Edward and Bella have, despite knowing how unrealistic their relationship is, outside of the whole vampire thing.
Deep down, every girl wants an "Edward"--a man who is incredibly passionate, who believes and shares with her that he would die without her. She wants a love relationship where the spark never dies, where every kiss is more intense than the last and where the chemistry tears through her insides. And, she wants a man who longs for her to be with him at all times, who misses her intensely when they are apart, who protects her in every situation and who knows without a doubt that she is his soulmate.
And then, there's real life. Real life--where sparks die, kissing becomes habitual and the chemistry fades. But, for Meyer's primary audience, real life and love are unknown. And that is why Meyer is brilliant in her writing. She takes something that is unknown (love) and unrealistic (vampires) and meshes them in a way that, because the love part seems like it could be the realistic, the vampire part doesn't seem so far off. Obviously, few people actually believe in vampires, but Meyer's story leaves the love part wide open. Over the four books, the love between Edward and Bella is unstoppable, compared to Romeo and Juliet (New Moon) and Catherine and Heathcliff from "Wuthering Heights" (Eclipse), and undeniably deep.
However, the relationship between Edward and Bella is potentially dangerous to young minds as it gives women the idea that the Edward/Bella relationship is real. Even as I was reading the book, I felt a longing for something like that...something I know does not exist. And, as I have the knowledge and experience to know that my marriage is incredibly deep and encompasses more of the aforementioned passions than many, it is a little frightening to think of the expectations that a young, romantically inexperienced woman may pull from this series.
And that is why this series is irresistible. The action is never-ending, giving the books an urgency. The love story is timeless, capturing the hearts and minds of its female readers. And, though Breaking Dawn does fall a little short in comparison to the first three books, the final book is destined to be the lesser as Bella's transformation from vampire to human will ultimately be tragic unless it is even more far fetched. Then again, we are talking about vampires...
Overall, I'd give the series a "read." After doubting it for months, it surprised and pleased me far more than I'd expected.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
When It Rains
You know that saying, "when it rains, it pours"?
Monday night, I found out that the dog I grew up with is not doing so well. My mom didn't think he'd make it through the night. I cried. A lot.
First thing Tuesday morning, my car nearly gets hit while backing out of my parking spot because some idiot was flying through the parking lot. She had the audacity to honk at ME and make me pull back into the spot so she could continue speeding by. Thank God I didn't get hit!
Tuesday afternoon, I deal with a pain-in-the-butt coworker who I simply can't handle. One of those argue-for-the-sake-of-it people trying to give me more work and make my life harder. Because, you know, it's not like I have a 600-page book to publish in three weeks, or anything. Gah.
Oh, and my boss scolded me for talking to a coworker, in front of my entire floor. Super.
Tuesday evening, I found out my childhood dog is being put down Wednesday night at 5:30 p.m. In my distraught state, I put a thermos of coffee in my purse. When I put my purse down, the cup spills over, filling my Coach bag and drowning my iPhone.
Today, my father-in-law is going in for tests as he has been rediagnosed with cancer. We are praying the xrays show it is not lung or bone. Although we're all trying not to worry, it's a little overwhelming since we know it could be serious.
It's not that I want a pity party; I just want this week to be over so I can spend the weekend in bed recovering. I know that God says he won't give us more than we can handle, and I know I can handle this (other than it putting me in a bad mood), but does it have to be everything at once?
Monday night, I found out that the dog I grew up with is not doing so well. My mom didn't think he'd make it through the night. I cried. A lot.
First thing Tuesday morning, my car nearly gets hit while backing out of my parking spot because some idiot was flying through the parking lot. She had the audacity to honk at ME and make me pull back into the spot so she could continue speeding by. Thank God I didn't get hit!
Tuesday afternoon, I deal with a pain-in-the-butt coworker who I simply can't handle. One of those argue-for-the-sake-of-it people trying to give me more work and make my life harder. Because, you know, it's not like I have a 600-page book to publish in three weeks, or anything. Gah.
Oh, and my boss scolded me for talking to a coworker, in front of my entire floor. Super.
Tuesday evening, I found out my childhood dog is being put down Wednesday night at 5:30 p.m. In my distraught state, I put a thermos of coffee in my purse. When I put my purse down, the cup spills over, filling my Coach bag and drowning my iPhone.
Today, my father-in-law is going in for tests as he has been rediagnosed with cancer. We are praying the xrays show it is not lung or bone. Although we're all trying not to worry, it's a little overwhelming since we know it could be serious.
It's not that I want a pity party; I just want this week to be over so I can spend the weekend in bed recovering. I know that God says he won't give us more than we can handle, and I know I can handle this (other than it putting me in a bad mood), but does it have to be everything at once?
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Tuesday Ten: The Lumberjack
1. He is the most well-rounded person I know. On Wednesday night, he's usually watching Ultimate Fighter, and by Friday, he'll be taking me out to a five-star restaurant and the theater! He's a man's man with a sweet center--the perfect combination.
2. While his favorite breed of dog is a German Shepard, he absolutely LOVES our little corgi. I've never seen him be such a softie as he is with that dog.
3. His favorite band OF.ALL.TIME. is Metallica. I'm pretty sure he owns every CD, and listens to them all regularly.
4. He is almost 100% Dutch, and proud of it. His favorite cheese is smoked gouda (big surprise), and he loves hopjes, Dutch licorice and all other sorts of Dutch delicacies.
5. His favorite cake is cinnamon pull-apart (monkey bread) and his favorite dessert is creme brulee.
6. His hair is naturally and permanently bleached with a faint "C" on the back of his head. I tease that's God's sign of claiming him for me.
7. He loves beer. Stone is his favorite. But he also loves bourbon and cigars. At heart, he's kind of an old man, and I love it.
8. His favorite sport is football, by far. He supports the San Diego Chargers until the end. I get a little nervous every time we watch football together because he's so passionate about it.
9. He has expensive taste. With clothing, and food, and just about everything. Awesome, because I never have to explain why a $100 pair of black heels is better than a $10 pair.
10. One of the first things that stood out to me about him was that he is passionate. He doesn't half-ass things, ever. If he does something, he believes in it and is passionate about it, and I love that about him.
2. While his favorite breed of dog is a German Shepard, he absolutely LOVES our little corgi. I've never seen him be such a softie as he is with that dog.
3. His favorite band OF.ALL.TIME. is Metallica. I'm pretty sure he owns every CD, and listens to them all regularly.
4. He is almost 100% Dutch, and proud of it. His favorite cheese is smoked gouda (big surprise), and he loves hopjes, Dutch licorice and all other sorts of Dutch delicacies.
5. His favorite cake is cinnamon pull-apart (monkey bread) and his favorite dessert is creme brulee.
6. His hair is naturally and permanently bleached with a faint "C" on the back of his head. I tease that's God's sign of claiming him for me.
7. He loves beer. Stone is his favorite. But he also loves bourbon and cigars. At heart, he's kind of an old man, and I love it.
8. His favorite sport is football, by far. He supports the San Diego Chargers until the end. I get a little nervous every time we watch football together because he's so passionate about it.
9. He has expensive taste. With clothing, and food, and just about everything. Awesome, because I never have to explain why a $100 pair of black heels is better than a $10 pair.
10. One of the first things that stood out to me about him was that he is passionate. He doesn't half-ass things, ever. If he does something, he believes in it and is passionate about it, and I love that about him.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Tuesday Ten
I've been trying to get better about posting everyday. In doing so, I'm starting "Tuesday Ten," in which I will post 10 random facts about me, someone I love, or just something random, every Tuesday.
Here it goes...
1. I have cooked dinner every night since the Lumberjack and I got married (unless we've eaten out). I don't really believe in microwave meals. That's not to say I make a five-course dinner every single night, but I'd like to think I am a decent cook.
2. I prefer staying in to going out--even better, I love having friends over for dinner rather than going out to eat. My mom raised me to be a hostess, not a restaurant patron.
3. I am a control freak. I'd usually prefer to make plans than just see where I end up. I also prefer to be the driver, rather than be driven.
4. I have strange techniques, with reasons, for just about everything. For example, when I eat Pizza Hut pizza, I eat the first piece normal and the second piece crust first, because the front of the pizza is the best and I want to save it for my last bite.
5. Every year, for as long as I can remember, I have a chocolate cake with vanilla icing (has to be homemade) for my birthday.
6. My favorite stores are Nordstrom Rack and Homegoods. I love Nordstrom, but I'm a frugal shopper, so I leave the deals and brands at the Rack. Homegoods is my little houseware heaven. I could spend all day (and lots of money) in both stores!
7. My favorite holiday/season is Christmas. I'm ready for Christmas trees, lights, music, food and decorations by September 1. I don't really care for Halloween, and it's not that I don't enjoy Thanksgiving, but I like Christmas so much more!
8. I've never attended a public school. I've attended Episcopalian, Non-denominational Christian, Catholic and Nazarene schools, but I've never had any public school education.
9. My favorite San Diego restaurant and bar is "The Tractor Room" in Hillcrest. They make the best martinis, and their homemade chips are to die for!
10. I've never eaten a Big Mac. I've just never had any desire to, and In-N-Out is so much better than McDonald's. I've also never eaten meatloaf, mostly because my mother never served it and, since I don't know that I'd like it, it's not a dish I would order in a restaurant.
So, there you are, 10 new things you (maybe) never knew about me!
Here it goes...
1. I have cooked dinner every night since the Lumberjack and I got married (unless we've eaten out). I don't really believe in microwave meals. That's not to say I make a five-course dinner every single night, but I'd like to think I am a decent cook.
2. I prefer staying in to going out--even better, I love having friends over for dinner rather than going out to eat. My mom raised me to be a hostess, not a restaurant patron.
3. I am a control freak. I'd usually prefer to make plans than just see where I end up. I also prefer to be the driver, rather than be driven.
4. I have strange techniques, with reasons, for just about everything. For example, when I eat Pizza Hut pizza, I eat the first piece normal and the second piece crust first, because the front of the pizza is the best and I want to save it for my last bite.
5. Every year, for as long as I can remember, I have a chocolate cake with vanilla icing (has to be homemade) for my birthday.
6. My favorite stores are Nordstrom Rack and Homegoods. I love Nordstrom, but I'm a frugal shopper, so I leave the deals and brands at the Rack. Homegoods is my little houseware heaven. I could spend all day (and lots of money) in both stores!
7. My favorite holiday/season is Christmas. I'm ready for Christmas trees, lights, music, food and decorations by September 1. I don't really care for Halloween, and it's not that I don't enjoy Thanksgiving, but I like Christmas so much more!
8. I've never attended a public school. I've attended Episcopalian, Non-denominational Christian, Catholic and Nazarene schools, but I've never had any public school education.
9. My favorite San Diego restaurant and bar is "The Tractor Room" in Hillcrest. They make the best martinis, and their homemade chips are to die for!
10. I've never eaten a Big Mac. I've just never had any desire to, and In-N-Out is so much better than McDonald's. I've also never eaten meatloaf, mostly because my mother never served it and, since I don't know that I'd like it, it's not a dish I would order in a restaurant.
So, there you are, 10 new things you (maybe) never knew about me!
Dutch: On "The Daily Corgi"
My little furkid, Dutch, is featured on "The Daily Corgi" today. Check him out at:
Sunday, October 25, 2009
A Review of Las Vegas: Rosemary's
Last weekend, the Lumberjack and I celebrated his birthday by taking a trip to Las Vegas. We drove out Friday morning, spent the afternoon relaxing by the pool, and enjoyed a perfect meal at Rosemary's, a quaint restaurant located about 20 minutes from the strip.
When you enter the restaurant, you step into a world that is beyond the simple strip mall you entered. The scenery is romantic and classy. A bar on the right boasts top shelf liquors, along with a few specialty beers on tap. A cocktail before dinner is the perfect start to the evening, and I suggest any beer lover enjoy a pint of the Tripel Karmelite.
The dining room reveals comfort and luxury paired with exquisite service. Rosemary's offers all dishes a la carte, or you can enjoy their prix-fixe dinner, containing three courses, for $55. Everyone in our party of four opted for the prix-fixe dinner as most entrees were priced between $30 and $45, so it seemed to be the best deal.
For my appetizer, I chose the Tasso Ham and Crawfish Risotto with Smoked Tomato Jus. The dish was moist but not mushy, with a subtle smokiness from the tomato jus and the perfect amount of salt from the tasso ham. The crawfish was perfectly cooked and decadent--not fishy. I also sampled the Salmon Tartar, which was very fresh and perfectly seasoned. The Twice Baked Parmesean Souffle and the Panko Crusted Crab Boulettes were both rich, indulgent dishes best for sharing. Overall, the consensus was that the risotto was the favorite appetizer of the night.
For the salad course, the Arugula, Endive & Radiccio Salad came with Maytag Blue Cheese, a Riesling Poached Pear, Toasted Hazelnuts & Port Wine Syrup. The pepper in the arugula complimented the tart blue cheese and the sweet poached pear for a perfect combination of flavors. The Caesar for Mark salad came with Parmesean croutons and a fresh Caeser dressing with anchovies. While some of the diners at my table found it to be too fishy, I thought the dressing was exceedingly fresh and a perfect combination. The croutons, while tasty, were too large to be eaten in one bite, and therefore a challenge.
For the entree, I chose the Seared Sea Scallops with Parsnip Potato Puree, Apple Cider Beurre Blanc, Crispy Prosciutto & Fried Parsnip Strips. When I dine out, I often try to stay away from beef, even though I love it, because I am usually disappointed after being spoiled with the Lumberjack's cooking. The scallops were the right choice. They were perfectly cooked--tender on the inside with a slight crisp on the outside--and the parsnip potatoes were rich and creamy. However, I also sampled the Grilled Veal Tenderloin, served with a Sauté of Asparagus, Prosciutto & Maitake Mushrooms & Roasted Garlic Reduction Sauce. The veal was tender and succulent, cooked to perfection and complemented with the reduction sauce. Though not a traditional steakhouse, Rosemary's Roasted Filet of Beef stood up to the rest of the menu after being seasoned and cooked perfectly with a bourbon green peppercorn sauce, and complemented with horseradish souffle potatoes.
For dessert, I enjoyed the chef's special of the night--a Passion fruit cheesecake with pomegranate sauce. I also sampled a platter of miniature desserts, including a lemon bar, peanut butter crisp, and mint chocolate fudge. All were delicious, and the perfect cap to an excellent meal.
In addition to the fabulous food, the service was wonderful. The sommelier was attentive and helpful, as was our waitress. The waitstaff presented each course in sync, serving each dish at the same time and allowing ample time in between courses. Water and wine glasses were kept full, napkins placed gently on laps and every other need met graciously.
Overall, Rosemary's provided one of the most exquisite meals I have ever enjoyed, and it is a Las Vegas restaurant not to be missed.
When you enter the restaurant, you step into a world that is beyond the simple strip mall you entered. The scenery is romantic and classy. A bar on the right boasts top shelf liquors, along with a few specialty beers on tap. A cocktail before dinner is the perfect start to the evening, and I suggest any beer lover enjoy a pint of the Tripel Karmelite.
The dining room reveals comfort and luxury paired with exquisite service. Rosemary's offers all dishes a la carte, or you can enjoy their prix-fixe dinner, containing three courses, for $55. Everyone in our party of four opted for the prix-fixe dinner as most entrees were priced between $30 and $45, so it seemed to be the best deal.
For my appetizer, I chose the Tasso Ham and Crawfish Risotto with Smoked Tomato Jus. The dish was moist but not mushy, with a subtle smokiness from the tomato jus and the perfect amount of salt from the tasso ham. The crawfish was perfectly cooked and decadent--not fishy. I also sampled the Salmon Tartar, which was very fresh and perfectly seasoned. The Twice Baked Parmesean Souffle and the Panko Crusted Crab Boulettes were both rich, indulgent dishes best for sharing. Overall, the consensus was that the risotto was the favorite appetizer of the night.
For the salad course, the Arugula, Endive & Radiccio Salad came with Maytag Blue Cheese, a Riesling Poached Pear, Toasted Hazelnuts & Port Wine Syrup. The pepper in the arugula complimented the tart blue cheese and the sweet poached pear for a perfect combination of flavors. The Caesar for Mark salad came with Parmesean croutons and a fresh Caeser dressing with anchovies. While some of the diners at my table found it to be too fishy, I thought the dressing was exceedingly fresh and a perfect combination. The croutons, while tasty, were too large to be eaten in one bite, and therefore a challenge.
For the entree, I chose the Seared Sea Scallops with Parsnip Potato Puree, Apple Cider Beurre Blanc, Crispy Prosciutto & Fried Parsnip Strips. When I dine out, I often try to stay away from beef, even though I love it, because I am usually disappointed after being spoiled with the Lumberjack's cooking. The scallops were the right choice. They were perfectly cooked--tender on the inside with a slight crisp on the outside--and the parsnip potatoes were rich and creamy. However, I also sampled the Grilled Veal Tenderloin, served with a Sauté of Asparagus, Prosciutto & Maitake Mushrooms & Roasted Garlic Reduction Sauce. The veal was tender and succulent, cooked to perfection and complemented with the reduction sauce. Though not a traditional steakhouse, Rosemary's Roasted Filet of Beef stood up to the rest of the menu after being seasoned and cooked perfectly with a bourbon green peppercorn sauce, and complemented with horseradish souffle potatoes.
For dessert, I enjoyed the chef's special of the night--a Passion fruit cheesecake with pomegranate sauce. I also sampled a platter of miniature desserts, including a lemon bar, peanut butter crisp, and mint chocolate fudge. All were delicious, and the perfect cap to an excellent meal.
In addition to the fabulous food, the service was wonderful. The sommelier was attentive and helpful, as was our waitress. The waitstaff presented each course in sync, serving each dish at the same time and allowing ample time in between courses. Water and wine glasses were kept full, napkins placed gently on laps and every other need met graciously.
Overall, Rosemary's provided one of the most exquisite meals I have ever enjoyed, and it is a Las Vegas restaurant not to be missed.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Five years ago
Five years ago today, I went on a date with a boy I had become friends with. After his persistence to date me, I asked him to go to a movie with me. Little did I know it would be my last first date.
We went to Pizzeria Uno in the Fashion Valley Mall in San Diego. We split a deep-dish pepperoni, with mushrooms on half--the same toppings we still order today. He ordered a beer, non-alcoholic because neither of us were 21. He paid, he now admits, "just in case it was a date."
We walked to the theater, purchased two tickets to "Shark Tale" and walked around the theater while we waited for our movie to start. We talked about our likes and dislikes, our classes, our friends and our families. At one point, he told me he had a brother who was the same age as my younger sister, and I said it would be fun to go on a double date with them sometime. And he asked, "So, is this a date?" I laughed because, of course, it was. We walked hand in hand back to the theater, and he put his arm around me while we watched the movie. He was a perfect gentleman, and even asked if he could kiss me when the night was over. (He would tell you now, just for the record, I said he had to wait until our second date. And I would tell you now that I should have let him kiss me then.)
On our first date, I had no idea that I would spend the rest of my life with him. Compared to now, I knew so little about him. I didn't know that his favorite band is Metallica, or that he loved watches, or that he'd be so kind a gentle despite his manly exterior. I didn't know he'd graduate cum laude, or that he'd be so well-rounded, or that he'd be the best friend I'd ever had. And, it's amazing that compared to what I'm sure I'll know about him in 10 or even 20 years, I know so little now.
What I do know is that first date was the first day of the rest of my life with the man of my dreams, and when I wake up to that sweet face each morning, I know I am a blessed woman.
Happy five years, my love.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Fragility
I started a post on our wonderful trip to Vegas that I was going to post today, but I'll have to post tomorrow.
Last night, the Lumberjack and I found out that his dad has prostate cancer, for the second time. The first time, the Lumberjack and I had been together for about a year. I remember finding out, crying with my man and praying his father's recovery would come smoothly and quickly. And it did. After a prostate removal surgery, his cancer was gone.
This time around, cancer treatment means radiation. There is no prostate to be removed, but somehow he has prostate cancer? We are praying for a speedy recovery and healing and that the radiation banishes all forms of cancer from his body.
I don't know much else at the moment, other than life is fragile and precious. Please keep my father-in-law and our family in your prayers.
Last night, the Lumberjack and I found out that his dad has prostate cancer, for the second time. The first time, the Lumberjack and I had been together for about a year. I remember finding out, crying with my man and praying his father's recovery would come smoothly and quickly. And it did. After a prostate removal surgery, his cancer was gone.
This time around, cancer treatment means radiation. There is no prostate to be removed, but somehow he has prostate cancer? We are praying for a speedy recovery and healing and that the radiation banishes all forms of cancer from his body.
I don't know much else at the moment, other than life is fragile and precious. Please keep my father-in-law and our family in your prayers.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Changes: "Adult" Furniture
When the Lumberjack and I got married, we moved into our first apartment, which we still live in. When we moved, we blended together a mash of mixed hand-me-downs....a white Ikea computer desk, 30-year-old hardwood coffee table, a decades-old Crate & Barrel taupe love seat, an Ikea futon, a white printer table, a cute white-spray-painted-black sofa table, a gingham red ottoman, etc. All of the pieces were functional and perfect for us at the time--FREE!
Well, after almost a year and a half, the Lumberjack and I decided it might finally be time to get some real grown up furniture. We loved the things we had been given, but the truth is that none of it was "our" style.
The timing happened to be perfect, as my younger sister was moving into her new place and happened to be needing everything we were getting rid of. Don't you just love hand-me-downs?
After a few nights of furniture shopping, the Lumberjack and I finally found the perfect furniture, and in our price range. We ended up purchasing a black leather sofa, matching wood- and-glass coffee and end tables, a black corner desk, and a headboard-foot board bed set for our room.
Of course, projects like that never end there--only start. We figured, if all of the furniture is going to be moved out, we should get the carpets cleaned. But, before we get the carpets cleaned, we should fix up the paint in the living room. And, if we're going to paint the living room and get a new bed in the bedroom, we might as well paint the bedroom too.
And of course, if we're getting a new bed in black wood, now our black comforter is going to look overwhelming, so we'll order a white down comforter. And the brown Tommy-Bahama-esque lamps no longer match, so we'll need new lamps too.
See what happens?
I ended up with a crisp white duvet to cover my overstuffed down comforter, along with new bedroom and living room lamps.
It was all worth it when my furniture was delivered. Now, seeing the house all set up, designed how we like, painted how we like and with furniture that we like, all of the hard work and late nights were totally worth it.
(I wish I had before pictures, but at least here you can see the amazing bed headboard and foot board we got.)
Love it!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
"Friend"
Webster's dictionary defines a "friend" as "one attached to another by affection or esteem" or "a favored companion."
Is that it?
To me, a friend should support. She should tell me when I'm being stupid, and not be afraid to argue with me. She should be there for me to call when I've had an argument with someone. She should tell me when she thinks I'm making a bad decision, and trust that her opinion won't be a friendship-ruiner. She should be honest--always.
I can count on one hand the people in my life that live up to the description above. They are people who have laughed with me, cried with me and fought with me. They are people who have shared my deepest sadness and my most amazing joys. They are friends that I know will be there until the end, because they've been there from the beginning.
And then, there are friends that I thought would be that for me. But, when the tough times came or they disagreed with something I was doing, they bailed. They were friends of convenience.
Many of my best friends are not convenient.
One, who I've known since I was 8 years old, has never lived closer than 30 minutes from me. For the past six years, we've been five-plus hours away from each other and only see each other a few times a year. But, I still consider her one of my best friends because, when we are together, it's like we've never been apart. I know I can call her whenever, talk to her about anything, and trust her to be honest with me.
Another, who I've known since I was 14, has lived at least a 14-hour drive away from me for the past six years. She now lives in London, and while I know I'll only see her once a year if I'm lucky, we keep in touch through Skype and Facebook--and she is and will continue to be one of my best friends.
To me, being friends with someone shouldn't mean supporting or agreeing with everything they do. It shouldn't mean you need to see or talk to them daily or weekly. But it should mean that you'll be there for them through the good and the bad, and hopefully they'll be there for you too.
So, thanks, to my best friends.
Is that it?
To me, a friend should support. She should tell me when I'm being stupid, and not be afraid to argue with me. She should be there for me to call when I've had an argument with someone. She should tell me when she thinks I'm making a bad decision, and trust that her opinion won't be a friendship-ruiner. She should be honest--always.
I can count on one hand the people in my life that live up to the description above. They are people who have laughed with me, cried with me and fought with me. They are people who have shared my deepest sadness and my most amazing joys. They are friends that I know will be there until the end, because they've been there from the beginning.
And then, there are friends that I thought would be that for me. But, when the tough times came or they disagreed with something I was doing, they bailed. They were friends of convenience.
Many of my best friends are not convenient.
One, who I've known since I was 8 years old, has never lived closer than 30 minutes from me. For the past six years, we've been five-plus hours away from each other and only see each other a few times a year. But, I still consider her one of my best friends because, when we are together, it's like we've never been apart. I know I can call her whenever, talk to her about anything, and trust her to be honest with me.
Another, who I've known since I was 14, has lived at least a 14-hour drive away from me for the past six years. She now lives in London, and while I know I'll only see her once a year if I'm lucky, we keep in touch through Skype and Facebook--and she is and will continue to be one of my best friends.
To me, being friends with someone shouldn't mean supporting or agreeing with everything they do. It shouldn't mean you need to see or talk to them daily or weekly. But it should mean that you'll be there for them through the good and the bad, and hopefully they'll be there for you too.
So, thanks, to my best friends.
Friday, September 18, 2009
11 Day Diet Review
I have a confession: I didn't finish the 11-day diet. I tried, really I did. But here's the thing: I have an intolerance to eggs and milk. So the days where eggs was all I could eat for a meal or two, I was sick as a dog. It's not pretty, I promise you.
On day eight, I just couldn't take it anymore.
Maybe if I had finished, I would have lost more, but I did manage to lose one pound per day (8 total) without being hungry all the time. So that's the good news.
The bad news is that apparently I have less willpower than I thought. I love food. And it's not even that I'm overweight, but when I say "I love food," I mean that I adore cooking, baking, basically anything to do with creating or enjoying food. I'm trying to maintain a healthy weight so that my sweet husband doesn't wait up one day and realize the woman he married was half the size of his current wife.
Anyway, all that to say I do recommend the 11-day diet, if you have the willpower!
On day eight, I just couldn't take it anymore.
Maybe if I had finished, I would have lost more, but I did manage to lose one pound per day (8 total) without being hungry all the time. So that's the good news.
The bad news is that apparently I have less willpower than I thought. I love food. And it's not even that I'm overweight, but when I say "I love food," I mean that I adore cooking, baking, basically anything to do with creating or enjoying food. I'm trying to maintain a healthy weight so that my sweet husband doesn't wait up one day and realize the woman he married was half the size of his current wife.
Anyway, all that to say I do recommend the 11-day diet, if you have the willpower!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Seasons: For Baked Potato Soup
It's 85 degrees in San Diego, as it has been for two weeks, and it makes me want one thing: fall/winter.
I know, something is wrong with me. I'm a California girl, but I truly love fall and winter. Something about the coats (I'm obsessed), the crisp air, and the rare but beautiful orange and red leaves gets to me. Mostly, I love (1) being able to cook soups, bake dishes in my oven and come home to dinner cooking in my crockpot; and (2) being able to decorate for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays....without it being 85 degrees and having to turn on the AC because my cooking has warmed our condo.
I've been driving my Lumberjack crazy. When September 1 came, it was fall in my mind. I started looking at Christmas decorations. I started hoarding soup and baked dessert recipes. I even considered wearing a sweater or two (until I realized I haven't turned off the AC in two weeks because it's been so hot!).
Don't get me wrong, I love summer. I love the long days and not driving home from work in the dark, but I also love weather where I can comfortably wear a sweater and pull a homemade chicken pot pie from the oven without breaking into a sweat.
Unfortunately, I will be driving the Lumberjack crazy for a few more weeks, until it truly is fall. In the mean time, I'm getting my recipe arsenal ready for cooler weather, starting with For the Love of Cooking's Baked Potato Soup.
I know, something is wrong with me. I'm a California girl, but I truly love fall and winter. Something about the coats (I'm obsessed), the crisp air, and the rare but beautiful orange and red leaves gets to me. Mostly, I love (1) being able to cook soups, bake dishes in my oven and come home to dinner cooking in my crockpot; and (2) being able to decorate for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays....without it being 85 degrees and having to turn on the AC because my cooking has warmed our condo.
I've been driving my Lumberjack crazy. When September 1 came, it was fall in my mind. I started looking at Christmas decorations. I started hoarding soup and baked dessert recipes. I even considered wearing a sweater or two (until I realized I haven't turned off the AC in two weeks because it's been so hot!).
Don't get me wrong, I love summer. I love the long days and not driving home from work in the dark, but I also love weather where I can comfortably wear a sweater and pull a homemade chicken pot pie from the oven without breaking into a sweat.
Unfortunately, I will be driving the Lumberjack crazy for a few more weeks, until it truly is fall. In the mean time, I'm getting my recipe arsenal ready for cooler weather, starting with For the Love of Cooking's Baked Potato Soup.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
The 11 Day Diet: Day Four
On Saturday, the Lumberjack and I started the "11 Day Diet." Actually, it seems to be more of a cleanse/metabolism re-setter, and we're sticking to it so far. Today is day four, and we haven't cheated yet.
Mostly, the diet consists of lean proteins, almost no carbs, and under-10-calorie drinks. We've been eating a lot of deli meats and eggs. And, while I haven't necessarily been hungry, I do find myself wanting certain foods (even those I know I don't love), just because I suddenly can't have them!
The toughest day so far was day 2, which was all fruits except for one sandwich. Surviving on all three meals of fruit during the day is tough! We planned it so that the fruit day would fall on a Sunday, so that we wouldn't be drained while at our jobs. It was tough, but we did it. The good news is we're in the clear until Saturday, which is vegetable day (yuck!).
I had read about this diet online and when Whitney over at The Glamorous Life of a Housewife blogged about her success, I had to try it.
So far, it seems to be working. The Lumberjack and I have both lost between 1 and 1 1/2 pounds per day, so far. The goal is to lose 10 pounds in a week, 15 if we're lucky.
For anyone that's interested, here are the meals and rules:
Day 1
Meal 1: scrambled eggs, low-fat milk
Meal 2: cashews, cottage cheese, banana milk shake
Meal 3: turkey slices, ham slices, fresh grapefruit
Meal 4: walnuts, pastrami slices, garden salad
Day 2
Meals 1,2,3: Fresh fruit only (oranges, pears, apples, grapes, peaches, plums, strawberries, kiwis, grapefruit)
Meal 4: deli meat sandwich (only one)
Day 3
Meal 1: cottage cheese, scrambled eggs
Meal 2: sausage links, regular cheese slices
Meal 3: shrimp, hard boiled eggs
Meal 4: chicken, cashews, bowl of oatmeal
Day 4
Meal 1: pastrami, sausage links
Meal 2: low fat milk, turkey slices
Meal 3: shrimp, regular cheese slices
Meal 4: ham slices, walnuts, frozen yogurt
Day 5
Meal 1: orange pineapple smoothie, apple
Meal 2: cashews, cottage cheese
Meal 3: hard boiled eggs, chicken
Meal 4: scrambled eggs, low-fat milk
Day 6
Meal 1: bowl of green beans, fresh pears
Meal 2: walnuts, pastrami slices
Meal 3: turkey slices, ham slices, bowl of pinto beans
Meal 4: bowl of green vegetables, fruit salad dessert
Day 7
Meal 1: sausage links, regular cheese slices
Meal 2: shrimp, hard boiled eggs
Meal 3: chicken, cashews, bowl of mixed vegetables
Meal 4: cottage cheese, scrambled eggs
Day 8
Today is a day of vegetables and salad only. This means that all 4 meals must consist of only vegetables or salad and nothing else. You’ll be eating 4 meals, but you must choose foods from the list below only:
Lettuce, onions, celery, carrots, pinto beans, sprouts, spinach, broccoli, zucchini, squash, peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, green beans
You may top each meal with only ONE of the following 2 items (not both): 1 ounce of grated cheese or 3 teaspoons of low-calorie salad dressing.
Day 9
Meal 1: oranges, banana milk shake
Meal 2: grapefruit, garden salad
Meal 3: low-fat milk, turkey slices
Meal 4: ham slices, walnuts
Day 10
Meal 1: fresh apples, orange pineapple smoothie
Meal 2: cheese slices, shrimp
Meal 3: bowl of oatmeal, frozen yogurt
Meal 4: pastrami, sausage links
Day 11
Meal 1: scrambled eggs, low-fat milk
Meal 2: cashews, cottage cheese
Meal 3: green beans, pears
Meal 4: hard boiled eggs, chicken, bowl of pinto beans
Diet Rules:
1. You may eat your four daily meals in any order.
2. You must eat all four meals on the day they are scheduled. This means you can’t move a meal from day 5 to day 10.
3. Follow the 11 day menu for 11 days, then you may take 3 cheat days where you can eat anything you want for 3 days. After the three day period, you can either follow this menu again or generate a new menu at www.fatloss4idiots.com. The site has a cost , but you can pick and choose your menu based on foods that you like.
4. You must wait at least 2 ½ hours between each meal.
5. You may drink the following beverages: any diet soda, iced tea with lemon, coffee (must have less than 10 calories per glass), water, any low-calorie drink (with less than 10 calories per glass). These drinks may be consumed as often as you like each day, with no limit.
6. You must drink at least 8 – 8 ounce glasses of water per day, and they must be spaced throughout the day.
7. These condiments may be used on any meal: lemon juice, ketchup, barbecue sauce, salsa, salt, pepper, mustard, seasoning salts.
8. There is no limit on portions. You should eat until you feel satisfied but never stuff yourself full.
9. For each meal, you may eat any combination of the foods. You may eat all or just 1 of the foods listed.
Food Explanations:
1. Banana Milkshake - Add the following ingredients in a blender: 1 large frozen banana (cut into chunks), 4-8 oz nonfat milk, 2-3 teaspoons vanilla extract, splenda for sweetener
2. Garden Salad – This means a salad made with vegetables only (potatoes and corn not allowed) – you may have 3 teaspoons of low cal salad dressing (we used that spray dressing).
3. Frozen Yogurt – normal frozen yogurt, the kind that looks like ice cream (no toppings)
4. Oatmeal – instant/flavored oatmeal (no extra sugar)
5. Orange Pineapple Smoothie – Add the following ingredients in a blender: 4-6 oz orange juice, 1 cup of nonfat milk, ½ banana, 4 ice cubes, pineapple chunks, 2 tablespoons vanilla extract, splenda
6. Fruit Salad Dessert – mix the following ingredients: fat free cool whip, your choice of fruit
7. Bowl of Mixed vegetables – no potatoes or corn
8. Deli Meat Sandwich – Make the sandwich from the following ingredients: 2 normal slices of bread, any deli style meat, your choice of allowable condiment, lettuce, tomatoes, onions (optional)
Mostly, the diet consists of lean proteins, almost no carbs, and under-10-calorie drinks. We've been eating a lot of deli meats and eggs. And, while I haven't necessarily been hungry, I do find myself wanting certain foods (even those I know I don't love), just because I suddenly can't have them!
The toughest day so far was day 2, which was all fruits except for one sandwich. Surviving on all three meals of fruit during the day is tough! We planned it so that the fruit day would fall on a Sunday, so that we wouldn't be drained while at our jobs. It was tough, but we did it. The good news is we're in the clear until Saturday, which is vegetable day (yuck!).
I had read about this diet online and when Whitney over at The Glamorous Life of a Housewife blogged about her success, I had to try it.
So far, it seems to be working. The Lumberjack and I have both lost between 1 and 1 1/2 pounds per day, so far. The goal is to lose 10 pounds in a week, 15 if we're lucky.
For anyone that's interested, here are the meals and rules:
Day 1
Meal 1: scrambled eggs, low-fat milk
Meal 2: cashews, cottage cheese, banana milk shake
Meal 3: turkey slices, ham slices, fresh grapefruit
Meal 4: walnuts, pastrami slices, garden salad
Day 2
Meals 1,2,3: Fresh fruit only (oranges, pears, apples, grapes, peaches, plums, strawberries, kiwis, grapefruit)
Meal 4: deli meat sandwich (only one)
Day 3
Meal 1: cottage cheese, scrambled eggs
Meal 2: sausage links, regular cheese slices
Meal 3: shrimp, hard boiled eggs
Meal 4: chicken, cashews, bowl of oatmeal
Day 4
Meal 1: pastrami, sausage links
Meal 2: low fat milk, turkey slices
Meal 3: shrimp, regular cheese slices
Meal 4: ham slices, walnuts, frozen yogurt
Day 5
Meal 1: orange pineapple smoothie, apple
Meal 2: cashews, cottage cheese
Meal 3: hard boiled eggs, chicken
Meal 4: scrambled eggs, low-fat milk
Day 6
Meal 1: bowl of green beans, fresh pears
Meal 2: walnuts, pastrami slices
Meal 3: turkey slices, ham slices, bowl of pinto beans
Meal 4: bowl of green vegetables, fruit salad dessert
Day 7
Meal 1: sausage links, regular cheese slices
Meal 2: shrimp, hard boiled eggs
Meal 3: chicken, cashews, bowl of mixed vegetables
Meal 4: cottage cheese, scrambled eggs
Day 8
Today is a day of vegetables and salad only. This means that all 4 meals must consist of only vegetables or salad and nothing else. You’ll be eating 4 meals, but you must choose foods from the list below only:
Lettuce, onions, celery, carrots, pinto beans, sprouts, spinach, broccoli, zucchini, squash, peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, green beans
You may top each meal with only ONE of the following 2 items (not both): 1 ounce of grated cheese or 3 teaspoons of low-calorie salad dressing.
Day 9
Meal 1: oranges, banana milk shake
Meal 2: grapefruit, garden salad
Meal 3: low-fat milk, turkey slices
Meal 4: ham slices, walnuts
Day 10
Meal 1: fresh apples, orange pineapple smoothie
Meal 2: cheese slices, shrimp
Meal 3: bowl of oatmeal, frozen yogurt
Meal 4: pastrami, sausage links
Day 11
Meal 1: scrambled eggs, low-fat milk
Meal 2: cashews, cottage cheese
Meal 3: green beans, pears
Meal 4: hard boiled eggs, chicken, bowl of pinto beans
Diet Rules:
1. You may eat your four daily meals in any order.
2. You must eat all four meals on the day they are scheduled. This means you can’t move a meal from day 5 to day 10.
3. Follow the 11 day menu for 11 days, then you may take 3 cheat days where you can eat anything you want for 3 days. After the three day period, you can either follow this menu again or generate a new menu at www.fatloss4idiots.com. The site has a cost , but you can pick and choose your menu based on foods that you like.
4. You must wait at least 2 ½ hours between each meal.
5. You may drink the following beverages: any diet soda, iced tea with lemon, coffee (must have less than 10 calories per glass), water, any low-calorie drink (with less than 10 calories per glass). These drinks may be consumed as often as you like each day, with no limit.
6. You must drink at least 8 – 8 ounce glasses of water per day, and they must be spaced throughout the day.
7. These condiments may be used on any meal: lemon juice, ketchup, barbecue sauce, salsa, salt, pepper, mustard, seasoning salts.
8. There is no limit on portions. You should eat until you feel satisfied but never stuff yourself full.
9. For each meal, you may eat any combination of the foods. You may eat all or just 1 of the foods listed.
Food Explanations:
1. Banana Milkshake - Add the following ingredients in a blender: 1 large frozen banana (cut into chunks), 4-8 oz nonfat milk, 2-3 teaspoons vanilla extract, splenda for sweetener
2. Garden Salad – This means a salad made with vegetables only (potatoes and corn not allowed) – you may have 3 teaspoons of low cal salad dressing (we used that spray dressing).
3. Frozen Yogurt – normal frozen yogurt, the kind that looks like ice cream (no toppings)
4. Oatmeal – instant/flavored oatmeal (no extra sugar)
5. Orange Pineapple Smoothie – Add the following ingredients in a blender: 4-6 oz orange juice, 1 cup of nonfat milk, ½ banana, 4 ice cubes, pineapple chunks, 2 tablespoons vanilla extract, splenda
6. Fruit Salad Dessert – mix the following ingredients: fat free cool whip, your choice of fruit
7. Bowl of Mixed vegetables – no potatoes or corn
8. Deli Meat Sandwich – Make the sandwich from the following ingredients: 2 normal slices of bread, any deli style meat, your choice of allowable condiment, lettuce, tomatoes, onions (optional)
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Comforting vs. Fixing
As a newlywed, I'm still learning things about the Lumberjack, and how men in general think.
Last night was a prime example. I've been frustrated in an area of my life recently and don't have too many options in regards to it. Last night, I let it get the best of me and got upset about the situation. The Lumberjack, being the amazing husband that is he, tried to comfort me in the best way he knew how--by fixing it. And, luckily for both of us, I was rational enough to see it.
While all I wanted was to be told, "It's gonna be OK; you're doing your best," he told me I need to buck up and be happy because I am blessed beyond many other people. So, I didn't get what I wanted. And as he was talking, I could have gotten angry that he wasn't comforting me how I wanted. Instead, I was thankful that he was comforting me the best he knew how.
Like most men, the Lumberjack thinks in terms of fixing things. And instead of getting irritated at him for not doing things "my way," I need to be thankful that he's willing to do something at all. I am, more than anything, a work in progress.
Last night was a prime example. I've been frustrated in an area of my life recently and don't have too many options in regards to it. Last night, I let it get the best of me and got upset about the situation. The Lumberjack, being the amazing husband that is he, tried to comfort me in the best way he knew how--by fixing it. And, luckily for both of us, I was rational enough to see it.
While all I wanted was to be told, "It's gonna be OK; you're doing your best," he told me I need to buck up and be happy because I am blessed beyond many other people. So, I didn't get what I wanted. And as he was talking, I could have gotten angry that he wasn't comforting me how I wanted. Instead, I was thankful that he was comforting me the best he knew how.
Like most men, the Lumberjack thinks in terms of fixing things. And instead of getting irritated at him for not doing things "my way," I need to be thankful that he's willing to do something at all. I am, more than anything, a work in progress.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Marrying for money
I read this in an article today and it made me chuckle:
"Young women, here is some advice:
Don't throw your hot, youthful selves away on young, financially unproven men. They may never become successes, and if they do, they'll probably just chuck you for younger models when you're too old to successfully compete again in the marriage marketplace.
Instead, marry rich guys while you're still taut enough to snag them. They may dump you, too, but at least you'll have nice, fat divorce settlements with which to pursue true love, or the pool guy, whoever comes first.
Notice I didn't say it was good advice.
But that is the gist of a new book, Smart Girls Marry Money: How Women Have Been Duped Into the Romantic Dream -- and How They're Paying for It, by Elizabeth Ford and Daniela Drake."
I like nice things as much as any girl, but is that what our society has come to? I see the benefits of not marrying for lust and taking a more business-motivated approach to marriage, but at the same time, give me a break.
I tell the Lumberjack that I married him for his money. It's in jest, of course. We married when we were both penniless, just out of college and ridden with student loans. But the thing is, it's not about the money, nor should it be.
The Lumberjack and I grew up in different worlds--I with a silver spoon in my mouth, he with a plastic one. And, despite our very different socioeconomic upbringings, we both arrived at the same conclusion: money doesn't buy happiness, nor does it secure a marriage.
Yes, money is nice. Life is "easier" when you don't have to wonder if the rent will get paid this month. But I also know that I married a man who makes wise financial decisions, and even if I never have a million-dollar mansion overlooking the Pacific, we'll be OK. Personally, I'd rather a lifetime in a condo with him than a mansion with someone I don't love.
But, is that common anymore?
"Young women, here is some advice:
Don't throw your hot, youthful selves away on young, financially unproven men. They may never become successes, and if they do, they'll probably just chuck you for younger models when you're too old to successfully compete again in the marriage marketplace.
Instead, marry rich guys while you're still taut enough to snag them. They may dump you, too, but at least you'll have nice, fat divorce settlements with which to pursue true love, or the pool guy, whoever comes first.
Notice I didn't say it was good advice.
But that is the gist of a new book, Smart Girls Marry Money: How Women Have Been Duped Into the Romantic Dream -- and How They're Paying for It, by Elizabeth Ford and Daniela Drake."
I like nice things as much as any girl, but is that what our society has come to? I see the benefits of not marrying for lust and taking a more business-motivated approach to marriage, but at the same time, give me a break.
I tell the Lumberjack that I married him for his money. It's in jest, of course. We married when we were both penniless, just out of college and ridden with student loans. But the thing is, it's not about the money, nor should it be.
The Lumberjack and I grew up in different worlds--I with a silver spoon in my mouth, he with a plastic one. And, despite our very different socioeconomic upbringings, we both arrived at the same conclusion: money doesn't buy happiness, nor does it secure a marriage.
Yes, money is nice. Life is "easier" when you don't have to wonder if the rent will get paid this month. But I also know that I married a man who makes wise financial decisions, and even if I never have a million-dollar mansion overlooking the Pacific, we'll be OK. Personally, I'd rather a lifetime in a condo with him than a mansion with someone I don't love.
But, is that common anymore?
Friday, August 28, 2009
A Reflection: Traveling
Two months after we got engaged, the Lumberjack and I moved to London to study abroad for a semester. It was a life-changing experience. There's something about seeing the world outside of yourself -- outside of your friends, your family, your country, your customs--that gives a real perspective about how finite and insignificant we can be.
For four months, the Lumberjack and I lived in London. It was one of the hardest but most rewarding experiences I'd had up until that point. We had moved to a city where we knew virtually no one, except for a few classmates. There were times that were hard -- we were surrounded by the same 20 students, not only for classes, but living with them. And then there were some amazing times.
We spent evenings after dinner walking to Kensington Park, feeding the swans and marveling that we were thousands of miles away from home--together. We took weekend trips to Dublin, to Cardiff (Wales), to Paris, Venice, Lisse (Holland), and Edinburgh. We traveled to Stratford-Upon-Avon, Castle Combe, Lacock, Stonehenge and Bath (all in England). We spent afternoons exploring the tube lines and getting off whenever we wanted. We wandered Harrods, St. Paul's Cathedral, Picadilly Circus, the Embarcadero, Big Ben, Westminster, Trafalgar Square, the British Museum, The National Gallery, St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Shakespeare's Old Globe theater, and so many other places that will forever be photographed in my mind. Afternoon teas and bottles of wine in the park, along with scrumptious Hotel Chocolat treats litter our time in Europe. We saw Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, Titus Andronicus, Comedy of Errors, Cymbeline, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Taming the Shrew, The Tempest, Twelfth Night, Othello, Anthony and Cleopatra, Les Miserables, Spam-A-Lot and so many other plays and musicals. We ate the food, drank the drinks, rode the public transportation, studied the culture and absorbed every moment of the culture that we could.
Traveling can either make or break a relationship. Something about having to rely fully on the other person, to be your best and your worst and have no escape, really challenges a relationship to grow or fall apart.
Toward the end of our trip, the Lumberjack and I planned a romantic trip to Venice. That Thursday afternoon, we took the tube to Heathrow airport to catch our flight. When we arrived, we realized EasyJet, with whom we were flying, didn't leave from Heathrow. Instead, I had booked our tickets for Gatwick, an airport on the other side of London. Talk about a challenge!
After purchasing two bus tickets from Heathrow to Gatwick, we arrived in Gatwick to miss our flight by 15 minutes. The next flight out was the following morning, or we could fly to Milan that night and take a train to Venice. The Lumberjack suggested we sleep in the airport and fly out the next morning.
Hah. Those who know me well know sleeping in the airport is never an option for me. Unlike the Lumberjack, I need quiet, darkness, and a horizontal soft space to sleep. So, we booked a room for the night, woke up at 4 a.m., and took a taxi to the airport the following morning. We made it to Venice by 8 a.m., and the delay actually turned out to be a blessing because we never would have found our hotel in the dark the night before.
Hiccups like this teach you a lot about your relationship. While I was freaking out, apologizing and practically crying because I was so upset about leading us to the wrong airport, the Lumberjack was calm, reassuring and not upset at all. Instead of getting mad at me, he held my hand on the bus ride over, gave me hug while we tried to find a hotel at the last minute, and kissed me good night while we stayed in a two-star hotel with a window that wouldn't close all the way (and it was November, in London, and COLD).
In fact, most of our relationship has been like that -- balanced. Whenever one of us is stressed or freaking out about something, the other is calm, and that perfect balance is something I treasure about our relationship. There is something so wonderfully reassuring about finding someone who balances you so entirely that you know you can face anything that comes your way.
That's what travelling did for us and I wouldn't trade those four months--or those memories and experiences--for anything in the world.
For four months, the Lumberjack and I lived in London. It was one of the hardest but most rewarding experiences I'd had up until that point. We had moved to a city where we knew virtually no one, except for a few classmates. There were times that were hard -- we were surrounded by the same 20 students, not only for classes, but living with them. And then there were some amazing times.
We spent evenings after dinner walking to Kensington Park, feeding the swans and marveling that we were thousands of miles away from home--together. We took weekend trips to Dublin, to Cardiff (Wales), to Paris, Venice, Lisse (Holland), and Edinburgh. We traveled to Stratford-Upon-Avon, Castle Combe, Lacock, Stonehenge and Bath (all in England). We spent afternoons exploring the tube lines and getting off whenever we wanted. We wandered Harrods, St. Paul's Cathedral, Picadilly Circus, the Embarcadero, Big Ben, Westminster, Trafalgar Square, the British Museum, The National Gallery, St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Shakespeare's Old Globe theater, and so many other places that will forever be photographed in my mind. Afternoon teas and bottles of wine in the park, along with scrumptious Hotel Chocolat treats litter our time in Europe. We saw Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, Titus Andronicus, Comedy of Errors, Cymbeline, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Taming the Shrew, The Tempest, Twelfth Night, Othello, Anthony and Cleopatra, Les Miserables, Spam-A-Lot and so many other plays and musicals. We ate the food, drank the drinks, rode the public transportation, studied the culture and absorbed every moment of the culture that we could.
Traveling can either make or break a relationship. Something about having to rely fully on the other person, to be your best and your worst and have no escape, really challenges a relationship to grow or fall apart.
Toward the end of our trip, the Lumberjack and I planned a romantic trip to Venice. That Thursday afternoon, we took the tube to Heathrow airport to catch our flight. When we arrived, we realized EasyJet, with whom we were flying, didn't leave from Heathrow. Instead, I had booked our tickets for Gatwick, an airport on the other side of London. Talk about a challenge!
After purchasing two bus tickets from Heathrow to Gatwick, we arrived in Gatwick to miss our flight by 15 minutes. The next flight out was the following morning, or we could fly to Milan that night and take a train to Venice. The Lumberjack suggested we sleep in the airport and fly out the next morning.
Hah. Those who know me well know sleeping in the airport is never an option for me. Unlike the Lumberjack, I need quiet, darkness, and a horizontal soft space to sleep. So, we booked a room for the night, woke up at 4 a.m., and took a taxi to the airport the following morning. We made it to Venice by 8 a.m., and the delay actually turned out to be a blessing because we never would have found our hotel in the dark the night before.
Hiccups like this teach you a lot about your relationship. While I was freaking out, apologizing and practically crying because I was so upset about leading us to the wrong airport, the Lumberjack was calm, reassuring and not upset at all. Instead of getting mad at me, he held my hand on the bus ride over, gave me hug while we tried to find a hotel at the last minute, and kissed me good night while we stayed in a two-star hotel with a window that wouldn't close all the way (and it was November, in London, and COLD).
In fact, most of our relationship has been like that -- balanced. Whenever one of us is stressed or freaking out about something, the other is calm, and that perfect balance is something I treasure about our relationship. There is something so wonderfully reassuring about finding someone who balances you so entirely that you know you can face anything that comes your way.
That's what travelling did for us and I wouldn't trade those four months--or those memories and experiences--for anything in the world.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Flank Steak and Spicy Garlic Potatoes
In our home, Sunday night is steak night.
A great cut, which is less expensive than, say, New York strips, is a flank steak. Marinated properly, this cut is tender, juicy, and full of flavor. I generally switch between my favorite two marinades: Italian and Teriyaki.
And they're more simple than they sound. For both, I place the steak in a gallon-size Ziploc. For Italian, I add one to two cups (depending on the size of the steak) of Italian salad dressing into the bag. For Teriyaki, I add one to two cups of Teriyaki sauce. Marinate in the fridge for 6 to 24 hours before grilling.
While the Lumberjack does the grilling, I make the sides. Last night, I made my own recipe of Spicy Garlic Potatoes. Since there's only two of us, I started with 4 baking-sized Russet potatoes. I peeled them, cut them into quarters and added them into a pot of simmering water. Once they were soft, after about 30 minutes, I tosses them into my KitchenAid mixer, along with 1/8 cup of half and half, 1/8 cup of low-fat milk, 2 tablespoons of sour cream, and one stick of butter. For the spicy garlic part, I added in "Kay's Spicy Garlic Seasoning," a mixture she brought back from Big Creek. I suspect it's seasoning salt, cayenne pepper and some garlic power, along with some pepper. I added about 1 1/2 teaspoons of seasoning, mixed well, and served hot. Delish!
I would offer pictures, but it's tough to get a picture of a steak before the Lumberjack has made his move. When there's steak up for grabs, he doesn't wait for cameras and food arranging and blog preparation.
Spicy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients:
4-5 medium Russet potatoes
1/8 cup half and half
1/8 cup milk
1 stick butter
2 tablespoons sour cream
1 1/2 teaspoons of spicy garlic seasoning
A great cut, which is less expensive than, say, New York strips, is a flank steak. Marinated properly, this cut is tender, juicy, and full of flavor. I generally switch between my favorite two marinades: Italian and Teriyaki.
And they're more simple than they sound. For both, I place the steak in a gallon-size Ziploc. For Italian, I add one to two cups (depending on the size of the steak) of Italian salad dressing into the bag. For Teriyaki, I add one to two cups of Teriyaki sauce. Marinate in the fridge for 6 to 24 hours before grilling.
While the Lumberjack does the grilling, I make the sides. Last night, I made my own recipe of Spicy Garlic Potatoes. Since there's only two of us, I started with 4 baking-sized Russet potatoes. I peeled them, cut them into quarters and added them into a pot of simmering water. Once they were soft, after about 30 minutes, I tosses them into my KitchenAid mixer, along with 1/8 cup of half and half, 1/8 cup of low-fat milk, 2 tablespoons of sour cream, and one stick of butter. For the spicy garlic part, I added in "Kay's Spicy Garlic Seasoning," a mixture she brought back from Big Creek. I suspect it's seasoning salt, cayenne pepper and some garlic power, along with some pepper. I added about 1 1/2 teaspoons of seasoning, mixed well, and served hot. Delish!
I would offer pictures, but it's tough to get a picture of a steak before the Lumberjack has made his move. When there's steak up for grabs, he doesn't wait for cameras and food arranging and blog preparation.
Spicy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients:
4-5 medium Russet potatoes
1/8 cup half and half
1/8 cup milk
1 stick butter
2 tablespoons sour cream
1 1/2 teaspoons of spicy garlic seasoning
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Banana Bread: Breakfast OR Dessert
Last night, when I got home from work, I noticed four over-ripe bananas sitting on top of my fridge. They were much too ripe to eat by themselves, but I knew they'd be just perfect for banana bread.
At my bridal shower, right before the Lumberjack and I got married, I was given a perfect banana bread recipe from a family friend. It's moist, simple, and delicious.
Ingredients
3 to 4 over-ripe bananas
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1 cup of nuts (optional)
Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Mash bananas in bowl. Mix in remaining ingredients. Bake in two to three mini-loaf pans for 30 to 45 minutes or until a knife comes out clean when you test it.
Serve warm for breakfast by itself.
But, since I made the banana bread after dinner, I was hankering for a little dessert. I served the bread warm, right out of the oven, and topped it with a scoop of slow-churned Butter Pecan ice cream. Since I hadn't added nuts to the banana bread recipe, the nuts in the ice cream were a perfect complement. It was scrumptious. So much, in fact, that may need to have it for dessert again tonight!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Now offering: Custom Invitations/Announcements
A few years ago, I worked in the most adorable bridal/invitation/paper shop in San Diego. I learned a lot of wedding etiquette and invitation design, along with announcements, menus, place cards and other paper products. Coupled with my design training and experience, I've started designing wedding invitations on my own. It started out being just for friends, and has evolved into more.
Officially, as of September 1, I will be accepting clients for custom event/wedding invitations and announcements. Everything I design, print and assemble is to order. You pick the colors, the styles, and I provide design samples. For more information, for a personal consultation or to schedule a meeting, please leave a comment or contact me at courtney.d.design@gmail.com. Below are some of my favorite samples.
Here is the first wedding invitation I did on my own, outside of the shop:
It was for my dear friends Matt and Jackie, who were married in March 2008. It included a shimmery orange paper as the back layer, with a shimmery yellow and then ivory layers on top. We printed in black and orange.
Some of my favorite invitations include the one I designed for my own wedding. They were 7"x7" pocket-fold invitations. The color I used was a shimmery red paper with linen-textured black and white as the matting and printing pieces. Here is the outside:
And the inside, with a floral vector image, printed in black and red. Included in the pocket are two inserts -- a location card and a response postcard:
One of my other favorite pieces for my own wedding was the "after wedding announcement" because we had a really small wedding and didn't invite everyone we probably should have. (The address is blurred out at the bottom, but it's printed clearly on the actual invite.)
And finally, my good friends Josh and Lisa got married over July 4th weekend this year. We used their engagement photos on one side since they didn't mail out save-the-dates, and matted the photo on a teal blue linen-textured paper.
On the back of their invitation, we printed the details, including their names in a teal blue to match the paper and their wedding Web site to gather more information and RSVP.
All designs are custom. Please note that I do not do letterpress or thermography at this time.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Homemade Pesto Pizza
The Lumberjack and I have a soft spot for pizza. But, no matter how hard I wish, pizza from Pizza Hut or even the frozen kind is not great for you. Instead, I make homemade pizza so I can control the calories. It's easy, delicious, and completely customizable.
Finally, add 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese. 
Slice and enjoy!
Ingredients
Pizza dough
Fresh Mozzarella
1/2 cup Shredded Mozzarella
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons Pesto
2-3 whole tomatoes
Directions
Preheat the oven to 500 degrees. Lightly spray a baking pan with Pam or similar greasing agent.
Slice the tomatoes thin and even so they bake at the same rate. Spread out your pizza dough (I like whole wheat from Trader Joe's) and place it on your baking pan. Spread 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh or store-bought pesto onto the dough. Top with tomato slices. Next, add freshly-sliced mozzarella. I like the kind that comes in water.
Finally, add 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the pizza crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Slice and enjoy!
Friday, August 7, 2009
Blueberry Muffins with Cinnamon Struesel
Costco is an evil, evil place.
Why? I love fruit, but Costco sells their fruit in packages to feed of family of 12. And between the Lumberjack and I, it's tough to eat 6 pounds of nectarines or 3 pounds of blueberries before they go bad. Luckily, Dutch helps with the nectarines, but I'm not so sure blueberries are good for dogs. And so, I set out to make Blueberry Muffins with Cinnamon Struesel, which I found on "Dishing Up Delights" and is originally from Vanilla Sugar.
Ingredients
Muffin Batter:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
1/3 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of 1 small lemon
1 cup fresh blueberries
Crumb topping:
1/2 cup white sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease muffin cups with Pam (or similar) cooking spray.
In a large bowl whisk together the flour, sugar, salt and baking powder.
In a separate bowl mix vegetable oil, the egg and milk, vanilla extract, and lemon zest.
Incorporate the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
Do not over mix, the batter will be thick and slightly lumpy.
Fold in blueberries.
Fill muffin cups to the top.
To make the crumb topping by mixing the sugar, flour, butter, and cinnamon. Mix with fork, and sprinkle over muffins before baking.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until done.
Enjoy warm with a glass of milk. Yum!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Blueberry Muffins with Cinnamon Struesel: A Preview
Last night, I made Blueberry Muffins with Cinnamon Struesel, courtesy of Dishing Up Delight's blog. But, when I finished making four batches of muffins, I was too tired to load the photos onto my computer and then onto my blog.
So, you're going to have to wait until tomorrow for the recipe and step-by-step photos.
Until then, I leave with you a teaser photo (courtesy of Dishing Up Delight):
So, you're going to have to wait until tomorrow for the recipe and step-by-step photos.
Until then, I leave with you a teaser photo (courtesy of Dishing Up Delight):
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Lemon Garlic Salmon with Rosemary Garlic Potatoes
Let me start out by saying that I have never been a fan of salmon. Never.
It a Pampered Chef food chopper, and I cannot live without it.
But, I'm also an adult and I'm pretty sure that obligates me to try new things.
So, last week, I made Lemon Garlic Salmon with some helpful tips from my co-worker's husband.
And. it. was. amazing.
Seriously, I couldn't get enough of it.
So I made it again, and had to share. My recipe is based on a one-pound piece of fish, big enough for two adults.
Ingredients
Salmon (1/2 pound per person)
A generous sprinkle of Lemon Pepper seasoning
A generous sprinkle of Garlic Salt
3 to 4 cloves fresh garlic
1 large lemon
1 lime
2 tablespoons butter
Directions
Preheat over to 350 degrees. Slice half of the lemon and lime and place on the bottom of your baking dish, so the salmon won't stick. Squeeze the other half of the lemon and lime onto the fish.
Next, generously sprinkle Lemon Pepper seasoning and Garlic Salt on the salmon.
Finally, finely mince the garlic cloves. It helps if you have one of these:
It a Pampered Chef food chopper, and I cannot live without it.Mince the garlic and sprinkle it onto the fish.
Place the seasoned fish onto the lemon and lime slices.
Add a few pats of butter on top of the fish.
And bake for 15 minutes.
During the last few minutes, set the oven to "Broil" to crisp up the garlic.
The salmon should be an opaque pink all the way through and should flake when you cut into it with a fork.
With the salmon, I like to serve from Rosemary-Herb Bread or another kind of starch.
This time, I made some of my famous (at least to my family) Rosemary Garlic Potatoes.
Ingredients
1 pound of baby potatoes
1 or 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
A generous sprinkle of garlic salt
A generous pour of olive oil
Directions
The great thing about these potatoes is you can bake them at the same temperature as whatever other dish you're making. Since the salmon is cooking at 350 degrees, so will my potatoes.
Slice the potatoes so they are the same thickness and will cook evenly. You can use a knife if you're skilled, or you can cheat like I do and use this amazing mandolin. 
Sprinkle a little olive oil on a baking sheet and spread the potatoes on top so they are not overlapping at all. Chop up your rosemary and sprinkle over the potatoes.
Sprinkle a little olive oil on a baking sheet and spread the potatoes on top so they are not overlapping at all. Chop up your rosemary and sprinkle over the potatoes. Then give the whole dish a generous sprinkling of garlic salt. Bake for 15 minutes or until the potatoes are soft and golden brown. Serve with salmon.
I'd show you a picture of the finished project, but the Lumberjack and I were starving (it was nearly 8 p.m. by the time we ate dinner) and we wolfed it down before I could take one photo. But, I promise, it looks as pretty as it tastes!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
My Goal: To Be a Stay-at-Home Mom
I have a confession to make.
And it might not make everyone happy.
In fact, it may upset people who believe it's a waste of time and a step backwards in the feminist movement.
But here it goes:
As much as I enjoy working and being a career woman, my goal in the long run is to be a stay-at-home mom (SAHM).
There, I said it.
I know, I know: I have a Bachelor's degree and a career. Don't get me wrong, I love both. But when it comes down to it, putting my baby in daycare everyday so I can continue with my career is simply not an option. Like my own mother, I want to be there when my baby says his/her first word or takes his/her first step.
And for that reason, the Lumberjack and I have discussed not starting our family until we can financially afford for me to comfortably stay at home and raise our kids. That point of financial stability may not come for 10 or even 15 years, but it's worth waiting for so that I can accomplish my goal of always being there. (With what I know about my Lumberjack's work ethic, I'd be shocked if it was longer than five years.)
But right now, I feel kind of lost. Being a stay-at-home mom isn't reality now, and until it becomes now, I'm at a standstill. Unlike other goals, there isn't anything I can do to make this goal become a reality any sooner.
Reading Whitney's blog, My Journey Toward the Glamorous Life of a Housewife, inspires me.
I know it will all be worth it one day when I can look into that little face and have the confidence that I will not miss a moment. But until then, all I have is the hope and dream that it will all be worth it.
And it might not make everyone happy.
In fact, it may upset people who believe it's a waste of time and a step backwards in the feminist movement.
But here it goes:
As much as I enjoy working and being a career woman, my goal in the long run is to be a stay-at-home mom (SAHM).
There, I said it.
I know, I know: I have a Bachelor's degree and a career. Don't get me wrong, I love both. But when it comes down to it, putting my baby in daycare everyday so I can continue with my career is simply not an option. Like my own mother, I want to be there when my baby says his/her first word or takes his/her first step.
And for that reason, the Lumberjack and I have discussed not starting our family until we can financially afford for me to comfortably stay at home and raise our kids. That point of financial stability may not come for 10 or even 15 years, but it's worth waiting for so that I can accomplish my goal of always being there. (With what I know about my Lumberjack's work ethic, I'd be shocked if it was longer than five years.)
But right now, I feel kind of lost. Being a stay-at-home mom isn't reality now, and until it becomes now, I'm at a standstill. Unlike other goals, there isn't anything I can do to make this goal become a reality any sooner.
Reading Whitney's blog, My Journey Toward the Glamorous Life of a Housewife, inspires me.
I know it will all be worth it one day when I can look into that little face and have the confidence that I will not miss a moment. But until then, all I have is the hope and dream that it will all be worth it.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
A Reflection: The Engagement
It was May 21, 2006. The Lumberjack and I had talked about getting married, we had shopped for a ring, we had even read one of those "101 questions before you get engaged" books. We were spending a wonderful weekend at my parents' home since he was living in San Diego, and I just knew he was going to propose to me that weekend.
And when I looked back at him, he was down on one knee. 
I started freaking out. (He later admitted to me he was so excited, he was shaking.)
And then he said, "Oh, by the way, my friends Tori and Dave have been over there taking pictures of the whole thing."
But he didn't.
Oh, he asked a question, all right. He asked, "Wanna go out on a date next weekend?"
Well, sure.
He wouldn't tell me where we were going and, after my disappointment from the previous weekend, I didn't want to get my hopes up. (I mean, who I am kidding? I made sure my nails were freshly manicured for two months before he popped the question, just so I'd be ready to show of my new ring the second it was on my perfectly-polished finger.)
I didn't want to get my hopes up but, being the silly girl I am, I pulled a silky white dress out of my closet and borrowed some pearl earrings from my mom. I even bought some cute heels to go with the dress, you know, just in case.
He drove me downtown and took me to Blue Ginger, a swanky Chinese restaurant I had been dying to go to. The food was delicious and the atmosphere was incredibly romantic. The meal ended, and I suggested we go to the beach and watch the sunset. He suggested Shelter Island, a place we'd go to watch the boats on the harbor and be alone.
I agreed. When we arrived, he took me over to the Bali Hai and I had a good feeling it was finally coming. I knew his dad had asked his mom to marry him in the gardens behind the Bali Hai. But he kept walking. Again, I was disappointed but tried not to get my hopes up.
We walked over to a gazebo shaped like a shell that had been built in the grass near the water. We stood in the middle and looked up at the middle of the shell.
And when I looked back at him, he was down on one knee. I started freaking out. (He later admitted to me he was so excited, he was shaking.)He told me how he brought me to this spot because we had shared to much time there. He then asked me if I would do him the honor of becoming his wife. "YES, YES, YES!"
We hugged; we kissed; we laughed.
And then he said, "Oh, by the way, my friends Tori and Dave have been over there taking pictures of the whole thing."WOW.
He knows me well. Not only did he pick out the ring of my dreams, he knew I'd want photos to commemorate the best day of my life, up until that point at least. 
It was the most romantic day of my life, and everything was absolutely perfect. I didn't even cry until the photographers left.
It was the most romantic day of my life, and everything was absolutely perfect. I didn't even cry until the photographers left. Looking back at the photos from that day makes me smiles. We were so young, so in love. The great thing about it is, we're still young, and even more in love.
So many people had told me that marriage would change our relationship, and not necessarily in a good way.
I loved the Lumberjack when he proposed to me, but it was a fraction compared to my love for him now.
Everything about that moment was perfect, but it was just one of many more perfect moments together.
Marriage was the best thing that has ever happened to me--to us--but I'll blog about that later.
Monday, July 20, 2009
*My favorite* chocolate chip cookie recipe EVER
I have a confession to make.
I make some of the best chocolate chip cookies I've ever eaten.
But secretly, it's just the Ghirardelli recipe.
I've tried dozens of others, and this is my favorite. I've thought of modifying it to make it my own, but why mess with a perfect thing?
The ironic thing is, I never use Ghirardelli chocolate chips. I prefer Toll House semi-sweet.
Here's the recipe:
Ingredients
1 cup butter
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 1/4 cups unsifted flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
11 1/2 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
I've made this recipe so many times, I have it memorized.
Here's what you do:
Directions
Heat the oven to 375 degrees.
The Ghirardelli recipe says to mix the flour, baking soda and salt in a separate bowl, but we all know no one does that.
Use softened butter or melt it down until it's soft and then cream with sugar, brown sugar and vanilla. Add eggs one at a time and cream. When it's mixed, dump in 1 cup of flour before adding the baking soda and salt. Mix again, add the rest of the flour and continue until combined. Then, dump in the chocolate chips (I never measure) and mix on "low" if you're a rebel. If you like rules, mix by hand at this point.
Nuts are optional, but no one really thinks chocolate chip cookies are better with nuts. No one.
Roll into balls and bake for 9 to 11 minutes.
And, voila! Enjoy these little babies, because they are so good!
Photo courtesy of ghirardelli.com
Thursday, July 16, 2009
High School Reunion
My five-year high school reunion was last Saturday.
And I didn't go.
Part of the reason is that the people I have wanted to keep in touch with after high school, I have.
The second reason is that I feel like I'm in such a different place and would have absolutely nothing to talk about.
The third reason is that I'm very OK with leaving high school in the past.
The funny thing about high school is, when you're there, you think, "This is it." I remember thinking that high school was the most important time of my life. But it wasn't. Not even close.
A girl I went to high school with commented via Facebook that the reunion would be a lot of "So what are you up to?" "Not much. Just finished college, looking for a job, living with my parents." "Oh sweet, me too." And that's probably true for the most part.
But that's all foreign to me because I graduated, have had a full-time job and my own place for over a year now. I've also been married for over a year and haven't lived in Orange County with my parents since I left five years ago.
It's not that I think I've done better or worse than anyone from my high school, it's that we don't have much in common. And really, what's the point? I don't live there; I'd never go out with any of them; and I have no desire to "brag" about what I've done in the last five years; and I highly doubt many of them even care.
Instead, I'd rather spend time with people from high school that I am still friends with, by choice. I'd rather spend time with Cody, who's been one of my best friends for eight years despite dating, distance and more drama than I care to remember.
Or Kaitlin, who is pretty much my soul mate and best friend for nine-plus years despite drama, deaths, thousands of miles and boys between us. Or a small handful of others who I know will be there for me five, 10, or even 15 years from now.
After looking through the pictures, I am so relieved I didn't go. The truth of it is, parts of high school were great and I will always cherish those memories. But I didn't peak in high school. And, who I am now isn't who I was in high school. And many of the people I was "friends" with in high school aren't my friends now.
Mostly, I love things how they are now and have no need to go try to relive the past.
To me, high school is just the beginning of finding out who you are. And finding out who your true friends are, even if you look silly while doing it.
Senior Cruise with Kaitlin, dressed as saloon girls. Nov. 2003.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Weddings, Fourth of July, etc.
I know, it's been almost a month since my last post. But, I can explain.
It's an awful lot of excitement for a corgi puppy, though you can't tell from the picture above. In fact, he looks like he's hating it, but he actually had a pretty good time. 
See, there he is swimming along. He kind of looks terrified there, too, but he figured out the whole swimming thing pretty quickly.
See, first I had about a trillion (that's not an exaggeration) wedding-related events. Being in weddings take up a lot of time, even when they're not your own.
On June 26, the Lumberjack was the best man when our dear friends Drew and Christine got married.
And then, one week later on July 3, I was the matron of honor when our dear friends Lisa and Josh got married. 
Then, the day after Lisa and Josh's wedding, the Lumberjack and I spent the weekend in Orange County with our parents for the Fourth of July.
The most exciting part of that was: Dutch learned how to swim!
The most exciting part of that was: Dutch learned how to swim!
It's an awful lot of excitement for a corgi puppy, though you can't tell from the picture above. In fact, he looks like he's hating it, but he actually had a pretty good time. See, there he is swimming along. He kind of looks terrified there, too, but he figured out the whole swimming thing pretty quickly.And, as long as one of us was holding him, he seemed to relax and enjoy the cool water on such a hot day. 
He did occasionally look to my mom, who was taking pictures, for help. But, each time he'd swim to the steps and get out of the pool, he walk around and try to get back in. The thing is, he's a baby, so he wasn't brave enough so jump in. Plus, when he does jump/fall in, he sinks. Silly dog.
But he definitely had a fun time swimming. In the photo above, he's swimming to me. Such a good boy!
And his daddy was so proud not to have a wussy dog!
Friday, June 19, 2009
Oreo Truffles
On Saturday, I am throwing a killer bachelorette party. And, what party is complete without a little chocolate?
To satisfy our cravings, I decided to make Oreo Truffles! Delish!
Here's what you'll need:
1 package Oreo Cookies, finely crushed
1 package (8 oz.) Cream Cheese, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla
Semi-Sweet Chocolate or Candy Melts (found at Michaels, etc.)
Put package of Oreos into a food processor. Blend until cookies are finely crushed. If you don't have a food processor, you can do this the old fashioned way by using a Ziploc bag and a rolling pin.
Dump crushed cookies into mixing bowl. Add package of cream cheese (you can soften cream cheese in the microwave by heating it on High for 10 seconds) and 1 teaspoon vanilla.
Melt chocolate ( I used baby blue, vanilla-flavored candy melts) over a double-boiler or in the microwave (use the defrost of 50% power setting).
Refrigerate (or freeze) 1 hour or until firm. Store in an airtight container.
If you're feeling really fancy, you can sprinkle some extra Oreo crumbs or sprinkles on top of the truffle before the chocolate hardens.
To satisfy our cravings, I decided to make Oreo Truffles! Delish!
Here's what you'll need:
1 package Oreo Cookies, finely crushed
1 package (8 oz.) Cream Cheese, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla
Semi-Sweet Chocolate or Candy Melts (found at Michaels, etc.)
Put package of Oreos into a food processor. Blend until cookies are finely crushed. If you don't have a food processor, you can do this the old fashioned way by using a Ziploc bag and a rolling pin.
Dump crushed cookies into mixing bowl. Add package of cream cheese (you can soften cream cheese in the microwave by heating it on High for 10 seconds) and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Mix/blend until combined and sticky looking. It helps if you have one of these:
Roll into balls and put in the freezer for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Melt chocolate ( I used baby blue, vanilla-flavored candy melts) over a double-boiler or in the microwave (use the defrost of 50% power setting). Dips Oreo balls in melted chocolate and place on waxed paper.
I used both candy melts (in blue and yellow) and semi-sweet chocolate chips. I found the easiest way to dip the truffles was to add two or three at a time to the bowl and roll each one using two forks.
Refrigerate (or freeze) 1 hour or until firm. Store in an airtight container.
If you're feeling really fancy, you can sprinkle some extra Oreo crumbs or sprinkles on top of the truffle before the chocolate hardens.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Chicken Pot Pie
There's something about Chicken Pot Pie that I love. Between the tender chicken, the rich sauce and the flaky dough, I'm in food heaven.
1 package pie crusts (2 crusts)
2 tablespoons butter
Meanwhile, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add cooked vegetables. I prefer only carrots and peas, but you can use celery, onions, Lima beans, corn or basically any vegetables you have in your freezer. Stir for one minute.
Next, add the shredded chicken. You can use chicken from a rotisserie style chicken from the grocery store, or you can bake two medium-sized chicken breasts and shred them. I normally bake two chicken breasts, seasoned with salt and pepper, for 45 minutes at 350 degrees the night before. Stir chicken and vegetable mixture for one more minute.
Next, add 3 tablespoons of flour and salt/pepper to taste. Stir until flour in incorporated.
Then, turn up skillet heat to medium-high and add 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth.
Stir constantly and allow sauce to thicken.
Once sauce has thickened, pour the chicken and vegetable mixture into your already-baked pie crust.
Place the second pie crust on top.
Crimp the edges and cut about four slits in the top to allow the steam to escape.
Turn the oven down to 350 degrees and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the top crust is golden brown.
The only times I used to eat pot pie before this recipe were either at Marie Calenders or if I picked up a pre-made one from Costco. But, with this recipe, I can make Chicken Pot Pie anytime I want, and not feel guilty about it either.
To make this recipe, you will need:
1 package pie crusts (2 crusts)2 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 cups chopped, cooked vegetables
2 cups (packed) shredded cooked chicken
3 tablespoons all purpose flour
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Start by preheating the oven to 450 degrees. Unroll one pie crust into a glass pie dish. I use the kind in the refrigerated section with the cookie and pastry doughs. Bake for 7 to 8 minutes or until the crust is brown.
Meanwhile, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add cooked vegetables. I prefer only carrots and peas, but you can use celery, onions, Lima beans, corn or basically any vegetables you have in your freezer. Stir for one minute.Next, add the shredded chicken. You can use chicken from a rotisserie style chicken from the grocery store, or you can bake two medium-sized chicken breasts and shred them. I normally bake two chicken breasts, seasoned with salt and pepper, for 45 minutes at 350 degrees the night before. Stir chicken and vegetable mixture for one more minute.Next, add 3 tablespoons of flour and salt/pepper to taste. Stir until flour in incorporated.Then, turn up skillet heat to medium-high and add 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth.Stir constantly and allow sauce to thicken.Once sauce has thickened, pour the chicken and vegetable mixture into your already-baked pie crust.Place the second pie crust on top.Turn the oven down to 350 degrees and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the top crust is golden brown.
Yum!
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