Zombie Boy

Happy Halloween!

Zombie Boy made out like a bandit on the candy front!

Much love.

You know you are old when…

You get excited about renting a CARPET CLEANER for the day. 

Yup, this Sunday I will be cleaning my carpets and I am actually excited!  The landlord will be happy too.  I plan on renting one from Home Depot for $29 for the day.  Pretty good deal in my opinion.  I’m sure I will have to purchase cleaning liquid and then dedicate a few hours to the actual cleaning process, but it still beats spending $200+ on a professional cleaning.  I will not be moving furniture because the furniture hasn’t moved since we moved in and it won’t be moving until we move out.  At that point I am required by contract to have the carpets professional cleaned…even though I don’t think the previous renters hired a quality carpet cleaning company… 

I intend on moving tables and chairs into rooms without carpet, but and putting foil around wooden legs of objects that can’t be moved, but aside from that I don’t really know what to do…luckily, I am pretty good at reading and following directions.  Has anyone every rented a carpet cleaner from Home Depot?  Any suggestions on the best method to quickly and smoothly clean your carpets? 

 

Much love.

Halloween Flashback!!

Happy Halloween!!
I love this holiday so very much!
So, I've decided to show you a little bit of me through the years on this glorious day! 
I apologize for the quality of these pictures, they are photos of photos because they were all taken before the digital age.
*I'm kind of in shock that I can say that.

My brother and I.  He's a Bumble Bee and I am Mini!  Homemade costumes of course :)  

This year I was Daisy Duck. 

My Donald wasn't in my life for quite some time after this, but I promise you, one day I will get my Donald to wear yellow tights and a stuffed pillowcase for a tail!

I have other costume photos, but I am having difficulty uploading pictures, so two will have to do for this year.  Happy Halloween!!  If you have kiddos, embrace the holiday with them!  Make it a wonderful memory to dress up, trick or treat and be crazy fun!!  Be a kid!  It's totally worth it and one of the main reasons I love Halloween so much!  I'll be trick or treating with my little zombie tonight :)

Much love.

Halloween 2012: Black Swan

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays!

Thinking of a creative costume is the most challenging part,

but this year I think I succeeded. 

Making the costume is super fun!

Play the part is hands down the best aspect of Halloween!

If you are going to dress up, go all out.

 

My attempt at a pose...totally incorrect probably, but I tried.

Love this "Swan" pose

Love the eyes

Black and white

 

Prim & Proper

I can still do a leg extension!!  Yay!

My face.

I am in love with my eye makeup.

 

I won the "most original" costume at the Dance Halloween Party on Friday!

On Saturday, my dance studio and I danced along the Wicked 10k. 

We did Gangham Style and the runners loved it!!

What are you being this Halloween?

Do you make your costumes?

 

Much love.

Hurricane Sandy.

For concerned family and friends, we will be fine through hurricane Sandy…if she even hits.  Now that I have written that, she will knock us off our feet like Sandy did to Danny in Grease!  

 

Our windows are still taped from last year…or was it the year before?!  No, it was last year.  Why take it down when it’s clear and you never see it through the curtains or blinds?  We still have water from last year’s hurricane scare as well.  I have plenty of wine and nonperishable food to sustain mental sanity and physical health through power outages and too much time stuck inside.  Flashlights, candles, board games, friends are all on hand and completely vital!  I’ll be sure to take pictures!!  Yay!  Fingers crossed the tunnels close so that work and school is canceled! 

Ok.  In all seriousness, we will be totally fine.  Thanks for the concerned texts and calls. 

Much love.

Coffee Talk: Week 7

It's coffee talk time with Natalie Blair!  I missed last week due to insanity at work, at home...basically across all spectrums of live, but I am happy to say that I am back and the topic this week is very fitting..MUSIC!!  Ahh!! It makes my heart sing!

 

 

 

What is in your playlist?

Umm…everything and I LOVE it that way!  I’ve got some country, some N’SYNC and Brittany, Ingrid Michealson, some classical, lots of alternative, new-age stuff, my power women - ADELE, PINK, Amy Winehouse, Christina, and my up and coming artists - Dawes, Sam&Ruby and others …here’s a sample of what I’ve been listening too from an old blog post:  I Heart Music!

And here's a sample of the list so that you don't have to click to another page :)

 Joe Purdy - "Washed Away" 

 Edward Sharp - "Man on Fire" (I LOVE THIS SONG)

The Civil Wars - They performed at the Grammy's. Cool little duo!Mat Kearney - "Ships In The Night" - 

They Might Be Giants - "Istanbul" - It's funny! You'll enjoy!  

Sia - "Breathe Me" -

What is the funniest YouTube video you always go to when you need a laugh (or if you just wanna watch it)?

I don’t do this, but if I need a song that will get my going it’s Blame It On The Girls by Mika

 

Favorite song in the whole wide world that you never get sick of and it's on repeat.

Man on Fire by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

Do you have any embarrassing songs/singers/bands that you like?

I totally love Call Me Maybe and the new Bieber song.  They just make me want to dance and that is key for me. Oh and I am totally into Carrie Underwood's new CD.  The third song, Two Black Cadillacs is shocking... Just listen.
 

 

 What's that ONE song that ALWAYS makes you cry?

Turn Around by Nanci Griffith.

 

It was my father-daughter dance song and it was a totally surprise.  That was one of the special little things we did at my wedding.  The father daughter and mother son songs were chosen by our parents.  It wasn’t until they were played at the wedding that we knew what song it was.  I burst into tears.  Just listen to the words and you’ll know why.

I love my dad so much! He is the perfect father for me.

 

My father and I are music lovers and the first artist I fell in love with at the age of 5 was Nanci Griffith.  He chose the perfect song for us to dance to!  Love you daddy!

What song have you recently heard, that you can't seem to get out of your head?

This should have been the first question because now I have every song I just wrote about in my head...BUT, I do have the line DON't LET A GROWN MAN CRY on repeat in my head.  Ugh.  That must get out of my head immediately.  :)

Much love.

 

For My Mental Sanity.

I haven’t done a bucket list in quite some time and I think I should hop back on the bandwagon because I love to cross things off a list and I truly think I’m more productive when I have a list.  Half the week is over, but I still have lots to do, so here I go…

Edit pin up pictures I took for a few girlfriends. I literally took 1200 pictures because it was foreign territory for all involved and we just wanted to get them done.  I have edited a bunch of them, I’, just not quite done yet and I need to finish.

Clean. My bedroom is a disaster.  I have clean laundry, dirty laundry, shoes, pillows, books, everything just piled on the floor.  It needs a cleaning.  Vacuum…there are leaves everywhere.  I love fall, but I swear I can have the floor spotless and within seconds of a miniature human or a dog coming through the door, there are leaves everywhere…The rest of the cleaning needs to get done as well, but the bedroom and the floors are of prime importance.

Christmas Shop/Craft.  I REALLY need to start getting some presents purchased and made.  I have a list of everything that I need to buy by person, but I also have a list of everything I need to make by person.  I have lots of sewing, photographing, developing and framing in my future.  I have some great ideas, but they happen to take this little thing called TIME.  And TIME has decided to vanish from my life. 

Mail BELATED Birthday cards.  When I say “belated” I mean like a month old.  I pretty much am the worst daughter in law and sister… SorryL  I used to be soo good at getting cards to people on time, but that just isn’t the case anymore.  I really need to work on it.

Pay Bills & Sort Mail. Totally not fun, but completely necessary.

Dance. This one is for ME!!  I am dancing tonight and tomorrow and Friday, oh and Saturday morning!!!  Tonight and tomorrow are by myself.  Friday is with my hubby for a Halloween party and Saturday is for the Wicked 10k!  Speaking of Halloween…I need to make a costume as well! 

Make Costume. I am going to be Black Swan for Halloween and I have the material to make the costume, I just haven’t even started making it…Oops.  I better get a move on it because I need to wear this outfit on Friday.  That doesn’t give me much time…

Much love.

Soffritto

An Italian friend of mine introduced me to Suffritto a few weeks ago.  He made a huge batch at home, gave me an extra jar and told me to add it to anything…eggs, veggies, soups, meats, etc.  I;ve been doing just that and our meals have been delicious!  My husband made Turkey Meatloaf with a tsp of soffritto and it was divine.  I added a tsp to a pot of French Onion soup and received tons of compliments.  This little gem will forever be a part of my kitchen.

 

 

Here is a recipe that I found.  It isn’t identical to the one I am consuming because, well because Italians are secretive about their recipes. 

 

“Soffritto” means, “fry slowly”: It is a mix of tastes and smells, vegetables and aromatic herbs, that need to be fried slowly prior to use as the ingredient of a recipe.

Soffritto is a mix of finely minced vegetables and aromatic herbs. The most basic of soffritto consists of a mix of onions, carrots, celery, garlic, salt, extra virgin olive oil, and sometimes vinegar (made of wine) or white wine. The garlic can be minced and mixed in, or fried cooked in cloves, and then taken out of the mix, but it must be slowly fried with the rests. In general, the tastier the dish you are preparing, the more aromatic the soffritto.

Soffritto can be prepared in advance, and then stored, raw, in small glass jars tightly sealed: you can keep them in a cup board (there is no need to keep them in the fridge it since salt and vinegar are great natural preservatives). You can keep the jars sealed for up to two months, but no more than a week, and then in the fridge once opened. Or you can make the soffritto on the go, when you need it.

The ingredients and the quantities that make a great soffritto are indicated below. “Must” have ingredients are shown as are the optional one. Should you like a taste or smell more than another, you can vary the quantities slightly. What is important is that all the components are used, more or less in the amounts indicated.

This much soffritto can be stored in two small jars, and it will be enough for 20 servings of pasta.

80 gr. (1,6 oz) of Onions ( must be in)

80 gr. (1,6 oz) of Carrots ( must be in)

60 gr. (1,0 oz) of Celery ( must be in)

5 gr. (one clove) of garlic ( must be in)

10 gr. (0,2 ox) of Salt ( must be in)

10 gr. (0,2 oz) Extra Virgin Oil ( must be in)

2 gr. (0,05 oz) of Vinegar from wine ( must be in)

20 gr. (0,4 oz) Rosemary (optional)

10 gr. (0,2 oz) Sage (optional)

25 gr. (0,5 oz) Persil (optional)

20 gr. (0,4 oz) Basil (optional)

Preparation

Preparing the soffritto is very simple: you need a knife, a rocking knife, a wooden board to cut the veggies on, and one or more jars to store it. Wash carefully the vegetables and the aromatic herbs, cut them with a knife first, mix them, and then mince them with the rocking knife. Put the chopped veggies in a jar, add the extra virgin olive oil, the vinegar and the salt, mix well and then seal the pot.

If you prepare this recipe on the go, then put the compound in a frying pan and slow fry until the vegetables become soft and a little of a yellow-brownish colour: add some white vine, as necessary, not to let the thing burn.

 

Make this and your world will change! 

Much love.

Run Like A Girl 8k

More Ugly Running Pictures!

Although, I do have to admit that I think I look better in these photos then in the Mud Run photos.

 

Run Like A Girl 8k

was an all female run for Ovarian Cancer.

We decided to wear purple so threw a ribbon in my hair as well.

B43 - That's me!

 

Oh me and my facial expressions.  I am probably Woo'ing here because we were The Woo Girls!

As you can see, it was a trail run.

There were lots of roots, hills, fallen trees, and narrow paths to navigate.

 

It was fun!!  I'm even smiling!

Getting into stride was really challenging. 

It didn't happen until the open stretch after mile marker 4 for me. 

I think my time would have been much better if it weren't for that,

but I did really enjoy running in the woods.

Having my focus be on foot placement and not falling helped me forget

about any pain, fatigue, etc.

Love having a good running partner! 

It was a fun race! 

I'm stoked to run a few more...maybe one in a Santa hat!

 

Much love. 

Special Prayer Request

My gramma couldn’t be woken this morning and has been rushed to the hospital.  She has fluid in her lungs and is extremely weak.  If you could say a little prayer for her, I’d truly appreciate it.  I promise to keep you special intentions in my prayers as well.

Peggy is the sweet gramma!  I love her dearly and wish I lived closer to home to visit more often. 

She loves being surrounded by her family!!  We love you Gramma!  Get better soon!!  Muah!

 

Much love.

Weekend Happenings

After a very long week of work, date night was the necessary medicine to start off the weekend!  Hubby and I headed to Gordon Biersch for a few microbrews and great food!  It was nice to be out to dinner just the two of us without any distractions.  We ate really slow…probably annoying slow to the waiter, but heck, we had time and we wanted to enjoy it!  The food was really good!  I got a Lobster bisque while Ryan enjoyed a mushroom artichoke soup.  Then we shared a veggie pizza that was piled high with fresh veggies.  And to top it off, we got a peanut butter cheesecake!  When in Rome…  After dinner, we headed to a sports bar to meet up with some friends.  The Giants were playing, so my California boy was all excited!  Heck, if the Phillies were playing, I would have been pumped!! I left early because my girlfriend was driving in.

 

Jamie arrive around 10/10:30 and immediately the wine was poured and the girl talk started!  Leslie came over and we all hung out in the living room and talked…a  lot.  It was super relaxing and exactly what was needed after a long week of work and a very long drive.  Thanks for making the drive chica!  Bed quickly followed.

Saturday morning was glorious!  I slept in, but not quite as long as everyone else so I was able to make a lovely pot of coffee and enjoy my book while snuggling with my puppy all alone!  If there is one reason to get up before the rest of the house, that’s it…for me.  I love to curl up on the couch and enjoy a good book and a cup of coffee while the air smells fresh and the day is just starting.  Ahhh…heavenly.

 

 

Saturday was a big day…WINE FEST!  Jamie, Leslie, Melissa, Allie and myself all went to wine fest and tasted our way through multiple wineries!  Some were excellent, others were not so good…the herb wine isn’t my cup of tea.  Overall, the day was awesome!  We saw a cruise pull out, some of us made new friends, we ate a lot and we drank wine outside with the ladies! 

 

 

 

After wine fest, we all went back to my house and ate pulled pork, played Apples to Apples, and roasted marshmallows for smores out back!  The girls kept drinking, but I chugged water…at least a gallon…because I had an 8k race the next day. 

 

Early to bed was not the case, but feeling like a million bucks when I woke up at 7am was the case!  One cup of coffee, two eggs, a piece of toast and I was ready to rock and roll for Ovarian Cancer with my ladies!  Team Woo Girls represented in purple with little handmade signs on their backs! 

 

 

This 8k was a trail run, so we had to be really aware of where our feet were landing.  There were some close calls with roots, but luckily I think we only had one fall out of the 5 of us!  That right there is pretty impressive!  The trails were very narrow and hilly…getting into a stide was nearly impossible.  I truly don’t think I got into a stride until after the 4 mile marker.   Jonell and I ran together and finished in 55:25.  11 minute mile pace…not too shabby if I do say so myself given the conditions. 

The rest of the gang followed behind, but we all finished with a smile on our face!  Good job ladies!!  Thanks a bunch for coming out and Running Like a Girl for Ovarian Cancer!!  Wooo!!!

After the race, I went home, changed quickly and headed up to the golf course to watch my honey win his Club Championship!  Jared and I took a golf cart out to see him play the last 3 holes.  I wore my golf skirt just for him.  J  He is three for three in Club Championships!  Congrats baby, I am very proud of you! 

 

 

Isn't he a cutie?

We went for a celebratory lunch afterwards and then took a nice nap.  Ahh!  My body needed some sleep badly. 

The day ended with a pinup photography session for some friends and homemade French Onion soup!!!  Yum!!

 

Much love.

Photography Session for a Friend

On Friday, I photographed my friend at a local park as a present for her Grandmother.  This was the first time that I took pictures of someone by request.  I learned that it is very challenging to get a good shot.  There are so many little details that you don't notice until you are in the editing process, such as hand placement, hair in the face, grass movement, feet, etc.  I had a blast doing it, but am very aware that I need all the practice at shooting and editing that I can get.  Luckily, I have some wonderful girlfriends who will by my subjects for the time being! Thanks ladies.

 

Here is the beautiful Leslie!

 

 

 

 

 

Opinions please.  I am open to any and all comments. 

Much love.