Thursday, March 31, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Boob tube
I love television. Like, I REALLY, REALLY love television. And as much as I love warmth and sunshine, summer puts me in a major bind. Do I go outside because that's the socially acceptable thing to do on this most perfect day or would it be alright for me to stay in the air conditioning and watch tv?
I usually choose tv.
In no way am I about to blame my parents for this either. This is a heartfelt thank you! Thank you for not making me play sports when I was a child because I truly hate sports and thank you for not forcing me to go play outside because I also hate smelling like outdoors. And thank you for not setting many restrictions when it came to television. Don't get any wild thoughts though! There were major channel restrictions just not many time restrictions. MTV was a big no-no and my head exploded the first time I saw The Real World. It was season two.
I've been watching tv for a long time and 2011 has hit me really hard. I've had to say goodbye to my most favorite show of all time, Friday Night Lights. I loved you like I've loved no other.
I usually choose tv.
In no way am I about to blame my parents for this either. This is a heartfelt thank you! Thank you for not making me play sports when I was a child because I truly hate sports and thank you for not forcing me to go play outside because I also hate smelling like outdoors. And thank you for not setting many restrictions when it came to television. Don't get any wild thoughts though! There were major channel restrictions just not many time restrictions. MTV was a big no-no and my head exploded the first time I saw The Real World. It was season two.
I've been watching tv for a long time and 2011 has hit me really hard. I've had to say goodbye to my most favorite show of all time, Friday Night Lights. I loved you like I've loved no other.
'Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can't Lose'
Words to live by.
Words to live by.
On to happier things.... there are still so many shows to watch! If you're ever wanting to have a conversation with me and you don't know what to say (happens all the time, lots of people want to convo with me) television talk is usually the best thing to go with. If you want to get a ruuulllll rise out of me, bring up Teen Mom or Teen Mom 2. Amazing! Side note: Jenelle just got arrested for beating a girl up. Never fear, her lawyer thinks she was set up.
A few things weighing heavy on my mind:
-Who knows the difference between reality and script these days? Thanks Kardashians. I mean, what was the deal with Scott's personal assistant, Dale?
-Why do all the chubbs on The Biggest Loser have to also have "emotional" issues? Why can't they just like food?
-Isn't polygamy suppose to be super interesting to the outside world? Not if you're Kody or one of his four wives! I gave Sister Wives a second chance, my bad. That whole family is minus a personality.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Enchuligoon,Inchooligune,Entschuldigung
Well, it's that time of year again. We're headed home to Chicago! But first, a stop in Munich.
We don't fly out of Munich until Thursday, but we're going there tomorrow to stay with our friends Mike and Kristen for a few days. Our times with them are filled with eating, laughing, and arguing. There's arguing between Derek and I, Kristen and Mike, Kristen and myself, and Kristen and Derek, but NEVER between Derek and Mike.
Mike was Derek's roommate in college and I'm so happy the stars aligned and brought them together. They're a match made in heaven. Kristen on the other hand is a PIECE OF WORK! This girl is constantly making me do things I don't want to do. Examples: Make french toast for her, buy an all day sledding pass to sled down the mountain 28 times (my gloves weren't exactly waterproof Kristen), and go to Dachau, a former concentration camp. Not to mention she's a dietician and personal trainer and she tells me my walks with the dog (UPHILL) are not burning very many calories. I tried to make her like me more by telling her about the exercise class I like to take in the summer, The Bar Method, and she said those are the things she does with her clients when they don't feel like moving. A few months ago she called to ask me if I would like to get an hour long massage for like $20 on Groupon. Duh, yeah, I want that. Well, I'm not going to get it because she never ordered it! This girl is the worst!
I'm psyched for Munich. I've had the opportunity to go to quite a few cities over here and other than Paris, I'm going to go out on a limb and say that Munich is my second favorite city. I think it's because we always have so much fun there and because it's so big with so many things from home, life feels normal for a few days. Our trip there always comes right when we need it along with a Mexican din din right when we need it. Guacamole and tacos served by Germans always hits the spot!
I probably won't be able to blog while I'm there because the conditions in their apartment don't allow for much writing. Kristen's usually yelling or at least speaking loudly to me and that doesn't allow me to go to my happy place.
Goodbyeeeeee Italy!
Next stop: A land where ranch flows like a river and clouds are made of chocolate chip cookies.
We don't fly out of Munich until Thursday, but we're going there tomorrow to stay with our friends Mike and Kristen for a few days. Our times with them are filled with eating, laughing, and arguing. There's arguing between Derek and I, Kristen and Mike, Kristen and myself, and Kristen and Derek, but NEVER between Derek and Mike.
Mike was Derek's roommate in college and I'm so happy the stars aligned and brought them together. They're a match made in heaven. Kristen on the other hand is a PIECE OF WORK! This girl is constantly making me do things I don't want to do. Examples: Make french toast for her, buy an all day sledding pass to sled down the mountain 28 times (my gloves weren't exactly waterproof Kristen), and go to Dachau, a former concentration camp. Not to mention she's a dietician and personal trainer and she tells me my walks with the dog (UPHILL) are not burning very many calories. I tried to make her like me more by telling her about the exercise class I like to take in the summer, The Bar Method, and she said those are the things she does with her clients when they don't feel like moving. A few months ago she called to ask me if I would like to get an hour long massage for like $20 on Groupon. Duh, yeah, I want that. Well, I'm not going to get it because she never ordered it! This girl is the worst!
Surprise, surprise. She jumped in front of the picture I was taking. Twice. You're such a disease!
(Okay, but seriously, we have the best time with them and Kristen is hilarious. Plus, her skin and teeth are perfect, so she's very enjoyable to look at. And last time we saw her, she paid me $10 to blow out her hair.)
(Okay, but seriously, we have the best time with them and Kristen is hilarious. Plus, her skin and teeth are perfect, so she's very enjoyable to look at. And last time we saw her, she paid me $10 to blow out her hair.)
I'm psyched for Munich. I've had the opportunity to go to quite a few cities over here and other than Paris, I'm going to go out on a limb and say that Munich is my second favorite city. I think it's because we always have so much fun there and because it's so big with so many things from home, life feels normal for a few days. Our trip there always comes right when we need it along with a Mexican din din right when we need it. Guacamole and tacos served by Germans always hits the spot!
I probably won't be able to blog while I'm there because the conditions in their apartment don't allow for much writing. Kristen's usually yelling or at least speaking loudly to me and that doesn't allow me to go to my happy place.
Goodbyeeeeee Italy!
Next stop: A land where ranch flows like a river and clouds are made of chocolate chip cookies.
Friday, March 25, 2011
No Public Speaking Policy
It's been a long two days.....
In our two year stay in Italy, not one thing has ever been done early. Until now. They turned our internet off early! WhyIoughtta.....
Anywho.....
Anyone remember this?
Whoa! EMBARRASSING!!
Also embarrassing, this girls old diary that she's turned into a blog. It's my friend Kelly, but I'm hesitant to call her my friend after reading this.
In our two year stay in Italy, not one thing has ever been done early. Until now. They turned our internet off early! WhyIoughtta.....
Anywho.....
Anyone remember this?
Whoa! EMBARRASSING!!
Also embarrassing, this girls old diary that she's turned into a blog. It's my friend Kelly, but I'm hesitant to call her my friend after reading this.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Home Is Where The Heart Is
I think it was mentioned before that Derek and I don't have a home. I wrote that because it's true, we don't have a home. The team provides us with an apartment during the season and then from April-August we just kind of slum around, moving from his parents house to my parents and then we sublet for a few months. We're actually beginning to look a lot like Jenelle and her latest boyfriend Kiefer.
However, there is an ache in my bod that I fear may only go away once we buy a home and I CAN DECORATE! I usually try to spruce up whatever place we're living in, but it's so hard to constantly decorate and then pack it all up again. It's really not worth the effort, but that hasn't stopped me from picking up decorations and goodies here and there. These are some words I would like my future home to embody:
You go have a good day!
However, there is an ache in my bod that I fear may only go away once we buy a home and I CAN DECORATE! I usually try to spruce up whatever place we're living in, but it's so hard to constantly decorate and then pack it all up again. It's really not worth the effort, but that hasn't stopped me from picking up decorations and goodies here and there. These are some words I would like my future home to embody:
- French (that's actually my word for life, French)
- comfortable
- cottage
- chic (what does that even mean?)
- white kitchen
- burlap
- stuff that goes together, but does NOT all match
- that's it
My favorite pillow and one of my favorite Etsy shops, Secdus.
My second favorite pillow and another favorite Etsy shop, Cottage Ruffles.
Burlap!
Love this pillow and she's raising money to adopt. Sold!
My second favorite pillow and another favorite Etsy shop, Cottage Ruffles.
Burlap!
Love this pillow and she's raising money to adopt. Sold!
You go have a good day!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
You Make the World Go Round
Ten years ago in a land far, far away, a young college freshman was handed her first credit card by a stupid credit card company preying on stupid college kids. As visions of makeup and shoes danced in her head, her future dreams, yet to be realized, tumbled to the ground.
For years and years now, I've wanted to do work, any kind of work, in Africa. Unfortunately, credit cards had already ruined me and my financial situation has never allowed that to happen. The African dream has died. :o(
For years and years now, I've wanted to do work, any kind of work, in Africa. Unfortunately, credit cards had already ruined me and my financial situation has never allowed that to happen. The African dream has died. :o(
Luckily, there's Katie.
I came across Kisses from Katie from one of my other favorite blogs. Katie is in her early 20's and has been living and working in Uganda since she was 18. I could learn a lesson or two from Katie, she makes excellent decisions! She helps in whatever way she can, but her main purpose is to run a house for approx. 14 orphaned girls. She's even legally adopted 2 or 3 little girls. But most importantly, she's there to share the word of God. I'm in awe of her love, work, and faith and I thank God for people like her.
Speaking of Africa.......
My friend from high school, Tara, and her husband, Brad, are heading to Ethiopia very shortly because they're finally getting their baby boy! FINALLY! It's been a very long road, but I couldn't be happier for them! You can read about their adoption process here The Mowen's Adoption Journey and even donate if you so desire. (Don't tell me you don't desire, I know you do.)
Speaking of adoption........
Adoption's not easy. It's a huge decision that takes lots of patience, work, and sadly, money. Even choosing to be a foster parent is extremely hard work, but I was introduced to this by my church, Safe Families for Children. When a parent or parents are unable to take care of a child for whatever reasons, addiction, lost job, etc., rather than taking custody away from the parent and putting the child into the hands of the government, Safe Families will place the child with volunteer families while the parent is able to receive the help they need and get back on their feet. (I think that's a major run on sentence.) The average length of stay for the child is six weeks and then they are able to go back with their families. Everybody wins! Safe Families ultimate goal is to always reunite the child back with their family, which happens about 85% of the time and is a much higher percentage than if they child was taken by the government.
My point of this is to urge you to consider something like this if you'd like to help but don't know how. Or if you've always wanted to adopt, but aren't in the right place to do that quite yet. Derek definitely needs some nudging (I mean, it's a pretty big deal, I don't blame him!), but this is something I would love to be involved in once we're settled down in a few years.
My point of this is to urge you to consider something like this if you'd like to help but don't know how. Or if you've always wanted to adopt, but aren't in the right place to do that quite yet. Derek definitely needs some nudging (I mean, it's a pretty big deal, I don't blame him!), but this is something I would love to be involved in once we're settled down in a few years.
Sunday
You ever seen one of these?
Because Europe hasn't. And now my clothes smell like this.
Smelling fresh is overrated and I could always cover up with some perfume.Right, kid from my eighth grade science class?
You never gave me headaches, thanks!
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Lolz!
I started my weekend off crazy style, with a Biore pore strip. I was VERY pleased with the results.
Something else I like to do to start off my mornings is lay in bed and make a mental list, called 'What would Chelsea Handler laugh at.' And then for the rest of the day, if I don't think she would enjoy what I'm saying, I don't say it.
Things have gotten a little trickier ever since the premiere of 'After Lately' however. Now I don't just have Chelsea to think about, I have to also make Heather McDonald, Sarah Colonna, Chris Franjola, Brad Wollack, and Jiffy laugh. That's A LOT of pressure.
For your pleasure, here are a couple of my favorite Chris Franjola tweets:
"Just putting the finishing touches on my waldorf salad for tomorrows Oscar party."
"To the guy who delivers me a new phone book every 2 months - you might as well just leave a butter churn I would probably use that more."
"Happy Presidents Day Weekend everyone-I hope my James K. Polk costume still fits."
(and my personal favorite, it's a retweet)
"Good one RT @billengvall: Took my son and his four college buddies out to dinner. Gonna have to mortgage my house to pay for it. Hahahahaha."
Something else I like to do to start off my mornings is lay in bed and make a mental list, called 'What would Chelsea Handler laugh at.' And then for the rest of the day, if I don't think she would enjoy what I'm saying, I don't say it.
Things have gotten a little trickier ever since the premiere of 'After Lately' however. Now I don't just have Chelsea to think about, I have to also make Heather McDonald, Sarah Colonna, Chris Franjola, Brad Wollack, and Jiffy laugh. That's A LOT of pressure.
For your pleasure, here are a couple of my favorite Chris Franjola tweets:
"Just putting the finishing touches on my waldorf salad for tomorrows Oscar party."
"To the guy who delivers me a new phone book every 2 months - you might as well just leave a butter churn I would probably use that more."
"Happy Presidents Day Weekend everyone-I hope my James K. Polk costume still fits."
(and my personal favorite, it's a retweet)
"Good one RT @billengvall: Took my son and his four college buddies out to dinner. Gonna have to mortgage my house to pay for it. Hahahahaha."
Good stuff!
(I almost forgot. Despite what I said before about this store, Forever 21 is donating every single dollar from it's online sales to Japan relief efforts today. I bought a pair of shoes similar to ones I was originally going to buy from Target.com.)
Friday, March 18, 2011
Glamour's got the low down
While sinking to a new level today by entering any and all contests I could find on the internet (Don't get any ideas! If you all enter, my chances go down and I'm due some serious good luck right now.), I came across this article on Glamour's website.
*Note. I don't normally get my info from Glamour! But this seemed to sum things up nicely.
About 4 1/2 years ago, I too went vegan. I enlisted a young lady by the name of Ms. J
amie McKeown (Far right, grey shirt. It's the only pic I could get to go on here.) to be my mentor. She had zero qualifications to be hired as my mentor, but I enjoyed her dry humor and we shared many of the same views when it came to celebrities and Hollywood, so I took a chance on her. After years of being vegetarian, she had begun eating vegan a few weeks earlier, so basically I was just copying her after I read a booklet from PETA.
There's no ending to that story other than Jamie is still vegan and mostly even raw now and I failed about six months into it. That's a lie. Four months. It was Easter and my mom, knowing I was eating vegan, got me a bag of Easter M&M's. Who does that?! Marianne Carter does. Here's the culprit:
I still consider Jamie my mentor even though she offers me empty invitations to din din. That hurts Jamie.... She did do something right though because I'm still a vegetarian and don't plan on ever eating meat again!
P.S. Just this week my brother sent me an "invitation" on facebook to "Eat An Animal for PETA Day." I didn't think that was very funny.
Good question, why IS everyone going vegan?!
About 4 1/2 years ago, I too went vegan. I enlisted a young lady by the name of Ms. J
amie McKeown (Far right, grey shirt. It's the only pic I could get to go on here.) to be my mentor. She had zero qualifications to be hired as my mentor, but I enjoyed her dry humor and we shared many of the same views when it came to celebrities and Hollywood, so I took a chance on her. After years of being vegetarian, she had begun eating vegan a few weeks earlier, so basically I was just copying her after I read a booklet from PETA.There's no ending to that story other than Jamie is still vegan and mostly even raw now and I failed about six months into it. That's a lie. Four months. It was Easter and my mom, knowing I was eating vegan, got me a bag of Easter M&M's. Who does that?! Marianne Carter does. Here's the culprit:
The face of EVIL!
During those animal free months I felt light as a feather and my body seriously felt so cleaned out. (Trust me, eating vegan cleans you out!) However, being vegan is HARD WORK and I don't think it should be looked at as a fad diet and a quick way to lose weight. You really should do it for the sake of your health and hopefully even give those animals you never thought about before some thought!I still consider Jamie my mentor even though she offers me empty invitations to din din. That hurts Jamie.... She did do something right though because I'm still a vegetarian and don't plan on ever eating meat again!
P.S. Just this week my brother sent me an "invitation" on facebook to "Eat An Animal for PETA Day." I didn't think that was very funny.
Groundbreaking
I am not a good dresser. Yeah, I've got some cute pieces of clothing here and there, but my outfits are nowhere near earth shattering and that's okay. I still like to look nice though and I've decided that this summer is 'The Summer of the Dress.'
I'm not a shorts type of gal because of the constant cellulite check, so I often end up in jeans in the summer. Which means I often end up hot and sweaty. The worst! But I do love a good summer dress because it's usually longer than shorts and that covers up any potential "leg problems." Plus, I just love a nice breeze going through my bare, (on a good day) shaved, and lotioned legs!
I don't like to spend a ton of money on clothes because I don't have it, Derek doesn't allow me to spend it, and then I don't feel bad if it's only worn a few times. Plus, to be honest, clothing just isn't all that important to me. However, I'm realizing as I get older that a little more money spent usually does equal nicer clothes. Unfortunately. They're better quality, cuter, you look nicer in them because they fit better, etc. I am also realizing that while the store tells me one thing, I am NOT going to be "forever 21" and I should begin letting go of that dream! I can always find a few things when I visit the store, but looking online..... YIKES!
I've come across a few dresses here and there that I think will fit into this summer dress plan, without spending a fortune. One of my favorite stores in Chicago is Akira, but they're online dresses were brutal! I would highly suggest going to the actual store though.
I found Ruche, an online store only, awhile ago and love it. I have yet to order anything and I've read that their stuff isn't always the best quality, but that sounds right up my alley!
This next dress is from Billabong.
Looks like a shirt, right? It's supposedly a dress, but if the length concerns you, we've got the same dress, maxi style! Hey-yooo!
Hmmm, I thought I had more to show you than I do. Sorry! This last dress is from Forever 21, despite what I said above!
I like it. I think it's silk, so I defs don't love it. Forever 21 puts the height of the model and what size they are wearing (always a small) for each picture and that always brings a tear to my eye. Okay, now I have a dress to show that isn't a summer dress, but I think it's the one I'll get for my brother's wedding in July. I had originally wanted to go with something more summery and colorful, but you know what, black is always the new black, so I'll stick with it. Plus, I just really love this dress. It's from the Jessica Simpson Collection and surprisingly, she's got some really cute things on there.
Peace out, yo!
I'm not a shorts type of gal because of the constant cellulite check, so I often end up in jeans in the summer. Which means I often end up hot and sweaty. The worst! But I do love a good summer dress because it's usually longer than shorts and that covers up any potential "leg problems." Plus, I just love a nice breeze going through my bare, (on a good day) shaved, and lotioned legs!
I don't like to spend a ton of money on clothes because I don't have it, Derek doesn't allow me to spend it, and then I don't feel bad if it's only worn a few times. Plus, to be honest, clothing just isn't all that important to me. However, I'm realizing as I get older that a little more money spent usually does equal nicer clothes. Unfortunately. They're better quality, cuter, you look nicer in them because they fit better, etc. I am also realizing that while the store tells me one thing, I am NOT going to be "forever 21" and I should begin letting go of that dream! I can always find a few things when I visit the store, but looking online..... YIKES!
I've come across a few dresses here and there that I think will fit into this summer dress plan, without spending a fortune. One of my favorite stores in Chicago is Akira, but they're online dresses were brutal! I would highly suggest going to the actual store though.
I found Ruche, an online store only, awhile ago and love it. I have yet to order anything and I've read that their stuff isn't always the best quality, but that sounds right up my alley!
This next dress is from Billabong.
Looks like a shirt, right? It's supposedly a dress, but if the length concerns you, we've got the same dress, maxi style! Hey-yooo!
Hmmm, I thought I had more to show you than I do. Sorry! This last dress is from Forever 21, despite what I said above!
I like it. I think it's silk, so I defs don't love it. Forever 21 puts the height of the model and what size they are wearing (always a small) for each picture and that always brings a tear to my eye. Okay, now I have a dress to show that isn't a summer dress, but I think it's the one I'll get for my brother's wedding in July. I had originally wanted to go with something more summery and colorful, but you know what, black is always the new black, so I'll stick with it. Plus, I just really love this dress. It's from the Jessica Simpson Collection and surprisingly, she's got some really cute things on there.
Peace out, yo!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
And many moooore....
Babe-a-licious!
It's this special lady's birthday. Happy Birthday Rebecca "Reba" "Becky" "Reblackeye" Monson!!!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
In England they call it 'broody'
Laaaaaaaadiiieess!!! I have babies on the brain in a bad way. Know what I'm saying? (Sorry if I turn you off because of baby blogging.)
Derek and I have been married for a decent amount of time now and before that, we were on and off for like ten years, so I do believe it's time to step up our game and make a baby!
Okay, so, I am pathetic for many reasons, but in this instance it is for the fact that I have everything picked out when it comes to baby gear. If it's a girl. If it's a boy, I've got a lot of work left to do.
I've got a nursery planned in my head and have decided to go with gray and pink. Mature and classy, yet girly, right? Right. Plus, I'm the one who will be spending a ton of time in the room, actually seeing the colors and designs, while baby sucks the life out of me. So gray and pink it is.
I came across these prints on Etsy from 'littlebrownpen' and fell in love with them because I absolutely LOVE Paris and I just loved the way he/she used one color throughout a set of pictures. And they're 5x5's. Yes please!
So I ordered the green for my mythical house that will hopefully one day exist, but I just couldn't get these out of my head. I knew I had to have them, but for what? A baby girls room, THAT'S WHAT!
I won't bore you to death with every single baby item I've picked out because that might take us yeeeeaaaars, but I do have one more thing to show you. This beauty from 'ikabags,' also on Etsy!
I literally couldn't believe my eyes when I saw this! I had been searching far and wide for these colors for a diaper bag and they didn't exist. Not in the way I wanted them to anyways. I don't want everything in baby world to be matching gray and pink, but the diaper bag is a major fashion statement and if I'm going to be walking around with spit up all over my shirt and milk leaking out of a boob everytime I hear a baby cry, I need the diaper bag to show I've still got a little life left in me. I was originally going to go with this bag, also from 'ikabags.'
How great is that red strap? I'll probably still go with this bag if we have a boy. Now here's the real kicker.....this lady is based out of Paris! If that's not meant to be, then I give up.
Derek and I have been married for a decent amount of time now and before that, we were on and off for like ten years, so I do believe it's time to step up our game and make a baby!
Okay, so, I am pathetic for many reasons, but in this instance it is for the fact that I have everything picked out when it comes to baby gear. If it's a girl. If it's a boy, I've got a lot of work left to do.
I've got a nursery planned in my head and have decided to go with gray and pink. Mature and classy, yet girly, right? Right. Plus, I'm the one who will be spending a ton of time in the room, actually seeing the colors and designs, while baby sucks the life out of me. So gray and pink it is.
I came across these prints on Etsy from 'littlebrownpen' and fell in love with them because I absolutely LOVE Paris and I just loved the way he/she used one color throughout a set of pictures. And they're 5x5's. Yes please!
So I ordered the green for my mythical house that will hopefully one day exist, but I just couldn't get these out of my head. I knew I had to have them, but for what? A baby girls room, THAT'S WHAT!
I won't bore you to death with every single baby item I've picked out because that might take us yeeeeaaaars, but I do have one more thing to show you. This beauty from 'ikabags,' also on Etsy!
I literally couldn't believe my eyes when I saw this! I had been searching far and wide for these colors for a diaper bag and they didn't exist. Not in the way I wanted them to anyways. I don't want everything in baby world to be matching gray and pink, but the diaper bag is a major fashion statement and if I'm going to be walking around with spit up all over my shirt and milk leaking out of a boob everytime I hear a baby cry, I need the diaper bag to show I've still got a little life left in me. I was originally going to go with this bag, also from 'ikabags.'
How great is that red strap? I'll probably still go with this bag if we have a boy. Now here's the real kicker.....this lady is based out of Paris! If that's not meant to be, then I give up.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Mad skillz....
I leave a lot to be desired, but I think I've come a long way in my housewife skills. It's not exactly hard work, but during the hockey season when I'm not working and Derek is, I like to do what I can to keep things tidy and keep him fed. Being a housewife or stay at home mom may not be something I will always get to do or even want to do, but for now it actually brings me a lot of joy!
I've become a pretty decent cook in the past two years and I'm not afraid to admit it. I'm only good at like two things, so I have to take credit where I can get it! Now, I'm not the fanciest cook around so no judging, but I think that takes the fun away from it. I like nice simple things with fresh ingredients. That's when you get the best flavor. I enjoy baking even more, but ingredients are different in Italy, and it's a major bummer to start off your cookies knowing they're going to taste peculiar. Needless to say, I don't do a ton of baking here.
Now I would like to present to you one of my favorite recipes I discovered this year! I say it's Italian, but my Italian friend Paola says it's not.... Tomato, TomAHto.....
It's easy, it's tasty, it's the main course, it's an appetizer, it's (drumroll please) GNUDI! From what I read, it's naked ravioli, ravioli without the pasta.
1 lb (500 g) fresh ricotta cheese, drained
1 large bunch raw spinach, chopped
5 tablespoons (75 mL) extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for smearing hands
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
salt to taste
4 tablespoons (60 mL) freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, plus extra for sprinkling
all-purpose flour
20 cherry tomatoes, halved
4 - 8 fresh basil leaves, chopped
***************
Place your drained ricotta in a mixing bowl. Chop your spinach and saute it with some olive oil and garlic. Let it cool down, then add it to the ricotta. ( I used frozen spinach so squeezed it dry first. I am not sure if this is necessary for the outcome of the dish but I always prefer it). Add 2 pinches of salt, a good handful of Parmigiano, or more spinach. (Make it your own and what is right for you!!!) David says, " if the texture seems a bit liquid to you, add a pinch of flour, but not too much. You just want to bind the mixture. The texture should be fluffy and delicate, not heavy".
Pour a bit of olive oil on your hands and rub them together. (As David says this will prevent the gnudi mixture from sticking to your hands, and the bonus is that your hands get a nice spa treatment at the same time!!!) Now take a bit of the mixture and roll it in your hands to make little balls about the size of golf balls. Use all of the filling.
For the tomato sauce cut up the cherry tomatoes. Heat some olive oil and garlic in a pan, throw in the tomatoes along with some salt and cook for a few minutes until they get soft.
Spread a layer of tomato sauce in a baking dish. Lay the gnudi on top, then spoon some more of the sauce on top. Sprinkle some Parmigiano on top of each gnudi ball. Toss the basil on top. Bake in a 350 - 400F (180 - 200C) oven for 10 - 15 minutes or until golden.
Serves 4
*You can also serve this with pasta for a different treat!!!
(recipe taken from www.morethanburnttoast.blogspot.com)
And don't forget salt! Use more salt than is called for! Salt is the key to everything when cooking from scratch.
I've become a pretty decent cook in the past two years and I'm not afraid to admit it. I'm only good at like two things, so I have to take credit where I can get it! Now, I'm not the fanciest cook around so no judging, but I think that takes the fun away from it. I like nice simple things with fresh ingredients. That's when you get the best flavor. I enjoy baking even more, but ingredients are different in Italy, and it's a major bummer to start off your cookies knowing they're going to taste peculiar. Needless to say, I don't do a ton of baking here.
Now I would like to present to you one of my favorite recipes I discovered this year! I say it's Italian, but my Italian friend Paola says it's not.... Tomato, TomAHto.....
It's easy, it's tasty, it's the main course, it's an appetizer, it's (drumroll please) GNUDI! From what I read, it's naked ravioli, ravioli without the pasta.
1 lb (500 g) fresh ricotta cheese, drained
1 large bunch raw spinach, chopped
5 tablespoons (75 mL) extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for smearing hands
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
salt to taste
4 tablespoons (60 mL) freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, plus extra for sprinkling
all-purpose flour
20 cherry tomatoes, halved
4 - 8 fresh basil leaves, chopped
***************
Place your drained ricotta in a mixing bowl. Chop your spinach and saute it with some olive oil and garlic. Let it cool down, then add it to the ricotta. ( I used frozen spinach so squeezed it dry first. I am not sure if this is necessary for the outcome of the dish but I always prefer it). Add 2 pinches of salt, a good handful of Parmigiano, or more spinach. (Make it your own and what is right for you!!!) David says, " if the texture seems a bit liquid to you, add a pinch of flour, but not too much. You just want to bind the mixture. The texture should be fluffy and delicate, not heavy".
Pour a bit of olive oil on your hands and rub them together. (As David says this will prevent the gnudi mixture from sticking to your hands, and the bonus is that your hands get a nice spa treatment at the same time!!!) Now take a bit of the mixture and roll it in your hands to make little balls about the size of golf balls. Use all of the filling.
For the tomato sauce cut up the cherry tomatoes. Heat some olive oil and garlic in a pan, throw in the tomatoes along with some salt and cook for a few minutes until they get soft.
Spread a layer of tomato sauce in a baking dish. Lay the gnudi on top, then spoon some more of the sauce on top. Sprinkle some Parmigiano on top of each gnudi ball. Toss the basil on top. Bake in a 350 - 400F (180 - 200C) oven for 10 - 15 minutes or until golden.
Serves 4
*You can also serve this with pasta for a different treat!!!
(recipe taken from www.morethanburnttoast.blogspot.com)
And don't forget salt! Use more salt than is called for! Salt is the key to everything when cooking from scratch.
Monday, March 14, 2011
We're Coming to America (in 2 weeks), Today!
I can't wait to sing that song for reals.
Hallelujah!
As I mentioned before, I am stuck in Italy. Stuck you say? Yes, stuck! Yeah, yeah, I'm extremely lucky to have the opportunity to live in Italy and travel and eat and blah, blah, blah, but momma is ready to go home.
In honor of that glorious homecoming, here are some things I have missed for seven months and cannot wait to see/use/have/go to again.
First up on the list we have the delicious Ken's Buttermilk Ranch Dressing.
Next up and equally as important as ranch dressing, I give you Starbucks! (Don't tell Starbucks, but any coffee shop that will give me normal coffee, vanilla flavored coffee, or iced coffee to go will do.)
This next place is very near and dear to my heart. I have spent more money here than anywhere in the entire world and the thought that I will soon be here raises my heart rate. And look how modern this particular store is! Two levels!
I can find the occasional avocado here in Italy, but there's something different about it. That's besides the fact that cilantro can't be found here. A travesty! So while I'm able to put together a mush that slightly resembles my favorite dip, I get to spend April-August eating the ruuullll deal!
Roaming the streets of this city.
I would consider Chicago my home only because I've been there for the past 9 years, but I can't deny my roots. Danville, Illinois, SUUUUPP! Danville is home to the one and only Royal Donut. A pretty shady looking joint, but delish donuts and the most amazing iced smiley face sugar cookie you will ever eat. Unfortunately, I can't find a picture of the cookie, but here's a pic of the building that makes and houses the cookie.
Italian food is fresh, usually pretty healthy, and extremely tasty, but it's hardly ever FRIED. Onion rings rule.
I've made myself out to look pretty chubbs, so I'll end in a different direction. I'm psyched for church because I'm not Catholic and I don't speak Italian and that rules me out of participating in most Italian events. So from April-August, I take advantage of going here.
Cats! Cats! Cats! Cats! I had to give up these little guys because Derek is allergic and soon I will be able to hold them in my arms again. Now I present to you Rudy (tan) and Ollie (black). Funny story - Rudy and Ollie are bros and when we went to adopt them, Ollie's original name was Czar. Changed that ruuulll quick.
And last but not least, I can't wait to pounce on this little lady, bride to be, and adoptive mother to Rudy and Ollie (Czar), Tess! Tess is my only friend that is literally not priceless. We met in beauty school, we both hated beauty school, neither of us do hair now, but we are still paying major bucks for it, so we just pretend we're paying for our friendship instead. That makes it seem more worthwhile.
Night ya'll!
As I mentioned before, I am stuck in Italy. Stuck you say? Yes, stuck! Yeah, yeah, I'm extremely lucky to have the opportunity to live in Italy and travel and eat and blah, blah, blah, but momma is ready to go home.
In honor of that glorious homecoming, here are some things I have missed for seven months and cannot wait to see/use/have/go to again.
First up on the list we have the delicious Ken's Buttermilk Ranch Dressing.
Next up and equally as important as ranch dressing, I give you Starbucks! (Don't tell Starbucks, but any coffee shop that will give me normal coffee, vanilla flavored coffee, or iced coffee to go will do.)
This next place is very near and dear to my heart. I have spent more money here than anywhere in the entire world and the thought that I will soon be here raises my heart rate. And look how modern this particular store is! Two levels!
I can find the occasional avocado here in Italy, but there's something different about it. That's besides the fact that cilantro can't be found here. A travesty! So while I'm able to put together a mush that slightly resembles my favorite dip, I get to spend April-August eating the ruuullll deal!
Roaming the streets of this city.
I would consider Chicago my home only because I've been there for the past 9 years, but I can't deny my roots. Danville, Illinois, SUUUUPP! Danville is home to the one and only Royal Donut. A pretty shady looking joint, but delish donuts and the most amazing iced smiley face sugar cookie you will ever eat. Unfortunately, I can't find a picture of the cookie, but here's a pic of the building that makes and houses the cookie.
Italian food is fresh, usually pretty healthy, and extremely tasty, but it's hardly ever FRIED. Onion rings rule.
I've made myself out to look pretty chubbs, so I'll end in a different direction. I'm psyched for church because I'm not Catholic and I don't speak Italian and that rules me out of participating in most Italian events. So from April-August, I take advantage of going here.
Cats! Cats! Cats! Cats! I had to give up these little guys because Derek is allergic and soon I will be able to hold them in my arms again. Now I present to you Rudy (tan) and Ollie (black). Funny story - Rudy and Ollie are bros and when we went to adopt them, Ollie's original name was Czar. Changed that ruuulll quick.
And last but not least, I can't wait to pounce on this little lady, bride to be, and adoptive mother to Rudy and Ollie (Czar), Tess! Tess is my only friend that is literally not priceless. We met in beauty school, we both hated beauty school, neither of us do hair now, but we are still paying major bucks for it, so we just pretend we're paying for our friendship instead. That makes it seem more worthwhile.
Night ya'll!
Pink makes me happy.
Let's face it. I have no real reason for reviving the blog, but I feel majorly left out when I read all my other blogs. I mean, these girls are living flashy, high profile lives and I'm missing out. They have followers and people who laugh at their jokes and give them tips and advice. I need that! Stat! Not to mention, I'm pretty sure a couple of them are suppose to be my friends, so I need to show them just how interesting and witty I can be. They'll be dying for a friend date before long. I hope they think I'm funnier than my husband does or that will be a quick friendship.
Now, the blog is pink. Girly? Yes. Childish? Maybe. Happy? Yes! Hence the name, "You Make Me Happy....!" One thing I really like about most of the blogs I read is their style, whether it's clothing, or decor, or whatevs, they always show or tell about things I probably wouldn't otherwise know about and I really enjoy that. And I want to do the same for you! I'm actually super uncool when it comes to knowing about anything new, so I probably won't totally change your world. But I do like to give shout outs where shout outs are due, therefore this is a blog of things that make me happy, whether the sky be gray or blue!
Now, the blog is pink. Girly? Yes. Childish? Maybe. Happy? Yes! Hence the name, "You Make Me Happy....!" One thing I really like about most of the blogs I read is their style, whether it's clothing, or decor, or whatevs, they always show or tell about things I probably wouldn't otherwise know about and I really enjoy that. And I want to do the same for you! I'm actually super uncool when it comes to knowing about anything new, so I probably won't totally change your world. But I do like to give shout outs where shout outs are due, therefore this is a blog of things that make me happy, whether the sky be gray or blue!
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Bored-o-rama, blog-o-rama
Hi, welcome!
Blogging, take two.
I have an extreme and intense case of boredom, so I'm going to try out this blogging thing again. I have re-done the page and taken down all three of the old blogs and we're going to start this thing over again from scratch! Bigger and Blackerer, just like David Cross.
Allow me to introduce myself! I'm Stacy. I'm 28, have a dog, and have been married for a year and a half. The dog's name is Diego and he's a Maltese Poodle. Before you say "Awwww," like I know you will, he seems to have been bred with a full size poodle. Ruh-roh! I love him with all my heart, but he is rather large and not exactly what I had in mind. That's okay though. He's been around for five years, so I think I'll keep him. My husband is Derek and he plays hockey in Europe, which leads me into why I'm so BORED.
We are originally from Chicago (3 million people) and live there from April-August and then from September to end of March we live in northern Italy. In the mountains. In a tiny valley made up of 6,000 people. In a tiny village made up of 1,000 people, IF THAT. And I am OVER IT! Hockey is over and I'm ready to go home. Italy is lovely, but home is home. And even though I'm so bored, the thought of doing anything but sitting on the couch with the computer in my lap seems extremely overwhelming and totally uninteresting. Overachiever I am not!
Night has now fallen and my eyes are crossed (which could very easily happen b/c I have a bad left eye....). Ciao!
Blogging, take two.
I have an extreme and intense case of boredom, so I'm going to try out this blogging thing again. I have re-done the page and taken down all three of the old blogs and we're going to start this thing over again from scratch! Bigger and Blackerer, just like David Cross.
Allow me to introduce myself! I'm Stacy. I'm 28, have a dog, and have been married for a year and a half. The dog's name is Diego and he's a Maltese Poodle. Before you say "Awwww," like I know you will, he seems to have been bred with a full size poodle. Ruh-roh! I love him with all my heart, but he is rather large and not exactly what I had in mind. That's okay though. He's been around for five years, so I think I'll keep him. My husband is Derek and he plays hockey in Europe, which leads me into why I'm so BORED.
We are originally from Chicago (3 million people) and live there from April-August and then from September to end of March we live in northern Italy. In the mountains. In a tiny valley made up of 6,000 people. In a tiny village made up of 1,000 people, IF THAT. And I am OVER IT! Hockey is over and I'm ready to go home. Italy is lovely, but home is home. And even though I'm so bored, the thought of doing anything but sitting on the couch with the computer in my lap seems extremely overwhelming and totally uninteresting. Overachiever I am not!
Night has now fallen and my eyes are crossed (which could very easily happen b/c I have a bad left eye....). Ciao!
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