Tag Archives: food

Let’s Chat.

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I love all the tea time, coffee break and catch-up posts floating around… and I’m a big-time lover of lists, so merge the two and I’ve got myself a perfect blog post! Bam! So, instead of a Finally Friday post, let’s catch up…

Getting In Some Baby Snuggles

 

[Getting in some after work baby snuggles last night]

My Sisters Baby: 

My sister had her sweet baby boy on April 24 and I can’t get enough of him… his wrinkly little hands, sweet little face and snugly little body. There’s something about him being my sisters baby that makes me just *that* much more comfortable. With other people’s children (even my other nieces and nephew) there’s always been this worry that they don’t trust me not to break their kid (or even soothe them when they’re upset). With Sarah, I’m just a lot less worried that she doesn’t trust me. Plus, I can beg to hold him, feed him, change him… (no shame)… and she won’t judge me too much.

On remodeling our house:

We’re living in complete chaos right now… while we do have counter tops and a sink (after 1.5 weeks without), all of our dishes and appliances are either jammed in the pantry, residing in the office or covering our kitchen table. There isn’t an end in sight, either. We’ve got another week ahead of us in the world of cabinet painting and then we’re painting the first floor and redoing all the flooring. It makes me tired just thinking about it. Having a house that feels like home (and like us) will be worth it in the end, but it’s keeping us on our toes for now!

Eating Well:

As you probably know by now, one of my goals for the year was to start feeling better. Along  with that goal was to get stronger, eat better and hopefully lose some weight. I didn’t want to conquer the weight thing head on because at this phase in my life I’m a lot more focused on being healthy rather than being a size 2. Ahem. Also, wine + cookies are a few ingredients in the recipe for my happiness.

I have however embarked on two 24-day Challenges through Advocare and have been really limiting the dairy, wheat (most grains) and sugar in my life. Last Friday marked the end of the second challenge and while I was so excited to eat a freakin’ slice of pizza, I can also say that I’ve been feeling SO much better on the whole (and as a bonus sleeping better too).

TV:

I’m sick of our TV. Or, more precisely, all three of them. They seem like this time suck attached to all the major rooms in our home and I find myself gravitating towards them when I’m either avoiding or lacking something to do. Netflix this or DVR that takes over most nights after we’ve eaten and cleaned up dinner. I would quit (get ready for the lamest excuse you’ve ever heard), but I’ve invested X amount of months into some shows (I’m looking at you Elementary, Big Bang Theory and Nashville) and want to see how the seasons wrap up without waiting until September. So, while I work on a solution for a more healthy TV relationship, know that I’m giving our TV the side eye each time I turn it on.

Warmer Weather: 

I’m almost overwhelmed by the joy I feel when I wake up and see the sun peeking in through my blinds. As I get older I’m finding more and more patterns with the way I feel (in all aspects) with one of the major changes in my attitude/outlook on life hinging on the seasons plus the amount of warm temperatures/sunshine. Spring and summer (and even fall) hold such hope, I’m drinking it all in and trying not to get too addicted. Also, is it weird that I’m already dreading November when it shifts back to dreary-ville?

Getting Up Early:

I’ve started several posts that talk about how I’ve been a little crazed and over scheduled – it seemed like there just weren’t enough hours in the day to enjoy (and/or do) life. I was just checking things off my list (even the good things) and not allowing myself the time to really enjoy the moment. Plus, there are some remedial life tasks that just weren’t happening which added to the stress load. All of this to say that I’ve been working on my morning routine, specifically getting up early. Out of the last 8 work days, I was up at least 30 minutes earlier than usual and some days over an hour earlier than usual. I love the extra time I have to get ready without scrambling, take the dogs for a walk or just do the dishes. It’s making such a difference… hoping that I can make it a forever habit.


That’s where I am today. I’m also thankful it’s Friday! Finally.

Finally Friday.

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Keep the Face Toward The Sunshine
I’ve been slacking the past couple weeks with my Finally Friday posts, so a few of these have been saved up for today. The first week, I was at Blissdom, then I was processing and last Friday I just, well, don’t even have an excuse! But, this week we’re all set to go!

Last weekend was AH-MAZ-ING, so this one will have a hard time following. We’ve got dinner with friends tonight, a visit with my Dad tomorrow + a visit with our friends and their new baby. Then on Sunday we’re going on a date (we’re having dinner and going to the Nuggets game downtown). Since we’re in the middle of new counter tops, painting cabinets and replacing our flooring… I’ve felt a bit like I’m living in a shanty of chaos. Pots here, Tupperware there and a whole lot of crap in between. It will be worth it. It will be worth it. The bonus? I don’t have to worry about the dogs tracking mud in on the carpet or ripping up the carpet  strand-by-strand, for that matter…

Here are my favorite finds for the week:

Food is one of my very favorite things in life. I spend far more time than I should thinking about where it comes from, where to buy it, how to cook it and when to eat it. These 100 rules of dinner were the perfect list of food awesome. Whether you’re just starting out in the kitchen or you’re a seasoned chef, there’s something for everyone… and once I got started reading, I didn’t want it to stop.

There’s always that moment where I want something frivolous, but have a hard time deciding whether its worth the price tag. This little tip on how much you’re will to pay is an absolute gem.

Learning to take care of yourself – physically, nutritionally, emotionally – can be such a hard thing to figure out. What exactly works for you, your lifestyle, your needs… but the most overlooked, especially for me (and most women, I’d guess) is the emotional component. Here are 50 self-care ideas to help get going or stay on the right track.

Since I’ve been trying to figure out what foods work for me, I’ve become increasingly aware of what I put in my body. The source, how it was made/grown/raised seems like something we should all pay a bit more attention to. This post on how one blogger is buying good food for her family is a great starting point.

Isn’t Maggie Smith  just fabulous? She pulls off sophisticated (and wise) so well in just about any role she plays. I loved her in Harry Potter and now I can’t get enough of her in Downton Abbey.

Have you seen the site What Ali Wore? I want to head to Germany just to give this guy a hug and a cookie. His outfits are amazing and he’s adorable. I kind of want him to be my grandpa — or at least my crazy uncle.

My VERY favorite chocolate chip cookies.

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I love cookies. They’re portable, sweet and most of the time perfectly chewy. What’s not to like? I set out on the quest to find/make the very best chocolate chip cookie – a staple, in what I believe should be, every household. I can’t stand the pre-made refrigerated dough kind, or the pre-packaged kind… and I have yet to try one from a store that rivals anything I’ve ever made from scratch.

Turns out, some of those chocolate chip companies have been on the same quest. But, my quest beats theirs.

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I mean, just look at this delicious dough. If it doesn’t have you screaming to pick up a spoon and eat it raw, then we might want to get you checked out by your doctor or shrink. Either way.

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To me, the perfect chocolate cookie is a combination of things: salty and sweet, soft/chewy with crunch edges and just the right amount of chips to not overwhelm the dough (but still give you a hefty chocolate kick). So, that’s what I’ve done. This isn’t ground breaking, in fact, I’ve only tweaked the Nestle recipe that we’ve all seen perfectly printed on the back of their bags of chocolate deliciousness.

That change, though, it’s a big one. And it makes a world of difference in the flavor.

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Also, the size of the cookie. It’s key. If it goes too big the center won’t hold together while you’re trying to eat it. If you go to small they tend to get crisper and, of course, you end up eating more because they’re so darn cute. I find that about a tablespoon or so, does the trick.IMG_2764

My Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies

Makes about 36 (depending on how much dough you eat, ahem)
Recipe adapted from Nestle Tollhouse

Ingredients:

2 1/2 – 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons salt
2 sticks (1 cup) butter, melted but not hot
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 – 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips (I like semi-sweet, but use whatever floats your boat)

Directions:

1.) Pre-heat your oven to 375 degrees.

2.) Beat your butter (I melt the butter until a few solid pieces remain, then just stir it around until they melt as well – keeps it from getting too hot), granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla in a large bowl until creamy. Beat your eggs together in a separate bowl then pour into wet mixture – beat well until combined.

3.) Sprinkle your baking soda and salt over the wet mixture, stir to incorporate.

4.) Slowly begin to incorporate your flour. Once you’ve added the 2 1/2 cups, assess the dough. Does it still look a little wet? Add more flour! Be careful not to add too much or the cookies will end up with a cake-y texture. The dough should be firm and stand easily on its own, semi-tough to stir.

5.) Add in your desired amount of chocolate chips. I usually go for 1 cup or 1/2 a bag of chocolate chips. But, add as much as you would like!

6.) Drop tablespoons of dough onto a greased cookies sheet.

7.) Bake for 9-11 minutes or until lightly browned on top. Keep a watchful eye on the first batch to make sure they don’t get overly crisp.

8.) Remove from cookie sheet and place on cooling racks or paper towels to cool.

9.) Pour a glass of milk or don’t. Enjoy!!

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Finally Friday.

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I know, right?

Christian and I stayed up way too late last night just talking. For some reason all of my profound thoughts and questions pop up right as we’re getting into bed (does this happen to anyone else?). Much the dismay of his sleep cycle, each and every time one surfaces we end up huddled under the covers with the puppies debating the intricacies of dating or life or whatever it may be. I do, love those moments.

However, my “baby hamster/lack of sleep eyes” may argue otherwise this morning.

This weekend is full of so much delicious food I don’t know where I’m going to put it all! Christian and I have a Groupon to Diego Zhang’s that’s about to expire, meaning we have a great excuse to go chow down on mini burgers tonight. Tomorrow we’re heading to the Melting Pot with my sister and her husband — we’re also going to play Ticket to Ride afterwards (please tell me you’ve played it — we’re addicted). Sunday we’re heading to church, having lunch with friends and then dinner with My Mom and Christian’s parents. I’m getting excited just thinking about it all!

Hope your week is wrapping up well and that the weekend ahead is full of all kinds of good things. Here are few of my favorites from around the web this week:

I made these Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes last weekend. And, let’s just say that between Christian and I, only 1 of the 5 survived to see another day. May not have been my finest nutritional moment, but it was definitely one of my most delicious. They’re easy to make – bonus!

These “play dresses” make my heart swoon. I love them. So much. Picking between the Remi dress and the Stella dress has become an impossibility, maybe I just need both?

Jennifer Lawrence’s Oscar interview was amazing. She’s adorable & funny & darling. I like her even more, if that’s possible. You should need to watch this and just try to keep from smiling.

Being vulnerable and allowing ourselves to admit that we can’t do it all might be the single most powerful thing we do — not just for ourselves but for other women as well. Showing grace to yourself and others through every season of life.

These good bye kiss photos almost break my heart — the not knowing whether they ever saw each other again is almost too much for me to consider.

I keep thinking about this article on being late. I find myself thinking about it as I’m getting ready to head into meetings and plan my day for appointments. Hoping that the art of being courteous and respectful isn’t dead. (article originally from here)

Lastly, I read this post with an introduction to Tristan Pettyman — I might be late to the party, but I’m totally sticking around. I love her.

Denver Restaurant Week.

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One of my favorite times of the year is here! With all the excitement I’m even rhyming. It’s Denver Restaurant week! We have 4 different reservations already made and I just can’t wait – especially after 6 weeks of sustained good eating behavior. Here goes my 20% bad eating for the entire month of march — all in the course of about 10 days.

This year Christian and I are going all out and will be visiting:

Fogo De Chao –  I’ll be frequenting the salad bar, scarfing down mashed potatoes and begging for more salt rubbed sirloin.

Melting Pot – Must I even say more? Cheese fondue, salad, meat fondue (and green goddess sauce on potatoes) and chocolate fondue. Fondue lourve.

Del Friscos – Fresh bread, more potatoes and steak. Are we sensing a theme with the potatoes?

Rioja – I’ve never been before, but we’re heading here before going to a Nuggets game with friends. I’m game!

In between all these ridiculously decadent meals I’ll be eating lots of greens in order to make up for every delicious bite. Yum!

It’s Saturday night.

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My Saturday Night In

This is the first Saturday that I’ve been home alone in I can’t even remember how long. So, I started my girl’s night in with a hot bath (including LUSH bath ball and some long neglected magazines), put on some cozy PJ pants, decided on an apple with an AMPLE scoop of peanut butter for dinner then popped in a girly movie (What to Expect When You’re Expecting) and snuggled in with the puppies.

It’s perfect. Ok, well if there was an in-house masseuse that would be perfect. How are you spending your Saturday night?

Confessions Round 2.

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1.) I cannot remember to pluck my eyebrows.

Like ever. It all comes to a head when I do a double take wondering if I’ve got just a touch too much foundation near my eyebrows only to realize it’s been over a month since I gave them some attention. For my sister’s wedding last month, I had my make-up done. As I’m surveying the wonder that is even skin tone I realize I can’t even remember the last time I gave the ‘ol caterpillars a pluck.

2.) Dairy doesn’t do good things to me.

I’d say you have a 50/50 chance of witnessing me double over in agony after slurping down a quart of frozen yogurt or snarfing a bowl of steaming mac ‘n cheese. I can’t say no and I pay the price. Le sigh.

3.) I make up theme songs for my dog. 

We already knew that I was a crazy dog lady and that Charlie is a straight up dog child in this house — but I’m pretty sure this is taking it to the next level. Currently our neighbors have the pleasure of hearing me belt the following tune each night when I get home from work:

His name is Charlie
He’s a small dog…
With a big heart. 

I wish I could tell you the tune that I sing it too, but only heaven knows where I got it (or I may have made it up).

4.) Turns out I watched H.R. Pufnstuf as a child.

I spent many an hour trying to figure out what show I watched growing up with a magic flute. Which, until, recently never yielded much in the results category. However, I stumbled across H.R. Pufnstuf on Netflix and found myself a highly disturbing show that fit the bill of my magic flute. Enjoy:

5.) I don’t really like football. 

When I say I don’t like football, this does not apply to tailgating. You can’t pry my hot dog obsessed self away from a parking lot filled with grills, coolers and tailgating food. But, when you get to the game part — not so interested. I’d rather chat or, if I’m at home, take a nap until the last few minutes of the fourth quarter. I’m not American… I know.

 

Confessions.

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1.) I don’t like root beer. It’s just not for me. Once in a while Christian will bring one home from lunch out – lurking in an unsuspecting soda cup – and I’ll find the misfortune to take a big gulp. Yuck.

2.) Breakfast is BY FAR my least favorite meal of the day. Too sweet for this gal.

3.) I’m scared of heights. Standing near the edge, jumping from high places and just generally being un-naturally high in altitude scares the pants off of me. I had to scoot up a rock on my butt and muster all that I had just to stand up for this picture. It doesn’t look high, but it drops on all sides. Shiver.

4.) I’ve read every single Nicholas Sparks book. A great friend got me started when he gave me “A Walk to Remember” as a birthday present in high school (knowing full well I had an indecent obsession with the movie). Little did he know I’d go on to read each and every one of the books ‘ol Mr. Sparks had written over the next eight years.

5.) I’m shamefully addicted to Sister Wives. Typically, I shun ridiculous reality television, but come on…  a Mormon dude with three four wives, 400 kids and all sorts of crazy shenanigans that ran away from Utah!?! Um, hello, fascination.

Our New Arrival.

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Nope, it’s not a baby. Nope, it’s not a puppy. Nope, it’s not a loaf of sourdough bread from San Fransisco (though I certainly wouldn’t turn the FedEx guy away if he was carrying that box). It’s our new camera. Christian and I splurged on something special this Christmas (with help from a wonderful Best Buy Gift Card from my old boss at HuebnerPetersen). We’re so excited to welcome our new Canon Rebel T3i to the family. There was some initial discussion over whether this camera or Charles is the most expensive family member, but Charles certainly won out with his manic health emergencies and pure bad luck. Needless to say I’m super excited, even if I’m still figuring out how you actually take pictures. Thank you Pioneer Woman, for putting some of that crap in layman’s terms.

I aim to be the next Ansel Adams — or just, you know, document my culinary creations, travel adventures and Charles sleeping. Life is all about having big aspirations.

My Favorite Things – December.

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I love the month of December… I look forward to it all year. Really I enjoy May – December. January – April, not so much. So many wonderful things happen in December. People care, they take time to share cookies with their neighbors, tacky sweater parties and Christmas. Some people also go a little crazy, but I choose to keep the freaks at bay.

So while I enjoy a month of gaining back each one of the pounds I lost prior to the wedding (gingerbread cookies, cough, rum cake, cough), here are a few of my favorite things this month:

Big Bang Theory. I cannot get enough of Sheldon, there has never been a better played TV character. Swoon.

Bio Oil. Mix a few drops in with your lotion and voila moisturized skin.

Barefoot Contessa Chocolate Chip Cookies. Crispy, salty, chewy goodness.

Living Room Bootcamp. A solid workout without having to head to the gym. Particularly helpful on days like today when it’s 9 degrees outside. Brrr.

Dreyer’s Peppermint Ice Cream. Something about those crunchy little peppermint chunks gets me every time. Every Christmas my family would order a bucket of peppermint ice cream from the Schwan man, and each evening we would get a precious scoop of creamy goodness. Each bowl is chalk full of memories.

Twinkle Lights Everywhere. I love the way they can make even a simple tree or a boring staircase feel magical. I wish they could be around all year long.

*photo credit

What are your favorite things this time of year?