Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Spinach Lasagna Rolls

I got this idea off of C + C Marriage Factory. I have been wanting to try to make a veggie lasagna and frankly chopping up all the veg just seemed too time consuming. I tried this out tonight and loved it. I am bringing leftovers for a co-worker tomorrow, so hoping she likes it too. These are individual lasagnas. They freeze well and make an excellent hot lunch. I definitely think these are staying on the menu.

**Disclaimer....I used her photo's cause frankly my camera decided it didn't want to cooperate and phone pics just don't do it justice.**

Ingredients:
9 lasagna noodles, cooked
10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and completely drained
15 oz fat free ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
salt and fresh pepper
32 oz tomato sauce (I used Bertolli Tomato & Basil)
9 tbsp (about 3 oz) part skim mozzarella cheese, shredded

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°. Combine spinach, ricotta, Parmesan, egg, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Ladle about 1 cup sauce on the bottom of a 9 x 12 baking dish.


Place a piece of wax paper on the counter and lay out lasagna noodles. Make sure noodles are dry. Take 1/3 cup of ricotta mixture and spread evenly over noodle.


Roll carefully and place seam side down onto the baking dish. Repeat with remaining noodles.


Ladle sauce over the noodles in the baking dish and top each one with 1 tbsp mozzarella cheese.


Put foil over baking dish and bake for 40 minutes, or until cheese melts.


To serve, ladle a little sauce on the plate and top with lasagna roll.


Servings: 9
Serving size: 1 roll
Calories per serving: 225
Points: 4

C&C Marriage Factory made a homemade sauce and while I was adventurous to make these beauties....I didn't try her sauce....it sounds delicious...maybe next time.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Stuffed Zucchini Boat

Seriously one of the best things I have made in FOREVER! This will definitely be staying on the recipe board. I served it with brown rice, but thinking maybe some orzo would be really good with this.


Ingredients:
1 zucchini, about 12 inches long (or 2 6-inch)
2 tbsp. olive oil, divided
½ cup onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup mushrooms, chopped
1 lb. turkey sausage or ground turkey
2 tbsp. dry white wine
2-3 tomatoes, seeded and diced
3 tbsp. chopped fresh basil
1 tsp. minced fresh rosemary
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, lightly beaten
½ tsp. salt
½ tsp. pepper

Directions:
Cut zucchini in half lengthwise. Scoop out insides, leaving a shell about ¼-inch thick. Reserve about half of the insides.

In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the onion and garlic until tender, about 4-5 minutes. Add the mushrooms and reserved zucchini insides to the skillet and sauté another 2 minutes. Remove from the heat.

Heat the remaining tablespoon of the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble in the sausage or ground turkey and cook until lightly browned on all sides, stirring occasionally. Stir in the cooked onion and mushroom mixture. Add the wine to the pan along with the tomatoes, basil and rosemary. Cook for 1 more minute. Drain of any excess fat, remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Preheat the oven to 375° F. Once the turkey mixture has cooled a bit, mix in the Parmesan, egg, salt and pepper. Fill the zucchini shells with the mixture. Fill a baking dish with ¼-inch of water. Place the filled zucchini shells in the pan and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, until golden brown. Remove the zucchini from the pan and serve immediately.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

6 weeks

I am officially less than 6 weeks from my birthday! I'm only making a big deal out of this because well I'll be 30. Yes the big 3-0. No more 20's.

I will be headed to FL for the big day. My best friend is going with me and we are gonna hang at the momma's. Lay on the beach, drink lots of wine, eat good home cooking and just RELAX.

CAN'T WAIT!

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Fail

I never realized how much I like Gluten....until I went without it.

I'll pass....bring on the bread, bring on the beer, bring on the good tasting food. I need wheat in my diet.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Gluten or Not to Gluten

So I am trying something.

Gluten FREE.

This is HARD. I am craving bread. Soft, buttery, sourdough. Oh how I want thee.

I figured since the doc said NO to the big C....lets try something else out to loose weight.

I am taking thyroid meds and have cut out gluten almost 100%. It's only been a week, but I feel better. I am not lethargic. I actually get hungry. I have been eating a ton of fruits and veggies. A TON.

The one downfall....I went to a bar recently and got looked at like I had 3 heads when I asked IF they had gluten free beer. Seriously people really have a condition where they can't eat or drink it. Don't treat me like crap because I ask a serious question. Won't be going back to that bar...EVER.

Monday, June 21, 2010

Denver 2010


I got to travel to Denver, CO (5,280 feet above see level...hence mile high city) (got to knock it off my 101 in 1001) for work last week and managed to talk my company in to letting me stay for the weekend. Granted, it might have been the fact that the air fare was a little cheaper flying home on Sunday night rather than Friday morning, or the fact that I have "family" in town and was able to stay with them, but either way Denver is AWESOME!

I flew into town on Tuesday afternoon, met me boss, checked into my hotel and grabbed dinner at Earls. (can't get the link to work).

Wednesday, got up grabbed coffee at Starbucks. Rode the 16th Street Shuttle down to one of my clients offices. Walked over to the Westin for our quarterly meeting. Met with another client afterwards. Went to my companies office downtown for a brief hello to my account executives. When all was said and done...grabbed a Pomegranite Martini at Prime Bar with some of the girls from my afternoon client meeting. After my happy hour drink, I met my best friends cousin, Christen (hadn't seen her since the BF's wedding nearly
3 years ago) for dinner at Rock Bottom Brewery.

Thursday. Drove up to Greeley and Boulder w/the boss and t
he AE. Met with a few clients. The photo is from the back of one of the office buildings...seriously I could look at that EVERY DAY! Drove back to the city. (got a shot of the skyline)
Was DONE for work at 12:30. I called my ex-step-mother (yes we are still really good friends) and we met for lunch at a 5-Star Restaurant....knock another one off my 101 in 1001 days! We went to the Brown Palace. SOOOOOO good. I had Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken Salad.
Afterwards we went back to Earls and I had their housemade Sangria. Yummy. Crashed out pretty early on Thursday (thinking time change caught up with me).


Friday. Met my ex-step-mom and her co-worker for lunch at PF Changs and then we took the light rail back to her place and ended up driving out to Colorado Springs to see Garden of the Gods

and Pikes Peak. Absolutely GORGEOUS.


Friday night...went to a Colorado Rockies v. Milwaukee Brewers game. Our seats were AMAZING. Club level. Fantastic...I think I am officially spoiled.


Saturday. I've always wanted to see The Stanley Hotel (from Stephen King's The Shining). Drove up to Estes Park (about 8,000 feet above sea level). Driving through the mountains was breathtaking. Driving into Estes Park and seeing the snow covered mountains and Stanley Hotel on the hill GORGEOUS.
Ate lunch, promptly got sick....headache, nausea, lightheaded....yup I got Altitude sickness. NOT Fun. I had to drink a crap load of water and munch on tums to help till I could get down from the altitude.


We did the ghost tour...and I am a complete cynic...I didn't feel or see anything, however my camera captured something completely different. I got some "orbs" which they say are ghosts...yeah still a cynic...its totally got to be dust. It was fun though to hear about some of the history.


Walked around town for a little bit afterwards and bought a beautiful blue turquoise ring. I also bought a blue stone bracelet with a silver plated Aspen Leaf....anyone who knows me, knows I love leaves.


I flew back on Sunday afternoon/evening and thankfully I am not too jet lagged. All in all I fell in love with Denver and the surrounding areas. I didn't get to see everything because its so spread out, but I had an absolute blast and will definetly be back.

Monday, June 7, 2010

It's NOT!

It's not cancer!!!! I went to the lovely Dr. Alan Dackiw at John's Hopkins and he gave me the news I was begging to hear.

He had the pathologist re-run my biopsy slides. Benign!

I might have scared him when I burst into tears.

We are going to keep an eye on the nodule, if it grows or changes we will re-visit surgery. For now I go back to the endocrine doc for thyroid meds, meet with a nutritionist and in 6 months have another ultrasound and biopsy.

I have to say that was probably the best news I've gotten in a while. Thank god for a small miracle.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Ugh

If I didn't have bad luck, I really don't think I would have any luck at all.

On top of the wonderful thyroid results of last week...I managed to dislocate my ankle on Friday night. Do you have ANY idea how freaking painful that is?!?!?!?!

Granted I am a supreme klutz, but this injury takes the cake. Being the good friend I am...I went to pick up a drunk friend on Friday night. Got him home, was walking back out to my car, fell down his stairs landed in the driveway. Seriously! I go to help someone and I get injured in the process. Are you kidding me?!?! One drive to the hospital later (mind you with my left foot, cause I hurt the right), I find out no broken bones, just a dislocated ankle. Yeah didn't even know that was possible. I'm pretty sure the doctor learned a new stream of curses when they reset my ankle...at least that's what he told me...I don't recall much of it...good pain meds.

Started physical therapy today to regain the use of walking...because crutches and I just do not get along. It is a love/hate relationship...more towards hate. I can put weight on the toes of my feet but try and get my foot flat...shooting pain. I got it massaged and deep heat from an ultrasound, however my FAVORITE part...they hooked little electrodes up to my ankle. Weird sensation, but fantastic affect. Swelling has gone down a little and doesn't hurt as bad. Granted I did just pop a pain pill. lol.

I will be doing therapy 3 times a week for the next month...here's hoping by this weekend I can at least limp without the dreaded crutches.

Friday, May 21, 2010

Test Results

I got the call on Wednesday. Took a few days to really process.

According to the doctor I have follicular neoplasm which doesn't confirm or deny cancer. Its an inconclusive result. Its not that they didn't get enough of the cells from the biospy, its that they are unable to determine one way or the other because of the abundance of cells....there are too many to see if its cancer or not. The only way to determine is to either have a partial lobectomy or remove the entire thyroid. The doc said that even if it is cancer I have a very high survival rate (over 95%) because of my age and other factors.

I asked her what the likely hood is if I only remove part of it would it appear on the other side, she said she wasn't sure but with my Hasimoto's she would recommend entire removal but that's something I should consult with the surgeon on. She is sending all my tests and notes as well as the slides from the biopsy to the surgeon.

I'm a calmer than I was when I first heard the news and I credit that to the internet and the search results from follicular neoplasm. I'm still scared about the surgery, but I have the best family and friends to support me and was referred to a great doctor at John's Hopkins.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Stressed Out

So here it goes. I have been having some ups and downs with my health as of late. I've been doing the healthy eating kick for a while and incorporating moderate activity into my life, but can't seem to lose any weight and am constantly feeling under the weather.

Well about 2 + weeks ago I went in for a thyroid ultrasound, because my GI doc was concerned and wanted to make sure nothing was going on. 2 weeks go bye and I don't hear from her, I think all is cool and we'll discuss at our next appointment. 10:30 Friday morning my little world kinda went into a tail spin. Doc called with some "concern's" and wants to do a biopsy.

Naturally, I FREAK OUT.

My doc says I have two "nodules" on my thyroid, 1 that is internal and one that is on the left side and over 1cm big. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis a few years back and those little "nodules" are not my friends. With the type of thyroid problem I have I am 10x more likely to develop thyroid cancer. Yeah freaked out to say the least.

I've done some internet research and my doc has tried to calm my fears, but the truth remains, I won't know till late May what the results are. I have an appointment May 14th for the biopsy, in which they don't put my to sleep, just stick a lovely needle into my neck 4-5 times. I'm hoping my best friend will be there with me, because frankly I'm not sure I can handle it alone. Within a week, I should have my results and if it's positive....let's just say this girl is a fighter, but I am scared.

I'm not yet 30 and I still have a lot of living left in me. As my grandmother always said, "Never give up, never surrender." I know she is watching over me and will get me through this.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Life is complicated

In the span of a week. I lost the only guy best friend I have, nearly quit my job, and took up running.

I lost one of my best friends, because, well frankly, I couldn't be what he needed me to be. I couldn't be the woman that he deserved. The one that wanted to spend all the time with him. The one that wanted to be a teenager again and make out 24/7. I love him, but am not in love with him and that hurts. He was the man that I always thought I would bring home to meet the family. He would have taken great care of me, but I wasn't taking care of him. I just couldn't do that to him, not again. He deserves a woman that would love, provide, care, jump through hoops for him. It just wasn't me. I'm so sorry and he knows this and in time, I hope he knows I did it, because I do care for him.

Work and I are not getting along recently. I hate going to work and would use every excuse I could think of to not go to work if I thought I could get away with it. It's just killing me everyday. I hope things start to look up soon, because I really do like what I do, just not the politics that go with it.

I also took up running.

I DO NOT LIKE TO RUN!

I figured with all the ups and downs with my personal and professional life, hitting the pavement sounded like a good idea. I am ridiculously out of shape and need to lose weight, as nothing I own seems to want to fit and its freaking sad. I refuse to spend anymore money on clothes that don't fit.

I will drop this weight and be happy again, but maybe some therapy on the side would be a good idea. I have to work through this personal shit before I go and hurt someone else I care about.

Here is to a new week and a new chapter, thank god it's almost May and I can go on vacation.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Two Weeks

Well almost. I haven't posted in almost two weeks. My sincere apologies.

Life has been hectic. Been working my butt off for the job that pays the bills. Not sleeping the sleep. Not loving the love. However, shelling out the $$$$$$.

I have spent probably $500 in the last week on my wardrobe. I have a problem. I love classic cardigans, ruffle designs, slim pants. LOVE LOVE LOVE.

2 cardigans, 1 button down, 1 khaki pant, 1 gauze shirt later (TODAY!!!!) later I have work attire.

I have been trying to dress it up bit by bit at work. It's fun. I just might take pics tomorrow. For now I must sleep. I will have to post about Ms. Chelsea Handler tomorrow. FUNNY Biotch!!!!!

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Ups and Downs

I haven't posted a pic of my new hair color because well...... I HATE IT. I actually have an appointment tomorrow evening to get it fixed. It seriously looks orange to me, but everyone I work with says it just looks lighter. Well lighter would work if that is what I ASKED for. I asked for my hair to be darker with some highlights. My hair is a natural light brown...so I would imagine dark brown with medium brown highlights....yeah no. I got a medium brown with dirty blond. DESPISE!!!!

Hopefully tomorrow is better and I can post a pic of the finished product.

In other news my Denver trip got canceled. I was in a word.....PISSED! My boss got sick with strep throat and he was supposed to go with me and well that definitely didn't happen. The original plan was I was going to go alone and then at 10:30 at night I got texted to say NOPE. Whatever here is hoping they reschedule soon. I would really really like to go out. I'm hoping it happens sooner rather than later.

Off to watch Chelsea Handler....this chick is HYSTERICAL!

Saturday, March 13, 2010

New Glasses

I got new glasses!!!! Well actually I ordered them since my happy ass is virtually blind they didn't have my prescription in the store. They should be in next week. I am super excited about them.

I went to go see Alice and Wonderland and since it has been a RAINY dreary day in B'more it was sold out. Bastards. Gonna try again another day.

Instead I helped the economy today. LOL. I bought 2 necklaces, a button down shirt and cardigan at The Limited. I got a fleece hoodie at L.L. Bean. I also bought 20 Maryland Mugs to take with me to Denver for my clients. Oh yeah and a new pair of DARK wash jeans at Levi...I'm gonna have to take them to the tailor though and they'll just be my going out jeans. :o)

Now I am just chillin on the couch and drinking a glass of vino. Tomorrow is the day the hairdo changes. :o) Below are my new glasses.....and the hair before the change. :o)


Friday, March 12, 2010

TGIF and a "box o' wine"

All I can say is THANK GOD ITS FRIDAY!!!! oh and Thank God for the Box O' Wine.

Tonight is a kick my feet up and RELAX. Getting new glasses and seeing Mr. Johnny Depp tomorrow and getting this hot mess of hair fixed on Sunday.

Off to the Mile High City on Monday. Wahoo!!!!

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Exhausted

You know it's been the week from hell when on a Monday you:

Pass out with your laptop in your lap and a 1/2 eaten sandwich beside you and wake up at 3am going WTF?!?!?!

You know it's been the week from hell when on a Tuesday you say:

"It's a 2 glass of wine kinda night." and then proceed to drink the entire bottle of Riesling.

You know it's been the week from hell when on a Wednesday you:

Are so freaking exhausted, making dinner seems overrated and you proceed to drink 2 glasses of red wine and nuke leftover lasagna.

ITS ONLY WEDNESDAY!!!!! I have two more days to get through. God help me.

Thank god my boss is back from his work trip....though I swear he is NEVER allowed to go out of town without me again. Two more work days in the office and then off to Denver for work....with the boss man....told you he wasn't allowed to travel without me anymore.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Casino Night

I went to a Casino Night over the weekend for a company function for Ray and had a blast.


I'm not much of a gambler and in fact Slot Machine's are the only things I've ever done. Well I tried my hand at Texas Holdem. I have to say even though I had ZERO idea what I was doing, I did pretty well. It's all about the bluff.



The food was phenomenal. All different kinds of pasta, meat, bread....everything that goes right to the hips. The desserts! WOW...there were like 25 different desserts. I wish I had thought to take a picture of ANY of it....but frankly just didn't think about it.



I met some of Ray's co-workers as well as his parents. LOVED LOVED LOVED his mom and have now taken to calling his dad..... "dad." I can safely assume I was a hit with them as well.



The only photo of the night was taken at the beginning by a professional photographer. While Ray has kept the original, he sent me a copy of it that he scanned. For your viewing pleasure.


Monday, March 8, 2010

Gluten for Punishment

I'm in pain....and its all my doing.

I have been wearing 4 inch heels for over a week now and my body has rebelled. My knee's ache. My feet are swollen. My legs are KILLING me.

I am currently laid up on the couch with ice on the knees, and have rubbed a serious amount of lotion on my feet and put them in socks.

I think tomorrow is gonna be the ballet flats. I gotta give my "gams" a break.....well just for a little bit cause I LOVE my HEELS!!

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Really?!?! No chicken!!!

As notated in my previous post this gal wants mashed potatoes.

Well the closest thing to homemade are KFC mashed potatoes and gravy. I got off work late and decided I'd do the fast food taters and a piece of fried chicken. I figured if I was gonna be bad with taters and gravy, I was gonna go all the way.

I drove to my local KFC, stood in line, started to order and got this look like I was crazy. Wait for it. They were OUT OF FREAKING CHICKEN. Seriously as a friend put it "its like Pizza Hut running out of pizza." I was seriously pissed. Once I decided on mashed potatoes, chicken was a must.

The girl behind the counter must have thought I was a "crazy white gal." I was in a predominately African American area (I was the only Caucasian in the store....and there were probably 5 other people plus the all black staff behind the counter) and sorry for the racial tendency here....but I went crazy ghetto. I was like "Wait, what no chicken?! Seriously how the hell do you run out of chicken? You are in BUSINESS to sell CHICKEN! You know if it had been reversed and a black woman had been in a predominately white KFC, having no chicken would not have flown, no pun intended.

So screw it. I ordered my LARGE mashed potatoes and gravy and damn if the chick behind the counter didn't say "Thank You VERY much" in a totally sarcastic tone as I was headed out the door. Home girl....seriously you fucked up my need for the white meat and you are pulling the sarcastic out of your ass....no honey.....THANK YOU.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Craving the mom's cookin

Do you ever get a craving for something "your momma makes?"

That hit me tonight. HARD. I am craving momma's meatloaf, mashed taters and veggies.

I often crave my mom's home cooked food, cause well it's my momma and the woman can cook like a chef and should be published. She has made some of the BEST food's I have EVER had.

Can we say Special Baked Potatoes? Taters. Check. Cheese. Check. BACON. Check. These are some twice backed goodness that I refuse to make (and yup I have a batch in my freezer that she made when she visited). I will shed a tear when they are gone.

Grilled Salmon. I can't cook fish. Well that's probably not right, I just choose not to. lol. That's momma's department.

Fried Chicken Livers. Yes sounds gross. SO NOT!!!! One of the best things from my childhood. I know I'm weird.

There are SOOOO many things my mom makes that I adore. She'll email me new dishes she has tried out, and most of the time they are things I would totally make and have made. (I think she secretly LOVES that I have started cooking and can relate to me on that now).

Back to momma's meatloaf. I HATE mayonnaise and frankly she uses it in this dish. God knows why, but it is some good eatin.

I'm heading to momma's in May and I do know this.... Mom, Momma, Mommy??? Can you PLEASE make me your meatloaf. Your loving little girl is craving it. Thanks!!!!

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Crab & Asparagus Quiche

OMG!!!! It was a party in my mouth. So freaking good!!!!

Crab & Asparagus Quiche (serves 4)

Ingredients:

4 Ramekins (mine are 6 oz sized)
2 eggs
1/4 cup Bisquick
1 Cup Milk
4 oz cheddar & jack cheese
8 oz can of creamed corn (optional)
1/2 lb lump crab meat
2-3 spears of Cooked Asparagus cut into bite sized pieces
salt and pepper of Old Bay

Directions:

1. Preheat Oven to 350 degrees.

2. Spray Ramekin w/cooking spray.

3. Put crab, asparagus, corn into a bowl. Mix together and season to taste w/salt and pepper or old bay.

4. Place a generous helping of crab mixture into ramekins. Top with cheese.

5. Mix Eggs, Bisquick, Milk mixture together in small bowl. (mixture will be thin, be sure to get lumps out).

6. Pour Bisquick mixture over crab mixture.

7. Cook to a golden brown (about 45 minutes to an hour depending on size of pan).

Thanks momma for the mouth-watering recipe. It was DELICIOUS!!!!

Monday, February 22, 2010

Chicken Asparagus a la Vodka


Chicken Asparagus a la Vodka (serves 4)

Ingredients:

2-3 cups penne pasta
8-10 asparagus spears (broken into 1 1/2 inch pieces)
1lb chicken
1 jar Vodka Sauce
Parmesan Cheese

Directions:

1. Cook Chicken, cut into bite sized pieces. Add Vodka Sauce to chicken and heat through.

2. Cook Pasta according to package directions. Add asparagus the last 4 minutes of cooking time. Drain.

3. Add Chicken Mixture to Pasta and Toss. Sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese.

YUMMY!!! and I had a TON of leftovers.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Vacation??!!??!!

I'm ready for a vacation.

I know I got a week unplanned vacay with all the glorious snow that the DC/Maryland/VA Region saw, well that and being sick with pnuemonia....but I worked a full week this week, well minus President's Day and I need a vacation. God I sound like a baby.....week off. 4 day work week AND I need a vacation. Boo hoo me.

I have several things in the works, however only two concrete plans.

I'm going to Eagles Training Camp. That's right the NFC East Eagles. I'm a HUGE ridiculous fan. I am obsessed with DeSean Jackson....that boy can RUN. I love me some Westbrook....though after this past year I think he might quite possibly be done. I like McNabb....when he is on point. I'm going to meet DeSean...and sit there and stammer like a freaking idiot but damn if I wont get his autograph and a freaking picture. That is my "boyfriend" whether I can talk or not I love that man.

I booked a flight to FL to visit my momma for Mother's Day. Oh sunshine how do I heart they, let me count the ways sand sparkles, and dolphins jump. Seriously. I could live on a beach. I am going to visit my mother and spend a few glorious days in the Florida weather. I'll get to see my mom, eat momma's home cooking....seriously NOTHING better, and just RELAX without work looming overhead. 5 days in Florida....just what the doctor ordered.

Now where is the Cruise?? What is the plan for the BIG 30....that sucker is just over 6 months way!!!!????!!!!????

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Lent

Everyone seems to be in the same predicament.....what to give up for Lent.

Well I have decided to not give anything up for Lent.

I will, instead, do something to improve my life. I work on the 3rd floor of my building and I am guilty of taking the elevator everyday. I will be taking the stairs for the next 40 days. I do hope that it carries over to longer than that.

I believe it will help to start improving my health and losing weight, as well as knocking off another in my 101 in 1001 days.

Small steps, big rewards.

Monday, February 15, 2010

Letting go, Letting in

I have walls. LOTS of really TALL walls.

Slowly they are beginning to crumble.

To understand why I have walls, you have to know the back story.

I dated a boy, man, demon....I swear. He was sugar and spice and everything nice on the outside but pure hate and dark on the inside. I loved till my heart shattered and nothing in return. 7 years of my life wasted on that kind of shattering to your core kinda love. He was a man that tore me down every time I built myself up.

He was a man that my dad once famously quoted.... "they never found Hoffa, they'll never find him." Seriously. NEVER date a man your daddy hates. NEVER date a man who honks on your first date instead of coming in to meet the parents. NEVER date a man that puts down your best friend, your family, and most of all YOU.

It took me 7 years to leave this self destructive relationship. 4 more years of healing and NOW the walls crumble. There is a man. A strong man, a wonderful man, a man that I never thought I could let my guard down for....but damn if he isn't a patient man. He has waited for me to come to terms of my heart and to see that as he always says that I am...."worth the wait."

To this man...you know who you are. Thank you.

Thank you for letting me figure my own head, heart and soul out. Thank you for being in the background cheering for me. Being there when I am at my absolute worse...no makeup and greasy hair. Thank you for being my friend and someone I have learned to trust and rely on. Thank you for "rescuing" me on MANY occasions. Thank you for always being you.

(to my MOM...cause I know you read this...no questions...I might revert on my ever growing strength...just know I may eventually marry and give you those grand babies).

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Valentine?

It's V'day 2010.

No flowers. No chocolate. No sexy lingerie. No jewelry.

Well dammit. I bought my own chocolate and lingerie.

Who wants to be my cupid and bring me flowers and that Tiffany necklace I've been eyeing????

Oh well.....maybe next year cupid will have better aim with that arrow.

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Lungs

4 hours out of the house and the lungs are PISSED!

Coughing, wheezing, trying to breathe.

I hear you.

I will go from Bed to Couch to Bed tomorrow. I swear!!!!!

Life on the outside

So for a week now I have been STUCK in my house.

I started getting sick LAST Friday. By Saturday, the day of Snow Storm One, I thought I was dying. I couldn't swallow, was running a 101 degree fever, cold then hot.....basically miserable.

Sunday...much the same.

Monday, lost voice....so sexy in a Froggy kinda way. I walked to our local Rite-Aid cause this gal needed DRUGS and my street apparently wasn't going to see a plow.

Tuesday, still sick spent 4 hrs digging out my vehicle so I could get more juice and water cause Snow Storm Two was getting ready to start.

Wednesday...seriously ready to die while another 19 inches of snow is falling.

Thursday....spent over an hour digging out my car AGAIN!

Friday....Finally managed to get to a board certified physician and guess what.....I have PNEUMONIA! Thankfully the doc loaded me up with steroids and antibiotics with instructions for bed rest.

Guess what....NO! I have been stuck inside for a week. I like myself, but a week of alone time...I'm starting to talk to myself. I need to see people.

I went shopping. Yup. Nearly $400 later and some time with my best friend....I am back on the couch. I'm regretting it just a tiny bit....cause well I feel like shit and can't breathe but I got to live outside of my house. Even for 4 hours....it was worth it.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Unless you live in a bubble

DC/Maryland/NOVA is experiencing a RECORD BREAKING winter. I'm talking over 84" inches of snow in the Baltimore area where I live.

I am from upstate NY and this is more snow than I have seen in more than 15 years. The last great snow I saw was 48" in 24 hrs. I wasn't even tall enough to shovel!!!!

Can we say cabin fever has set in?!?!??! Granted I have been sicker than hell the entire time and haven't really gotten out to enjoy it by making snow angels or a snowman. I walked the 1/2 mile to my local drug store on Monday in 2+ feet of snow just to get medication to fight this cold and to get OUT of my house!!

The snow stopped Saturday afternoon around 3.....my street didn't see a plow till Monday night at 9pm. More than 48 hrs later. I spent more than 4 hrs digging out my car on Tuesday morning to go to the grocery store to get more juice and water.....it was crazy how empty the shelves were.

Last night. MORE FREAKING SNOW!!!! I am sitting stuck in my house once again with blocked doors, a street full of snow, my car once again buried and I am DONE! Here me SNOW GODS! DONE!!!

snOMG, Snopocalypse, Snomageddon, SNOtorious B.I.G., Snoverkill.....call it what you want....I think most Marylander's, NOVA and DC Peeps would kill to see sun, sand, and 90 degree weather.


We got another 18" coupled with 30mph winds and over 50mph gusts....its like living in a freaking snow globe. The snow drifts are at least 6' high in some places. I'm just over 5'....need I say more. We have no where to put it. They are dumping snow into the harbor!

I hear Vancouver needs snow for the Olympics.....we'll sell it to you. Real cheap.

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Snowmaggedon




I live in an area that typically doesn't see a whole lot of winter weather. Usually just cold and the occasional 1-2 inches of snow. Yeah NOT this year! In December 2009 we had approx. 20 inches of snow. This was my car in that snowstorm.


February 2010......

I CAN'T EVEN SEE MY CAR!!!!!

It is currently 2pm and it is STILL coming down. Don't get me wrong. I love the snow. I am from upstate NY and this is a normal winter....but come-on. I live in Maryland. THIS IS NOT! I can't open my front door let alone try and get outside and clean off my car. So for now I'll just take photos from my windows. Maybe one day I'll get out of my igloo and see the snow globe world.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Buttery Garlic Shrimp with Red Pepper

Buttery Garlic Shrimp w/Red Pepper (serves 4)

Ingredients:

1 1/2 lbs fresh or frozen medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
8 oz dried angel hair pasta
2 TBSP butter
2 cloves garlic, minced or 1 TSP bottled minced garlic
Salt
1/4 TSP crushed red pepper
2 cups fresh broccoli florets

Directions:

1. Thaw Shrimp, if frozen. Rinse shrimp; pat dry with paper towels.

2. Cook Pasta according to package directions. Add broccoli the last 4 minutes of cooking time. Drain; keep warm.

3. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic; cook for 30 seconds. Add the shrimp; sprinkle with salt. Cook and stir for 2 to 4 minutes or until shrimp turn opaque. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper. Serve over hot cooked pasta.

(444 calories, 10g fat (4 sat fat), 274 mg chol, 438 mg sodium, 44g carbo, 1g fiber, 42g protein.)

Monday, February 1, 2010

To my mom


I LOVE MY MOM. She is my best friend, my other half. She is the strongest woman I know. I am lucky God saw fit for me to be her daughter. To learn from her, to grow from her and to be her other half.

To my mom.

You are my light, my heart, my being. You are my friend, my mother, my love. You are the strength, the tenacity and the hope. You are and FOREVER will be my my best friend and my mom.

Love.

Your Daughter

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Fast Chicken and Rice

Fast Chicken and Rice (serves 4)

Ingredients:

1/2 cup frozen peas
1 8.8 oz puch of cooked brown or white rice
1 TBSP cooking oil
1 lb chicken breast tenders, halved crosswise
1/4 cup bottled stir-fry sauce
Packaged oven-roasted sliced almonds

Directions:

1. Stir Peas into rice pouch. Heat in microwave according to package directions.

2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken to skillet; cook and stir for 2-3 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink. Stir rice mixture into skillet. Stir in stir-fry sauce; heat through. Sprinkle with almonds.

(311 calories, 9g fat (1g sat fat), 66 mg chol, 453 mg sodium, 25g carbo, 2g fiber, 31g protein.)

#93 DOWN!

Polar Bear Plunge 2010!

This lady jumped....well RAN into some 31 degree water in the Chesapeake Bay.....and promptly RAN the F out!

It was 19 degrees out and SNOWING....we are talking about some crazy heavy snow. It was an absolute blast and it was for a great cause. The Special Olympics. I met some great people and even met some of the people the event was for.

I don't have any pictures of me actually plunging, because I gave my camera to a friend and it was just too far away to see anyone actually do it. :o( Maybe next year, I'll buy a water proof disposable for proof. Yes you heard me. I plan on doing it again.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Mel Gibson?

So I was watching "What Women Want" with Mel Gibson tonight.....totally made me think of my dad.

My dad is a good looking guy. Most of my friends see pics of him and are like "Who is the gray haired fox." Kinda funny when you have to look them in the eye and say "uh, my dad." He is also a "ladies man," meaning the LADIES love my dad. Every time I turn around he has a new girlfriend on his arm....hey I'm happy for the guy, he isn't alone. When they get too serious about my ol' man....he calls them "klingons" basically clingy women. First time I heard that, I about died from laughing. My dad is a great guy and I am glad that I am his daughter.

So back to the point.

My dad looks similar to Mel Gibson. Told you he was good looking!

On the left: Mel. On the right: Dad

You be the judge.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

White Wine/Butter Sauce w/Chicken, Penne & Broccoli

My best friend is a Great cook.....and I took this recipe from the source and tweaked it for my own purposes.


White Wine & Butter Chicken Dinner (serves 3-4)

Ingredients:

3-4 Chicken Breasts
1/2-1 cup white wine (I eyeballed it....so it was probably more like a cup)
1 stick of butter
Seasonings to taste
Penne Pasta
Frozen Broccoli

Directions:

1. Mix together butter, wine and seasonings to taste in a large frying pan, heat till butter melts and ingredients combine (I used Basil, Red Pepper Flakes, Oregano, Parsley, Onion Powder, Rosemary and Minced Garlic).

2. Place chicken in butter mixture and cook till done. Cut up to 1 inch cubes.

2. Cook pasta to directions on box. Drain.

3. Cook broccoli in the microwave till done.

4. Combine all ingredients and butter mixture and top with Parmesan cheese.

Thanks D for the incredible recipe....I'll be making this in the future!

Saturday, January 23, 2010

TMJ

In the last month, I have been experiencing some pretty nasty jaw pain. I can't open wide, can't chew very well. Wake up every morning with my mouth ridiculously tight.

NOT fun when you can't eat anything but soft foods, and I am really craving a big ol' piece of STEAK!!!

Oh and my lovely dentist, whom I actually really like, told me NO caffeine, alcohol, and chocolate. IS HE TRYING TO KILL ME!!!!

I went to the dentist yesterday and he pretty much thinks I have TMJ, and I grind/clench my teeth at night and during the day. He thinks its stress related. I have no idea. He wanted to fit me with a night guard, but I was unable to open my mouth wide enough to put the mold in....that's how tight my jaw is. I love my dentist, he gave me muscle relaxers to try and ease the pain and tightness and we'll try again this Friday.

So here is hoping the wonderful muscle relaxers and Ibuprofin 800mg and NOT drinking caffeine, booze or eating chocolate will lead me to get something resolved. I am not sure I can handle the lack of coffee in the am, I mean who are we kidding, de-caf just doesn't cut it.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Traci Thursday's

Every Thursday my friend Traci and I take turn's cooking and hosting the other for Vampire Diaries and Grey's Anatomy...both shows we are addicted to.

Since Traci has just moved into her new home and is unpacking still....I hosted tonight, however she cooked. Having someone else in my kitchen cooking, well except for my mom, is just weird.


She made this AWESOME Bone in Chicken Breast. She marinated it for 24 hours in Lemon juice, thyme, rosemary and garlic. It was the perfect blend of spices. She cooked it in one of my stoneware casserole dishes at 425 degrees for 45 minutes. DELICIOUS.

I made some of my mom's special baked potatoes. Actually I just reheated them, because when my mom was here at Christmas she made a dozen potatoes and they are honestly hands down my FAVORITE potatoes. They are twice baked and filled with Bacon, Velvetta, Onions, and Sour Cream. SO FREAKING GOOD!

In addition, I also made my asparagus, though tonight I just steamed it in water and put pepper and salt on them. They were bright green and quite tasty.

Now we are sitting on my couch, watching the end of Vampire Diaries and then on to Grey's Anatomy.....drinking Cabernet.

I LOVE Traci Thursday's. One of my favorite nights of the week.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Rainy Day Comfort

It's raining like cats and dogs today and well comfort food just sounded YUMMY! After a day of massage and relaxing (oh yeah...I lead a hard life) I decided to make some chicken, stuffing and asparagus.

I never thought making stuffing in a crock-pot was plausible, but damn if it didn't work.


Easy Chicken Dinner (serves 4)

Ingredients:

4 Chicken Breasts
1 can condensed cream of chicken soup
1/3 cup milk
1 6oz packaging of stuffing
1 2/3 cup water

Directions:

1. Place Chicken in Crock Pot.

2. Combine Chicken soup and milk in a small bowl till blended, pour over chicken.

2. Combine Stuffing and water in small bowl and spoon over the chicken mixture.

3. Cook on Low 6-8 hours till done.

I also made a side of asparagus to eat with my chicken concoction. I placed the asparagus in a saute pan, with 1/4 water, saute till al dente and sprinkle with parmesan cheese and salt and pepper. Delicious!

Friday, January 15, 2010

On the Fence


So I decided today would be the day to try Hummus. I'm not sure I like, but I am not sure that I dislike. Very odd....usually I am one way or the other, not smack dab in the middle.


I bought the Vegetable Hummus, cause well plain just sounded boring. I brought it to work with carrots, celery and 5-Grain Fiber Crackers.


I very much enjoyed the carrots and crackers, my celery had gone wimpy so I didn't eat that. The hummus while it has a pleasing texture, I am just not sure I really like it.


I'm thinking I might have to try a spicy pepper blend or even heat it up to really like it.


So for now I sit on the fence trying to decide if I wanna hop over one way or the other.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Opposite Hand

So my mom called tonight with this little tid bit:

"Eat with the opposite hand, you'll eat slower and lose weight."

Seriously, I am so NOT coordinated enough to manage that. I'd have food all over my face or more likely all over my clothes and floor.

Just for the sake of argument, I experimented with that. CLUMSY!!!! I managed to eat a few bites and then said screw it and went right back to my "RIGHT" hand.

I love the 5 little digits on my right hand, the way they grasp the fork. The way they lift the food to my mouth to give me the tasty goodness. How I heart the hand. I will NOT forsake you again.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

I got nothing

No home cooked meals tonight. Leftovers. Nothing to say.

NIGHT

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Homemade Beef & Mushroom Stew

Ahhhhh!!!!! Comfort Food!!!!!

Growing up my mom always made soups and stews and chili's to feed the family. They were always delicious and filling...so tonight I made my own in the Crockpot.

Wild Mushroom Beef Stew (serves 5)

Ingredients:

1 1/2 to 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 TBSP all-purpose flour
1/2 TSP salt
1/2 TSP black pepper
1 1/2 cups of beef broth
1 TSP Worcestershire sauce
1 glove garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
1 tsp paprika
4 shitake mushrooms, sliced*
2 medium carrots, sliced
2 medium red potatoes, diced
1 small white onion, chopped
1 stalk celery, sliced

*If shitake mushrooms are unavailable, substitute other mushrooms of your choice.*

Directions:

1. Place beef in 4 1/2-quart CrockPot slow cooker. Mix together flour, salt and pepper; sprinkle over beef. Stir to coat each piece of beef with flour.

2. Add remaining ingredients and stir to mix well. Cover; cook on LOW 10-12 hours or on HIGH 4-6 hours. Stir stew before serving.

Notes:

I used regular white mushrooms and just cleaned and cut them in half for a thicker mushroom base (as I love mushrooms). Also I forgot to add the garlic which became clear when I ate it, but it was still delicious. I also added a 1/2 cup of red wine to the batch.

Monday, January 11, 2010

Ever Cry Cutting an Onion??

I just balled my eyes out. Cutting an onion is NOT a pleasant thing.

Word of advice from my mom AFTER I cut the damn thing up.....put it in the freezer for 10 min prior to cutting or run it under ice cold water....won't hurt as bad.

Thanks mom for the late advice...I'll remember it next time.

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Tuna Pot Pie

When I was a kid my mom used to make Tuna Helper Tuna Pot Pie. I LOVED it. Then they stopped making it. It has been years since I have eaten Tuna Pot Pie. When my mom came to visit for Christmas, we decided to try and make it. I do believe we succeeded. Tonight I decided to make it on my own as I had all the ingredients for it. I must say it turned out yummy yet again, for those that wish to try:

Tuna Pot Pie (serves 4)

Ingredients for filling:

1 large pouch of Tuna or 3-4 regular cans
1 bag of Mixed Frozen Vegetables
1 can Whole Potatoes Drained and cut in 1/4's
2 can Cream of Celery soup
Salt & Pepper to Taste
Ingredients for crust:

2 cups Busquick
1 cup milk
1 TBSP Parsley Flakes
2 Eggs

Directions:

Spray 2 1/2 quart casserole dish with cooking spray.
Combine all Filling ingredients in a large bowl.
Place filling in casserole dish.
Combine all Crust ingredients in a large bowl.
Pour over top of filling.
Bake 30 min @ 400 degrees.

Variations:

For a lighter filling use 1 can cream of celery soup and 1 can chicken broth.
For a lighter crust use 1 cup Bisquick, 1/2 cup milk and 1 egg.
You can also vary the type of cream of soup and vegetables to taste and/or add 1/2 cup cheese to tuna mixture.

ENJOY!

Friday, January 8, 2010

Healthy Eating....already 2lbs lost

I just ate the BEST salad ever and I made it.

1 1/2 cups Romaine Lettuce
3 oz Chicken Breast cut up
15 Grapes sliced in half
1 Stalk Celery sliced
1/4 cup Blueberries
1/4 cup Pomegranates
handful of sliced Almonds
Non-fat Balsamic Vinegarette


I forgot how much I really do love salad. I was planning on eating something WARM...cause its 23degrees here, with a windchill making it feel like 9degrees....but it just jumped out at me from the fridge.

Currently looking through the crock-pot cookbook to make something homey and warm for tomorrow night. I'm also thinking Tuna Pot Pie might be on the menu for this week. Will post recipes later.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

It's not over till you take the tree down

So I am home sick from work today....fought the cold hard.....finally gave in. One day of doing absolutely nothing but sleep and movie watching....I feel 100 times better. Back to work tomorrow, but now.....

I am sitting on my couch looking at my Christmas tree.....yes we are already in 2010 and it is STILL up. I haven't had the heart to take it down. It is the first year I have ever owned my own Christmas tree and I just don't want to take it down.

In the process all my Christmas presents are still surrounding the tree! Yes I am this lazy.

I got some great presents this year.

From the momma:

1. Orzo: I've had an obsession with Orzo since my mom cooked it for me....however have been unable to locate the stuff....so she gave me some for X'mas.

2. Wine Marker Tree: If anyone knows me....I love wine. This tree has the little decorations you put on the bottom of your glass to identify at parties. LOVE IT!

3. Handmade Leaf Plate: I'm obsessed with leaves. Seriously every room in my house has some version or another....even my Christmas Tree has leaves on it...more about that in a few.

4. Crock-Pot Cookbook: My mom gave me a crock-pot for a housewarming gift and I am in love with it....now I can use it more with my wonderful cookbook.

5. Handmade Leaf Pendant: Again obsessed with the leaves....mom knows how to step it up a notch.

6. Lots of cute stocking stuffers: Tissues w/an A on them. Dreamerz Tea, Star Candles, Cork Candles, Pie Crist Shields, etc.

From the bestest and her family:

1. An apron w/an A on it
2. Fingerless Gloves/Mittens

3. Best Friend Precious Moment (I cried when she gave me that).
4. Earring from her parents
5. P
ampered Chef Square Baker in Cranberry

From my friend Ray:


1. Coach wristlet (awesome gift and WAY over the top)
2. Ralph Lauren HOT perfume
(I'm in love with this stuff and I hear they discontinued!)




From the dad and the rest of the family:


1. MONEY!!

Okay so back to my obsession with leaves. I bought the coolest ornaments for my tree.

Pewter Leaf Ornaments!!! and then after X'mas I found Bronze ones. Love it!















I imagine this weekend I'll get around to taking down my tree but for the next few days, I am going to enjoy the beauty of the lights and the ornaments and eventually put away all the presents. I just don't want the holidays to end.....am I crazy?!?!

Monday, January 4, 2010

2010- Bring it.

Well 2009 was a bust. 2010.....I think it's time.

I went through A LOT of ups and downs. Lots more downs than ups, but I am one tough beotch. My grandma always instilled a "do or die attitude."

So I say out with the old. Ended some friendships. Started some new ones. 2010 this is my year!!! Bring it on!

2008/2009 NYE:

2009/2010 NYE:


My 2009

1. What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before? There were so many things on my list I wanted to try....but Skiing for the first time and not breaking anything is at the top of my list.
2. Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I don't make them, because I constantly break them.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Nope, not that I can think of.
4. Did anyone close to you die? Not this year thankfully, I did lose my g-ma end of 08.
5. What places did you visit? Florida, Western MD, WV. I stuck close to home this year.
6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009? Love
7. What dates from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? June 2009. It was the month I learned I am not invincible when it comes to alcohol.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Going a month without alcohol and realizing I don't have to be drunk to have a good time.
9. What was your biggest failure? Alcohol poisoning
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Alcohol poisoning and wrecking my new car.
11. What was the best thing you bought? My new car....which was totaled 2 days later.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration? Definetly not mine
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? Friends I am no longer associated with.
14. Where did most of your money go? All over.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Nothing really. I am pretty low-key.
16. What song will always remind you of 2009? Not really sure.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? happier
b) thinner or fatter? fatter
c) richer or poorer? poorer
18. What do you wish you’d done more of? relaxing
19. What do you wish you’d done less of? drinking
20. How did you spend Christmas in 2009? My mom came to town at the last minute and we spent it with my friends.
21. Did you fall in love in 2009? Nope
22. What was your favorite TV program? Grey's Anatomy, Glee, True Blood.
23. What did you do for your birthday in 2009? Went to Florida and hung out with my mom.
24. What was the best book you read? Twilight and the True Blood series
25. What did you want and get? Nothing
26. What did you want and not get? Love
27. What was your favorite film of this year? So many to choose from.
28. Did you make some new friends this year? Yes Yes I did.
29.What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Love
30. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009? I'm pretty comfy/casual with a trendy bit tossed in.
31. What kept you sane? Myself
32. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? I don't think anyone
33. What political issue stirred you the most? Healthcare Reform
34. Who did you miss? My nephews
35. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009. I've learned that life is short and to take stock of all your blessings and live in the moment.