Valentine's Day Date #1: Paris

For Valentine's Day this year, Richie put together a game called "Match-2-Date." Since all he gave me at first was the name of the game with no explanation, I immediately Googled the game and was greeted by a game where you have the opportunity to match couples up and help people fall in love. I was more than a little confused. Sure I like games but matching other people up? Been there, done that.

The present wasn't actually the matchmaking game but rather something Richie made up himself. He printed out pictures from our last three years together, two from each particular "day", and put them together in a matching game. I match the two pictures from that "day" and win the date. This month I picked pictures from our trip to Paris last May and won a trip down the "Champs Elysees."

In Paris we started with a climb to the top of the Arc de Triumph.

We got a late start on our date on Saturday but
we were planning to start at the end of the street at the Masonic temple.

Then we started our walk down the street just watching
all of the people around us and enjoying the scenery.

And of course we had to stop in the upscale stores along the street. Louis Vouitton in Paris; Gap and Banana in Old Town. And just like in Paris, I tried on a lot and didn’t buy anything.

After all of that shopping, we got hungry and what better to eat in Paris than pastries? The pastries in Paris were a little more abundant and colorful, but the pastries in Old Town held their own. See if you can tell which came from Paris and which came from here.

After a lot of walking and eating no so good for us sweets, we finished the night relaxing under bright lights.

I’d say it was a great day. Both times. Stay tuned for trips to Santa Monica, Provo, and Rome.

Black and White Party Food

Richie and I are throwing a black and white party next week. I'm still not quite sure what that means but all I can think about is I hope someone brings at least one (or all) of these!

Homemade Oreos

Black and White Cookies

Spinach/Artichoke Dip with Blue Tortilla Chips

Black and White Cupcakes

Get Your Roll On Giveaway

I'm giving away free toilet paper and a $50 Wal-Mart gift card over on my review blog just for telling me how you roll. Even if you don't like Wal-Mart (although I don't know anyone who doesn't), I know everyone needs toilet paper. Go. Now.

Update: I just heard that the comments on the giveaway weren't working properly. I've fixed it so you should be able to comment over there now. Sorry!!!

I Have a Confession #22

You know all of the delicious looking food I post on my blog like here, here, and here... well I didn't actually make all of those things. Not even 10% of those things. The rule of thumb is that if it's not sweet (a.k.a. dessert), I didn't make it. My husband did. And I just take all of the credit.

But I do cook, really I do. My meals just don't look as pretty so they don't get pictures - just recipes on my sidebar weekly menu. But my friend Cate recently pointed out that the food I actually post on my blog is a little intimidating and too advanced, which is another reason I don't make it.

So along with the pretty looking pictures of food, I'm going to try harder to post everyday recipes that I (not my husband) make and love. I'm going to post the recipes as we actually make them (no onions, citrus, etc.) and link to the original recipe. Get ready for a lot of chicken, pasta, or both. I'll start out with a recipe that uses ingredients most people have on hand. We've made it twice now, and it takes maybe 20 minutes at most (really - not Rachael Ray style) and is delicious.

Cashew Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry (in a Peanut Sauce)

Sauce
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey

Stir Fry
4 cups broccoli florets (you can use whatever - we've done broccoli, celery, and carrots)
3 stalks celery, cut into 1/2 inch
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1lb. skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces
2 garlic cloves, minced or pressed (we just substituted garlic powder)
2 cups cooked rice (you can make however much you want)
1/2 cup cashews
4 TB vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Combine all of the sauce ingredients together and set aside.
2. Cut vegetables and chicken into bite-sized pieces (we like "matchsticks" for celery or carrots so that they stay kind of crispy).
3. Heat 2 TB of oil in skillet or wok over high heat until hot.
4. Add chicken and half of the ginger and garlic. Cook and stir until chicken is no longer pink, then remove from skillet/wok.
5. Reduce heat to medium-high and heat remaining oil in the same skillet. Add remaining ginger and garlic and vegetables and cook for about 3-4 minutes until veggies are crisp then return chicken to skillet.
6. Stir in sauce; bring to a boil. Let cook for 1-2 more minutes stirring occasionally then pour entire mixture on top of rice to serve.
7. Sprinkle with nuts.

So in other words - five steps. 1- Mix sauce. 2- Cut chicken and vegetables. 3- Cook and season chicken. 4- Cook and season vegetables. 5- Mix together and pour over rice. Told you it was easy.

A New Job = A New Look??

Friday my company did some internal reorganizing including changing my job A LOT. The biggest difference is that I used to be a completely internal project manager and now I'm going to be a internal and client-facing project manager. It's a good change that I'm very excited about, but there's one thing that worries me - I suck at putting together a cute and professional outfit.

I'm no longer on a team with the "web developers" that all wear jeans every day. I'm now on a team that talks to clients and meets with executives, a team that needs to give off a professional vibe. My work is professional. My clothing is not. I have plenty of professional clothes; I just suck at putting them together to make cute outfits. And I don't think they sell DVDs of What Not to Wear seasons.

Does anyone have any great advice or any great blogs/websites I can go to where I can find easy suggestions and tips for putting together professional and stylish outfits?

Play, Laugh, and Dress Like Superheroes

If there is one word to describe my week with my family, it's got to be play. We normally play a lot, but this weekend we took it to the extreme. It all started on Friday night with a play-date with Valentine's day frog.

Which led into a fun game of hide-and-seek. I don't think my nephews understood they were supposed to hide somewhere that we couldn't actually see them.

After I eventually found the boys, we went to my little (sort of) brother's first of three basketball games. Three disappointing games, but it was still worth the trip just to see him play. He's still as awesome as I remember. During the game, the boys decided they wanted to play dress-up. Can you guess who they are?

After the game we went home and had a big family competition of Wii Brain Academy. Jace won every game.
Saturday we woke up and went to the city market to get fresh spinach and pineapple then went to a monster truck rally.Similar to WWF wrestling, it was very scripted, but the boys loved it. And I loved this hat (that came filled with cotton candy).

After the monster truck rally, we went to another basketball game and finished the night out with a play-date with Elvis and a delicious chocolate shake.

Sunday I went and watched my lil sister play and dominate in a volleyball tournament. Not quite the Olympics, but they did get some great medals.

Then Sunday night we did a family iron chef competition with spinach and pineapple. Think spinach and artichoke dip, stuffed mushrooms, chicken spidini, and fried ice cream (easiest thing ever by the way) with nutella dipped pineapple.

By the time Monday rolled around we were exhausted. So we went and got thermal massages. Most of us didn't make it through the first five minutes of beach sounds, but everyone was very happy by the end.

Other than a couple of bumps and bruises, I'd say it was a great weekend.

100 in 2010 Update: Books 6-10

My office has been closed since last Friday thanks to DC's double blizzards. Since I can't go out and do things, I've been reading a lot and finished three more books this week completing my first ten in my 100 in 2010 challenge. I created a brand new review blog so that I can review things other than books as well and have posted the full reviews there. And on to the books.

#6- The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks (2009 best seller)
A man in the war finds a photo of a woman that he considers lucky. After the war, he tries to find her to thank her for helping him stay alive through the war. Typical Nicholas Sparks romance novel with a nice twist at the end. 4 stars

#7- Secrets and Lies by Rhonda McKnight (review book)
Decent story about a woman who is married to a cardiologist that is troubled by childhood problems. The best part of this book is the realistic view of marriage and how communication and seeing others' perspectives is key. 3 stars

#8- Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell (classic)
What can I really say about this masterpiece? Incredible. Amazing. Loved it. (But I really didn't like the movie, sorry everyone - full review here). There is a reason this book is one of the greatest of all time. 5+ stars

#9- The Queen's Fool by Phillipa Gregory (historical fiction)
By the same author as The Other Boleyn Girl, I was expecting a fascinating story, scandal, and intriguing characters. I didn't really get any of those in this book. This book follows a girl who is a servant/fool to the King, Queen Mary (bloody Mary), and Princess Elizabeth during their lives and reigns. 3 stars.

#10 - The Associate by John Grisham (2009 best seller)
A book about a first year associate at the world's largest law firm who is blackmailed to steal documents in the case of the century. Typical John Grisham and a page-turner, I enjoyed but didn't love it. However, the first 200 pages really scared me for the next year as Richie finishes law school, takes the bar, and starts his first year a big firm. 3 stars

Is there really a question of my favorite out of these five books? Nothing even comes close to Gone With the Wind in this group. I think maybe it's time for me to read a book set in DC or with the number ten in the title. Any suggestions?

Don't Miss Me Valentine's Day Present

I've always wanted to see my little brother play basketball. This weekend (crossing my fingers) I'm flying to Kansas and get to see him play in three games. And see my little sis play volleyball. And hang out with the rest of my family.

The only negative? I'm leaving Richie behind over Valentine's Day. Since I'll be gone for the five days surrounding Valentine's Day, I decided to make Richie a present so that he doesn't miss me too much. When I saw this advent calendar on Love Actually, I knew that this was the perfect gift. Easy enough for someone uncrafty like me, cheap but thoughtful, and fun for me to put my own ideas into.

This would be perfect for Christmas, birthdays, or any other holidays as well. This way Richie will have something to open every day I'm gone. Happy Valentine's Day :)


Muffin Tin Advent Calendar

Step 1: Buy a muffin tin (or use one that you already have)

Step 2: Cut out paper circles to cover the muffin tins.

Step 3: Decorate circles and add tape/magnets to back of circles.

Step 4: Put little gifts/treats in the muffin tins. Open one each day.

What to Do with 20 Inches of Snow

If you hadn't heard yet, DC was hit with yet another record-breaking blizzard this weekend. Last time we broke out the snowsuits to make snow angels, but I just didn't feel the need to get out of my comfy sweats and fuzzy socks this time. My office closed at 11 on Friday morning so we've just been hanging out inside for the past 36 hrs.

So far this weekend, 20 inches of snow has equaled...

...45 minutes standing in line at the grocery store (stupid idea by me)
...600 pages of Gone with the Wind
...12 hours of sleep
...three different movies
...five hours of TV
...three hours working out
...twelve cupcake tins filled with Valentine presents for Richie
...three new recipes
...and 24 donut muffins








Donut Muffins (makes about 24 muffins)

For the muffins:
24 Tbs. unsalted butter, warmed to room temperature
1-3/4 cups sugar
4 large eggs
6 cups all-purpose flour
1 Tbs. plus 2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1-3/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground nutmeg
1-2/3 cups milk
1/4 cup buttermilk (I substituted butter since Richie can't have this)

For dipping:
16 Tbs. unsalted butter; more as needed
2 cups sugar
2 Tbs. ground cinnamon

To make the muffins:

1. Put a rack in the middle of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a stand mixer or a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar.
3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until just mixed in.
4. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg.
5. Combine the milk and buttermilk.
6. With a wooden spoon, mix a quarter of the dry ingredients into the butter mixture. Then mix in a third of the milk mixture. Continue mixing in the remaining dry and wet ingredients alternately, ending with the dry. Mix until well combined and smooth, but don't overmix.
7. Grease and flour a standard-size muffin tin.
8. Scoop enough batter into each tin so that the top of the batter is even with the rim of the cup, about 1/2 cup. (A #16 ice-cream scoop gives you the perfect amount.)
9. Bake the muffins until firm to the touch, 30 to 35 min.

To Finish:

1. Melt the butter for the dipping mixture.
2. Combine the sugar and cinnamon.
3. When the muffins are just cool enough to handle, remove them from the tin, dip them into or brush them all over with the melted butter, and then roll them in the cinnamon sugar.
   

The Best Cupcake I've Ever Eaten

Guess what I had for lunch today?

(image courtesy of A Good Appetite)

And it was delicious. I am officially done with my no sweets month and have crossed it off my 24 in 24 list. I had to pass on a lot of my favorite things (gummy bears, gelato, cake with funfetti frosting, and an oreo milkshake), but it was a lot easier than I thought it would be. Since I wasn't eating sweets, I didn't crave sweets. Go figure.

On to the next goal - making another 18 types of cookies.