Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Halls are Decked

It was back to work for me today.  I am still feeling in the dumps but there was no possible way I could not go into the salon.  I was pretty much totally booked today and for the rest of the week, which is great. 

When I got home I noticed Violet was limping really bad.  She somehow cut one of the pads on her paw.  It's a super deep cut.  I cleaned it out and put on a ton of neosporin and her cone of shame.  I hope a few days of this helps it heal so we don't have to head to the vet.  She seems really uncomfortable but I think it's more from having to wear the cone then the cut.

I decided to not wait until Saturday to put my tree up and listen to my the best Christmas album ever....Maria Carry!!  I put the tree plus just a few other Christmas decorations.  I took a few pictures but the lighting is off so I am going to try in the morning in natural lighting.

  It seems a little hard to totally get into the Christmas spirit this year.  I miss having my own house and especially kitchen.  I was feeling a little guilty thinking about not going all out with cookies. The more I thought about it I remembered I have tons of Christmas's in my future, I don't have to go crazy with baking this year.  Ahhhh the Catholic Guilt :)

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

A froggy feeling

I have a pretty nasty cold.  Along with having a total frog voice I am running a fever.  Boo!  I stayed home from work yesterday and today was my normal day off.  I forced myself to shower and run errands.  I think once you get moving it can help ya feel better.  I just ran to Target and the dentist.  Nothing exciting except finding awesome new Cool Touch Kleenex's.  Going to Target made me really want to get my tree up.  Hopefully I can on Saturday once I feel a little better and can clean at the afterwards.

If anyone it still taking advantage of Cyber Monday sales today, Victoria's Secret has buy one bra get one half off.  The code is "doubleup"  and free shipping code is "25freeship".  Happy Christmas shopping, or shopping for yourself :)!

Monday, November 28, 2011

So much to be thankful for

What a great holiday weekend!  P and I had such a great time together with our families over the weekend! I am home sick today with a super nasty cold and almost no voice.

We started of by me picking him up and headed down to Indy.  I loved the car ride down there, so nice to have a few hours alone.  We were able to catch up and just enjoy being close again.  His family was great.  I was able to meet his sister and more extended family from his dads side.  Everyone was really nice and easy to be with.  The food of course was really good.  His aunt made a family bread recipe called Firehouse Bread, it was REALLY yummy.  Of course I ate to many carbs! 


Friday  we went to a great little town in Southern Indiana called Nashville. The drive was so pretty, gorgeous hills and trees.  P's sister rode with us.  It was nice to get time to talk just with her.  We did lots of window shopping with the whole family and took time time on our own.  We went to lunch at a really cute old restaurant.  They served these really yummy fried biscuits with the best apple butter ever!  I could have just had those :).  I picked up a cool Christmas gift for my mom and two handmade clay bowls for myself. 

Saturday we headed back to my mom's for a party she was having.  P and I got some stuff ready for dinner, relaxed from the drive,  and then headed to mass with my mom and Steve.  We both loved the priest, his homily was so good.  I think we were both happy to have gone together.


The party was fun.  There was so much yummy food, talking, and laughing.  P's parents sent us back with a cheesecake they had made, it was a big hit. 



Sunday of course had to come.  I always hate the last day.  It didn't help I woke up with the starts of a nasty cold.  We relaxed and slept in a little.  P had to back his stuff.  Violet sat with him watching him pack and demanding he take breaks to pet her.  We had bunch at my favorite place.  Then went and saw the Muppet's.  It was nice because the theater had movable armrests.  We were able to sit nice and close to enjoy some time being near before he left.  The airport goodbye always sucks.  We only have about 3 weeks until he's back again.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Gobble Gobble

I made it though the week!  It's was AMAZING and TIRING!  I am going to treat myself to a new Coach purse I saw on their factory store website earlier this week.

P get here at 0'Dark Thirty tomorrow.  I am really really excited to see him.  For some reason this time apart was really hard for me. And it was only 10 days!!  I think part of it was the week after we see each other I usually get to bask in the after glow of the trip, he's always soooo extra sweet.  This time he was in the field right away so we didn't talk for 6 days and then I went into my busy week.  It will be great to have time together again so soon.

I probably won't post again until next week.  I want to enjoy every minute of the long holiday weekend

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Pumpkin Cheesecake

Ok, so I am posting another recipe.  I promise it's the last one for a while.  I made a marbled pumpkin cheese cake to bring with us to Indy.  I LOVE anything pumpkin and P really likes cheesecake from what he tells me ;).  It's a pretty easy cake to make, but it cooks for a looooong time.  This is a recipe I adapted from Epicurious, one of my most favorite websites.  Speaking of websites I just found out Coach has an outlet site now.  It's just trouble, I wanted at least 5 purses!

Marbled Pumpkin Cheesecake

Ginger Snap Crust:
Make a fine crumb from about 25 ginger snaps, should be about 1 1/2 C
5TB melted butter
1/3C Sugar
1/8t Salt

Mix ingredients together and pressing to the bottom and about 1in up a springform pan.

Filling:
3 8oz packages of cream cheese
1 3/4C sugar
3TB flour
5 large eggs
1/2t vanilla
2 large egg yolks
1t cinnamon
1t pumpkin pie spice
15oz can of pumpkin, or even better make your own pumpkin puree!  I make my own

Beat cream cheese, sugar, and flour until smooth.  Add one egg at a time then vanilla, beat on slow until incorporated.  Take about 3 cups of the filling, I like putting it in a Pyrex cups with a spout.  Beat in the yolks, spices, and pumpkin into remaining filling until smooth.

Pour half of pumpkin filling into the crust.  I like to use a ladle to do this.  Then drizzle half of the plain.  Repeat with the rest of the fillings.  Use a butter knife to gently marble through the filling using a figure 8 patterned.  Be sure to not touch the crust.

I like to place the cake in the middle of the oven.  On the lower rack I usually cover it with tin foil to catch drips and also put water in a cookie sheet to add some steam in the oven.

Bake at 350 for 20 min, then at 300 for 1 1/2 hours.  Turn oven off and leave it in for another 20 min.  Cool and chill in the fridge, you can make this several days before you plan on serving.  Very yummy with homemade whipped cream.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Sassy Tassie

I can't believe it's only Tuesday Monday (I first posted Tuesday opps!!!).  I feel like I'm running 5,000 miles a minute.  Work is insanely busy, which I love.  Plus I've already gotten so much done for the holiday.  I got to talk with P for the first time in 6 days last night....it was great!  Tonight I made Pecan Tassies.  They are cute bite size versions of pecan pie.


Pecan Tassies
Crust:
1/2 C room temp. margarine
3oz room temp cream cheese
1C Flour
Mix all three ingredients in a food processor until a ball forms.  Place dough in a ball in a freezer while you make the filling.

Filling:
1 egg slightly beaten
1t melted margarine
3/4C brown sugar
Dash of salt
1/2C chopped pecans
1/2t vanilla

Mix filling ingredients together.  Make 24 balls from the dough and press into mini-muffin pan.  Fill each "cup" with a scant tablespoon of filling.  Bake at 350 for 20-24 min.  Cool and store in a tin.  Makes 24


I love the book this recipe is in.  Right before my mom married my dad in 1978 (they are divorced now) she filled a spiral notebook with hand written recipes. I love that they are all in her hand writing.  There are a few recipes in her mom's writing also.  There is even a post card from a trip she took me and my sister on to Boston, it's was in 1988.  The pages are stained and worn from many years of cooking.  I love love this book.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Olive Tapenade

I made a bunch of stuff today to get ready for Thanksgiving next weekend.  Since P and I are headed to Indiana to see some of his family my mom is having a Thanksgiving party next Saturday so she can have time with us and some family friends.  I wanted to have stuff that is all ready for when we get back.  I made tapenade, which is always a hit.  Here is the recipe for you to enjoy

I am REALLY bad at measuring.  So these are amounts that may not be exact, but I don't think cooking should be!

Olive Tapenade
2 cups pitted Kalamata olives
10 oz jar Pimento stuffed green olives, drained
3 Tb capers
1/4 C Sun Dried Tomatoes
1 Lemon zested and juiced
4-5 Anchovy Fillets
1tb Red Pepper Flakes
1/4 C Olive Oil
1/4 C (or a bit less) Red Wine Vinegar
1-2 Garlic Cloves
1Tb Dried Italian herbs ( or fresh...but it's winter here so dried it is!)

Throw everything in your food processor and pulse to a finer chop.  It's best when it can chill in the fridge for a few days.  And keeps for a really really long time.  I serve it on top of a toasted slice of french bread smeared with goat cheese.  Also good mixed with tuna for a healthier tuna salad.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Thankful Thursday

This week I am most thankful for
P will be home in 1 week and we are off to have our first holiday together

The heat fix-it guy will hopefully be here later today. My mom's boiler is not working and it's COLD
P will be back to his home sometime this weekend and we can talk.  I am really missing our nightly talks

My computer is fixed.  Although I think they did a really craptastic job at least I can get on the Internet
Having this Saturday off.  I really excited to get stuff ready for next week

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Chex

I am definitely back in the swing of normal non-P life.  Work is of course crazy as usual.  Next week will be the busiest of the year.

I only work until 4 on Wednesdays so after work I tried to take advantage of the free afternoon.  For Thanksgiving P is flying in early that morning and we are headed to his Aunt's house in Indiana to meet up with his family.  I of course always have to bring something with. I am going to make a pumpkin cheesecake since I think it will travel well.  And homemade Chex mix.  I went to Wal-Mart to pick up some random stuff and the chex indigents.  Although homemade Chex Mix is WAY yummier, it's also WAY more expensive.  But I guess it's the holidays and what better time to splurge.  I'll post both recipes later this week

P is in the field and we won't be able to talk until maybe Sunday.  It's funny that it's possible to miss him more when he's already gone.  At least I am working everyday except this Saturday until he comes home.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Bliss

This past weekend was total bliss!  I wish I could have posted about it sooner, but I got a nasty virus on my computer and it was getting fix for the past 5 days.  I finally got it back today...I am sad because all my saved favorite sites are gone.  I know a weird thing to be sad about.

My weekend visiting P was better than I could have ever imagined.  It got off to a really really rocky start though.

Friday
Got to the airport 2 hours early, checked in, and found my gate.
Was enjoying my Starbucks when I realized "Gosh we should have boarded"
Found a person from United....
They said my gated had changed!!!
I could see my plan as it pulled away.
Totally sadness
They confirmed me on a flight 7 hours later and put me on a stand-by list for a flight 2 hours later
Walk what felt like a mile to the new gate in high heel boots
Stand-by flight was booked
Walked by what felt like a mile in high heel boots back to original gate
Started losing my mind, got very sad
Gave myself a blood blister from my suitcase
In line for a latte several milk crates full of gallons of milk fell and broke, spattered milk all over my back
Finally got on the plane for the rockiest ride ever
Landed, saw P, got a kiss
All was good again

Needless to say its was a long day.  But made seeing him all that much better.  Since I got there so much later we decided to got straight to his apartment and catch up a little.  Plus I really wanted to brush my teeth...lol.  We went out for dinner at Texas Road house.  It was awesome.  Felt like a normal Friday night date, nothing crazy.  The wait was long but they had the Carrier Classic on and we were able to talk.  Dinner was sooooo yummy.  I seriously think they have crack in their buns and butter!  After we just relaxed back at his place.

Saturday we got a nice lazy start.  I become this totally relaxed person with him.  We went out for breakfast near his house.  It's a place he had wanted to try because they have a big breakfast challenge type thing.  The food was really good.  The potatoes were amazing!  Next time we go there I will probably just get them. From there we headed to the winery.  The tasting was so good.  We really liked one of the whites, and he's planning on bringing some home for Christmas.  They gave us a tour which was extremely interesting.  I feel like we also learned a lot about the area.  From there we went to the post he works on.  He gave me a little tour and we did some shopping.  We decided that going to the grocery store together to get stuff to make for dinner was our favorite part of the whole weekend!  We made a super yummy dinner together and relaxed at home.

I loved that the weekend was fill with low key normal couple stuff.  I feel like we both appreciate everyday such so much since we don't get to to everyday.  The littlest things become so much more special.  Sunday was time to head home again.  Staying good-bye is the worst.  I think no matter how much time we had together it's still really hard.  The awesome thing is he'll be here in 9 days. 

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Dreamland

I think dreams are so interesting.  I believe it's our subconscious talking to us...

I have had the wackiest dreams this week.  I think I am having some anxiety, although I feel pretty calm.  Or I could just be exhausted.

So far this week I have dreamt:
I was 6 hours late for work and was getting fired
I fell asleep at the airport waiting for my flight to see P and missed the flight
That P broke up with me, was super mean and refused to talk with me

These are all crazy things that would never happen in real life.  Thank goodness!

I got a good chunk of packing done last night.  I think I did really great at only packing for 2 days.  Usually I bring several outfit options, not this time.  One sweater for each day!  Although I may throw in an extra top or two just in case :)

Monday, November 7, 2011

Four

I wish I had more to post about this week.  I feel like the only thing going on is work.  I have been really busy there and pretty much come home and melt into my bed.  Except for tonight where I came home from work and did a house client.  Yes I need to learn to say "no I am a little busy this week".  At least it was my very favorite amazing client who is a blast to talk to and now I get to watch the best rerun marathon ever....Sex in the City!

Less than 4 days until I see P!  I am really excited but and not looking forward to my VERY VERY early wake up call.  My flight leaves at 6:20 on Friday.  The airport is about an hour away, probably less without any traffic.  I am parking my car at a valet type service.  This all basically means I am getting up at 1am-ish!  I am working the night before until 9pm so I am crossing my fingers that I can lay down and get a few minutes of sleep.  Will be well worth it once I get that first big kiss and hug :)!!

Saturday, November 5, 2011

A whole bunch of nothings

I am working this afternoon/evening.  Oddly enough I am actually looking forward to being at work.

I love my mom's dogs, they were my childhood pets.  But I know never ever in 100 millions years will I ever own more than 2 dogs at one time.  I have to sleep with all of hers tonight and I am already dreading it...they (the dogs) barely sleep and are uber needy.

I showed my friend Kelly how to make Key Lime Pie last night.  I have made it at least 100 times before (OK maybe not 100 but several) and have never had an issue.  It's really the easiest pie to make.  Well I epically failed with the crust.  I think it was a butter issue.  I will have to make another for her to make up for the gross crust.

I am getting more and more excited to see P.  One of the many things I am most excited for is being able to relax.  I become so calm when I am with him.  Also there won't be any dogs or loud family members to wake us up at 6am on a Saturday.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Thankful Thursday

  • In 8 days I will be with P.  I will feel happy, relaxed, and at peace.

  • I am working every day until the day I leave.  I will be busy and not at home. 

  • I am seeing where my friend Kelly is having her wedding (it's in August) tomorrow night and then going to the restaurant that is catering it for dinner.  Fun wedding talk ahead!

  • That I recently rediscovered Victoria's Secret.  Holy cute stuff!  I am addicted!

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Down Time

I rarely have two days off of work in a row, unless it time I'm taking off and then of course I have plans. I am sooooo bored today. I ran some errands and got lunch. I want to pack for my trip to see P next week, but it's too soon and I know it will lead to over packing.

I actually wish I was at work! I know this sounds weird or sad. Right now work is my happy place, much more positive then home right now.

I have plans to meet my friend Marissa tomorrow for outlet shopping and lunch. I think I am going to actually start my Christmas shopping :) I have some vague ideas for P. I don't really know who else other than P and my sister I am going to shop for this year. I don't know if my family will be doing anything for Christmas. I also don't know if I will be getting little somethings for P's family since I don't know what to expect...but that can wait until December to shop for. I know this holiday season will be up in the air and not like years past due to some unrest that's going on. The upside is P and I get to see each other a TON the next two months, actually more than we have ever spent together! WoooWhooo!

I am a total caffeine addict. I drink a pot of coffee every morning and several Diet Cokes during the day. The past two years come October I put my Diet Coke addiction to the side because of the most amazing pop ever!! Diet Sierra Mist Cranberry Splash. It is A-MAZ-ING! Tart and sweet....so good. Totally worth being caffeine free


***On a side note.... I am watching some Tori Spelling show and I can totally relate to her relationship with her mom.  Seems crazy, but it's so similar to mine with my mom.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

The Countdown

I always start a serious countdown once I am 10 days from seeing P.  And today my friends is that day! 

10 days until a HUGE kiss and hug
10 days until cooking together
10 days until relaxing next to each other
10 days until a romantic winery trip
10 days until we visit a very old historic cider mill
10 days until utter happiness

{please excuse me I know I am a cheese ball}


In the mean time I am trying to search out groupon and  living social to find a deal for a boot camp.  In the past year-ish I have lost about 45lbs and have sort of hit a plateau.  I would love to kick start loosing more weight and also get more toned.  On top of all of that it would help fill some empty time and maybe help with my HIGH stress levels.  Hopefully I can find one some time this week :)