My dad sent our whole family this quote yesterday and I just love it

Some randoms....
I have another headache today.  Not as bad, but it's naggy.
I found out today that a neighborhood butcher shop I took our pasta to is going to start selling it!  I'm so excited about this!
I haven't turned our heat on yet and it's chilly in here.  I should just turn it on.
Jon took these goodies and these goodies to work today for his Halloween potluck. 

Have a fab weekend everyone!

The Worst Headache Ever

Yesterday I quite possibly had the worst headache I've ever had.  Ever.  I woke up with it and had it all day.  All day.  It was just pounding away and all I wanted to do was cover my eyes with something cold.

After working I spent the better part of the afternoon and evening on the couch cuddling with Wilma.  We caught up on a few episodes of The Best Thing I Ever Ate and tried to will my headache away.  It didn't work.  We didn't even walk to the train station to pick Jon up.  ItWasThatBad.

I didn't know what we were going to have for dinner.  I definitely wasn't going to be cooking anything, but I hadn't really eaten lunch because I was feeling so crappy so I was hungry.  When Jon got home he said he was going to head out for a run and I immediately got an idea!  I asked if he would run a route where he'd go by Jimmy John's on his last stretch and pick us up some dinner.  He said yes.  Ah...there is a light at the end of the headache tunnel!

So, after having my headache all day, JJ did the trick.  JJ is the cure for all things bad (for those of you that don't know I have a slight obsession with JJ).  My #2 with salt & vinegar chips was my savior.

Photo via here

Pumpkin Love!

I'm all about craft inspiration!  I love to do crafts, but I'm horrible at thinking up the ideas on my own.  It's been a while since I've crafted and I was starting to get the itch for some DIY.  Last week Sherry and John had some fun with puffy paint and pumpkins and I wanted in!  Take a look at what I created with puffy paint, spray paint (which I had to leave Cook County to purchase because it's banned here due to graffiti artists), and pumpkins!

Yes, I picked hot pink for the puffy paint!

I love my little gords I picked up last week.

This is Jon's pumpkin.  It's my favorite.

This is our family pumpkin.

This is my pumpkin.

This is Wilma's pumpkin.

I had so much fun doing this project!  I wish I had more pumpkins to keep going!  And, I learned that I love to spray paint!  It's so much fun!

Props to Lands' End!

I've got to hand it to Lands' End...they are top on my list right now!  A couple of weeks ago they had a HUGE sale on their down vests and believe it or not, I've never owned one.  I decided it was time.  In addition to the sale, they were offering free shipping so I ordered a black one right away.

Last Thursday morning I checked the UPS tracking to see when I should expect my package.  To my surprise it said it had been delivered on Wednesday at 2:08pm.  Well, I didn't see a package outside and none of my neighbors had it.  I called UPS right away and explained I never received my package.  UPS instructed me that I need to call the "shipper" and file a claim with them.  I didn't quite understand how it should be the "shipper's" problem seeing as UPS was the last person to touch it, but I did as they told me.

I called the Lands' End phone number listed in the order confirmation email they sent me.  Someone answered on the first ring.  You heard me correctly, someone answered on the first ring.  I am still in awe!  The gal I talked to was SUPER nice.  I explained the situation and she responded, "I'm sorry for your trouble.  We will send you a 'no-charge' replacement right away".  What?  Are you kidding me?  No questions asked, just a free replacement?  Amazing!

Yesterday my replacement package showed up!!  I am now the proud owner of my first "puffy vest"!

Photo via Lands' End

I can't thank Lands' End enough.  You just don't find that kind of customer service anymore.  The friendly customer service rep, free replacement, and prompt resend....THANK YOU!  You have a gold star in my book!  Props to you guys!

Recipe Update!

I'm proud to tell you guys that I've put quite a dent in my "recipes to try" folder!  Here you go!

As I mentioned earlier on the blog, last Sunday night we had Rachel's Gorgonzola & Pear Risotto.  It was delicious!  The perfect combo of salty and sweet.

Tuesday afternoon I made Bakerella's Pumpkin Pie Bites.  They didn't quite turn out as cute as I had hoped.  They were ok, but I don't think they will replace traditional pumpkin pie (even thought I don't really care for it...give me pecan)!

Tuesday night I made Oven Love's Roasted Butternut Squash Lasagna.  I had roasted the squash on Sunday so it would make for a faster dinner on Tuesday.  The lasagna was really good.  It was creamy, yet light and fresh.

Friday evening I made The Culinary Couple's Pumpkin & Sausage Pasta.  It was fabulous!  I just love cooking with all of these fall ingredients!

Photo from The Culinary Couple

Saturday I made Oven Love's Baked Sweet Onion Dip to take to my sister's for our "appetizer dinner".  It was really easy to throw together.  It was a good warm dip, but rich...eat it sparingly!

Sunday night I made Pioneer Woman's Beef with Broccoli.  It was surprisingly easier to make than I thought it would be.  However, next time I'd use more of the stir fry sauce.  I'd probably double the recipe for it...I like my food with lots of sauce!

So, six recipes down!  Many more to go!

Recipe Update!

I'm proud to tell you guys that I've put quite a dent in my "recipes to try" folder!  Here you go!

As I mentioned earlier on the blog, last Sunday night we had Rachel's Gorgonzola & Pear Risotto.  It was delicious!  The perfect combo of salty and sweet.

Tuesday afternoon I made Bakerella's Pumpkin Pie Bites.  They didn't quite turn out as cute as I had hoped.  They were ok, but I don't think they will replace traditional pumpkin pie (even thought I don't really care for it...give me pecan)!

Tuesday night I made Oven Love's Roasted Butternut Squash Lasagna.  I had roasted the squash on Sunday so it would make for a faster dinner on Tuesday.  The lasagna was really good.  It was creamy, yet light and fresh.

Friday evening I made The Culinary Couple's Pumpkin & Sausage Pasta.  It was fabulous!  I just love cooking with all of these fall ingredients!

Photo from The Culinary Couple

Saturday I made Oven Love's Baked Sweet Onion Dip to take to my sister's for our "appetizer dinner".  It was really easy to throw together.  It was a good warm dip, but rich...eat it sparingly!

Sunday night I made Pioneer Woman's Beef with Broccoli.  It was surprisingly easier to make than I thought it would be.  However, next time I'd use more of the stir fry sauce.  I'd probably double the recipe for it...I like my food with lots of sauce!

So, six recipes down!  Many more to go!

A Friday laugh!

We absolutely love Modern Family in our house!  Straight from Phil on this week's episode:

"I am completely on board your mother's horse and buggy to yesteryear. For the next week I may as well be Amish. Jebediah Dunphy. Raisin' barns... witnessin' murders... makin' electric fireplace hearts." 

Photo via here

Why little guys?

My mums are dying.  Why?  They are in the sun.  I didn't think mums needed much water....but, maybe they do?  I better go water them and try to bring them back to life.  I hope I didn't kill them.  I want them to look like this.  I hope I didn't fail them.

Photo via here

Autumn is in the air

Fall is most certainly here.  People's blog posts surround pumpkins, apples, squash, football, boots, and cuddle time.  I love it!  Lately I've really been enjoying our twice daily walk to the train station for Jon.  It's now dark in both the morning and at night.  It's about 15 minutes each way and every night Jon says, "Do you smell that?" while we are crunching through the leaves on the sidewalk followed by, "I love the smell of fall!"  It makes me smile every time.

Photo via http://www.b12partners.net/mt/

Another sign that fall is here...my hands are as dry as can be!  I think that calls for a new bottle of lotion, don't you?  As I type this post I'm enjoying smelling my Apple Cinnamon Glade candle (thanks to Geoff) and sharing a blanket with Jon and Wilma on our new over sized chair and ottoman (thanks to Joe and Carolyn)!  Yup, fall is welcome in our house.

Blogger Book Club - Commencement, Part 2

We finished up Commencement and it's time for the final questions.


1. What parts of the book could you most relate to? Least relate?
Well, I know for sure I could least relate to the situations surrounding April.  I have no experience with anything like that.  However, I'm not sure that there were certain parts I could really relate to.  Possibly bits and pieces of each of the girls, but nothing had me thinking "Wow- I totally understand!"

2. If the author were to write another novel that followed one of the girls onto her next step of life, which one would you want it to be about? Whose story would you want to follow more of?

I'd want to learn more about Celia and Bree.  What's Bree's life like now?  Is her family completely accepting of her?  And, does Celia get married?  Does she find career fulfillment?  I totally know what wondering about your career is like!

3. What surprised you the most about this book?

I was surprised about April disappearing.  It was kind of a disappointing twist in the story for me, but it did bring all of the girls back together again.

4. Which character did you look forward to reading about the most?

I don't know that I had a favorite, but I know that I disliked reading about April the most...not to be negative, but it's the truth.

5. Did this book meet your expectations?

Not quite.  While I enjoyed reading it, I just wish there would have been something more to it.  And, it was hard for me to relate to April's story so that made it a little difficult for me.  But, I'm happy to say I read it and can't wait for the next one!

Fabulous Fall Weather

Happy Monday!  How about the wonderful fall weather over the weekend?!  It was picture perfect.

Friday night we went to dinner with Kate and Geoff for my birthday.  Thanks to Kate for calling 22 people to babysit Lauren...yes, 22!  Thank goodness for Leo.  We went to Nacional 27 downtown.  It was my first time there.  We had a really fun time and the food was delicious!  Saturday Jon and I rode our bikes to the Green City Market to pick up some produce and get lunch.  Then we had a great bike ride through the city although it could have been less windy.  Saturday evening my parents made a surprise stop on their way to South Dakota (my dad is hunting pheasants this week).  We went to church (gotta love Saturday night mass for us Catholics!) and to Sapori Trattoria for dinner.  It was nice to spend the evening with my parents!  Sunday Jon and I went to breakfast at Milk and Honey Cafe for my birthday.  Then we spent the day running some errands and relaxing.  It was just what I wanted.  I made Rachel's Gorgonzola & Pear Risotto for dinner.  It was heavenly; the perfect mix of sweet and salty.  Like a piece of Italy right in our apartment!

I have to say I had a negative attitude regarding my birthday for the past two weeks.  I just wasn't excited about it.  But, from Friday evening on it was a great birthday weekend.  Lots of fun, perfect weather, and fantastic company!  And, it continues on next weekend when we officially celebrate as a family at the Hanson's!

Lauren made me a super cute video for my birthday.  I just keep watching it over and over!

Side note: Congrats to Laura, my BFF, for making it through another busy season at work!  She worked her little tush off.  Love you BFF!

What time is dinner?

There are never enough hours in the day.  I always struggle to get everything done and there are plenty of days where I don't accomplish everything on my list.  Right now I'm struggling with trying all of the new recipes I want to.  Some nights I don't make dinner because Jon and I are working late.  Other times I just don't have all of the ingredients I need and I can't push myself to get to the store.

Here are some recipes currently on my "to do" list.

http://ovenlove.blogspot.com/2010/10/baked-sweet-onion-dip.html
http://theculinarycouple.com/2007/11/06/pumpkin-and-sausage-pasta-2/
http://lilacsandavocados.blogspot.com/2010/10/my-italy-recreation-recipe.html
http://ovenlove.blogspot.com/2010/09/roasted-butternut-squash-lasagna.html
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/09/monster-cookies/
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/09/chocolate-chip-cookie-sweet-rolls/

If only I could be cooking and baking in a kitchen as beautiful as this!

Photo via Home Depot

Do you guys have any recipes you'd love to try?  I'm hoping I can take some time on Sunday (my birthday!) to cook and bake!  Enjoy the weekend!

What woman doesn't like jewelry?

One of the coolest things about having a blog is being able to make connections with everyone else in the blog world.  I've really enjoyed getting to know people, learning new recipes, and participating in a blogger book club.  I mean, who wouldn't?!

My latest blog adventure is becoming an Ambassador for Jess LC!  Jess owns her very own jewelry business based right here in Chicago.  Her collections are named after streets in Chicago.  She has beautiful pieces to fit every style and, what's even better, is that it's affordable!  I have a few pieces from her Franklin and Armitage collections and LOVE them!

She also has a blog called Makeunder My Life where she helps people designs lives with intention.  I've learned many useful tips and have gotten great advice from reading it.  The blog is not fake; it's realistic and refreshing.  You should check it out!

I also had the privilege of meeting with Jess this past summer.  I met with her to talk about owning your own business and how to form the idea and run with it.  She had fantastic advice and assured me that with some focus it can happen.

So, because I'm a fan and really love her jewelry, I signed up to become an Ambassador for Jess LC.  Anything to support local businesses with good intentions!

Hey Y'all

Here is the promised Savannah trip recap!  We truly had a fantastic trip.  We were sad to leave & would go back in a heartbeat.

Friday we met at the airport.  I was coming from home and Jon came from work.  My foot had a mishap with the Blue Line "L" door on my ride out to O'Hare.  Not to get too graphic, but the door ended up opening over my toe and split both my toe & my toe nail.  I was bleeding and my toe was throbbing.  I'm happy to say since losing half of my toe nail my toe is doing much better.  :)

We arrived in Savannah about 10:00pm and headed straight to our B&B.  We stayed at the Catherine Ward House Inn.  Leslie, the innkeeper, is quite possibly the nicest woman we've met.  She was always so patient with all of our questions, called places for us, and made fabulous breakfasts (with the help of Emily and Katie) for us.  She just had the kindest heart.  The location was great; just off of Forsyth Park.  It was only about a 20 min walk from our place to River Street.

Catherine Ward House Inn.

Saturday we walked around town most of the day.  We strolled in and out of most of the town squares.  They are all unique in their own way.  Jon and I kept mentioning how Wilma would love to go for walks through them.

I can't remember which square this was.

The fountain in Forsyth Park.

The walk up to the fountain.

And, look at what we found on our walk!  I'd be all set if we moved there!

We took a break in the afternoon and had a drink at the top of the Bohemian Hotel.  You look out over the river and often see these large barges heading out to the ocean.

Saturday evening we had reservations at Alligator Soul (thanks to great advice from Erin).  It was wonderful.  Without a doubt the best scallops I've had.  And, they gave us two bite-sized pecan pies for our anniversary!

My scallops.

Jon's lamb shank.

After dinner we had our Creepy Pub Crawl.  It was super fun.  That was the first place I'd been where you can drink openly on the streets.  Bars give you to-go cups and it's great!  The pub crawl was fun.  We heard some good ghost stories, but didn't see any.

Sunday was our anniversary and we had planned to spend the day on Tybee Island.  This is where my surprise for Jon comes in.  He thought we were going to take a taxi out to the island, but I had reserved a scooter for us to take!  Jon wants a scooter so badly so I thought this would be fun for him.  He was pretty excited when I told him!  I was impressed with his driving skills- this was my first time on one so I was nervous.  We had a good time!

Sunday night we dined at The Olde Pink House thanks to Katie & Aunt Deb's suggestion.  Wow was it ever good!  

  My BLT salad with fried green tomatoes.

My fried, yes fried, lobster tail.  YUM!

Jon's scallop & shrimp pasta.

We went to Garibali's Cafe for dessert.  It was delicious!

Monday we just walked to a couple of different squares and sat on benches and relaxed.  It was really nice.  Before we headed to the airport we had lunch at the Gryphon Tea Room.  We sat outside and there was a grandma and her two granddaughters (about 6 and 4 years old) right next to us.  The girls were in super cute dresses and had bows in their hair.  They were enjoying cake and tea.  It was really cute to see.

We both agreed Savannah is a beautiful place and we'd love to go back.  Until next time Savannah.....

Back to reality

Do you ever feel like some people are just plain lucky?  It isn't that you mean to feel that way...it just happens.  Maybe it's jealousy?  Maybe it's looking too much into the situation?  Whatever it might be, it sort of haunts you.  The lucky ones always get the awesome & well paying job, they are able to show up at a popular restaurant without reservations and get right in, they have an awesome house, they score tickets to great sporting events, etc.  Life just seems all around easier for them.  Do you guys know people like this?  I do and today I sort of got on a soap box about it.  You hate to feel this way because you really have no idea of the details of their life.  But, we are all human and sometimes we get these thoughts.  Or, am I the only one?  

Thanks for letting me vent.

Monday, Monday

Well, we made it home.  We had a fantastic anniversary trip to Savannah!  We were very sad to leave today.

Photo via ivyleagueinsecurities.com

I'll post more about our trip later this week.  Time for bed!

To the one I love...

Happy 1st Anniversary to my wonderful husband!  One year ago today we were filled with so many emotions.  So much love was in the air along with a little bit of nerves.  We stood before our family, friends, and God and vowed to love each other for the rest of our lives.

Thank you...

...for being so unbelievably patient with me
...for supporting me and my dreams
...for being a wonderful parent to Wilma
...for encouraging me
...for believing in my career adventure
...for loving me
...for helping me to relax
...for bringing spontaneity to our relationship
...for being YOU

You are absolutely amazing and I thank God everyday for bringing us together. 

Happy Anniversary!  Here's to us!  To another fabulous year!  I love you!

Savannah bound!

We leave tonight for Savannah!  We are going to take time to relax and read, visit Tybee Island, go on a ghost tour pub crawl, dine at recommended restaurants, and I may just have a little surprise up my sleeve for Jon!  :)

We are so lucky to have fabulous weather this weekend.

What are you kids up to this weekend?  Enjoy it!

Orchard Time!

To round out our weekend in Michigan we spent Sunday at Schwallier's Country Basket.  It was our first time to this orchard and it proved to be a good one.  They had everything from animals to a hay "king of the mountain".

Lauren, Papa, and Jon feeding the goats.

Jon's cow, Bessie...seriously, her name is on the side.

Geoff and Lauren's cow, Loretta.

Cow train ride.

Jon jumping for an apple.  He got it!

Yikes!  The sun was in our eyes!

The apple crop wasn't very fruitful this year and came much earlier than usual because of the hot summer weather.  Schwallier's was only able to harvest 10% of good crop due to the weather.  Can you imagine?  This hurts orchards big time and that's so unfortunate.  Orchards are such a fun fall event so head out to your local orchard and get some apples for snacks, pies, and crisps!

Blogger Book Club - Commencement, Part 1

We started the second book in the Book Beginnings and Bookends book club.  It's Commencement by J. Courtney Sullivan.  So far so good with this book!


1. Which girl do you identify the most with?

I think I'm most like Bree.  I always decorated our dorm room with holiday decorations and still decorate our apartment.  I also looked at bridal magazines well before we were engaged.  And, I secretly wish I lived in the South!  But, I can also relate to the horrible homesick feelings that Celia had.
  
2. If you're a college student or graduate, what similarities or differences do you see between this story to your own college experience?
Well, for starters I didn't go to an all girls college.  :)  And, I'm not a radical person at all.  But, I can relate to some of their experiences.  Being close to my roommates was fabulous.  It helped make college feel more like home (and I needed that!).  We had plenty of nights were we'd watch TV and get a pint of Ben & Jerry's from our dorm Muncherie.  We all helped each other get through finals, dates, break-ups, homesickness, and life. 

3. Which girl do you think has changed the most since her time in college? In what ways has she changed?
I think Bree has changed the most.  She came to Smith with an engagement ring and now she's in a lesbian relationship. She thought she would be the first one to get married and now her parent's barely acknowledge her relationship.  I personally still think she is confused about everything. 

ArtPrize

To continue on with our art themed weekend, we spent Saturday evening downtown Grand Rapids at ArtPrize.  This is the second year GR has hosted ArtPrize.  We weren't able to go last year because of our wedding, but we are SO happy we went this year!  It was amazing.  I had never seen anything like it.  All over the city over 1,700 artists had their pieces on display.  Everything from paintings to wooden carvings to blown glass to anything and everything!  They were on display outside, inside buildings, and in museums.  I was very impressed with it.

Kathy Lee Gifford gave ArtPrize a shout out this morning on the Today Show.  Check it out! 

Warning: picture overload below!

 "Woven Together" by my friend, Abbey Fowler.

This mural is made up of Rubix cubes.

These elephants move their heads with the wind.

A giant card.

The seven days of creation made from crayons.

A Matter of Time.  See all of the different animals??

Look at the detailed sand.

Geoff, Jon, and Lauren took a break to ride the carousel.

Cavalry is a drawing using only pencil.  It honestly looks like a picture to me.  It's 8ft x 4.4ft...HUGE!

This view is looking straight on.

This is the side view.

  

It goes through October 10th.  I'd highly recommend going if you are in the GR area!!