You Win Some, You Lose Some

Saturday I spent my day baking and cooking for our dinner with Cathy and her husband John.  We had a great time enjoying some of their homebrew, eating, and playing Jenga.

I thought I'd share what I whipped up in the kitchen.  I made lemon curd, Parmesan monkey bread, and blue cheese & pecan grapes.  I also attempted to make lemon shortbread cookies, but I definitely lost on that recipe.

I lovelovelove lemons...I am one of those people who would rather have a lemon dessert than a chocolate one.  I had never made a curd before and, to be honest, I was pretty afraid, but I had Meyer lemons and wanted to try.  It turned out to be super easy and really tasty!  The recipe is from Vanilla Garlic.  We all loved it and I will for sure make this again.

I also made blue cheese and pecan grapes.  I saw these on Giada at Home a couple of weeks ago.  They were great to snack on.  The sharpness of the blue cheese and sweetness of the grapes complimented each other.

I had such high hopes for the Parmesan monkey bread.  While I will definitely attempt to make it again, I thought it was less than stellar this time around.  It didn't rise as much as I had hoped and despite baking it 5 minutes less than the recipe calls for, it was over done.  I didn't take a picture of it because it looked so sad, but here is what it's supposed to look like.

via No Face Plate

And, finally, just for laughs, here is a picture (sorry about the quality) of my shortbread cookie dough.  When I tried to slice the dough it just crumbled.  Yeah...I definitely lost on that recipe!  Thank goodness Trader Joe's carries lemon cookies!

See I what I mean...you win some and you lose some!  It was a good reminder of Who is in charge and He was certainly present.

SLC Visit

We spent a long weekend (thanks to Presidents' Day) visiting Jon's dad and stepmom in Utah.  They moved there about 7 years ago for my father-in-law's job.  Jon has visited them a couple of times before, but this was my first time.  We had a great mix of relaxation (Jon got in plenty of naps) and seeing the sights.

Saturday we headed up to Park City.  We toured Utah Olympic Park and had lunch in town.

Fun at Olympic Park

Sunday morning we went into Salt Lake City to visit Temple Square and see the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sing.  Their performance was beautiful.  

Monday Jon and I went to Snowbasin for the day.  He skied and I read in the lodge at the top of the mountain.  I took a couple of pictures on my gondola ride back down.  The ride is about 15 minutes from the bottom to top and the mountain is much steeper than the pictures make it look.  They don't really do it justice.

We ate ourselves silly.  My stepmother-in-law made some great meals and delicious treats...a chocolate pudding pie and banana split cookies...yum!  We played many hands of Uno and I'm pretty sure it's safe to say the girls won.

We also managed to eat In-N-Out Burger twice.  Yup, I said it....twice.  Please don't judge too much...we don't have them in the midwest so we have to stock up when we get the opportunity!

And before we knew it we were back at the airport.  We had a great trip, but it flew by.  Thanks for everything and we can't wait to visit again!

Jon and his Pop

It's Coming Together

The Pasta Puttana store is moving right along!  Today I painted all of the doors and the trim (after packaging and delivering pasta in the morning...whew am I ever tired).  Jessica purchased the cooler case last weekend and it should be delivered next week.  Things are moving right along.

Here is a little sneak peak!

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Wheat Berries...where did you come from?

Along with the panini sandwiches we had a last month at my sister's house, we also had wheat berries with strawberries and goat cheese.  I can't be the only one that had never heard of wheat berries before, right?  Well, I was watching an episode of Giada at Home where she made this side dish and it looked so tasty.  But, where do you find wheat berries?  (I'm not sure that my Jewel-Osco in downtown Chicago would carry these...)  Low and behold, when I was sampling Pasta Puttana at Green Grocer two days after watching the episode I saw that they sell wheat berries.  I was in!

Wheat Berries with Strawberries & Goat Cheese

Wheat Berries
2 cups soft, white wheat berries, rinsed and drained
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
4 cups water
1 teaspoon kosher salt

Dressing
1/2 cup fresh orange juice (from 2 oranges)
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons orange zest (from 1 of the oranges that you will juice)
2 tablespoons agave nectar or honey
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Pepper to taste
10 strawberries hulled and quartered
4 oz crumbled goat cheese
1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted

*I used a whole pint of strawberries...you can't have enough in my book.  I also used agave nectar and not honey.  I didn't have any walnuts so they were omitted.

Directions
For the wheat berries: In a large saucepan, combine the wheat berries, chicken broth, water, and salt.  Bring to a boil and then reduce to simmer, cover the pot and cook until the wheat berries are tender, 60 to 70 minutes.  Drain the wheat berries in a colander and set aside to cool, about 15 minutes.  Transfer to a salad bowl.

For the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, olive oil, orange zest, agave nectar, mint leaves, kosher salt, and pepper until smooth.  Pour the dressing over the wheat berries and add the strawberries, goat cheese, and walnuts.  Toss until all ingredients are coated.

Everyone told me they liked the dish so I think it was a hit.  I'm not sure what you'd really consider it...just a side dish?  A salad?  It would be great for summer picnics because it isn't mayo based and has strawberries!

Blogger Book Club - Ape House Chapters 26-Epilogue

Well, I've turned the last page in Ape House.  I will admit the book was better than I expected.  It was a pretty quick read, too.  Here are the final book club discussion questions.

1. How would you describe the relationship between John and Isabel?
It really wasn't there.  The book started out like there might be something, but it never really developed.  I liked it that way though.  I have faith in John and Amanda and want their relationship to work.  Also, Isabel had enough to focus on with apes and didn't need any distractions.


2. What was your reaction to finding out Peter's role in the explosion and capture of the apes?
I really didn't think Peter was involved at all at first, but then I started to see the connections.  However, I still didn't think he had that much involvement.  I can't believe all of the history that surfaced surrounding Peter.  If I was Isabel I would be kicking myself for having a relationship with him.


3. Both John and Amanda ended up achieving their professional goals. Amanda ended up getting pregnant and John is excited about having a baby. Do you think this is the end to their problems? Can John and Amanda be happy?
I don't think it's the end to their problems.  I firmly believe each stage of life brings its own ups and downs and having kids will certainly apply.  John and Amanda seem to be in a better place than when the book began and I really do hope they are happy...relationships are hard work and I'd hate for that not to pay off.


4. What did you find to be the most intriguing about the bonobos?
Honestly, their sexual behavior.  And, that's all I'll say about that because I'm blushing as I type this!


5. Which character did you enjoy reading about the most?
I really like Celia.  She and her friends added depth.  I appreciated her relationship with Isabel and how it grew.


6. Was the ending what you expected? Did things resolve the way you thought they would?
I assumed the apes would be saved.  I just couldn't imagine any other ending that would make the book worth reading.


7. And finally, any overall thoughts or feelings that these questions haven't addressed? How would you rate this book for others? Any part that you loved? Anything you hated? SHARE!
I wouldn't say Ape House was fabulous, but it's worth reading.  I wouldn't have read it if it hadn't been for the book club so I'm thankful it was our pick this past month.  The book kind of jumped around to a few different "smaller" stories, but I was ok with it because I'm not sure there was enough about the apes to just focus on them (for my liking) and it helped to hold my attention to see what might tie together.  


I can't wait to see what we read next!  If you want to join click here!

Headin' West!

We are flying here tonight for a long weekend to visit Jon's dad and stepmom.

via Pinterest

I plan to relax and read here while Jon hits the slopes.

via Snowbasin

What are you guys up to this weekend?  Whatever you do make sure to enjoy it!

Not Bad...Not Bad At All

Today I went grocery shopping before heading to work.  I am not able to do this often, but love it when I can.  There were about 5 other customers in the store at 6:30am.  I didn't have to wait at the deli or in the checkout line.

But, the best part of my grocery shopping today was the amount of money I saved.  Between my Preferred Savings card and coupons I saved $41.40 (I only spent $77)!!!!      

I know my Aunt Mary Kay will appreciate this...she loves a good deal like I do!  I'd say it was a successful start to my Thursday!

Stew Leonard's

Grocery shopping.  Ugh.  It's one of my least favorite chores to do.  It seems like there are always lines no matter what time or day I go.  If it's early on a weekday morning then they only have 2 checkout lanes open.  If it's on the weekend they'll have more lanes open, but they will be packed.  And, it's inevitable the store will always be out of at least one item on my list.  That just puts me in a bad mood.

But...there is one store I wouldn't mind grocery shopping at....STEW LEONARD'S.  

via Stew Leonard's

Last spring Jon and I spent a weekend out in Brookfield, Connecticut and I found Stew Leonard's.  We went three times in three days!!  They have free samples all over the store.  And, they are delicious!  They also have their version of Disney's Kitchen Kabaret (remember that?  I LOVED that show)- the Farm Fresh Five.  It's super cool and entertaining.  It just makes you happy while you are shopping.  Stew Leonard's also offers ready made pasta, burgers, salads, soup, and sushi for purchase.  So, you can get your groceries, get a great meal, and some fun entertainment all in one stop!

via Stew Leonard's 

If we ever make it back out to Connecticut we will be sure to stop in again.  You guys should, too!

Valentine's Date Recap

Hope you guys had a great Valentine's Day!  I got ready for our date rocking out to Pandora's 80's love song Valentine's Day station while sipping on some wine.

Jon came home with tulips for me.  I was surprised because we had decided not to do anything in terms of gifts; just go to dinner.  They are lovely.

We finished our delicious dinner with Panino al Gelato Limone: a lemon cream gelato sandwich with lemon curd, whipped cream, and lemon chips.  It was so good!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day!  I've always liked Valentine's Day (yes, even when I was single).  When I was in elementary school we decorated Valentine's Day boxes using old tissue boxes and walked around the classroom carefully placing the perfect Valentine in each person's box.  I remember being so excited to see which Valentines I was given.  In high school we had Act-O-Grams.  You could buy them for your significant other or just a friend.  The "acts" ranged from getting a song sung to you in the frontoftheclassroom (super embarrassing, but every girl wanted one) to having a little love story acted out for you.  Freshman year a group came in and sang Eight Days a Week to me.  Man was I ever red in the face!

In honor of Valentine's Day, I thought I'd share some of my favorite love songs!
1. You Send Me, Aretha Franklin
2. You're All I Need to Get By, Chante Moore & Kenny Lattimore
3. Pretty Please (Love Me), Estelle
4. Some Kind of Wonderful, Grand Funk Railroad
5. Wonderful Tonight, Babyface
6. From My Heart to Yours, Laura Izibor
7. This Will Be an Everlasting Love, Natalie Cole
8. Someone Like You, Van Morrison

via Pinterest

Jon and I are headed out for a date tonight to celebrate.  How are you guys celebrating?

Blogger Book Club - Ape House Chapters 13-25

Week two of the book club for Ape House!  I am really liking this book.  I'll admit, I didn't think I was going to enjoy it at all before I started reading it, but I've really gotten into it.

1. Would you watch or be tempted to watch a show like Ape House?
I think I would definitely at least be tempted.  If people were constantly talking about it and if it was in the news then how could I not?  I might not like it (I'd hope I wouldn't), but I have to be honest with myself...I'd probably check it out.

2. Do you think John did the right thing by quitting his job and moving to L.A.?
Yes, I think John did the right thing; he should be with his wife and support her dreams.  I'd be upset about the Cat situation and quit my job if I were him.  John didn't know what moving out to L.A. would do for his career, but it proves he cares deeply about his relationship with Amanda and that comes first in his life.

3. We haven't seen a whole lot of Isabel in this section, but what do you think of Peter now that we know more about him?
Peter is much to be desired.  I feel so bad for Isabel.  I didn't know Peter was involved, but looking back on it it really isn't too much of a surprise.    

4. Can John turn the ape story for the tabloid into something he is proud of? Is he getting a little bit of redemption by being assigned to his dream story again even if it is for a tabloid?
John is completely happy he is back on the ape story, albeit it's for a tabloid.  I don't know how credible people with think his story is because it's coming from a tabloid, but it's allowing John to work on something he's passionate about.  I never read tabloids, but my impression is that they never tell the truth so if I saw John's story I wouldn't believe it.  I think this just means he has to work a little bit harder to show people he's telling the truth...even if his story isn't awash with ridiculous details.

5. Have your thoughts on John and Amanda's marriage changed since last week? Where do you see their marriage headed?
I think they are doing better.  They still need to keep working on their marriage, but John supporting Amanda and moving to L.A. was a huge step.  However, Amanda needs to calm down a bit on her appearance.  I know she moved to L.A., but come on! 

6. What do you think will end up happening to the apes?
I have to believe the apes will be saved by Isabel.  I really don't think she will give up until they are safe and sound.  I think Celia will continue to play a big part in finding the apes.

Valentine's Day Treats!

Even though I didn't get a chance to put up my Valentine's Day decorations this year, we will still be celebrating.  I love the fact that holidays give me an excuse to bake and that's what I did this afternoon!  I made two treats...one cookie and one sweet and salty treat.

The first one was super duper easy!  They are my version of Valentine's Day pretzel rings.  The longest part was unwrapping the Hershey Kisses (I used carmel ones).  Check out The Cutting Edge of Ordinary's recipe.

I also made peanut butter blossoms using Jamie's recipe.  I used creamy peanut butter and Valentine's Day Reese's Peanut Butter Hearts.

I used my Instagram app (yup, I got my iPhone last week) to take a picture of the treats!  Jon will be taking some of these treats to work tomorrow and we will be giving some to our neighbors as well.  I hope all of our Valentines enjoy them! 

  

Blog Award!

I am so excited to share this post with you guys.  Becky at Keep on the Sunny Side gave me a blog award earlier this week!  I had the biggest smile on my face when I saw I was one of the bloggers she passed the award onto.   So, without further adieu...

1.  Cereal is one of my favorite foods.  I could eat it for every meal.  There is such variety with it!  I like everything from Trix, to Total, to Frosted Mini Wheats, to Fruity Pebbles, to Special K Red Berries, to Honey Bunches of Oats...the list is endless.

via here

2.  I have never colored my hair.  My blonde is the real deal.  Yes, I realize I am very fortunate and this has saved me mucho $$ over the years!  

via THP

3.  I just added Neil Diamond's Jazz Singer album to my iTunes tonight.  I snatched it from my parent's house this week!  Don't pretend like I'm the only one that rocks out to America!

via here

4.  I don't own foundation.  I never have.  I wouldn't know what color goes best with my face or how to properly apply it...much like I don't with the rest of my makeup either! :)

via here

5.  I watch the new 90210.  Yup, I said it!  I was never allowed to watch the original series when I was younger so I feel like this is my way of revolting!  

via here

6.  I would really like a David Yurman ring someday.  I think they are timeless and gorgeous.  This one would do just fine!

via here

7.  I didn't put any Valentine's Day decorations up this year.  That is definitely a first for me.  I'm sad our apartment isn't decorated, but I just didn't find the time to decorate.  

via here

Now I get to pass on the award to some of my favorite bloggers!

Rocky Mountain Wife

Meadowbrook Farm

Fiscally Chic

Living Like the Kings

Jogging with Fiction

Harper & Henry

In No Simple Language

Searching for inspiration

The hospital walls are pretty boring.  Just a little sage green paint (but Lauren did color her Mammie two pictures and they are hanging up).  So, to pep things up a bit, I decided to search for some spring inspiration for my mom this afternoon while she naps.

I think I found the perfect one!  A little pink, some gold, and tulips (my absolute fav flower)!

via MS

Some Randoms

1. I'm in Rockford for the rest of this week so my posts might be a bit sporadic.  My mom had surgery yesterday and everything went well. It was a long day in the waiting room, but hopefully my mom will be feeling much better.  The nurses have been wonderful so far.  She is napping right now so I thought I'd take a few minutes to update the blog.
2. Last Wednesday night I had food poisoning from our Italian takeout.  I've never felt that bad or been that sick before.  
3. I took the train from Chicago to Grand Rapids last Thursday night.  I ran into one of my friends that works for CSX and got to ride in an employee only train car with him and his crew.  It was nice!
4. Saturday morning I had breakfast with Laura to celebrate her birthday.  We went to Herman's Boy and it was so good.  I love their cranberry walnut bagels with cinnamon apple cream cheese.
5. Saturday evening my Aunt Sarah and her family came over.  It was sort of a post holiday get together.  It was great to catch up with everyone.  And, Aunt Sarah made all kinds of delicious treats!  I'm still snacking on her cookies and they are great!
6. The Kisses from Katie blog bake sale raised $900!  That's amazing!  Thanks to Kari for organizing, those who baked, and those who purchased.  My biscotti is on its way to NJ! 
7. I LOVED the Chrysler commercial during the Superbowl.  It was my absolute favorite.  It brought up some good memories, having worked for Chrysler before.  If you haven't seen it you can check it out here.
8. Although it's been cold, the sun has been out everyday since I've been in Rockford and it's been wonderful!
9. While I was typing this up my Aunt Mary Kay and Aunt Kathy stopped up to the hospital.  It was so nice to see them...they drove two hours here and will drive two hours home in time to be back for my cousin Molly's basketball game.  

Hope everybody's week is going well!  

Blogger Book Club - Ape House Chapters 1-12

The book club is back!  We are reading Ape House by Sara Gruen.  So far so good!

via here

1. What was your initial reaction to the idea of a language lab with bonobos who are capable of having conversations with humans?

Honestly, I've only heard of this stuff before...I've never had a first hand experience with it.  It's pretty amazing though to think that animals can converse with us.  It really made me think that they are pretty similar to humans and I wonder what we can learn from them.

2. Isabel said early in the book that the apes know they're apes and know that the humans are humans, but they don't see any superiority with either... What do you think the major difference is between the two?

I have to believe that every species thinks they are the superior one.  Of course humans think we are the superior ones.  It's interesting to me that Isabel doesn't think the apes think they are more superior or not than humans.  So is the only difference the apes see is how humans look compared to them?  

3. What are your thoughts on John and his feelings toward Isabel? How do you think their relationship will play out?

I haven't seen enough into their characters to see how their relationship will play out.  I can see how flirtatious feelings might come up in an interview setting...you are trying to get across a certain point as the interviewee so you might go above and beyond the normal behavior.  Not sure if I think it's right, wrong, or if I'm neutral, but I can see how it might happen.

4. How do you think Isabel will respond to the apes being taken?

I think she is going to be livid.  Isabel says they are her family and I can only imagine how I'd feel if someone took my family.  Plus, as smart as the apes are, they can't exactly communicate easily in the world so they will probably be fairly helpless.

5. Do you think Celia is part of the team that ambushed the learning center?

No, I don't.  I think her character description leads us to believe she might be involved, but I'm holding firm saying she isn't.

6. What are your thoughts on John and his relationship with Amanda?

I think they are going through a trying stage.  Amanda clearly isn't doing well and really needs John right now.  But, she is also willing to move for a job...perhaps this is so she can feel important and not so dependent.

I can't wait to keep reading.  My mom is in surgery all afternoon today and I'm at the hospital so my plan is to read on!

Blog Bake Time!

It's time for the Kisses from Katie Blog Bake Sale!!!  Head on over to Kari's blog, Jogging with Fiction, to check out the goodies.  You can purchase them for yourself, for the neighbor that shoveled your driveway, for your Valentine, for your kids, for your best friend, for anyone!!!  I'm making cranberry orange biscotti and a little someone named Lauren will be my baking assistant!

Happy shopping and eating!

The Blizzard of 2011

Call it what you want!  A blizzard.  Snowomg.  Snowpocolypse.  Snowado.  Stormagedon.  Whatever the fancy term, we have A LOT of snow & wind!

Our steps were virtually nonexistent.  

So how do you spend a day when you are snowed in?  And, your husband gets to work from home!  Here's how we spent our Wednesday!

I made Jon breakfast consisting of a ham and cheese omelette, toast, and orange slices (he has a cold so I was pumping him up with vitamin C).

I took Wilma outside.  She was having nothing to do with the snow.  She didn't even go to the bathroom before she turned around to go back inside.

I finished up the season of RHOBH by watching part 2 of the reunion.  I really liked this season...can't wait for it to come back.

I vacuumed.

Our new neighbor, Ashley, and her dog, Pickle, stopped by for a while.  She was locked out of her apartment and was waiting for our landlord.  Wilma was a bit jealous of the attention we were giving Pickle...not shocking.

Our neighbor, Mack, on the third floor can down and asked Jon if he would help him shovel off the AC units outside.  Jon was like "what?"  Mack is from LA and this is his first winter here.  He thought the AC units also had something to do with the furnace.  We told him not to worry and to relax for the rest of the day.  He's still in shock at the amount of snow.

I made chicken salad sandwiches for lunch...one of our favorites.

I packed for my trip to Michigan.  Let's hope I still leave today and on time.

I tried a new cookie recipe for an afternoon snack.  One giant cookie using a cast iron skillet.  Man was it good.

We took a walk around the neighborhood in the late afternoon.

A shoveled out parking spot.

And, we topped it off with Italian take out and season 2 of Dexter!

Happy Birthday Laura!

Today is Laura's birthday!  (Yes, it also happens to be Groundhog Day, too!)  As I've mentioned before, Laura and I have been best friends since kindergarten.  We lived together from college until we got married.

We have so many memories together.  In sixth grade I tried to switch from the Catholic school to the public school (that's when my sister did it & I wanted to be like her), but I cried and cried each day for the first two weeks of school.  Laura was still at the Catholic school and I missed her so much.  Finally I convinced my parents to let me switch back to the Catholic school so I could be with Laura every day.  In middle school we would hang out on Friday and Saturday nights eating Jack's oven rising crust pizza just talking and talking.  One spring break I went with her family on Disney's Big Red Boat cruise.  We were in love  with our waiter and couldn't wait for dinner each night.  The summer after our senior year of high school we worked together repainting our high school.  It was a great summer...working together all day and hanging out at night!

I don't care how cheesy this sounds, but when I think of Laura I just smile.  She is such a warm and loving person.  She is so supportive and only wants the best for everyone.  She always has my back and I know I can call her at anytime.  I am so thankful we met on the first day of kindergarten and our relationship has grown with us.  Now we just need to work on living by each other again!  :)

Laura also has amazing arms!

Happy Birthday!!!  Can't wait to see you this weekend!  Love you BFF!

Pure Michigan

With the blizzard warning issued, everyone in Chicago is preparing to hunker down for the middle part of this week.  I'm pretty excited for it (as long as I can get out Thursday for my trip)!  Bring on the snow!

I love living in Chicago, however, I do miss Michigan.  But, one plus to living outside of Michigan is getting to see the Pure Michigan commercials and oh boy, do I love them!  They really hit home.  And, Tim Allen narrates them (he's a fellow Michigander, in case you didn't know from watching Home Improvement back in the day).

Here is my favorite winter one!

The bridge at the very beginning of the commercial (it's also the bridge you see the snowmobiles going over) is right by our cabin.  I'm talking like rightbyourcabin!  See...I told you!  :)