Happy Days are here again....

I love Fridays.
Who doesn't, right?

But today's a really nice one. I'm totally digging the rain; the kids and I are on the sofa right now, watching "The Tooth Fairy" in front of a fire (yes, it's gorgeously tropical still, but they wanted a fire and it just looks like a good fireplace kind of night!) while they have a nice hot cocoa, and this girl - a glass of wine. (Dinner: Marinated pork loin, salad w/ lettuce fresh from the garden, and corn with fresh basil. Can't wait - the house smells delicious!)

I got a text from a good friend of mine who also happens to be the best yoga teacher in the world. Truly - the best. Around these parts anyway! I don't get to go to her studio that often anymore because of my work hours, but I'll be going tomorrow morning. (Yay!) I was supposed to go tonight, but it didn't work out - and, she's going to come to the new studio that I go to on Tuesday with me, which is so very cool. I just love her, and have truly missed her - so to get to see her again is a great thing, despite the fact that it didn't go as I'd planned for today.

I'm really quite fortunate. I mean, I've got a beautiful family - but in addition to that, I'm surrounded by good people; I've got friends who are just genuinely good people.

And that's just one of the many reasons why I'm loving Friday today; it's a good day to reflect upon the week, and life in general.

Herbacious!

There is nothing like using fresh herbs when you cook.

I mean, dried herbs are a necessity in the house -but they don't nearly represent as well as fresh.

And fresh from the supermarket is definitely better; but nothing, and I mean nothing comes close to the fabulous taste of herbs freshly picked from your own garden, or herb planter.

Tonight, I'm making a very simple chop suey; but to add the fresh basil and golden oregano truly just makes it come to life.

And it really tastes like summer... !

Aruba, Jamaica, ooh I wanna take you to Bermuda, Bahama.....

Or maybe Seoul, or Shanghai.

I love watching Bizarre Foods. I am so excited to see the different exotic foods from all over the world, and how different cultures utilize food in such unique ways. I should've been Andrew Zimmer! How much fun would that have been?

Sure, I can't see myself being able to eat an eyeball without vomiting; but for every disgusting food item - there are millions of amazingly delicious and delectable ones!

Seriously, I've got to think that food cooked in banana leaves in a fire pit in the ground, has got to be so unbelievably delicious! Or going to a Parisia (sp) in Buenos Aires with the most amazing Argentinian beef.... or eating insanely fresh fish in Samoa.

And me -- well, for dinner tonight I had filet wrapped in bacon, pan cooked w. mushrooms and seasonings, with brown rice and toasted almonds, brussel sprouts with honey - and an apple salsa with fresh cilantro. Sure, it was delicious -but it sure as heck wasn't exotic.

I'm thinking "vacation".....
Just sayin'.... !

Who let the dogs out....who let the dogs out....

So, it was quite the game last night....
Welcome to Boston, New York. Last night is just a little sample of how we roll....
(Though truly, Beckett was off. Really off....)

I've got some fantastic pictures from Easter that I have yet to download but must share. I can't stand how cute the kids were - -and we had a picture perfect day. It was gorgeous outside. We ended up on Saturday going to our favorite ice cream place and having lunch, playing mini golf and being incredibly indulgent in everything we ate.

Speaking of indulgences, yesterday was my last day of doing so. Today, I started my detox and I had my first run since September. Pretty good, 3.25 miles in 36 minutes. I'm not going for time so much as I am endurance, but I felt great -- no breathing issues or side stiches, just some minor tweaking in my knee (the one that didn't have surgery -- not sure what that's all about!) and I was euphoric after, which is sort of the high that you chase when you run. I do need to get myself fitted for good running sneakers - I have yet to do that and I do believe I'm going to do that tomorrow. It's a nice slow week for me at the store this week, so I should be able to catch up on little errands I haven't had the opportunity to do.

It's almost impossible to be in anything but a good mood these next few days. Fantastic weather is on the agenda, baseball is back in season -- and so to wake up and see sunny skies makes everything seem happy and shiny. It even makes my headaches tolerable -- and just a reminder that I need to go back to acupuncture. Yoga is on the agenda this week as well....and maybe, a new lip gloss too.

I've neglected myself quite a bit over these last few months, and I think this week it's time that I show myself a little love.

And that is how this girl is going to roll.

Happy Friday to me.....

Just a little postscript to yesterday's post.

1. Princess Petunia and I had a fabulous Girls Night. She got her nails done, bought some fun little gatzy's at the Dollar Store (truly, the place is a parent's dream for inexpensive toys that make the kids feel like they hit the jackpot.), we went out for sushi -- and topped it off with the acquisition of Big Top Cupcake. Pictures will follow from tomorrow's baking experiment with that creative set.

2. Really, who cares about Tiger Woods? Not this girl. He cheated on his wife, he's not a perfect person, and he's not the idol everyone imagined he was. He was a wolf in sheeps clothing. So not Earth shattering. Get over it and move on....


3. And finally, the Captain. As always, coming into training camp in fantastic shape.


Check it out....




*sighs*

Finally....Friday.

So this is one week I'm happy to see over. It wasn't a bad week per se, but it was definitely a hectic and relatively stressful one.

Tonight is going to be a very quiet and relaxing one.... the kiddies are going to bed early, and I'm going to indulge in Chinese food for my third night this week (crazy, I know!). I have leftovers, and while I'm not typically a leftover kinda girl -- I don't feel up to cooking, so leftovers it is. Along with a delicious Sancerre, my night is going to consist of relaxing on the sofa and potentially indulging in a good movie. If I can stay awake that long...I'm pretty darn tired.

Tomorrow, if the kids are both feeling okay (Princess Petunia has had strep & a bronchial infection, ugh....and my Son is fighting a cold & cough) then we'll be going to our favorite farm for a Pancake Breakfast tomorrow. Of course, there are errands to run and foodshopping to be done. I did promise them we'd get that Big Top Cupcake maker and so that's on the agenda as well.

Superbowl Sunday, we're having a "feast" - as the kids like to call it. One of those Big Top cakes is going to be all purple to cheer on the Saints. And of course, there will be food.... so it's good times this weekend. Relaxing, yet busy - and good times none the less.

And then Monday, we start all over again.

Live well, laugh hard, love fiercely and enjoy yourself this weekend.

Sleigh bells ring....are you listening?

I can't get over how quickly the days are flying.
It's already going to be the 8th - and my holiday cards aren't even ordered yet, let alone in the mail. I designed them weeks ago -- but figured I'd order them the first week. Well, I suppose so long as I get them out by the 15th I'm still in good shape.

It is time for me to start thinking of the holiday dinner...the only problem is I don't quite know how many people I'm having just yet. I think it's somewhere in the 10-12 adults and 4 children range, but I'm not positive yet. That's actually less than I had last year, and I'm not complaining! We always have an open house for dessert, so that's always fun. Dessert's not my strong suit, I typically make only one - and then ask everyone else to bring something.

I actually think I'm going to make the Turducken again this year; it was a huge hit last year and really would be worth serving a second year in a row. I'm torn between having ham again like I did last year - or possibly chateaubriand as my second main course. I do think I'm skipping the soup....unless I feel like making lobster bisque. I haven't made that in a few years, having made different soups over the past few -- so maybe I'll go back to my classic family favorite. And with chateaubriand it works nicely.

Things to think about....!
I'll keep everyone updated as I finalize the menu....

The sun will come out tomorrow, bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow....there'll be sun.

This girl is in heaven right now.
I just came back from meeting with my cheese distributor, and all I can say is "oh my."
I had no idea that I was going to get a box full of cheese to enjoy at my leisure! And I was good about only accepting samples of cheese that I've never really tried, rather than just my favorites, though I have to say - that was a difficult thing to pass up.

So, how does chocolate covered goat cheese sound?
Sounds pretty flipping delicious to me!

Since I've been remiss about blogging this week (sort of giving you an indication of the type of week I've had) let's recap, shall we?

1. How's about those Patriots?? Last night's game was awesome to watch -- Tom Brady looked great, and I'm really excited about the young and new prospects on the team like Julian Edelman and the back up QB who while not exactly "new" is new to us. It was definitely a much better pre-season showing than last years, and while that's only one game it was an encouraging sign of what could be quite the promising season.

2. What's going on with the Boys of Summer? I'm really liking this acquisition of Victor Martinez because of all the flexibility he offers in being able to have him as a utility player of sorts. (And of course, Jason is still a very active participant behind the plate. Thank you, thank you, thank you!) I'm not really digging Youk in the field, but eh - you do what you have to do. There's a Wild Card to win and I'm really hoping that the pitching and hitting finally synch so we can think about October baseball. Maybe I'm being a bit premature to say that we'd even have to worry about it, but I'm not entirely convinced and secure with our starting pitching even this late in the season.

3. The store is moving along nicely now. Sure we're still a bit overbudget but it's all going to work out in the end. It's all going to come together at once too I think; I've been interviewing people and have found some nice additions for the staff - and of course there's the above mentioned excitement in the cheese department -- so I'm feeling a little better than I did last week.

4. It's hard to believe summer is already almost over. The weather is just finally being consistent and these poor kids have to start thinking about soon in a few short weeks! My Princess Petunia will be going to Kindergarten and I just can't believe it. It's amazing how life moves so quickly; I'm really happy for her, she's excited and ready to learn. We've been working on addition and subtraction and she can already do basic math which I think will help her out a bit. She's trying hard to read and is so excited to learn; it's interesting to see the dynamic between her and her brother, she tries so hard to keep up with him and not being able to read frustrates her. But give my little firecracker time and I'm positive she'll be reading in no time. But for now, her number one goal is to be my chief cheese taster this evening. She's like her Mom, and is all about the formaggio.

5. Busy and beautiful weekend ahead for this girl. Family reunion tomorrow, Tomato and Corn Festival at our favorite farm on Sunday, and hopefully a trip to our favorite beach on Monday. Today, I only worked a half day so the kiddies and I are off to a local farm to visit the animals, play on the playground and have a nice cup of ice cream before heading home for a visit with one of my girlfriends this evening.

Oh, and of course -- a little cheese tasting.
Have a fabulous weekend, whatever you may be doing!

I am woman, hear me roar....

Sweeping the floors. Making coffee. Running upstairs and laying out the kids clothes. Straightening the beds. Pouring milk into cereal bowls. Starting a load of laundry. Wiping the counters. Watching the Food Networks' Next Network Star on DVR. Lighting incense.

All done in a span of 90 seconds this a.m. No lie.

My son: Don't you ever sit down?
Me: Don't you know me by now?

So, I sit down and watch the rest of the show with him - he had a good point.
(We're both pretty excited for the finale next week actually. We're both pretty sure it's going to be Melissa, but my son likes Jeffrey, so....we may have to make a friendly wager.)

If that's all I accomplished in the span of a commercial break, one can only imagine all that I accomplished today. My head is spinning at all that I got done... even I am pretty impressed.

Thank God I'm taking a morning yoga class before the insanity starts all over again tomorrow!

Words and thoughts for Wednesday.....

1. I love, love, love Giada & Ina. I know I've said this many times before, but seriously - everything that they make just is so simple and yet so decadent and seemingly delicious. I wish I had the creativity to come up with the menus and recipes that they do, but I suppose that is what makes them "chefs" and myself - not. I do try though. As a matter of fact, I saw some old friends from elementary and high school today at a wake I attended, and my girlfriend said that she loved seeing my dinner ideas that I would post online; I thanked her, but told her sometimes I think they probably sound better than they taste. I am my own harshest critic, for sure. (Although I am thinking of coming up with a recipe blog, or maybe a recipe Twitter site.)

2. Speaking of said friends and the wake.... I am not typically the type of person to ask for help with anything. I don't know why; I'd be the first person to help anyone with anything - but yet I stifle myself on the smallest things. Anyway, one of the girls is an oncology nurse and so my aforementioned girlfriend insisted I ask her questions about my Mom. I'm glad that she did though, because she's more than willing to help out and get information - even a doctor's appointment if need be -- and I mentioned it to my mother who surprised me and said she'd take that offer up. So, I feel a little better now knowing that she might actually get a second opinion from someplace other than the Sunshine State. (No offense, my Floridian friends but truly Boston is where it's at for medicine - though as Nichole pointed out, there are other areas as well, but I'm a bit biased.)

3. I definitely need to go back to running, yoga and acupuncture. I'm feeling a bit stressed with the buildout, though I think I've gotten the bulk of the running around done and now I can focus on other things. But truly, not running or going to yoga sort of makes me feel blah. The endorphins from exercise are invalueable, never mind the fact that it makes me feel better overall. Yoga is as I always say -- a workout, and therapy -- all in one. So, I see my studio has added morning classes so I think next week I'm definitely capitalizing on those. And yes, I will be running next week as well. I don't care if I just run the lake first thing in the a.m. -- I am all set with not doing for me. The acupuncture, well - I think I'm just in need of an adjustment. The weather spiked a bit today and I think it sent me into borderline migraine territory; I've warded it off, but looking back it's been 7 months since my last treatment. It seems that I can go 6 months at a time before needing a tweaking - and when you don't have headaches any longer after a while even a minor one seems major because you aren't used to them anymore. So, it's a good thing not having headaches - but then also, a not so good thing.

4. Life is like a box of chocolates. Well if that wasn't a true statement from a fictional character, then I don't know what is! We never know what's in store, and in a blink of an eye - life can change. So laugh loudly, love fiercely, and live life to the fullest. Make lemonade from life's lemons, because you can always find the upside of down if you look. Embrace the unexpected because sometimes - the greatest surprises can be found in the least likely of places.

This time, the joke isn't on me...

Happy April Fool's Day -- for those who embrace the silliness of today.

I don't have anything up my sleeve in honor of the day -- not that I wouldn't want to -- but only because I don't have anyone whom I can play a joke on, or who might appreciate it.

Moving on.

I'm a gadget girl. I'm not ashamed to admit it either. I love things that make life easier or more enjoyable. I'm a huge fan of cooking gadgets, kitchen accessories -- and fun little tools for the garden or home that really make sense and work. Of course, it doesn't help when you have two little kids who want Mom to buy everything they see on informercial. While I'm skeptical as to how good some products work, I'm selective on what I buy. But some things are really just worth having.

A friend at work happened to mention to me that she bought an automatic personal shopping list organizer from Brookstone. She thought that I would like it - and so she brought in a sample of one of her shopping lists so I could take a look. Simply press a button and speak into the list - and it captures your item. Not only does it keep a running list (Or two, or three. Perfect for seperating regular food shopping from party or holiday lists) - it categorizes and organizes them by department. Like it? I loved it. Had to have it. My inner type A was glowing with anticipation of the possiblities because finally, it didn't matter if I wrote the list out of order -- it automatically organizes and structures it in a functional manner for me! So, online to Brookstone I went with the intent of buying it -- and at $69.00 for all the convenience it had to offer, how could I not purchase it immediately?

Just for giggles --- I went to Amazon, and searched for the same thing; sometimes Amazon resells from stores such as Brookstone, and I wanted to see user reviews. Sure enough, the very same product pops up, but not from Brookstone -- factory direct from the manufacturer. For the low, low price of.....$29.95! I couldn't hit "add to basket" fast enough.

I got it in the mail yesterday and popped in the batteries -- and I'm sorry, but I'm obsessed with it now. It's my new toy. It has thousands of items preloaded in the directory; you can add new ones, or personalize existing ones (e.g. Mustard, to Grey Poupon Mustard). You can determine the amounts you want to purchase, and the system remembers what your regular items are, so if you say "Mustard" - it will give you your Grey Poupon option first. (which is a nice feature, what if you wanted French's for the kids?). Some brands are preloaded -- but clearly, not all can be -- which is truly irrelevant if either a.) your not brand fussy, or b.) you know what brands you buy anyway so it truly doesn't matter.

I sort of get that whole "angels singing" effect when I walk by the machine, similar to what I get when entering Wrentham outlets. Try it yourself and see -- for $29.95 -- you might too!

The Holiday Afterglow....

So the long awaited Turducken.....was well worth the wait.

This was one of the nicest dinners, and overall Christmas days in general.

Everything came out perfect. Nothing was rushed, the company was wonderful....

And Santa was good to all.

"A merry Christmas, Bob!" said Scrooge, with an earnestness that could not be mistaken, as he clapped him on the back.

1. It’s rather surprising to me when I see the date to realize Christmas is about 10 days away. I know that the economy is struggling, but it's interesting because the malls and shopping plazas don't seem any less full. Despite the material aspect of Christmas, aren't there other more basic things to be happy about? I suppose that for many, those very basic things are being compromised - and maybe that is why there seems to be less of a holiday spirit everywhere. It's completely justifiable, and rather disheartening. This is the one time of year that I love because no matter what - everything seems happy and shiny and bright.

2. The Turducken has been ordered and is on it's way! If I've said it once, I've said it a million times -- I love to cook. I'm so excited to make this, and I've been researching different kinds of gravy to make with it. I think it's going to be delicious. Anyone ever have one? What did you think...feel free to share your culinary experiences w/ le dinde bourrée du canard bourré du poulet, otherwise known as the Turducken.

3. What is up with Tex & Tek? Both guys are free agents. Both share the same birthday date. Both went to Georgia Tech - where both were All American. Both are Boras boys. Both have similar nicknames. But the million dollar question is: will both end up in a Red Sox uniform this year?

The rumors started yesterday afternoon here that Boston offered 8 yrs/$200M to Texeira; those have been firming up in substance as more agencies are reporting similar but a little more vague reports this morning. Rumors about Varitek have been swirling since before the season even ended -- but it's been rather quiet in the last few days as to what the future is for the Captain. It's looking like it's going to be once again be a holiday game time decision, and hopefully one that will make this girl very happy. (Santa, I've been really very good....!)

4. Is DLowe back in the mix again....? Though I'm still a firm believer that the Red Sox aren't overly interested in bringing him back -- I would love to see that happen, personally. I've always been a supporter of Derek Lowe, and was not really happy to have seen him traded. It seems as if New York isn't overly interested in him at the moment either, so if that's the case and the price is right - maybe the Sox would rethink about the advantages of his presence. I have to say, if we end up signing Jason, Texeira, and Derek Lowe -- this girl will be very, very, very happy with the offseason.

(Sorry Dawn, I know you're all about Mike Lowell....)

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me, a Partridge in a Pear Tree....

I have to say I'm feeling pretty good about this year's gift giving.

While we all are downscaling the amount of gifts we're giving this year -- as well as the amount of people we're giving to -- I have to say, I’m happy with the kinds of gifts I'm purchasing.
For example, G is incredibly difficult to buy for. What do you get the person who has everything? And yet.....I think I've done okay. I don't feel I picked things just to get something - which is often how I end up feeling (Especially last year after we agreed not to buy for one another and yet....there I was, rushing to make up for having stuck to my end of the bargain better than he had!)
I think the gifts I thought of are fun, and things he'll enjoy and get good use out of.

Same with the kids; this year, I think the gifts they're getting are ones that they really wanted and will use. It's funny, they write to Santa to express their wishes but somehow those ideas get lost in the sensory overload of walking into a toy store that can get to even the best of parents. (Raising hand, guiltily.)

So this week, is when I need to get wrapping. I haven't started yet, which isn't a good thing - but I think I'm going to do a lot of gift bag wrapping for things that aren't for the kids in an effort to make life easier. Seriously, I'm beginning to think they're the best invention ever.

I need to get focused on my holiday meal as well. I've decided to take out one of the courses this year -- the soup. I just can't think of a soup that excites me enough to make it - that would go well with my meal, other than a Sweet Potato bisque. It's just not exciting me at the moment....but who knows, that could change.

So the holiday menu at the "I'm just a girl" house this year will be as follows:

Shrimp Cocktail
Stuffed Scallops
Stuffed Italian Peppers
Caesar Salad
Lasagna
Spiral Ham
Turducken
Roasted Asparagus
Roasted Potatoes
Sweet Potatoes w/ Pecans and Marshmellow

I do believe that's the menu. Sides are subject to change, but the bulk of it is set in stone....

What will be on your holiday table?

And it's hard to hold a candle, in the cold November rain....

Today is most definitely a day to be in warm comfy clothes, eating all the wrong foods -- and watching movies -- as aptly put by one of my friends today.

Funny thing. Here at the base, our buildings are maintained by a contract that I believe is facilitated by Good Will. So there are some wonderfully nice people who are in the building from time to time, as well as some...special folks. Who are still nice, but they're just more colorful.

We have a guy here today, who I refer to as "Snoop Dogg". I love the real Snoop - and clearly so does this gentleman. Truthfully he does resemble him a little bit, despite being probably about 8 inches shorter. ( He also tends to wear so much cologne that you can smell him coming down the hall a mile away. I wouldn't mind if it was a soft, powdery cologne but it's like Drakkar on Overdrive! I literally have to hold my breath when he's in our immediate area. Poor guy...clearly hygiene is high on his list, but someone should really let him know he doesn't need to bathe in the spray. But I digress....) This morning as I walk up to the building, he's outside rapping loudly to himself. Violent, angry rap. So I smile and say "Good Morning" and he snaps into submissive mode and whispers "Good Morning" in this mousy little voice that is striking contrast to the voice he was just rapping in. Think Mike Tyson suddenly turning into Rob Zombie. Ah yes, these are the little tidbits that make life at work interesting...

So I am a guest at this upcoming Thanksgiving Day dinner. Candied sweet potatoes and Colorful Cauliflower are my items. Well, hopefully colorful cauliflower. Sometimes you can find cauliflower in purples and oranges -- and while they taste the same as plain old white -- it's more fun to eat and definitely prettier on the dish. I steam it and season with a hint of salt and honey. The kids love it -- but my kids are pretty cool about vegetables in general. I can't think of a vegetable outside of cooked carrots that they don't like.

I'm also bringing a dessert, which I will not mention here because if anyone I will be dining with is reading this, I don't want to let the cat out of the bag. It's not going to be home made, but it looked so delicious I can resist buying it. I just hope I can still get one tomorrow....though given the weather, I'm thinking it's not going to be high on everyone's list this year.

And if that isn't too big of a clue, then clearly you and I just aren't tracking!